Refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator in which a placement module is provided, the placement module comprising a placement tray, in a door, on which a beverage capsule is placed, and a tray accommodation part in which the placement tray is accommodated, the refrigerator comprising a beverage extraction module which automatically perforates a capsule placed on the placement tray and injects drinking water into the capsule in order to extract the beverage of the capsule. Accordingly, a beverage in a capsule can be extracted and provided in the refrigerator.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator capable of extracting capsule beverages.

[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, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2004-0078299, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0060091, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0084789, and Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0590498.

[0006] Additionally, recently, refrigerators with the above dispensers have been provided with an additional function to extract coffee, allowing for more diverse uses of the refrigerator.

[0007] In this regard, it is as disclosed in domestic patent publication No. 10-2005-0033290 (prior document 1), U.S. registered patent US 8,434,401 B2 (prior document 2), etc.

[0008] In the case of the above prior art document 1, it is configured to extract ground coffee contained in a filter using hot water. However, this prior art document 1 has the disadvantage of being incapable of extracting capsule coffee, thus limiting its usability.

[0009] In the case of the above-mentioned prior art document 2, the pod is mounted at the outlet of the dispenser and hot water is supplied to extract the beverage within the pod. However, this prior art document 2 has the disadvantage of limited usability because it is not structured for extracting capsule beverages using high-pressure hot water. Furthermore, the pod must be attached to the interface manually or using a handle, making it inconvenient to use.

[0010] In addition, in the case of the above prior art document 2, there is a disadvantage in that it is inconvenient to use because, if purified water is to be provided, the pod must be separated again and another pod must be installed to receive purified water.

[0011] Meanwhile, Korean Patent No. 10-1555543 (Prior Document 3) provides a function for extracting capsule coffee in a water purifier. However, Prior Document 3 suffers from the drawback that the structure for extracting capsule coffee is not modularized into individual components, resulting in a complex overall structure and making it impossible to selectively provide only the necessary modules.

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having a receiving module for mounting a capsule so as to extract and supply a capsule beverage and a beverage extraction module for perforating and fixing the mounted capsule.

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator with a new type of capsule beverage extraction module that enables automatic fixation of capsules and extraction of capsule beverages by simply supplying capsules.

[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a structure for extracting capsule beverages in a separate modular manner, so that the structure can be selectively provided in a refrigerator that does not have an existing capsule beverage extraction function.

[0015] The purpose of the present invention is to enable a capsule beverage extraction function to be selectively provided depending on the model of the refrigerator.

[0016] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a beverage extraction module for extracting a capsule beverage may be provided on the door.

[0017] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a fixing module may be provided on the door to allow the capsule beverage to be placed in the correct position.

[0018] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the settling module may be provided with a receiving portion for receiving a capsule filled with a liquid beverage or powdered beverage.

[0019] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the capsule can be provided to the receiving portion of the tray receiving portion while being seated on the seating tray.

[0020] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a hot water supply module for generating high temperature drinking water for extraction of capsule beverages may be provided.

[0021] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water supply module can supply drinking water at high pressure so as to extract a capsule beverage.

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

[0023] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water supply module can receive drinking water from a raw water line, heat the received drinking water, and supply it to a supply tube.

[0024] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the beverage extraction module can automatically puncture a capsule placed on a tray and inject water to extract a beverage.

[0025] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a beverage extracted from a beverage extraction module can be discharged through a water discharge nozzle of a dispenser unit.

[0026] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the beverage extraction module can be configured to hold the capsule.

[0027] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the beverage extraction module can automatically extract the capsule.

[0028] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the beverage extraction module can extract a beverage by supplying heated drinking water to a capsule.

[0029] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a beverage extracted by the beverage extraction module can be provided through a water outlet nozzle of the dispenser unit.

[0030] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a beverage extracted from a beverage extraction module or a beverage flowing along a raw water line can be selectively discharged through a water discharge nozzle of a dispenser unit.

[0031] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the settling tray can be detachably installed on the door.

[0032] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the settling tray can be installed in a receiving portion so as to be stored or taken out.

[0033] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a seating groove may be formed in the seating tray so that a capsule filled with a beverage may be seated therein.

[0034] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the settling tray can be installed in a drawer-type receiving portion.

[0035] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, guide grooves may be formed on both side walls within the receiving portion, and guide projections may be formed on both sides of the mounting tray to be received and guided in the guide grooves.

[0036] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the tray and the magnetic member can be placed in a fixed position within the receiving portion.

[0037] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the magnetic member may be provided on the opposite surfaces between the guide projection of the mounting tray and the guide groove of the receiving portion.

[0038] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a support may be provided so that a capsule can be placed within a placement groove formed in a placement tray.

[0039] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a breaking projection may be formed protruding on the support to break the film of the capsule.

[0040] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a plurality of extraction holes may be formed through the base so that the extracted beverage flowing out from the capsule can flow out.

[0041] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the stand can be installed so as not to rotate within the mounting groove.

[0042] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, at least a portion of the inner surface of the mounting groove and the outer surface of the stand may be formed flat to prevent rotation of the stand.

[0043] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a drain pipe for discharging an extracted beverage that has flowed into the settling groove may be formed to protrude from the bottom of the settling tray.

[0044] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the bottom surface within the settling groove can be formed to be inclined up to the extension portion from the water outlet pipe so that the extracted beverage can flow smoothly through the water outlet pipe.

[0045] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the water outlet pipe can be formed to be bent toward the inner wall surface of the receiving portion.

[0046] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a guide section for guiding the discharge of an extracted beverage by connecting a discharge pipe to the receiving section may be provided.

[0047] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the guide portion provided in the receiving portion may include an insertion groove into which a water outlet pipe is inserted and connected.

[0048] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the insertion groove of the guide part has a path through which an extracted beverage can pass.

[0049] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the insertion groove of the guide portion can be formed on the inner wall surface of the receiving portion.

[0050] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a discharge pipe through which an extracted beverage discharged into an insertion groove is discharged can be formed in the receiving portion.

[0051] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the discharge pipe of the guide portion can protrude from the outer wall surface of the receiving portion.

[0052] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a connecting tube connecting the discharge pipe of the guide section and the discharge nozzle of the dispenser section may be included.

[0053] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the installation space formed in the door body can be closed with a front panel.

