Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to one embodiment comprises: a cabinet having storage chambers; a refrigerator door opening / closing the storage chambers and having a door liner, a dispenser which is provided at the refrigerator door, and which is for extracting water or ice; an ice-making chamber disposed at the rear of the dispenser, and formed by means of the door liner; an ice maker provided in the ice-making chamber; an ice-making chamber door for covering the ice-making chamber, and a gasket which is provided at the ice-making chamber door, and which is in contact with the door liner, wherein the door liner has an inlet in through which cold air flows, the ice maker includes a tray having ice-making cells and a pusher for separating, from the tray, ice formed in the ice-making cells, and the pusher is positioned between the inlet and a vertical line passing through the gasket.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.[Background Art]

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door.

[0003] The refrigerator is configured to keep stored food in in a refrigerated state or frozen state by cooling an inside of the storage space using cold air.

[0004] The refrigerator may be a side-by-side type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber are arranged left and right, a top mount type refrigerator in which the freezing chamber is located above the refrigerating chamber, or a bottom freezer type refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is located above the freezing chamber.

[0005] Typically, an ice maker is provided in the freezing chamber of a refrigerator to make ice. The ice maker receives water supplied from a water source or a water tank in a tray and cools the water to generate ice. The ice generated by the ice maker may be stored in an ice bin.

[0006] The ice stored in the ice bin can be discharged through a dispenser provided in the door, or the user can open a freezing chamber door, approach the ice bin, and take out the ice in the ice bin.

[0007] A refrigerator is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0136659 that is a prior art document.

[0008] The refrigerator of the prior art document comprises a cabinet in which a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber below the refrigerating chamber are formed; a pair of refrigerating chamber doors arranged on the left and right sides to open and close the refrigerating chamber, and an ice maker and a dispenser being provided on one side; a main water tank provided in the refrigerating chamber and cooling the supplied water; a water purifier provided in the cabinet and purifying supplied water; a sub water tank provided in the refrigerating chamber door and additionally cooling the supplied water; a water supply path connecting the water purifier, the main water tank, the sub water tank, the dispenser and the ice maker; and a branch valve provided on the water supply path of the refrigerating chamber door to selectively supply purified water to the dispenser or the ice maker.

[0009] However, in the case of the prior document, since the sub-water tank and the branch valve are provided at a rear of the dispenser, there is a disadvantage that a space at the rear of the dispenser cannot be used as a separate storage space or an ice making chamber.

[0010] Even in the case of the prior document, if an additional space is formed at the rear of the dispenser, a thickness of the door becomes thicker, so there is a disadvantage that a volume of the refrigerating chamber decreases by the thickness of the thickened door.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0011] One embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of forming a space for a specific purpose at a rear side of a dispenser.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of generating ice in a space for the specific purpose.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a portion of an ice maker in the space capable of restricting leakage of cold air.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a door opening and closing the space forms a portion of the space, thereby preventing an increase in the manufacturing cost of a mold for a door liner forming another portion of the space.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a dispenser is slim.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which insulation between a dispenser and a space forming wall forming the space can be maintained.[Technical Solution]

[0017] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage space. The refrigerator may further include a refrigerator door that opens and closes the storage space and has a door liner. The refrigerator may further include a dispenser provided on the refrigerator door for discharging water or ice. The refrigerator may further include an ice making chamber formed by the door liner and disposed at a rear side of the dispenser.

[0018] The refrigerator may further include an ice maker provided in the ice making chamber. The refrigerator may further include an ice making chamber door to cover the ice making chamber. The refrigerator may further include a gasket provided on the ice making chamber door and in contact with the door liner.

[0019] The door liner may include an inlet through which cold air is introduced.

[0020] The ice maker may include a tray to form an ice making cell. The ice maker may further include a pusher to separate ice generated in the ice making cell from the tray. The pusher may be disposed between a vertical line passing through the gasket and the inlet. A vertical line passing through the gasket may be disposed between the pusher and the ice making chamber door. A vertical line passing through the gasket may pass through the ice making cell.

[0021] A horizontal distance between a vertical line passing through the gasket and a vertical center line of the ice making cell may be less than a radius of the ice making cell.

[0022] The ice making chamber door may include a recessed portion for receiving a portion of the ice maker. The refrigerator may further include an ice bin provided in the ice making chamber and storing ice generated by the ice maker. The recessed portion may receive a portion of the ice bin. A horizontal center line of the ice making cell may pass through the recessed portion.

[0023] The refrigerator may further include a vacuum insulator disposed between the dispenser and the ice making chamber. A horizontal center line of the ice making cell may pass through the vacuum insulator. The dispenser may further include a pad that is operated to discharge at least one of water or ice. A portion of the vacuum insulator may be disposed between the pad and the ice making chamber.

[0024] The refrigerator may further include a water tank positioned at a lower side of the ice making chamber. The refrigerator may further include a vacuum insulator arranged to surround the ice making chamber. A portion of the vacuum insulator may be disposed between the ice making chamber and the water tank. The pad may overlap the ice making cell in a horizontal direction.

[0025] The dispenser may include a dispenser housing to form a receiving space. A filter for purifying water may be provided at one side of the dispenser housing. A guide tube for receiving a pipe through which water flows may be provided at another side of the dispenser housing.

[0026] The door liner may include a first dike adjacent to the guide tube. The door liner may further include a second dike adjacent to the filter. A portion of a cold air duct for guiding cold air may be disposed in the first dike.

[0027] The tray may include a first tray to form a portion of each of a plurality of ice making cells. The tray may further include a second tray movable relative to the first tray by a driver and to form another portion of each of the plurality of ice making cells.

[0028] A line connecting centers of the plurality of ice making cells may be spaced apart from a rotation center line of the driver. A line connecting centers of the plurality of ice making cells may be disposed closer to the ice making chamber door than the rotation center line.

[0029] In another embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice maker provided in an ice making chamber. The ice maker may include a tray to form an ice making cell. The ice making chamber may include a pusher to separate ice generated in the ice making cell from the tray.

[0030] The ice making chamber may be opened and closed by an ice making chamber door. The ice making chamber door may include a gasket. At least a portion of the pusher may overlap the gasket in a vertical direction.

[0031] The ice making chamber may be defined by a refrigerator door. The refrigerator door may include a door liner. A portion of the ice making chamber may be defined by a dike protruding from the door liner, and another portion of the ice making chamber may be defined by the ice making chamber door. A horizontal distance between a vertical line passing through the gasket and a vertical center line of the ice making cell may be less than a radius of the ice making cell.

[0032] The ice making chamber door may include a recessed portion for receiving a portion of the ice maker. A maximum depth of the recessed portion may be greater than a minimum thickness of a portion of the ice making chamber door where the recessed portion is formed. A horizontal distance between a vertical line passing through the gasket and a vertical center line of the ice making cell may be less than a maximum horizontal distance between the vertical line and the recessed portion. The ice making cell may overlap the gasket in a vertical direction.

[0033] The door liner may include a space forming wall to form the ice making chamber. The space forming wall may include a first side wall, a second side wall disposed opposite the first side wall, and a connecting wall to connect the first side wall and the second side wall and facing the dispenser housing. The connecting wall may include a first connecting wall on which the ice maker is mounted, and a second connecting wall extending downward from the first connecting wall. An inclination angle of the first connecting wall with respect to a horizontal plane may be less than an inclination angle of the second connecting wall.

