Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. This refrigerator comprises: a main body having a storage compartment formed therein; a door coupled to one surface of the main body so as to open / close the storage compartment; and a water supply module installed in the storage compartment so as to supply water to an ice-making device. The water supply module comprises: a water tank for storing water; and a case having the water tank separably mounted therein. The case comprises: a body part; and a sterilization part for sterilizing the water stored in the water tank. The sterilization part comprises: a rib arm protrudingly extending from the body part toward the water tank; and a sterilization lamp mounted on the rib arm.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device primarily used for long-term storage of food and beverages to prevent spoilage. A refrigerator may have one or more storage compartments, which can be divided into refrigeration and freezing compartments depending on temperature.

[0003] With technological advancements, refrigerators can now receive water from an external source, purify it, and then make ice, providing the user with purified cold water and ice. However, this automatic water supply system has proven ineffective in environments where it's difficult to connect to an external water source.

[0004] Accordingly, a technology was developed that allows the user to fill a removable water tank with water, receive water from the tank, and provide cold water and ice when the user needs it.

[0005] However, this type of water supply system that stores water in a water tank has problems such as the stored water becoming contaminated or scale forming inside the water tank if the water filled in the water tank is stored for a long period of time without being consumed.

[0006] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body having a storage compartment formed therein, a door coupled to one surface of the main body to open and close the storage compartment, and a water supply module installed in the storage compartment to supply water to an ice maker.

[0007] The above water supply module may include a water tank for storing water and a case in which the water tank is detachably mounted.

[0008] The above case may include a body part and a sterilizing part for sterilizing water stored in the water tank.

[0009] The above sterilizing unit may include a rib arm formed by protruding and extending from the body toward the water tank, and a sterilizing lamp mounted on the rib arm.

[0010] The above rib arm can be formed to have a certain angle with respect to the bottom surface of the water tank.

[0011] The above sterilizing unit may include a guide hole formed by being sunken into the inside of the rib arm so that the sterilizing lamp is mounted thereon.

[0012] The above guide hole can be formed by a slope that tapers from the outside to the inside of the rib arm so that one cross section has a trapezoidal shape.

[0013] The water tank may include an opening and a water tank lid formed to have a shape corresponding to the opening to cover the opening.

[0014] The water bottle lid may include an insert having a shape corresponding to the rib arm for accommodating the rib arm when the water bottle is mounted in the case.

[0015] The above insertion portion may be formed by recessing from the case side to the opposite side in an area adjacent to the case by the same length as the protruding length of the rib arm.

[0016] The water bottle lid may further include a lamp hole formed by perforation in the insertion portion so that the sterilizing lamp is exposed toward the internal space of the water bottle when the water bottle is mounted in the case.

[0017] The water tank may include a water intake pipe for discharging water stored in the water tank to the outside of the water tank.

[0018] The water tank lid may include a pipe hole formed by protruding and extending from the insertion portion toward the bottom surface of the water tank, with a diameter corresponding to one cross section of the water tank to support the water tank.

[0019] The above water supply module may further include a pump connected to one end of the water intake pipe to form a pressure difference at both ends of the water intake pipe in order to supply water stored in the water tank to the ice maker, and a water supply pipe having one end coupled to the pump and the other end coupled to the ice maker so that water drawn from the water tank through the water intake pipe by the pump can be supplied to the ice maker.

[0020] The above body part may have a plurality of slits formed therein to release heat generated from the pump.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a water supply module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a water supply module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a water supply module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 5.

[0027] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a sterilizing unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the irradiation angle of ultraviolet rays generated from a sterilizing lamp of a rib arm according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a method for controlling the operation of a sterilizing lamp depending on whether the door of a refrigerator is opened or closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a water tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of part C' of Figure 10.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a water bottle lid according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the insertion portion in the cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' of Fig. 10.