[0054] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a beverage extraction module can be provided in an installation space formed in the door body.

[0055] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the hot water supply module can be mounted in a mounting groove formed on one side of the door body.

[0056] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the beverage extraction module may include a capsule cap that wraps around and grips the outer surface of a capsule placed on a placement tray.

[0057] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the beverage extraction module may include a phage cap that perforates the outer surface of a capsule seated on a seating tray.

[0058] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a perforation projection may be formed on the inner surface of the phage cap to perforate the outer surface of the capsule.

[0059] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a receiving groove may be formed in the phage cap to surround the outer surface of the capsule.

[0060] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, an intake pipe to which a supply tube is connected may be protruded and formed on the outer surface of the phage cap.

[0061] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the phage cap can be installed to be raised and lowered.

[0062] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the perforation projection formed on the phage cap can be formed to protrude downward from the upper surface within the receiving groove.

[0063] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the beverage extraction module may include a lifting unit for lifting and moving the phage cap.

[0064] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the lifting unit may include a pressure bar connected to the upper surface of the phage cap.

[0065] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the lifting unit may include a rack member for lifting and lowering the pressure bar.

[0066] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the lifting unit may include a driving source that provides driving force for lifting the rack member.

[0067] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the beverage extraction module may include a module cover that guides the upward and downward movement of the rack member while accommodating the rack member of the lifting unit.

[0068] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the module cover can be fixedly installed within the installation space of the door.

[0069] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a settling module, a beverage extraction module, and a hot water supply module may all be included.

[0070] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, at least one of the settling module, the beverage extraction module, and the hot water supply module can be replaced with a replaceable device provided in the refrigerator.

[0071] The refrigerator of the present invention has the effect that a beverage in the capsule can be automatically extracted by a simple operation in which the user simply places the capsule in the placement tray and installs it in the receiving portion provided in the door.

[0072] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the effect of being applicable to existing refrigerators because the hot water supply module for heating drinking water, the settling module for settling the capsule, and the beverage extraction module for piercing and perforating the capsule can each be provided as a single module.

[0073] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the effect that, in the process of mounting the settling tray to the receiving portion of the door, the outlet pipe of the settling tray is coupled to the insertion groove of the guide portion provided in the receiving portion, so that the extracted beverage can be accurately guided to the outlet nozzle through the connecting tube.

[0074] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a door forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a door forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 4 is an internal cross-sectional view of a door forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 5 is a front view of the installation state of the settling module and beverage extraction module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a hot water supply module forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 7 is a plan view of a hot water supply module forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 8 is a state diagram of another example of a hot water supply module forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 9 is a state diagram of another example of a hot water supply module forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 10 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply module forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the receiving portion of the mounting module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention and the installation case in which the beverage extraction module is installed.

[0085] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the installation state of the mounting module and beverage extraction module that make up the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a state in which a mounting tray is separated from a tray receiving portion of a mounting module forming a refrigerator of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a state in which a mounting tray is mounted in a tray receiving portion of a mounting module forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 14 is a front view of a state in which a mounting tray is mounted in a tray receiving portion of a mounting module forming a refrigerator of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the relationship between the guide groove and the guide projection before the mounting tray is mounted in the tray receiving portion of the mounting module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the relationship between the guide groove and the guide projection in a state where the mounting tray is mounted in the tray receiving portion of the mounting module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the relationship between the outlet pipe and the guide section before the mounting tray is mounted in the tray receiving section of the mounting module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the relationship between the outlet pipe and the guide section in a state where the mounting tray is mounted in the tray receiving section of the mounting module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the relationship between the outlet pipe and the guide part of the mounting module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the front side showing the state before the capsule is gripped by the phage cap of the beverage extraction module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Figure 21 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which a capsule cap of a beverage extraction module forming a refrigerator of an embodiment of the present invention is perforated while holding a capsule.

[0096] Figure 22 is a circuit diagram showing the process of heating drinking water by the hot water supply module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Figure 23 is a circuit diagram showing the process of the hot water supply module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention recovering drinking water.

[0098] Figure 24 is a circuit diagram showing the process in which the hot water supply module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention reheats and supplies drinking water in a recovered state.

[0099] Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of the installation location of the hot water supply module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the installation location of the hot water supply module forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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 26.

[0105] The attached drawing 1 is an external perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, drawing 2 is a perspective view of a door forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and drawing 3 is an exploded perspective view of a door forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] In addition, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the inside of a door forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a front view showing the installation state of a mounting module and a beverage extraction module forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] As shown in these drawings, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention additionally provides a mounting module (600) for mounting a capsule (1) in a refrigerator having a dispenser section (170) and a beverage extraction module (700) for perforating the capsule (1) and holding it when extracting a beverage, so that extraction of a capsule beverage is also possible.

[0108] A refrigerator having a settling module (600) and a beverage extraction module (700) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail for each component.

[0109] First, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a cabinet (110) forming an exterior.

[0110] The above cabinet (110) can be formed in a box shape with an open front.

[0111] 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.

[0112] Next, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a door (150).

[0113] 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).

[0114] The above door (150) may be provided with an ice maker (160) for making ice or an ice bank (not shown) for storing ice.

[0115] The above door (150) may be provided as one or as one for each storage compartment (101).

[0116] The above door (150) includes a door body (151) and a front panel (152).

[0117] The above door body (151) can be defined as a body part of the door (150), and the front panel (152) can be defined as the front of the door (150).

[0118] An installation space may be provided on the front of the above door body (151).

[0119] The above installation space can be defined as a space spaced between the front and back of the door (150) or a space arbitrarily formed on the front of the door body (151) for installation of various components.

[0120] Various components can be installed in the above installation space.

[0121] For example, a dispenser unit (170) may be provided in the above installation space.

[0122] This dispenser part (170) provides a space recessed from the front of the door (150) so that a cup can be placed therein, and a water outlet nozzle (171) for supplying drinking water may be provided on the upper surface of the space provided by the dispenser part (170). An ice passage (172) for supplying ice may additionally be provided on the upper surface of the space provided by the dispenser part (170). The dispenser part (170) will be described again below.

[0123] Additionally, a mounting module (600) to be described later may be provided in the above installation space.

[0124] A front panel (152) may be provided on the front of the door body (151). The front panel (152) blocks the installation space of the door body (151) and serves to block it from the external environment.

