Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator comprises: an outer case; an inner case which is provided inside the outer case, forms a storage chamber, and comprises a first inner wall and a second inner wall facing the first inner wall; an ice tray on which ice is produced; and a support case which supports the ice tray and is mounted on the inner case, wherein the support case comprises a fastening part, arranged to be fastened to the first inner wall by a fastening member, and an elastic deformation part, which movably supports the fastening part and enables elastic deformation when the fastening part is pressed by the first inner wall.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, a refrigerator including an ice maker.[Background Art]

[0002] A refrigerator is an appliance that includes a main body having a storage room and a cool air supply system for supplying cool air to the storage room to keep food fresh. The storage room includes a refrigerating room that is maintained at temperature of about 0 °C to about 5 °C to keep food refrigerated, and a freezing room that is maintained at temperature of about 0 °C to about -30 °C to keep food frozen. In general, the storage room opens in the front side to enable a user to put / take food into / out of the storage room and the open front side of the storage room is opened or closed by a door.

[0003] The refrigerator repeatedly performs a cooling cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating refrigerants by using a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator. Both the freezing room and the refrigerating room may be cooled by a single evaporator included in the freezing room, or the freezing room and the refrigerating room may include evaporators respectively to perform cooling independently.

[0004] The refrigerator may include an ice maker that forms ice. The ice maker may include an ice tray in which ice is formed, an ejector for discharging ice from the ice tray, an ice bucket that stores ice discharged from the ice tray, and a controller that controls an ice making process, thereby automatically forming ice.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for stably fixing an ice maker to an inner case.

[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for maintaining a gap between an ice maker and an inner case upon deformation of the inner case.

[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for preventing, while an ice maker is installed on an inner case, the ice maker or the inner case from being damaged.

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for improving appearance quality of a product.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for preventing a user's body from approaching a water supply pipe inside an ice maker.

[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for improving flowability of cool air supplied to an ice tray inside an ice maker and improving efficiency of ice formation.

[0011] The technical object intended to be achieved by the present document is not limited to the above-mentioned technical objects, and other technical objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.[Technical Solution]

[0012] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case, an inner case provided inside the outer case, forming a storage room, and including a first inner wall and a second inner wall being opposite to the first inner wall, an ice tray configured to form ice, and a support case supporting the ice tray and mounted on the inner case, the support case including a fastening portion coupled to the first inner wall by a fastening member, and an elastic deformation portion configured to be elastically deformed while the fastening portion is pressed by the first inner wall, the elastic deformation portion movably supporting the fastening portion.

[0013] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case, an inner case provided inside the outer case, forming a storage room, and including a first inner wall and a second inner wall being opposite to the first inner wall, an ice tray configured to form ice, and a support case supporting the ice tray and mounted on the inner case. The support case may include a case body on which the ice tray is installed, a first fastening portion coupled to the first inner wall, a second fastening portion coupled to the second inner wall, a first elastic deformation portion facing the first inner wall, connecting the case body with the first fastening portion, and configured to be elastically deformed to move the first fastening portion with respect to the case body, and a second elastic deformation portion facing the second inner wall, connecting the case body with the second fastening portion, and configured to be elastically deformed to move the second fastening portion with respect to the case body.

[0014] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case, an inner case provided inside the outer case and forming a storage room, an ice tray configured to form ice, and a support case positioned in the storage room. The support case may include a case body supporting the ice tray, and a case wall connected to the case body and facing an inner wall of the inner case, wherein at least a part of the case wall is fastened to the inner wall of the inner case, and one side of the at least a part of the case wall, the one side being opposite to the case body, is elastically deformed to move with respect to the case body.[Description of Drawings]

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing an ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a support case of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing some components of a support case of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing some components of a support case of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a deformed state of an inner wall of an inner case in the refrigerator of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a deformed state of an inner wall of an inner case in the refrigerator of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 shows a state in which cool air flows into an ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing some components such as an ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes of the Invention]

[0016] Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0017] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0018] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0019] In the 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 or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0020] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0021] Terms such as "1st", "2nd", "primary", or "secondary" may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0022] Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of any element.

[0023] It will be understood that when the terms "includes", "comprises", "including", and / or "comprising" are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0024] When a given element is referred to as being "connected to", "coupled to", "supported by" or "in contact with" another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

[0025] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0026] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body.

[0027] The "main body" may include an inner case, an outer case positioned outside the inner case, and an insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0028] The "inner case" may include a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment (also referred to as a storage room). The inner case may be formed as one body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates together. The "outer case" may form an appearance of the main body, and be coupled to an outer side of the inner case such that the insulation is positioned between the inner case and the outer case.

[0029] The "insulation" may insulate an inside of the storage compartment from an outside of the storage compartment to maintain inside temperature of the storage compartment at appropriate temperature without being influenced by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a foaming insulation. The foaming insulation may be molded by fixing the inner case and the outer case with jigs, etc. and then injecting and foaming urethane foam as a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to a foaming insulation, or may be configured only with a vacuum insulation instead of a forming insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material accommodating the core material and sealing the inside with vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulation is not limited to the above-mentioned foaming insulation or vacuum insulation, and may include various materials capable of being used for insulation.

[0031] The "storage compartment" may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include the inner case defining the space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store a variety of items, such as food, medicines, cosmetics, and the like, and the storage compartment may be configured to be open on at least one side for insertion and removal of the items.

[0032] The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In a case in which two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different purposes of use, and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the respective storage compartments may be partitioned by a partition wall including an insulation.

[0033] The storage compartment may be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to a purpose of use, and may include a "refrigerating compartment", a "freezing compartment", and a "temperature conversion compartment" according to purposes of use and / or temperature ranges. The refrigerating compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food refrigerating, and the freezing compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. The "refrigerating" may be keeping food cold without freezing the food, and for example, the refrigerating compartment may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. The "freezing" may be freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, the freezing compartment may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degrees Celsius. The temperature conversion compartment may be used as either a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment according to or regardless of a user's selection.

[0034] The storage compartment may also be referred to by various terms, such as "vegetable compartment", "freshness compartment", "cooling compartment", and "ice-making compartment", in addition to "refrigerating compartment", "freezing compartment", and "temperature conversion compartment", and the terms, such as "refrigerating compartment", "freezing compartment", "temperature conversion compartment", etc., as used below are to be understood as representing storage compartments having the corresponding purposes of use and the corresponding temperature ranges.

[0035] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close the open side of the storage compartment. The respective doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted to the front of the main body.

[0036] The "door" may seal the storage compartment in a closed state. The door, like the main body, may include an insulation to insulate the storage compartment in a closed state.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided therein.

[0038] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner door plate to seal the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door plate may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be fitted.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel that is detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided therein.

[0040] The refrigerator may be classified as French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF), Top Mounted Freezer (TMF), or Single Door Refrigerator according to the arrangement of the doors and the storage compartments.

[0041] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

[0042] The "cold air supply device" may include a machine, an apparatus, an electronic device, and / or a combination system thereof, capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerants. To this end, the cold air supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to drive the refrigeration cycle. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect.

[0044] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a machine compartment in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

[0045] The "machine compartment" may be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated by the components installed in the machine compartment from being transferred to the storage compartment. To dissipate heat from the components installed in the machine compartment, the machine compartment may communicate with outside of the main body.

[0046] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to allow access by the user without opening the door.

[0047] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice-making device that produces ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-moving device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice-bucket that stores ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0048] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0049] The "controller" may include a memory for storing and / or recording data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. in accordance with the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0050] The memory may store or record various information, data, instructions, programs, and the like necessary for operation of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0051] The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs an artificial intelligence (AI) model operation. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control an operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0052] Furthermore, the processor may process a user input of a user interface and control an operation of the user interface in accordance with the programs and / or data memorized / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided with an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive the user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor may transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

[0053] The processor and memory may be provided integrally or may be provided separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0054] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all of the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device in accordance with to an output of the temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may be separately provided with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the user interface in accordance with the user input.

[0055] A communication module may communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN.

[0056] The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive the user input and pass the received user input to the processor.

[0057] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, and the like generated by the processor.

[0058] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] In the following description about an embodiment according to a concept of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14, the terms "front direction", "rear direction", "upper direction", "lower direction", "left side", "right side", etc. are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the corresponding components are not limited by the terms. For example, the terms "front direction" and "rear direction" may respectively represent a front direction and a rear direction in an X direction based on the drawings. The terms "upper direction" and "lower direction" may respectively represent an upper direction and a lower direction in a Z direction based on the drawings. The terms "left side" and "right side" may respectively represent a left side and a right side in a Y direction based on the drawings.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 10, storage rooms 21 and 22 provided inside the main body 10, a door 30 that opens or closes the storage rooms 21 and 22, and a cooling system for supplying cool air to the storage rooms 21 and 22.

[0062] The main body 10 may include inner cases 11 and 12 forming the storage rooms 21, 22, and 23, an outer case 13 forming an appearance of the refrigerator 1, and a main body insulation 14 provided between the inner cases 11 and 12 and the outer case 13.

[0063] The outer case 13 may be substantially in a shape of a box which a front side opens. The outer case 13 may form upper and lower surfaces, left and right surfaces, and a rear surface of the refrigerator 1.

[0064] The outer case 13 may include a metal material. For example, the outer case 13 may be manufactured by processing a steel plate material.

[0065] The inner cases 11 and 12 may open in the front sides. The inner cases 11 and 12 may form the storage rooms 21 and 22. The inner cases 11 and 12 may be provided inside the outer case 13. Inner walls of the inner cases 11 and 12 may form inner walls of the storage rooms 21 and 22.

[0066] The inner cases 11 and 12 may include a plastic material. For example, the inner cases 11 and 12 may be manufactured by a vacuum forming process. For example, the inner cases 11 and 12 may be manufactured by an injection molding process.

[0067] The main body insulation 14 may insulate the inner cases 11 and 12 from the outer case 13. The main body insulation 14 may be foamed between the inner cases 11 and 12 and the outer case 13 to couple the inner cases 11 and 12 to the outer case 13. The main body insulation 14 may prevent heat-exchange between insides of the storage rooms 21 and 22 and the outside of the main body 10 to improve cooling efficiency of the storage rooms 21 and 22.

[0068] The main body insulation 14 may be, but is not limited to, an urethane foam insulation, an expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation, a vacuum insulation panel, etc. However, the main body insulation 14 may include various materials.

[0069] The storage rooms 21 and 22 may be formed inside the main body 10. For example, the storage rooms 21 and 22 may include a refrigerating room that is maintained at about 0 °C to 5 °C to keep food refrigerated. For example, the storage rooms 21 and 22 may include a freezing room that is maintained at about 0 °C to 30 °C below zero to keep food frozen.

[0070] Inside the storage rooms 21 and 22, a shelf 18 on which food is put, a storage containers 19 for keeping food, etc. may be provided.

[0071] The main body 10 may include a first inner case 11 and a second inner case 12. The first inner case 11 may form a first storage room 21. The second inner case 12 may form a second storage room 22. For example, the first storage room 21 may be configured as a freezing room. For example, the second storage room 22 may be configured as a refrigerating room.

[0072] In a side-by-side type refrigerator as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first inner case 11 and the second inner case 12 may be arranged side by side in a left-right direction (Y direction) of the refrigerator 1. Likewise, the first storage room 21 and the second storage room 22 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0073] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the left one of the inner cases 11 and 12 is the first inner case 11 which forms the first storage room 21 as a freezing room and the right one of the inner cases 11 and 12 is the second inner case 12 which forms the second storage room 22 as a refrigerating room, although a concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the right one of the inner cases 11 and 12 of the refrigerator 1 may be provided as a refrigerating room, and the left one may be provided as a refrigerating room. However, for convenience of description, the following description will be given based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0074] The main body 10 may include a partition 15 that partitions the first storage room 21 and the second storage room 22 from each other. For example, the partition 15 may extend in the vertical direction (Z direction) to partition the first storage room 21 and the second storage room 22 in a horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0075] The main body insulation 14 may be foamed inside the partition 15 to insulate between the first storage room 21 and the second storage room 22.

[0076] For example, the first inner case 11 and the second inner case 12 may be formed as separate components. The first inner case 11 and the second dinner case 12 may be connected to each other by the partition 15, and coupled with each other by the main body insulation 14, although not limited thereto. However, the first inner case 11 and the second dinner case 12 may be integrated into one body.

[0077] The refrigerator 1 may include a cooling system for generating cool air by using a cooling cycle and supplying the generated cool air to the storage rooms 21 and 22. The cooling system may generate cool air by using a cooling circulation cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating refrigerants. For example, the cooling system may include a compressor 73, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator 71, and a blowing fan 72.

[0078] The main body 10 may be provided with a cooling room 50 and a machine room 60 where the cooling system is positioned. For example, the cooling room 50 may be provided with components, such as the evaporator 71 for generating cool air and the blowing fan 72 for moving cool air generated by the evaporator 71. The machine room 60 may be provided with components, such as the compressor 73 and the condenser.

[0079] The cooling room 50 may be positioned behind the storage rooms 21 and 22. The machine room 60 may be positioned behind the storage rooms 21 and 22.

