Refrigerator

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator. A refrigerator according to one embodiment comprises: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door opening and closing the storage space; and an ice maker coupled to the inner surface of the door, wherein the ice maker comprises: a main body; an ice tray rotatably coupled to the main body and including a plurality of tray parts arranged in the width direction of the door; a rotation lever for rotating the ice tray in one direction; and a water tank mounted on the main body and storing water supplied to the plurality of tray parts, wherein the main body comprises a plurality of water supply parts for guiding water from the water tank to the plurality of tray parts, respectively.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures in an internal storage space sealed by a door. It is configured to store stored food in an optimal condition by cooling the interior of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

[0003] Typically, a refrigerator's freezer compartment is equipped with an ice maker to make ice. To maximize freezer storage space, the ice maker may be located on the door. In this case, it may be desirable for the ice maker to have a slim and compact design to minimize the reduction in freezer storage space.

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator having an ice maker provided on the door side and having a slim and compact shape, thereby minimizing the reduction in freezer storage space.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator having an ice maker capable of stably supplying water to a plurality of ice trays arranged in the width direction of a door to have a slim and compact shape.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator having an ice maker having a structure capable of stably rotating a plurality of ice trays arranged in the width direction of a door.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem, a refrigerator comprises: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; and an ice maker coupled to an inner surface of the door, wherein the ice maker comprises: a main body; an ice tray rotatably coupled to the main body and including a plurality of tray portions arranged in a width direction of the door; a rotation lever for rotating the ice tray in one direction; and a water tank mounted to the main body and storing water supplied to the plurality of tray portions, wherein the main body includes a plurality of water supply portions for guiding water from the water tank to the plurality of tray portions, respectively.

[0008] The plurality of tray portions may include a first tray portion arranged on one side and a second tray portion arranged on the other side, centered on the rotation lever.

[0009] The above rotary lever includes a lever handle rotatably coupled to the main body, a link structure coupled to the lever handle and changing its position according to the rotation of the lever handle, and a link coupling portion formed at an end of the link structure and to which the first tray portion and the second tray portion are coupled, wherein the link coupling portion may have a shape extending in the width direction of the door.

[0010] The first tray portion includes a first tray rotation shaft rotatably coupled to the main body, and a first tray rotation portion coupled to the link coupling portion, wherein the first tray rotation shaft can be positioned between the lever handle and the first tray rotation portion.

[0011] The second tray portion includes a second tray rotation shaft rotatably coupled to the main body, and a second tray rotation portion coupled to the link coupling portion, wherein the second tray rotation shaft can be positioned between the lever handle and the second tray rotation portion.

[0012] The first tray rotation axis and the second tray rotation axis may be arranged to face each other, and the first tray rotation unit and the second tray rotation unit may be arranged to face each other.

[0013] The main body includes a tray coupling part in which the first tray rotation axis and the second tray rotation axis are rotatably coupled, and the tray coupling part can be located at the lower portion of the link structure.

[0014] The water tank may be positioned above the first tray portion, and the water tank may include a tank body that provides a reservoir in which water is stored, and a partition member that is disposed inside the tank body and divides the reservoir into a first reservoir in which water provided to the first tray portion is stored, and a second reservoir in which water provided to the second tray portion is stored.

[0015] The water tank further includes a water supply pipe connecting the second reservoir and the second tray, wherein the water supply pipe can extend in the width direction of the door.

[0016] The main body includes a tank mounting portion on which the water tank is mounted, a lever mounting portion disposed on one side of the tank mounting portion and on which the rotary lever is mounted, and a tray coupling portion to which the rotary shaft of the first tray portion is rotatably coupled and located below the lever mounting portion, wherein the water supply pipe can be arranged to pass between the lever mounting portion and the tray coupling portion.

[0017] The first tray portion and the second tray portion can be arranged symmetrically left and right with the rotation lever as the center.

[0018] The first tray portion may include a first tray rotation axis rotatably coupled to the main body, the second tray portion may include a second tray rotation axis rotatably coupled to the main body, and the rotation lever may include a lever handle rotatably coupled to the main body, a lever coupling portion protruding rearward from the lever handle and having a lever gear portion formed on one surface thereof, and a first link structure gear-coupled to the lever gear portion and the first tray rotation axis to rotate the first tray portion in accordance with rotation of the lever handle.

[0019] The lever gear portion and the second tray rotation shaft may include a second link structure that is gear-coupled to rotate the second tray portion according to the rotation of the lever handle.

[0020] The above lever gear portion can be formed on both sides of the lever coupling portion.

[0021] The first tray portion includes a first tray rotation axis rotatably coupled to the main body, the second tray portion includes a second tray rotation axis rotatably coupled to the main body, and the rotation lever includes a lever handle rotatably coupled to the main body, a lever coupling portion protruding rearward from the lever handle and having a lever gear portion formed on one surface, and the lever gear portion is gear-coupled to the first tray rotation axis and can rotate the first tray portion according to rotation of the lever handle.

[0022] The above lever gear part is gear-coupled to the second tray rotation shaft and can rotate the second tray part according to the rotation of the lever handle.

[0023] The main body may include a tank mounting portion in which the water tank is mounted and the plurality of water supply portions are formed, and a lever mounting portion disposed on one side of the tank mounting portion and in which the rotary lever is mounted.

[0024] The above tank mounting portion has a shape extending in the width direction of the door, and the plurality of water supply portions can be arranged in the width direction of the door.

