Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present invention has a water container assembly which can be supported by a shelf in a storage chamber, so that a degree of freedom in utilizing a space in the storage chamber, for installing the water container assembly, may be improvied.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator including a water tank assembly.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that supplies cold air generated by the circulation of refrigerant to a storage room, thereby keeping various types of storage objects fresh for a long period of time.

[0003] The refrigerator includes an ice maker that produces ice using cold air, and the ice maker can produce and store a certain amount of ice in advance.

[0004] An ice maker can make ice by placing water supplied from a water source or water tank into an ice tray.

[0005] Typically, the water tank can be mounted in a predetermined location, such as mounted on a door or in a narrow space provided on one side of a storage compartment within a storage room.

[0006] In this way, if the water tank is installed in a predetermined location, the user cannot install the water tank in the location he or she wants, so he or she does not have the freedom to utilize the space.

[0007] Meanwhile, when supplying water stored in a water tank to an ice maker, the water in the water tank must be pumped through a pump that generates water pressure, so the mounting position of the water tank may be limited depending on the location of the pump, or the mounting position of the pump may be limited depending on the mounting position of the water tank.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can increase the degree of freedom in space utilization when mounting a water tank assembly.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a water tank and a pump are assembled so that the water tank and the pump can be easily installed at a desired location.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a pump for pumping water stored in a water tank to an ice maker can operate smoothly.

[0011] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a refrigerator includes a cabinet including one or more storage compartments, one or more shelves within the storage compartments, and a water tank assembly supported by the shelves and positioned within the storage compartments.

[0013] The water tank assembly may include a case portion, a water tank disposed on the case portion, and a pump connected to the case portion.

[0014] The lower portion of the above case may have a receiving space in which the pump is placed.

[0015] The above case part can be arranged to be in contact with the rear and one side of the storage room.

[0016] The storage room in which the water tank assembly is placed may further include an ice maker placed in a different storage room, and the water tank assembly may be positioned lower than the ice maker.

[0017] The storage room in which the water tank assembly is placed may further include an ice maker placed in a different storage room, and the water tank assembly may be positioned above the ice maker.

[0018] A water valve communicating with the pump may be further arranged in the above case.

[0019] The above water tank can be attached to and detached from the case portion in a vertically movable manner.

[0020] The water tank includes an opening and closing portion located on the bottom surface, and when the water tank is mounted on the case portion, the opening and closing portion can communicate with a passage portion formed on the case portion.

[0021] A shielding member that can move up and down is arranged in the above opening and closing portion, and a case rib protruding upward is arranged in the passage portion. When the water tank is mounted on the case portion, the case rib presses the lower surface of the shielding member to move the shielding member upward, thereby opening the opening and closing portion.

[0022] The shielding member may include a shaft that moves in an up-and-down direction, an O-ring that surrounds the upper circumference of the shaft, and a spring that surrounds the circumference of the shaft located lower than the O-ring.

[0023] When the water tank is mounted on the case, the spring is compressed upward and the O-ring is separated from the opening and closing portion to open the opening and closing portion, and when the water tank is removed from the case, the spring is expanded downward to return the O-ring downward to close the opening and closing portion.

[0024] The above opening and closing portion further includes a connecting portion protruding downward from the bottom surface of the water tank, and the shielding member is arranged inside the connecting portion and can move up and down along the connecting portion.

[0025] In the above passage section, a sealing ring that surrounds the connecting section and a ring case that is arranged to cover the sealing ring and fix the sealing ring may be placed.

[0026] The above ring case can be hook-connected to the above case part.

[0027] The above opening and closing portion and the passage portion can be arranged to overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0028] The above pump is positioned so as not to overlap with the passage in the vertical direction, and the pump may be positioned behind the passage.

[0029] The above floor surface may include a slope that descends toward the opening and closing portion.

[0030] The above water tank can be detachably attached to the case portion in a horizontal manner.

[0031] The above water tank can be mounted on the case by sliding in a horizontal direction and then sliding in a downward diagonal direction.

[0032] The case portion includes a guide rail portion that guides the sliding movement of the water tank, and the guide rail portion includes a horizontal opening portion that is opened along the horizontal movement direction of the water tank and an inclined opening portion that is opened along the diagonal movement direction of the water tank, and the water tank may include a protruding guide that moves along the horizontal opening and the inclined opening.

[0033] The water tank includes an opening and closing portion located on the bottom surface, and when the water tank is mounted on the case portion, the opening and closing portion communicates with a passage portion formed on the case portion, and the opening and closing portion and the passage portion can be arranged to be inclined along the diagonal movement direction of the water tank.

[0034] The above floor surface may include a slope that descends toward the opening and closing portion.

[0035] The refrigerator according to the present invention is equipped with a water tank assembly that can be supported by a shelf within a storage compartment, so that the degree of freedom in utilizing space within the storage compartment can be increased when the water tank assembly is installed.

[0036] In this case, the water bottle assembly has the effect of increasing the degree of freedom of the structure by allowing the user to freely select and mount the shelf he or she wants to mount among multiple shelves within the storage room.

[0037] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention provides an assembly structure in which a water tank assembly that can be supported by a shelf within a storage compartment accommodates and fixes a water tank and a pump together, so that the water tank and the pump can be easily moved and installed together at a desired location.

[0038] In addition, in the refrigerator according to the present invention, the opening and closing portion of the water tank, which is detachable from the case in a vertical or horizontal manner, can be selectively opened and closed so that the water stored in the water tank can be supplied to the pump without interruption, so that the pump that pumps the water stored in the water tank to the ice maker can operate smoothly.

[0039] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator with the door closed.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment with the door open.

[0042] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank assembly.

[0044] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank from the bottom.

[0045] Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the water tank in the front and side directions, respectively.

[0046] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the water tank mounted on the case.