[0080] Because cool air is generated by the evaporator 71 inside the cooling room 50, the cooling room 50 may be maintained at a relatively low temperature. Unlike this, because heat is generated by the compressor 73, the condenser, etc. in the machine room 60, the machine room 60 may be maintained at a relatively high temperature. Accordingly, the cooling room 50 and the machine room 60 may be formed in separate spaces and insulated from each other. For example, the main body insulation 14 may be foamed between the cooling room 50 and the machine room 60.

[0081] The main body 10 may include a cool air supply duct 16. The cool air supply duct 16 may form a flow path of cool air through which cool air generated by the cooling system flows to the storage rooms 21 and 22.

[0082] The cool air supply duct 16 may be formed inside the inner cases 11 and 12. The cool air supply duct 16 may be formed in rear portions of the inner cases 11 and 12. More specifically, the cool air supply duct 16 may be provided in rear portions of the storage rooms 21 and 22.

[0083] For example, the cooling room 50 may be provided behind the first storage room 21. The cooling room 50 may communicate with the first storage room 21 by the cool air supply duct 16. The cool air supply duct 16 may be provided in a rear portion of the first storage room 21, and the cooling room 50 may be formed between the cool air supply duct 16 and an inner case rear wall 11c forming a rear wall of the first inner case 11. The first inner case 11 and the second inner case 12 may communicate with each other by a connection duct (not shown) coupled to a rear portion of the first inner case 11 and a rear portion of the second inner case 12.

[0084] In this case, cool air generated by a single evaporator 71 may flow into the first storage room 21 or the second storage room 22. Cool air generated by the single evaporator 71 may have a preset range of temperature. Accordingly, to maintain the first storage room 21 and the second storage room 22 at different temperatures, an amount of cool air supplied to the first storage room 21 may be different from an amount of cool air supplied to the second storage room 22.

[0085] For example, the cool air supply duct 16 may be provided with a damper (not shown) for adjusting an amount of cool air to be supplied to the second storage room 22 through the connection duct among cool air generated in the cooling room 50. The damper may open or close a flow path of cool air that moves from the cooling room 50 to the second storage room 22 through the connection duct. The first storage room 21 and the second storage room 22 may be provided with temperature sensors (not shown) for measuring temperatures of the first storage room 21 and the second storage room 22, respectively, and a controller (not shown) of the refrigerator 1 may control opening / closing of the damper by receiving output values from the temperature sensors, although not limited thereto.

[0086] However, there may be various components for maintaining the first storage room 21 and the second storage room 22 at different temperatures. For example, two or more evaporators may be provided in the cooling room 50. At least one evaporator may generate cool air that is supplied to the first storage room 21, and at least another evaporator may generate cool air that is supplied to the second storage room 22. In the cooling room 40, two or more blowing fans may be provided to correspond to the respective evaporators. The evaporator and the blowing fan for supplying cool air to the first storage room 21 and the evaporator and the blowing fan for supplying cool air to the second storage room 22 may be positioned in spaces partitioned inside the cooling room 50.

[0087] The door 30 may open or close the storage rooms 21 and 22. The door 30 may be rotatable with respect to the main body 10. More specifically, the door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 by a hinge connected to the door 30 and the main body 10. The hinge 40 may be coupled to the door 30 and the outer case 13.

[0088] The refrigerator 1 may include a plurality of doors 30 that respectively open or close the first storage room 21 and the second storage room 22.

[0089] An outer side of the door 30 may form a part of an appearance of the refrigerator 1. While the door 30 is in a closed position, the outer side of the door 30 may form a front side of the door 30.

[0090] While the door 30 is in the closed position, an inner side of the door 30 may form a rear side of the door 30. While the door 30 is in the closed position, the inner side of the door 30 may face inside of the main body 10. While the door 30 is in the closed position, the inner side of the door 30 may cover front sides of the storage rooms 21 and 22.

[0091] A foaming space may be formed between the outer side of the door 30 and the inner side of the door 30 and a door insulation 31 may be foamed into the foaming space. The door insulation 31 may prevent heat exchange between the outer side and inner side of the door 30. The door insulation 31 may improve insulation performance between the insides of the storage rooms 21 and 21 and outside of the door 30.

[0092] The door insulation 31 may be, but is not limited to, an urethane foam insulation, an EPS insulation, a vacuum insulation panel, etc. However, the door insulation 31 may include various materials.

[0093] For example, the door insulation 31 may be made of the same insulation material as the main body insulation 14. Unlike this, the door insulation 31 may be made of another insulation material that is different from the main body insulation 14.

[0094] A door gasket 33 may be provided on the inner side of the door 30 to seal a gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 and thereby prevent leakage of cool air in the storage rooms 21 and 22. The door gasket 33 may be positioned along a circumference of the inner side of the door 30. The door gasket 33 may be positioned in parallel to openings of the first storage room 21 and the second storage room 22 while the door 30 is in the closed state. The door gasket 33 may include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0095] On the rear side of the door 30, a door basket 32 for keeping food may be provided.

[0096] The refrigerator 1 may include an ice maker 1000 that forms ice by using cool air of the first storage room 21. The ice maker 1000 may include ice making units 1300 and 1400 (see FIG. 5, etc.) that form ice, and a support case 1200 (see FIG. 3 etc.) that supports the ice making units 1300 and 1400.

[0097] The ice maker 1000 may be provided in the first storage room 21 configured as a freezing room. The ice maker 1000 may be mounted on the first inner case 11. The ice maker 1000 may be supported by a first inner wall 11a and a second inner wall 11b which will be described below.

[0098] The refrigerator 1 may further include a water supply pipe 80 through which water is supplied from an external water supply source (not shown). The water supply pipe 80 may supply water received from the external water supply source to the ice maker 1000. The ice maker 1000 may form ice by using water supplied through the water supply pipe 80.

[0099] The water supply pipe 80 may have a shape of a pipe with a hollow space, and a water supply path through which water flows may be formed in the hollow space of the water supply pipe 80.

[0100] The number of the water supply pipe 80 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 (see FIG. 5, ETC.), and a plurality of water supply pipes 80 may be provided to supply water to the first ice making unit 1300 and the second ice making unit 1400.

[0101] The water supply pipe 80 may penetrate the main body 10. The water supply pipe 80 may penetrate the outer case 13 and the first inner case 11. More specifically, the water supply pipe 80 may penetrate rear sides of the outer case 13 and the first inner case 11. The rear side of the inner case 11 may mean the inner case rear wall 11c of the first inner case 11. Also, the water supply pipe 80 may penetrate the cool air supply duct 16.

[0102] The refrigerator 1 may include an ice bucket 100 that accommodates ice formed by the ice maker 1000. The ice bucket 100 may be provided in the first storage room 21. The ice bucket 100 may be mounted on the first inner case 11.

[0103] The ice bucket 100 may be positioned below the ice maker 1000. The ice bucket 100 may accommodate ice discharged from the ice making units 1300 and 1400 and moved downward.

[0104] Detailed characteristics of the ice maker 1000 and the ice bucket 100 will be described below.

[0105] The components of the refrigerator 1 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are only an example for describing the refrigerator according to a concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigerator according to a concept of the present disclosure may include various components for performing a function of supplying cool air to the storage rooms that store food.

[0106] So far, for convenience of description, a side-by-side type refrigerator 1 in which a refrigerating room and a freezing room are positioned in the left-right direction has been described as an example of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator according to a concept of the present disclosure may include various types of refrigerators, such as a Frech Door type, a Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF) type, a Top Mounted Freezer (TMF) type, or a 1-door type.

[0107] Also, although the refrigerator 1 which is an indirect-cooling type has been described as an example of the present disclosure, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may also be applied to a direct-cooling type refrigerator.

[0108] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the ice maker 1000 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in the first storage room 21. The ice maker 1000 may be mounted on the first inner case 11. The ice maker 1000 may be supported on the inner wall of the first inner case 11.

[0110] The inner wall of the first inner case 11 may include the first inner wall 11a, the second inner wall 11b facing the first inner wall 11a, the inner case rear wall 11c provided 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 case 11, positioned in a left side of the refrigerator 1 seen from the front. The second inner wall 11b may refer to an inner wall of the inner case 11, facing the first inner wall 11a and positioned in a right side of the refrigerator 1 seen from the front. A front side of the inner case rear wall 11c may be covered by the cool air supply duct 16.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first inner wall 11a may be adjacent to a left outer side of the outer case 13, and the second inner wall 11b may be adjacent to the partition 15.

[0112] However, in the present disclosure, the terms "first inner wall" and "second inner wall" of the present disclosure are merely terms for defining inner walls positioned to face each other among the inner walls of the first inner case 11, and the definition of the inner walls of the inner cases is not limited by expressions such as "first", "second", etc. For example, the inner wall 11b of the inner case 11 positioned in the right side of the refrigerator 1 seen from the front may be referred to as a first inner wall, and the inner wall 11b of the inner case 11 positioned in the left side of the refrigerator 1 seen from the front may be referred to as a second inner wall.

[0113] Hereinafter, the first inner wall 11a may be defined as a left inner wall in Y direction of the first inner case 11 based on the drawings. Also, the second inner wall 11b may be defined as a right inner wall in Y direction of the first inner case 11 based on the drawings.

[0114] The ice maker 1000 may be supported by the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b of the first inner case 11. The ice maker 1000 may be positioned between the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b.

[0115] The ice maker 1000 may include the support case 1200 that supports ice trays 1310 and 1410 which will be described below. The support case 1200 may support the ice making units 1300 and 1400 (see FIG. 5).

[0116] The support case 1200 may be positioned in the first storage room 21. The support case 1200 may be mounted on the first inner case 11. The support case 1200 may be supported by the inner walls 11a and 11b of the first inner case 11.

[0117] The first inner case 11 may include support portions 11s1 and 11s2 that support the support case 1200. The support portions 11s1 and 11s2 may protrude to support the support case 1200.

[0118] More specifically, the first inner wall 11a may include a first support portion 11s1 protruding to support the support case 1200. The first support portion 11s1 may protrude toward an inner space of the first storage room 21. The first support portion 11s1 may protrude in a right direction as shown in the drawings.

[0119] The second inner wall 11b may include a second support portion 11s2 (see FIG. 11, etc.) protruding to support the support case 1200. The second support portion 11s2 may protrude toward the inner space of the first storage room 21. The second support portion 11s2 may protrude in a left direction as shown in the drawings.

[0120] The first support portion 11s1 and the second support portion 11s2 may face each other. The first support portion 11s1 and the second support portion 11s2 may be arranged at corresponding heights in the Z direction. The first support portion 11s1 and the second support portion 11s2 may have corresponding shapes.

[0121] The support case 1200 may include an inner case installing portion 1218 that is supported by the support portions 11s1 and 11s2. The inner case installing portion 1218 may be rested on the support portions 11s1 and 11s2. The support portions 11s1 and 11s2 may support a lower side of the inner case installing portion 1218.

[0122] For example, the support portions 11s1 and 11s2 may support an upper portion of the support case 1200. The inner case installing portion 1218 may be provided in the upper portion of the support case 1200. More specifically, the inner case installing portion 1218 may be provided in an upper portion of a case body 1210 which will be described below. In this case, the support case 1200 may be more stably supported compared to a case in which a lower portion of the support case 1200 is supported by the support portions 11s1 and 11s2.

[0123] The support portions 11s1 and 11s2 may extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to a front-rear direction of the first inner case 11. Accordingly, the support case 1200 may be stably supported by the support portions 11s1 and 11s2 in upper and lower directions (Z direction) of the first inner case 11.

[0124] For example, the support case 1200 may be mounted on the first inner case 11 by sliding from a front portion of the first inner case 11 to a rear portion of the first inner case 11 along the support portions 11s1 and 11s2 that extend substantially parallel to the front-rear direction of the first inner case 11. In other words, in an operation of assembling the support case 1200 into the first inner case 11, the support case 1200 may be inserted into the inner case 11 by sliding from the front portion of the first inner case 11 toward the rear portion.

[0125] While the support case 1200 is mounted on the first inner case 11, a mounting position of the support case 1200 in the first inner case 11 and a mounting direction of the support case 1200 onto the first inner case 11 may be guided by the support portions 11s1 and 11s2, although not limited thereto.

[0126] However, there may be various methods in which the support case 1200 is mounted on the first inner case 11. For example, the support case 1200 may be mounted on the first inner case 11 by moving up and down relative to the first inner case 11, and in this case, the support portions 11s1 and 11s2 may also extend substantially parallel to the front-rear direction of the first inner case 11.

[0127] The above-described shapes of the first support portion 11s1 and the second support portion 11s2 may be only an example of a support portion of the inner case configured to support the ice maker of the refrigerator according to a concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a support portion of the inner case for supporting the support case of the ice maker may have a shape concavely depressed from the inner wall of the inner case toward the outside of the refrigerator. In this case, the support case may include a part protruding toward the inner wall of the inner case, and by inserting the protruding part of the support case into the support portion having the concave shape, the support case may be supported by the inner case.

[0128] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the support portions 11s1 and 11s2 protrude to support the support case 1200 will be described, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0129] The support case 1200 may form at least a part of an appearance of the ice maker 1000. More specifically, a front portion 1260 of the support case 1200 may form a front appearance of the ice maker 1000. For example, a width in Y direction of the front portion 1260 of the support case 1200 may correspond to a distance between the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b.

[0130] A detailed structure of the support case 1200 will be described below.