[0025] The water tank includes a water supply pipe connecting one of the plurality of water supply parts to one of the plurality of tray parts, wherein the water supply pipe can extend in the width direction of the door.

[0026] The following effects can be expected from the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiment.

[0027] According to a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice maker having a slim and compact shape is provided on the door side, thereby minimizing the reduction in freezer storage space.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided with a water supply pipe that guides water from a water tank to an ice tray, thereby stably supplying water to a plurality of ice trays arranged in the width direction of the door.

[0029] According to a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of ice trays arranged in the width direction of the door can be stably rotated through a rotation link structure that includes a link connecting portion extending in the direction of arrangement of ice trays and connecting a rotation lever and ice trays.

[0030] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a freezer door included in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figures 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of the freezer door.

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the door body of the freezer door and the ice maker.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of an ice maker according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figures 7 and 8 are exploded perspective views of an ice maker according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank.

[0037] Figures 10 and 11 are partial perspective views showing the coupling relationship between the rotary lever and the ice tray.

[0038] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing the rotation process of an ice tray in an ice maker according to one embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the portion where the rotary lever and the ice tray are combined in Figure 14.

[0041] Figures 16 and 17 are schematic diagrams showing the rotation process of an ice tray in an ice maker according to another embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 22 is a front view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment.

[0047] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments that present the spirit of the present invention, and other regressive inventions or embodiments within the scope of the present invention can be easily proposed by adding, modifying, or deleting other components.

[0048] Before explaining, let's define the direction. In the embodiment of the present invention, the direction in which the front of the door shown in FIG. 1 faces is defined as forward, the direction toward the cabinet based on the front of the door is defined as rear, the direction toward the floor surface on which the refrigerator is installed is defined as downward, and the direction away from the floor surface is defined as upward.

[0049] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a cabinet (10) forming a storage space and a door (20, 30) for opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet (10).

[0051] For example, the cabinet (10) can form a storage space divided into upper and lower sections, with a refrigerator compartment formed in the upper section and a freezer compartment (11) formed in the lower section.

[0052] The door (20) may include a refrigerator door (20) for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment and a freezer door (30) for opening and closing the freezer compartment (11). For example, the refrigerator door (20) may be referred to as a first door, and the freezer door (30) may be referred to as a second door.

[0053] The refrigerator door (20) is connected to the cabinet (10) by a hinge (not shown) and may be a rotary door that opens and closes the refrigerator compartment by rotation. In addition, the refrigerator compartment doors (20) may be arranged in pairs on the left and right sides. The refrigerator compartment may be opened and closed by the pair of refrigerator compartment doors (20). For example, the refrigerator compartment door (20) may include a first refrigerator compartment door (21) that opens and closes the left side of the refrigerator compartment and a second refrigerator compartment door (22) that opens and closes the right side of the refrigerator compartment.

[0054] The freezer door (30) is connected to the cabinet (10) by a hinge (not shown) and may be a rotary door that opens and closes the freezer (11) by rotation. For example, the freezer door (30) may be formed as a single door that opens and closes the freezer (11), but is not limited thereto, and the freezer door (30) may be formed as a pair of doors that rotate on both the left and right sides, like the refrigerator door (20). In addition, as another embodiment, the freezer door (30) may be formed as a drawer-type door that is drawn in and out in a drawer-like manner to open and close the freezer (11).

[0055] Meanwhile, the freezer door (30) may include a door body (31) forming the exterior and an ice maker (100) coupled to the back surface of the door body (31). When the freezer door (30) is closed, the ice maker (100) may be positioned so as to be exposed toward the freezer (11).

[0056] Of course, in this embodiment, for the convenience of explanation and understanding, a refrigerator (1) having a structure in which a refrigerator compartment is arranged at the top and a freezer compartment (11) is arranged at the bottom is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the shape of the refrigerator (1) and can be applied to all types of refrigerators (1) equipped with doors (20, 30).

[0057] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of a freezer door included in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Figs. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of the freezer door. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the freezer door body and the ice maker.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a freezer door (30) according to one embodiment may include a door body (31), an ice maker (100) coupled to the back surface of the door body (31), and storage members (34, 35). The door body (31) may form the exterior of the freezer door (30). The ice maker (100) and storage members (34, 35) may be coupled to the door body (31).

[0059] The door body (31) may include an outer case (32) and a door liner (33) coupled to the rear of the outer case (32).

[0060] The outer case (32) can form the exterior of the door body (31). For example, the outer case (32) can form the front and side exteriors of the door body (31). The rear of the outer case (32) can be formed to be recessed forward.

[0061] The outer case (32) may include a grip portion (32a) that is sunken from the upper surface downward. The user can easily open and close the freezer door (30) through the grip portion (32a).

[0062] The door liner (33) can form the rear exterior of the door body (31). The door liner (33) can be coupled to the outer case (32). The door liner (33) can be recessed forward to define a door receiving space (33a). An ice maker (100) and storage members (34, 35) can be placed in the door receiving space (33a).

[0063] The door liner (33) may include a first door joining portion (331) formed on the rear and a second door joining portion (332) formed on the side.

[0064] The first door coupling portion (331) may be formed by being recessed in one side of the door liner (33), or may be formed by having one side of the door liner (33) open. An ice maker (100) may be coupled to the first door coupling portion (331). For example, a first ice maker coupling portion (121a) formed on one side of the ice maker (100) may be inserted and coupled to the first door coupling portion (331).

