Hot water kit and refrigerator having same

Abstract

The present invention provides a hot water kit and a refrigerator having the hot water kit, the kit comprising: a heating unit which receives drinking water from a raw water line and heats same; and a water return unit which returns and stores drinking water remaining on a flow path. Accordingly, high-temperature drinking water can be supplied, and drinking water remaining on the flow path when the kit is not in use can be preferentially heated during a subsequent heating operation and then provided.

Description

Hot water kit and refrigerator with it

[0001] The present invention relates to a new type of hot water kit that can supply hot water beverages by being selectively installed in a refrigerator, and to a refrigerator having the same.

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that is provided to store various foods or beverages for a long time by using cold air generated by the circulation of refrigerant according to the refrigeration cycle.

[0003] Recently, refrigerators have been designed to have various functions beyond simply keeping items cold. For example, refrigerators are now equipped with dispensers that purify and dispense water, allowing them to function as water purifiers.

[0004] The above dispenser may be provided on the door of the refrigerator. This allows the user to easily obtain purified water through the dispenser without having to take out water, such as bottled water, stored inside the refrigerator.

[0005] Regarding refrigerators having such dispensers, various disclosures are made, including Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2005-0004927 (prior document 1), Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2004-0078299 (prior document 2), Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0060091 (prior document 3), Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0084789 (prior document 4), and Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0590498 (prior document 5).

[0006] In particular, recently, hot water can also be provided through the above dispenser, allowing the refrigerator to be used in more diverse ways.

[0007] The dispenser that provides the above hot water has a heater for heating the hot water placed on the flow path through which the hot water flows to the dispenser. Accordingly, purified water or hot water can be selectively supplied by controlling the on / off of the heater according to the user's needs.

[0008] However, since the heater is positioned on the flow path in dispensers that provide the above-mentioned hot water function, conventional dispensers that only provide water purification cannot supply hot water. In other words, since positioning the heater on the flow path requires specialized skills, it has been difficult for ordinary consumers to disassemble their refrigerators to add hot water function to existing dispensers.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional dispensers that provide hot water simply heat the flowing water by turning a valve on and off, making it impossible to provide hot water at high pressure. Consequently, various beverages (e.g., brewing ground coffee) could not be prepared using the hot water.

[0010] Meanwhile, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020-0121122 (Prior Document 6) provides a structure in which a water pump is placed in a water supply pipe and a beverage-making box is placed in a dispenser. This allows a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser to produce beverages using high-pressure hot water.

[0011] However, as described in the aforementioned prior art document 6, the water pump provided in the water pipe must be installed as close to the dispenser as possible, which is inconvenient. In other words, the longer the water pipe connecting the water pump and the dispenser, the greater the amount of unheated water remaining in the pipe that flows out. This can lead to increased user dissatisfaction.

[0012] Additionally, since the water pump must be located adjacent to the dispenser, there is a problem of difficulty in maintenance. That is, if the water pump malfunctions, the entire refrigerator door must be disassembled to remove the water pump, which is inconvenient.

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a structure for supplying hot water to a dispenser unit, which can be provided separately from the refrigerator and selectively installed in the refrigerator. In other words, the present invention enables hot water supply by simply providing a hot water kit as an additional feature to a refrigerator having an existing dispenser.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to enable a hot water kit for supplying hot water to a dispenser unit to be easily installed or disassembled, thereby facilitating maintenance.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to enable drinking water remaining in a waterway after providing hot water to be reused when providing hot water without being discarded.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide water that has been returned so that it can be heated preferentially when providing hot water.

[0017] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a hot water kit for heating drinking water supplied to the dispenser unit may be provided.

[0018] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water kit can receive drinking water from the raw water line and heat it.

[0019] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water kit may include a heating unit that receives drinking water from the raw water line and heats it. By providing such a heating unit, hot water can be supplied to the dispenser unit.

[0020] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water kit may include a water recovery unit for recovering and storing drinking water remaining in the flow path connected to the dispenser unit. The provision of such a water recovery unit prevents unheated drinking water remaining in the flow path from being provided when hot water is subsequently provided.

[0021] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water kit may be provided in at least one of the cabinet and the door.

[0022] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water kit may be provided so as to be retractable in at least one of the cabinet and the door.

[0023] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a mounting groove is formed on the outer surface of the door, and the hot water kit can be detachably mounted within the mounting groove. This facilitates maintenance of the hot water kit.

[0024] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the mounting groove can be formed by recessing the upper surface of the body. This prevents the hot water kit from being exposed to the outside.

[0025] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water kit may include a first guide line that guides the flow of drinking water to the heating unit while being connected to a first branch line branched from the raw water line.

[0026] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a first valve may be provided in the first guide line of the hot water kit. This allows the flow of drinking water pumped by the water pump to be selectively blocked.

[0027] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water kit may include a second guide line for guiding the discharge flow of drinking water heated from the heating unit.

[0028] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the second guide line of the hot water kit can be connected to the raw water line. Thus, drinking water heated in the heating unit can pass through the second guide line and then be supplied to the dispenser unit through the raw water line.

[0029] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the heating unit of the hot water kit may include a water pump for pumping drinking water from the raw water line to the first guide line.

[0030] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the heating unit of the hot water kit may include a heater for heating drinking water pumped into the first guide line.

[0031] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the water return unit of the hot water kit may include a third guide line for guiding the flow of drinking water.

[0032] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the third guide line of the hot water kit can be connected to the second guide line.

[0033] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the water recovery unit of the hot water kit may include a water recovery pump for pumping and recovering drinking water in a second guide line and a second branch line connected to the second guide line.

[0034] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a water recovery pump is provided in the third guide line and can pump drinking water.

[0035] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the water return unit of the hot water kit may include a storage unit for storing drinking water.

[0036] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a second valve for selectively blocking the corresponding flow path may be provided on the drinking water inlet side of the return pump among the third guide lines.

[0037] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a third valve for selectively blocking the corresponding guide line may be provided on the drinking water outlet side of the storage section among the third guide lines.

[0038] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the storage section of the hot water kit can be formed by a tube extending from the third guide line.

[0039] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the Euro-shaped storage section can be formed to have a longer length than the second guide line.