[0131] The ice maker 1000 may include a case cover 1100 that covers one side of the support case 1200. For example, the case cover 1100 may be coupled to the upper portion of the support case 1200 and cover the support case 1200 from above.

[0132] For example, the case cover 1100 may be detachably installed on the support case 1200. Unlike this, for example, the case cover 110 may be integrated into the support case 1200.

[0133] The case cover 1100 may form at least a part of the appearance of the ice maker 1000. The case cover 1100 may form an upper surface of the ice maker 1000.

[0134] The case cover 1100 may cover at least a part of the water supply pipe 80. More specifically, the case cover 1100 may cover at least a part of the water supply pipe 80 located inside the first storage room 21.

[0135] In the first storage room 21, the ice bucket 100 may be provided. The ice bucket 100 may be mounted on the first inner case 11. More specifically, the ice bucket 100 may be supported by the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b of the first inner case 11.

[0136] The ice bucket 100 may be positioned below the ice maker 1000. The ice bucket 100 may accommodate ice discharged from the ice making units 1300 and 1400 and moved downward.

[0137] For example, the ice bucket 100 may include a first accommodating portion 110 that accommodates ice formed by the first ice making unit 1300 (see FIG. 5), and a second accommodating portion 120 that accommodates ice formed by the second ice making unit 1400 (see FIG. 5). The first accommodating portion 110 may be positioned below the first ice making unit 1300. The second accommodating portion 120 may be positioned below the second ice making unit 1400.

[0138] In the first storage room 21, a bucket shelf 17 that supports the ice bucket 100 may be provided. The ice bucket 100 may be rested on the bucket shelf 17. The bucket shelf 17 may be supported by the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b.

[0139] More specifically, the bucket shelf 17 may be supported by a bucket support portion 11s3. The bucket support portion 11s3 may be formed on each of the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b.

[0140] The bucket support portion 11s3 may extend along the front-rear direction of the first inner case 11.

[0141] For example, the ice bucket 100 may be inserted into or taken out of the first storage room 21. That is, the ice bucket 100 may be mounted on the first inner case 11 in such a way as to be slidable relative to the first inner case 11. For example, the bucket shelf 17 may be slidable along the bucket support portion 11s3. The bucket shelf 17 may be inserted into or taken out of the first storage room 21 along the bucket support portion 11s3, and the ice bucket 100 rested on the bucket shelf 17 may be inserted into or taken out of the first storage room 21 together with the bucket shelf 17.

[0142] However, the above-described ice bucket 100 is only an example of a component for storing ice formed by the ice making units in the refrigerator according to a concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0143] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing an ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a support case of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the ice maker 1000 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the ice making units 1300 and 1400. The ice making units 1300 and 1400 may be supported by the support case 1200.

[0145] The ice making units 1300 and 1400 provided in the ice maker 1000 may form various shapes of ice.

[0146] For example, the ice maker 1000 may include a first ice making unit 1300 that forms a first type of ice. For example, the ice maker 1000 may include a second ice making unit 1400 that forms a second type of ice.

[0147] A shape, size, etc. of the first type of ice formed by the first ice making unit 1300 may be different from those of the second type of ice formed by the second ice making unit 1400.

[0148] For example, the first type of ice may be ice having a substantially cube shape. For example, the second type of ice may be formed to have a substantially cube shape, or a shape similar to the first type of ice but having a different size from the first type of ice. As shown in FIG. 5, the first type of ice formed by the first ice making unit 1300 may be smaller than the second type of ice formed by the second ice making unit 1400, although not limited thereto.

[0149] However, the first type or second type of ice may be ice having a substantially spherical shape. Alternatively, unlike as described above, the ice maker 1000 may form only one type of ice.

[0150] Hereinafter, an example of a configuration of the first ice making unit 1300 will be described in detail.

[0151] The first ice making unit 1300 may include a first ice tray 1310 that forms ice. The first ice tray 1310 may receive water from the water supply pipe 80.

[0152] The first ice tray 1310 may include at least one first ice making cell 1311 that stores water supplied from the water supply pipe 80. The water stored in the first ice making cell 1311 may change to ice by cool air of the first storage room 21. In the case in which a plurality of first ice making cells 1311 are provided as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of first ice making cells 1311 may be partitioned by a partition wall.

[0153] One sides of the first ice tray 1310 and the first ice making cell 1311 may open. While water is supplied to the first ice tray 1310 or water is frozen in the first ice tray 1310, the open sides of the first ice tray 1310 and the first ice making cell 1311 may substantially face an upper side of the refrigerator 1. While ice formed in the first ice tray 1310 moves to the ice bucket 100, the open sides of the first ice tray 1310 and the first ice making cell 1311 may substantially face a lower side of the refrigerator 1.

[0154] The first ice tray 1310 may include a first rotation shaft 1313. The first rotation shaft 1313 may protrude from one side (for example, a rear side) of the first ice tray 1310 toward an outer direction (for example, a rear direction) of the first ice tray 1310.

[0155] The first ice making unit 1300 may include a first driver 1320 for providing power to the first ice tray 1310 in an ice-transfer operation of moving ice formed in the first ice tray 1310 to the first accommodating portion 110 of the ice bucket 100. For example, the first driver 1320 may enable the first ice tray 1310 to rotate on the first rotation shaft 1313 extending in a horizontal direction (for example, the X direction) of the refrigerator 1 and move ice in the first ice tray 1310 to the first accommodating portion 110.

[0156] The first driver 1320 may be coupled to the first ice tray 1310. The first driver 1320 may be coupled to one side of the first ice tray 1310 in the extension direction of the first rotation shaft 1313. The first ice tray 1310 may include a first driver coupling portion 1312 to which the first driver 1320 is coupled. The first driver coupling portion 1312 may be provided at one side of the first ice tray 1310 which faces the first driver 1320.

[0157] The first driver 1320 may include a motor (not shown), a power transfer member, etc. The motor of the first driver 1320 may generate power, and the power transfer member may receive power from the motor and transfer the power to the first ice tray 1310. The power transfer member of the first driver 1320 may be connected to the first driver coupling portion 1312. The power transfer member of the first driver 1320 may include, for example, at least one gear.

[0158] The first ice tray 1310 may be coupled to a shaft coupling hole 1241 provided in a case rear wall 1240 of the support case 1200. The first rotation shaft 1313 of the first ice tray 1310 may be coupled to the shaft coupling hole 1241. The first rotation shaft 1313 may penetrate the shaft coupling hole 1241. The shaft coupling hole 1241 may be opposite to the first driver coupling portion 1312 with respect to the first ice tray 1310. The shaft coupling hole 1241 may rotatably support the first ice tray 1310.

[0159] By this configuration, the first ice tray 1310 may receive power from the first driver 1320 and rotate on the rotation shaft extending in the horizontal direction of the refrigerator 1. In an ice-transfer operation of moving ice from the first ice making unit 1300 to the ice bucket 100, ice formed in the first ice tray 1310 may be discharged from the first ice making cell 1311 according to a rotation of the first ice tray 1310 and move to the first accommodating portion 110.

[0160] The first ice making unit 1300 may include a first full ice sensing lever 1330. The first full ice sensing lever 1330 may identify whether ice is full in the first accommodating portion 110 of the ice bucket 100 positioned below the ice maker 1000.

[0161] The first full ice sensing lever 1330 may be coupled to the first driver 1320. More specifically, the first full ice sensing lever 1330 may be coupled to a side portion of the first driver 1320. The first full ice sensing lever 1330 may include a first lever installing portion 1331 coupled to a case of the first driver 1320.

[0162] The first full ice sensing lever 1330 may be rotatably coupled to the first driver 1320. The first full ice sensing lever 1330 may rotate by using the first lever installing portion 1331 as an axis. A rotation shaft of the first full ice sensing lever 1330 may extend in the horizontal direction (for example, the Y direction).

[0163] According to identification by the first full ice sensing lever 1330 that ice is full in the first accommodating portion 110, the controller (not shown) may perform control of stopping supplying water to the ice maker 1000, thereby preventing excessive ice from being collected in the ice bucket 100.

[0164] The first ice making unit 1300 may include a first sensor 1341. The first sensor 1341 may be mounted on a lower portion of the first ice tray 1310. The first sensor 1341 may be a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the first ice tray 1310.

[0165] According to a temperature of the first ice tray 1310 being identified to be lower than a reference temperature based on an electrical signal output from the first sensor 1341, the controller (not shown) may identify that ice formation of the first ice tray 1310 is completed. Based on ice formation of the first ice tray 1310 being completed, the controller (not shown) may control driving of the first driver 1320 to rotate the first ice tray 1310. Therefore, ice formed in the first ice tray 1310 may be collected in the first accommodating portion 110 of the ice bucket 100 positioned below the first ice tray 1310.

[0166] The first ice making unit 1300 may include a first insulation 1342. The first insulation 1342 may accommodate the first sensor 1341.

[0167] The first ice making unit 1300 may include a first sensor case 1343. The first sensor case 1343 may accommodate the first insulation 1342. The first sensor 1341 may be connected to a wire through the first sensor case 1343 to receive power or transfer an electrical signal to the controller (not shown).

[0168] The second ice making unit 1400 may have a similar structure to the first ice making unit 1300.

[0169] Hereinafter, an example of a configuration of the second ice making unit 1400 will be described in detail.

[0170] The second ice making unit 1400 may include a second ice tray 1410 that forms ice. The second ice tray 1410 may receive water from the water supply pipe 80.

[0171] The second ice tray 1410 may include a second ice making cell 1411 that stores water supplied from the water supply pipe 80. The water stored in the second ice making cell 1411 may change to ice by cool air of the first storage room 21. In the case in which a plurality of second ice making cells 1411 are provided as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of second ice making cells 1411 may be partitioned by a partition wall.

[0172] One sides of the second ice tray 1410 and the second ice making cell 1411 may open. While water is supplied to the second ice tray 1410 or water is frozen in the second ice tray 1410, the open sides of the second ice tray 1410 and the second ice making cell 1411 may substantially face the upper side of the refrigerator 1. While ice formed in the second ice tray 1410 moves to the ice bucket 100, the open sides of the second ice tray 1410 and the second ice making cell 1411 may substantially face the lower side of the refrigerator 1.

[0173] The second ice tray 1410 may include a second rotation shaft 1413. The second rotation shaft 1413 may protrude from one side (for example, a rear side) of the second ice tray 1410 toward an outer direction (for example, a rear direction) of the second ice tray 1410.

[0174] The second ice making unit 1400 may include a second driver 1420 for providing power to the second ice tray 1410 in an ice-transfer operation of moving ice formed in the second ice tray 1410 to the second accommodating portion 120 of the ice bucket 100. For example, the second driver 1420 may enable the second ice tray 1410 to rotate on the second rotation shaft 1413 extending in the horizontal direction (for example, the X direction) of the refrigerator 1 and move ice in the second ice tray 1410 to the second accommodating portion 120.

[0175] The second driver 1420 may be coupled to the second ice tray 1410. The second driver 1420 may be coupled to one side of the second ice tray 1410 in the extension direction of the second rotation shaft 1413. The second ice tray 1410 may include a second driver coupling portion 1412 to which the first driver 1420 is coupled. The second driver coupling portion 1412 may be provided at one side of the second ice tray 1410 which faces the second driver 1420.

[0176] The second driver 1420 may include a motor (not shown), a power transfer member, etc. The motor of the second driver 1420 may generate power, and the power transfer member may receive power from the motor and transfer the power to the second ice tray 1410. The power transfer member of the second driver 1420 may be connected to the second driver coupling portion 1412. The power transfer member of the second driver 1420 may include, for example, at least one gear.

[0177] The second ice tray 1410 may be coupled to the shaft coupling hole 1241 provided in the case rear wall 1240 of the support case 1200. The second rotation shaft 1413 of the second ice tray 1410 may be coupled to the shaft coupling hole 1241. The second rotation shaft 1413 may penetrate the shaft coupling hole 1241. The shaft coupling hole 1241 may be opposite to the second driver coupling portion 1412 with respect to the second ice tray 1410. The shaft coupling hole 1241 may rotatably support the second ice tray 1410.

[0178] By this configuration, the second ice tray 1410 may receive power from the second driver 1420 and rotate on the rotation shaft extending in the horizontal direction of the refrigerator 1. In an ice-transfer operation of moving ice from the second ice making unit 1400 to the ice bucket 100, ice formed in the second ice tray 1410 may be discharged from the second ice making cell 1411 according to a rotation of the second ice tray 1410 and move to the second accommodating portion 120.

[0179] The second ice making unit 1400 may include a second full ice sensing lever 1430. The second full ice sensing lever 1430 may identify whether ice is full in the second accommodating portion 120 of the ice bucket 100 positioned below the ice maker 1000.

[0180] The second full ice sensing lever 1430 may be coupled to the second driver 1420. More specifically, the second full ice sensing lever 1430 may be coupled to a side portion of the second driver 1420. The second full ice sensing lever 1430 may include a second lever installing portion 1431 coupled to a case of the second driver 1420.

[0181] The second full ice sensing lever 1430 may be rotatably coupled to the second driver 1420. The second full ice sensing lever 1430 may rotate by using the second lever installing portion 1431 as an axis. A rotation shaft of the second full ice sensing lever 1430 may extend in the horizontal direction (for example, the Y direction).

[0182] According to identification by the second full ice sensing lever 1430 that ice is full in the second accommodating portion 120, the controller (not shown) may perform control of stopping supplying water to the ice maker 1000, thereby preventing excessive ice from being collected in the ice bucket 100.