[0125] A cut-out (152a) is formed in the front panel (152) so that the receiving portion (611) of the mounting module (600) and the dispenser portion (170) are exposed to the outside.

[0126] The front panel (152) may be provided with an operation unit (152b). The operation unit (152b) may be a button or a touch panel that operates to supply at least one of purified water, hot water, ice, or extracted beverage that can be supplied to the dispenser unit (170) described below.

[0127] It is more preferable to be able to control the temperature of hot water or the pressure of hot water using the above operation unit (152b).

[0128] Additionally, the above operation unit (152b) can also perform operations for controlling the operation of the refrigerator.

[0129] Next, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a dispenser section (170).

[0130] The above dispenser unit (170) can be defined as a portion where a cup or container is placed to supply drinking water, ice, or an extracted beverage, or a device or structure including the portion.

[0131] The above dispenser unit (170) may be provided so as to be exposed to the outer surface (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.

[0132] A water outlet nozzle (171) may be provided in the above dispenser section (170).

[0133] The above-mentioned water outlet nozzle (171) receives drinking water from the raw water line (201) or from the connecting tube (180) 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 that is 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).

[0134] 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.

[0135] The above connecting tube (180) is a tube connected to supply high-temperature drinking water through the settling tray (620) to the outlet nozzle (171). At this time, one end of the connecting tube (180) may be connected to the outlet nozzle (171), and the other end of the connecting tube (180) may be connected to the tray receiving portion (610).

[0136] Next, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a hot water supply module (300).

[0137] The above hot water supply module (300) is a device that heats and supplies drinking water.

[0138] The above hot water supply module (300) may be provided in at least one of the cabinet (110) and the door (150). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5, a mounting groove (151a) may be formed in the door body (151) forming the door (150), and the above hot water supply module (300) may be mounted in the mounting groove (151a).

[0139] The above mounting groove (151a) may be formed on the upper surface of the door body (151), and the hot water kit (300) may be installed on the upper surface of the door (150). In particular, the hot water supply module (300) may be detachably mounted while being accommodated in the mounting groove (151a).

[0140] That is, the hot water supply module (300) is selectively mounted on the door (150) of a 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 (151a) can be closed with a cover (154).

[0141] The above hot water supply module (300) may be configured to receive and heat raw water passing through a raw water line (201). The raw water line (201) may be a tube, pipe, or hose connected to a water pipe or a container storing drinking water. 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).

[0142] 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.

[0143] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, the hot water supply module (300) may include a water pump (330) for pumping raw water and a heater (350) for heating the pumped raw water. That is, the hot water supply module (300) may be configured to pump, heat, and then discharge drinking water through the first guide line (310) and the second guide line (320) connected to the raw water line (201).

[0144] The first guide line (310) may be defined as a path provided to guide the flow of drinking water from the drinking water inlet into the hot water supply module (300) to the drinking water inlet side of the heater (350). At this time, the first guide line (310) and the raw water line (201) may be connected to each other by a branch line (202).

[0145] The second guide line (320) may be defined as a path provided to guide the flow of drinking water from the heater (350) to the outside of the hot water supply module (300). At this time, a supply tube (203) is connected to the drinking water outlet side of the second guide line (320), and the drinking water is discharged to the outside of the hot water supply module (300) through the supply tube (203).

[0146] Meanwhile, in the case of the supply tube (203), the longer the length, the greater the amount of drinking water remaining within it. Accordingly, when hot water supply is requested, the drinking water (chilled drinking water) remaining within the supply tube (203) is supplied first, and then heated drinking water is supplied while passing through the hot water supply module (300). This may result in user dissatisfaction due to the remaining drinking water within the supply tube (203).

[0147] To prevent this, the hot water supply module (300) may be further provided with a water recovery unit (303). The water recovery unit (303) may be configured to recover and temporarily store the residual water within the supply tube (203) after hot water supply is performed. By means of the additional structure of the water recovery unit (303), when a request for hot water supply arises in the future, operation is enabled to heat and supply the stored residual water first, and then heat and supply new drinking water.

[0148] The above-mentioned recovery unit (303) may be configured to store drinking water while flowing along the third guide line (360). At this time, the third guide line (360) may be connected to branch off from any part of the second guide line (320).

[0149] The above recovery unit (303) may include a storage unit (380) for recovering and storing the remaining water in the supply tube (203) and the second guide line (320) through the third guide line (360).

[0150] It is preferable that the capacity of drinking water that can be stored in the storage unit (380) is formed to have a capacity that is at least equal to or greater than the capacity of drinking water remaining in the supply tube (203) and the second guide line (320). That is, it is preferable that all of the drinking water remaining in the supply tube (203) and the second guide line (320) be returned to the storage unit (380).

[0151] The above storage unit (380) can be configured in various ways.

[0152] For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the storage unit (380) may be formed as a tube 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 supply tube (203) can be stored in the tubular storage unit (380).

[0153] To this end, the tubular storage portion (380) may be formed to have a longer length than the second guide line (320), or to have a longer length than the supply tube (203), or to have a length equal to or longer than the combined length of the second guide line (320) and the supply tube (203).

[0154] The above tubular storage unit (380) may be formed to be wound around any part of the hot water supply module (300) as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, or may be formed to extend along an empty space within the hot water supply module (300) as shown in FIG. 8.

[0155] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the storage unit (380) may be formed in a box shape in which the water is stored. That is, after the water is stored in the box-shaped storage unit (380), when hot water is used, the water in the box-shaped storage unit (380) is discharged and then reheated.

[0156] The box-shaped 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 box-shaped 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 supply tube (203), or larger than the combined storage capacity of the second guide line (320) and the supply tube (203).

[0157] Meanwhile, the water recovery unit (303) may further be provided with a water recovery pump (370). The water recovery pump (370) may be operated to suck drinking water remaining in the supply tube (203) during water recovery operation and return it to the storage unit (380).

[0158] In addition, the hot water supply module (300) may include a circuit board (390). A controller may be provided on the circuit board (390) to control the operation of each valve, pump (330, 370) and heater (350) constituting the hot water supply module (300). At this time, the circuit board (390) may be connected using a wire connector (391) to receive power or a control signal from the refrigerator.