[0034] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0035] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0036] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0038] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0039] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0040] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0041] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0042] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0043] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0044] Hereinafter, refrigerators according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0045] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, the refrigerator (1) includes a main body (10), a door (20), a storage compartment (30), a cold air supply means (not shown), and a water supply module (40).

[0046] The main body (10) is configured to form the exterior of the refrigerator (1) and divide the exterior and interior space of the refrigerator (1).

[0047] The main body (10) may include an outer case (11) formed to be in direct contact with the external space to protect each component of the refrigerator (1) from the external environment, an inner case (12) forming an internal space of the refrigerator (1) such as a storage room (30), a machine room (not shown), an insulating material (not shown) provided between the outer case (11) and the inner case (12), and a partition wall (13) dividing a plurality of storage rooms (30).

[0048] The main body (10) can be formed so that one side of the storage room (30) is open, and a door (20) can be provided on one side of the open storage room (30).

[0049] The door (20) is configured to open and close the storage compartment (30). The door (20) may be provided on one side of the main body (10). For example, the door (20) may be provided to have a shape corresponding to the open surface of the storage compartment (30). One area of ​​the door (20) may be hinged to the main body (10) so as to be rotatable.

[0050] The number of doors (20) may vary depending on the number of storage rooms (30) partitioned by the bulkhead (13), but in the present disclosure, an embodiment having two storage rooms (31, 32) and correspondingly having a pair of first and second doors (21, 22) for each storage room will be described.

[0051] The door (20) may include a gasket (23) and a door handle (24). The gasket (23) is configured to prevent cold air from leaking from the storage compartment (30) to the outside of the refrigerator (1). The gasket (23) may be provided along the inner edge of the door (20) facing the storage compartment (30).

[0052] The door handle (24) is configured to make it easy for a user to support the door (20) when opening and closing the door (20). The door handle (24) may be provided in the form of a groove on one side of the door (20).

[0053] The storage room (30) is a structure for storing objects such as food. The storage room (30) may have different names depending on the temperature. For example, a storage room (30) maintained at approximately 0 degrees Celsius or higher and 5 degrees Celsius or lower may be called a refrigerator room (31), and a storage room (30) maintained at approximately 0 degrees Celsius or lower and -30 degrees Celsius or higher may be called a freezer room (32).

[0054] A water supply module (40) for supplying water to a dispenser (not shown) and / or an ice maker (50) may be provided in the refrigerator (31), and an ice maker (50) for generating ice may be provided in the freezer (32).

[0055] The refrigerator compartment (31) and the freezer compartment (32), which have different temperatures, can be partitioned by a partition wall (13). The partition wall (13) is formed by bending the inner surface of the main body (10) that partitions the refrigerator compartment (31) and the freezer compartment (32), and since it includes an insulating material (not shown) between the refrigerator compartment (31) and the freezer compartment (32) like the main body (10), heat exchange between the refrigerator compartment (31) and the freezer compartment (32) can be minimized.

[0056] A pair of first doors (21) may be provided on one side of the refrigerator compartment (31), and a pair of second doors (22) may be provided on one side of the freezer compartment (32). The first door (21) and the second door (22) may be provided on the same side of the side of the main body (10).

[0057] A user can take out items stored in the refrigerator (31) and / or freezer (32) or bring in items to be stored by opening the first door (21) and / or the second door (22).

[0058] Meanwhile, a shelf (33) and a storage container (34) may be provided inside the storage compartment (30). The shelf (33) may be provided in a single or multiple number to allow storage objects to be placed inside the refrigerator. The storage container (34) is configured to form a separate sealed space provided inside the storage compartment (30) to minimize heat exchange with the external environment of the refrigerator (1) when the door (20) is opened and closed. The storage container (34) may be formed to have a basket shape so that a space for accommodating stored objects may be formed inside. The storage container (34) may have a handle formed on one surface of the door (20) side. The handle of the storage container (34) may be formed to be recessed on the lower side of one surface of the storage container (34) so ​​that a user can grip it with his or her fingers.