[0040] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the Euro-shaped storage section can be formed to have a longer length than the second branch line.

[0041] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the Euro-shaped storage section can be formed to have a length longer than the combined length of the second guide line and the second branch line.

[0042] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the Euro-shaped storage section can be formed to be wound multiple times.

[0043] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the storage section can be formed in a chamber shape in which water is stored.

[0044] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the water return unit of the hot water kit may include a third guide line connected to the second guide line.

[0045] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the water return unit of the hot water kit may include a fourth guide line branched from the third guide line and connected to the second branch line.

[0046] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the water return unit of the hot water kit may include a fifth guide line branched from the third guide line and connected to the first branch line.

[0047] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a fourth valve may be provided in the fourth guide line to selectively block the corresponding flow path.

[0048] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a fifth valve may be provided in the fifth guide line to selectively block the corresponding flow path.

[0049] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a control unit for controlling the operation of the heating unit and the water recovery unit may be further included.

[0050] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, when the heating operation of the heating unit is terminated, the control unit can control the water recovery unit to operate so as to recover and store the drinking water remaining in the flow path connected to the Spencer.

[0051] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, when the heating operation of the heating unit starts, the control unit can control to block the supply of drinking water from the raw water line to the heating unit until the drinking water stored in the return unit passes through the heating unit and is supplied to the dispenser unit.

[0052] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the heating unit and the water recovery unit may be provided as separate modules to increase space utilization.

[0053] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the heating unit and the water recovery unit can be installed in different parts of the door, respectively.

[0054] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the heating unit can be installed on the upper surface of the door so as not to affect the temperature inside the storage compartment.

[0055] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the return part may be positioned closer to the dispenser part than to the heating part inside the door.

[0056] According to the hot water kit of the present invention for achieving the above object, it may include: a first guide line that is connected to a first branch line branched from a raw water line and guides the flow of drinking water; a heating unit that heats the drinking water guided to the first guide line; a second guide line that is connected to a second branch line connected to the outlet side of the raw water line and guides the discharge flow of the drinking water heated in the heating unit; and a water recovery unit that recovers and stores the drinking water remaining in the second guide line or the second guide line and the second branch line.

[0057] According to the hot water kit of the present invention, the heating unit may include a water pump provided in the first guide line and pumping drinking water from the raw water line, and a heater that heats the drinking water pumped into the first guide line and discharges it into the second guide line.

[0058] According to the hot water kit of the present invention, a first valve for selectively blocking the flow of drinking water pumped by a water pump may be provided in the first guide line.

[0059] According to the hot water kit of the present invention, the water return unit may include a third guide line branching from the second guide line and guiding the flow of drinking water, a water return pump provided on the third guide line and pumping and returning drinking water in a second branch line connected to the second guide line and the second guide line, and a storage unit storing drinking water returned by the water return pump.

[0060] According to the hot water kit of the present invention, a second valve that selectively blocks the corresponding flow path may be provided on the drinking water inlet side of the return pump among the third guide lines, and a third valve that selectively blocks the corresponding flow path may be provided on the drinking water outlet side of the storage unit among the third guide lines.

[0061] The refrigerator of the present invention has the effect of enabling hot water supply by additionally providing a hot water kit consisting of a separate module.

[0062] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the effect of being able to additionally provide only a hot water kit to a refrigerator having an existing dispenser unit, as the hot water kit is configured to be selectively attached or detached.

[0063] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the effect of being easily removable because each branch line and wire branched from the raw water line is connected to the hot water kit using a connector.

[0064] In addition, the present invention has the effect of resolving user complaints due to residual water because the water remaining in the tube after hot water is provided is recovered and the recovered water is heated first and then provided when hot water is provided later.

[0065] In addition, since the present invention can provide high-pressure hot water using a water pump, it has the effect of enabling the extraction of beverages that require high extraction pressure, such as ground coffee.

[0066] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the door of a refrigerator to which the hot water kit of the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0068] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a door of a refrigerator to which a hot water kit of an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0069] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a key portion of a refrigerator door of an embodiment of the present invention with a hot water kit installed.

[0070] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a hot water kit of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 6 is a plan view of a hot water kit of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator door to which a hot water kit according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0073] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of the flow path between the hot water kit and the dispenser of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 9 is a state diagram showing another example of a storage unit forming a hot water kit of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 10 is a state diagram showing another example of a storage unit forming a hot water kit of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figures 11 to 16 are state diagrams for explaining each operation of drinking water heating, water recovery, and reheating by the hot water kit of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator door to which a hot water kit according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0078] Figure 18 is a state diagram of a heating unit in a hot water kit of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 19 is a state diagram of the water recovery unit of a hot water kit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figures 20 to 22 are state diagrams showing the flow of drinking water in each situation of the water recovery unit of the hot water kit of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figures 23 and 24 are state diagrams of another embodiment in which a hot water kit of the refrigerator of the present invention is installed.

[0082] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that when adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, identical components are given the same numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0083] In addition, when describing an embodiment of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is judged to hinder understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0084] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0085] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the hot water kit of the present invention and a refrigerator having the same will be described with reference to the attached drawings 1 to 24.

[0086] Attached Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a door of a refrigerator to which a hot water kit according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a door of a refrigerator to which a hot water kit according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0087] As shown in these drawings, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a hot water kit (300) in addition to a refrigerator having a dispenser unit (170). This allows hot water to be supplied.

[0088] The hot water kit and the refrigerator having the same according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail for each component.

[0089] First, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a cabinet (110) forming an exterior.

[0090] The above cabinet (110) can be formed in a box shape with an open front.

[0091] A storage room (101) is provided inside the cabinet (110). The storage room (101) is a space where stored items such as food, beverages, or food products are stored. The storage room (101) can be configured to store stored items in the space for a long period of time by utilizing cold air generated by a refrigeration cycle.

[0092] Next, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a door (150).

[0093] The open front of the above body can be opened and closed by the door. That is, the storage compartment (101) can be opened and closed by the door (150).

[0094] The above door (150) may be provided with an ice maker (160) for making ice or an ice bank (not shown) for storing ice.