[0065] The second door coupling portion (332) may be formed on the side of the door liner (33). The second ice maker coupling portion formed on the side of the ice maker (100) or the storage member coupling portion (172) of the coupling member (170) described later may be coupled to the second door coupling portion (332). For example, the second door coupling portion (332) may be formed to protrude inward from the side of the door liner (33).

[0066] The freezer door (30) may include a storage member (34, 35) coupled to the back surface of the door body (31). Food or items for low-temperature storage at the temperature of the freezer (11) may be stored in the storage member (34, 35). Through the storage member (34, 35), the storage capacity of the freezer (11) may be increased.

[0067] For example, the storage member (34, 35) may include a first storage member (34) disposed on one side of the ice maker (100) and a second storage member (35) disposed on the lower side of the ice maker (100). That is, among the storage members (34, 35), the first storage member (34) may be configured to be coupled together with the ice maker (100) and the door body (31), and the second storage member (35) may be configured to be directly coupled to the door body (31).

[0068] The first storage member (34) has a basket shape and can form a first storage space (34a) for storing food, etc. therein. One side of the first storage member (34) can be coupled to the ice maker (100), and the other side can be coupled to the door body (31). The first storage member (34) can include first storage member coupling portions (341) formed on both sides. The first storage member coupling portions (341) on both sides can be coupled to second door coupling portions (332) formed on one side of the ice maker (100) and the door liner (33), respectively.

[0069] The second storage member (35) has a basket shape and can form a second storage space (35a) therein for storing food, etc. The left-right width of the second storage member (35) may be greater than the left-right width of the first storage member (34). For example, the left-right width of the second storage member (35) may be substantially equal to the sum of the left-right width of the ice maker (100) and the left-right width of the first storage member (34). The second storage member (35) may include second storage member connecting portions (351) formed on both sides. The second storage member connecting portions (351) on both sides may be connected to second door connecting portions (332) formed on both sides of the door liner (33), respectively.

[0070] Hereinafter, the detailed structure of an ice maker (100) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0071] Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of an ice maker according to one embodiment. Figs. 7 and 8 are exploded perspective views of an ice maker according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a water tank.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, an ice maker (100) according to one embodiment may include a first main body (110) forming a front, a second main body (120) forming a rear, an ice tray (130) providing a space where ice is formed, a rotation lever (140) configured to rotate the ice tray (130), a water tank (150) storing water provided to the ice tray (130), and an ice bucket (160) into which ice made in the ice tray (130) falls and is stored.

[0073] The first main body (110) may include a tank mounting portion (111) on which a water tank (150) is mounted, a lever mounting portion (112) on which a rotary lever (140) is mounted, a first body receiving portion (113) on which an ice tray (130) and an ice bucket (160) are received, a first guide portion (114) that guides the withdrawal and entry of the ice bucket (160), and a tray coupling portion (115) on which the ice tray (130) is coupled.

[0074] The tank mounting portion (111) may be located on one side of the upper portion of the first main body (110). The tank mounting portion (111) may form a tank mounting space (111a) in which a water tank (150) is mounted. A water supply hole (111b) may be formed on the bottom surface of the tank mounting portion (111) to guide water from the water tank (150) to move toward the ice tray (130). The water supply holes (111b) may be configured in multiple numbers, and the multiple water supply holes (111b) may be arranged in the width direction of the freezer door (30).

[0075] The lever mounting portion (112) may be located at the upper central portion of the first main body (110). For example, the lever mounting portion (112) may be located on one side in the left and right direction of the tank mounting portion (111). The lever mounting portion (112) may be formed with a lever shaft coupling portion (112a) to which the rotation axis of the rotation lever (140) is coupled, and a lever opening portion (112b) that is opened so that a part of the rotation lever (140) passes through.

[0076] The first body receiving portion (113) may be located lower than the tank mounting portion (111) and the lever mounting portion (112). The first body receiving portion (113) may form a first body receiving space (113a) in which an ice tray (130) and an ice bucket (160) are received.

[0077] The first guide portion (114) may be formed on the inner surfaces of both sides of the first body receiving portion (113). The first guide portion (114) may guide the withdrawal and insertion of the ice bucket (160). Specifically, the first guide portion (114) may guide the withdrawal and insertion of the ice bucket (160) by engaging with the second guide portion (125) of the second main body (120) described below.

[0078] The first tray coupling portion (115) may be formed on the inner surfaces of both sides of the first body receiving portion (113). An ice tray (130) may be rotatably coupled to the first tray coupling portion (115). An outer rotation shaft (131a, 132a) of the ice tray (130), which will be described later, may be coupled to the first tray coupling portion (115). For example, the first tray coupling portion (115) may include a hole into which the outer rotation shaft (131a, 132a) is inserted.

[0079] The first main body (110) may further include a body support member (116) that supports the ice bucket (160) from the lower side and a body protrusion member (116a) that protrudes to one side from the center of the body support member (116).

[0080] The first main body (110) may further include a second tray coupling portion (117) located at the lower side of the lever mounting portion (112). An ice tray (130) may be rotatably coupled to the second tray coupling portion (117). An inner rotation shaft (131b, 132b) of an ice tray (130) described later may be coupled to the second tray coupling portion (117). For example, the second tray coupling portion (117) includes a tray shaft coupling hole (117a), and the inner rotation shaft (131b, 132b) of the ice tray (130) may be rotatably inserted into the tray shaft coupling hole (117a). The inner rotation shaft (131b, 132b) may be arranged between the lever handle (141) and a tray rotation portion (131c, 132c) described later.