[0183] The second ice making unit 1400 may include a second sensor 1441. The second sensor 1441 may be mounted on a lower portion of the second ice tray 1410. The second sensor 1441 may be a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the second ice tray 1410.

[0184] According to a temperature of the second ice tray 1410 being identified to be lower than a reference temperature based on an electrical signal output from the second sensor 1441, the controller (not shown) may identify that ice formation of the second ice tray 1410 is completed. Based on ice formation of the second ice tray 1410 being completed, the controller (not shown) may control driving of the second driver 1420 to rotate the second ice tray 1410. Therefore, ice formed in the second ice tray 1410 may be collected in the second accommodating portion 120 of the ice bucket 100 positioned below the second ice tray 1410.

[0185] The second ice making unit 1400 may include a second insulation 1442. The second insulation 1442 may accommodate the second sensor 1441.

[0186] The second ice making unit 1400 may include a second sensor case 1443. The second sensor case 1443 may accommodate the second insulation 1442. The second sensor 1441 may be connected to a wire through the second sensor case 1443 to receive power or transfer an electrical signal to the controller (not shown).

[0187] The above-described components of the ice making units 1300 and 1400 are only an example of an ice making unit of forming ice in the refrigerator according to a concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0188] The first ice making unit 1300 and the second ice making unit 1400 may be positioned in an inner space of the support case 1200. The first ice making unit 1300 and the second ice making unit 1400 may be positioned at a lower location than the upper side of the support case 1200. The first ice making unit 1300 and the second ice making unit 1400 may be positioned in a space formed by the case rear wall 1240 and case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230L, and 1230R which will be described below.

[0189] The first ice making unit 1300 and the second ice making unit 1400 may be arranged in parallel to each other. For example, the first ice making unit 1300 and the second ice making unit 1400 may be arranged in parallel to each other in the left-right direction (Y direction) of the refrigerator 1.

[0190] The support case 1200 may substantially have a box shape. The support case 1200 may have a box shape of which at least one side opens. For example, the support case 1200 may have a shape that opens in a direction toward the ice bucket 100, that is, downward. For example, the support case 1200 may have, but is not limited to, a shape of which a rear side opens. However, the support case 1200 may have various shapes.

[0191] Hereinafter, a structure of the support case 1200 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0192] The support case 1200 may include the case body 1210. The case body 1210 may be supported by the first inner case 11.

[0193] The case body 1210 may be supported on the first support portion 11s1 and the second support portion 11s2. For example, the case body 1210 may be supported on the first support portion 11s1 and the second support portion 11s2 by the inner case installing portion 1218.

[0194] While the case body 1210 is supported on the first support portion 11s1 and the second support portion 11s2, the case body 1210 may be maintained at a substantially fixed position with respect to the first inner case 11.

[0195] The above-described case cover 1100 may be coupled to an upper portion of the case body 1210.

[0196] The case body 1210 may support the ice making units 1300 and 1400. The case body 1210 may include ice making unit installing portions 1213 in which the first ice making unit 1300 and the second ice making unit 1400 are respectively installed. The ice making unit installing portions 1213 may be formed inside the case body 1210.

[0197] For example, the ice making unit installing portions 1213 may be provided in the upper portion of the case body 1210. The ice making unit installing portions 1213 may support upper portions of the first ice making unit 1300 and the second ice making unit 1400. However, positions of the ice making unit installing portions 1213 are not limited thereto.

[0198] The case body 1210 may include a tray partition 1215 positioned between the first ice making unit 1300 and the second ice making unit 1400. The tray partition 1215 may partition accommodating spaces of the first ice tray 1310 and the second ice tray 1410 from each other. The tray partition 1215 may be positioned in the inner space of the support case 1200.

[0199] For example, the tray partition 1215 may extend downward from an upper side of the case body 1210.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of slits may be formed in the tray partition 1215 to improve flowability of cool air inside the support case 1200.

[0201] The support case 1200 may include a water supply opening 1217 formed to supply water to the ice trays 1310 and 1410 through the water supply pipe 80.

[0202] The water supply opening 1217 may be provided in the upper portion of the case body 1210. The water supply opening 1217 may be formed in the upper side of the case body 1210. The water supply opening 1217 may penetrate the upper side of the case body 1210 in the upper and lower directions (Z direction).

[0203] The water supply opening 1217 may be covered by the case cover 1100.

[0204] The water supply opening 1217 may be positioned above the ice trays 1310 and 1410.

[0205] The number of the water supply opening 1217 may correspond to the number of the ice trays 1310 and 1410. For example, a pair of water supply openings 1217 may be respectively positioned above the first ice tray 1310 and the second ice tray 1410.

[0206] The number of the water supply opening 1217 may correspond to the number of the water supply pipe 80, although not limited thereto.

[0207] However, for example, a plurality of water supply pipes 80 may supply water to the ice trays 1310 and 1410 through a single water supply opening 1217.

[0208] The support case 1200 may include the case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230L, and 1230R. The case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230L, and 1230R may extend in the substantially upper and lower directions (Z direction) of the refrigerator 1. The case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230L, and 1230R may form at least a part of a left outer wall and a right outer wall of the support case 1200.

[0209] At least a part of the case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230L, and 1230R may face the first inner wall 11a or the second inner wall 11b of the first inner case 11.

[0210] Left case walls 1220L and 1230L of the support case 1200 may face the first inner wall 11a. The left case walls 1220L and 1230L of the support case 1200 may be formed in substantially parallel to the first inner wall 11a.

[0211] Right case walls 1220R and 1230R of the support case 1200 may face the second inner wall 11b. The right case walls 1220R and 1230R of the support case 1200 may be formed in substantially parallel to the second inner wall 11b.

[0212] The case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230L, and 1230R may be connected to the case body 1210. More specifically, the case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230L, and 1230R may be positioned below the upper side of the case body 1210. The case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230L, and 1230R may be positioned below the inner case installing portion 1218 of the case body 1210.

[0213] The case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230L, and 1230R may be positioned below the support portions 11s1 and 11s2 of the first inner case 11.

[0214] The support case 1200 may include elastic walls 1220L and 1220R. The elastic walls 1220L and 1220R may be elastically deformable while an external force is applied thereto.

[0215] The elastic walls 1220L and 1220R may be connected to the case body 1210. According to elastic deformation of the elastic walls 1220L and 1220R, the elastic walls 1220L and 1220R may change relative positions with respect to the case body 1210. The elastic walls 1220L and 1220R may be components of the case walls of the support case 1200.

[0216] The elastic walls of the support case 1200 may include a first elastic wall 1220L that faces the first inner wall 11a. The first elastic wall 1220L may be a component of the left case walls of the support case 1200. At least a part of the first elastic wall 1220L may be in contact with the first inner wall 11a. At least a part of the first elastic wall 1220L may be coupled to the first inner wall 11a.

[0217] The elastic walls of the support case 1200 may include a second elastic wall 1220R that faces the second inner wall 11b. The second elastic wall 1220R may be a component of the right case walls of the support case 1200. At least a part of the second elastic wall 1220R may be in contact with the second inner wall 11b. At least a part of the second elastic wall 1220R may be coupled to the second inner wall 11b.

[0218] The first elastic wall 1220L and the second elastic wall 1220R may face each other.

[0219] The support case 1200 may include fixed walls 1230L and 1230R.

[0220] The fixed walls 1230L and 1230R may be connected to the case body 1210. The fixed walls 1230L and 1230R may be maintained at fixed positions with respect to the case body 1210, and more specifically, even while the elastic walls 1220L and 1220R are elastically deformed, the fixed walls 1230L and 1230R may be maintained at fixed positions regardless of the elastic deformation. The fixed walls 1230L and 1230R may be components of the case walls of the support case 1200.

[0221] The fixed walls of the support case 1200 may include a first fixed wall 1230L that faces the first inner wall 11a. The first fixed wall 1230L may be a component of the left case walls of the support case 1200. The first fixed wall 1230L may be spaced from the first inner wall 11a. Because the first fixed wall 1230L is spaced from the first inner wall 11a, flowability of cool air in the first storage room 21 may be improved, and frost formation on a contact surface of the first fixed wall 1230L being into contact with the first inner wall 11a may be prevented.

[0222] The first fixed wall 1230L may be aligned with the first elastic wall 1220L. More specifically, the first fixed wall 1230L may be aligned with the first elastic wall 1220L in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0223] The fixed walls of the support case 1200 may include a second fixed wall 1230R that faces the second inner wall 11b. The second fixed wall 1230R may be a component of the right case walls of the support case 1200. The second fixed wall 1230R may be spaced from the second inner wall 11b. Because the second fixed wall 1230R is spaced from the second inner wall 11b, flowability of cool air in the first storage room 21 may be improved, and frost formation on a contact surface of the second fixed wall 1230R being into contact with the second inner wall 11b may be prevented.

[0224] The second fixed wall 1230R may be aligned with the second elastic wall 1220R. More specifically, the second fixed wall 1230R may be aligned with the second elastic wall 1220R in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0225] The first fixed wall 1230L and the second fixed wall 1230R may face each other.

[0226] The support case 1200 may include the case rear wall 1240. The case rear wall 1240 may extend in the substantially upper and lower directions (Z direction) of the refrigerator 1. The case rear wall 1240 may form at least a part of the rear outer wall of the support case 1200. The case rear wall 1240 may be provided in a rear portion of the support case 1200.

[0227] The case rear wall 1240 may face the inner case rear wall 11c of the first inner case 11.

[0228] The case rear wall 1240 may face the cool air supply duct 16. The case rear wall 1240 may face the front portion 1260 of the support case 1200.

[0229] The case rear wall 1240 may be connected to the case body 1210. More specifically, the case rear wall 1240 may be positioned below the upper side of the case body 1210. The case rear wall 1240 may be positioned below the inner case installing portion 1218 of the case body 1210.

[0230] The case rear wall 1240 may be maintained at a fixed position with respect to the case body 1210.

[0231] For example, the first fixed wall 1230L may be connected to the case rear wall 1240. Also, for example, the second fixed wall 1230R may be connected to the case rear wall 1240. That is, the case rear wall 1240 may connect the first fixed wall 1230L to the second fixed wall 1230R.

[0232] In other words, the case rear wall 1240 may connect at least a part of the first fixed wall 1230L to at least a part of the second fixed wall 1230R. Here, the at least a part of the first fixed wall 1230L may be at least a part positioned behind the first elastic wall 1220L and positioned behind a first elastic deformation portion 1222L which will be described below. Also, the at least a part of the second fixed wall 1230R may be at least a part positioned behind the second elastic wall 1220R and positioned behind a second elastic deformation portion 1222R which will be described below.

[0233] The first fixed wall 1230L, the second fixed wall 1230R, and the case rear wall 1240 may be integrated into one body.

[0234] While an ice-transfer operation of the first ice making unit 1300 or the second ice making unit 1400 is performed, the first ice tray 1310 or the second ice tray 1410 may rotate on the rotation shaft 1313 or 1413 coupled to the shaft coupling hole 1241. At this time, the support case 1200 may receive torsion stress according to the rotation operation of the ice tray 1310 or 1410, and the torsion stress may be particularly focused on the case rear wall 1240.

[0235] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the case in which the first fixed wall 1230L and the second fixed wall 1230R are respectively connected to the case rear wall 1240, a degree of resistance of the support case 1200 against torsion stress may increase and rigidity of the support case 1200 may be reinforced.

[0236] The case body 1210, the case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230L, and 1230R, and the case rear wall 1240 may be integrated into one body. Furthermore, the support case 1200 may be formed as one body. For example, the support case 1200 may be formed as one body by including a plastic material.

[0237] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and some of the above-described components of the support case 1200 may be formed as separate components from the other components.

[0238] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing some components of a support case of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing some components of a support case of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the support case 1200 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include fastening portions 1221L and 1221R and the elastic deformation portions 1222L and 1222R. The fastening portions 1221L and 1221R and the elastic deformation portions 122L and 1222R may be components included in the elastic walls of the support case 1200.

[0240] More specifically, the support case 1200 may include a first fastening portion 1221L coupled to the first inner wall 11a. For example, the first fastening portion 1221L may be coupled to the first inner wall 11a by a first fastening member F1 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0241] In FIGS. 9 and 10, the first fastening portion 1221L is shown as being coupled to the first inner wall 11a by a screw. However, a concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first fastening portion 1221L may be coupled to the first inner wall 11a by various known coupling methods.

[0242] The first fastening portion 1221L may be in contact with the first inner wall 11a and fixed to the first inner wall 11a. Accordingly, the first fastening portion 1221L may receive a force pushing in the Y direction (right direction in the drawing) from the first inner wall 11a depending on a state of the first inner wall 11a. Alternatively, the first fastening portion 1221L may receive a force pulling in the Y direction (left direction in the drawing) from the first inner wall 11a depending on a state of the first inner wall 11a.

[0243] The support case 1200 may include the first elastic deformation portion 1222L that is elastically deformed while an external force is applied thereto. The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be connected to the first fastening portion 1221L.

[0244] The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may movably support the first fastening portion 1221L. More specifically, while the first fastening portion 1221L is pressed by the first inner wall 11a, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be elastically deformed, and while the first elastic deformation portion 1222L is elastically deformed, the first fastening portion 1221L connected to the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may move. The first fastening portion 1221L may be movable with respect to the case body 1210.