[0095] The above door (150) may be provided as one or as one for each storage compartment (101).

[0096] Next, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a dispenser section (170).

[0097] The above dispenser section (170) can be defined as a portion where a cup or container is placed to supply drinking water or ice, or a device or structure including the portion.

[0098] The above dispenser unit (170) may be provided on the outer surface (the surface exposed to the interior) of the door (150). This allows the user to receive drinking water or ice without opening the door (150) from the outside.

[0099] The above dispenser unit (170) may be provided with a water discharge nozzle (171) (see FIGS. 3 and 8).

[0100] The above-mentioned water outlet nozzle (171) receives drinking water from the raw water line (201) and supplies it to a cup or container installed in the dispenser unit (170). At this time, the raw water line (201) may be a tube, pipe, or hose connected to a container storing tap water or drinking water provided outside the refrigerator. In addition, the raw water line (201) may be installed so as to be connected along the inside of the door (150) of the refrigerator to the dispenser unit (170).

[0101] Although not shown, the raw water line (201) may be provided with a filter device. Water supplied to the raw water line (201) by such a filter device can become purified water (purified water) that is drinkable.

[0102] Among the above door (150), a portion of the door where the dispenser unit (170) is provided may be provided with an operation unit (151) (see FIG. 2) that allows selection of drinking water supplied through the dispenser unit (170). The operation unit (151) may be configured as a button or a touch panel. In this case, the operation unit (151) may be used to select the supply of either purified water or hot water (heated water). Of course, the operation unit (151) may also be configured to control the temperature of the hot water or the pressure of the hot water.

[0103] The above operation unit (151) can also perform operations for controlling the operation of the refrigerator.

[0104] Next, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a hot water kit (300).

[0105] The above hot water kit (300) is a device that heats drinking water supplied to the water outlet nozzle (171) of the dispenser unit (170) through the raw water line (201).

[0106] As shown in Fig. 2, the hot water kit (300) is provided as a kit separately from the refrigerator and can be selectively installed in the refrigerator.

[0107] To this end, the hot water kit (300) has a case (301) forming an exterior. The case (301) may be formed as a polygonal or round box with a closed interior space. Of course, the case (301) may be configured to have an open top surface as shown in FIG. 5, thereby facilitating maintenance. The open top surface of the case (301) may be closed with a cover (301a).

[0108] This hot water kit (300) can be installed on the outer wall of the refrigerator cabinet (110) or the outer wall of the door (150).

[0109] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the hot water kit (300) may be installed on the upper surface of the door (150). To this end, a mounting groove (152) is formed on the upper surface of the door (150), and the case (301) of the hot water kit (300) may be detachably mounted while being accommodated in the mounting groove (152).

[0110] That is, the hot water kit (300) described above is mounted on the door (150) of an existing refrigerator having a dispenser section (170) and connected to the dispenser section (170), thereby enabling hot water to be supplied to the dispenser section (170). The mounting groove (152) is closed with a cover (154).

[0111] When the above hot water kit (300) is installed in the mounting groove (152), it is preferable that a vibration absorbing member (153) (see FIG. 4) be provided between the inner wall of the mounting groove (152) and the outer wall of the case (301) of the hot water kit (300). That is, the vibration absorbing member (153) prevents the vibration generated during the operation of the hot water kit (300) from being transmitted to the door (150) or cabinet (110) of the refrigerator.

[0112] The above vibration absorbing member (153) may be formed of a heat-dissipating material capable of preventing heat conduction. This prevents heat generated by the operation of the hot water kit (300) from being conducted to the door (150) of the refrigerator.

[0113] The vibration absorbing member (153) may be provided at least partially on at least one of the outer wall surfaces of the case (301) forming the hot water kit (300). However, in order to improve vibration blocking performance, it is most preferable that the vibration absorbing member (153) be provided at least partially on the entire outer wall surface of the case (301).

[0114] The above hot water kit (300) is selectively connected to a branch line branching from the raw water line (201). As a result, the above hot water kit (300) can receive raw water from the raw water line (201), selectively heat it, and then provide it to the dispenser unit (170) through the raw water line.

[0115] As illustrated in the attached drawings 7 and 8, the branch line may include a first branch line (202) that supplies drinking water to the hot water kit (300). The first branch line (202) may be connected to any portion of the raw water line (201) using a first connector (401). The first connector (401) may be a three-way connector, and the first branch line (202) is connected to any end of the first connector (401) to receive drinking water passing through the raw water line (201).

[0116] The first branch line (202) may be connected along the inside of the door (150) of the refrigerator. For example, the first branch line (202) may be formed to be connected from the raw water line (201) along the inside of the door (150) to the inside of the mounting groove (152) formed on the upper surface of the door (150).

[0117] In addition, as illustrated in the attached drawings 7 and 8, the branch line may include a second branch line (203) that receives heated water from the hot water kit (300). The second branch line (203) may be connected to another portion of the raw water line (201) using a second connector (402). The second connector (402) may be a three-way connector, and the second branch line (203) is connected to one end of the second connector (402) to provide drinking water (heated water) passing through the hot water kit (300) to the raw water line (201).

[0118] The above second branch line (203) (or second connector) can be connected between the portion of the above raw water line (201) where the first branch line (202) is connected and the portion connected to the dispenser unit (170).

[0119] The second branch line (203) may be connected along the inside of the door (150) of the refrigerator. For example, the second branch line (203) may be formed to be connected from the raw water line (201) along the inside of the door (150) to the inside of the mounting groove (152) formed on the upper surface of the door (150).

[0120] Meanwhile, a check valve (not shown) may be provided to prevent backflow of drinking water in each of the branch lines (202, 203). At this time, the check valve may be provided in each of the branch lines (202, 203) or may be provided in the first connector (401) or the second connector (402) to which each of the branch lines (202, 203) is connected.

[0121] Next, the structure of the hot water kit of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached FIGS. 5 to 8. Here, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hot water kit of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the hot water kit of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator door to which the hot water kit of an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the flow path between the hot water kit of an embodiment of the present invention and the dispenser.

[0122] First, the hot water kit (300) of the embodiment of the present invention may include a first guide line (310).

