Refrigerator

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator comprising: a main body including storage compartments; doors for opening and closing the storage compartments; and an ice-making device for making ice, wherein the ice-making device includes: an ice-making case; a partition for dividing an inner space of the ice-making case into a first space and a second space; an ice-making tray which is provided in the first space and which includes ice-making cells for storing water; a thermoelectric element which is provided on the partition, and which includes a high-temperature part that is provided on a first surface of the thermoelectric element and faces the second space, and a low-temperature part that is provided on a second surface of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first surface of the thermoelectric element and faces the first space; and a heat pipe for transferring heat between the ice-making tray and the low-temperature part in order to cool the water stored in the ice-making cells, and the high-temperature part is higher in temperature than the low-temperature part.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a refrigerator having an improved structure.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that keeps food fresh by comprising a main body having a storage compartment, a cold air supply device provided to supply cold air to the storage compartment, and a door provided to open and close the storage compartment.

[0003] Refrigerators may also be equipped with an ice-making device for manufacturing and storing ice, and in the case of BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer) type refrigerators, the ice-making device is generally installed in a corner inside the refrigerator compartment or on the back of the refrigerator door.

[0004] An ice-making device may include an ice-making tray in which ice is formed and an ice-making chamber for receiving the ice formed in the ice-making tray. For the formation and reception of ice, the ice-making tray and the ice-making chamber each need to be maintained at a temperature lower than a predetermined temperature.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of cooling an ice tray and an ice chamber through a thermoelectric element disposed inside an ice-making device.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator comprising a heat pipe arranged to transfer heat between an ice-making tray and a thermoelectric element.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] According to the concept of one embodiment, a refrigerator is provided comprising a main body including a storage room, a door provided to open and close the storage room, and an ice making device provided to generate ice, wherein the ice making device comprises an ice making case, a partition dividing the internal space of the ice making case into a first space and a second space, an ice making tray provided in the first space including an ice making cell provided to store water, a thermoelectric element provided on the partition including a high-temperature portion provided on a first surface of the thermoelectric element and facing the second space, and a low-temperature portion provided on a second surface of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first surface of the thermoelectric element and facing the first space, and a heat pipe provided to transfer heat between the ice making tray and the low-temperature portion to cool the water stored in the ice making cell, wherein the high-temperature portion is provided to have a temperature higher than the temperature of the low-temperature portion.

[0009] The embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the state in which the door of a refrigerator is open according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' shown in Figure 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of the machine room separated in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating the internal configuration of a machine room according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an ice-making device according to one embodiment in disassembly.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a disassembled drawing of the ice-making part of an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B' shown in Figure 7.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a thermoelectric element, a cooling sink, and a heat transfer member according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of a heat pipe according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C' shown in FIG. 7.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along the line D-D' shown in FIG. 7.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a cooling sink, a cooling fan, a defrosting water storage unit, and surrounding configurations according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a constant storage unit according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0032] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0033] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0034] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “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 the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0036] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0037] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0038] Additionally, terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' 'top,' 'bottom,' 'side,' 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0039] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0041] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0042] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0043] The "main body" may include an inner body, an outer body positioned on the outside of the inner body, and an insulating material provided between the inner body and the outer body.

[0044] The "inner body" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The "outer body" may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0045] The "insulating material" can insulate the interior and exterior of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room is maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. The foamed insulating material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the insulation material may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to a foam insulation material, or the insulation material may consist solely of a vacuum insulation material instead of a foam insulation material. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0047] The "storage room" may include a space defined by an internal structure. The storage room may further include an internal structure defining a space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0048] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in a refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from one another by a partition containing insulation.

[0049] The storage room may be provided to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to its intended use and may include a "refrigeration room," "freezing room," or "variable temperature room" distinguished according to its intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerated storage of goods, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for frozen storage of goods. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling goods to a temperature that does not freeze them; for example, the refrigerator room may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling goods to freeze them or to maintain them in a frozen state; for example, the freezer room may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0050] Storage rooms may be referred to by various names, such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice-making room," in addition to terms like "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room." The terms "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room" used below should be understood as encompassing storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0052] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside the same.

[0054] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0056] Refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1-door refrigerators depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0058] The "cold air supply device" may include a machine, apparatus, electronic device, and / or a system combining these that can generate cold air and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0059] According to one embodiment, a cold supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage chamber through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cold air supply device.

[0061] The "machine room" may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without opening the door.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-removing device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the ice generated from the ice-making tray.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0065] The "control unit" may include a memory that stores or remembers a program and / or data for controlling a refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc., according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0066] The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated while generating control signals to control the components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0067] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of an artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor can receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0068] Additionally, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to programs and / or data stored in memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface to display an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0069] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory units.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately provide a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0071] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby Access Points (APs). The Access Point (AP) can connect the Local Area Network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the Wide Area Network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can be connected to the server through the Wide Area Network (WAN).

[0072] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0073] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0074] Terms such as "front-back direction," "left-right direction," "upper side," and "lower side" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0075] For example, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction can be defined based on the refrigerator (1) shown in FIG. 1. In this case, it is assumed that the refrigerator (1) has all doors (31, 32, 33, 34) closed.

[0076] For example, the X direction can be defined as the front-to-back direction of the refrigerator (1). For example, the Y direction can be defined as the side direction of the refrigerator (1). For example, the Z direction can be defined as the up-and-down direction of the refrigerator (1). For example, the +X direction can be defined as the front and the -X direction as the rear. For example, the +Y direction can be defined as the left and the -Y direction as the right. For example, the +Z direction can be defined as the up and the -Z direction as the down.

[0077] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0078] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator door in an open state according to one embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a storage room (21, 22, 23) provided inside the main body (10), a door (31, 32, 33, 34) provided to open and close the storage room (21, 22, 23), and a cold air supply device for supplying cold air, which is air lower than a predetermined temperature, to the storage room (21, 22, 23).

[0080] The main body (10) may include an inner body (11) forming storage rooms (21, 22, 23), an outer body (12) coupled to the outside of the inner body (11) to form an outer body, and a main body insulation material (13, see FIG. 3) provided between the inner body (11) and the outer body (12) to insulate the storage rooms (21, 22, 23).

[0081] The storage rooms (21, 22, 23) can be divided into multiple sections by horizontal partitions (15) and vertical partitions (16). Specifically, the storage rooms (21, 22, 23) can be divided into an upper storage room (21) and lower storage rooms (22, 23) by the horizontal partition (15), and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) can be divided into a right lower storage room (22) and a left lower storage room (23) by the vertical partition (16).

[0082] The upper storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator, and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) can be used as a freezer. However, the division and use of the storage rooms (21, 22, 23) as described above are merely examples, and the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0083] According to the embodiment, the refrigerator may be an SBS type in which the storage compartment is divided into left and right by a vertical partition, an FDR type in which the storage compartment is divided into an upper refrigerator compartment and a lower refrigerator compartment by a horizontal partition, or a 1-door type having one storage compartment and one door.

[0084] The refrigerator (1) may include a shelf (24) for placing food and a storage container (25) for storing food. Each of the shelf (24) and the storage container (25) may be provided inside a storage room (21, 22, 23). The shelf (24) may include a plurality of shelves, and the storage container (25) may include a plurality of storage containers.