[0159] That is, the above hot water supply module (300) can be operated under the control of a control unit that controls the operation of the refrigerator, but can also be controlled by itself, so it can be provided as a single module.

[0160] Next, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a mounting module (600).

[0161] The above-mentioned settling module (600) is a device provided to mount the beverage capsule (1) in the correct position and to remove it when extraction is complete.

[0162] This settling module (600) can be manufactured as a separate module from the refrigerator, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 11 to FIG. 14, and mounted on the refrigerator. For example, the settling module (600) can be provided as a separate module from the door body (151) or the beverage extraction module (700), and can be detachably mounted in the installation space provided by the door body (151). That is, by manufacturing the settling module (600) as a separate module from the refrigerator, it can be selectively installed in the refrigerator together with the beverage extraction module (700) according to the needs of the user or the model of the refrigerator, and has the function of extracting the beverage from the beverage capsule (1).

[0163] The above-mentioned settling module (600) may include a tray receiving portion (610) having a receiving portion (611).

[0164] The above-mentioned receiving portion (611) is a portion where the settling tray (620) to be described later is received and mounted, and can be defined as a portion formed by recessing from the front of the tray receiving portion (610).

[0165] The above tray receiving portion (610) may be provided on the upper side of the dispenser portion (170). As a result, the beverage extracted within the receiving portion (611) of the tray receiving portion (610) can be smoothly provided to the outlet nozzle (171) of the dispenser portion (170) through the connecting tube (180) due to the height difference without using a separate pump.

[0166] The above tray receiving portion (610) can be detachably installed in the installation space of the door body (151). The structure of the tray receiving portion (610) is intended to enable the mounting tray (620) to be mounted by additionally installing the tray receiving portion (610) in a refrigerator having an existing dispenser. In other words, a structure capable of performing a capsule extraction function can be added even to a refrigerator without a capsule extraction function.

[0167] The above-mentioned settling module (600) may include a settling tray (620) for settling the capsule (1).

[0168] The above-mentioned settling tray (620) is configured to position a capsule (beverage capsule) (1) filled with a beverage in the receiving portion (611) of the door (150).

[0169] The above-mentioned settling tray (620) is installed so as to be retractable or retractable from the receiving portion (611). This allows the user to easily mount or remove the capsule (1) on or from the settling tray (620), and also allows for smooth cleaning of the settling tray (620).

[0170] The connection structure between the above-mentioned settling tray (620) and the receiving portion (611) can be formed in various ways.

[0171] As an example, although not shown, the mounting tray (620) may be rotatably installed in the tray receiving portion (610), the door body (151), or the front panel (152). That is, the mounting tray (620) may be installed in the receiving portion (611) or removed from the receiving portion (611) by a rotation (swing or tilting) operation.

[0172] As another example, the mounting tray (620) may be installed in a drawer-type manner so as to be mounted or separated within the receiving portion (611) as in the structure of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] To this end, as shown in the attached drawings 15 and 16, guide grooves (612) may be formed on both side walls of the receiving portion (611), and guide projections (622) that are received and guided in the guide grooves (612) may be formed on both sides of the mounting tray (620).

[0174] The above guide groove (612) and the above guide protrusion (622) also serve to prevent tilting when the above mounting tray (620) is mounted in the above receiving portion (611).

[0175] Meanwhile, the above-described settling tray (620) must be placed in the correct position within the above-described receiving portion (611). That is, as the above-described settling tray (620) is placed in the correct position, the capsule (1) can also be placed in the correct position, thereby enabling the perforation and extraction of the capsule (1) by the beverage extraction module (700) to be described later to be performed smoothly.

[0176] For this purpose, the above-mentioned settling tray (620) can be designed to be placed in the correct position when fully inserted into the receiving portion (611).

[0177] In particular, magnetic members (630) that are attached to each other may be provided on the opposing surfaces between the guide projections (622) of the settling tray (620) and the guide grooves (612) so that the settling tray (620) can be completely inserted into the receiving portion (611). That is, the attachment of the magnetic members (630) allows the settling tray (620) to be completely inserted into the receiving portion (611) and maintain the corresponding position. Although not illustrated, an elastic restoring member (omitted from the illustration) may be provided between the opposing surfaces between the settling tray (620) and the receiving portion (611) so as to push the settling tray (620) during the process of taking the settling tray (620) out of the receiving portion (611).

[0178] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the settling tray (620) includes a cup portion (621) having a settling groove (621a) formed to allow the capsule (1) to be settling therein, and a cover portion (623) that closes the front of the receiving portion (611) when the cup portion (621) is completely received into the receiving portion (611). The capsule (1) is received and mounted into the settling groove (621a) on the upper side of the cup portion (621).

[0179] The seating groove (621a) of the cup portion (621) may be formed to have a larger space than the capsule (1). As a result, the capsule (1) can be easily provided into the seating groove (621a), and the grip cap (710) of the beverage extraction module (700) to be described later can be accurately gripped on the outer surface of the capsule (1) when inserted into the seating groove (621a).

[0180] In addition, a discharge pipe (621b) may be formed protrudingly on the bottom surface of the cup portion (621) for discharging the extracted beverage that has flowed into the settling groove (621a). This allows the discharge nozzle (171) of the dispenser portion (170) to receive the beverage or drinking water discharged through the discharge pipe (621b).

[0181] The bottom surface within the above-described settling groove (621a) may be formed to be inclined up to the extension portion with the above-described discharge pipe (621b). As a result, beverages flowing down into the bottom space within the above-described settling groove (621a) (the space between the bottom surface of the support and the bottom surface within the settling groove) can be smoothly discharged through the above-described discharge pipe (621b).

[0182] Additionally, a support (624) may be provided within the seating groove (621a) formed in the cup portion (621).

[0183] The above-mentioned support (624) can be defined as a portion where the capsule (1) is placed and its movement is prevented. That is, the capsule (1) is placed on the upper surface of the support (624). At this time, the capsule (1) is provided so that the portion sealed with the film (1a) is placed on the upper surface of the support (624).

[0184] A rupture projection (624a) may be formed protrudingly on the upper surface of the above-mentioned support (624). The rupture projection (624a) is provided to rupture the film (1a) of the capsule (1) placed on the upper surface of the support (624). The rupture projection (624a) may be formed in a structure that becomes sharper as it goes upward.