[0047] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the process of mounting a water tank in a water tank assembly that is detachable in a vertical movement manner.

[0048] Figures 11 to 13 illustrate the process of mounting a water tank in a water tank assembly that is detachable in a horizontal movement manner.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a front view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment with the door removed.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of one side of FIG. 15.

[0051] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0052] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0053] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0054] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0055] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0056] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0057] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0058] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0059] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator, a water tank assembly, and the connection relationship of each major component constituting the same according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0060] A refrigerator (1) may have an exterior formed by a cabinet (2) including one or more storage rooms, which are storage spaces for products, inside, and one or more doors (11, 12) that can open and close the open front of the cabinet (2).

[0061] The cabinet (2) may include an outer case (4) forming the outer surface of the refrigerator (1) and an inner case (3) forming the inner surface.

[0062] The outer case (4) and the inner case (3) are formed to have a space separated from each other, and the space separated can be filled with an insulating material to form a foaming area (5).

[0063] The inside of the inner case (3) can be divided into one or more storage spaces.

[0064] The inner case (3) may include one or more storage chambers, for example, a first storage chamber (21) and a second storage chamber (22) arranged vertically and separated by a partition wall (6).

[0065] For example, the first storage room (21) located at the top may be a freezer, and the second storage room (22) located at the bottom may be a refrigerator.

[0066] However, the positions of the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22) are not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the positions of the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22) may be swapped with each other, and may be arranged parallel to each other in the left-right direction.

[0067] The first storage room (21) can be opened and closed by one or more first doors (11), and the second storage room (22) can be opened and closed by one or more second doors (12).

[0068] An evaporator (511) that generates cold air through heat exchange can be placed at the front of the inner rear surface of the first storage room (21).

[0069] A first grill fan assembly (510) may be placed in front of the evaporator (511) to supply cold air generated from the evaporator (511) to the first storage chamber (21).

[0070] The first grill fan assembly (510) may include a blower fan (512) for blowing cold air generated from the evaporator (511), and one or more cold air discharge ports (513) for blowing cold air blown from the blower fan (512) into the first storage chamber (21).

[0071] For example, one or more cold air outlets (513) extending in the left and right directions may be arranged in the upper area of ​​the first grill fan assembly (510).

[0072] A second grill fan assembly (520) may be placed at the inner rear front of the second storage room (22) to guide the cold air received from the first grill fan assembly (510) to be discharged into the second storage room (22).

[0073] For example, cold air from the first grill fan assembly (510) can be guided to the second grill fan assembly (520) through a cold air conduit passing through the partition wall (6).

[0074] The first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22) are provided with one or more storage compartments (25) and / or one or more shelves (23, 24) so ​​that storage objects can be easily stored and kept.

[0075] For example, one or more first shelves (23) and one or more second shelves (24) may be arranged in the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22), respectively.

[0076] The first shelf (23) can be formed to extend in the horizontal direction of the first storage room (21).

[0077] For example, a pair of shelf supports (26) capable of supporting and fixing a first shelf (23) may be arranged on each inner side of the first storage room (21).

[0078] A pair of shelf supports (26) can support the lower surfaces of both ends of the first shelf (23).

[0079] However, it is not limited thereto, and the first shelf (23) may be fixed to the rear of the first storage room (21), and for example, a fixed structure supporting the rear of the first shelf (23) may be formed on the front of the first grill fan assembly (510).

[0080] In addition, in the case of one or more second shelves (24) arranged in the second storage room (22), they can be arranged in the same manner as the first shelf (23) of the first storage room (21), and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] Meanwhile, an ice maker module (30) can be placed in the first storage room (21).

[0082] The ice maker module (30) may include an ice maker (40) that generates ice and an ice storage unit (50) that stores ice produced after ice making in the ice maker (40).

[0083] The ice storage unit (50) is formed in the shape of a basket capable of storing ice and can be placed at the bottom of the ice maker (40).

[0084] The ice maker module (30) can be placed on the first shelf (23).

[0085] For example, the lower surface of the ice storage unit (50) can be supported by the upper surface of the first shelf (23).

[0086] Accordingly, the ice storage unit (50) can be moved so that it can be pulled out and in by sliding in the front-back direction of the first shelf (23), thereby enabling the user to easily take out the ice.

[0087] The ice maker (40) can be fixed by being fastened to the inner lower part of the upper surface of the first storage room (21).

[0088] A water tank assembly (80) that supplies water to the ice maker (40) can be placed in a second storage room (22) different from the first storage room (21) where the ice maker module (30) is located.

[0089] The water tank assembly (80) can be placed on the second shelf (24).

[0090] The water tank assembly (80) may include a case portion (200) and a water tank (100) placed on the case portion (200).

[0091] For example, the lower surface of the water tank assembly (80) can be supported by the upper surface of the second shelf (24).

[0092] The water tank assembly (80) may be arranged to be in contact with the rear surface (3b) and one side surface (3s) of the inner side of the second storage chamber (22), but is not limited thereto.

[0093] For example, the water tank assembly (80) may be positioned so as to be in contact with only one of the rear surface (3b) and one side surface (3s) inside the second storage chamber (22).

[0094] In FIG. 3, it is illustrated as an example that a water supply pipe (600) supplied to an ice maker module (30) passes through a through hole formed on the rear surface (3b) inside the second storage chamber (22), but it is not limited thereto, and the water supply pipe (600) may pass through a through hole formed on one side surface (3s) inside the second storage chamber (22).

[0095] A water supply pipe (600) can be arranged in a foaming area (5) formed between the inner case (3) and the outer case (4), and at least a portion of the water supply pipe (600) can be embedded in the foaming area (5).

[0096] The water supply pipe (600) can be formed to extend vertically along the rear of the first storage chamber (21) and the second storage chamber (22).