[0085] The cold air supply device may include a compressor (51, see FIG. 3) that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser (52, see FIG. 3) that condenses the compressed refrigerant, an expansion device that expands the condensed refrigerant, and an evaporator (60, see FIG. 3) that evaporates the expanded refrigerant. The cold air supply device may generate cold air by forming a cooling circulation cycle through the compressor (51), the condenser (52), the expansion device (not shown), and the evaporator (60), and supply the generated cold air to storage chambers (21, 22, 23).

[0086] Further details regarding the cold air supply device will be described later.

[0087] The refrigerator (1) may include a first door (31) and a second door (32). The upper storage compartment (21) may be opened and closed by the first door (31) and the second door (32). Each of the first door (31) and the second door (32) may be rotatably connected to the main body (10).

[0088] In either the first door (31) or the second door (32), a filler (not shown) may be provided to prevent cold air from the upper storage room (21) from leaking out between the first door (31) and the second door (32) when the first door (31) and the second door (32) are closed.

[0089] The refrigerator (1) may include a third door (33) and a fourth door (34). The right lower storage compartment (22) may be opened and closed by the third door (33), and the left lower storage compartment (23) may be opened and closed by the fourth door (34). Each of the third door (33) and the fourth door (34) may be rotatably connected to the main body (10).

[0090] The refrigerator (1) may include a gasket (35). The gasket (35) may be provided on the rear of the doors (31, 32, 33, 34). Specifically, the gasket (35) may be provided along the edges of the doors (31, 32, 33, 34). The gasket (35) may include an elastic material.

[0091] When the doors (31, 32, 33, 34) are closed, the gasket (35) can be in close contact with the front of the main body (10). With this configuration, the gasket (35) can seal the space between the doors (31, 32, 33, 34) and the front of the main body (10).

[0092] The refrigerator (1) may include a door basket (36). The door basket (36) may form a storage space for storing items.

[0093] A door basket (36) may be provided on the rear of a plurality of doors (31, 32, 33, 34). For example, a door basket (36) may be mounted on the rear of the doors (31, 32, 33, 34).

[0094] The refrigerator (1) may include a dispenser (90). The dispenser (90) may be provided to provide water or ice to the user.

[0095] The dispenser (90) may be provided in the doors (31, 32, 33, 34). For example, the dispenser (90) may be provided in the first door (31).

[0096] The dispenser (90) may include a dispensing space (91) formed to be recessed so as to be provided with water and ice, a dispensing tray (92) on which a container such as a cup can be placed in the dispensing space (91), and a dispensing switch (93) on which an operation command of the dispenser (90) can be input.

[0097] The refrigerator (1) may include an ice-making device (100). The ice-making device (100) may be configured to produce ice.

[0098] The ice-making device (100) may be placed on the doors (31, 32, 33, 34). For example, the ice-making device (100) may be placed on the first door (31). The ice-making device (100) may be placed on the upper side of the dispenser (90) to supply ice to the dispenser (90). More details regarding the ice-making device (100) will be described later. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the ice-making device (100) being placed on the doors (31, 32, 33, 34), embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this configuration, and the ice-making device (100) may be located within the interior space of the refrigerator (1).

[0099] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of the machine room separated in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of the machine room according to one embodiment.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the refrigerator (1) may include a machine room (50). The machine room (50) may be provided inside the main body (10). Specifically, the machine room (50) may be located at the rear lower part of the main body (10). The machine room (50) may be provided to include components such as a compressor (51) and a condenser (52).

[0101] The refrigerator (1) may include a compressor (51) and a condenser (52). The compressor (51) may be configured to compress the refrigerant flowing in from the evaporator (60). The condenser (52) may be configured to condense the refrigerant flowing in from the compressor (51).

[0102] The compressor (51) and the condenser (52) may be provided inside the machine room (50). The compressor (51) may be provided on one side of the machine room (50), and the condenser (52) may be provided on the other side opposite to the one side of the machine room (50).

[0103] The refrigerator (1) may include a heat dissipation fan (53). The heat dissipation fan (53) may be provided inside the machine room (50). Specifically, the heat dissipation fan (53) may be placed between the compressor (51) and the condenser (52). However, the location of the heat dissipation fan (53) is not limited to this.

[0104] A heat dissipation fan (53) may be provided to blow air inside the machine room (50). Through this configuration, heat generated from the compressor (51) and the condenser (52) can be released from the machine room (50).

[0105] The refrigerator (1) may include an evaporation dish (54). The evaporation dish (54) may be provided inside the machine room (50). Specifically, the evaporation dish (54) may be placed below the condenser (52).

[0106] The evaporation dish (54) may be provided to collect defrost water generated in the refrigerator (1). For example, the evaporation dish (54) may collect defrost water generated in the evaporator (60). For example, the evaporation dish (54) may collect defrost water generated in the ice-making device (100). More details regarding this will be described later.

[0107] The defrosting water collected in the evaporation dish (54) can be removed by evaporation. At this time, the evaporation efficiency of the defrosting water can be further increased by the heat dissipation fan (53) blowing air inside the machine room (50) to form an airflow.

[0108] The refrigerator (1) may include a machine room cover (55). The machine room cover (55) may be positioned at the rear of the machine room (50).

[0109] The machine room cover (55) may be provided to open and close the machine room (50). For example, the machine room cover (55) may be provided to be detachable from the machine room (50).

[0110] The machine room cover (55) may include a machine room inlet (55a) and a machine room outlet (55b). The machine room inlet (55a) may be provided to allow air from outside the machine room (50) to flow into the machine room (50). The machine room outlet (55b) may be provided to allow air from inside the machine room (50) to be discharged to the outside of the machine room (50).

[0111] The machine room inlet (55a) and the machine room outlet (55b) may be provided at different locations on the machine room cover (55). For example, the machine room inlet (55a) may be provided at the rear of the condenser (52), and the machine room outlet (55b) may be provided at the rear of the compressor (51).

[0112] The refrigerator (1) may include an evaporator (60). The evaporator (60) may include a first evaporator (61) placed in the upper storage room (21) and a second evaporator (62) placed in the lower storage room (22, 23). The first evaporator (61) may be provided to supply cold air to the upper storage room (21), and the second evaporator (62) may be provided to supply cold air to the lower storage room (22, 23). However, the configuration of the evaporator (60) is not limited thereto. For example, either the first evaporator (61) or the second evaporator (62) may be omitted, and in one embodiment, cold air may be supplied to the upper storage room (21) and the lower storage room (22, 23) respectively by a single evaporator.

[0113] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an ice-making device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an ice-making device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an ice-making device according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a disassembled drawing illustrating the internal configuration of an ice-making device according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a disassembled drawing illustrating the ice-making part of an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 6 through 10, the ice making device (100) may include an ice making case (110). The ice making case (110) may accommodate various configurations of the ice making device (100). The ice making case (110) may form the approximate exterior of the ice making device (100).

[0115] An ice-making chamber (110a) may be provided inside the ice-making case (110). The ice-making chamber (110a) may be provided to accommodate ice. Specifically, the ice-making chamber (110a) may be provided to accommodate ice formed in the ice-making tray (121) of the ice-making part (120) to be described later.

[0116] The ice-making chamber (110a) can be maintained at a temperature below a set temperature. Accordingly, the ice contained within the ice-making chamber (110a) can be prevented from melting within the ice-making chamber (110a).

[0117] The ice-making room (110a) may include a storage space (S) for storing ice and a cooling space (C) for supplying cold air to the storage space (S). For example, as cold air generated in the cooling space (C) is supplied to the storage space (S), the storage space (S) can be cooled. In other words, as cold air generated in the cooling space (C) is supplied to the storage space (S), the ice-making room (110a) can be cooled.