[0245] More specifically, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may connect the first fastening portion 1221L to the case body 1210.

[0246] The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may include a first fixed end 1222Le1 provided at one end of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L connected to the case body 1210. The first fixed end 122Le1 may be maintained at a fixed position with reference to the case body 1210.

[0247] The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may include a first free end 1222Le2 provided at another end that is opposite to the first fixed end 1222Le1. The first free end 1222Le2 may move according to elastic deformation of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L. That is, while the first fastening portion 1221L is pressed by the first inner wall 11a, the first free end 1222Le2 may move in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the first fastening portion 1221L receives a force, and the first fixed end 1222Le1 may be maintained at a fixed position.

[0248] For example, the first fastening portion 1221L may be positioned adjacent to the first free end 122Le2. In this case, while the first fastening portion 1221L is pressed, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be more efficiently elastically deformed.

[0249] The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may face the first inner wall 11a. The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may extend in the substantially upper and lower directions (Z direction). The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may extend substantially downward from the first fixed end 1222Le1 to the first free end 1222Le2.

[0250] The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be aligned with the first fixed wall 1230L in the X direction. For example, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be provided in a front portion of the support case 1200, and in this case, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be positioned in front of at least a part of the first fixed wall 1230. Alternatively, for example, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be positioned in front of an entire of the first fixed wall 1230L. The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be positioned between at least a part of the first fixed wall 1230L and the front portion 1260.

[0251] The first fixed end 1222Le1 may be connected to one end of the first fixed wall 1230L connected to the case body 1210.

[0252] The first free end 1222Le2 may be disconnected from another end of the first fixed wall 1230L, which is opposite to the case body 1210. That is, the first free end 1222Le2 may be spaced from another end of the first fixed wall 1230L, which is opposite to the case body 1210. The first free end 1222Le2 may be spaced from the other end of the first fixed wall 1230L, which is opposite to the case body 1210, in the X direction.

[0253] More specifically, a part of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L spaced from the first fixed wall 1230L in the X direction may extend upward from the first free end 1222Le2 by a preset distance. In other words, the left case walls 1220L and 1230L may be formed to have a shape cut upward from an end which is opposite to the case body 1210, by a preset length, at a part between the first elastic deformation portion 1222L and the first fixed wall 1230L.

[0254] Furthermore, the first fixed end 1222Le1 of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be connected to a left upper end of the front portion 1260, and the first free end 1222Le2 of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be spaced from a left lower end of the front portion 1260.

[0255] By this configuration, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be elastically deformable without being restricted by the first fixed wall 1230L.

[0256] For example, in the case in which a direction from one end of the first fixed wall 1230L connected to the case body 1210 to another end which is opposite to the one end is referred to as a first direction, a length of the first fixed wall 1230L in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction may be longer than a length of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the first direction may be the Z direction and the second direction may be the X direction. That is, a length in front-rear direction of the first fixed wall 1230L may be longer than a length in front-rear direction of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L.

[0257] In this case, the first fixed wall 1230L may sufficiently reinforce rigidity of the support case 1200 and the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be more efficiently elastically deformable.

[0258] For example, a length of the first fixed end 1222Le1 connected to the case body 1210 may be shorter than a length from the first fixed end 1222Le1 to the first free end 1222Le2. In this case, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be more efficiently elastically deformed.

[0259] The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be spaced from the first inner wall 11a. For example, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be spaced from the first inner wall 11a substantially in the Y direction. Because the first elastic deformation portion 1222L is spaced from the first inner wall 11a, flowability of cool air in the first storage room 21 may be improved, and frost formation on a contact surface of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L being in contact with the first inner wall 11a may be prevented.

[0260] The first fastening portion 1221L may protrude from the first elastic deformation portion 1222L toward the first inner wall 11a and be in contact with the first inner wall 11a.

[0261] For example, the first fastening portion 1221L may protrude from the first free end 1222Le2 toward the first inner wall 11a.

[0262] The support case 1200 may include a second fastening portion 1221R coupled to the second inner wall 11b. For example, the second fastening portion 1221R may be coupled to the second inner wall 11b by a second fastening member F2 (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0263] In FIGS. 11 and 12, the second fastening portion 1221R is shown as being coupled to the second inner wall 11b by a screw. However, a concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second fastening portion 1221R may be coupled to the second inner wall 11b by various known coupling methods.

[0264] The second fastening portion 1221R may be in contact with the second inner wall 11b and fixed to the second inner wall 11b. Accordingly, the second fastening portion 1221R may receive a force pushing in the Y direction (left direction in the drawing) from the second inner wall 11b depending on a state of the second inner wall 11b. Alternatively, the second fastening portion 1221R may receive a force pulling in the Y direction (right direction in the drawing) from the second inner wall 11b depending on a state of the second inner wall 11b.

[0265] The support case 1200 may include the second elastic deformation portion 1222R that is elastically deformed while an external force is applied thereto. The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be connected to the second fastening portion 1221R.

[0266] The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may movably support the second fastening portion 1221R. More specifically, while the second fastening portion 1221R is pressed by the second inner wall 11b, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be elastically deformed, and while the second elastic deformation portion 1222R is elastically deformed, the second fastening portion 1221R connected to the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may move. The second fastening portion 1221R may be movable with respect to the case body 1210.

[0267] More specifically, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may connect the second fastening portion 1221R to the case body 1210.

[0268] The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may include a first fixed end 1222Re1 provided at one end of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R connected to the case body 1210. The second fixed end 1222Re1 may be maintained at a fixed position with reference to the case body 1210.

[0269] The first elastic deformation portion 1222R may include a second free end 1222Re2 provided at another end that is opposite to the second fixed end 1222Re1. The second free end 1222Re2 may move according to elastic deformation of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R. That is, while the second fastening portion 1221R is pressed by the second inner wall 11b, the second free end 1222Re2 may move in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the second fastening portion 1221R receives a force, and the second fixed end 1222Re1 may be maintained at a fixed position.

[0270] For example, the second fastening portion 1221R may be positioned adjacent to the second free end 1222Re2. In this case, while the second fastening portion 1221R is pressed, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be more efficiently elastically deformed.

[0271] The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may face the second inner wall 11b. The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may extend in the substantially upper and lower directions (Z direction). The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may extend substantially downward from the second fixed end 1222Re1 to the second free end 1222Re2.

[0272] The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be aligned with the second fixed wall 1230R in the X direction. For example, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be provided in the front portion of the support case 1200, and in this case, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be positioned in front of at least a part of the second fixed wall 1230R. Alternatively, for example, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be positioned in front of an entire of the second fixed wall 1230R. The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be positioned between at least a part of the second fixed wall 1230R and the front portion 1260.

[0273] The second fixed end 1222Re1 may be connected to one end of the second fixed wall 1230R connected to the case body 1210.

[0274] The second free end 1222Re2 may be disconnected from another end of the second fixed wall 1230R, which is opposite to the case body 1210. That is, the second free end 1222Re2 may be spaced from another end of the second fixed wall 1230R, which is opposite to the case body 1210. The second free end 1222Re2 may be spaced from the other end of the second fixed wall 1230R, which is opposite to the case body 1210, in the X direction.

[0275] More specifically, a part of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R spaced from the second fixed wall 1230R in the X direction may extend upward from the second free end 1222Re2 by a preset distance. In other words, the right case walls 1220R and 1230R may be formed to have a shape cut upward from an end which is opposite to the case body 1210, by a preset length, at a part between the second elastic deformation portion 1222R and the second fixed wall 1230R.

[0276] Furthermore, the second fixed end 1222Re1 of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be connected to a right upper end of the front portion 1260, and the second free end 1222Re2 of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be spaced from a right lower end of the front portion 1260.

[0277] By this configuration, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be elastically deformable without being restricted by the second fixed wall 1230R.

[0278] For example, in the case in which a direction from one end of the second fixed wall 1230R connected to the case body 1210 to another end which is opposite to the one end is referred to as a first direction, a length of the second fixed wall 1230R in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction may be longer than a length of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the first direction may be the Z direction and the second direction may be the X direction. That is, a length in front-rear direction of the second fixed wall 1230R may be longer than a length in front-rear direction of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R.

[0279] In this case, the second fixed wall 1230R may sufficiently reinforce rigidity of the support case 1200, and the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be more efficiently elastically deformable.

[0280] For example, a length of the second fixed end 1222Re1 connected to the case body 1210 may be shorter than a length from the second fixed end 1222Re1 to the second free end 1222Re2. In this case, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be more efficiently elastically deformed.

[0281] The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be spaced from the second inner wall 11b. For example, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be spaced from the second inner wall 11b substantially in the Y direction. Because the second elastic deformation portion 1222R is spaced from the second inner wall 11b, flowability of cool air in the first storage room 21 may be improved, and frost formation on a contact surface of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R being in contact with the second inner wall 11b may be prevented.

[0282] The second fastening portion 1221R may protrude from the second elastic deformation portion 1222R toward the second inner wall 11b and be in contact with the second inner wall 11b.

[0283] For example, the second fastening portion 1221R may protrude from the second free end 1222Re2 toward the second inner wall 11b.

[0284] A position in X and Z directions of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be substantially identical to or similar to a position in X and Z directions of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R.

[0285] Hereinafter, structures of the first fastening portion 1221L and the second fastening portion 1221R will be described in more detail.

[0286] The first fastening portion 1221L may include a protrusion 1221La protruding from the first elastic deformation portion 1222L toward the first inner wall 11a. The protrusion 1221La may be in contact with the first inner wall 11a. The protrusion 1221La may interfere with the first inner wall 11a and be pressed by the first inner wall 11a. While the protrusion 1221La receives a force in the Y direction from the first inner wall 11a, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be elastically deformed.

[0287] The protrusion 1221La may protrude toward the first inner wall 11a from a position on the first free end 1222Le2 of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L, or at least from a position adjacent to the first free end 1222Le2.

[0288] The first fastening portion 1221L may include a first coupling hole 1221Lb. The first coupling hole 1221Lb may be coupled to the first inner wall 11a by the first fastening member F1.

[0289] For example, the first coupling hole 1221Lb may be formed by penetrating the protrusion 1221La and may be penetrated by the first fastening member F1.

[0290] The second fastening portion 1221R may include an extension portion 1221Ra extending from the second elastic deformation portion 1222R toward the second inner wall 11b. The extension portion 1221Ra may extend from the second free end 1222Re2 of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R toward the second inner wall 11b.

[0291] The second fastening portion 1221R may include a contact portion 1221Rb that is in contact with the second inner wall 11b. The contact portion 1221Rb may extend parallel to the second inner wall 11b from one end of the extension portion 1221Ra toward the second inner wall 11b. In other words, the contact portion 1221Rb may extend parallel to the second inner wall 11b from one end of the extension portion 1221Ra, which is opposite to the second elastic deformation portion 1222R. The second fastening portion 1221R may have a shape extending from the second elastic deformation portion 1222R toward the second inner wall 11b, being bent, and then extending parallel to the second inner wall 11b.

[0292] The second fastening portion 1221R may include a second coupling hole 1221Rc. The second coupling hole 1221Rc may be coupled to the second inner wall 11b by the second fastening member F2.

[0293] For example, the second coupling hole 1221Rc may be formed by penetrating the contact portion 1221Rb and may be penetrated by the second fastening member F2.

[0294] An extension length of the extension portion 1221Ra of the second fastening portion 1221R may correspond to a distance between the second free end 1222Re2 of the second elastic deformation portion 1222L and the second inner wall 11b.

[0295] For example, an extension length of the extension portion 1221Ras of the second fastening portion 1221R toward the first inner wall 11a may be longer than a length by which the protrusion 1221La of the first fastening portion 1221L protrudes toward the first inner wall 11a, although not limited thereto.

[0296] However, the first fastening portion 1221L and the second fastening portion 1221R may have various structures to be respectively coupled to the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b. Unlike as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first fastening portion 1221L and the second fastening portion 1221R may have structures corresponding to each other, or structures opposite to each other (that is, the first fastening portion may have a structure such as an extension portion, a contact portion, a coupling hole penetrating the contact portion, etc., and the second fastening portion may have a structure such as a protrusion, a fastening portion penetrating the protrusion, etc.).

[0297] The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be configured by including various elastic materials such as a plastic material having elasticity. The first fastening portion 1221L may be configured by including the same material as the first elastic deformation portion 1221L.

[0298] For example, the first elastic wall 1220L may be formed as one body. That is, the first fastening portion 1221L and the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be integrated into one body, although not limited thereto. However, the first fastening portion 1221L and the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be formed as separate components and then coupled with each other.

[0299] The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be configured by including various elastic materials such as a plastic material having elasticity. The second fastening portion 1221R may be configurated by including the same material as the second elastic deformation portion 1222R.

[0300] The second elastic wall 1220R may be formed as one body. That is, the second fastening portion 1221R and the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be integrated into one body, although not limited thereto. However, the second fastening portion 1221R and the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be formed as separate components and then coupled with each other.

[0301] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L and the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may include slits Sl. For example, each slit Sl may extend in the upper and lower directions (Z direction).

[0302] Because cool air flows through the slits Sl respectively penetrating the first elastic deformation portion 1222L and the second elastic deformation portion 1222R, flowability of cool air in the first storage room 21 may be improved, and frost formation on the first elastic deformation portion 1222L or the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be prevented, although not limited thereto.