[0097] The water supply pipe (600) may be configured as a single integral body pipe, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by connecting a plurality of body pipes by a plurality of connecting pipes.

[0098] For example, one side of the water supply pipe (600) can be connected to the water tank assembly (80) through the rear of the second storage chamber (22), thereby supplying water.

[0099] In addition, the other side of the water supply pipe (600) is connected to the ice maker (40) through the upper surface of the first storage chamber (21), so that water supplied from the water tank assembly (80) can flow to the ice maker (40).

[0100] When the other side of the water supply pipe (600) is connected to the ice maker (40) through the upper surface of the first storage chamber (21), the water supply speed can be increased, thereby preventing the water from freezing while flowing.

[0101] However, it is not limited to this, and the other side of the water supply pipe (600) is connected to the ice maker (40) through the rear of the first storage room (21), so that water supplied from the water tank assembly (80) can flow to the ice maker (40).

[0102] In this way, since the water tank assembly (80) is placed in the second storage room (22) located lower than the first storage room (21) where the ice maker (40) is placed, the water tank assembly (80) can be located lower than the ice maker (40).

[0103] Hereinafter, the water tank assembly (80) according to the present invention will be described in more detail with further reference to FIGS. 4 to 10.

[0104] The water tank (100) can be formed in a roughly box-shaped shape to provide a water storage space.

[0105] For example, a water tank (100) may have a storage section (110) formed by a bottom surface (111) formed on the lower surface and an upper finishing wall (204) extending upward along the periphery of the bottom surface (111), which is a space for storing water.

[0106] The upper surface of the storage unit (110) can be formed to be open, and water can be supplied through the upper surface of the opened storage unit (110) to store water in the storage unit (110).

[0107] A water tank cover (190) is placed on the upper part of the water tank (100) to cover the upper surface of the opened storage compartment (110).

[0108] The water tank cover (190) can prevent contaminants from entering the water tank (100).

[0109] A lower finishing wall (203) can be formed to extend downward along the perimeter of the bottom surface (111) of the water tank (100).

[0110] A sunken space (120) having a predetermined height can be formed on the lower surface of the floor surface (111).

[0111] A portion of the upper portion of the case portion (200) described later is inserted into the sunken space (120) of the water tank (100), so that the water tank (100) can be stably placed and fixed on the case portion (200).

[0112] As such, as the upper portion of the case portion (200) is inserted into the sunken space (120) of the water tank (100), the water tank (100) can be prevented from being separated from the case portion (200) in the horizontal direction.

[0113] The height of the upper finishing wall (204) based on the floor surface (111) is formed higher than the height of the lower finishing wall (203), so that the storage unit (110) can be formed to have a space with a larger volume than the sunken space (120).

[0114] An opening (112) that serves as a passage through which water stored in the storage unit (110) can be supplied to the outside through the bottom surface (111) of the water tank (100) can be formed on the bottom surface (111) of the water tank (100).

[0115] For example, it is preferable that the opening / closing part (112) be formed at a position closer to the front based on the front-back direction of the water tank (100).

[0116] Water supplied through the opening (112) is supplied to the pump (300) described later, and water passing through the pump (300) can be supplied to the ice maker module (30) through a water supply pipe (600) connected through the rear (3b) of the second storage chamber (22).

[0117] In this way, the water movement path connecting the opening / closing part (112), the pump (300), the rear surface (3b) of the second storage chamber (22), and the water supply pipe (600) can be formed as efficiently as possible, thereby ensuring a smooth supply of water.

[0118] The opening and closing portion (112) can be formed in the form of a through hole penetrating downward through the bottom surface (111).

[0119] The opening and closing portion (112) can be formed to be sunken to have a predetermined height in the lower direction of the bottom surface (111).

[0120] Therefore, the opening and closing portion (112) can be formed as a sunken space located lower than the upper surface of the bottom surface (111).

[0121] The opening and closing portion (112) may be formed in a circular shape having a predetermined inner diameter when viewed from above, but is not limited thereto.

[0122] The connecting portion (130) can be formed to extend in the lower direction of the bottom surface (111) corresponding to the opening / closing portion (112).

[0123] The connecting portion (130) can be formed into a circular shape having a predetermined inner diameter when viewed from above, and accordingly, the connecting portion (130) can be formed to have an overall cylindrical shape.

[0124] The lowermost end of the connecting portion (130) may be aligned with the lowermost end of the lower finishing wall (203) or may be extended to be positioned higher than the lowermost end of the lower finishing wall (203).

[0125] The inner diameter of the connecting portion (130) can be formed smaller than the inner diameter of the opening / closing portion (112).

[0126] A step portion (113) may be formed between the opening portion (112) and the connecting portion (130).

[0127] The step portion (113) is located at the boundary between the opening / closing portion (112) and the connecting portion (130), and can be formed to protrude inward.

[0128] The inner diameter of the single-jaw portion (113) can be formed smaller than the inner diameter of the opening / closing portion (112) and the inner diameter of the connecting portion (130).

[0129] Accordingly, the step portion (113) can serve as a catch between the opening / closing portion (112) and the connecting portion (130).

[0130] The opening and closing portion (112) formed in this way is connected to the connecting portion (130), so that water stored in the storage portion (110) can flow to the connecting portion (130) through the opening and closing portion (112).

[0131] However, since the opening / closing part (112) and the connecting part (130) are open, a shielding member (140) that can close the opening / closing part (112) and the connecting part (130) when water is to be stored may be provided.

[0132] A shielding member (140) that can be selectively moved in the up-down direction can be placed in the opening / closing part (112) and the connecting part (130).

[0133] The shielding member (140) may include a shaft (141) positioned inside the opening / closing member (112) and the connecting member (130) to form the body of the shielding member (140).

[0134] The shaft (141) can be formed to have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting portion (130) so that it can move up and down inside the connecting portion (130).