[0059] A cold air supply means (not shown) is configured to supply cold air to a storage compartment (30). The cold air supply means may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The cold air supply means can generate cold air by absorbing heat from the surrounding air as the refrigerant passes through the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The cold air generated in this way can be delivered to a refrigerator compartment (31) and a freezer compartment (32) through a duct. The cold air supply means may be provided at the bottom of the refrigerator (1).

[0060] The water supply module (40) is configured to supply water to a dispenser (not shown) and / or an ice maker (50). The water supply module (40) can be installed in the storage compartment (30). Specifically, the water supply module (40) can be provided on the lower surface of the refrigerator compartment (31), i.e., on the upper surface of the bulkhead (13), but the position of the water supply module (40) is not limited to that disclosed in this drawing. The water supply module (40) can be formed so that the height from the lower surface of the refrigerator compartment (31) has the same height as that of the storage container (34). Accordingly, since the upper surface of the water supply module (40) and the storage container (34) can form a flat surface, the storage object can be stably placed on the upper surface of the water supply module (40) and the storage container (34). A detailed description of each component of the water supply module (40) will be described later.

[0061] The ice maker (50) is configured to produce ice using water supplied from the water supply module (40). The ice maker (50) may be installed in the freezer (32). Specifically, the ice maker (50) may be installed at the lower portion of the bulkhead (13) so as to be positioned symmetrically with respect to the water supply module (40) with respect to the bulkhead (13).

[0062] The ice breaker (50) may include a tray (not shown) and a basket (51). The tray may be provided with a plurality of grooves having a shape corresponding to the shape of the ice to be made. The tray may have a plate shape and may be provided on the upper side of the ice breaker (50).

[0063] The basket (51) is a configuration in which frozen ice is stored. The basket (51) may have a basket shape with a space formed inside that can accommodate a storage object, such as a storage container (34).

[0064] The trays and baskets (51) of the ice maker (50) may be provided in multiples. In the drawing, the trays and baskets (51) are shown as being provided in pairs, but this is not necessarily limited to the case, and the trays and baskets (51) may be provided singly.

[0065] Water delivered from the water supply module (40) to the ice maker (50) is supplied to a tray (not shown) and undergoes an ice-making process at sub-zero temperatures to become ice, which can then be stored in a basket (51) through an ice-removing process. A recessed handle may be provided on the lower surface of the door (20) side of the basket (51). The user can open the second door (22) and pull the basket (51) to take out and use the ice stored in the internal space of the basket (51).

[0066] Meanwhile, a dispenser (not shown) may be provided in the refrigerator compartment (31). The dispenser is a space for storing cold water. Water supplied to the water supply module (40) by the user can be moved to the dispenser. The water stored in the dispenser can be cooled to have the same temperature as the refrigerator compartment (31). The dispenser is not a component that is necessarily included in the refrigerator (1), and whether it is included, its placement location, shape, etc. may be determined during the design and manufacturing stage of the refrigerator (1). However, in the present disclosure, an embodiment in which the dispenser is not included will be described.

[0067] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a water supply module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a water supply module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a water supply module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line A-A' of Fig. 2.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the water supply module (40) may include a case (41), a water tank (42), a water intake pipe (43), a pump (44), and a water delivery pipe (45).

[0069] The case (41) covers the components of the water supply module (40) and is configured to be combined with a water tank (42) to supply water stored in the water tank (42) to an ice maker (50). The case (41) may include a sterilizing unit (410) and a body unit (411).

[0070] The case (41) can be fixed to the inner surface of the storage compartment (30). Specifically, the lower surface of the case (41) can be fixed and joined to the inner surface (11) of the main body (10) forming the refrigerator compartment (31). A sterilizing section (410) can be formed on one side of the case (41).

[0071] The sterilizing unit (410) is configured to sterilize water stored in the water tank (42). A detailed description of the sterilizing unit (410) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0072] The body part (411) is configured to cover the pump (44). The body part (411) may include a plurality of slits (4111), a first hook (4112), and a rear part (4113).