[0034] A rear wall facing the connecting wall in the dispenser housing may include a first extension wall and a second extension wall extending downward from the first extension wall. An inclination angle of the first extension wall with respect to a horizontal plane may be greater than an inclination angle of the second extension wall with respect to a horizontal plane. The first extension wall may overlap at least a portion of the first connecting wall in a front-back direction. The second extension wall may overlap at least a portion of the second connecting wall in a front-back direction.

[0035] At least a portion of the first connecting wall may be inclined in a direction away from the first extension wall as it goes upward. The first extension wall and the second extension wall may form a receiving portion in which a pad for operating to discharge water or ice is received.

[0036] A lower end of the first connecting wall may be disposed higher than a lower end of the first extension wall. Alternatively, a lower end of the first connecting wall may be disposed at the same height as a lower end of the first extension wall. Alternatively, a lower end of the first connecting wall may be disposed lower than a lower end of the first extension wall.

[0037] In further another embodiment, a refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage space. The refrigerator may further include a door for opening and closing the storage space. The refrigerator may further include a dispenser housing provided on the door. The refrigerator may further include a space forming wall positioned at a rear side of the dispenser housing and forming a space. The refrigerator may further include an ice maker received in the space. The refrigerator may further include an ice bin received in the space and to store ice generated by the ice maker.

[0038] The space forming wall may include a first side wall. The space forming wall may further include a second side wall disposed opposite the first side wall. The space forming wall may further include a connecting wall to connect the first side wall and the second side wall and facing the dispenser housing.

[0039] The connecting wall may include a first connecting wall on which the ice maker is mounted. The connecting wall may further include a second connecting wall extending downward from the first connecting wall. An inclination angle of the first connecting wall with respect to a horizontal plane may be less than an inclination angle of the second connecting wall with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0040] A rear wall facing the connecting wall in the dispenser housing may include a first extension wall and a second extension wall extending downward from the first extension wall. An inclination angle of the first extension wall with respect to a horizontal plane may be greater than an inclination angle of the second extension wall with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0041] The first extension wall may overlap at least a portion of the first connecting wall in a front-back direction. The second extension wall may overlap at least a portion of the second connecting wall in a front-back direction.

[0042] At least a portion of the first connecting wall may be inclined upwardly away from the first extension wall. A lower end of the first connecting wall may be disposed higher than a lower end of the first extension wall. Alternatively, a lower end of the first connecting wall may be disposed at the same height as a lower end of the first extension wall. Alternatively, a lower end of the first connecting wall may be disposed lower than a lower end of the first extension wall.

[0043] The first extension wall and the second extension wall may form a receiving portion in which a pad for operating to discharge water or ice is received.

[0044] The ice maker may include a first tray to form a portion of an ice making cell, and a second tray to form another portion of the ice making cell and movable relative to the first tray by a driver. The first connecting wall may include a first wall having a hole formed therein through which water supplied to the ice making cell passes or a wire for connecting the ice maker passes. The first connecting wall may further include a second wall to form a space in which the driver is disposed or in contact with the driver. An inclination angle of the second wall with respect to a horizontal plane may be greater than an inclination angle of the first wall with respect to a horizontal plane. A horizontal distance between the rear wall and the second wall may be greater than a horizontal distance between the rear wall and the first wall. A horizontal center line of the ice making cell may pass through the first connecting wall.

[0045] The ice maker may further include a pusher to press the second tray to separate ice from the ice making cell. The first connecting wall may be disposed between the pusher and the first extension wall.

[0046] The refrigerator may further include a space door that opens and closes the space and includes a gasket.

[0047] The first side wall may include an inlet through which cold air is introduced.

[0048] The ice maker may further include a pusher that passes through the first tray to separate ice from the ice making cell. At least a portion of the pusher may be disposed between a vertical line passing through the gasket and the inlet.

[0049] The refrigerator may further include a vacuum insulator disposed between the dispenser housing and the space forming wall. A portion of the vacuum insulator may be disposed between the first extension wall and the first connecting wall. Another portion of the vacuum insulator may be disposed between the second extension wall and the second connecting wall.[Advantageous Effects]

[0050] According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that a space for a specific purpose can be formed at a rear side of a dispenser.

[0051] According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that ice can be generated in a space for the specific purpose.

[0052] According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that a portion of the ice maker in the space can restrict leakage of cold air.

[0053] According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that since a door for opening and closing the space forms a portion of the space, an increase in the manufacturing cost of a mold for a door liner forming another portion of the space can be prevented.

[0054] According to one embodiment, there is an advantage that a dispenser becomes slim.

[0055] According to one embodiment, there is an advantage that insulation between a dispenser and a space forming wall forming the space can be maintained.[Description of Drawings]

[0056] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 is separated. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a front side according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a rear side according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a lateral side view of a first refrigerating chamber door according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing cold air passage in a first refrigerating chamber door according to a first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which a cold air duct is connected to a door liner according to a first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser according to a first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second space of a door liner according to a first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a mounting bracket is connected to a door liner according to a first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 6 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 3. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 3. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 6 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an arrangement of a rear wall of the dispenser housing and a connecting wall of a space forming wall according to a third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing of a rear wall of the dispenser housing and a connecting wall of a space forming wall according to a fourth embodiment. [Mode for Invention]

[0057] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 is separated. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a front side according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a rear side according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a lateral side view of a first refrigerating chamber door according to a first embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment may include a cabinet 2 having a storage space. The refrigerator 1 may further include a refrigerator door configured to open and close the storage space.

[0059] The storage space may include a refrigerating chamber 18. The storage space may optionally or additionally include a freezing chamber 19. As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates that the storage space includes a refrigerating chamber 18 and a freezing chamber 19.

[0060] The refrigerating chamber 18 may be opened and closed by one or more refrigerating chamber doors 5. The freezing chamber 19 may be opened and closed by one or more freezing chamber doors 30.

[0061] Hereinafter, the refrigerating chamber 18 is described as being opened and closed by a first refrigerating chamber door 10 and a second refrigerating chamber door 20.

[0062] At least one of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 or the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may include a dispenser 11 for discharging water and / or ice. Of course, depending on a type of refrigerator, it is also possible for the freezing chamber door 30 to be provided with the dispenser 11.

[0063] At least one of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 or the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may include at least one ice maker.

[0064] Hereinafter, an example of an ice maker being provided in the first refrigerating chamber door 10 will be described. Of course, if necessary, an ice maker may also be provided in the second refrigerating chamber door 20 or the freezing chamber door 30. At this time, the dispenser 11 and the ice maker may be provided in the same door.

[0065] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the first refrigerating chamber door 10 includes a plurality of ice makers. It is not limited thereto, and the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may also include a plurality of ice makers.

[0066] In FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 is exemplarily illustrated as a bottom freezer type refrigerator, but it is to be noted that an idea of the present invention can be equally applied to a side-by-side type refrigerator or a top-mount type refrigerator. In the case of a side-by-side type or top-mount type refrigerator, the freezing chamber door may include a plurality of ice makers or the refrigerating chamber door may include a plurality of ice makers.

[0067] The dispenser 11 is disposed at a front side of the first refrigerating chamber door 10, and a portion of the dispensers may be recessed toward rearward to provide a space where a container can be disposed.

[0068] The plurality of ice makers may be arranged in a vertical direction. For example, the plurality of ice makers may include a first ice maker 200. The plurality of ice makers may further include a second ice maker 500.

[0069] At least a portion of the second ice maker 500 may be disposed at a lower side of the first ice maker 200. Of course, the present embodiment does not exclude the plurality of ice makers 200, 500 being arranged in a left-right direction.