[0185] In addition, a plurality of extraction holes (624b) penetrating the upper and lower portions of the base (624) may be formed. The extraction holes (624b) are provided to guide the extracted beverage flowing out from within the capsule (1) to flow down to the lower surface within the settling groove (621a).

[0186] To this end, the bottom surface of the above-mentioned pedestal (624) and the bottom surface within the above-mentioned mounting groove (621a) are formed to be spaced apart from each other to provide a space through which the beverage can flow.

[0187] It is preferable that the above-mentioned support (624) be formed so as not to rotate left and right while seated in the above-mentioned seating groove (621a).

[0188] As an example, although not shown, at least a portion of the inner surface of the above-mentioned anchoring groove (621a) and the outer surface of the above-mentioned support (624) can be formed into a plane that interlocks with each other.

[0189] As another example, although not shown, a projection and a groove that are interlocked with each other can be formed on the inner surface of the above-mentioned fixing groove (621a) and the outer surface of the above-mentioned support (624).

[0190] A handle (623a) may be formed on the cover portion (623) constituting the above-described settling tray (620). That is, the user may operate the settling tray (620) to be taken out from the receiving portion (611) while holding the handle (623a). As shown in the drawing of the embodiment, the handle (623a) may be formed to protrude forward of the cover portion (623). Although not shown, the handle (623a) may be configured in various ways, such as by being formed as a groove or by being formed as a protrusion of another structure.

[0191] Meanwhile, the receiving portion (611) may be provided with a guide portion (613) to guide the extracted beverage discharged through the discharge pipe (621b) to the discharge nozzle (171) of the dispenser portion (170).

[0192] That is, the extracted beverage can be provided through the dispensing nozzle under the guidance of the guide unit (613).

[0193] The above guide section (613) can be implemented in various forms.

[0194] For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 as examples, the guide portion (613) may be formed so that the outlet pipe (621b) of the settling tray (620) is coupled and the connecting tube (180) connected to the outlet nozzle (171) is coupled.

[0195] To this end, the guide part (613) includes an insertion groove (613a) into which the outlet pipe (621a) is coupled, and a discharge pipe (613b) that delivers the beverage guided to the insertion groove (613a) to the connection tube (180).

[0196] In the case of the above insertion groove (613a), it can be formed so that the outlet pipe (621a) is inserted and coupled while being formed on the inner wall surface of the receiving portion (611).

[0197] In particular, the insertion groove (613a) is formed on the rear wall surface within the receiving portion (611), and the outlet pipe (621a) is formed to be bent toward the rear where the insertion groove (613a) is formed. That is, the insertion groove (613a) and the outlet pipe (621a) can be interlocked and combined with each other in the direction in which the settling tray (620) is inserted into the receiving portion (611). Accordingly, the outlet pipe (621a) can be inserted and combined into the insertion groove (613a) by the process of inserting the settling tray (620) into the receiving portion (611).

[0198] In the case of the above discharge pipe (613b), it is formed to protrude from the outer wall surface of the tray receiving portion (610) in which the receiving portion (611) is formed and to communicate with the insertion groove (613a). As a result, the extracted beverage can be discharged through the connecting tube (180) connected to the discharge pipe (613b).

[0199] As another embodiment for the above guide part (613), as shown in FIG. 19, a through hole (611a) may be formed on the inner wall surface of the receiving portion (611), and the outlet pipe (621b) may be configured to pass through the through hole (611a) and be connected to the connecting tube (180). At this time, in order to facilitate the coupling between the outlet pipe (621b) and the connecting tube (180), a hose connector (181) to which the connecting tube (180) is connected may be provided on the outer wall surface of the receiving portion (611) (outer wall of the tray receiving portion). In this case, the outlet pipe (621b) passing through the through hole (611a) may be coupled to and connected to the hose connector (181).

[0200] Next, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a beverage extraction module (700).

[0201] The above beverage extraction module (700) can be defined as a device that punctures and grips a capsule (1) to extract a beverage from the capsule (1) accommodated in the accommodation tray (620) while the accommodation tray (620) is accommodated in the accommodation portion (611) of the door (150).

[0202] That is, the beverage extraction module (700) may be a device provided to automatically perforate a capsule (1) placed on a settling tray (620) and inject heated drinking water into the perforated portion to extract a beverage from the capsule (1).

[0203] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the beverage extraction module (700) may be manufactured as a separate module from the refrigerator and mounted on the refrigerator. For example, the beverage extraction module (700) may be provided as a separate module from the door body (151) or the mounting module (600) and may be detachably mounted in the installation space provided by the door body (151). That is, by manufacturing the beverage extraction module (700) as a separate module from the refrigerator, it may be selectively installed in the refrigerator together with the mounting module (600) according to the needs of the user or the model of the refrigerator, and may have the function of extracting a beverage from the beverage capsule (1).

[0204] The above beverage extraction module (700) can be installed within an installation case (701). More specifically, an installation case (701) for installing the beverage extraction module (700) is provided in the installation space, and the beverage extraction module (700) is installed within the installation case (701).

[0205] This installation case (701) serves to support the beverage extraction module (700) so that it is installed in the correct position. In addition, the installation case (701) serves to prevent interference in the operation of the beverage extraction module (700) from other components provided in the installation space of the door (150).

[0206] That is, by providing the additional installation case (701) above, it becomes possible to install the beverage extraction module (700) even on the door of an existing refrigerator (a door of a refrigerator that does not have a capsule beverage extraction function).

[0207] The above installation case (701) may be formed as a box-shaped structure that is open to the front. At this time, the open front of the installation case (701) is covered and closed by a front panel (152) forming the door (150).

[0208] In addition, the bottom surface of the above-mentioned installation case (701) is positioned directly above the receiving portion (611). At this time, the bottom surface of the above-mentioned installation case (701) and the top surface of the receiving portion (611) are formed to be open so as to be in communication with each other.

[0209] Next, each component of the beverage extraction module (700) will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15 and FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0210] The above beverage extraction module (700) may be provided as a modular assembly including at least one of the following components.

[0211] First, the beverage extraction module (700) may include a phage cap (710) for perforating a capsule (1) seated on a seating tray (620).

[0212] The above-mentioned phage cap (710) can be formed to be installed so as to be able to move upwards toward the capsule (1) and to wrap around and grip the outer surface of the capsule (1) seated on the seating tray (620).