[0081] The second main body (120) may include a body plate (121), a body upper portion (122) provided on the upper side of the body plate (121), a body lower portion (123) provided on the lower side of the body plate (121), and body side wall portions (124) provided on both sides of the body plate (121). The body plate (121), the body upper portion (122), the body lower portion (123), and the body side wall portions (124) of the second main body (120) may define a second body receiving space (120a) in which an ice tray (130) and an ice bucket (160) are received.

[0082] The body plate (121) may constitute one side of the ice maker (100) facing the door liner (33). A first ice maker coupling portion (121a) coupled to the first door coupling portion (331) may be formed on the body plate (121).

[0083] A second guide portion (125) may be provided on the inner surface of the body side wall portion (124). The second guide portion (125) may guide the withdrawal and insertion of the ice bucket (160). The second guide portion (125) may guide the withdrawal and insertion of the ice bucket (160) by engaging with the first guide portion (114) of the first main body (110). When the first main body (110) and the second main body (120) are combined, the first guide portion (114) and the second guide portion (125) may be connected to each other.

[0084] The second main body (120) may further include a main body coupling portion (126) provided on the outer surface of the body side wall portion (124). The main body coupling portion (126) may be formed on both sides of the second main body (120). The ice maker (100) may be coupled to the refrigerator (1) via the main body coupling portion (126). For example, the main body coupling portion (126) on one side may be coupled to the second door coupling portion (332) of the door liner (33), and the main body coupling portion (126) on the other side may be coupled to the first storage member (34) via a coupling member (170) described below, and the first storage member (34) may be coupled to the second door coupling portion (332) of the door body (31). In another embodiment, both main body joining parts (126) can be joined to the second door joining part (332) of the door liner (33).

[0085] The ice tray (130) may include a plurality of tray sections (131, 132) arranged in the left-right width direction of the ice maker (100). For example, the ice tray (130) may include a first tray section (131) and a second tray section (132). Each of the first tray section (131) and the second tray section (132) may include a plurality of ice-making grooves formed in ice. The ice tray (130) may maximize the amount of ice made through the first tray section (131) and the second tray section (132) arranged in the left-right width direction of the ice maker (100), while simultaneously implementing a slim and compact shape of the ice maker (100). In addition, the first tray section (131) and the second tray section (132) of the ice tray (130) are arranged in the left and right width direction of the freezer door (30), thereby maximizing the amount of ice made and implementing a slim and compact shape of the freezer door (30).

[0086] A rotation lever (140) configured to rotate the ice tray (130) may be provided on the upper portion of the ice tray (130). The rotation lever (140) may be positioned between the first tray portion (131) and the second tray portion (132). For example, the first tray portion (131) and the second tray portion (132) may have a symmetrical structure centered on the rotation lever (140). Through the above structure, the rotation lever (140) can transmit a uniform force to the first tray portion (131) and the second tray portion (132), thereby realizing stable rotation of the ice tray (130).

[0087] First rotation axes (131a, 131b) may be formed on both sides of the first tray portion (131). For example, the first rotation axes (131a, 131b) may include a first outer rotation axle (131a) formed on the outside of the first tray portion (131) and a first inner rotation axle (131b) formed on the inside of the first tray portion (131). Second rotation axes (132a, 132b) may be formed on both sides of the second tray portion (132). For example, the second rotation axes (132a, 132b) may include a second outer rotation axle (132a) formed on the outside of the second tray portion (132) and a second inner rotation axle (132b) formed on the inside of the second tray portion (132). The first inner rotation axis (131b) and the second inner rotation axis (132b) can be formed at positions facing each other.

[0088] A tray rotation part (131c, 132c) may be further formed on the inner side of each of the first tray part (131) and the second tray part (132). A rotation lever (140) may be coupled to the tray rotation part (131c, 132c) to apply a rotational force to rotate the ice tray (130).

[0089] For example, a first tray rotation part (131c) may be formed on the inside of the first tray part (131), and a second tray rotation part (132c) may be formed on the inside of the second tray part (132). The first tray rotation part (131c) may be formed on one side of the first inner rotation axis (131b), and the second tray rotation part (132c) may be formed on one side of the second inner rotation axis (132b). The first tray rotation part (131c) and the second tray rotation part (132c) may be formed at positions facing each other.

[0090] The ice tray (130) can rotate around the first rotation axis (131a, 131b) and the second rotation axis (132a, 132b) through the rotational force applied through the tray rotation part (131c, 132c). The tray rotation part (131c, 132c) can stably rotate the ice tray (130) by receiving a uniform force from the rotation lever (140) described later.

[0091] The rotary lever (140) may include a lever handle (141), a lever coupling portion (142) protruding rearward from the lever handle (141), and a link structure (143) coupled to the lever coupling portion (142) and connecting the lever handle (141) and the ice tray (130).

[0092] The lever handle (141) can be coupled to the lever mounting portion (112). The lever handle (141) can include a lever shaft (141a) provided on both sides. The lever handle (141) can rotate around the lever shaft (141a). The lever shaft (141a) can be coupled to the lever shaft coupling portion (112a) of the lever mounting portion (112).

[0093] The lever coupling portion (142) may be formed to protrude downwardly from the rear of the lever handle (141). The lever coupling portion (142) may have a rounded shape toward the lower rear. A link structure (143) may be rotatably coupled to the end of the lever coupling portion (142).