[0118] The ice-making case (110) may include a chute (111). The chute (111) may be provided to discharge ice contained in the storage space (S) of the ice-making room (110a) into a dispensing space (91, see FIG. 1). The chute (111) may be formed on the bottom or bottom surface of the ice-making case (110).

[0119] The ice-making device (100) may include an ice-making part (120). The ice-making part (120) may be configured to form ice.

[0120] The ice-making part (120) may include an ice-making tray (121). The ice-making tray (121) may be provided with a space for forming ice. In other words, the ice-making tray (121) may be provided with a space for storing water.

[0121] The ice tray (121) can be provided inside the ice case (110). That is, the ice tray (121) can be provided in the ice chamber (110a). Specifically, the ice tray (121) can be provided on the upper part of the storage space (S).

[0122] The ice-making tray (121) may include a plurality of ice-making cells (121a). Each of the plurality of ice-making cells (121a) may be provided by being recessed from the upper part of the ice-making tray (121). A predetermined amount of water may be stored in each of the plurality of ice-making cells (121a).

[0123] The ice-making part (120) may include an ejector (122). The ejector (122) may be provided to eject ice separated from the ice-making tray (121). Specifically, the ejector (122) may be provided to eject ice separated from each of the plurality of ice-making cells (121a). The ejector (122a) may be provided on the upper side of the ice-making tray (121).

[0124] The ejector (122) may be rotatably provided. Specifically, the ejector (122) may be rotatably provided by a motor device (123) to be described later. As the ejector (122) rotates, ice separated from the ice tray (121) can be removed.

[0125] The ejector (122) may include an ejector shaft (122a) extending in one direction. One end of the ejector shaft (122a) may be coupled to a moving motor (123a, see FIG. 11) of a motor device (123) to be described later. The ejector shaft (122a) may rotate through rotational power received from the moving motor (123a). The ejector shaft (122a) may form the rotation axis of the ejector (122).

[0126] The ejector (122) may include a plurality of ejector pins (122b). Each of the plurality of ejector pins (122b) may protrude from the ejector shaft (122a). Specifically, each of the plurality of ejector pins (122b) may protrude from the ejector shaft (122a) in the radial direction of the ejector shaft (122a). As each of the plurality of ejector pins (122b) rotates together with the ejector shaft (122a), it can remove ice separated from the ice tray (121).

[0127] The ice-making part (120) may include a motor device (123). The motor device (123) may be provided to rotate the ejector (122). The motor device (123) may be positioned on one side of the ice-making tray (121).

[0128] The motor device (123) may include an ejector motor (123a, see FIG. 11) that is coupled to the ejector shaft (122a) of the ejector (122) and transmits rotational power to the ejector (122), and a motor box (123b) provided to accommodate the ejector motor (123a, see FIG. 11).

[0129] The ice-making part (120) may include an upper cover (124). The upper cover (124) may be positioned on the upper side of the ice-making tray (121), the ejector (122), and the motor device (123). The upper cover (124) may cover the upper side of the ice-making tray (121), the ejector (122), and the motor device (123).

[0130] The upper cover (124) may include a water supply section (124a). The water supply section (124a) may be provided to supply water from outside the ice-making part (120) into the ice-making part (120). The water supplied into the ice-making part (120) through the water supply section (124a) may be received inside each of the plurality of ice-making cells (121a).

[0131] The ice-making part (120) may include a lower cover (125). The lower cover (125) may be positioned on the lower side of the ice-making tray (121) and the motor device (123). The upper cover (124) may cover the lower part of the ice-making tray (121) and the motor device (123).

[0132] A gap may be formed between the lower cover (125) and the bottom surface of the ice tray (121). One end of a heat transfer member (T), which will be described later, may be provided in the gap. For example, one end of a heat pipe (160), which will be described later, may be provided in the gap. Further details regarding this will be described later.

[0133] The ice-making device (100) may include a thermoelectric module (130). The thermoelectric module (130) may include a thermoelectric element (131), a heat sink (132), and a cooling sink (133). The thermoelectric module (130) may be provided to cool the ice-making tray (121) and the ice-making chamber (110a) of the ice-making part (120), respectively.

[0134] The thermoelectric module (130) can be placed inside the ice-making case (110). That is, a configuration for cooling the ice-making tray (121) and the ice-making chamber (110a) of the ice-making part (120) can be placed inside the case (110). Thus, the ice-making device (100) can have a cold air supply system independently without needing to receive cold air from an external cold source to cool the ice-making tray (121) and the ice-making chamber (110a). Thus, the process of assembling the ice-making device (100) or installing it in the refrigerator (1) can be simplified.

[0135] The thermoelectric module (130) may include a thermoelectric element (131). The thermoelectric element (131) may be a semiconductor device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor device, a Peltier device, etc. The thermoelectric element (131) may, for example, have a thin cuboid shape.

[0136] The thermoelectric element (131) may include a high-temperature portion (131a) and a low-temperature portion (131b). The high-temperature portion (131a) may be provided on one side of the thermoelectric element (131), and the low-temperature portion (131b) may be provided on the other side opposite to the one side of the thermoelectric element (131). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (131), a heat-generating action may occur in the high-temperature portion (131a), and an endothermic action may occur in the low-temperature portion (131b). In the present disclosure, the terms "high-temperature portion" and "low-temperature portion" may be used as relative terms, and may mean that the high-temperature portion (131a) has a higher temperature (e.g., a higher average temperature) than the low-temperature portion (131b). For example, the high-temperature section (131a) may be located closer to the heat dissipation sink (132) than to the cooling sink (133), whereas the low-temperature section (131b) may be located closer to the cooling sink (133) than to the heat dissipation sink (132). Such positional arrangement may result in a temperature difference between the high-temperature section (131a) and the low-temperature section (131b). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0137] The thermoelectric element (131) may be provided inside the ice-making case (110). The thermoelectric element (131) may be positioned separated and / or spaced apart from the ice-making part (120). For example, the thermoelectric element (131) may be positioned separated and / or spaced apart from the ice-making tray (121).

[0138] The thermoelectric element (131) may be placed on one side of the ice-making part (120). The thermoelectric element (131) may be mounted on the partition (170) to be described later. Specifically, the thermoelectric element (131) may be mounted on the first mounting part (171) of the partition (170) to be described later.

[0139] The thermoelectric element (131) can be positioned so that the high-temperature portion (131a) faces the thermoelectric element cooling room (170a) to be described later, and the low-temperature portion (131b) faces the ice-making room (110a). In other words, the thermoelectric element (131) can be positioned so that the high-temperature portion (131a) faces the thermoelectric element cooling room (170a) to be described later, and the low-temperature portion (131b) faces the cooling space (C). Specifically, the thermoelectric element (131) can be positioned so that the high-temperature portion (131a) faces forward (+X direction) and the low-temperature portion (131b) faces backward (-X direction).

[0140] However, the arrangement method of the thermoelectric element (131) is not limited to this. For example, the thermoelectric element (131) may be arranged such that the high-temperature portion (131a) faces the rear (-X direction) and the low-temperature portion (131b) faces the front (+X direction). Additionally, the high-temperature portion (131a) may be arranged such that it faces the right direction (-Y direction) and the low-temperature portion (131b) faces the left direction (+Y direction). More details regarding this will be described later.