[0135] For example, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the shaft (141) may include a head portion (141a) positioned at the top, a plurality of wing portions (141b) extending downward from the head portion (141a), and a protrusion portion (141c) formed to protrude outward at the lower end of each wing portion (141b).

[0136] For example, the outer diameter of the head portion (141a) may be formed smaller than the inner diameter of the step portion (113).

[0137] The head portion (141a) can be formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the connecting portion (130).

[0138] Therefore, when the connecting portion (130) has a cylindrical shape, the head portion (141a) can also be formed to have a cylindrical shape or a circular plate shape.

[0139] An O-ring (142) may be placed to surround the upper circumference of the shaft (141).

[0140] For example, an O-ring (142) may be placed along the circumference of the head portion (141a) of the shaft (141).

[0141] A mounting groove into which an O-ring (142) can be coupled can be formed along the circumference of the head portion (141a).

[0142] The O-ring (142) serves to seal the opening / closing part (112), and is preferably formed of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0143] The outer diameter of the O-ring (142) can be formed larger than the inner diameter of the step portion (113).

[0144] That is, the wing parts (141b) of adjacent shafts (141) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and a hollow region (141d) can be formed at this distance.

[0145] For example, each wing portion (141b) may be formed to extend from the lower center of the head portion (141a) toward the periphery of the head portion (141a).

[0146] For example, the wing portions (141b) of the shaft (141) may be configured to have an overall cross shape.

[0147] Accordingly, in the case of the lower part of the head portion (141a), the entire area except for the area occupied by the wing portion (141b) can be formed as a hollow area (141d).

[0148] As the hollow region (141d) formed in this manner is formed, as described later, when the shielding member (140) moves upward, water in the storage unit (110) can pass through the opening / closing unit (112) through the hollow region (141d) between the wing portions (141b) of the shaft (141).

[0149] An elastic spring (143) may be arranged along the circumference of the wing portion (141b) of the shaft (141).

[0150] The spring (143) can be placed between the head portion (141a) and the protrusion portion (141c).

[0151] That is, the spring (143) can be arranged to wrap around the circumference of the shaft (141) located lower than the O-ring (142).

[0152] The inner diameter of the spring (143) can be formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the wing portion (141b) and smaller than the outer diameter of the protrusion portion (141c).

[0153] Therefore, the protrusion (141c) can prevent the spring (143) from being detached in the downward direction of the shaft (141).

[0154] The shielding member (140) formed in this manner can be placed in the water tank (100) so as to be located at the opening / closing portion (112) and the connecting portion (130).

[0155] For example, in a state where the shielding member (140) is coupled to the water tank (100), at least a portion of the head portion (141a) of the shielding member (140) and the O-ring (142) may be positioned above the step portion (113), and the wing portion (141b) and the protrusion (141c) and the spring (143) of the shielding member (140) may be positioned below the step portion (113).

[0156] In this case, the O-ring (142) positioned along the circumference of the head portion (141a) of the shaft (141) can be positioned to come into contact with the upper surface of the step portion (113).

[0157] Since the opening area of ​​the opening / closing part (112) is closed by the O-ring (142) of the shielding member (140) that has a sealing function, water stored in the storage part (110) can be stored in the storage part (110) without leaking to the outside.

[0158] In this way, the shielding member (140) that closes the opening / closing portion (112) can open the opening / closing portion (112) as it moves upward.

[0159] Since the spring (143) is positioned along the circumference of the shielding member (140), when the lower surface of the shielding member (140) is pressed upward, the spring (143) is compressed upward, causing the shaft (141) to move upward.

[0160] In this way, when the shaft (141) moves upward, the O-ring (142) of the head portion (141a) that closes the opening / closing portion (112) also moves upward as contact with the step portion (113) is released, so that the opening / closing portion (112) can be opened.

[0161] At this time, since the wing portion (141b) of the shaft (141) also passes through the connection portion (130) and moves to the upper portion of the opening / closing portion (112), the water in the storage portion (110) can be supplied to the outside of the water tank (100) through the opening / closing portion (112) and the connection portion (130) through the hollow area (141d) formed on the side of the shaft (141).

[0162] When the shielding member (140) moves upward, the spring (143) exerts a restoring force to return it to its original position.

[0163] Accordingly, when the pressure that presses the lower surface of the shielding member (140) upward is removed, the spring (143) expands again due to the restoring force of the spring (143), causing the shielding member (140) to move downward again, and the O-ring (142) of the shaft (141) closes the opening / closing part (112), so that the supply of water to the outside of the water tank (100) may be stopped.

[0164] Meanwhile, the bottom surface (111) of the water tank (100) can be formed to include a slope that descends in the direction toward the opening / closing part (112).

[0165] For example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the bottom surface (111) of the water tank (100) may have a gradient such that the area where the opening / closing part (112) is located forms the lowest level, and the bottom surface (111) of the water tank (100) that contacts the upper finishing wall (204) forms the highest level.

[0166] In this way, as the bottom surface (111) of the water tank (100) is inclined downward in the direction toward the opening / closing part (112), a water tank (100) structure that can remove residual water inside the water tank (100) as much as possible and prevent water from pooling can be provided.

[0167] A hook catch (115) may be formed on the rear side of the lower finishing wall (203) located at the front of the water tank (100).

[0168] The hook catch (115) can be fastened to the front hook (222) of the case (200) to be described later.

[0169] A handle portion (114) is formed on the side of the water bottle (100) so that the user can easily hold the water bottle (100), thereby improving the user's grip on the water bottle (100).

[0170] For example, the handle portion (114) may be formed so that a portion of the lower finishing wall (203) formed on both sides is sunken inward, thereby allowing the user to easily lift or move the water tank (100).

[0171] Meanwhile, the case part (200) may include an upper end part (210) inserted into a sunken space (120) of a water tank (100) and a lower support part (220) extending downward from the upper end part (210).