[0094] The link structure (143) can connect the lever coupling portion (142) and the ice tray (130). The link structure (143) can transmit the rotational force of the lever handle (141) to the ice tray (130), thereby rotating the ice tray (130). Accordingly, the ice formed on the ice tray (130) can fall toward the ice bucket (160).

[0095] The rotational motion of the ice tray (130) via the rotation lever (140) will be described later.

[0096] A water tank (150) may be mounted on the tank mounting portion (111) of the first main body (110). The water tank (150) may store water supplied to the ice tray (130). The ice maker (100) according to one embodiment may be a manual ice maker (100) in which a user manually supplies water. The water tank (150) may be filled with an amount of water sufficient to make ice at one time using the ice maker (100).

[0097] The water tank (150) may include a tank body (151), a partition member (152) provided inside the tank body (151), and a cover member (154) covering an opening (153) of the tank body (151).

[0098] The tank body (151) may include a water reservoir (151a, 151b) that accommodates water therein. The tank body (151) may include an opening (153) that is open on one side. The water reservoir (151a, 151b) may be exposed to the outside through the opening (153).

[0099] A tank grip portion (151c) may be formed on the opposite side of the opening (153) in the tank body (151). A user can easily separate the water tank (150) from the first main body (151) through the tank grip portion (151c).

[0100] The water reservoirs (151a, 151b) may be partitioned by a partition member (152). For example, the water reservoirs (151a, 151b) may include a first water reservoir (151a) located on one side of the partition member (152) and a second water reservoir (151b) located on the other side. The first water reservoir (151a) may receive water supplied to the first tray (131), and the second water reservoir (151b) may receive water supplied to the second tray (132). A water level boundary line (not shown) may be formed on the inner surface of the tank body (151) or one surface of the partition member (152) to guide the user to an appropriate amount of water to be supplied.

[0101] The opening (153) of the tank body (151) can be covered by a cover member (154). After pouring water into the reservoir (151a, 151b), the user can cover the opening (153) using the cover member (154). The cover member (154) can be easily detached from the tank body (151). For example, the cover member (154) can be fitted into the opening (153).

[0102] A first water supply hole (154a) corresponding to the first reservoir (151a) and a second water supply hole (154b) corresponding to the second reservoir (151b) may be formed in the cover member (154). That is, water contained in the first reservoir (151a) may be supplied to the first tray (131) through the first water supply hole (154a), and water contained in the second reservoir (151b) may be supplied to the second tray (132) through the second water supply hole (154b).

[0103] A water supply guide (180) described later may be combined with the second water supply hole (154b). In one embodiment, the water tank (150) may be located above the first tray portion (131). As described above, the water tank (150) may accommodate water to be supplied to the first tray portion (131) and the second tray portion (132). Therefore, the water tank (150) located above the first tray portion (131) may be provided with a water supply guide (180) to supply water to the second tray portion (132). That is, water accommodated in the second water reservoir (151b) may move through the second water supply hole (154b) and the water supply guide (180) and be supplied to the second tray portion (132).

[0104] An ice bucket (160) can be accommodated in the first body receiving portion (113) of the first main body (110). The ice bucket (160) can include an ice storage portion (160a) for storing ice dropped from an ice tray (130). The ice bucket (160) can be configured to be pulled out and inserted from an ice maker (100). For example, the ice bucket (160) can further include a bucket guide portion (161) configured to be pulled out and inserted along a first guide portion (114) and a second guide portion (125).

[0105] An ice maker (100) according to one embodiment may further include a coupling member (170) coupled to one side of a second main body (120). The first storage member (34) may be coupled to one side of the ice maker (100) through the coupling member (170). The coupling member (170) may include an ice maker coupling portion (171) coupled to one side of the second main body (120) and a coupling portion (172) protruding from one side of the ice maker coupling portion (171).

[0106] In another embodiment, if the left-right width of the ice maker (100) is formed to correspond to the left-right width of the door body (31), the connecting member (170) may be omitted. In this case, both sides of the ice maker (100) may be directly connected to the door body (31). For example, the main body connecting portion (126) formed on both sides of the second main body (120) may be connected to the second door connecting portion (332) of the door body (31).

[0107] An ice maker (100) according to one embodiment may further include a water supply guide (180) for supplying water stored in the tank body (151) to the second tray (132).

[0108] The water supply guide (180) may include a rod-shaped guide body (181) and a water supply guide hole (182) formed at one end of the guide body (181).

[0109] The guide body (181) may have a shape extending in the width direction of the freezer door (30). One end of the guide body (181) may be located on the upper side of the first tray part (131), and the other end may be located on the upper side of the second tray part (132).

[0110] A water supply hole (111b) through which water is supplied from a water tank (150) may be located on the upper side of one end portion located on the upper side of the first tray portion (131) of the guide body (181). A water supply guide hole (182) may be formed on the other end portion located on the upper side of the second tray portion (132) of the guide body (181).

[0111] Through the above structure, when water is supplied from the water tank (150) to the one end of the guide body (181) through the water supply hole (111b), it can move along the length direction of the guide body (181) and move toward the second tray part (132) through the water supply guide hole (181) formed at the other end. Therefore, in an ice maker (100) equipped with a single water tank (150), water can be stably supplied to a plurality of tray parts (131, 132).