[0073] The body part (411) can be formed to have a shape corresponding to one side of the water tank (42) in order to be combined with the water tank (42) described later. The body part (411) can be fixed and combined to one area of ​​the partition wall (13) that divides the refrigerator compartment (31) and the freezer compartment (32) on the lower side.

[0074] The body (411) may include a plurality of slits (4111) formed to communicate with the interior of the refrigerator (31) to prevent the pump (44) described later from being excessively heated during operation. The shape of the plurality of slits (4111) is not limited to that shown in the drawing, and may be formed into various shapes during the process of designing and manufacturing the refrigerator (1) depending on the performance of the pump (44).

[0075] The body (411) may be provided with an internal accommodation space (S) to cover a portion of the pump (44) and the water supply pipe (45). As a result, the pump (44) and the water supply pipe (45) can be protected from physical impact and / or contact with the storage object placed inside the refrigerator (31).

[0076] The first hook (4112) is configured to stably maintain the combined state of the water tank (42) when the water tank (42) is coupled to the case (41). The first hook (4112) may be formed to protrude and extend from one side of the case (41) adjacent to the water tank (42) in a direction toward the water tank (42). The water tank (42) may include a region having a shape that is sunken into the inside of the water tank (42) corresponding to the first hook (4112) so that the first hook (4112) can be secured when the water tank (42) is coupled to the case (41).

[0077] The first hook (4112) may be made of a flexible material, so that when the water tank (42) is coupled to the case (41), the first hook (4112) can be bent in the outward direction of the water tank (42), and then when the water tank (42) is completely coupled to the case (41), the first hook (4112) can be fixed again to the seating area.

[0078] The rear part (4113) is configured to cover the rear of the case (41). Specifically, the rear part (4113) can cover one side of the body part (411).

[0079] When the rear part (4113) is connected to the body part (411), it can be stably fixed to the body part (411) by a plurality of second hooks (4113a).

[0080] The water tank (42) is configured to store water to be supplied to the ice maker (50). The water tank (42) may be formed to be detachable from the case (41). Specifically, the water tank (42) may be detachably mounted on one side of the case (41) where the sterilizing unit (410) is formed. A detailed description of each component of the water tank (42) will be described later in FIG. 11 and below.

[0081] The intake pipe (43) is configured to discharge water stored in the water tank (42) to the outside of the water tank (42). In other words, the intake pipe (43) is configured to allow water stored in the water tank (42) to move to the ice maker (50).

[0082] One side of the intake pipe (43) can be connected by penetrating into the pipe hole (4222, see Fig. 11 and below) of the water tank lid (422), and the other side of the intake pipe (43) can be provided adjacent to the bottom surface (B) of the water tank.

[0083] The shape of the intake pipe (43) illustrated in the drawing is a schematic shape, and the intake pipe (43) is not necessarily limited to a straight shape as illustrated in the drawing. The intake pipe (43) may also be formed of a material having flexibility.

[0084] One end of the intake pipe (43) can be connected to the pump (44) by passing through the pipe hole (4222). The number of intake pipes (43) can be the same as the number of pipe holes (4222).

[0085] A pump (44) is connected to one end of a water intake pipe (43) to supply water stored in a water tank (42) to an ice maker (50) and is configured to form a pressure difference at both ends of the water intake pipe (43). The pump (44) is electrically connected to the main body (10) and can receive an electrical signal from an external power source.

[0086] The water supply pipe (45) is configured to allow water moved from the water tank (42) to the intake pipe (43) by the pump (44) to be delivered to the ice maker (50). The water supply pipe (45) can have one end connected to the pump (42) and the other end connected to the ice maker (50) so that water drawn from the water tank (42) by the pump (44) through the intake pipe (43) can be supplied to the ice maker (50).