[0141] The thermoelectric module (130) may include a heat sink (132). The heat sink (132) may be mounted on the thermoelectric element (131). Specifically, the heat sink (132) may be mounted on the high-temperature portion (131a) of the thermoelectric element (131). By forming a relatively large heat transfer surface area, the heat sink (132) can improve the heat transfer efficiency of the thermoelectric element (131).

[0142] The heat sink (132) may include a first base plate (132a). The first base plate (132a) may be mounted on the high-temperature portion (131a). The first base plate (132a) may have a cross-section wider than the cross-section of the high-temperature portion (131a).

[0143] The heat sink (132) may include a first fin (132b). The first fin (132b) may protrude from the first base plate (132a). For example, the first fin (132b) may be provided in a plate shape.

[0144] The first pin (132b) can be extended in one direction. For example, the first pin (132b) can be extended in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0145] The first pin (132b) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple first pins (132b) may be spaced apart from each other. The multiple first pins (132b) may be arranged along a direction that intersects the direction in which each of the multiple first pins (132b) extends. For example, the multiple first pins (132b) may be arranged in an up-down direction (Z direction).

[0146] The thermoelectric module (130) may include a cooling sink (133). The cooling sink (133) may be mounted on the thermoelectric element (131). Specifically, the cooling sink (133) may be mounted on the low-temperature portion (131b) of the thermoelectric element (131). By forming a relatively large heat transfer surface area, the cooling sink (133) can improve the heat transfer efficiency of the thermoelectric element (131).

[0147] The cooling sink (133) may include a thermoelectric element mounting portion (133a). The thermoelectric element mounting portion (133a) may be mounted on the low-temperature portion (131b). Specifically, one end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion (133a) may be mounted on the low-temperature portion (131b).

[0148] The cooling sink (133) may include a second base plate (133b). The second base plate (133b) may be provided at the other end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion (133a) opposite to one end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion (133a). The second base plate (133b) may have a cross-section wider than the cross-section of the low-temperature portion (131b) and the thermoelectric element mounting portion (133a).

[0149] The cooling sink (133) may include a second fin (133c). The second fin (133c) may protrude from the second base plate (133b). For example, the second fin (133c) may be provided in a plate shape.

[0150] The second pin (133c) can be extended in one direction. For example, the second pin (133c) can be extended in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0151] The second pin (133c) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple second pins (133c) may be spaced apart from each other. The multiple second pins (133c) may be arranged along a direction that intersects with the direction in which each of the multiple second pins (133c) extends. For example, the multiple second pins (133c) may be arranged in an up-down direction (Z direction).

[0152] The ice-making device (100) may include a blower (140). The blower (140) may be configured to blow air.

[0153] A blower (140) may be positioned on one side of the heat sink (132). Specifically, the blower (140) may be positioned in a direction intersecting the direction in which a plurality of first fins (132b) are arranged from the heat sink (132). However, the position of the blower (140) is not limited thereto.

[0154] The high-temperature portion (131a) of the thermoelectric element (131), the heat sink (132), and the blower (140) can be provided in the thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) formed by the partition (170) to be described later.

[0155] The ice-making device (100) may include a cooling fan (150). The cooling fan (150) may be provided to blow air.

[0156] A cooling fan (150) may be positioned on one side of the cooling sink (133). Specifically, the cooling fan (150) may be located on one side of the cooling sink (133) along the direction in which each of the plurality of second fins (133c) extends. In other words, the cooling fan (150) may be located on one side of the cooling sink (133) along the direction intersecting the direction in which the plurality of second fins (133c) are arranged.

[0157] The cooling fan (150) can blow air toward the cooling sink (133). With this configuration, the cooling fan (150) can form an airflow that passes through the cooling sink (133) inside the ice-making chamber (110a). Thus, the heat transfer efficiency between the cooling sink (133) and the ice-making chamber (110a) can be improved, and the ice-making chamber (110a) can be cooled.

[0158] The low-temperature portion (131b) of the thermoelectric element (131), the cooling sink (133), and the cooling fan (150) may be provided in the ice-making room (110a). Specifically, the low-temperature portion (131b) of the thermoelectric element (131), the cooling sink (133), and the cooling fan (150) may be provided in the cooling space (C) formed by the partition (170) and the partition cover (190) to be described later.

[0159] The ice-making device (100) may include a heat transfer member (T). The heat transfer member (T) may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making part (120) and the thermoelectric element (131). Specifically, the heat transfer member (T) may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray (121) and the low-temperature part (131b). In other words, the heat transfer member (T) may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray (121) and the cooling sink (133).

[0160] Through this configuration, the ice tray (121) can be cooled. Specifically, the water stored in the ice cell (121a) of the ice tray (121) can be cooled, and thus ice can be formed.

[0161] For example, the heat transfer member (T) may be a heat pipe (160). The heat pipe (160) is a device that transfers heat using the phase change process of a refrigerant.

[0162] More details regarding the heat transfer method between the heat transfer member (T) and the ice making tray (121) and the low temperature section (131b) using the heat transfer member (T) will be described later.

[0163] The ice-making device (100) may include a partition (170). The partition (170) may be provided inside the ice-making case (110). The partition (170) may be provided to partition the internal space of the ice-making case (110).

[0164] The partition (170) can form a thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) provided between the partition (170) and the ice-making case (110). The thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) may be provided with a high-temperature portion (131a) of a thermoelectric element (131), a heat sink (132), and a blower (140). The partition (170) can partition the ice-making chamber (110a) and the thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a).

[0165] A thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) may be provided to cool the high-temperature portion (131a) of the thermoelectric element (131). Specifically, the thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) may cool the high-temperature portion (131a) of the thermoelectric element (131) using cold air from the storage chambers (21, 22, 23, see FIG. 2). More details regarding this will be described later.

[0166] The partition (170) may include a plurality of mounting portions (171, 172) on which other components can be mounted. Specifically, the partition (170) may include a first mounting portion (171) on which a thermoelectric element (131) is mounted and a second mounting portion (172) on which a defrost water storage portion (180), to be described later, is mounted. The first mounting portion (171) may be formed by opening in a part of the partition (170). The second mounting portion (172) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the defrost water storage portion (180), to be described later, in another part of the partition (170).

[0167] The ice-making device (100) may include a defrost water storage unit (180). The defrost water storage unit (180) may be provided to collect defrost water generated in the cooling sink (133). Additionally, the defrost water storage unit (180) may be provided to discharge the collected defrost water. For example, the defrost water collected in the defrost water storage unit (180) may be discharged to the outside of the ice-making device (100) through a defrost water hose (70) to be described later.

[0168] The defrost water storage unit (180) may be positioned below the cooling sink (133) with respect to the vertical direction (Z direction). Specifically, the defrost water storage unit (180) may be provided below the second base plate (133b) and the second pin (133c).

[0169] The defrost water storage unit (180) can be mounted on the partition (170). Specifically, the defrost water storage unit (180) can be mounted on the second mounting unit (172) of the partition (170).

[0170] The ice-making device (100) may include a partition cover (190). The partition cover (190) may be provided to cover the outer side of the partition (170). Specifically, the partition cover (190) may be provided to cover the outer side of the partition (170) on the side of the ice-making room (110a). A cooling space (C) may be formed between the partition (170) and the partition cover (190).