[0112] Figures 10 and 11 are partial perspective views showing the coupling relationship between the rotary lever and the ice tray.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the rotary lever (140) is formed at an end of the link structure (143) and may further include a link coupling portion (144) coupled with the ice tray (130). The link coupling portion (144) may have a shape extending from the end of the link structure (143) to both sides. For example, the link coupling portion (144) may have a shape extending toward the first tray portion (131) and the second tray portion (132).

[0114] A first tray rotation part (131c) may be coupled to one end of the link coupling part (144), and a second tray rotation part (132c) may be coupled to the other end. For example, the link coupling part (144) may include a link coupling hole (144a) into which the first tray rotation part (131c) and the second tray rotation part (132c) are each inserted.

[0115] The link coupling portion (144) may have a left-right symmetrical structure based on the link structure (143). Therefore, when the user rotates the lever handle (141) to rotate the link structure (143), a rotational force of a uniform magnitude may be applied to the first tray portion (131) and the second tray portion (132).

[0116] A water supply guide (180) may be positioned between the lever mounting portion (112) and the second tray coupling portion (117). Accordingly, in an ice maker (100) equipped with a single water tank (150), water can be stably supplied to multiple tray portions (131, 132). In addition, a path for the water supply guide (180) to pass through can be secured between the lever mounting portion (112) and the second tray coupling portion (117), thereby forming a more compact ice maker (100) structure.

[0117] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing the rotation process of an ice tray in an ice maker according to one embodiment.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 along with FIGS. 10 and 11, a user can rotate the lever handle (141). When the lever handle (141) rotates, the position of the link structure (143) coupled to the tray rotation part (131c, 132c) of the lever coupling part (142) can be changed upward. That is, when the lever handle (141) rotates, a rotational force can be applied to the ice tray (130) through the link structure (143).

[0119] The link coupling portion (144) located at the end of the link structure (143) can be coupled to the first tray rotation portion (131c) and the second tray rotation portion (132c), respectively. Therefore, the rotational force applied to the ice tray (130) through the rotation of the lever handle (141) can be uniformly applied to the first tray portion (131) and the second tray portion (132), respectively. Therefore, the first tray portion (131) and the second tray portion (132) can be stably rotated through the rotation of a single lever handle (141).

[0120] According to one embodiment of the refrigerator (1), an ice maker (100) having a slim and compact shape and provided in a freezer door (30) can be included to minimize the reduction in storage space in the freezer (12).

[0121] According to a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment, a water supply guide (180) that guides water from a water tank (150) to an ice tray (130) is provided so that water can be stably supplied to a plurality of tray sections (131, 132) arranged in the width direction of the freezer door (30).

[0122] According to a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment, a plurality of tray parts (131, 132) arranged in the width direction of a freezer door (30) can be stably rotated through a rotation link structure that includes a link connecting part extending in the arrangement direction of ice trays (130) and connecting a rotation lever (140) and ice trays (130).

[0123] Hereinafter, another embodiment of a refrigerator (1) and an ice maker (100) included therein will be described. In the following embodiments, descriptions of the same configurations as those in the previously described embodiments will be omitted or simplified, and the differences will be primarily described.

[0124] Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment. Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the portion where the rotary lever and the ice tray are connected in Fig. 14.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the ice maker (100') according to the present embodiment, unlike the ice maker (100) according to one embodiment, can transmit rotational force through gear coupling. The ice maker (100') according to the present embodiment may include a lever coupling portion (142'), a link structure (143'), and an inner rotation shaft (131b', 132b') that are gear-coupled to each other. Unlike the ice maker (100) according to one embodiment, the ice maker (100') according to the present embodiment may not have a separate tray rotation portion (131c, 132c).

[0126] The ice maker (100') according to the present embodiment may include a lever coupling portion (142') protruding rearward from a lever handle (141). The lever coupling portion (142') may have a bent shape and include a lever gear portion (142a') formed on the rear surface. The lever gear portion (142a') may be formed on both sides of the lever coupling portion (142') so as to correspond to the first tray portion (131) and the second tray portion (132), respectively.

[0127] The lever gear portion (142a') is gear-coupled with a link structure (143') described later and can transmit the rotational force of the lever handle (141) to the link structure (143'). That is, the link structure (143') can rotate through the rotation of the lever handle (141).

[0128] At the rear of the lever coupling portion (142'), a link structure (143') that is gear-coupled with the lever gear portions (142a') on both sides may be provided. Although not shown, the link structure (143') may be rotatably coupled to the first main body (110) or the second main body (120). The link structure (143') may be a rotational force transmission means that transmits rotational force through the rotation of the lever handle (141) to the ice tray (130).

[0129] In the ice maker (100) according to the present embodiment, the inner rotation shafts (131b', 132b') may have a gear shape. The inner rotation shafts (131b', 132b') may be gear-coupled with the link structure (143'). Therefore, when the link structure (143') rotates by rotating the lever handle (141), the inner rotation shafts (131b', 132b') gear-coupled therewith may rotate together. Through the above structure, the first tray portion (131) and the second tray portion (132) may rotate together through a uniform rotational force.

[0130] However, as another embodiment, the link structure (143') may be omitted and the lever gear portion (142a') of the lever coupling portion (142') may be directly gear-coupled to the inner rotation shaft (131b', 132b').