[0172] The upper finishing part (210) finishes the upper surface of the case part (200), and the lower support part (220) can serve to support the case part (200) placed on the second shelf (24).

[0173] The lower support portion (220) may be formed to protrude further outward than the upper end portion (210).

[0174] Accordingly, a catch portion (216) can be formed at the boundary between the lower support portion (220) and the upper finishing portion (210).

[0175] The catch portion (216) formed in this way can serve to support the lower part of the lower finishing wall (203) of the water tank (100) when the water tank (100) is coupled to the upper part of the case portion (200).

[0176] The upper end portion (210) may include, but is not limited to, a front region forming a horizontal plane and a rear region forming a sloped surface that decreases toward the rear.

[0177] When the case part (200) comes into contact with one side (3s) of the second storage room (22), a side fastening part (202) can be formed on the upper end part (210) adjacent to one side (3s) of the second storage room (22) so that the case part (200) can be fixed to one side (3s) of the second storage room (22).

[0178] The side fastening portion (202) can be formed to protrude upward from the upper finishing portion (210).

[0179] The side fastening portion (202) includes a fastening hole and can be fastened to one side (3s) of the second storage chamber (22) through a separate fastening member, thereby fixing the case portion (200) to the second storage chamber (22).

[0180] A rear end finishing part (230) can be formed on the rear side of the upper finishing part (210) and the lower support part (220).

[0181] When the case part (200) comes into contact with the rear side (3b) of the second storage room (22), a rear fastening part (201) can be formed on the rear end finishing part (230) so that the case part (200) can be fixed to the rear side (3b) of the second storage room (22).

[0182] The rear fastening portion (201) can be formed to protrude upward from the rear end finishing portion (230).

[0183] The rear fastening part (201) includes a fastening hole and can be fastened to the rear (3b) of the second storage chamber (22) through a separate fastening member, thereby fixing the case part (200) to the second storage chamber (22).

[0184] The water supply pipe (600) that supplies water from the water tank assembly (80) to the ice maker module (30) can be connected to the water tank assembly (80) through the rear end end (230) of the case part (200).

[0185] A front hook portion (222) can be formed in the front area of ​​the case portion (200).

[0186] For example, an inlet portion (205) may be formed in the front area of ​​the case portion (200) and is inlet to the rear of the case portion (200) by a predetermined area.

[0187] The inlet portion (205) may be formed with a front hook portion (222) that extends forward from the lower end of the case portion (200) and bends upward again, and has a hook portion for hook connection at the upper end.

[0188] The front hook portion (222) formed in this manner can be hook-coupled with the hook catch portion (115) located at the front of the water tank (100) to fix the water tank (100) to the case portion (200).

[0189] For example, when the water stored in the storage unit (110) decreases, the water tank (100) can be removed upward from the case unit (200) by the elastic repulsive force of the spring (143) included in the shielding member (140).

[0190] Accordingly, by connecting the water tank (100) and the case part (200) through a hook connection, even when the water stored in the storage part (110) decreases, the water tank (100) and the case part (200) can be stably maintained without being arbitrarily detached.

[0191] The user can easily remove the water tank (100) from the case (200) by inserting his / her hand into the inlet portion (205) and gently pushing the front hook portion (222) backward to simply release the hook connection between the front hook portion (222) and the hook catch portion (115).

[0192] The interior of the upper end portion (210) and the lower support portion (220) can be formed as a receiving space (221) consisting of a hollow area.

[0193] A pump (300) can be placed in the receiving space (221).

[0194] That is, the pump (300) can be stored in the receiving space (221) located at the lower part of the case (200).

[0195] In this case, the pump (300) is connected to the case part (200), and when the case part (200) is moved, it can be assembled with the case part (200) and moved together.

[0196] For example, the pump (300) may include one or more pump fastening members (330) that can be fastened and secured to the lower surface of the upper end member (210).

[0197] In this case, the pump fastening portion (330) may be fastened to the upper end portion (210) as a separate fastening member, but is not limited thereto, and a separate hook fastening structure for hook fastening may be formed on the upper end portion (210) and fastened to the pump fastening portion (330).

[0198] The pump (300) can serve to flow water from the water tank (100) to the ice maker (40) using pumping pressure.

[0199] For example, the pump (300) may use a gear water pump.

[0200] A gear type water pump can operate on the principle of sucking in and discharging water using gears that rotate at a constant speed.

[0201] More specifically, a gear-type water pump can pump water by the pressure difference between the suction side and the discharge side that occurs as a pair of gears mesh and rotate.

[0202] The operation of the pump (300) can be controlled by a control unit provided in the refrigerator (1).

[0203] The control unit is a central control device provided in the refrigerator (1) and is responsible for various operations and functions of the refrigerator (1), and may include a microcontroller.

[0204] The pump (300) may include an inlet (310) for receiving water supplied from a water tank (100) and an outlet (320) for discharging water to a water supply pipe (600) that supplies water to an ice maker (40).

[0205] Meanwhile, a passage (211) may be formed in the upper end portion (210) of the case portion (200) to communicate with the connection portion (130) of the water tank (100) and provide a path for water supplied from the water tank (100) to pass through.

[0206] When the water tank (100) is mounted on the case part (200), the opening / closing part (112) of the water tank (100) can be connected to the passage part (211) formed in the case part (200) via the connecting part (130).

[0207] Therefore, the opening / closing part (112) and the passage part (211) can be arranged to overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0208] And the pump (300) can be positioned at the rear of the passage (211) so as not to overlap with the passage (211) in the vertical direction.

[0209] In this way, by efficiently arranging the pump (300), the opening / closing part (112), and the passage part (211) to increase space utilization, the volume of the water tank assembly (80) other than the storage part (110) can be reduced by minimizing the storage space (221) at the bottom of the case part (200).