[0171] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B' shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a thermoelectric element, a cooling sink, and a heat transfer member according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of a heat pipe according to one embodiment.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 11 through 13, a heat transfer member (T) may be provided to transfer heat between an ice-making part (120) and a thermoelectric element (131). Specifically, the heat transfer member (T) may be provided to transfer heat between an ice-making tray (121) and a low-temperature section (131b). In other words, the heat transfer member (T) may be provided to transfer heat between an ice-making tray (121) and a cooling sink (133). One end (first end) of the heat transfer member (T) may be provided relatively closer to the ice-making tray (121), and the other end (second end) opposite to the one end of the heat transfer member (T) may be provided relatively closer to the low-temperature section (131b).

[0173] One end of the heat transfer member (T) may be provided below the ice making tray (121) with respect to the vertical direction (Z direction). Specifically, one end of the heat transfer member (T) may be provided within the space formed between the bottom surface of the ice making tray (121) and the lower cover (125).

[0174] The other end of the heat transfer member (T) may be provided inside the cooling sink (133). Specifically, the other end of the heat transfer member (T) may be provided inside the thermoelectric element mounting portion (133a) of the cooling sink (133).

[0175] The heat transfer member (T) may be provided in multiple numbers. Although a total of two heat transfer members (T) are shown in the drawing, there is no specific limitation on the number of heat transfer members (T).

[0176] According to the concept of the present disclosure, one end of the heat transfer member (T) is provided below the ice making tray (121) so as to exchange heat with the ice making tray (121), and the other end of the heat transfer member (T) is provided inside the cooling sink (133) so as to exchange heat with the low-temperature section (131b). At this time, since heat is transferred from the ice making tray (121) to the low-temperature section (131b) through the heat transfer member (T), the ice making tray (121) can be cooled.

[0177] For example, the heat transfer member (T) may be a heat pipe (160). The heat pipe (160) may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making part (120) and the thermoelectric element (131). Specifically, the heat pipe (160) may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray (121) and the low-temperature part (131b). In other words, the heat pipe (160) may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray (121) and the cooling sink (133).

[0178] The heat pipe (160) may contain a refrigerant (R). The refrigerant (R) is a medium capable of transferring heat by absorbing or releasing heat. For example, the refrigerant (R) may include water, ammonia and / or Freon, etc. The refrigerant (R) may flow inside the heat pipe (160).

[0179] The refrigerant (R) flowing inside the heat pipe (160) can be distinguished from the refrigerant flowing inside the cold air supply device of the refrigerator (1). Therefore, in this document, the refrigerant (R) flowing inside the heat pipe (160) may be referred to as the first refrigerant (R), and the refrigerant flowing inside the cold air supply device of the refrigerator (1) may be referred to as the second refrigerant. Alternatively, the refrigerant (R) flowing inside the heat pipe (160) may be referred to as the second refrigerant (R), and the refrigerant flowing inside the cold air supply device of the refrigerator (1) may be referred to as the first refrigerant.

[0180] The heat pipe (160) may include an evaporator (161). In the evaporator (161), heat can be absorbed from the surroundings of the evaporator (161) by vaporizing the refrigerant (R) in a liquid state. For example, in the evaporator (161), the refrigerant (R) condensed by the condenser (162), which will be described later, may be vaporized.

[0181] The evaporator (161) may be provided at one end of the heat pipe (160). That is, the evaporator (161) may be provided below the ice making tray (121). Specifically, the evaporator (161) may be provided within the space formed between the bottom surface of the ice making tray (121) and the lower cover (125). Thus, the evaporator (161) may be provided to exchange heat with the ice making tray (121).

[0182] The evaporator (161) can be extended in one direction along the bottom surface of the ice-making tray (121). Through this configuration, the heat transfer surface area of ​​the evaporator (161) can be increased, and the heat transfer efficiency of the heat pipe (160) can be improved.

[0183] The heat pipe (160) may include a condenser (162). In the condenser (162), the refrigerant (R) in a gaseous state may be liquefied, thereby radiating heat around the condenser (162). For example, in the condenser (162), the refrigerant (R) vaporized by the evaporator (161) may be condensed.

[0184] The condenser (162) may be provided at the other end of the heat pipe (160) opposite to one end of the heat pipe (160). That is, the condenser (162) may be provided inside the cooling sink (133). Specifically, the condenser (162) may be provided inside the thermoelectric element mounting portion (133a) of the cooling sink (133). Thus, the condenser (162) may be provided to exchange heat with the cooling sink (133) and the low-temperature portion (131b).

[0185] The heat pipe (160) may include a wick (163). The wick (163) may include a porous material that allows a refrigerant (R) to flow inside.

[0186] A wick (163) may be formed on the inner surface of a heat pipe (160). The wick (163) may extend from the evaporator (161) to the condenser (162).

[0187] The heat pipes (160) may be provided in multiple numbers. Although a total of two heat pipes (160) are shown in the drawing, there is no particular limit on the number of heat pipes (160).

[0188] Below, with reference to FIG. 13, we will examine in more detail how heat is transferred inside the heat pipe (160).

[0189] The evaporator (161) of the heat pipe (160) can exchange heat with an external heat source. Specifically, the evaporator (161) can receive heat from an external heat source. As the evaporator (161) receives heat from the outside, the liquid refrigerant (R) inside the evaporator (161) can be vaporized. The vaporized refrigerant (R) can flow to a condenser (162) where the proportion of gaseous refrigerant (R) is lower.

[0190] The condenser (162) of the heat pipe (160) can exchange heat with an external cold source. Specifically, the condenser (162) can transfer heat to an external cold source. As the condenser (162) transfers heat to the outside, the gaseous refrigerant (R) inside the condenser (162) can be liquefied. The liquefied refrigerant (R) can flow to the evaporator (161), where there is relatively less liquid refrigerant (R).

[0191] The wick (163) can cause the liquid refrigerant (R) to flow more quickly. Specifically, since the wick (163) contains a porous material, it can cause capillary action, and by utilizing this, the refrigerant (R) flowing inside the wick (163) can flow more quickly. However, the wick (163) is not an essential component and may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0192] That is, the heat pipe (160) can transfer heat through a refrigerant (R) flowing through a phase change between the evaporator (161) and the condenser (162). Through this method of heat transfer, the heat pipe (160) can transfer heat relatively faster than a solid-state heat transfer member transfers heat by heat conduction.

[0193] Referring again to FIGS. 11 to 13, the evaporator (161) can exchange heat with the ice-making tray (121), and the condenser (162) can exchange heat with the cooling sink (133) and the low-temperature section (131b). Accordingly, the heat pipe (160) can transfer heat relatively faster between the ice-making tray (121) and the low-temperature section (131b), and the cooling efficiency of the ice-making tray (121) through the thermoelectric element (131) can be further improved.

[0194] Additionally, since the heat pipe (160) is configured to transfer heat through the flow of refrigerant (R), its length can be extended relatively long. Therefore, even if the ice-making tray (121) and the thermoelectric element (131) are not provided adjacent to each other, heat can be transferred more quickly between the ice-making tray (121) and the low-temperature section (131b).

[0195] Due to this configuration, the thermoelectric element (131) can be positioned spaced apart from the ice-making tray (121). That is, a structure such as connecting the thermoelectric element (131) to the ice-making tray (121) to position the thermoelectric element (131) adjacent to the ice-making tray (121) may be unnecessary. Therefore, restrictions on the position of the thermoelectric element (131) can be reduced, and the design of the internal structure of the ice-making device (100) can be made easier.