[0131] In the present embodiment, the water supply guide (180') may have a pipe shape, unlike the water supply guide (180) according to one embodiment. Since the inner rotation shafts (131b', 132b') in the ice maker (100) according to the present embodiment have a gear shape, the water supply guide (180') may have a pipe shape, thereby enabling more efficient use of space. In the present embodiment, one end of the water supply guide (180') may be coupled to the water supply hole (111b), and the other end may be located above the second tray part (132). Through the above structure, when water is supplied from the water tank (150) to the one end of the water supply guide (180') through the water supply hole (111b), the water may move along the water supply guide (180') and move toward the second tray part (132) through the other end. Therefore, in an ice maker (100) equipped with a single water tank (150), water can be stably supplied to multiple trays (131, 132).

[0132] Figures 16 and 17 are schematic diagrams illustrating the rotation process of an ice tray in an ice maker according to another embodiment. Figures 16 and 17 are diagrams illustrating the rotation process of an ice tray (100') according to the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 14 and 15.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a user can rotate the lever handle (141). When the lever handle (141) rotates, the lever coupling portion (142') can rotate the link structure (143') that is gear-coupled to the inner rotation shaft (131b', 132b'). That is, when the lever handle (141) rotates, a rotational force can be applied to the ice tray (130') through the link gear portions (142a') provided on both sides of the link coupling portion (142') and the link structure (143') that is gear-coupled to the link gear portions (142a').

[0134] Link gear parts (142a') are provided on both sides of the rear surface of the link coupling part (142'), and a link structure (143') can be gear-coupled to each link gear part (142a'). In addition, a first inner rotation axis (131b') of the first tray part (131) and a second inner rotation axis (132b') of the second tray part (132) can be gear-coupled to each link structure (143').

[0135] Through the above structure, the rotational force applied to the ice tray (130') through the rotation of the lever handle (141) can be uniformly applied to the first tray section (131) and the second tray section (132), respectively. Therefore, the first tray section (131) and the second tray section (132) can be stably rotated through the rotation of a single lever handle (141).

[0136] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 18, the ice maker (100'') according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of water tanks (150). The number of water tanks (150) may correspond to the number of tray sections (131, 132) included in the ice tray (130). For example, the ice maker (100'') according to the present embodiment may include a water tank (150) for storing water supplied to a first tray section (131) and a water tank (150) for storing water supplied to a second tray section (132).

[0138] Accordingly, the first main body (110'') may include a plurality of tank mounting portions (111) on which each water tank (150) is mounted. For example, the plurality of tank mounting portions (111) may be positioned on the upper portion of the first tray portion (131) and the upper portion of the second tray portion (132), respectively.

[0139] According to the present embodiment, a separate water tank (150) is provided for each tray section (131, 132) included in the ice tray (130), so that the amount of ice made can be freely adjusted. In addition, each water tank (150) is placed on the upper portion of each tray section (131, 132) of the ice tray (130), so that residual water can be prevented from being generated in the water tank (150).

[0140] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 19, the ice maker (100''') according to the present embodiment is different from the ice maker (100) according to one embodiment in that it includes a first main body (110''') in which the positions of the tank mounting portion (111''') on which the water tank (150) is mounted and the lever mounting portion (112''') on which the rotary lever (140) is mounted are changed. The ice maker (100''') according to the present embodiment has the advantage that the position of the tank mounting portion (111''') on which the water tank (150) is mounted and the position of the lever mounting portion (112''') on which the rotary lever (140) is mounted can be freely set.

[0142] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 20, the ice maker (100'''') according to the present embodiment is formed on the first main body (110''''), and is different from the ice maker (100) according to one embodiment in that the location of the tank mounting portion (111'''') on which the water tank (150) is mounted is located on the opposite side. The ice maker (100'''') according to the present embodiment has the advantage of being able to freely set the location of the tank mounting portion (111'''') on which the water tank (150) is mounted.

[0144] FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 21, this embodiment differs from the ice maker (100) according to one embodiment in that it includes a water supply guide (180'') of a different shape.

[0146] In the present embodiment, the water supply guide (180'') may have a pipe shape, unlike the water supply guide (180) according to one embodiment. Since the water supply guide (180'') has a pipe shape, more efficient space utilization is possible. In the present embodiment, one end of the water supply guide (180'') may be coupled to the water supply hole (111b), and the other end may be located above the second tray part (132). Through the above structure, when water is supplied from the water tank (150) to the one end of the water supply guide (180'') through the water supply hole (111b), it may move along the water supply guide (180'') and move toward the second tray part (132) through the other end. Therefore, in an ice maker (100) equipped with a single water tank (150), water can be stably supplied to a plurality of tray parts (131, 132).

[0147] Fig. 22 is a front view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 22, a refrigerator (1') according to the present embodiment may include a cabinet (10') and a door (20', 30') connected to the cabinet (10') to open and close a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment (11').

[0149] In this embodiment, a refrigerator (1') having a structure in which a freezer (11') is positioned at the top and a refrigerator (11') is positioned at the bottom is described as an example, but this embodiment is not limited to the shape of the refrigerator (1').

[0150] In this embodiment, the door (20', 30') may include a freezer door (30') for opening and closing the freezer (11') and a refrigerator door (20') for opening and closing the refrigerator.

[0151] In the present embodiment, the freezer door (30') may include a door body (31') and an ice maker (100) coupled to the rear of the door body (31'). The refrigerator (1') according to the present embodiment is different from the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment in that the first storage member (34) is omitted, and one end and the other end of the ice maker (100) are directly coupled to the door body (31'). The left-right width of the ice maker (100) may correspond to the left-right width of the door body (31'). That is, the ice maker (100) may have a size and shape corresponding to the door body (31') and may be directly coupled to the door body (31').