[0210] The passageway (211) can be formed in the form of a through hole penetrating downward through the upper end portion (210).

[0211] The passageway (211) can be formed to have a predetermined height in the downward direction of the upper end portion (210).

[0212] Therefore, the passageway (211) can be formed as a sunken space located lower than the upper surface of the floor surface (111).

[0213] The passageway (211) may be formed in a circular shape with a predetermined inner diameter when viewed from above, but is not limited thereto.

[0214] The insertion tube (215) can be formed to extend in the lower direction of the upper end portion (210) corresponding to the passage portion (211).

[0215] The insertion tube (215) can be formed into a circular shape having a predetermined inner diameter when viewed from above, and accordingly, the insertion tube (215) can be formed to have an overall cylindrical shape.

[0216] The insertion tube (215) can be connected to a connector (340).

[0217] For example, the connector (340) can be formed to have a bent shape so as to change the direction of movement of water passing through the insertion tube (215) to the direction in which the pump (300) is placed.

[0218] The lower end of the insertion tube (215) can be inserted into one side of the connector (340).

[0219] And the other side of the connector (340) can be connected to the inlet (310) of the pump (300).

[0220] In this case, a separate pipe may be arranged between the connector (340) and the inlet (310) of the pump (300) to connect the connector (340) and the pump (300).

[0221] The lowermost end of the insertion tube (215) can be extended to be positioned higher than the lowermost end of the lower support member (220).

[0222] The inner diameter of the insertion tube (215) can be formed smaller than the inner diameter of the passageway (211).

[0223] A case rib (212) protruding upward may be formed in the passage section (211).

[0224] When the water tank (100) is mounted on the case part (200), the case rib (212) can open the opening / closing part (112) of the water tank (100) by pressing the lower surface of the shaft (141) of the shielding member (140) to move the shaft (141) of the shielding member (140) upward.

[0225] For example, the case ribs (212) may be provided in multiple numbers spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the upper direction along the circumference of the insertion tube (215).

[0226] Since the case rib (212) presses the lower surface of the wing portion (141b) of the shaft (141), it can be placed at a position corresponding to the wing portion (141b).

[0227] FIG. 8 illustrates a case where, when a water tank (100) is mounted on a case (200), the spring (143) of the shielding member (140) is compressed upward, and the O-ring (142) is spaced upward from the opening / closing part (112) to open the opening / closing part (112), thereby causing water in the storage part (110) to move to the insertion tube (215).

[0228] In addition, when a water tank (100) is mounted on a case (200), a sealing ring (240) that surrounds the lower area of ​​the connecting portion (130) of the water tank (100) inserted into the passage (211) may be placed in the passage (211).

[0229] The sealing ring (240) may have an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion (130) so as to be able to wrap around the connecting portion (130).

[0230] It is preferable that the sealing ring (240) be formed of a material that can perform a sealing function while also having high friction.

[0231] For example, the sealing ring (240) can be formed of a silicone material or a rubber material.

[0232] The sealing ring (240) can serve to seal the connection portion between the connection portion (130) and the passage portion (211) to prevent water from leaking.

[0233] In addition, when the sealing ring (240) is formed of a material with high friction and wraps around the lower area of ​​the connecting portion (130), the connecting portion (130) can be prevented from being easily separated from the sealing ring (240).

[0234] Therefore, the sealing ring (240) can also serve as a fixing member that fixes the water tank (100) to the case part (200).

[0235] The sealing ring (240) can be formed in a stacked form with multiple rings spaced apart at a predetermined interval on the inside.

[0236] In this case, a ring case (250) may be additionally placed to cover the sealing ring (240) and secure the sealing ring (240).

[0237] The inner diameter of the ring case (250) can be formed larger than the outer diameter of the sealing ring (240).

[0238] The ring case (250) includes a ring case body (253) that covers the upper edge of the sealing ring (240) and surrounds at least a portion of the side, and the interior of the ring case body (253) can be formed in a form having a hollow region so that the connecting portion (130) of the water tank (100) can pass through.

[0239] A first hook portion (251) may be formed on one side of the ring case body portion (253), and a second hook portion (252) may be formed on the other side.

[0240] For example, the first hook portion (251) may be formed to extend outward from the upper side of one side of the ring case body portion (253), but to have a shape that is bent in a U shape in the downward direction.

[0241] The ring case (250) can be formed of a plastic injection molded product having a predetermined elasticity.

[0242] The first hook portion (251) can be fastened to the upper end portion (210) of the case portion (200).

[0243] A first hook hole (213) penetrating upward and downward from the upper end of the passageway (211) to the rear outer side can be formed in the upper end end (210).

[0244] The passageway (211) can be expanded and sunken into a shape corresponding to the first hook hole (213).

[0245] By hook-joining the first hook portion (251) to the first hook hole (213), one side of the ring case (250) can be fastened to the case portion (200).

[0246] The second hook portion (252) can be formed to protrude forward and outward from the other side of the ring case body portion (253).

[0247] A second hook hole (214) penetrating in the front-back direction can be formed on the front side of the passageway (211) of the upper end portion (210).

[0248] By hook-joining the second hook portion (252) to the second hook hole (214), the other side of the ring case (250) can be fastened to the case portion (200).

[0249] As the ring case (250) fixes the sealing ring (240) with a hook connection in this way, the ring case (250) can effectively prevent the sealing ring (240) from being displaced.

[0250] In addition, since the ring case (250) can be quickly and easily removed from the case part (200) by lightly pressing the first hook part (251) configured in a U shape to have a certain amount of elasticity, the sealing ring (240) can be easily removed after removing the ring case (250).

[0251] The sealing ring (240) removed in this way can be washed to improve the sanitary effect of the water tank assembly (80).