[0070] The dispenser 11 may discharge at least ice generated in the first ice maker 200. To this end, at least a portion the first ice maker 200 may disposed higher than the dispenser 11.

[0071] If the dispenser 11 may discharge ice generated in the second ice maker 500, at least a portion of the second ice maker 500 may also disposed higher than the dispenser 11. Or, even if the second ice maker 500 is positioned the same as or lower than the dispenser 11, ice generated in the second ice maker 500 can be transferred to the dispenser 11 by a separate transfer mechanism.

[0072] As another example, the dispenser 11 may include a first dispenser to discharge ice generated in the first ice maker 200, and a second dispenser to discharge ice generated in the second ice maker.

[0073] The second ice maker 500 may be disposed at a rear side of the dispenser 11.

[0074] The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include an outer case 101 configured to form a front exterior. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a door liner 102 coupled to the outer case 101. The door liner 102 may open and close the refrigerating chamber 18.

[0075] In a state in which the outer case 101 is coupled to the door liner 102, an insulating space may be formed in a space between the outer case 101 and the door liner 102. An insulator may be provided in the insulating space.

[0076] The door liner 102 may include a first space 122 in which the first ice maker 200 is disposed. The first space 122 may also be referred to as a first ice making chamber. The door liner 102 may further include a second space 124 in which the second ice maker 500 is disposed. The second space 124 may also be referred to as a second ice making chamber.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the second ice maker 500 may be omitted, and in this case, the second space 124 may exist. In this case, the second space 124 may function as a door storage space used for a specific purpose. Alternatively, a position of the second ice maker 500 in the present embodiment may vary. Depending on the type of refrigerator, the second ice maker 500 may be positioned in the storage space. In this case, the second space 124 may be present or may be omitted. Alternatively, the first ice maker 200 may be omitted.

[0078] The first space 122 may be formed as one side of the door liner 102 is recessed toward the outer case 101. The second space 124 may be formed as one side of the door liner 102 is recessed toward the outer case 101. For example, the second space 124 may be recessed toward the dispenser 11.

[0079] The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include a first ice bin 280 in which ice generated in the first ice maker 200 is stored. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a second ice bin 600 in which ice generated in the second ice maker 500 is stored. Of course, if the second ice maker 500 is omitted, the second ice bin 600 may also be omitted.

[0080] The first ice bin 280 may be received in the first space 122 together with the first ice maker 200. The second ice bin 600 may be received in the second space 124 together with the second ice maker 500.

[0081] The first space 122 may be supplied with cold generated from a cooler. The cooler may be defined as a means for cooling the storage space, including at least one of a refrigerant cycle or a thermoelectric element. For example, cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 may be supplied to the first space 122.

[0082] The second space 124 may be supplied with cold generated from a cooler. For example, cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 may be supplied to the second space 124.

[0083] The refrigerator 1 may include a supply passage 2a that guides cold air of the freezing chamber 19 or cold air of a space where an evaporator that generates cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 is disposed to the first refrigerating chamber door 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a discharge passage 2b that guides cold air discharged from the first refrigerating chamber door 10 to the freezing chamber 19 or the space where the evaporator is disposed. The supply passage 2a and the discharge passage 2b may be provided in the cabinet 2.

[0084] The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include a cold air inlet 123a. When the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed, the cold air inlet 123a may be communicated with the supply passage 2a. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a cold air outlet 123b. When the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed, the cold air outlet 123b may be communicated with the discharge passage 2b.

[0085] The cold air inlet 123a may be formed on one side of the door liner 102. Although not limited, the one side of the door liner 102 may be a side facing a wall where the supply passage 2a is disposed in the refrigerating chamber 18 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed. For example, the cold air inlet123a may be disposed to overlap the second space 124 in a horizontal direction. The cold air outlet 123b may be formed on one side of the door liner 102. Although not limited, the one side of the door liner 102 may be a side facing a wall where the discharge passage 2b is disposed in the refrigerating chamber 18 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed. For example, the cold air outlet 123b may be disposed to overlap the second space 124 in a horizontal direction.

[0086] A shape of the ice generated from the first ice maker 200 may be the same as or different from a shape of the ice generated from the second ice maker 500. For example, the second ice maker 500 may form spherical ice. The "spherical shape" mentioned in this specification means not only a geometrically spherical shape but also a shape similar to a spherical shape.

[0087] A transparency of ice generated from the first ice maker200 may be the same as or different from a transparency of ice generated from the second ice maker 500. For example, a transparency of the ice generated from the second ice maker 500 may be greater than a transparency of the ice formed from the first ice maker 200.

[0088] A size or volume of ice generated from the first ice maker 200 may be different from a size or volume of ice generated from the second ice maker 500. For example, a size or volume of ice generated from the second ice maker 500 may be greater than a size or volume of ice formed from the first ice maker 200.

[0089] A structure of the first ice maker 200 for generating ice and a method for separation the generated ice may be the same as or different from a structure of the second ice maker 500 and a method for separation the ice generated from the second ice maker 500 is separated. If the structure and / or the method of the ice makers are different, a shape of the first space 122 where the first ice maker 200 is disposed may be different from a shape of the second space 124 where the second ice maker 500 is disposed.

[0090] For example, a depth of the second space 124 may be greater than a depth of the first space 122. Due to a difference in depth between the first space 122 and the second space 124, the one side of the door liner 102 may include a first side portion 102a and a second side portion 102b having different widths in a front-back direction. a width of the second side portion 102b may be formed to be greater than a width of the first side portion 102a. At least one of the cold air inlet 123a or the cold air outlet 123b may be formed on the second side portion 102b of the door liner 102. The second side portion 102b may protrude further toward the refrigerating chamber18 than the first side portion 102a.

[0091] The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a first door130 (or a first space door) that opens and closes the first space 122. The first door 130 may be an insulated door having an insulator provided therein. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a second door 132 (or a second space door) that opens and closes the second space 124. The second door 132 may be an insulated door having an insulator provided therein. Even if the second ice maker 500 is omitted, the second door 132 may exist. Accordingly, a heat transfer between the refrigerating chamber 18 and the first and second spaces 122, 124 may be minimized by the first and second doors 130, 132.

[0092] The first door 130 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating chamber door 10 by a hinge. The second door 132 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating chamber door 10 by a hinge. A rotation direction of the first door 130 and a rotation direction of the second door 132 may be the same or different.

[0093] Meanwhile, a basket 136 capable of storing food may be connected to the first door 130 by varying a thickness of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in a state in which the basket 136 is installed in the first door 130, at least a portion of the basket 136 may overlap the second space 124 in a vertical direction. In a state in which the basket 136 is installed in the first door 130, at least a portion of the basket 136 may overlap the second ice maker 500 in the vertical direction. In a state in which the basket 136 is installed in the first door 130 and the second door 132 is closed, at least a portion of the basket 136 may overlap the second ice bin 600 in the vertical direction. In a state in which the basket 136 is installed in the first door 130 and the second door 132 is closed, at least a portion of the basket 136 may overlap the second door 132 in the vertical direction.

[0095] Meanwhile, a filter (not shown) may be mounted on one side 103 of the first refrigerating chamber door 10, and the filter may be covered by a filter cover 142.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing cold air passage in a first refrigerating chamber door according to a first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which a cold air duct is connected to a door liner according to a first embodiment.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a cold air duct 400 for cold air flow. The cold air duct 400 may be installed, for example, in the door liner 102. The cold air duct 400 may guide cold air to at least one the first space 122 or the second space 124.