[0303] However, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L or the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may include no slit.

[0304] Also, the first fixed wall 1230L and the second fixed wall 1230R may include slits. For example, the slits Sl may extend in the upper and lower directions (Z direction).

[0305] Because cool air flows through the slits Sl respectively penetrating the first fixed wall 1230L and the fixed wall 1230R, flowability of cool air in the first storage room 21 may be improved, and frost formation on the first fixed wall 1230L or the fixed wall 1230R may be prevented, although not limited thereto.

[0306] However, the first fixed wall 1230L or the second fixed wall 1230R may include no slit.

[0307] To summarize the configuration of the support case 1200 described above, at least a part of the case walls included in the support case 1200 may be coupled to the inner walls 11a and 11b of the first inner case 11. Also, at least a part of the case walls included in the support case 1200 may be elastically deformed to move with respect to the case body 1210 at one side that is opposite to the case body 1210. Here, "at least a part of the case walls" may be the elastic walls 1220L and 1220R described above.

[0308] The support case 1200 may include a first elastic protrusion 1250L. The first elastic protrusion 1250L may face the first inner wall 11a. The first elastic protrusion 1250L may interfere with the first support portion 11s1. The first elastic protrusion 1250L may have a shape protruding toward the first support portion 11s1.

[0309] For example, the first elastic protrusion 1250L may be positioned in one side of the case body 1210. The first elastic protrusion 1250L may be formed in a portion of the case body 1210 facing the first inner wall 11a. That is, the first elastic protrusion 1250L may be formed in a left portion of the case body 1210 in the drawings.

[0310] While the first elastic protrusion 1250L is pressed by the first support portion 11s1, the first elastic protrusion 1250L may be elastically deformed. The first elastic protrusion 1250L may be movable in a direction of being pressed by the first support portion 11s1. While the first elastic protrusion 1250L is pressed by the first support portion 11s1, the first elastic protrusion 1250L may move relative to the case body 1210.

[0311] More specifically, the case body 1210 may include a first interference preventing hole 1216L that prevents the case body 1210 from interfering with the first elastic protrusion 1250L while the first elastic protrusion 1250L is elastically deformed. The first interference preventing hole 1216L may allow inside of the case body 1210 to communicate with outside of the case body 1210. The first interference preventing hole 1216L may face the first support portion 11s1 and may be formed in one side of the case body 1210 facing the first support portion 11s1.

[0312] The first elastic protrusion 1250L may extend from one end connected to the case body 1210 to another end positioned at an inner side from edges of the first interference preventing hole 1216L. The one end of the first elastic protrusion 1250L may be maintained at a fixed position on the case body 1210. Because the other end of the first elastic protrusion 1250L is not restricted by the case body 1210, the other end of the first elastic protrusion 1250L may move relative to the case body 1210 while the first elastic protrusion 1250L is elastically deformed.

[0313] More specifically, the first elastic protrusion 1250L may include a first connection portion 1252L extending from the one end connected to the case body 1210, and a first interfering portion 1251L protruding from the first connection portion 1252L and interfering with the first support portion 11s1.

[0314] For example, the first connection portion 1252L may extend in the X direction. More specifically, the first connection portion 1252L may extend backward from the one end connected to the case body 1210.

[0315] For example, the first interfering portion 1251L may extend in a direction that is orthogonal to a direction in which the first connection portion 1252L extends from the one end connected to the case body 1210.

[0316] While the first interfering portion 1251L is pressed by the first support portion 11s1, the first connection portion 1252L may be elastically deformed.

[0317] The first elastic protrusion 1250L may be positioned in an upper portion of the first elastic wall 1220L.

[0318] The first elastic protrusion 1250L may be configured by including various elastic materials such as a plastic material having elasticity.

[0319] For example, the first elastic protrusion 1250L may be integrated into the case body 1210.

[0320] The support case 1200 may include a second elastic protrusion 1250R. The second elastic protrusion 1250R may face the second inner wall 11b. The second elastic protrusion 1250R may interfere with the second support portion 11s2. The second elastic protrusion 1250R may have a shape protruding toward the second support portion 11s2.

[0321] For example, the second elastic protrusion 1250R may be positioned at one side of the case body 1210. The second elastic protrusion 1250R may be formed at a portion of the case body 1210 that faces the second inner wall 11b. That is, the second elastic protrusion 1250R may be formed at a right portion of the case body 1210 in the drawing.

[0322] The second elastic protrusion 1250R may be opposite to the first elastic protrusion 1250L.

[0323] While the second elastic protrusion 1250R is pressed by the second support portion 11s2, the second elastic protrusion 1250R may be elastically deformed. The second elastic protrusion 1250R may be movable in a direction of being pressed by the second support portion 11s2. While the second elastic protrusion 1250R is pressed by the second support portion 11s2, the second elastic protrusion 1250R may move relative to the case body 1210.

[0324] More specifically, the case body 1210 may include a second interference preventing hole 1216R that prevents the case body 1210 from interfering with the second elastic protrusion 1250R while the second elastic protrusion 1250R is elastically deformed. The second interference preventing hole 1216R may allow the inside of the case body 1210 to communicate with the outside of the case body 1210. The second interference preventing hole 1216R may face the second support portion 11s2 and may be formed in one side of the case body 1210 facing the second support portion 11s2.

[0325] The second elastic protrusion 1250R may extend from one end connected to the case body 1210 to another end positioned at an inner side from edges of the second interference preventing hole 1216R. The one end of the second elastic protrusion 1250R may be maintained at a fixed position on the case body 1210. Because the other end of the second elastic protrusion 1250R is not restricted by the case body 1210, the other end of the second elastic protrusion 1250R may move relative to the case body 1210 while the second elastic protrusion 1250R is elastically deformed.

[0326] More specifically, the second elastic protrusion 1250R may include a second connection portion 1252R extending from the one end connected to the case body 1210, and a second interfering portion 1251R protruding from the second connection portion 1252R and interfering with the second support portion 11s2.

[0327] For example, the second connection portion 1252R may extend in the X direction. More specifically, the second connection portion 1252R may extend backward from the one end connected to the case body 1210.

[0328] For example, the second interfering portion 1251R may extend in a direction that is orthogonal to a direction in which the second connection portion 1252R extends from the one end connected to the case body 1210.

[0329] While the second interfering portion 1251R is pressed by the second support portion 11s2, the second connection portion 1252R may be elastically deformed.

[0330] The second elastic protrusion 1250R may be positioned in an upper portion of the second elastic wall 1220R.

[0331] The second elastic protrusion 1250R may be configured by including various elastic materials such as a plastic material having elasticity.

[0332] For example, the second elastic protrusion 1250R may be integrated into the case body 1210.

[0333] The elastic protrusions 1250L and 1250R may be formed below the inner case installing portion 1218.

[0334] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a deformed state of an inner wall of an inner case in the refrigerator of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a deformed state of an inner wall of an inner case in the refrigerator of FIG. 11.

[0335] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, in the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the ice maker 1000 being mounted on the first inner case 11, a width in Y direction of the support case 1200 may not exactly correspond to a width in Y direction of the first inner case 11. Causes of such an error may include limitations in designing and manufacturing of the inner case 11 and limitations in designing and manufacturing of the support case 1200. Also, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, even after the ice maker 1000 is mounted on the first inner case 11, the first inner case 11 may be deformed. For example, the inner cases 11 and 12 may be deformed while the refrigerator 1 operates, or the inner cases 11 and 12 may be deformed due to a cause such as contraction or expansion of the main body insulation 14.

[0336] Due to a cause such as deformation of the first inner case 11, relative positions of the support case 1200 and the first inner case 11 may change from initially designed positions. In this case, the ice maker 1000 may not be stably supported on the first inner case 11.

[0337] Particularly, in the case in which a relative position of the support case 1200 with respect to each of the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b changes from an initially designed position, appearance quality of the ice maker 1000 viewed by a user may deteriorate. For example, in the case in which a relative position of the support case 1200 with respect to the inner walls 11a and 11b of the first inner case 11 changes from an initially designed position, the front portion 1260 of the support case 1200 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction of the refrigerator 1. Because the front portion 1260 forms a front appearance of the ice maker 1000, the front portion 1260 inclined with respect to the horizontal direction may deteriorate the appearance quality of the ice maker 1000.

[0338] While the ice maker 1000 is mounted on the first inner case 11, scratches of the support case 1200 and the inner walls 11a and 11b may occur according to the support case 1200 coming in contact with the inner walls 11a and 11b. This may damage the ice maker 1000 or the first inner case 11 and such a damage may become more serious in the case in which the width in Y direction of the support case 1200 does not exactly correspond to the width in Y direction of the first inner case 11. This may cause a problem while the support case 1200 is mounted on the first inner case 11 or in the case in which the first inner case 11 is deformed after the support case 1200 is mounted on the first inner case 11.

[0339] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first inner wall 11a of the first inner case 11 may be deformed in an outer direction of the first inner case 11. In this case, the first inner wall 11a may be deformed to be relatively away from the support case 1200.

[0340] Referring to FIG. 9, for the support case 1200 to be stably supported on the first inner wall 11a even though the first inner wall 11a is deformed, the support case 1200 may be mounted on the first inner wall 11a not deformed in the state in which the first elastic deformation portion 1222L and the first elastic protrusion 1250L are elastically deformed. While the support case 1200 is mounted on the first inner wall 11a not deformed, the first elastic deformation portion 1222L may be elastically deformed by the first fastening portion 1221L being pressed by the first inner wall 11a, and a relative position of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L with respect to the case body 1210 may move. While the support case 1200 is mounted on the first inner wall 11a not deformed, the first elastic protrusion 1250L may be elastically deformed by being pressed by the first inner wall 11a and a relative position of the first elastic protrusion 1250L with respect to the case body 1210 may move.

[0341] Referring to FIG. 10, after the support case 1200 is mounted on the first inner case 11, the first inner wall 11a may be deformed in a direction of being away from the case body 1210, the first fixed wall 1230L, etc. In this case, a degree to which the first fastening portion 1221L is pressed by the first inner wall 11a may be reduced, and a degree to which the first elastic deformation portion 1222L is elastically deformed may be reduced. Although the first inner wall 11a is deformed, the first fastening portion 1221L may move according to an elastically deformed degree of the first elastic deformation portion 1222L to stably maintain coupling with the first inner wall 11a.

[0342] A degree to which the first elastic protrusion 1250L is pressed by the first inner wall 11a may be reduced, and a degree to which the first elastic protrusion 1250L is elastically deformed with respect to the case body 1210 may be reduced. Although the first inner wall 11a is deformed, the first elastic portion 1222L may move relative to the case body 1210 to be stably supported on the first support portion 11s1.

[0343] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the second inner wall 11b of the first inner case 11 may be deformed in the outer direction of the second inner case 11. In this case, the second inner wall 11b may be deformed to be relatively away from the support case 1200.

[0344] Referring to FIG. 11, for the support case 1200 to be stably supported on the second inner wall 11b even though the second inner wall 11b is deformed, the support case 1200 may be mounted on the second inner wall 11b not deformed in the state in which the second elastic deformation portion 1222R and the second elastic protrusion 1250R are elastically deformed. While the support case 1200 is mounted on the second inner wall 11b not deformed, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be elastically deformed by the second fastening portion 1221R being pressed by the second inner wall 11b, and a relative position of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R with respect to the case body 1210 may move. While the support case 1200 is mounted on the second inner wall 11b not deformed, the second elastic deformation portion 1222R may be elastically deformed by being pressed by the second inner wall 11b and a relative position of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R with respect to the case body 1210 may move.

[0345] Referring to FIG. 12, after the support case 1200 is mounted on the first inner case 11, the second inner wall 11b may be deformed in a direction of being away from the case body 1210, the second fixed wall 1230R, etc. In this case, a degree to which the second fastening portion 1221R is pressed by the second inner wall 11b may be reduced, and a degree to which the second elastic deformation portion 1222R is elastically deformed may be reduced. Although the second inner wall 11b is deformed, the second fastening portion 1221R may move according to an elastically deformed degree of the second elastic deformation portion 1222R to stably maintain coupling with the second inner wall 11b.

[0346] Also, a degree to which the second elastic protrusion 1250R is pressed by the second inner wall 11b may be reduced, and a degree to which the second elastic protrusion 1250R is elastically deformed with respect to the case body 1210 may be reduced. Although the second inner wall 11b is deformed, the second elastic protrusion 1250R may move relative to the case body 210 to be stably supported on the second support portion 11s2.

[0347] As such, because the support case 1200 includes the elastic walls 1220L and 1220R and the elastic protrusions 1250L and 1250R, a relative position of the support case 1200 with respect to the inner walls 11a and 11b of the first inner case 11 may be adjusted.

[0348] In FIGS. 9 and 10, a case in which the first inner wall 11a is deformed in the left direction toward the outside of the first inner case 11 has been described as an example. However, the above-described effect may also be applied correspondingly to a case in which the first inner wall 11a is deformed in the right direction toward the inside of the first inner case 11.

[0349] Likewise, in FIGS. 11 and 12, a case in which the second inner wall 11b is deformed in the right direction toward the outside of the first inner case 11 has been described as an example. However, the above-described effect may also be applied correspondingly to a case in which the second inner wall 11b is deformed in the left direction toward the inside of the first inner case 11.