[0196] In the above, we have examined an embodiment in which the heat transfer member (T) is a heat pipe (160). However, the heat transfer member (T) is not limited to the heat pipe (160) described above. For example, if it is configured to rapidly transfer heat by having an evaporator, a condenser, and a wick similar to the heat pipe (160), it may function as a heat transfer member (T) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C' shown in FIG. 7.

[0198] Referring to FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 14, the partition (170) and the partition cover (190) can form a cooling space (C). The cooling space (C) may be provided with a low-temperature portion (131b) of a thermoelectric element (131), a cooling sink (133), and a cooling fan (150). Accordingly, cold air can be generated in the cooling space (C).

[0199] The cooling space (C) can be connected to the storage space (S). Therefore, air within the ice-making room (110a) can freely flow between the cooling space (C) and the storage space (S).

[0200] As described above, a cooling sink (133) may be provided in the cooling space (C). The cooling sink (133) may include a second base plate (133b) and a plurality of second pins (133c) protruding from the second base plate (133b).

[0201] A plurality of second fins (133c) may extend toward the storage space (S). At this time, a cooling fan (150) may be positioned on one side of the cooling sink (133) according to the direction in which each of the plurality of second fins (133c) extends. Accordingly, the cooling fan (150) can flow air within the cooling space (C) toward the storage space (S) by blowing air in the direction in which the plurality of second fins (133c) extend. In other words, the air within the cooling space (C) can flow toward the storage space (S) through the cooling sink (133) by the cooling fan (150). That is, cold air within the cooling space (C) can be transferred to the storage space (S).

[0202] Additionally, air within the storage space (S) can be drawn into the cooling space (C) by the airflow within the ice-making case (110). The air drawn into the cooling space (C) can be cooled by the cooling fan (150) and the cooling sink (133) and then flow back into the storage space (S).

[0203] Accordingly, the ice making chamber (110a) can be cooled by cold air generated within the cooling space (C). That is, the ice making tray (121) of the ice making part (120) can be cooled by direct cooling through a heat transfer member (T), and the ice making chamber (110a) can be cooled by indirect cooling through a cooling fan (150).

[0204] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along the line D-D' shown in FIG. 7.

[0205] Referring to FIGS. 3, 7 and 15, the partition (170) may form a thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) provided between the partition (170) and the ice-making case (110). The thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) may be provided with a high-temperature portion (131a) of the thermoelectric element (131), a heat sink (132), and a blower (140). The thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) may be provided to cool the high-temperature portion (131a) of the thermoelectric element (131).

[0206] The thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) may be provided to be in communication with the storage chambers (21, 22, 23). For example, the ice-making device (100) may be placed in the first door (31), and the thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) may be in communication with the upper storage chamber (21).

[0207] As described above, the upper storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator. Accordingly, cold air (cold air in the refrigerator) inside the upper storage room (21) can be supplied into the thermoelectric element cooling room (170a).

[0208] Specifically, the ice-making case (110) may include a cooling chamber inlet (112) and a cooling chamber outlet (113). The cooling chamber inlet (112) may be provided to introduce air from the upper storage chamber (21) into the thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a). The cooling chamber outlet (113) may be provided to discharge air from the thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) to the upper storage chamber (21).

[0209] The cooling chamber inlet (112) and the cooling chamber outlet (113) may be formed on one side wall of the ice-making case (110). The cooling chamber inlet (112) may be positioned below the cooling chamber outlet (113) with respect to the vertical direction (Z direction). However, the positions of the cooling chamber inlet (112) and the cooling chamber outlet (113) are not limited to this, and the cooling chamber inlet (112) may be positioned above the cooling chamber outlet (113).

[0210] The blower (140) can discharge air that has entered the thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) through the cooling chamber inlet (112) to the cooling chamber outlet (113). That is, the blower (140) can form an airflow inside the thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a).

[0211] Air introduced into the thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) through the cooling chamber inlet (112) can be discharged through the cooling chamber outlet (113) via the heat sink (132). Therefore, the heat sink (132) can be cooled by the cold air introduced through the cooling chamber inlet (112). Additionally, since the heat sink (132) is mounted on the high-temperature portion (131a) of the thermoelectric element (131), the high-temperature portion (131a) can be cooled together with the heat sink (132).

[0212] As the high-temperature portion (131a) is cooled, the high-temperature portion (131a) can release heat more effectively. Additionally, as the amount of heat released from the high-temperature portion (131a) increases, the temperature of the low-temperature portion (131b) can be lowered further, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric element (131). That is, by providing a thermoelectric element cooling chamber (170a) for cooling the high-temperature portion (131a) of the thermoelectric element (131) in the ice-making device (100), the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric element (131) can be further increased.

[0213] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a cooling sink, a cooling fan, a defrost water storage unit, and surrounding configurations according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a defrost water storage unit according to one embodiment.

[0214] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the partition (170) and the partition cover (190) can form a cooling space (C). A cooling sink (133) and a cooling fan (150) may be provided in the cooling space (C). The cooling sink (133) may include a second base plate (133b) and a plurality of second pins (133c) protruding from the second base plate (133b).

[0215] Since the cooling sink (133) has a relatively low temperature, defrost water may be generated in the cooling sink (133). For example, defrost water may be generated in the second base plate (133b) or the second fin (133c). To collect the defrost water generated in the cooling sink (133), a defrost water storage unit (180) may be placed below the cooling sink (133).

[0216] The constant storage unit (180) may include a plurality of side walls (181). The plurality of side walls (181) may form a storage space (180a) for storing the constant.

[0217] The defrost water storage unit (180) may include a defrost water outlet (182). The defrost water outlet (182) may be provided to discharge the defrost water stored in the storage space (180a). The defrost water outlet (182) may be provided on one side wall of the ice-making case (110) (see FIG. 7).

[0218] The defrost water storage unit (180) may include an inclined portion (183). The inclined portion (183) may guide the defrost water stored in the storage space (180a) to the defrost water outlet (182). The inclined portion (183) is provided at the bottom of the defrost water storage unit (180) and may be inclined toward the defrost water outlet (182). The inclined portion (183) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple inclined portions (183) may be connected to each other.

[0219] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, FIGS. 16 and FIGS. 17, the refrigerator (1) may include a defrost hose (70). The defrost hose (70) may be connected to a defrost water storage unit (180). Specifically, the defrost hose (70) may be connected to a defrost water outlet (182). In other words, the defrost hose (70) may be connected to the defrost water outlet (182).

[0220] The refrigerator (1) may include an evaporation dish (54). The evaporation dish (54) may be configured to evaporate defrost water introduced from a defrost water storage unit (180) through a defrost water hose (70). Specifically, the evaporation dish (54) may collect defrost water introduced from the defrost water storage unit (180) and evaporate the collected defrost water. As the defrost water collected in the evaporation dish (54) evaporates, the defrost water may be completely removed from the refrigerator (1).

[0221] The evaporation dish (54) is provided to evaporate the defrost water introduced from the defrost water storage unit (180), and can also evaporate the defrost water generated in the evaporator (60). That is, the evaporation dish (54) can simultaneously evaporate the defrost water generated in the ice-making device (100) and the defrost water generated in the cold air supply device. Accordingly, the refrigerator (1) can evaporate all the defrost water generated in the ice-making device (100) and the cold air supply device using a single evaporation dish (54), without the need to provide separate evaporation dishes to process the defrost water generated in each component.

[0222] An evaporation dish (54) may be provided inside the machine room (50). Specifically, the evaporation dish (54) may be placed below the condenser (52). Accordingly, a defrost water hose (70) may extend from the defrost water storage unit (180) to the machine room (50). Specifically, one end of the defrost water hose (70) may be connected to the defrost water outlet (182), and the other end of the defrost water hose (70) may be provided above the evaporation dish (54).