[0098] The cold air duct 400 may include a first cold air passage P1. The first cold air passage P1 may guide cold air supplied from the cabinet 2 to the first space 122. Cold air guided by the first cold air passage P1 may flow toward the first ice maker 200.

[0099] The cold air duct 400 may further include a second cold air passage P2. The second cold air passage P2 may guide cold air of the first space 122 to the second space 124. Cold air may descend in the second cold air passage P2 and be supplied to the second space 124. For example, cold air guided by the second cold air passage P2 may flow toward the second ice maker 500.

[0100] The cold air duct 400 may further include a third cold air passage P3. The third cold air passage P3 may guide cold air of the second space 124 to an outside of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.

[0101] The cold air duct 400 may include a first duct 410 forming the first cold air passage P1. The cold air duct 400 may further include a second duct 430 forming the first cold air passage P1 together with the first duct 410.

[0102] A portion of the first duct 410 may be aligned with the cold air inlet 123a. A portion of the first duct 410 and a portion of the second duct 430 may be disposed between a first space forming wall 122a forming the first space 122 and a peripheral wall 102c of the door liner 102. The second duct 430 may be in contact with the first space forming wall 122a.

[0103] The cold air duct 400 may further include a third duct 450 forming the second cold air passage P2. The third duct 450 may form the second cold air passage P2 alone or together with the second duct 430. The third duct 450 may be in contact with the first space forming wall 122a. The third duct 450 may be in contact with a second space forming wall 124g forming the second space 124. A portion of the first duct 410 and a portion of the second duct 430 may be disposed between the peripheral wall 102c and the second wall 124g. A portion of the second duct 430 may be disposed between the first duct 410 and the third duct 450.

[0104] The cold air duct 400 may further include a fourth duct 470 (or a return duct) forming the third cold air passage P3. The fourth duct 470 may be disposed between the peripheral wall 102c and a second space forming wall 124g. The fourth duct 470 may be disposed at a lower side of the first duct 410.

[0105] Meanwhile, the first ice maker 200 may include an ice tray 210 configured to form an ice making cell. The first ice maker 200 may further include a driver that provides power to automatically rotate the ice tray 210 to separate ice from the ice tray 210. The first ice maker 200 may further include a power transmission unit that transmits a power of the driver to the ice tray 210.

[0106] The ice tray 210 may include a plurality of ice making cells. Water discharged from a water supply portion and dropped onto the ice tray 210 may be distributed to the plurality of ice making cells. When the ice generation in the ice tray 210 is completed, the ice may be separated from the ice tray 210 as the ice tray 210 is rotated (or twisted) by the driver. An ice separated from the ice tray 210 may be stored in the first ice bin 280. The second ice maker 500 may include the first tray 510.

[0107] The second ice maker 500 may further include a second tray 550. The first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may form an ice making cell 501. The second tray 550 may be moved with respect to the first tray 510. For example, the second tray 550 may be rotated with respect to the first tray 510, or may move linearly with respect to the first tray 510, or may move linearly and rotationally.

[0108] If the second tray 550 is a rotation type tray, water supply may be performed at a water supply position of the second tray 550. After the water supply is completed, the second tray550 may be rotated to an ice making position. If the second tray 550 is a linear movement type tray, water supply may be performed at the ice making position of the second tray 550.

[0109] If the second tray 550 is a rotation type tray, at least a portion of the second tray 550 may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the first tray 510 at the water supply position. A portion of the second tray 550 spaced apart from the first tray 510 at the water supply position may come into contact with the first tray 510 at the ice making position to form the ice making cell 501.

[0110] The dispenser 11 may include a dispenser housing 11a. The dispenser housing 11a may form a receiving space. A container such as a cup may be positioned in the receiving space. Water or ice may be discharged into the receiving space.

[0111] At least a portion of the dispenser housing 11a may be disposed to overlap the second space 124 in a front-back direction. A minimum horizontal distance between a front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 and the second space 124 is greater than a minimum horizontal distance between the front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 and the first space 122 by the dispenser housing 11a.

[0112] A vertical length of the first space 122 may be greater than a vertical length of the second space 124. At least a portion of the second space 124 may overlap the first space 122 in the vertical direction. The ice making cell 501 of the second ice maker 500 may overlap the dispenser housing 11a in the front-back direction.

[0113] An ice chute 700 may be disposed at a lower side of the first space 122. The ice chute 700 may be opened and closed by a cap duct 900. An ice guide 800 may be disposed at a lower side of the ice chute 700. The ice chute700 may guide ice discharged from the first ice bin 280 to the ice guide 800. The ice guide 800 may guide ice and finally discharge the ice. The ice chute 700 may overlap at least a portion of the first space122 in a vertical direction. At least a portion of the ice chute700 may overlap at least a portion of the second space124 in a vertical direction.

[0114] A water tank 340 may be detachably mounted on the first refrigerating chamber door 10. At least a portion of the ice chute 700 may overlap the water tank 340 in a vertical direction. The water tank 340 may be disposed at a lower side of the first refrigerating chamber door 10. When the water tank 340 is disposed at a lower side of the first refrigerating chamber door 10, a second space 124 may be formed at a rear side of the dispenser 11. At least a portion of the water tank 340 may overlap the basket 136 in a vertical direction. Of course, in the present embodiment, a position of the water tank 340 is not limited, and it is disclosed that it may be placed in various positions as long as a thickness of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is not increased or an increase in thickness is minimized. The ice guide 800 may overlap at least a portion of the second space 124 in a horizontal direction.

[0115] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 9, a dispenser 11 of the present embodiment may include a dispenser housing 11a. The dispenser housing 11a may form a receiving space 11c. The receiving space 11c may be formed by a front surface of the dispenser housing 11a being recessed toward rearward.

[0117] The dispenser 11 may further include a pad 1010. The pad 1010 may be movably installed in the dispenser housing 11a. A user may manipulate the pad 1010 to discharge ice and / or water. For example, the user may push or press the pad 1010.

[0118] A lever 1070 that operates by the pad 1010 may be installed on the dispenser housing 11a. A switch 1050 that is selectively turned on or off by the lever 1070 may be installed on the dispenser housing 11a. For example, when the pad 1010 is not operated, the switch 1050 may be turned off and when the pad 1010 is operated, an operating force of the pad 1010 is transmitted to the lever 1070, so that the lever 1070 may turn on the switch 1050.

[0119] The dispenser housing 11a may further include an ice slot 111 through which ice guided by the ice chute 700 passes. The ice slot 111 may be formed, for example, in an inclined wall 111a of the dispenser housing 11a. The inclined wall 111a may be inclined in a direction away from a front surface of the dispenser housing 11a from an upper side to a lower side.

[0120] The ice chute 700 may be disposed at an outer side of the dispenser housing 11a. For example, the ice chute 700 may be disposed at an upper side of the inclined wall 111a of the dispenser housing 11a. The ice guide 800 may be disposed in the receiving space 11c. The ice guide 800 may guide ice passed through the ice slot 111. The ice guide 800 may be disposed at a lower side of the inclined wall 111a.

[0121] The ice slot 111 may be opened and closed by the cap duct 900. The cap duct 900 may open and close the ice slot 111 in the receiving space 11c. The cap duct 900 may be driven by a duct driver 990 to open and close the ice slot 111. For example, the duct driver 990 may include a motor. The cap duct 900 may be rotated by a driving of the motor to open the ice slot 111.