[0087] Since the drawing schematically shows the shape of the water supply pipe (45), the shape of the water supply pipe (45) is not necessarily limited to a straight line.

[0088] Fig. 5 is a bottom view of a case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of portion C of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a sterilizing unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the sterilizing unit (410) may include a rib arm (4101), a sterilizing lamp (4102), and a guide hole (4103).

[0089] The rib arm (4101) is configured to allow the sterilizing lamp (4102) to be positioned apart from the body portion (411). To this end, the rib arm (4101) may be formed to protrude and extend from the body portion (411) toward the water tank (42).

[0090] Specifically, the rib arm (4101) may be formed to protrude and extend from the body portion (411) toward the water tank (42). The rib arm (4101) may be formed to have a certain angle (N1, see FIG. 8 and below) with respect to the bottom surface (B) of the water tank. A detailed description thereof will be provided later in FIG. 8 and below.

[0091] The germicidal lamp (4102) is configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays to water stored in a water tank (42). The germicidal lamp (4102) may be an ultraviolet lamp (UV lamp), but is not limited thereto. Any type of device capable of removing bacteria and foreign substances in water may be used, regardless of its type. The germicidal lamp (4102) may be provided on the rib arm (4101). The size and shape of the germicidal lamp (4102) are not limited to those illustrated in the drawing.

[0092] The guide hole (4103) is a configuration for specifying a position where the sterilizing lamp (4102) is mounted on the rib arm (4101). The guide hole (4103) may be formed by being recessed into the inside of the rib arm (4101) in one area of ​​the rib arm (4101). The guide hole (4103) may be formed as a groove and may be formed to correspond to the shape of the sterilizing lamp (4102). For example, if the sterilizing lamp (4102) has a square plate shape, the guide hole (4103) may be formed as a square groove corresponding thereto. As a result, the sterilizing lamp (4102) may be stably fixed to the rib arm (4101).

[0093] The guide hole (4103) may have a shape that is tapered from the outside to the inside of the rib arm (4101) to increase the angle at which ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the sterilizing lamp (4102).

[0094] In other words, a sterilizing lamp (4102) can be placed at the center of the guide hole (4103), and one cross section can be trapezoidal.

[0095] The guide hole (4103) can be formed by a slope that tapers from the outside to the inside of the rib arm (4101) so that one cross section has a trapezoidal shape.

[0096] That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner space where the sterilizing lamp (4102) is placed in the guide hole (4103) may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening formed on the outer surface of the rib arm (4101).

[0097] Due to this, the angle at which ultraviolet rays generated from the sterilizing lamp (4102) can be irradiated toward the water tank (42) can be increased.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, the rib arm (4101) may be formed to protrude upwardly from the case (41) at a constant angle (N1) with respect to the Y-axis. Here, the constant angle (N1) is not limited to a specific angle, and may have various angles depending on the case. That is, the tilting angle of the rib arm (4101) may be determined depending on the area of ​​the bottom surface (B) of the water tank or the shape of the water tank (42).

[0099] By forming the rib arm (4101) to tilt at a certain angle (N1) with respect to the Y-axis, the irradiation area inside the water tank (42) of the sterilizing lamp (4102) can be enlarged.

[0100] The rib arm (4101) is formed by tilting at a certain angle (N1) and the guide hole (4103) is formed to have a hexahedral space with a trapezoidal cross section, so that the ultraviolet irradiation angle of the sterilizing lamp (4102) can be significantly increased.

[0101] Due to this, even with a small-sized sterilizing lamp (4102), ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the entire area inside the water tank (42), so the size of the sterilizing lamp (4102) can be minimized.

[0102] In other words, even with a small-sized sterilizing lamp (4102), sterilization of the internal space (K) of the water tank (42) can be effectively performed.

[0103] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 9, the refrigerator (1) may include a sterilizing lamp (4102), a sensor (110), a memory (120), and a processor (130).