[0152] According to the refrigerator (1') according to the present embodiment, there is an advantage in that the ice maker (100) can be freely combined according to the shape of the freezer door (30').

[0153] According to a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice maker is provided on the door side and has a slim and compact shape, thereby minimizing the reduction in freezer storage space, and thus its industrial applicability is recognized.

[0154] According to a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a water supply pipe is provided to guide water from a water tank to an ice tray, thereby stably supplying water to a plurality of ice trays arranged in the width direction of the door, and thus, industrial applicability is recognized.

[0155] According to a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of ice trays arranged in the width direction of the door can be stably rotated through a rotation link structure that connects a rotation lever and an ice tray, including a link connecting portion extending in the direction of arrangement of ice trays, and thus, industrial applicability is recognized.

Claims

1. Cabinet forming a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; and Including an ice maker coupled to the inner surface of the above door, The above ice maker, Main body, An ice tray rotatably coupled to the main body and including a plurality of tray sections arranged in the width direction of the door, a rotating lever for rotating the ice tray in one direction, and It is mounted on the main body and includes a water tank that stores water supplied to the plurality of trays. A refrigerator in which the main body includes a plurality of water supply units that guide water from the water tank to the plurality of tray units, respectively.

2. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of trays are: A refrigerator comprising a first tray section arranged on one side and a second tray section arranged on the other side, with the rotation lever as the center.

3. In paragraph 2, The above rotary lever, A lever handle rotatably connected to the main body, A link structure that is coupled to the above lever handle and changes its position according to the rotation of the above lever handle; It is formed at the end of the above link structure and includes a link coupling portion in which the first tray portion and the second tray portion are coupled, A refrigerator in which the above link connecting portion has a shape extending in the width direction of the door.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first tray part, A first tray rotation axis rotatably coupled to the main body, and Including a first tray rotation part coupled to the above link coupling part, The above second tray part, A second tray rotation axis rotatably coupled to the main body, and Including a second tray rotating part coupled to the above link coupling part, The first tray rotation axis is positioned between the lever handle and the first tray rotation part, A refrigerator wherein the second tray rotation axis is positioned between the lever handle and the second tray rotation part.

5. In paragraph 4, The first tray rotation axis and the second tray rotation axis are arranged opposite to each other, A refrigerator in which the first tray rotation part and the second tray rotation part are positioned opposite to each other.

6. In paragraph 4, The above main body, Including a tray coupling part in which the first tray rotation axis and the second tray rotation axis are rotatably coupled, A refrigerator wherein the tray joint is located at the lower portion of the link structure.

7. In paragraph 2, The above water tank is located above the first tray section, The above water tank, A tank body providing a reservoir in which water is stored, and A refrigerator comprising a partition member disposed inside the tank body and dividing the water storage portion into a first water storage portion in which water provided to the first tray portion is stored and a second water storage portion in which water provided to the second tray portion is stored.

8. In paragraph 7, The above water tank further includes a water supply pipe connecting the second reservoir and the second tray, The above main body, A tank mounting portion in which the above water tank is mounted, A lever mounting portion, which is positioned on one side of the tank mounting portion and on which the rotary lever is mounted, and The rotation axis of the first tray part is rotatably coupled, and includes a tray coupling part located at the bottom of the lever mounting part, A refrigerator in which the water supply pipe extends in the width direction of the door and is arranged to pass between the lever mounting portion and the tray coupling portion.

9. In paragraph 2, The above first tray portion and the above second tray portion, A refrigerator arranged symmetrically left and right around the above-mentioned rotary lever.

10. In paragraph 2, The first tray portion includes a first tray rotation axis rotatably coupled to the main body, The second tray section includes a second tray rotation axis rotatably coupled to the main body, The above rotary lever, A lever handle rotatably connected to the main body, A lever coupling portion protruding from the rear of the above lever handle and having a lever gear portion formed on one side, A refrigerator comprising a first link structure that is gear-coupled to the lever gear portion and the first tray rotation shaft and rotates the first tray portion according to the rotation of the lever handle.

11. In paragraph 10, It includes a second link structure that is gear-coupled to the above lever gear portion and the second tray rotation shaft to rotate the second tray portion according to the rotation of the lever handle. A refrigerator in which the above lever gear portion is formed on both sides of the lever coupling portion.

12. In paragraph 2, The first tray portion includes a first tray rotation axis rotatably coupled to the main body, The second tray section includes a second tray rotation axis rotatably coupled to the main body, The above rotary lever, A lever handle rotatably connected to the main body, A lever coupling portion protruding from the rear of the above lever handle and having a lever gear portion formed on one side, A refrigerator in which the lever gear portion is gear-coupled to the first tray rotation shaft and rotates the first tray portion according to the rotation of the lever handle.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator in which the lever gear portion is gear-coupled to the second tray rotation shaft and rotates the second tray portion according to the rotation of the lever handle.

14. In paragraph 1, The above main body, A tank mounting portion in which the water tank is mounted and the plurality of water supply portions are formed, and A refrigerator comprising a lever mounting portion disposed on one side of the tank mounting portion and on which the rotation lever is mounted.

15. In paragraph 14, The above tank mounting portion has a shape extending in the width direction of the door, The above plurality of water supply units are arranged in the width direction of the door, The above water tank, Including a water supply pipe connecting any one of the plurality of water supply units and any one of the plurality of tray units, A refrigerator in which the above water supply pipe extends in the width direction of the door.

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