[0122] The dispenser 11 may further include a water discharge port 870 through which water is discharged. The water discharge port 870 may be disposed in the receiving space 11c. The water discharge port 870 may be disposed adjacent to the ice guide 800. The dispenser 11 may further include a supporter 890 that supports the water discharge port 870.

[0123] The dispenser 11 may further include a sterilizing device 880 for sterilizing the water discharge port 870. The sterilizing device 880 may sterilize a water path formed by the water discharge port 870 by irradiating ultraviolet rays, for example.

[0124] The dispenser 11 may further include a display device. The display device may include a display 1100. The display 1100 may display an operating status of the refrigerator. The display 1100 may perform an input function that may receive a user's command. The user may select or change a temperature or various functions by manipulating or touching a button displayed on the display 1100.

[0125] The display device may further include a display frame 1120 that supports the display 1100. The display frame 1120 may be received in the receiving space 11c. The display frame 1120 may include an opening 1122 in which at least a portion of the display 1100 is disposed. The display 1100 may be exposed to an outside through the opening 1122.

[0126] An input module 1160 may be installed in the display frame 1120. A type of ice may be selected through the input module 1160. Or, a state of the ice to be discharged may be selected through the input module 1160. For example, transparent ice or opaque ice may be selected through the input module 1160. Or, ices of different sizes may be distinguished and selected through the input module 1160.

[0127] The input module 1160 may include, for example, a button. A portion of the input module 1160 may be exposed to an outside while installed in the display frame 1120. Of course, it is also possible for the display 1100 to additionally perform a function of the input module without a separate input module 1160.

[0128] The display device may further include a display supporter 1140 disposed at a rear side of the display frame 1120. The display supporter 1140 may support the display 1100 penetrating the opening 1122. Of course, the display supporter 1140 may be omitted.

[0129] Meanwhile, the dispenser housing 11a may be coupled to the door liner 102. The dispenser housing 11a may be disposed in front of the second space forming wall 124g. A mounting bracket 480 for guiding water to the second space 124 may be installed in the space forming wall 124g. The mounting bracket 480 may be disposed at a rear of the ice guide 800. That is, the mounting bracket 480 may be disposed to overlap the ice guide 800 in a front-back direction.

[0130] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second space of a door liner according to a first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a mounting bracket is connected to a door liner according to a first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 6 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 3. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 3.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 14, the second door 132 may rotate to open and close the second space 124. The second door 132 may be connected to the door liner 102 by a hinge.

[0132] The second ice bin 600 may be connected to the second door 132. Therefore, the second ice bin 600 may move together with the second door 132.

[0133] When the second door 132 is rotated in one direction to open the second space 124, the second ice bin 600 may be taken out from the second space 124. Therefore, when the second door 132 is opened, the user can directly access the second ice bin 600. Therefore, an inconvenience of separately taking out the second ice bin 600 from the second space may be reduced. On the other hand, when the second door 132 is rotated in another direction to close the second space 124, the second ice bin 600 may be inserted into the second space 124.

[0134] The space forming wall 124g may form the second space 124 while being spaced apart from a rear side of the dispenser housing 11a. The space forming wall 124g may include a first side wall 124a. An inlet 493 for introducing cold air may be formed in the first side wall 124a. An outlet 494 for discharging cold air may be formed at a lower side of the inlet 493 in the first side wall 124a. The outlet 494 may overlap the second ice bin 600 in a horizontal direction while the second ice bin 600 is received in the second space 124.

[0135] The space forming wall 124g may further include a second side wall 124b facing the first side wall 124a. The first side wall 124a may further include a recessed portion 124a1 that is partially recessed toward the second side wall 124b. The recessed portion 124a1 may be a protrusion that protrudes into the second space 124 from a side surface of the second space 124. A portion of the cold air duct 400 may be disposed in the recessed portion 124a1. The inlet 493 may be formed in the recessed portion 124a1. Therefore, a distance between the inlet 493 and the second side wall 124b is less than a distance between the outlet 494 and the second side wall 124b.

[0136] The space forming wall 124g may further include a connecting wall 124c connecting the first side wall 124a and the second side wall 124b. The connecting wall 124c may be disposed to face a rear wall 112 of the dispenser housing 11a.

[0137] The connecting wall 124c may be bent one or more times. A portion of the connecting wall 124c may be a vertical plane. Another portion of the connecting wall 124c may be inclined. Another portion of the connecting wall 124c may be rounded.

[0138] The connecting wall 124c may include a first connecting wall 124c1. The connecting wall 124c may further include a second connecting wall 124c2 disposed at a lower side of the first connecting wall 124c1. An inclination angle of the first connecting wall 124c1 with respect to a horizontal plane may be less than an inclination angle of the second connecting wall 124c2. The second connecting wall 124c2 may be, for example, a vertical wall or an inclined wall similar to a vertical wall. A slope of the first connecting wall 124c1 may be constant or variable. At least a portion of the first connecting wall 124c1 may be inclined in a direction away from the rear wall 112 as it goes upward. Since the first connecting wall 124c1 is spaced apart from the rear wall 112, a gap may be formed between the first connecting wall 124c1 and the rear wall 112. The gap may be filled with a foaming agent for forming an insulator 390. The foaming agent may flow downward through the gap. The foaming agent may flow to a lower space of a lower wall 124f of the space forming wall 124g.

[0139] When the connecting wall 124c includes the first connecting wall 124c1, a gap between the first connecting wall 124c1 and the rear wall 112 may be increased, thereby facilitating a flow of the foaming agent.

[0140] A first hole 495 may be formed in the first connecting wall 124c1. A tube 489 through which water supplied to the second ice maker 500 flows may pass through the first hole 495. A second hole 496 may be formed in the first connecting wall 124c1. A wire for connecting to the second ice maker 500 may pass through the second hole 496. The first hole 495 and the second hole 496 may be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

[0141] The first connecting wall 124c1 may include a recessed wall 124c3 formed by partially recessing into the second space 124. A portion of the first hole 495 may be formed in the recessed wall 124c3. The recessed wall 124c3 may be referred to as a first wall. Alternatively, a wall in which the second hole 496 is formed in the first connecting wall 124c1 may also be referred to as a first wall.

[0142] The first connecting wall 124c1 may further include a second wall 124c4 that forms a space in which a driver 580 for driving the second tray 550 is disposed or comes into contact with the driver 580. An inclination angle of the second wall 124c4 with respect to a horizontal plane may be greater than an inclination angle of the first wall with respect to the horizontal plane. A horizontal distance between the rear wall 112 and the second wall 124c4 may be greater than A horizontal distance between the rear wall 112 and the first wall.

[0143] The space forming wall 124g may further include an upper wall 124e. The upper wall 124e may extend from the connecting wall 123c. The space forming wall 124g may further include a lower wall 124f. The lower wall 124f may extend from the connecting wall 123c. The first connecting wall 124c1 may be connected to the upper wall 124e.

[0144] A mounting bracket 480 may be coupled to the space forming wall 124g. The mounting bracket 480 may guide the tube 489 and / or the wire. The mounting bracket 480 may include a first bracket body 481. The first bracket body 481 may be in contact with the recessed wall 124c3. The mounting bracket 480 may further include a second bracket body 482 that is inclined from the first bracket body 481. The second bracket body 482 may be in contact with the first connecting wall 124c1. The first bracket body 481 may be provided with a dispenser coupling portion 483.