[0123] The above first guide line (310) can be defined as a path provided to guide the flow of drinking water to the heater (350). That is, drinking water introduced into the hot water kit (300) by the first guide line (310) can be guided to pass through the heater (350).

[0124] The above first guide line (310) is connected to the first branch line (202) that branches from the above source line (201) and extends to the mounting groove (152) of the door (150).

[0125] To this end, a third connector (403) is connected to the end of the first guide line (310), and the third connector (403) is installed so as to be exposed to the outside on one side wall of the case (301) forming the hot water kit (300). The first branch line (202) is selectively connected to the third connector (403).

[0126] The above first guide line (310) may be at least one of a tube, pipe, or hose made of metal, ceramic, or synthetic resin.

[0127] Next, the hot water kit (300) of the embodiment of the present invention may include a second guide line (320).

[0128] The second guide line (320) may be defined as a flow path provided to guide the flow of drinking water from the heater (350) to the outside of the hot water kit (300). That is, drinking water that has passed through the heater (350) in the hot water kit (300) by the second guide line (320) may be discharged outside the hot water kit (300) and supplied to the second branch line (203).

[0129] The above second guide line (320) is connected to the second branch line (203) that branches from the above raw line (201) and extends to the mounting groove (152) of the door (150).

[0130] To this end, a fourth connector (404) is connected to one end of the second guide line (320), and the fourth connector (404) is installed so as to be exposed to the outside on one side wall of the case (301) forming the hot water kit (300). The second branch line (203) is selectively connected to the fourth connector (404).

[0131] The above second guide line (320) may be at least one of a tube, pipe, or hose made of metal, ceramic, or synthetic resin.

[0132] Next, the hot water kit (300) of the present invention includes a heating unit (302).

[0133] The heating unit (302) may be defined as a combination of components provided to heat drinking water supplied from the raw water line (201) through the first branch line (202), or as an area in which the components are arranged. For example, the heating unit (302) may be defined as an area in which drinking water flows from the first guide line (310) to the second guide line (302), and components provided in this area.

[0134] The heating unit (302) may include a water pump (330) provided in the first guide line (310). By the pumping operation of the water pump (330), drinking water passing through the raw water line (201) may flow along the first guide line (310) through the first branch line (202). At this time, a first valve (501) may be provided in the first guide line (310) to selectively block the flow of drinking water pumped by the water pump (330). The first valve (501) may be configured as a solenoid valve that can be operated by electronic control.

[0135] In particular, the water pump (330) enables the heated water to be supplied to the dispenser unit (170) at a high pressure. That is, the high pressure heated water can be supplied to the dispenser unit (170) by the water pump (330).

[0136] Accordingly, the dispenser unit (170) is not simply a device that supplies hot water, but can be used for various purposes, such as extracting beverages (e.g., beverages, ground coffee, or tea) using high-pressure heated water.

[0137] Meanwhile, a flow meter (340) for measuring the flow rate may be further provided between the first valve (501) and the water pump (330) in the first guide line (310).

[0138] The above heating unit (302) may include a heater (350) for heating drinking water flowing through the first guide line (310).

[0139] The above heater (350) can be formed in various structures.

[0140] As an example, the heater (350) may be formed as a water block that is heated by the heat generated by a heating element (not shown). At this time, drinking water flowing along the first guide line (310) is provided into the water block, heated by the heat generated by the heating element, and then discharged to the outside of the water block. At this time, the heating element may be built into the water block or installed so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the water block.

[0141] And, when the heater (350) is formed as a water block, the other end of the second guide line (320) is connected to the heater (water block) (350) of the heating unit (302). That is, the drinking water heated while passing through the heater (350) can flow through the second guide line (320) and then be discharged to the second branch line (203).

[0142] As another example, although not shown, the heater (350) may be formed as a coil heater or a surface heating element that surrounds the first guide line (310). When the heater (350) is formed as a coil heater or a surface heating element, it is preferable to wrap the heater (350) with an insulating material to prevent external exposure.

[0143] Next, the hot water kit (300) of the present invention includes a water recovery unit (303).

[0144] The above-mentioned recovery unit (303) may be defined as a combination of components provided to recover and store drinking water remaining in the second branch line (203), or as an area in which the components are arranged. For example, the above-mentioned recovery unit (303) may be defined as an area in which drinking water flows until the drinking water remaining in the second branch line (203) is recovered and stored, and components provided in this area.

[0145] By providing the above-mentioned recovery unit (303), the problem of the drinking water remaining in the second branch line (203) being supplied to the dispenser unit (170) in an unheated state when providing the next hot water can be resolved.

[0146] The above-mentioned recovery unit (303) may include a third guide line (360). The third guide line (360) is connected to the second guide line (320). The third guide line (360) may be defined as a path through which drinking water flows from the connection point to the second guide line (320) until it is discharged to the first guide line (310).

[0147] The third guide line (360) may be at least one of a tube, pipe, or hose made of metal, ceramic, or synthetic resin.

[0148] One end of the third guide line (360) can be branched off from the second guide line (320) using a connector (480). As a result, drinking water discharged along the second guide line (320) during a water recovery operation can be recovered through the third guide line (360).

[0149] The other end of the third guide line (360) may be connected to the front end of the water pump (330) of the first guide line (310). For example, the other end of the third guide line (360) may be connected to the inlet of the flow meter (340) of the first guide line (310).

[0150] In this way, drinking water flowing through the third guide line (360) can be provided to the first guide line (310), pass through the heating unit (302) again, and then be discharged to the second branch line (203) through the second guide line (320).

[0151] The above-described water recovery unit (303) may include a water recovery pump (370). The water recovery pump (370) is provided in the third guide line (360), and by the pumping operation of the water recovery pump (370), drinking water in the second guide line (320) and the second branch line (203) connected to the second guide line (320) flows to the third guide line (360), and the drinking water flowing through the third guide line (360) can be provided to the first guide line (310).