[0213] The above-mentioned phage cap (710) may be formed to have a receiving groove (711) that is open toward the capsule (1) and is positioned directly above the receiving portion (611) within the interior of the installation case (701) provided in the installation space of the door body (151). The receiving groove (711) may be formed by recessing from the bottom surface of the phage cap (710).

[0214] Meanwhile, a perforation projection (712) may be formed on the inner surface of the phage cap (710) to perforate the outer surface of the capsule (1). At this time, the perforation projection (712) may be fixed to the upper surface within the receiving groove (711) and perforate the upper end of the capsule (1) by downward movement of the phage cap (710).

[0215] In addition, an intake pipe (713) may be formed protrudingly on the outer surface of the phage cap (710). The intake pipe (713) is formed to communicate with the receiving groove (711) in the phage cap (710). At this time, the intake pipe (713) may be connected to a supply tube (203) that supplies heated drinking water from the hot water supply module (300). It is preferable that the supply tube (203) be formed as a soft tube so as to be able to respond to the up-and-down movement of the phage cap (710).

[0216] In addition, the beverage extraction module (700) may include an elevating unit (720) for elevating the phage cap (710).

[0217] The above-mentioned lifting unit (720) can be configured to move the above-mentioned phage cap (710) up and down by automatic operation.

[0218] To this end, the lifting member (720) may include a pressure bar (721) connected to the upper surface of the phage cap (710). That is, the phage cap (710) can be moved up and down by the up and down movement of the pressure bar (721), and the downward movement of the phage cap (710) allows the receiving groove (711) of the phage cap (710) to pressurize while surrounding the outer surface of the capsule (1).

[0219] The above pressure bar (721) may be provided in one or more portions, and is formed as a bar extending upward from the phage cap (710) while one end is coupled to the upper surface of the phage cap (710).

[0220] In addition, the lifting member (720) may include a rack member (722) connected to the pressure bar (721). That is, the pressure bar (721) may be moved up and down by the lifting movement of the rack member (722). At this time, the rack member (722) may be formed as a bar having a vertically long structure, and a gear may be formed on one wall surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0221] The above-mentioned lifting member (720) may include a pinion gear (723) and a driving source (724) for the lifting movement of the rack member (722). At this time, the pinion gear (723) may be coupled to mesh with a gear formed on one side wall surface of the rack member (722), and the driving source (724) may be installed to rotate the pinion gear (723).

[0222] That is, the pinion gear (723) rotates by the driving source (724), and the rack member (722) that is vertically engaged with it can move up and down. At this time, the driving source (724) can be a motor.

[0223] The above driving source (724) may be configured to move the grip cap (710) downwards when the settling tray (620) is fully accommodated within the receiving portion (611). To this end, a detection sensor (640) that detects that the settling tray (620) is fully accommodated may be provided in the receiving portion (611). For example, the detection sensor (640) may be configured as a hall sensor that detects the proximity of a magnetic member (630) provided to the settling tray (620). The hall sensor may be located at the bottom of the insertion groove (613a) among the two side walls of the receiving portion (611).

[0224] The above rack member (722) can be operated to move upward until the phage cap (710) is positioned away from the receiving portion (611), and to move downward until the phage cap (710) can pierce and grip the capsule (1) of the settling tray (620).

[0225] The above beverage extraction module (700) may include a module cover (702) that can accommodate the rack member (722), pinion gear (723), and driving source (724). As a result, the beverage extraction module (700) can be provided with the phage cap (710) and the lifting unit (720) forming a single module.

[0226] The above module cover (702) can be fixedly installed within the installation case (701) provided in the installation space of the door body (151).

[0227] Meanwhile, the rack member (722) may be installed so as to move up and down without shaking within the module cover (702). To this end, a contact member (722a) may be provided on another wall surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rack member (722) to prevent shaking by contacting the inner wall surface of the module cover (702). At this time, the contact member (722a) may be formed as a roller.

[0228] Below, the extraction process of a capsule beverage in the refrigerator of the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0229] First, in order to extract a capsule beverage, the settling tray (620) is separated from the receiving portion (611) provided on the door (150) of the refrigerator, and then the capsule (1) is settling in the settling groove (621a) of the cup portion (621) forming the settling tray (620). At this time, the capsule (1) is settling so that the portion covered with the film (1a) (see FIG. 12) faces downward and is received into the settling groove (621a). As a result, the film (1a) of the capsule (1) is placed on the upper surface of the support (624) provided in the settling groove (621a).

[0230] Then, the settling tray (620) on which the above capsule (1) is settling is mounted on the receiving portion (611) provided in the door (150).

[0231] When the mounting tray (620) is mounted, the mounting tray (620) is received by being guided by the guide protrusions (622) formed on both sides thereof and the guide grooves (612) formed on both side walls within the receiving portion (611), as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. In particular, when the cup portion (621) of the mounting tray (620) is completely inserted into the receiving portion (611), the magnetic member (630) provided on the opposite surface of the guide protrusions (622) and the guide grooves (612) are attached to each other. As a result, the mounting tray (620) can be maintained in a state in which it is completely mounted on the receiving portion (611), and the capsule (1) can be maintained in a state in which it is placed in the correct position within the receiving portion (611).

[0232] In addition, as shown in the attached drawings 17 and 18, when the settling tray (620) is mounted on the receiving portion (611), the outlet pipe (621b) formed on the settling tray (620) is inserted and connected to the insertion groove (613a) formed in the receiving portion (611). As a result, the discharge pipe (613b) provided on the receiving portion (611) can receive the beverage discharged to the outlet pipe (621b) through the insertion groove (613a).

[0233] And, when the above-mentioned settling tray (620) is completely installed in the receiving portion (611), the detection sensor (640) detects this and determines that beverage extraction is possible.

[0234] Thereafter, when the user operates the operating unit (152b), the driving source (724) of the beverage extraction module (700) is operated. Of course, the driving source (724) may be controlled to operate when the settling tray (620) is detected by the detection sensor (640).

[0235] When the above driving source (724) is operated, the pinion gear (723) coupled thereto so as to transmit power rotates, and the rack member (722) to which the pinion gear (723) is engaged moves downward, thereby moving the phage cap (710) downward.