[0145] The mounting bracket 480 may include a tube hole 485 through which the tube 489 passes. The tube hole 485 may be aligned with the first hole 495. A portion of the tube hole 485 may be formed in the first bracket body 481 and another portion of the tube hole 485 may be formed in the second bracket body 482.

[0146] The mounting bracket 480 may further include a tube guide 484 for guiding the tube 489. The tube guide 484, which is not limited to, may extend upwardly from the second bracket body 482. The mounting bracket 480 may further include a wire guide 486 for guiding the wire. Although not limited, the wire guide 486 may extend from the second bracket body 482.

[0147] The second door 132 may include a first frame 1321. The second door 132 may further include a second frame 1322 coupled to the first frame 1321. The first frame 1321 may form an exterior appearance of the second door 132 when the second door 132 is closed. In a state in which the second door 132 is closed, a surface of the first frame 1321 forming the exterior appearance of the second door 132 may be referred to as a first surface. The second frame 1322 may face the second space 124 in a state in which the second door 132 is closed. A surface of the second frame 1322 facing the second space 124 may be referred to as a second surface.

[0148] The second ice bin 600 may be coupled to the second frame 1322. Of course, the second ice bin 600 may also be separated from the second door 132. The second ice bin 600 may include a first body 610 coupled to the second door 132. The second door 132 may be provided with a coupling protrusion 1325 for coupling the second ice bin 600. The coupling protrusion 1325 may, for example, protrude from the second frame 1232. A plurality of coupling protrusions 1325 may be spaced apart from each other for stable coupling of the second ice bin 600. The plurality of coupling protrusions 1325 may, for example, be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

[0149] The first body 610 may be provided with a coupling hole for coupling the coupling protrusion 1325. The coupling protrusion 1325 may include a first part 1325a protruding from the second frame 1322. The coupling protrusion 1325 may include a second part 1325b extending from the first part 1325a. A diameter of the second part 1325b may be less than a diameter of the first part 1325a.

[0150] The second ice bin 600 may further include a second body 614 facing the first body 610. The second ice bin 600 may further include a pair of side bodies 620 connecting the first body 610 and the second body 614.

[0151] A cold air through hole 623 may be formed in one of the pair of side bodies 620, at least a portion of which is aligned with the outlet 494. Accordingly, cold air introduced into a space formed by the second ice bin 600 may pass through the cold air through hole 623 and flow toward the outlet 494.

[0152] The second door 132 may further include a gasket 1329. The gasket 1329 prevents cold air leakage in the second space 124 by contacting the door liner 102 when the second door 132 closes the second space 124. For example, the gasket 1329 may be coupled to the second frame 1322.

[0153] The second door 132 may include a first recessed portion 1323a for receiving a portion of the second ice maker 500. The first recessed portion 1323a may be formed as a portion of the second frame 1322 is recessed toward a front surface of the second door 132. A portion of the second ice bin 600 may be disposed in the first recessed portion 1323a. The coupling protrusion 1325 may be formed in the first recessed portion 1323a, for example. The second door 132 may further include a second recessed portion 1323b that is additionally recessed in the first recessed portion 1323a for receiving a portion of the second ice maker 500.

[0154] The first recessed portion 1323a and the second recessed portion 1323b may also form the second space 124. Accordingly, a size of the second space 124 may be increased while preventing an increase in a thickness of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.

[0155] The second ice maker 500 may further include a first tray case 530 supporting the first tray 510. The second ice maker 500 may further include a second tray case 560 supporting the second tray 510. A portion of the first tray case 530 may be disposed in the second recessed portion 1323b.

[0156] The second ice maker 500 may further include a driver 580 for moving the second tray 550. The driver 580 may be disposed adjacent to a side wall 124a where the outlet 494 is formed.

[0157] A portion of the second wall 124c4 may be formed by being recessed in a direction away from the second door 132 in the first connecting wall 124c1.

[0158] The pad 1010 may overlap the second space 124 in a horizontal direction. An ice making cell 501 of the second ice maker 500 may overlap the dispenser housing 11a in a front-back direction. The pad 1010 may overlap the ice making cell 501 in a horizontal direction.

[0159] In order to increase a size of the second space 124, the connecting wall 124c forming the second space 124 may be disposed adjacent to the dispenser housing 11a. Since a space between the dispenser housing 11a and the connecting wall 124c is narrow, a vacuum insulator 392 may be provided in the space between the dispenser housing 11a and the connecting wall 124c.

[0160] The vacuum insulator 392 may surround the second space 124. A portion of the vacuum insulator 392 may be disposed between the pad 1010 and the ice making cell 501. An insulator formed by hardening of a foaming agent may be disposed in a remaining area other than an area occupied by the vacuum insulator 392. Another portion of the vacuum insulator 392 may be disposed at a lower side of a lower wall 124f forming the second space 124. Another portion of the vacuum insulator 392 may be disposed between the second space 124 and the water tank 340.

[0161] A vertical center line Y1 of the ice making cell 501 may be disposed closer to the second door 132 than the connecting wall 124c. A vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 may pass through the second ice maker 500. A vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 may pass through the ice making cell 501. A vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 may be disposed between the first pusher 540 and the second door 132. The first pusher 540 may be disposed between the inlet 493 and a vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329. Water in the ice making cell 501 may be phase-changed into ice by cold air introduced through the inlet 493. At this time, when the first pusher 540 is positioned between the inlet 493 and a vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329, the first pusher 540 may act as a flow resistance when cold air flows toward the gasket 1329. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the cold air may be restricted from flowing toward the gasket 1329 by the first pusher 540. A vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 may pass through the second ice bin 600.

[0162] The first pusher 540 may be disposed closer to the second door 132 than the connecting wall 124c.

[0163] A horizontal center line X1 of the ice making cell 501 may pass through the pad 1010. A horizontal center line X1 of the ice making cell 501 may pass through the vacuum insulator 392.

[0164] The ice guide 800 may include a through hole 802 through which ice is discharged. A horizontal center line X1 of the ice making cell 501 may be disposed lower than the through hole 802.

[0165] Based on FIG. 13, a filter 320 for purifying water may be disposed at one side of the dispenser housing 11a. A guide tube 330 for receiving a pipe through which water flows may be provided at another side of the dispenser housing 11a. A pipe through which water flows may be connected to the filter 320.

[0166] The dispenser housing 11a and the filter 320 may be overlapped in a horizontal direction. An insulator 390 may be disposed between the dispenser housing 11a and the filter 320.

[0167] The guide tube 330 and the dispenser housing 11a may be overlapped in a horizontal direction. Since the guide tube 330 and the filter 320 are disposed at a side of the dispenser housing 11a, the second space 124 may be formed at a rear side of the dispenser housing 11a.

[0168] Based on FIG. 13, the door liner 102 may include a first dike 1021 and a second dike 1022. The first dike 1021 may be disposed adjacent to the guide tube 330. The second dike 1022 may be disposed adjacent to the filter 320. A portion of the cold air duct 400 may be disposed within the first dike 1021.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 14, a line Z1 connecting centers of a plurality of ice making cells 501 may be spaced apart from a rotational center line C1 of the driver 580 or a rotational center line of the second tray 550. A line Z1 connecting centers of a plurality of ice making cells 501 may be parallel to the rotational center line C1. A line Z1 connecting centers of a plurality of ice making cells 501 may be disposed closer to the second door 132 than the rotational center line C1.

[0170] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 6 according to a second embodiment.