[0350] Because an appearance of the ice maker 1000 that is exposed to a user is mainly a front appearance of the ice maker 1000, it may be desired that a relative position of at least the front portion of the support case 1200 with respect to the first inner wall 11a is adjusted. Accordingly, the elastic walls 1220L and 1220R and the elastic protrusions 1250L and 1250R may be adjacent to the front portion of the support case 1200. In other words, the elastic walls 1220L and 1220R and the elastic protrusions 1250L and 1250R may be positioned closer to the opening of the first inner case 11 than the rear wall 11c of the first inner case 11, although not limited thereto. However, the elastic walls 1220L and 1220R and the elastic protrusions 1250L and 1250R may be provided at various positions.

[0351] By this configuration, the ice maker 1000 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be stably fixed to the first inner case 11. Also, although the first inner case 11 is deformed, a gap between the ice maker 1000 and the first inner case 11 may be maintained. Also, while the ice maker 1000 is mounted on the first inner case 11, damage of the ice maker 1000 or the first inner case 11 may be prevented. Also, appearance quality of a refrigerator product may be improved.

[0352] Unlike as shown in the drawings, the support case 1200 may be provided with only a single elastic wall. That is, the support case 1200 may be provided with only any one of the first elastic wall 1220L or the second elastic wall 1220R described above, and also, in this case, the above-described effect may be achieved. Alternatively, the support case 1200 may be provided with three or more elastic walls.

[0353] Similarly, unlike as shown in the drawings, the support case 1200 may be provided with only a single elastic protrusion, or may be provided with three or more elastic protrusions.

[0354] Also, even in the case in which the support case 1200 is provided with the elastic walls 1220L and 1220R without any elastic protrusions, the above-described effect may be achieved.

[0355] FIG. 13 shows a state in which cool air flows into an ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing some components such as an ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0356] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cool air supply 16a that supplies cool air to the first storage room 21. The cool air supply 16a may be provided on the cool air supply duct 16. The cool air supply 16a may be formed in a front side of the cool air supply duct 16 toward the first storage room 21.

[0357] The cool air supply 16a may allow the cooling room 50 to communicate with the first storage room 21. Cool air generated in the cooling room 50 may be discharged to the first storage room 21 through the cool air supply 16a.

[0358] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the cool air supply 16a may be positioned in a center portion in Y direction of the cool air supply duct 16 although not limited thereto.

[0359] The cool air supply 16a may be positioned adjacent to the ice maker 1000. The cool air supply 16a may be positioned behind the support case 1200.

[0360] The support case 1200 may include a case inlet 1211 through which cool air flows from the cool air supply 16a into the support case 1200. Cool Air flowed into the support case 1200 through the case inlet 1211 may cool water in the ice trays 1310 and 1410.

[0361] The case inlet 1211 may face the cool air supply 16a. The case inlet 1211 may be provided in a rear portion of the support case 1200. The case inlet 1211 may be positioned to have a height substantially corresponding to the cool air supply 16a. The case inlet 1211 may be positioned at a center part in Y direction of the rear portion of the support case 1200.

[0362] The support case 1200 may include a cool air guide 1212 that guides cool air received from the case inlet 1211 to the first ice tray 1310 and the second ice tray 1410.

[0363] The cool air guide 1212 may face the cool air supply 16a in the rear portion of the support case 1200.

[0364] For example, because the case inlet 1211 may be positioned on a center line of the support case 1200 and the first ice tray 1310 and the second ice tray 1410 may be respectively positioned at both sides in Y direction of the support case 1200 from the center line of the support case 1200, the cool air guide 1212 may extend in such a way as to be inclined with respect to the X direction and the Y direction. The center line of the support case 1200 may be a line passing a center in Y direction of the support case 1200 and extending in the X direction.

[0365] The water supply pipe 80 may include a first water supply pipe 80L that supplies water to the first ice tray 1310, and a second water supply pipe 80R that supplies water to the second ice tray 1410.

[0366] The first water supply pipe 80L and the second water supply pipe 80R may be positioned side by side in the Y direction. For example, the first water supply pipe 80L may be positioned to the left side from the center line of the support case 1200, and the second water supply pipe 80R may be positioned to the right side from the center line of the support case 1200, although not limited thereto. The positions of the first water supply pipe 80L and the second water supply pipe 80R may vary depending on the positions of the first ice tray 1310 and the second ice tray 1410.

[0367] The water supply opening 1217 may include a first water supply opening 1217L positioned above the first ice tray 1310 and a second water supply opening 1217R positioned above the second ice tray 1410.

[0368] The first water supply pipe 80L may supply water to the first ice tray 1310 through the first water supply opening 1217L. The second water supply pipe 80R may supply water to the second ice tray 1410 through the second water supply opening 1217R.

[0369] In this case, a user may approach the water supply pipe 80 through the water supply opening 1217 from below the support case 1200, and in the case in which the user's hand touches the water supply pipe 80 of which a surface is at a very low temperature, the user may be injured.

[0370] Accordingly, the support case 1200 may include a rib 1214 positioned at one side of the water supply opening 1217. The rib 1214 may block the user from approaching the water supply pipe 80 through the water supply opening 1217.

[0371] More specifically, the rib 1214 may extend downward from the upper portion of the support case 1200. The rib 1214 may extend downward from a location adjacent to the water supply opening 1217.

[0372] For example, the rib 1214 may be provided at a location adjacent to the first water supply opening 1217. More specifically, the rib 1214 may be formed at a right side of the first water supply opening 1217. The rib 1214 may extend downward at the right side of the first water supply opening 1217. The rib 1214 may extend from the upper portion of the case body 1210 to a location adjacent to the first ice tray 1310. In this case, the rib 1214 may prevent a user from approaching the first water supply pipe 80 from below the support case 1200 through the first water supply opening 1217.

[0373] For example, the rib 1214 may extend in the front-rear direction at the right side of the first water supply opening 1217.

[0374] However, in this case, due to the rib 1214, flowability of cool air inside the support case 1200 may deteriorate and water cooling efficiency and ice formation efficiency may deteriorate. Particularly, these problems may become more serious because the rib 1214 may be positioned adjacent to the ice tray (for example, the first ice tray 1310).

[0375] To overcome these problems, the rib 1214 may include at least one through hole1214a. The through hole 1214a may penetrate the rib 1214 such that cool air passes through the rib 1214.

[0376] For example, the through hole 1214a may penetrate the rib 1214 in the Y direction.

[0377] For example, the through hole 1214a may be formed in a shape of a slit that extends in the upper and lower directions (Z direction). More specifically, the through hole 1214a may extend upward from a lower end of the rib 1214.

[0378] A plurality of through holes 1214a may be provided. For example, the plurality of through holes 1214a may be arranged in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0379] The rib 1214 may include a plurality of blocking portions 1214b arranged to be spaced from each other along one side of the water supply opening 1217. Each of the plurality of blocking portions 1214b may extend in the upper and lower directions. That is, each of the plurality of blocking portions 1214b may extend downward from the upper portion of the support case 1200. The plurality of blocking portions 1214b may block a user's hand from approaching the water supply opening 1217 from below the support case 1200.

[0380] More specifically, the plurality of blocking portions 1214b may be arranged along the right side of the first water supply opening 1217L. The plurality of blocking portions 1214b may be positioned adjacent to the first ice tray 1310.

[0381] For example, the plurality of blocking portions 1214b may be arranged in the front-rear direction along one side of the first water supply opening 1217L.

[0382] The at least one through hole 1214a described above may be formed between the plurality of blocking portions 1214b spaced from each other. The plurality of through holes 1214a may be arranged in parallel to a direction in which the plurality of blocking portions 1214b are arranged.

[0383] The plurality of blocking portions 1214b may prevent flowability of cool air inside the support case 1200. However, the plurality of blocking portions 1214b may be arranged to be spaced from each other, and the through holes 1214a may be formed between the plurality of blocking portions 1214b spaced from each other to improve flowability of cool air inside the support case 1200.

[0384] The rib 1214 may be positioned adjacent to a center portion of the support case 1200 inside the support case 1200.

[0385] While a user puts his / her hand into the support case 1200 from below the support case 1200, there may be a higher risk of approaching the water supply opening 1217 through the center portion of the support case 1200 inside the support case 1200 than approaching the water supply opening 1217 through the left and right portions of the support case 1200. According to the rib 1214 being located adjacent to the center portion of the support case 1200 inside the support case 1200, an injury to a user may be efficiently prevented. However, it may be desirable for the rib 1214 to be positioned slightly to one side from the center portion of the support case 1200 inside the support case 1200 to be adjacent to the water supply opening 1217, rather than being positioned exactly at the center portion of the support case 1200 inside the support case 1200.

[0386] More specifically, the rib 1214 may be positioned between the case inlet 1211 and the first water supply opening 1217L.

[0387] In this case, although flow of cool air moving from the case inlet 1211 toward the first ice tray 1310 may be interrupted by the rib 1214, the through holes 1214a may be formed in the rib 1214 and a flow path of cool air moving from the case inlet 1211 to the first ice tray 1310 may pass through the through holes 1214a.

[0388] Accordingly, the through holes 1214a may improve flowability of cool air moving from the case inlet 1211 toward the first ice tray 1310.

[0389] The first ice tray 1310 may include a first side adjacent to the case inlet 1211 and a second side that is opposite to the first side. Cool air flowed into the support case 1200 through the case inlet 1211 may reach the first side of the first ice tray 1310 before the second side of the first ice tray 1310.

[0390] The rib 1214 may be positioned closer to the first side of the first ice tray 1310 than the second side of the first ice tray 1310. The rib 1214 may be positioned between the first side and the second side of the first ice tray 1310, or may be positioned outside the space between the first side and the second side.

[0391] The rib 1214 may block a user's hand from approaching the first water supply opening 1217L at a position adjacent to the first side of the first ice tray 1310, while improving flowability of cool air by including the through holes 1214a.

[0392] The first ice tray 1310 may include the first side that descends while rotating on the first rotation shaft 1313 in an ice-transfer operation of discharging formed ice, and the second side that rises while rotating on the first rotation shaft 1313 in the ice-transfer operation. The first and second sides of the first ice tray 1310 may extend parallel to the first rotation shaft 1313. In the drawings, the first side of the first ice tray 1310 may be a right side (a side at which the first full ice sensing lever 1310 is positioned) of the first ice tray 1310, and the second side of the first ice tray 1310 may be a left side of the first ice tray 1410.

[0393] The first side of the first ice tray 1310, which descends in the ice-transfer operation, may be the same component as the first side of the above-described first ice tray 1310 adjacent to the case inlet 1211. The second side of the first ice tray 1310, which rises in the ice-transfer operation, may be the same component as the second side of the above-described first ice tray 1310 which is opposite to the first side adjacent to the case inlet 1211.

[0394] However, the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and according to embodiments, the rib 1214 may be positioned adjacent to the second water supply opening 1217R to prevent a user from approaching the second water supply pipe 80R through the second water supply opening 1217R from below the support case 1200, while improving flowability of cool air by including the through holes 1214a.

[0395] By this configuration, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent a user's body from approaching the water supply pipe 80 inside the ice maker 1000 by providing the rib 1214 in the support case 1200. In addition, flowability of cool air supplied to the ice trays 1310 and 1410 inside the ice maker 1000 may be improved and efficiency of ice formation may be improved.

[0396] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case 13, an inner case 11 provided inside the outer case, forming a storage room 21, and including a first inner wall 11a and a second inner wall 11b being opposite to the first inner wall, ice trays 1310 and 1410 configured to form ice, and a support case 1200 supporting the ice trays and mounted on the inner case, the support case including a fastening portion 1221L coupled to the first inner wall 11a by a fastening member, and an elastic deformation portion 1222L configured to be elastically deformed while the fastening portion is pressed by the first inner wall, the elastic deformation portion movably supporting the fastening portion. According to the present disclosure, the ice maker 1000 of the refrigerator 1 may be stably fixed to the inner case 11 by the fastening portion 1221L and the elastic deformation portion 1222L. Although the inner case 11 is deformed, a gap between the ice maker 1000 and the inner case 11 may be maintained by the fastening portion 1221L and the elastic deformation portion 1222L. Also, while the ice maker 1000 is mounted on the inner case 11, damage of the ice maker 1000 or the inner case 11 may be prevented. Also, because a relative position of the ice maker 1000 with respect to the inner case 11 is adjusted by the fastening portion 1221L and the elastic deformation portion 1222L, appearance quality of a refrigerator product may be improved.

[0397] The support case may further include a case body 1210 supported by the inner case. The elastic deformation portion 1222L may include a fixed end 1222Le1 provided at one end of the elastic deformation portion connected to the case body and maintained at a fixed position with respect to the case body, and a free end 1222Le2 provided at another end of the elastic deformation portion, which is opposite to the fixed end, the free end configured to move according to elastic deformation of the elastic deformation portion. According to the present disclosure, while the fastening portion 1221L is pressed by the first inner wall 11a, the elastic deformation portion 1222L may be efficiently elastically deformed and movably support the fastening portion 1221L.

[0398] The support case may further include a fixed wall 1230L facing the first inner wall, connected to the case body, and maintained at a fixed position with respect to the case body. The fixed end 1222Le1 may be connected to one end of the fixed wall, the one end connected to the case body. The free end 1222Le2 may be disconnected from another end of the fixed wall, the other end being opposite to the case body. According to the present disclosure, while the fastening portion 1221L is pressed by the first inner wall 11a, the elastic deformation portion 1222L may be efficiently elastically deformed to movably support the fastening portion 1221L. Also, the fixed wall 1230L may reinforce rigidity of the support case 1200.