[0152] A second valve (502) may be provided on the drinking water inlet side of the return pump (370) in the third guide line (360). The second valve (502) selectively opens and closes the second guide line (320) and the third guide line (360). That is, the drinking water flowing through the heater (350) to the second guide line (320) by the second valve (502) may be pumped to the third guide line (360) by the return pump (370). The second valve (502) may be configured as a solenoid valve or check valve that can be operated by electronic control. Of course, as illustrated, a check valve (511) may be further provided on the flow path between the return pump (370) and the second valve (502).

[0153] In addition, the water recovery unit (303) may include a storage unit (380) for storing drinking water recovered by the water recovery pump (370) to the third guide line (360). At this time, a third valve (503) for selectively opening and closing the corresponding flow path may be provided on the outlet side of the third guide line (360) (drinking water discharge side of the storage unit). Drinking water guided from the third guide line (360) to the first guide line (310) may be selectively blocked by the third valve (503). The third valve (503) may be configured as a solenoid valve that can be operated by electronic control.

[0154] It is preferable that the capacity of drinking water that can be stored in the storage unit (380) be formed to have a capacity at least equal to or greater than the capacity of drinking water remaining in the second branch line (203). In other words, it is preferable that all of the drinking water remaining in the second branch line (203) be returned to the storage unit (380).

[0155] The above storage unit (380) can be configured in various ways.

[0156] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the storage unit (380) may be formed in a flow path shape that allows drinking water to flow while being connected to the third guide line (360) or extending from the third guide line (360). That is, drinking water recovered from the second guide line (320) or the second branch line (203) may be stored in the flow path-shaped storage unit (380).

[0157] To this end, the Euro-shaped storage unit (380) may be formed to have a longer length than the second guide line (320), or to have a longer length than the second branch line (203), or to have a length equal to or longer than the combined length of the second guide line (320) and the second branch line (203).

[0158] The above-described Euro-shaped storage portion (380) may be formed to be wound around any portion within the hot water kit (300). To this end, the return portion (303) of the hot water kit (300) may further include a winding portion (382) onto which the Euro-shaped storage portion (380) is wound. That is, the Euro-shaped storage portion (380) may be provided in a state in which it is wound around the winding portion (382) (see FIG. 4).

[0159] The above-mentioned winding part (382) can be formed into an axial structure on which the above-mentioned storage part (380) can be wound.

[0160] Of course, the Euro-shaped storage section (380) may be formed to extend along the empty space within the case (301). This allows the winding section (382) to be omitted. This is as illustrated in the attached Figure 9.

[0161] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the storage unit (380) may be formed in a chamber shape that provides a space for storing the recovered water. That is, after the recovered water is stored in the chamber-type storage unit (380), when hot water is used, the recovered water in the chamber-type storage unit (380) is discharged and then reheated.

[0162] The chamber-type storage unit (380) may be formed to a size that allows a set amount of recovery to be stored. For example, the fluid storage capacity of the chamber-type storage unit (380) may be formed to be larger than the storage capacity of the second guide line (320), larger than the storage capacity of the second branch line (203), or larger than the combined storage capacity of the second guide line (320) and the second branch line (203).

[0163] Meanwhile, the hot water kit (300) of the present invention may further include a control unit (390).

[0164] That is, the water pump (330) or heater (350) forming the hot water kit (300) is operated by the control unit (390) and the water recovery pump (370) is operated. As a result, the hot water kit (300) can be provided as a kit with a separate module from the refrigerator.

[0165] The above control unit (390) may be linked to the operation of the dispenser unit (170). To this end, the control unit (390) may be configured to receive a portion of the refrigerator's power and control signals.

[0166] The above control unit (390) may be provided as a circuit board having a controller.

[0167] The control unit (390) may be positioned adjacent to one side wall surface within the case (301). In addition, the control unit (390) may be connected to a power line or a signal line within the refrigerator through a wire connector (391). At this time, the wire connector (391) may be installed so as to be exposed to the outside of the side wall of the case (301). The power line or signal line may be connected to a dispenser unit (170) provided on the door (150) or a power line or a signal line provided to an ice maker (160).

[0168] In particular, it is preferable that the control unit (390) be positioned as far away as possible from the heater (350) within the case (301). That is, it is preferable that the heater (350) be provided on one side of the case (301) and the control unit (390) be provided on the other side. This prevents the control unit (390) from being damaged or having an operation error due to the high temperature caused by the heat generation of the heater (350).

[0169] The above control unit (390) can control the operation of each valve (501, 502, 503).

[0170] For example, when the heating operation is terminated, the control unit (390) can control the return unit (303) to operate so that the drinking water remaining in the flow path connected to the dispenser unit (170) is returned to the storage unit (380) and stored therein.

[0171] In addition, the control unit (390) can control the supply of drinking water from the raw water line (201) to the first guide line (310) to be blocked until the drinking water stored in the storage unit (380) of the water recovery unit (303) passes through the heater (350) and is supplied to the dispenser unit (170) when the heating operation starts.

[0172] Below, the process of applying a hot water kit (300) to a refrigerator having a dispenser section (170) is described.

[0173] The above hot water kit (300) may be provided installed in a refrigerator having a dispenser unit (170) from the beginning of manufacturing, or may be provided separately. That is, the hot water kit (300) may be provided as an option.

[0174] If the refrigerator is provided without a hot water kit (300), only the hot water kit (300) can be purchased and applied.

[0175] When only the above hot water kit (300) is purchased and applied, the hot water kit (300) is installed in the installation groove (152) formed in the door (150) of the refrigerator.

[0176] In addition, the first branch line (202) is connected to the third connector (403) exposed to the outside of the case (301) of the hot water kit (300), and the second branch line (203) is connected to the fourth connector (404). In addition, a connector for connection with the main controller of the refrigerator or a wire placed on the door (150) is connected to the wire connector (391) of the hot water kit (300).

[0177] Next, the operation process of the hot water kit (300) for supplying drinking water through the dispenser unit (170) will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 16.

[0178] First, the user can receive purified water through the dispenser unit (170).

[0179] That is, when the supply of purified water is selected by the user's operation of the operating unit (151), the raw water line is opened and the supply of purified water to the hot water kit (300) is controlled to be blocked.

[0180] The opening of the above-mentioned raw water line (201) can be performed under the control of the main controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the refrigerator. The supply of purified water to the hot water kit (300) can be cut off by the main controller providing a relevant signal to the control unit (390) of the hot water kit (300), and based on this, the control unit (390) can control the supply of purified water to the hot water kit (300) to be cut off.