[0104] The sensor (110) may include a door detection sensor for detecting whether the door (20) is open or closed. At least one door detection sensor (110) may be placed for each door (20) provided in the refrigerator (1) or on a portion of the main body (10) that comes into contact with the door (20). The sensing value of the door detection sensor (110) may be provided to the processor (130) in the form of an electric signal of different magnitudes depending on whether the door (20) is open or closed. The processor (130) may detect whether each door (20) is open based on this sensing value.

[0105] The memory (120) is a configuration for storing various programs and data required for the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). Specifically, the memory (120) can store programs and various data required for power on / off control for the sterilizing lamp (4102). The memory (120) can be implemented as at least one of various memories such as DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory, hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD).

[0106] The processor (130) is a component for controlling the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). For example, the processor (130) may perform a control operation for controlling power applied to the sterilizing lamp (4102). The processor (130) may be implemented in a form including one or more of a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), an ARM processor, and an artificial intelligence (AI) processor. In addition, the processor may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) having a built-in processing algorithm, a large scale integration (LSI), or may be implemented in the form of a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0107] The processor (130) can perform various control operations based on various data stored in the memory (120). For example, the memory (120) can store data on electrical signal characteristics (e.g., current values) corresponding to a door-open state, electrical signal characteristics corresponding to a door-closed state, etc. The processor (130) can identify whether the door is open by comparing the sensing value provided by the sensor (110) with the data stored in the memory (120).

[0108] Alternatively, the memory (120) may store a command set to cut off power applied to the sterilizing lamp (4102) when the door (20) is opened and a command set to apply power to the sterilizing lamp (4102) when the door (20) is closed.

[0109] When the processor (130) detects whether the door is open based on the sensing value of the sensor (110), it can cut off or re-apply power to the sterilizing lamp (4102) according to the command stored in the memory (120). Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, if a switch circuit (not illustrated) connecting the sterilizing lamp (4102) and the power circuit (not illustrated) exists, the processor (130) can control the on / off of the switch circuit to control the operation of the sterilizing lamp (4102). In addition, for convenience of illustration, the sensor (110), the memory (120), and the processor (130) are illustrated one each in FIG. 10, but this is not limited thereto, and the number of each component may be varied.

[0110] In this way, the sterilizing lamp (4102) can operate adaptively depending on whether the door (20) is opened or closed as sensed by the sensor (110) provided in the refrigerator (1).

[0111] Due to this, damage to parts of the user's body or food placed in the refrigerator (31) can be prevented as the sterilizing lamp (4102) continues to operate while the user opens the door (20) and removes the water tank (42) from the case (41).

[0112] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a water tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 10, a water tank (42) may have an opening formed on one side to store water supplied to an ice maker (50). Specifically, the upper surface of the water tank (42), which is an area opposite to the bottom surface (B) of the water tank (42), may be provided in an open shape. A user can remove the water tank (42) from the case (41) and then store water through the opening of the water tank (42).

[0114] The water bottle handle (421) is configured to enable the user to easily hold the water bottle (42) when mounting the water bottle (42) on the case (41) or removing the water bottle (42) from the case (41).

[0115] The water bottle handle (421) may be provided in an area of ​​the water bottle (42) opposite to the direction in which the water bottle (42) is coupled to the case (41). The water bottle handle (421) may be formed by recessing one surface of the water bottle (42) inward, but the shape of the water bottle handle (421) is not limited thereto.

[0116] The water bottle lid (lid, 422) is configured to cover the upper surface of the water bottle (42). The water bottle lid (422) may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the opening of the water bottle (42). For example, the water bottle lid (422) may be formed in a plate shape having an area corresponding to the area of ​​the opening of the water bottle (42).

[0117] The water bottle lid (422) may include an upper surface (422a) wider than the opening of the water bottle (42) and a fixing portion (422b) formed to fit into the inner surface of the opening of the water bottle (42). The fixing portion (422b) may include a flexible material such as silicone or rubber. When the water bottle lid (422) is coupled with the water bottle (42), it is sealed to prevent water stored inside the water bottle (42) from leaking out of the water bottle (42).