[0223] However, the number or location of the evaporation plates (54) is not limited thereto. That is, the refrigerator (1) may separately provide an evaporation plate for evaporating the defrosting water generated from the ice-making device (100). For example, the ice-making device (100) may further include a separate evaporation plate provided inside the ice-making case (110).

[0224] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0225] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 18, an ice-making device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the ice-making device (200), the same reference numerals are assigned to components that are substantially identical to those shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 17, and detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 18, the ice making device (200) may include a thermoelectric module (230). The thermoelectric module (230) may include a thermoelectric element (131) and a cooling sink (233). The thermoelectric module (230) may be provided to cool the ice making tray (121) and the ice making room (110a) of the ice making part (120), respectively.

[0227] A cooling sink (233) can be mounted on the thermoelectric element (131). By forming a relatively large heat transfer surface area, the cooling sink (233) can improve the heat transfer efficiency of the thermoelectric element (131).

[0228] A defrost water storage unit (180) may be positioned below the cooling sink (233) with respect to the vertical direction (Z direction). The defrost water storage unit (180) may be provided to collect defrost water generated from the cooling sink (233).

[0229] The cooling sink (233) may include a thermoelectric element mounting portion (233a). The thermoelectric element mounting portion (233a) may be mounted on the low-temperature portion (131b). Specifically, one end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion (233a) may be mounted on the low-temperature portion (131b).

[0230] The cooling sink (233) may include a second base plate (233b). The second base plate (233b) may be provided at the other end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion (233a) opposite to one end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion (233a). The second base plate (233b) may have a cross-section wider than the cross-section of the low-temperature portion (131b) and the cross-section of the thermoelectric element mounting portion (233a).

[0231] The cooling sink (233) may include a second fin (233c). The second fin (233c) may protrude from the second base plate (233b). For example, the second fin (233c) may be provided in a plate shape.

[0232] Since the cooling sink (233) has a relatively low temperature, defrost water may be generated in the cooling sink (233). For example, defrost water may be generated in the second base plate (233b) or the second fin (233c). To collect the defrost water generated in the cooling sink (233), a defrost water storage unit (180) may be placed below the cooling sink (233).

[0233] The second pin (233c) may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the ground. In other words, the second pin (233c) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the ground. Specifically, the second pin (233c) may be arranged to be inclined such that one end of the second pin (233c) is located relatively higher, and the other end opposite to the one end of the second pin (233c) is located relatively lower with respect to the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0234] Since the second pin (233c) is provided at an angle to the ground, the defrosting water generated in the cooling sink (233) can flow downward due to its own weight. Therefore, the efficiency of collecting defrosting water through the defrosting water storage unit (180) can be improved.

[0235] The second pin (233c) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple second pins (233c) may be spaced apart from each other. The multiple second pins (133c) may be arranged along a direction that intersects with the direction in which each of the multiple second pins (133c) extends.

[0236] The ice-making device (200) may include a cooling fan (250). The cooling fan (250) may be provided to blow air.

[0237] A cooling fan (250) may be positioned on one side of the cooling sink (233). Specifically, the cooling fan (250) may be located on one side of the cooling sink (233) along the direction in which each of the plurality of second fins (233c) extends. In other words, the cooling fan (250) may be located on one side of the cooling sink (233) along the direction intersecting the direction in which the plurality of second fins (233c) are arranged.

[0238] The cooling fan (250) can blow air toward the cooling sink (233). With this configuration, the cooling fan (250) can form an airflow that passes through the cooling sink (233) inside the ice-making chamber (110a). Thus, the heat transfer efficiency between the cooling sink (233) and the ice-making chamber (110a) can be improved, and the ice-making chamber (110a) can be cooled.

[0239] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0240] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19, an ice-making device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the ice-making device (300), the same reference numerals are assigned to components that are substantially identical to those shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 17, and detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0241] Referring to FIG. 19, the ice making device (300) may include a thermoelectric module (330). The thermoelectric module (330) may include a thermoelectric element (331), a heat sink (332), and a cooling sink (333). The thermoelectric module (330) may be provided to cool the ice making tray (121) and the ice making chamber (110a) of the ice making part (120), respectively.

[0242] The thermoelectric element (331) may include a high-temperature portion (331a) and a low-temperature portion (331b). The high-temperature portion (331a) may be provided on one side of the thermoelectric element (331), and the low-temperature portion (331b) may be provided on the other side opposite to the one side of the thermoelectric element (331). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (331), a heat-generating action may occur in the high-temperature portion (331a), and an endothermic action may occur in the low-temperature portion (331b).

[0243] The thermoelectric element (331) can be positioned so that the high-temperature portion (331a) faces the thermoelectric element cooling room (370a) to be described later, and the low-temperature portion (331b) faces the ice making room (110a). Specifically, the thermoelectric element (331) can be positioned so that the high-temperature portion faces the right direction (-Y direction) and the low-temperature portion (331b) faces the left direction (+Y direction).

[0244] The thermoelectric module (330) may include a heat sink (332). The heat sink (332) may be mounted on the high-temperature portion (331a) of the thermoelectric element (331). By forming a relatively large heat transfer surface area, the heat transfer efficiency of the thermoelectric element (331) can be improved.

[0245] The thermoelectric module (330) may include a cooling sink (333). The cooling sink (333) may be mounted on the low-temperature portion (331b) of the thermoelectric element (331). By forming a relatively large heat transfer surface area, the cooling sink (333) can improve the heat transfer efficiency of the thermoelectric element (331).

[0246] The ice-making device (300) may include a partition (370). The partition (370) may be provided inside the ice-making case (110). The partition (370) may partition the internal space of the ice-making case (110).

[0247] The partition (370) can form a thermoelectric element cooling chamber (370a) provided between the partition (370) and the ice-making case (110). The thermoelectric element cooling chamber (370a) may be provided with a high-temperature portion (331a) of a thermoelectric element (331), a heat sink (332), and a blower (140). The partition (370) can partition the ice-making chamber (110a) and the thermoelectric element cooling chamber (370a).

[0248] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0249] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 20, an ice-making device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the ice-making device (400), the same reference numerals are assigned to components substantially identical to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, and detailed descriptions may be omitted. Additionally, below, the thermoelectric element (131) may be referred to as the first thermoelectric element (131), the high-temperature section (131a) as the first high-temperature section (131a), and the low-temperature section (131b) as the first low-temperature section (131b).

[0250] Referring to FIG. 20, the ice making device (400) may include a heat transfer member (T). The heat transfer member (T) may be provided to transfer heat between the ice making tray (121) and the cooling sink (133). One end of the heat transfer member (T) may be provided below the ice making tray (121), and the other end of the heat transfer member (T) may be provided inside the cooling sink (133).

[0251] For example, the heat transfer member (T) may be a heat pipe (460). The heat pipe (460) may be provided to transfer heat between the ice tray (121) and the cooling sink (133).

[0252] The heat pipe (460) may include an evaporator (461). In the evaporator (461), heat can be absorbed from the surroundings of the evaporator (461) by vaporizing the refrigerant in a liquid state. For example, in the evaporator (461), the refrigerant condensed by the condenser (462), which will be described later, may be vaporized.

[0253] The evaporator (461) can be provided at one end of the heat pipe (460). That is, the evaporator (461) can be provided below the ice tray (121).