[0181] In order to block the supply of purified water to the above hot water kit (300), the first valve (501) is operated to block the flow path. That is, the drinking water inlet side of the first guide line (501) is blocked by the blocking operation of the first valve (501). As a result, the drinking water flowing through the raw water line (201) is not supplied to the hot water kit (300), but is directly discharged to the water outlet nozzle (171) of the dispenser unit (170) to supply purified water.

[0182] Next, the user can receive hot water (or heated water) through the dispenser unit (170).

[0183] That is, when hot water supply is selected by the user's operation of the operation unit (151), the control unit (390) performs the first heating operation.

[0184] During the first heating operation, the raw water line (201) is opened and controlled so that drinking water (purified water) is supplied to the hot water kit (300).

[0185] The control unit (390) controls the first valve (501), the second valve (502), and the third valve (503) so that drinking water can be supplied to the above hot water kit (300). The first valve (501) is operated to open the drinking water inflow side of the first guide line (310), the second valve (502) is operated to block the drinking water inflow side to the third guide line (360), and the third valve (503) is operated to block the drinking water outflow side of the third guide line (360).

[0186] Additionally, during the first heating operation, the control unit (390) operates the water pump (330) and also operates the heater (350).

[0187] By the operation of the water pump (330) described above, drinking water (purified water) flows into the raw water line (201) and is provided into the first guide line (310) through the first branch line (202), and the drinking water provided in this manner passes through the flow meter (340) and the water pump (330) and is provided to the heater (350). Thereafter, the drinking water is heated in the process of passing through the heater (350), and the heated drinking water sequentially flows through the second guide line (320) and the second branch line (203) and is then provided to the water outlet nozzle (171) of the dispenser unit (170). This is as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0188] Meanwhile, the water pump (330) can be operated so that the supply pressure of drinking water varies depending on the operation of the operating unit (151).

[0189] In addition, the heater (350) can be operated so that the temperature of drinking water changes according to the operation of the operating unit (151).

[0190] The supply of the above drinking water is stopped when the termination condition of the first heating operation is satisfied.

[0191] The termination condition of the above first heating operation can be judged to be satisfied when the water pump (330) is operated for a set period of time, drinking water is supplied at a set flow rate, or a user operation to stop the supply occurs.

[0192] When the termination condition of the first heating operation is satisfied, the control unit (390) can control the operation of the water pump (330) to stop or block the first valve (501).

[0193] And, when the supply of hot water is terminated by the control described above, the control unit (390) performs a water recovery operation of the hot water kit (300).

[0194] The above water recovery operation may be performed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the water pump (330) has been stopped. This allows hot water to be provided immediately when an operation for continuous hot water supply occurs after the hot water supply. In this case, the predetermined period of time may be, for example, a period of time sufficient to allow the remaining water in the second branch line (203) to cool down. For example, the water recovery operation may be performed one minute after the water pump (330) has been stopped.

[0195] Of course, the above recovery operation may be performed immediately after the water pump (330) is stopped.

[0196] During the above recovery operation, the first valve (501) and the third valve (503) are blocked, and the second valve (502) is opened. As a result, the inflow of drinking water into the first guide channel (310) is blocked, and the second guide channel (320) and the third guide channel (360) are connected to each other, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0197] Additionally, during the above recovery operation, the recovery pump (370) operates. At this time, the water pump (330) and heater (350) remain in a stopped state.

[0198] When the recovery pump (370) is operated by the above recovery operation, the remaining water in the second branch line (203) and the remaining water in the second guide line (320) flow through the third guide line (360) to the recovery pump (370) and into the storage unit (flow-type storage unit or chamber-type storage unit) (380).

[0199] The above recovery pump (370) is stopped when the termination condition of the recovery operation is satisfied.

[0200] The termination condition of the above recovery operation is a condition when the remaining water in the second branch line (203) and the second guide line (320) is completely stored in the storage unit (380).

[0201] The termination condition of this recovery operation can be set as the operating time of the recovery pump (370). For example, if the recovery pump (370) operates for the set time, the termination condition is determined to be satisfied and the recovery pump (370) is stopped.

[0202] In this way, when the recovery pump (370) is stopped, the second valve (502) is blocked. As a result, the residual water recovered from the second branch line (203) and the second guide line (320) is maintained in a stored state in the storage unit (380), and no residual water exists in the second branch line (203) and the second guide line (320).

[0203] Meanwhile, when a request for hot water supply is made by operating the operating unit (151) while the above-mentioned water recovery operation is finished, the second heating operation is performed.

[0204] That is, when hot water supply is selected by the user's operation of the operation unit (151), the control unit (390) performs the second heating operation.

[0205] During the second heating operation, the second valve (502) and the third valve (503) are controlled to open, and the water pump (330) and the heater (350) are controlled to operate.

[0206] Hereby, the drinking water stored in the storage unit (380) is provided to the flow meter (340) between the first valve (501) and the water pump (330) in the first guide channel (310) along the third guide line (360). Thereafter, the drinking water sequentially passes through the flow meter (340) and the water pump (330) and is then provided to the heater (350) and heated. Subsequently, the heated drinking water is supplied to the dispenser unit (170) through the second guide line (360) and the second branch line (203) connected thereto. This is as illustrated in the attached FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0207] And, when the drinking water stored in the storage unit (380) is completely discharged by the second heating operation, the first heating operation is performed at the same time as the second heating operation ends.

[0208] The termination of the second heating operation can be determined by the operating time of the water pump (330). That is, the second heating operation is terminated after the water pump (330) is operated for a longer period of time than the operating time of the water recovery pump (370). That is, the second heating operation is terminated when it is satisfied that the remaining drinking water in the storage unit (380) is completely exhausted.

[0209] When the above second heating operation is completed, the second valve (502) and the third valve (503) are closed and the first valve (504) is opened.

[0210] As a result, the first guide line (310) is opened, and the entrance and exit of the third guide line (360) are blocked.

[0211] And, when the first heating operation is finished, the recovery operation is performed again to prepare for the second heating operation.