[0252] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the water tank (100) of the water tank assembly (80) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above can be attached to and detached from the case portion (200) in a vertically movable manner.

[0253] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a method of attaching and detaching a water tank (100) and a case portion (200) of a water tank assembly (80) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0254] The water tank (100) of the water tank assembly (80) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be attached to and detached from the case portion (200) in a horizontal movement manner.

[0255] The water tank (100) can be mounted on the case (200) by sliding horizontally and then sliding downward in a diagonal direction.

[0256] The case part (200) may include a guide rail part (260) that guides the sliding movement of the water tank (100).

[0257] For example, the guide rail portion (260) may be formed on one side of the case portion (200) along the front-back direction of the case portion (200), which is the horizontal movement direction of the water tank (100).

[0258] The guide rail portion (260) is formed to extend upward near the boundary area between the upper end portion (210) and the lower support portion (220), and may be formed to protrude further upward than the upper end portion (210).

[0259] For example, the guide rail portion (260) may be formed to have an overall trapezoidal shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0260] The guide rail portion (260) may be formed on one side of the case portion (200), but is not limited thereto, and may be formed as a pair on both sides of the case portion (200).

[0261] A guide opening (261) may be formed in the guide rail portion (260) to guide the movement path of the water tank (100).

[0262] The guide opening (261) may include a horizontal opening (262) opened along the horizontal movement direction of the water tank (100) and an inclined opening (263) opened along the diagonal movement direction of the water tank (100).

[0263] The horizontal opening (262) may be positioned close to the front of the case portion (200) in the direction in which the water tank (100) is coupled, and the inclined opening (263) may be positioned at the rear of the horizontal opening (262).

[0264] The horizontal opening (262) can be formed to have a longer length than the inclined opening (263).

[0265] The inclined opening (263) can be formed to descend in a diagonal direction as it goes toward the rear.

[0266] The horizontal opening (262) and the inclined opening (263) can be formed as a single body that is continuously connected.

[0267] A protruding guide (160) that is inserted into the guide opening (261) of the case part (200) and moves along the guide opening (261) can be formed on one side of the water tank (100).

[0268] In this way, as the protruding guide (160) of the water tank (100) is inserted into the guide opening (261) of the case part (200) and guided by the guide opening (261), the water tank (100) can slide along the horizontal opening (262) and the inclined opening (263).

[0269] A passageway (211) and an insertion tube (215) can be formed in the upper end portion (210) of the case portion (200).

[0270] In this case, the passage (211) and the insertion tube (215) are formed in the rear region of the case (200) and can be formed to be inclined.

[0271] Specifically, the passage (211) and the insertion tube (215) are positioned behind the inclined opening (263) and may have an inclination angle that is the same as the inclination angle of the inclined opening (263).

[0272] Accordingly, the passageway (211) and the insertion tube (215) can also be arranged to descend in a diagonal direction.

[0273] An opening / closing portion (112) and a connecting portion (130) can be formed in the rear area of ​​the water tank (100).

[0274] The opening / closing portion (112) and the connecting portion (130) can be formed to be inclined downward in the rear region of the bottom surface (111).

[0275] In this case, the inclination angle of the opening / closing part (112) and the connecting part (130) may have an inclination angle that is the same as the inclination angle of the inclined opening part (263).

[0276] Therefore, the inclination angle of the opening / closing part (112) and the connecting part (130) can have an inclination angle that is the same as the inclination angle of the passage part (211) and the insertion tube (215).

[0277] Accordingly, the opening / closing part (112) and the connecting part (130) can also be arranged to descend in a diagonal direction.

[0278] The opening (112) can be formed on the bottom surface (111) of the water tank (100).

[0279] And in the case of the lower finishing wall (203) where the connecting portion (130) is located, the rear end portion may include a cut portion (150) cut diagonally.

[0280] Therefore, the connecting portion (130) can be formed to protrude further rearward than the cut portion (150) of the lower finishing wall (203).

[0281] As the cut portion (150) is formed in this way, interference between the water tank (100) and the case portion (200) that may occur when the water tank (100) is lowered in a diagonal direction and combined with the case portion (200) can be prevented.

[0282] Referring to Fig. 11, the water tank (100) in front of the case part (200) can move horizontally with the case part (200).

[0283] In this case, it is preferable to insert the water tank (100) by matching the heights of the protruding guide (160) and the horizontal opening (262) so that the protruding guide (160) of the water tank (100) can be inserted into the horizontal opening (262) of the case part (200).

[0284] In this way, with the protruding guide (160) inserted into the horizontal opening (262), the water tank (100) can slide horizontally to the connection point between the horizontal opening (262) and the inclined opening (263) as shown in Fig. 12.

[0285] And as in Fig. 13, the protruding guide (160) descends diagonally along the inclined opening (263).

[0286] Accordingly, the water tank (100) is lowered diagonally along the inclined opening (263) and mounted on the case (200).

[0287] In this way, when the water tank (100) is mounted on the case part (200), the opening / closing part (112) and the passage part (211) arranged to be inclined along the diagonal movement direction of the water tank (100) can be connected to each other.

[0288] In the case where the opening / closing part (112) and the passage part (211) are connected and water from the storage part (110) is supplied, the details are the same as those described above, so they are omitted.

[0289] In this way, when the water tank (100) is connected to the case part (200) in a sliding manner rather than a vertical manner, it is easy to install the water tank assembly (80) in a space with a low height, and the space utilization of the storage room can be increased.

[0290] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, in another embodiment, the water tank assembly (80) may be positioned above the ice maker module (30).

[0291] The second storage room (22) in which the water tank assembly (80) is placed can be placed on the first storage room (21) in which the ice maker module (30) is placed.

[0292] In this case, the second storage room (22) may be a refrigerator, and the first storage room (21) may be a freezer.