[0171] This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other parts, except that there is a difference in a shape of a door liner, a shape of a second door, and an arrangement of a second ice maker. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 15, a second door 133 according to a second embodiment may form a portion of the second space 124. A portion of the second space 124 may be formed by a dike 102e protruding from the door liner 102. Another portion of the second space 124 may be formed by the second door 133. When the second space 124 is formed by the second door 133, a length of the dike 102e may be reduced.

[0173] The door liner 102 may be formed by a mold, and if a length of the dike 102e is reduced, a size of the mold may be reduced, thereby preventing an increase in manufacturing cost.

[0174] The second door 133 may include a first frame 1331. The second door 133 may further include a second frame 1332 connected to the first frame 1331. An insulator may be provided between the first frame 1331 and the second frame 1332.

[0175] The second door 133 may include a first recessed portion 1333a for receiving the second ice maker 500. The second ice bin 600 may be received in the first recessed portion 1333a. In a state in which the second door 133 is closed, the first recessed portion 1333a may be recessed in a direction away from the connecting wall 124c of the second space 124.

[0176] The second door 133 may further include a second recessed portion 1333b that is additionally recessed from the first recessed portion 1333a. In a state in which the second door 133 is closed, the second recessed portion 1333b can be recessed in a direction away from a connecting wall 124c of the second space 124.

[0177] The first recessed portion 1333a may be formed, for example, in the second frame 1332. Of course, the first recessed portion 1333a and the second recessed portion 1333b may not be distinguished and may be interpreted as a single recessed portion. In this case, a recessed depth of the recessed portion may vary in a horizontal or vertical direction. A maximum depth of the recessed portion may be greater than a minimum thickness of a portion where the recessed portion is formed in the second door 133. A recessed depth of the second recessed portion 1333b may be greater than a thickness in a front-back direction of a portion where the second recessed portion 1333b is formed in the second door 133.

[0178] At least a portion of the ice making cell 501 may be disposed in the first recessed portion 1333a in a state in which the second door 133 is closed. A horizontal center line X1 of the ice making cell 501 may pass through the second recessed portion 1333b.

[0179] The second door 133 may be provided with a gasket 1329. The gasket 1329 may be formed in a closed loop shape. At least a portion of the first pusher 540 may be disposed within an area formed by the gasket 1329. For example, at least a portion of the first pusher 540 may overlap the gasket 1329 in a vertical direction.

[0180] When at least a portion of the first pusher 540 overlaps the gasket 1329 in a vertical direction, the first pusher 540 may act as a flow resistance when cold air flows toward the gasket 1329. Therefore, there is an advantage that the cold air may be restricted from flowing toward the gasket 1329 by the first pusher 540. Additionally, when air outside the second space 124 attempts to flow into the second space 124, the first pusher 540 may restrict the air from flowing into the second space 124.

[0181] A vertical center line Y1 of the ice making cell 501 may be disposed closer to the second door 133 than the rear wall 124c. A horizontal distance between a vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 and a vertical center line Y1 of the ice making cell 501 may be less than a radius of the ice making cell 501. A horizontal distance between a vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 and a vertical center line Y1 of the ice making cell 501 may be less than a horizontal distance between the vertical line Y2 and the second recessed portion 1333b.

[0182] In another aspect, a horizontal distance between a vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 and a vertical center line Y1 of the ice making cell 501 may be less than a maximum horizontal distance between the vertical line Y2 and the recessed portion.

[0183] A vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 may pass through the ice-making cell 501. A horizontal center line X1 of the ice making cell 501 may be disposed lower than the through hole 802 of the ice guide 800.

[0184] Meanwhile, a rear wall 112 of the dispenser housing 11a may be divided into an upper wall 112a forming a receiving portion, which is a space in which the pad 1010 is received, and a lower wall 112b extending downward from the upper wall 112a.

[0185] The upper wall 112a may include a first extension wall 113a. The upper wall 112a may further include a second extension wall 113b extending downward from the first extension wall 113a. An inclination angle of the first extension wall 113a with respect to a horizontal plane may be greater than an inclination angle of the second extension wall 113b.

[0186] The first extension wall 113a may be, for example, a vertical wall. The first extension wall 113a may overlap at least a portion of the first connection wall 124c1 in a front-back direction. The second extension wall 113b may overlap at least a portion of the second connection wall 124c2 in a front-back direction. For example, a lower end of the first connection wall 124c1 may be disposed higher than a lower end of the first extension wall 113a. With such an arrangement, there is an advantage in that foaming agent may flow smoothly between the first connection wall 124c1 and the first extension wall 113a.

[0187] Meanwhile, the second ice maker 500 may be installed on the first connecting wall 124c1. The second ice bin 600 may be disposed at a lower side of the second ice maker 500. Accordingly, a storage capacity of the second ice bin 600 may vary depending on a height of the second connecting wall 124c2. When a height of the second connecting wall 124c2 increases, a height of the second ice bin 600 may be increased, thereby increasing a storage capacity of ice.

[0188] As in the present embodiment, when a lower end of the first connecting wall 124c1 is disposed higher than a lower end of the first extension wall 113a, an upper end of the second connecting wall 124c2 may be disposed higher than a lower end of the first extension wall 113a. Accordingly, a height of the second connecting wall 124c2 may be increased, and accordingly, a storage capacity of the second ice bin 600 may be increased.

[0189] The second pusher 590 may be disposed corresponding to the first connecting wall 124c1. That is, the first connecting wall 124c1 may be disposed between the second pusher 590 and the first extension wall 113a.

[0190] The second door 133 may include a gasket 1329. The gasket 1329 prevents cold air leakage in the second space 124 by contacting with the door liner 102 in a state in which the second door 133 is closed in the second space 124.

[0191] A vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 may pass through the second ice maker 500. A vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 may pass through the ice making cell 501.

[0192] A vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329 may be disposed between the first pusher 540 and the second door 132. At least a portion of the first pusher 540 may be disposed between the inlet 493 and a vertical line Y2 passing through the gasket 1329. Water in the ice making cell 501 may be phase-changed into ice by cold air introduced through the inlet 493.

[0193] A horizontal center line X1 of the ice making cell 501 may pass through the first connecting wall 124c1. Since a space between the dispenser housing 11a and the connecting wall 124c is narrow, it is also possible to provide a vacuum insulator 392 in the space between the dispenser housing 11a and the connecting wall 124c. A portion of the vacuum insulator 392 may be disposed between the first extension wall 113a and the first connecting wall 124c1. Another portion of the vacuum insulator 392 may be disposed between the second extension wall 113b and the second connecting wall 124c2. Another portion of the vacuum insulator 392 may be disposed at a lower side of the lower wall 124d.

[0194] In this embodiment, the insulator 390 may be disposed between the dispenser housing 11a and the connecting wall 124c. The insulator 390 may also be provided at a lower side of the space forming wall 124g.

[0195] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an arrangement of a rear wall of the dispenser housing and a connecting wall of a space forming wall according to a third embodiment.

[0196] This embodiment is the same as the second embodiment in other parts, except that there is a difference in relative positions of a rear wall of a dispenser housing and a connecting wall of a space forming wall. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 16, a rear wall 112 of a dispenser housing 11a of the present embodiment may include a first extension wall 113a. The rear wall 112 may further include a second extension wall 113b extending downward from the first extension wall 113a. An inclination angle of the first extension wall 113a with respect to a horizontal plane may be greater than an inclination angle of the second extension wall 113b.