[0118] The water bottle lid (422) may include an insertion portion (4221), a pipe hole (4222), and a lamp hole (4223). A detailed description of these configurations is provided below.

[0119] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of portion C' of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a bottom view of a water bottle lid according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the insertion portion in a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' of Fig. 10.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the insertion portion (4221) is configured to insert the sterilization portion (410) of the case (41). When the water tank (42) is mounted on the case (41), the insertion portion (4221) may be provided in an area of ​​the water tank lid (422) located adjacent to the body portion (411).

[0121] The insertion portion (4221) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the sterilization portion (410), so that when the water tank (42) is mounted on the case (41), the sterilization portion (410) can be stably inserted into the insertion portion (4221) without colliding with the water tank lid (42).

[0122] Specifically, the insertion portion (4221) may be formed by being sunken from the side of the body portion (411) to the opposite side. The sunken depth (D) of the insertion portion (4221) may vary depending on the length (L, see FIG. 6) of the sterilizing portion (410). That is, the depth (D) of the insertion portion (4221) must be sufficiently deep to accommodate the sterilizing portion (410), and thus may be formed to correspond to the length (L) of the sterilizing portion (410).

[0123] The insertion portion (4221) may be formed such that the height (h1) of one end (4221a) is smaller than the height (h2) of the other end (4221b). The one end (4221a) and the other end (4221b) of the insertion portion (4221) may be distinguished according to the distance from the body portion (411).

[0124] The other end (4221b) means an area adjacent to the body part (411), and the other end (4221a) means an area further from the body part (411) than the other end (4221b).

[0125] The heights (h1, h2) of one end (4221a) and the other end (4221b) of the insertion portion (4221) each represent the length from the water tank lid (422) toward the bottom surface (B) of the water tank.

[0126] The heights (h1, h2) of one end (4221a) and the other end (4221b) of the insertion portion (4221) may vary depending on the tilted angle (N1) of the rib arm (4101).

[0127] Since the height (h2) of the other end (4221b) of the insertion portion (4221) has a greater value than the height (h1) of the other end (4221a), the insertion portion (4221) can have a space with a smaller volume as it goes from the other end (4221b) side to the one end (4221a) side.

[0128] Accordingly, one end of the insertion portion (4221) can be formed to have a downwardly inclined surface (T) from one end (4221a) to the other end (4221b). The angle (N2) at which the inclined surface (T) of the insertion portion (4221) is inclined with respect to the Y-axis can be the same as the angle (N1) at which the rib arm (4101) is tilted.

[0129] In this way, since the shape of the insertion portion (4221) is formed to correspond to the shape of the rib arm (4101), when the water tank (42) is mounted on the case (41), the rib arm (4101) tilted at an angle (N1) that is not parallel to the bottom surface (B) of the water tank can be stably introduced into the internal space of the insertion portion (4221). In addition, since the volume of the insertion portion (4221) for accommodating the rib arm (4101) tilted at a specific angle can be minimized, the material cost consumed in manufacturing the water tank lid (422) can be reduced.

[0130] Referring again to FIG. 12, the pipe hole (4222) is configured to support the water intake pipe (43). The pipe hole (4222) may be formed to have a shape of a hole that connects the outside of the water tank (42) and the inside of the water tank (42). The pipe hole (4222) may be formed to protrude and extend from the water tank lid (422) toward the water tank (42). As a result, the water intake pipe (43) can be stably supported by the pipe hole (4222).

[0131] The diameter of the hole of the pipe hole (4222) in which the intake pipe (43) is supported may have a value greater than the diameter of the intake pipe (43), and the shape of the hole may be formed to have a shape corresponding to one cross section of the intake pipe (43).