[0293] However, in the case where the water tank assembly (80) that supplies water is located above the ice maker module (30) that receives water, when the pump (300) starts to operate and water from the water tank (100) is supplied, a siphon phenomenon may occur in which the water does not stop flowing even after the pump (300) stops operating.

[0294] Accordingly, when the water tank assembly (80) is placed above the ice maker module (30), a water valve (350) that communicates with the pump (300) and controls whether water is supplied may be additionally placed.

[0295] In this case, the water valve (350) is mounted on the case part (200) and can be included in the water tank assembly (80).

[0296] Therefore, water in the water tank (100) can be supplied to the ice maker module (30) through the connector (340), pump (300), and water valve (350).

[0297] One side of the water supply pipe (600) that supplies water from the water tank assembly (80) to the ice maker module (30) can be connected by penetrating one side of the water tank assembly (80) and one side of the second storage chamber (22).

[0298] And the other side of the water supply pipe (600) can pass through the foaming area between the second storage chamber (22) and the first storage chamber (21) and penetrate the upper surface of the first storage chamber (21) to be connected to the ice maker module (30).

[0299] The refrigerator according to the present invention described above is equipped with a water tank assembly that can be supported by a shelf within a storage compartment, so that the degree of freedom in utilizing space within the storage compartment can be increased when the water tank assembly is installed.

[0300] In this case, the water tank assembly has the effect of providing a structure that allows the user to freely select and mount a shelf he or she wishes to mount among multiple shelves within the storage room.

[0301] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention provides an assembly structure in which a water tank assembly that can be supported by a shelf within a storage compartment accommodates and fixes a water tank and a pump together, so that the water tank and the pump can be easily moved and installed together at a desired location.

[0302] In addition, in the refrigerator according to the present invention, the opening and closing portion of the water tank, which is detachable from the case in a vertical or horizontal manner, can be selectively opened and closed so that the water stored in the water tank can be supplied to the pump without interruption, so that the pump that pumps the water stored in the water tank to the ice maker can operate smoothly.

[0303] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A cabinet containing one or more storage compartments; one or more shelves within said storage compartment; and A refrigerator, comprising: a water tank assembly supported by the shelf and positioned within the storage compartment; 2. In paragraph 1, The above water tank assembly, Case section; A water tank placed on the above case portion; and A refrigerator, comprising a pump attached to the case portion.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator having a receiving space in the lower part of the case in which the pump is placed.

4. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator, wherein the case portion is arranged to be in contact with the rear and one side of the storage compartment.

5. In paragraph 2, Further comprising an ice maker disposed in a storage room other than the storage room where the water tank assembly is disposed; A refrigerator wherein the water tank assembly is located lower than the ice maker.

6. In paragraph 2, Further comprising an ice maker disposed in a storage room other than the storage room where the water tank assembly is disposed; A refrigerator wherein the water tank assembly is located above the ice maker.

7. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator, wherein a water valve communicating with the pump is further arranged in the case section.

8. In paragraph 2, The above water tank is a refrigerator that can be removed from the case in a vertical manner.

9. In paragraph 8, The above water tank includes an opening located on the bottom surface, A refrigerator in which, when the water tank is mounted on the case, the opening and closing portion communicates with the passage formed on the case.

10. In paragraph 9, A shielding member capable of moving up and down is placed in the above opening and closing section, In the above passage section, a case rib protruding upward is arranged, A refrigerator in which, when the water tank is mounted on the case, the case rib presses the lower surface of the shielding member to move the shielding member upward, thereby opening the opening / closing section.

11. In paragraph 10, The above shielding member is, A shaft that moves up and down; An O-ring surrounding the upper circumference of the above shaft; and A spring surrounding the circumference of the shaft located below the O-ring; When the water tank is mounted on the case, the spring is compressed upward and the O-ring is separated from the opening and closing portion to open the opening and closing portion. A refrigerator, wherein when the water tank is removed from the case, the spring expands downward to restore the O-ring downward, thereby closing the opening / closing portion.

12. In paragraph 10, The above opening and closing portion further includes a connecting portion protruding downward from the bottom surface of the water tank, A refrigerator wherein the shielding member is arranged on the inside of the connecting portion and moves up and down along the connecting portion.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator, wherein a sealing ring that surrounds the connecting part and a ring case that is arranged to cover the sealing ring and secure the sealing ring are disposed in the passageway.

14. In paragraph 13, A refrigerator in which the above ring case is hook-connected to the above case part.

15. In paragraph 9, A refrigerator in which the above opening and closing portion and the above passage portion are arranged to overlap each other in the vertical direction.

16. In paragraph 9, The above pumps are arranged so as not to overlap each other in the vertical direction with the above passage section, A refrigerator wherein the pump is located at the rear of the passageway.

17. In paragraph 9, A refrigerator, wherein the bottom surface includes a sloped surface that descends toward the opening and closing portion.

18. In paragraph 2, The above water tank is a refrigerator that can be detached from the case in a horizontal manner.

19. In Article 18, A refrigerator in which the water tank is mounted on the case by sliding horizontally and then sliding diagonally downward.

20. In paragraph 19, The above case portion includes a guide rail portion that guides the sliding movement of the water tank, The above guide rail portion includes a horizontal opening opened along the horizontal movement direction of the water tank and an inclined opening opened along the diagonal movement direction of the water tank. A refrigerator, wherein the water tank includes a protruding guide that moves along the horizontal opening and the inclined opening.

21. In paragraph 20, The above water tank includes an opening located on the bottom surface, When the above water tank is mounted on the case, the opening and closing part communicates with the passage formed on the case, A refrigerator wherein the above opening and closing portion and the passage portion are arranged to be inclined along the diagonal movement direction of the water tank.

22. In paragraph 21, A refrigerator, wherein the bottom surface includes a sloped surface that descends toward the opening and closing portion.

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