[0399] In the case in which a direction from the one end of the fixed wall 1230L, the one end connected to the case body, toward the other end of the fixed wall, the other end being opposite to the one end, is a first direction, a length of the fixed wall 1230L in a second direction being orthogonal to the first direction may be longer than a length of the elastic deformation portion 1222L in the second direction. According to the present disclosure, while the fastening portion 1221L is pressed by the first inner wall 11a, the elastic deformation portion 1222L may be efficiently elastically deformed.

[0400] The fastening portion 1221L may be positioned adjacent to the free end 1222Le2. According to the present disclosure, while the fastening portion 1221L is pressed by the first inner wall 11a, the elastic deformation portion 1222L may be efficiently elastically deformed.

[0401] The elastic deformation portion 1222L may be spaced from the first inner wall. The fastening portion 1221L may protrude toward the first inner wall from the elastic deformation portion to be in contact with the first inner wall. According to the present disclosure, flowability of cool air may be improved, frost formation between the elastic deformation portion 1222L and the first inner wall 11a may be prevented, and the fastening portion 1221L may be stably coupled to the first inner wall 11a.

[0402] The fastening portion may include a protrusion 1221La protruding from the elastic deformation portion toward the first inner wall, and a coupling hole 1221Lb penetrating the protrusion and penetrated by the fastening member.

[0403] The fastening portion may include an extension portion 1221Ra extending from the elastic deformation portion toward the first inner wall, a contact portion 1221Rb extending from one end of the extension portion toward the first inner wall in parallel to the first inner wall and being in contact with the first inner wall, and a coupling hole 1221Rc penetrating the contact portion and penetrated by the fastening member.

[0404] The first inner wall may include a support portion 11s1 protruding to support the support case. The support case 1200 may further include an elastic protrusion 1250L interfering with the support portion and configured to be elastically deformed while being pressed by the support portion. According to the present disclosure, the ice maker 1000 of the refrigerator 1 may be stably supported on the inner case 11 by the elastic protrusion 1250L. Also, although the inner case 11 is deformed, a gap between the ice maker 1000 and the inner case 11 may be maintained by the elastic protrusion 1250L. Also, while the ice maker 1000 is mounted on the inner case 11, damage of the ice maker 1000 or the inner case 11 may be prevented. Also, because a relative position of the ice maker 1000 with respect to the inner case 11 is adjusted by the elastic protrusion 1250L, appearance quality of a refrigerator product may be improved.

[0405] The support case may further include a case body 1210 supported by the support portion. The case body includes an interference prevention hole 1216L facing the support portion and configured to prevent the case body from interfering with the elastic protrusion while the elastic protrusion is elastically deformed. The elastic protrusion 1250L may extend from one end connected to the case body to another end positioned at an inner side from edges of the interference preventing hole. According to the present disclosure, the elastic protrusion 1250L may be efficiently elastically deformed while being pressed by the first inner wall 11a.

[0406] In the case in which the fastening portion is a first fastening portion 1221L, the fastening member configured to couple the first fastening portion to the first inner wall is a first fastening member F1, and the elastic deformation portion is a first elastic deformation portion 1222L, the support case may further include a second fastening portion 1221R being opposite to the first fastening portion and coupled to the second inner wall 11b by a second fastening member F2, and a second elastic deformation portion 1222R being opposite to the first elastic deformation portion, configured to be elastically deformed while the second fastening portion is pressed by the second inner wall, and movably supporting the second fastening portion. According to the present disclosure, the support case 1200 may be more efficiently fixed to the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11 and more efficiently adjust a relative position of the ice maker 1000 with respect to the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b of the inner case 11.

[0407] The refrigerator may further include a water supply pipe 80 configured to supply water to the ice tray. The support case may include a water supply opening 1217 provided in an upper portion of the support case, the upper portion positioned above the ice trays, and formed to allow water to flow into the ice trays through the water supply pipe, and a rib 1214 positioned at one side of the water supply opening, extending downward from the upper portion of the support case, and including at least one through hole 1214a. According to the present disclosure, the rib 1214 may be provided in the support case 1200 to prevent a user's body from approaching the water supply pipe 80 inside the ice maker 1000. In addition, a through hole 1214a may be formed in the rib 1214 to improve flowability of cool air supplied to the ice trays 1310 and 1410 inside the ice maker 1000 and improve efficiency of ice formation.

[0408] The refrigerator may further include a cool air supply 16a positioned behind the support case and configured to supply cool air to the storage room. The support case may further include a case inlet 1211 facing the cool air supply and configured to allow cool air to flow from the cool air supply into the support case. The rib 1214 may be positioned between the case inlet 1211 and the water supply opening 1217.

[0409] The ice tray 1310 may include a first side being adjacent to the case inlet and a second side being opposite to the first side. The rib 1214 may be positioned closer to the first side than the second side.

[0410] The rib may include a plurality of blocking portions 1214b arranged to be spaced from each other in a front-rear direction along one side of the water supply opening. Each of the plurality of blocking portions may extend in upper and lower directions. The at least one through hole 1214a may be formed between the plurality of blocking portions 1214b spaced from each other.

[0411] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case 13, an inner case 11 provided inside the outer case, forming a storage room 21, and including a first inner wall 11a and a second inner wall 11b being opposite to the first inner wall, ice trays 1310 and 1410 configured to form ice, and a support case 1200 supporting the ice trays and mounted on the inner case. The support case may include a case body 1210 on which the ice trays are installed, a first fastening portion 1221L coupled to the first inner wall, a second fastening portion 1221R coupled to the second inner wall, a first elastic deformation portion 1222L facing the first inner wall, connecting the case body with the first fastening portion, and configured to be elastically deformed to move the first fastening portion with respect to the case body, and a second elastic deformation portion 1222R facing the second inner wall, connecting the case body with the second fastening portion, and configured to be elastically deformed to move the second fastening portion with respect to the case body.

[0412] The support case may further include a first fixed wall 1230L facing the first inner wall, connected to the case body, and maintained at a fixed position with respect to the case body, and a second fixed wall 1230R facing the second inner wall, connected to the case body, and maintained at a fixed position with respect to the case body. Another end 1222Le2 of the first elastic deformation portion, which is opposite to one end of the first elastic deformation portion, the one end connected to the case body, may be disconnected from another end of the first fixed wall 1230L, the other end connected to the case body. Another end 1222Le2 of the second elastic deformation portion, which is opposite to one end of the second elastic deformation portion, the one end connected to the case body, may be disconnected from another end of the second fixed wall 1230R, the other end connected to the case body.

[0413] The support case may further include a case rear wall 1240 connecting at least one of the first fixed wall 1230L positioned behind the first elastic deformation portion 1222L with at least a part of the second fixed wall 1230R positioned behind the second elastic deformation portion 1222R.

[0414] The first elastic deformation portion 1222L may include a first fixed end 1222Le1 provided at one end of the first elastic deformation portion connected to the case body and maintained at a fixed position with respect to the case body, and a first free end 1222Le2 provided at another end of the first elastic deformation portion, which is opposite to the first fixed end, the first free end configured to move according to elastic deformation of the first elastic deformation portion. The second elastic deformation portion 1222R may include a second fixed end 1222Re1 provided at one end of the second elastic deformation portion connected to the case body and maintained at a fixed position with respect to the case body, and a second free end 1222Re2 provided at another end of the second elastic deformation portion, which is opposite to the second fixed end, the second free end configured to move according to elastic deformation of the second elastic deformation portion. The first fastening portion 1221L may protrude from the first free end toward the first inner wall. The second fastening portion 1221R may protrude from the second free end toward the second inner wall.

[0415] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case 13, an inner case 11 provided inside the outer case and forming a storage room 21, an ice tray 1310 configured to form ice, and a support case 1200 positioned in the storage room. The support case may include a case body 1210 supporting the ice tray, and case walls 1220L, 1220R, 1230R, and 1230R connected to the case body and facing inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case, wherein at least a part of the case walls may be coupled to the inner walls of the inner case, and one side of the at least a part of the case wall, the one side being opposite to the case body, may be elastically deformed to move with respect to the case body.

[0416] According to a concept of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include the fastening portions provided in the support case and the elastic deformation portions that movably support the fastening portions to thereby fix the ice maker to the inner case.

[0417] According to a concept of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include the fastening portions provided in the support case and the elastic deformation portions that movably support the fastening portions such that a gap between the ice maker and the inner case is maintained even through the inner case is deformed.

[0418] According to a concept of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may prevent the ice maker or the inner case from being damaged while or after the ice maker is mounted on the inner case by the fastening portions and the elastic deformation portions.

[0419] According to a concept of the present disclosure, because a relative position of the ice maker with respect to the inner case is adjustable by the fastening portions and the elastic deformation portions, appearance quality of a refrigerator product may be improved.

[0420] According to a concept of the present disclosure, because the rib is provided in the support case, the refrigerator may prevent a user's body from approaching the water supply pipe inside the ice maker.

[0421] According to a concept of the present disclosure, because the through hole is formed in the rib provided in the support case of the refrigerator, flowability of cool air supplied to the ice tray inside the ice maker may be improved and efficiency of ice formation may be improved.

[0422] So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described, however, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It should be interpreted that various modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the present disclosure belongs, without deviating from the gist of the technical concept of the disclosure, which is defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: an outer case; an inner case provided inside the outer case, forming a storage room, and including a first inner wall and a second inner wall being opposite to the first inner wall; an ice tray configured to form ice; and a support case supporting the ice tray and mounted on the inner case, the support case includinga fastening portion coupled to the first inner wall by a fastening member, and an elastic deformation portion configured to be elastically deformed while the fastening portion is pressed by the first inner wall, the elastic deformation portion movably supporting the fastening portion.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the support case further includes a case body supported by the inner case, and the elastic deformation portion includes a fixed end provided at one end of the elastic deformation portion connected to the case body and maintained at a fixed position with respect to the case body, and a free end provided at another end of the elastic deformation portion, which is opposite to the fixed end, the free end configured to move according to elastic deformation of the elastic deformation portion.

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the support case further includes a fixed wall facing the first inner wall, connected to the case body, and maintained at a fixed position with respect to the case body, the fixed end is connected to one end of the fixed wall, the one end connected to the case body, and the free end is disconnected from another end of the fixed wall, the other end being opposite to the case body.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein, a direction from the one end of the fixed wall, the one end connected to the case body, toward the other end of the fixed wall, the other end being opposite to the one end, is a first direction, and a length of the fixed wall in a second direction being orthogonal to the first direction is longer than a length of the elastic deformation portion in the second direction.

5. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the fastening portion is positioned adjacent to the free end.

6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the elastic deformation portion is spaced from the first inner wall, and the fastening portion protrudes toward the first inner wall from the elastic deformation portion to be in contact with the first inner wall.

7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the fastening portion includes a protrusion protruding from the elastic deformation portion toward the first inner wall, and a coupling hole penetrating the protrusion and penetrated by the fastening member.

8. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the fastening portion includes an extension portion extending from the elastic deformation portion toward the first inner wall, a contact portion extending from one end of the extension portion toward the first inner wall in parallel to the first inner wall and being in contact with the first inner wall, and a coupling hole penetrating the contact portion and penetrated by the fastening member.

9. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first inner wall includes a support portion protruding to support the support case, and the support case further includes an elastic protrusion interfering with the support portion and configured to be elastically deformed while being pressed by the support portion.

10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the support case further includes a case body supported by the support portion, and the case body includes an interference prevention hole facing the support portion and configured to prevent the case body from interfering with the elastic protrusion while the elastic protrusion is elastically deformed, and the elastic protrusion extends from one end connected to the case body to another end positioned at an inner side from edges of the interference prevention hole.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the fastening portion is a first fastening portion, the fastening member configured to couple the first fastening portion to the first inner wall is a first fastening member, the elastic deformation portion is a first elastic deformation portion, and the support case further includes a second fastening portion being opposite to the first fastening portion and coupled to the second inner wall by a second fastening member, and a second elastic deformation portion being opposite to the first elastic deformation portion, configured to be elastically deformed while the second fastening portion is pressed by the second inner wall, and movably supporting the second fastening portion.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising a water supply pipe configured to supply water to the ice tray, wherein the support case includes a water supply opening provided in an upper portion of the support case, the upper portion positioned above the ice tray, and formed to allow water to flow into the ice tray through the water supply pipe, and a rib positioned at one side of the water supply opening, extending downward from the upper portion of the support case, and including at least one through hole.

13. The refrigerator of claim 12, further comprising a cool air supply positioned behind the support case and configured to supply cool air to the storage room, wherein the support case further includes a case inlet facing the cool air supply and configured to allow cool air to flow from the cool air supply into the support case, and the rib is positioned between the case inlet and the water supply opening.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the ice tray includes a first side being adjacent to the case inlet and a second side being opposite to the first side, and the rib is positioned closer to the first side than the second side.

15. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the rib includes a plurality of blocking portions arranged to be spaced from each other in a front-rear direction along one side of the water supply opening, each of the plurality of blocking portions extends in upper and lower directions, and the at least one through hole is formed between the plurality of blocking portions spaced from each other.

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