[0198] The connecting wall 1124c of the space forming wall 124g may include a first connecting wall 1124c1. The connecting wall 1124c may include a second connecting wall 1124c2 disposed at a lower side of the first connecting wall 1124c1. An inclination angle of the first connecting wall 1124c1 with respect to a horizontal plane may be less than an inclination angle of the second connecting wall 1124c2.

[0199] In the present embodiment, a lower end of the first connecting wall 1124c1 may be disposed at the same height as a lower end of the first extension wall 113a. In this case, a vertical length of a minimum gap between the rear wall 112 of the dispenser housing 11a and the connecting wall 1124c of the space forming wall 124g is reduced, so that there is an advantage in that foaming agent may flow smoothly between the rear wall 112 and the connecting wall 1124c.

[0200] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing of a rear wall of the dispenser housing and a connecting wall of a space forming wall according to a fourth embodiment.

[0201] This embodiment is the same as the second embodiment in other parts, except that there is a difference in relative positions of a rear wall of a dispenser housing and a connecting wall of a space forming wall. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 17, a rear wall 112 of a dispenser housing 11a of the present embodiment may include a first extension wall 113a. The rear wall 112 may further include a second extension wall 113b extending downward from the first extension wall 113a. An inclination angle of the first extension wall 113a with respect to a horizontal plane may be greater than an inclination angle of the second extension wall 113b.

[0203] A connecting wall 1224c of the space forming wall 124g may include a first connecting wall 1224c1. The connecting wall 1224c may include a second connecting wall 1224c2 disposed at a lower side of the first connecting wall 1224c1. An inclination angle of the first connecting wall 1224c1 with respect to a horizontal plane may be less than an inclination angle of the second connecting wall 1224c2.

[0204] In the present embodiment, a lower end of the first connecting wall 1224c1 may be disposed lower than a lower end of the first extension wall 113a. Accordingly, a portion of the first connecting wall 1224c1 may overlap the second extension wall 113b in a front-back direction.

[0205] In addition, there is an advantage in that a minimum gap between a rear wall 112 of the dispenser housing 11a and a connecting wall 1224c of the space forming wall 124g is increased, so that foaming agent may flow smoothly between the rear wall 112 and the connecting wall 1224c. However, since a height of the second connecting wall 1224c2 may be lowered compared to the second and third embodiments, a storage capacity of the second ice bin 600 may be reduced.

[0206] In this specification, it is to be noted that contents of the second to fourth embodiments, which describe a relationship between a connecting wall and a space forming wall, may be applied to a first embodiment in the same or modified form.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet having a storage space; a refrigerator door configured to open and close the storage space and having a door liner; a dispenser provided on the refrigerator door to discharge water or ice; an ice making chamber formed by the door liner and disposed at a rear side of the dispenser; an ice maker provided in the ice making chamber; an ice making chamber door configured to cover the ice making chamber; and a gasket provided on the ice making chamber door and in contact with the door liner, wherein the door liner includes an inlet through which cold air is introduced, the ice maker includes a tray to form an ice making cell, a pusher to separate ice generated in the ice making cell from the tray, and wherein the pusher is disposed between the inlet and a vertical line passing through the gasket.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a vertical line passing through the gasket is disposed between the pusher and the ice making chamber door.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a vertical line passing through the gasket passes through the ice making cell, or a horizontal distance between a vertical line passing through the gasket and a vertical center line of the ice making cell is less than a radius of the ice making cell.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the ice making chamber door includes a recessed portion to receive a portion of the ice maker.

5. The refrigerator of claim 4, further comprising an ice bin provided in the ice making chamber and to store ice generated by the ice maker, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive a portion of the ice bin, or a horizontal center line of the ice making cell passes through the recessed portion.

6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the dispenser further includes a pad operated to discharge at least one of water or ice, and a vacuum insulator disposed between the dispenser and the ice making chamber, wherein a horizontal center line of the ice making cell passes through the vacuum insulator, or a portion of the vacuum insulator is disposed between the pad and the ice making chamber.

7. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising a water tank positioned at a lower side of the ice making chamber, and a vacuum insulator arranged to surround the ice making chamber, wherein a portion of the vacuum insulator is disposed between the ice making chamber and the water tank.

8. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the dispenser further includes a pad operated to discharge at least one of water or ice, and wherein the pad overlaps the ice making cell in a horizontal direction.

9. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the dispenser includes a dispenser housing to form a receiving space, a filter for purifying water is provided at one side of the dispenser housing, and a guide tube for receiving a pipe through which water flows is provided at another side of the dispenser housing.

10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the door liner includes a first dike adjacent to the guide tube, and a second dike adjacent to the filter, and wherein a portion of a cold air duct for guiding cold air is disposed in the first dike.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the tray includes a first tray to form a portion of each of a plurality of ice making cells, and a second tray movable relative to the first tray by a driver and to form another portion of each of the plurality of ice making cells, and wherein a line connecting centers of the plurality of ice making cells is spaced apart from a rotation center line of the driver.

12. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the line connecting centers of the plurality of ice making cells is disposed closer to the ice making chamber door than the rotation center line.

13. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet having a storage space; a door configured to open and close the storage space; a refrigerator door configured to open and close the storage space and having a door liner; a dispenser provided on the refrigerator door to discharge water or ice; an ice making chamber formed by the door liner and disposed at a rear side of the dispenser; an ice maker provided in the ice making chamber; an ice making chamber door configured to cover the ice making chamber; and a gasket provided on the ice making chamber door and in contact with the door liner, wherein the door liner includes an inlet through which cold air is introduced, the ice maker includes a tray to form an ice making cell, a pusher to separate ice generated in the ice making cell from the tray, and wherein at least a portion of the pusher overlaps the gasket in a vertical direction.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein a portion of the ice making chamber is defined by a dike protruding from the door liner, and another portion of the ice making chamber is defined by the ice making chamber door.

15. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein a horizontal distance between a vertical line passing through the gasket and a vertical center line of the ice making cell is less than a radius of the ice making cell.

16. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the ice making chamber door includes a recessed portion to receive a portion of the ice maker.

17. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the door liner includes a space forming wall to form the ice making chamber, wherein the space forming wall includes a first side wall, a second side wall disposed opposite the first side wall, and a connecting wall to connect the first side wall and the second side wall and facing the dispenser housing, wherein the connecting wall includes a first connecting wall on which the ice maker is mounted, and a second connecting wall extending downward from the first connecting wall, and wherein an inclination angle of the first connecting wall with respect to a horizontal plane is less than an inclination angle of the second connecting wall.

18. The refrigerator of claim 17, wherein a rear wall facing the connecting wall in the dispenser housing includes a first extension wall and a second extension wall extending downward from the first extension wall, wherein an inclination angle of the first extension wall with respect to a horizontal plane is greater than an inclination angle of the second extension wall, wherein the first extension wall overlaps at least a portion of the first connecting wall in a front-back direction, and wherein the second extension wall overlaps at least a portion of the second connecting wall in a front-back direction.

19. The refrigerator of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the first connecting wall is inclined in a direction away from the first extension wall toward an upper side, or the first extension wall and the second extension wall form a receiving portion in which a pad for operating to discharge water or ice is received.

20. The refrigerator of claim 18, wherein a lower end of the first connecting wall is disposed higher than a lower end of the first extension wall, or a lower end of the first connecting wall is disposed at the same height as a lower end of the first extension wall, or a lower end of the first connecting wall is disposed lower than a lower end of the first extension wall.

Images