[0236] As a result, the phage cap (710) is gradually moved downward into the receiving portion (611), and the capsule (1) is gradually received into the receiving groove (711) of the phage cap (710).

[0237] When the capsule (1) is completely accommodated in the receiving groove (711) by the downward movement of the phage cap (710), the outer surface of the capsule (1) is perforated by the perforation projection (712) located in the receiving groove (711), and the film (1a) of the capsule (1) is perforated by the rupture projection (624a) formed in the support (624). Then, when the outer surface of the capsule (1) and the film (1a) are perforated, the driving source (724) is stopped. This is as illustrated in Fig. 21.

[0238] When a user requests beverage extraction while the above capsule (1) is perforated, the hot water supply module (300) operates to heat the drinking water. That is, when the user operates the operating unit (152b) to request beverage extraction, the operation control of the hot water supply module (300) for heating the drinking water is performed.

[0239] When the operation control of the above hot water supply module (300) is performed, drinking water from the raw water line (201) is supplied into the hot water supply module (300) through the branch line (202) by the operation of the water pump (330) and is then heated while passing through the heater (350). At this time, the heated drinking water can be supplied to have a pressure and temperature set by the control of the heater (350) and the control of the water pump (330). This is as illustrated in the circuit diagram of Fig. 22.

[0240] Continuously, the heated drinking water is delivered to the intake pipe of the phage cap through the supply tube (203) and then supplied into the phage cap (710).

[0241] And, the drinking water supplied into the phage cap (710) passes through the capsule (1) located within the phage cap (710) and extracts the beverage within the capsule (1) at high temperature and high pressure.

[0242] The beverage extracted from the above capsule (1) passes through each extraction hole (624b) of the stand (624) and flows down to the bottom of the settling groove (621a) of the settling tray (620).

[0243] Continuing, the beverage is discharged to the discharge pipe (613b) through the discharge pipe (621b) formed on the bottom of the mounting groove (621a), and is provided to the discharge nozzle (171) of the dispenser unit (170) through the connecting tube (180) connected to the discharge pipe (613b).

[0244] Accordingly, the beverage can be supplied to a cup placed in the dispenser unit (170) through the water outlet nozzle (171). The process of heating the drinking water and extracting the beverage involves the flow of the drinking water as shown in the circuit diagram of Fig. 22.

[0245] Meanwhile, when the extraction of the above beverage is completed, the operation of the hot water supply module (300) is terminated.

[0246] In addition, when the extraction of the beverage is completed, the driving source (724) is operated and the phage cap (710) moves upward. The phage cap (710) is raised to a position where it is completely removed from the receiving portion (611). In other words, the phage cap (710) is raised so that it is positioned in a position where interference does not occur when the settling tray (620) is taken out from the receiving portion (611).

[0247] Thereafter, the user takes out the settling tray (620) from the receiving portion (611) and then discharges the capsule (1) inside it. The settling tray (620) from which the capsule (1) has been discharged is then inserted back into the receiving portion (611) and stored.

[0248] After the above beverage extraction is completed, the hot water supply module (300) can perform a water recovery operation to recover the remaining water remaining in the supply tube (203).

[0249] The above recovery operation can be performed by the operation of the recovery pump (370). At this time, the inflow of drinking water from the raw water line (201) through the branch line (202) is controlled to be blocked.

[0250] And, the remaining water remaining in the supply tube (203) through the operation of the above-mentioned recovery pump (370) is recovered through the second guide line (320) and then flows along the third guide line (360) and is stored in the storage unit (380). This is as shown in the circuit diagram of Fig. 23.

[0251] The above recovery pump (370) can be stopped when the recovery operation is completed.

[0252] If a request for hot water supply is made by operating the control unit (152a) while the above-mentioned recovery operation is terminated, a reheating operation is performed.

[0253] During this reheating operation, the drinking water returned to the storage unit (380) is supplied to the heater (350) via the water pump (330) and heated, and then discharged to the supply tube (203) under the guidance of the second guide line (320). This is as shown in the circuit diagram of Fig. 24.

[0254] Accordingly, the phenomenon of cooled drinking water remaining in the supply tube being supplied by the above-mentioned recovery operation and reheating operation can be prevented.

[0255] As described above, the refrigerator of the present invention can automatically extract a beverage from the capsule (1) by a simple operation in which the user simply places the capsule (1) on the placement tray (620) and installs it in the receiving portion (611) provided in the door (150).

[0256] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the advantage of being applicable to existing refrigerators because the tray receiving portion (610) for mounting the mounting tray (620) on which the capsule (1) is mounted and the beverage extraction module (700) for holding and perforating the capsule (1) are each provided as a single module.

[0257] In addition, in the refrigerator of the present invention, in the process of mounting the settling tray (620) to the receiving portion (611) of the door (150), the outlet pipe (621b) of the settling tray (620) is coupled to the insertion groove (613a) provided in the receiving portion (611), so that the extracted beverage can be accurately guided to the outlet nozzle (171) through the connecting tube (180).

[0258] Meanwhile, the refrigerator of the present invention can be implemented in various forms other than the above-described embodiment.

[0259] For example, in the case of the hot water supply module (300), it may be installed in a part other than the upper surface of the door (150).

[0260] As an example, the hot water supply module (300) may be installed on the upper surface of the cabinet (110) forming the refrigerator. That is, considering that a control unit equipped with various circuits to control the entire refrigerator is provided on the upper surface of the cabinet (110), the hot water supply module (300) may be placed together within a structure for storing the control unit.

[0261] As another example, the hot water supply module (300) may be installed on the inner wall surface of the storage room side of the door (150). For example, as shown in the attached FIGS. 25 and 26, a mounting groove (155) for accommodating the hot water supply module (300) may be formed on a portion of the inner wall surface of the door (150), and the hot water supply module (300) may be mounted within the mounting groove (155).

[0262] In this case, it is preferable that an insulating member (156) be provided at the entrance of the mounting groove (155) so that the heat generated by the operation of the hot water supply module (300) does not affect the stored items in the storage room.

[0263] Additionally, a cover (157) for selective opening and closing may be provided at the entrance of the above-mentioned mounting groove (155).

[0264] As another example, the hot water supply module (300) may not be provided. That is, if the refrigerator is manufactured to include a hot water supply device that supplies hot water, although not shown, the hot water supply device may be used instead of the hot water supply module (300).