[0212] Finally, the refrigerator of the present invention is capable of supplying hot water by additionally providing a hot water kit (300) consisting of a separate module.

[0213] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the advantage of being able to supply hot water through the dispenser unit (170) by additionally providing only the hot water kit (300) to the refrigerator having the dispenser unit (170) since the hot water kit (300) is configured to be selectively attached and detached.

[0214] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the advantage of being easily removable because each branch line (202, 203) and wire branched from the raw water line (201) are connected to the hot water kit (300) using a connector (403, 404, 391).

[0215] In addition, the present invention can resolve user complaints due to residual water because the water remaining in the water pipe after hot water is provided is recovered and the recovered water is heated first and then provided when hot water is provided later.

[0216] Meanwhile, the refrigerator of the present invention is not limited to being implemented only in the form of the above-described embodiment.

[0217] That is, the hot water kit (300) of the refrigerator of the present invention can be implemented in various forms. Each embodiment is briefly described as follows.

[0218] First, as another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, although not shown, the water recovery pump (370) provided in the water recovery unit (303) may be omitted in the hot water kit (300).

[0219] That is, the water pump (330) can be configured to perform the function of the above-mentioned water recovery pump (370). This allows the size of the hot water kit (300) to be reduced.

[0220] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, each component constituting the hot water kit (300) may be provided in a modularized form of at least two or more components.

[0221] For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the heating unit (302) and the recovery unit (303) can be separately modularized and provided in each case (301, 304).

[0222] That is, by providing the heating unit (302) and the water recovery unit (303) as different modules, the difficulty caused by the limitations of the installation space for installing the hot water kit (300) can be resolved.

[0223] For example, the heating unit (302) and the recovery unit (303) can be installed in different parts of the door (150).

[0224] Preferably, the heating unit (302) is installed on the upper surface of the door (150) to minimize the impact of heat generated by the heater (350) on the storage room (101).

[0225] The above recovery unit (303) simplifies the flow path by positioning it adjacent to the dispenser unit (170).

[0226] In this case, when the heating unit (302) and the water recovery unit (303) are provided as separate modules, the raw water line (201) is branched into the first branch line (202) and the second branch line (203) by the fifth connector (405).

[0227] In addition, when the heating unit (302) and the water recovery unit (303) are provided as separate modules, the water recovery unit (303) may include a third guide line (360) connected to the second guide line (320), a fourth guide line (361) branched from the third guide line (360) and connected to the second branch line (203), a fifth guide line (362) branched from the third guide line (360) and connected to the first branch line (202), a fourth valve (504) provided in the fourth guide line (361) to selectively open and close the corresponding flow path, and a fifth valve (505) provided in the fifth guide line (362) to selectively open and close the corresponding flow path.

[0228] Here, the third guide line (360) may be provided with a sixth connector (406) and may be branched into the fourth guide line (361) and the fifth guide line (362). The fifth guide line (362) may be connected to the fifth connector (405).

[0229] The second branch line (203) has one end connected to the fifth connector (405) and the other end connected to the outlet nozzle (171) of the dispenser unit (170). The second branch line (203) is provided with a seventh connector (407), and the fourth guide line (361) can be connected to the seventh connector (407).

[0230] A sixth valve (506) is provided between the connection portion with the fifth connector (405) and the connection portion with the seventh connector (407) of the second branch line (203), so that the corresponding flow path can be selectively blocked.

[0231] Here, it is preferable that the length of the third guide line (360) be formed to be longer than the length of the second branch line (203) or the combined length of the second branch line (203) and the fourth guide line (361). That is, the third guide line (360) can replace the euro-shaped storage unit (380) of the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention.

[0232] In the case of the refrigerator of the present invention of another example, the water recovery pump (370) may be omitted from the water recovery unit (303). That is, when the heating unit (302) and the water recovery unit (303) are provided separately, the water pump (330) of the heating unit (302) may replace the function of the water recovery pump (370).

[0233] For example, when a water recovery operation is performed, the water pump (330) can be operated while the first valve (501) and the fifth valve (505) are open and the fourth valve (504) and the sixth valve (506) are closed. Accordingly, the drinking water in the second branch line (203) and the fourth guide line (361) is stored in the third guide line (360), and when hot water supply is requested later, the drinking water in the raw water line (201) guided to the first guide line (310) is introduced into the first guide line (310) before the drinking water in the raw water line (201) is introduced into the first guide line (310), and then passes through the heater (350) and is supplied to the dispenser unit (170).

[0234] Meanwhile, the attached Figures 20 to 22 illustrate the drinking water flow process of the water recovery unit (302) in each situation in the refrigerator of another example of the present invention. That is, Figure 20 shows the state during purified water supply, Figure 21 shows the state during heating operation, and Figure 22 shows the state during water recovery operation.

[0235] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, although not shown, the hot water kit (300) may be provided in the refrigerator as an integrated unit rather than a detachable unit.

[0236] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, even when supplying purified water to the dispenser unit (170), it can be configured to pass through the hot water kit (300).

[0237] That is, the raw water line (201) is not connected to the dispenser unit (170), and the second branch line (203) can be connected to the outlet nozzle (171) of the dispenser unit (170).

[0238] In this case, by operating the water pump (330) in the hot water kit (300), a flow of drinking water that sequentially flows through the raw water line (201), the first branch line (202), the first guide line (310), the heater (350), the second guide line (320), and the second branch line (203) can be generated. When this purified water is supplied, the heating operation by the heater (350) is stopped. That is, the heating element forming the heater (350) is controlled so as not to generate heat.

[0239] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, an extraction device for extracting ground coffee may be detachably provided at the location where the water outlet nozzle (171) of the dispenser section (170) is installed.

[0240] That is, since the present invention can provide high-pressure hot water using a water pump (330), if an extraction device is provided in the dispenser unit (170), extraction of beverages requiring high extraction pressure, such as ground coffee, is also possible.

[0241] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water kit (300) may be formed on the storage compartment side wall of the door (150). For example, as illustrated in the attached FIGS. 23 and 24, a mounting groove (152) for accommodating the hot water kit (300) may be formed on a portion of the inner wall of the door (150), and the hot water kit (300) may be mounted within the mounting groove (152).