[0132] Although the number of pipe holes (4222) is shown as two in the drawing, the number of pipe holes (4222) is not limited to that shown in the drawing. The number of pipe holes (4222) may be provided equal to the number of water intake pipes (43).

[0133] The lamp hole (4223) is configured to allow ultraviolet rays generated from the sterilizing lamp (4102) to be irradiated to the inside of the water tank (42). The lamp hole (4223) can be formed by perforating the insertion portion (410) so that the sterilizing lamp (4102) is exposed toward the internal space (K) of the water tank (42) when the water tank (42) is mounted on the case (41).

[0134] An area of ​​the insertion portion (4221) where the lamp hole (4223) is formed may be an area where the sterilizing lamp (4102) and the guide hole (4103) face the water tank lid (422) when the water tank (42) is mounted on the case (41).

[0135] The lamp hole (4223) can be formed at a position of the insertion part (4221) corresponding to the guide hole (4103) when the water tank (42) is mounted on the case (41).

[0136] Due to this, even if the water tank (42) is mounted in the case (41) with the water tank lid (422) attached to the upper portion of the water tank (42), the sterilizing lamp (4102) can be exposed toward the internal space (K) of the water tank (42). Accordingly, ultraviolet rays generated from the sterilizing lamp (4102) can be irradiated into the inside of the water tank (42) without being blocked by the water tank lid (422).

[0137] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been individually described above, each embodiment does not necessarily have to be implemented alone, and the configuration and operation of each embodiment may be implemented in combination with at least one other embodiment.

[0138] In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A body with a storage room formed inside; A door coupled to one side of the main body to open and close the storage room; and A water supply module installed in the above storage room to supply water to the ice maker; The above water supply module, A water tank for storing water; and A case in which the water tank is detachably mounted; The above case is, body; and A sterilizing unit for sterilizing water stored in the water tank is included; The above sterilization unit, A rib arm formed by protruding and extending from the body toward the water tank; and A refrigerator comprising a sterilizing lamp mounted on the rib arm.

2. In paragraph 1, The above rib arm, A refrigerator formed to have a certain angle with respect to the bottom surface of the water tank.

3. In paragraph 1, The above sterilization unit, A refrigerator comprising a guide hole formed by being sunken into the inside of the rib arm so that the sterilizing lamp is mounted thereon.

4. In paragraph 3, The above guide hole is, A refrigerator formed by a slope tapering from the outside to the inside of the rib arm so that one cross section has a trapezoidal shape.

5. In paragraph 4, The above water bottle, It includes an opening and a water bottle lid formed to have a shape corresponding to the opening to cover the opening; The above water bottle lead is, A refrigerator comprising an insert having a shape corresponding to the rib arm for accommodating the rib arm when the water tank is mounted on the case.

6. In paragraph 5, The above insertion part, A refrigerator, wherein an area adjacent to the case is formed by recessing from the case side to the opposite side by the length of the protruding rib arm.

7. In paragraph 5, The above water bottle lead is, A refrigerator further comprising a lamp hole formed by perforation in the insertion portion so that the sterilizing lamp is exposed toward the internal space of the water tank when the water tank is mounted in the case.

8. In paragraph 1, The above water bottle, Including a water intake pipe for discharging water stored in the water tank to the outside of the water tank; The above water bottle lead is, A refrigerator comprising a pipe hole formed by protruding and extending from the insertion portion toward the bottom surface of the water tank, the pipe hole having a diameter corresponding to one cross section of the water intake pipe to support the water intake pipe.

9. In paragraph 8, The above water supply module, A pump connected to one end of the water intake pipe to supply water stored in the water tank to the ice maker and forming a pressure difference at both ends of the water intake pipe; and A refrigerator further comprising a water supply pipe having one end coupled to the pump and the other end coupled to the ice maker so that water drawn from the water tank through the water intake pipe by the pump can be supplied to the ice maker.

10. In paragraph 9, The above body part, A refrigerator having a plurality of slits formed to release heat generated from the above pump.

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