[0265] Meanwhile, the lifting unit (720) for lifting the phage cap (710) may be configured to move the phage cap (710) up and down by manual operation.

[0266] For example, although not shown, a handle (not shown) exposed to the front of the door (150) may be formed on the front of the phage cap (710) so that the phage cap (710) can be moved up and down by the lifting and lowering operation of the handle.

[0267] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the hot water supply module (300), the settling tray (620), and the beverage extraction module (700) that make up the refrigerator of the present invention are each formed as separate modules and mounted on the door (150), as an example.

[0268] However, in the refrigerator of the present invention, at least two devices among the hot water supply module (300), the settling tray (620), and the beverage extraction module (700) can be formed into one module and mounted on the door (150).

[0269] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention can be formed with a hot water supply module (300), a settling tray (620), and a beverage extraction module (700) as a single module and mounted on a door (150).

[0270] In this way, the refrigerator of the present invention can be implemented in various forms.

[0271] 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.

[0272] 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. A cabinet providing storage space inside; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; A dispenser unit provided on the above door and having a water outlet nozzle through which drinking water is discharged; A mounting module provided on the door, comprising a mounting tray having a mounting groove formed to mount a beverage capsule, and a tray receiving portion having a receiving portion for accommodating the mounting tray; and, A refrigerator comprising: a beverage extraction module for puncturing a capsule placed on the above-described settling tray and injecting drinking water into the capsule to extract a beverage from the capsule; 2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the above-mentioned settling tray is installed in a drawer-type receiving portion of the above-mentioned tray receiving portion.

3. In paragraph 1, Guide grooves are formed on both side walls within the above-mentioned receiving portion. A refrigerator characterized in that a guide projection is formed on both sides of the above-mentioned settling tray to be received in the above-mentioned guide groove and to guide movement.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator characterized in that the opposing surfaces between the guide projection of the above-mentioned fixing tray and the guide groove are provided with magnetic members that are attached to each other.

5. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that a stand on which a capsule is placed is provided within the above-mentioned settling groove.

6. In paragraph 5, On the above pedestal A protruding rupture projection for breaking the film of the above capsule, A refrigerator characterized by having a plurality of perforated extraction holes formed therein to allow an extracted beverage flowing out from within the capsule to flow out.

7. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that a drain pipe is formed protruding on the bottom surface of the above-mentioned settling tray for discharging an extracted beverage that has flowed down into the settling groove.

8. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator characterized in that the bottom surface of the above-mentioned settling groove is formed to be inclined up to the extension portion with the above-mentioned outlet pipe.

9. In paragraph 7, The above discharge pipe is formed by bending toward the inner wall surface of the receiving portion, A refrigerator characterized in that the above-mentioned receiving portion is provided with a guide portion for guiding the extracted beverage to the water outlet nozzle of the above-mentioned dispenser portion when the water outlet pipe is coupled thereto.

10. In paragraph 9, The above guide section An insertion groove formed on the inner wall of the above-mentioned receiving portion, into which the outlet pipe is inserted and connected, and into which the extracted beverage is discharged; A discharge pipe that protrudes from the outer wall surface of the above-mentioned receiving portion and discharges the extracted beverage discharged into the above-mentioned insertion groove, A refrigerator including a connecting tube connecting the discharge pipe and the water outlet nozzle of the dispenser unit.

11. In paragraph 1, The above door, A door body that provides an installation space that is open to the front in some part of the front, A refrigerator including a front panel installed to cover the open installation space while forming the front of the door body.

12. In paragraph 1, It further includes a hot water supply module that receives drinking water from the raw water line, heats it to a set temperature, and supplies it at a set pressure. A refrigerator characterized in that the above hot water supply module is detachably installed on the door.

13. In paragraph 1, The above beverage extraction module, A phage cap having a perforation projection formed to wrap around the outer surface of a capsule placed on the above-mentioned settling tray and perforate the outer surface of the capsule; A refrigerator including a lifting unit for lifting and moving the above-mentioned phage cap.

14. In paragraph 13, The above phage cap has a receiving groove formed to surround the outer surface of the capsule, A refrigerator having a water inlet pipe protruding from the outer surface of the above-mentioned phage cap to which a supply tube for supplying drinking water is connected.

15. In paragraph 13, The above phage cap is installed to be raised and lowered, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned perforation projection is formed to protrude downward from the upper surface within the above-mentioned receiving groove.

16. In paragraph 13, The above elevator A pressure bar connected to the upper surface of the above-mentioned phage cap, A rack member for raising and lowering the above-mentioned pressure bar, A refrigerator including a driving source that provides driving force for raising and lowering the above rack member.

17. In paragraph 16, The above beverage extraction module A refrigerator including a module cover that guides the lifting and lowering movement of the rack member while the rack member is accommodated and is fixedly installed on the door.

18. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that at least one of the above-mentioned settling module and the beverage extraction module is formed as a module separate from the door and is detachably mounted on the door.

19. Cabinet providing storage space inside; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; A dispenser unit provided on the above door and having a water outlet nozzle through which drinking water is supplied; A mounting module provided on the above door, comprising a mounting tray having a mounting groove in which a beverage capsule is mounted, and a tray receiving portion having a receiving portion in which the mounting tray is accommodated; A hot water supply module provided on the above door, which receives drinking water from a raw water line, heats the drinking water, and supplies it into the receiving portion; It includes a beverage extraction module having a phage cap that pierces a capsule placed on the above-mentioned settling tray and receives heated drinking water from the above-mentioned hot water supply module, and a lifting unit that lifts and lowers the phage cap; The above-mentioned settling tray has a discharge pipe formed therein for discharging beverages extracted from the capsule or drinking water passing through the settling groove. A refrigerator characterized in that the above-mentioned outlet pipe provides an extracted beverage to a outlet nozzle of a dispenser unit through a connecting tube.

20. In paragraph 19, An insertion groove is formed on the inner wall of the above-mentioned receiving portion, through which the outlet pipe is inserted and connected, and the extracted beverage is discharged. A refrigerator characterized in that a discharge pipe, through which an extracted beverage discharged through the insertion groove is discharged, protrudes from the outer wall surface of the above-mentioned receiving portion and is connected to a connecting tube.

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