[0242] In this case, it is preferable that an insulating member (156) be provided at the entrance of the mounting groove (152) so that the heat generated by the operation of the hot water kit (300) does not affect the stored items in the storage room. In addition, a cover (157) for selective opening and closing may be provided at the entrance of the mounting groove (152).

[0243] Although not shown, the mounting groove (152) may be formed on one side, bottom, or front (the surface exposed to the interior) of the door (150).

[0244] Additionally, although not shown, the hot water kit (300) may be mounted on any wall of the cabinet (110). For example, the hot water kit (300) may be provided by being placed on the upper surface of the cabinet (110). In this case, the hot water kit (300) may be positioned adjacent to the main controller for overall control of the refrigerator on the upper surface of the cabinet (110).

[0245] In this way, the refrigerator or hot water kit (300) of the present invention can be implemented in various forms.

[0246] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times. In addition, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated to the contrary, mean that the corresponding component may be inherent, and therefore should be interpreted as including other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related technology, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense, unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0247] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. An open-fronted cabinet providing storage space inside; A door that opens and closes the front of the above cabinet; A dispenser section provided on the above door, which supplies drinking water from the raw water line; It includes a hot water kit that receives drinking water from the above raw water line and heats it; The above hot water kit is, A heating unit for heating drinking water, A refrigerator including a water recovery unit for recovering and storing drinking water remaining in a water pipe connected to the dispenser unit.

2. In paragraph 1, A mounting groove is formed in the above door, A refrigerator characterized in that the above hot water kit is detachably mounted within the above mounting groove.

3. In paragraph 1, The above hot water kit is, A first guide line that guides the flow of drinking water to the heating unit while being connected to the first branch line branched from the above-mentioned raw water line, A refrigerator comprising a second guide line that guides the discharge flow of drinking water heated in the above heating section and is connected to a second branch line branched from the raw water line.

4. In paragraph 3, The heating part of the above hot water kit is, A water pump that is installed in the first guide line above and pumps drinking water from the raw water line, A refrigerator including a heater for heating drinking water pumped through the first guide line and discharging it through the second guide line.

5. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the first guide line is provided with a first valve that selectively blocks the flow of drinking water pumped by the water pump.

6. In paragraph 3, The water recovery part of the above hot water kit is, A third guide line branching from the second guide line and guiding the flow of drinking water, A water recovery pump that is installed in the third guide line and pumps and recovers drinking water from the second guide line and the second branch line connected to the second guide line, A refrigerator including a storage section for storing drinking water recovered by the above recovery pump.

7. In paragraph 6, Among the third guide lines above, a second valve is provided on the drinking water inlet side of the water recovery pump to selectively block the corresponding flow path. A refrigerator in which a third valve is provided on the drinking water outlet side of the storage section among the third guide lines to selectively block the corresponding route.

8. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator characterized in that the storage section is formed to have a length longer than the combined length of the second guide line and the second branch line, while being connected to the third guide line to allow the flow of drinking water.

9. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator characterized in that the above storage section is wound on a part within the hot water kit.

10. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator characterized in that the storage section is formed in a chamber shape that provides a space for storing a set amount of water while being connected to the third guide line.

11. In paragraph 3, The water recovery part of the above hot water kit is, A third guide line connected to the second guide line above, A fourth guide line branching from the third guide line and connecting to the second branch line, A fifth guide line branched from the third guide line and connected to the first quarter euro, A fourth valve provided on the fourth guide line to selectively block the corresponding flow path, A refrigerator including a fifth valve provided in the fifth guide line to selectively block the corresponding flow path.

12. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit and the water recovery unit.

13. In paragraph 12, The above control unit When the heating operation of the above heating unit is terminated, the water recovery unit is operated to recover and store the drinking water remaining in the flow path connected to the dispenser unit. A refrigerator characterized in that, when the heating operation of the above heating unit starts, the supply of drinking water from the raw water line to the heating unit is blocked until the drinking water stored in the return unit passes through the heating unit and is supplied to the dispenser unit.

14. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the heating unit and the water recovery unit are provided as separate modules and are respectively installed in different parts of the door.

15. In paragraph 14, The above hot water kit is, A first guide line that guides the flow of drinking water to the heating unit while being connected to the first branch line branched from the above-mentioned raw water line, A second guide line is included to guide the discharge flow of drinking water heated in the above heating section and is connected to a second branch line branched from the raw water line. The above refund department A third guide line connected to the second guide line above, A fourth guide line branching from the third guide line and connecting to the second branch line, A fifth guide line branched from the third guide line and connected to the first quarter euro, A fourth valve provided on the fourth guide line to selectively block the corresponding flow path, A refrigerator including a fifth valve provided in the fifth guide line to selectively block the corresponding flow path.

16. A first guide line that guides the flow of drinking water and is connected to the first branch line branched from the main line; A heating unit for heating drinking water guided by the first guide line; A second guide line that is connected to a second branch line connected to the outlet side of the above raw water line and guides the discharge flow of drinking water heated in the above heating unit; A hot water kit including a recovery unit for recovering and storing drinking water remaining in the second guide line or the second guide line and the second branch line.

17. In paragraph 16, The above heating part, A water pump that is installed in the first guide line above and pumps drinking water from the raw water line, A hot water kit including a heater for heating drinking water pumped through the first guide line and discharging it through the second guide line.

18. In paragraph 17, A hot water kit having a first valve for selectively blocking the flow of drinking water pumped by the water pump in the first guide line.

19. In paragraph 17, The above refund part, A third guide line branching from the second guide line and guiding the flow of drinking water, A water recovery pump that is installed in the third guide line and pumps and recovers drinking water from the second guide line and the second branch line connected to the second guide line, A hot water kit including a storage section for storing drinking water recovered by the above recovery pump.

20. In paragraph 19, Among the third guide lines above, a second valve is provided on the drinking water inlet side of the water recovery pump to selectively block the corresponding flow path. A hot water kit having a third valve for selectively blocking the corresponding route on the drinking water outlet side of the storage section among the above third guide lines.

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