[0254] The heat pipe (460) may include a condenser (462). In the condenser (462), the refrigerant in a gaseous state may be liquefied, thereby radiating heat around the condenser (462). For example, in the condenser (462), the refrigerant vaporized by the evaporator (461) may be condensed.

[0255] The condenser (462) may be provided at the other end opposite to one end of the heat pipe (460). That is, the condenser (462) may be provided inside the cooling sink (133). Specifically, the condenser (462) may be provided inside the thermoelectric element mounting portion (133a) of the cooling sink (133).

[0256] The ice-making device (400) may include a second thermoelectric element (434). The second thermoelectric element (434) may be a semiconductor device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor device, a Peltier device, etc. The thermoelectric element (434) may, for example, have a thin cuboid shape.

[0257] The second thermoelectric element (434) may include a second high-temperature portion (434a) and a second low-temperature portion (434b). The second high-temperature portion (434a) may be provided on one side of the second thermoelectric element (434), and the second low-temperature portion (434b) may be provided on the other side of the second thermoelectric element (434) opposite to the side of the second thermoelectric element (434). Specifically, the second high-temperature portion (434a) may be provided on the lower surface of the second thermoelectric element (434), and the second low-temperature portion (434b) may be provided on the upper surface of the second thermoelectric element (434). When current is applied to the second thermoelectric element (434), a heat generation action may occur in the second high-temperature portion (434a), and an endothermic action may occur in the second low-temperature portion (434b).

[0258] The second thermoelectric element (434) may be provided below the ice-making tray (121). Specifically, the second thermoelectric element (434) may be provided within the spaced-out space formed between the bottom surface of the ice-making tray (121) and the lower cover (125).

[0259] The ice-making device (400) may include a first connecting member (435). The first connecting member (435) may connect the evaporator (461) of the heat pipe (460) and the second high-temperature section (434a) of the second thermoelectric element (434). Specifically, the evaporator (461) may be provided on the inner side of the first connecting member (435), and the upper surface of the first connecting member (435) may be in contact with the second high-temperature section (434a). Accordingly, the second high-temperature section (434a) may be provided to exchange heat with the evaporator (461). That is, the second high-temperature section (434a) may be cooled by the evaporator (461).

[0260] The ice-making device (400) may include a second connecting member (436). The second connecting member (436) may connect the second low-temperature portion (434b) of the second thermoelectric element (434) to the ice-making tray (121). Specifically, the lower surface of the second connecting member (436) may come into contact with the second low-temperature portion (434b), and the upper surface of the second connecting member (436) may come into contact with the lower surface of the ice-making tray (121). Accordingly, the second low-temperature portion (434b) may be provided to exchange heat with the ice-making tray (121). That is, the second low-temperature portion (434b) may cool the ice-making tray (121).

[0261] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the ice-making device (400) can cool the ice-making tray (121) through two thermoelectric elements (131, 434). Specifically, cold air supplied by the low-temperature portion (131b) of the first thermoelectric element (131) can be transferred to the second thermoelectric element (434) via a heat pipe (460), a first connecting member (435), a second thermoelectric element (434), and a second connecting member (436).

[0262] The smaller the temperature difference between the high-temperature and low-temperature parts of the thermoelectric element, the better the cooling efficiency through the low-temperature part can be. Therefore, when cooling the ice tray (121) through two thermoelectric elements (131, 434) as described above, the cooling efficiency of the ice tray (121) can be further improved.

[0263] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making device according to one embodiment.

[0264] Hereinafter, a refrigerator (1') and an ice-making device (500) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. In describing the refrigerator (1') and the ice-making device (500), the same reference numerals are assigned to components that are substantially identical to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, and detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0265] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the refrigerator (1') may include an evaporator (60). The evaporator (60) may include a first evaporator (61) placed in the upper storage room (21) and a second evaporator (62) placed in the lower storage room (22, 23). The first evaporator (61) may be provided to supply cold air to the upper storage room (21), and the second evaporator (62) may be provided to supply cold air to the lower storage room (22, 23).

[0266] The second evaporator (62) may be placed in a main body cooling chamber (60a) provided inside the main body (10). The main body cooling chamber (60a) may be provided behind the lower storage chambers (22, 23).

[0267] The refrigerator (1') may include a first connecting duct (81). The first connecting duct (81) may connect the main body cooling room (60a) and the ice making room (110a). That is, the main body cooling room (60a) and the ice making room (110a) may be connected by the first connecting duct (81). Through this configuration, cold air within the main body cooling room (60a) can be supplied to the ice making room (110a).

[0268] The refrigerator (1') may include a second connecting duct (82). The second connecting duct (82) may connect the main body cooling room (60a) and the ice making room (110a). That is, the main body cooling room (60a) and the ice making room (110a) may be connected by the second connecting duct (82). Through this configuration, air within the ice making room (110a) may be supplied to the main body cooling room (60a).

[0269] The ice-making device (500) may include an ice-making case (510). An ice-making chamber (110a) may be provided inside the ice-making case (510).

[0270] The ice-making case (510) may include an ice-making room inlet (514) to which a first connecting duct (81) is connected, and an ice-making room outlet (515) to which a second connecting duct (82) is connected. Through this configuration, air within the ice-making room (110a) can be transferred to the main body cooling room (60a) through the second connecting duct (82) to be cooled, and the cooled air can be supplied back to the ice-making room (110a) through the first connecting duct (81). That is, the ice-making room (110a) can be cooled by cold air generated through the thermoelectric module (130) and cold air supplied from the main body cooling room (60a), and the cooling efficiency of the ice-making room (110a) can be further improved.

[0271] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes a main body (10) including storage compartments (21, 22, 23), a door (31, 32, 33, 34) provided to open and close the storage compartments (21, 22, 23), and an ice-making device (100) provided to produce ice. The above ice-making device (100) comprises: an ice-making case (110); a partition (170) that divides the internal space of the ice-making case (110) into a first space (110a) and a second space (170a); an ice-making tray (121) provided in the first space (110a), comprising an ice-making cell (121a) provided to store water; a thermoelectric element (131) provided on the partition (170), comprising a high-temperature portion (131a) provided on a first surface of the thermoelectric element (131) and facing the second space (170a), and a low-temperature portion (131b) provided on a second surface of the thermoelectric element (131) opposite to the first surface of the thermoelectric element (131) and facing the first space (110a); and water stored in the ice-making cell (121a). It includes a heat pipe (160) arranged to transfer heat between the ice-making tray (121) and the low-temperature section (131b) for cooling. The high-temperature section (131a) is arranged to have a temperature higher than the temperature of the low-temperature section (131b).

[0272] The heat pipe (160) may include a refrigerant (R) arranged to flow inside the heat pipe (160), an evaporator (161) arranged to exchange heat with the ice tray (121) and to vaporize the refrigerant (R), and a condenser (162) arranged to exchange heat with the low-temperature section (131b) and to condense the refrigerant (R) vaporized by the evaporator (161).

[0273] The above evaporator (161) can be provided below the ice tray (121).

[0274] The above ice-making device (100) may further include a cooling sink (133) provided on the low-temperature portion (131b) of the thermoelectric element (131). The condensation portion (162) may be provided inside the cooling sink (133).

[0275] The above ice-making device (100) may further include a cooling fan (150) which is provided on one side of the cooling sink (133) and is configured to form an airflow passing through the cooling sink (133) inside the first space (110a) to cool the first space (110a).

[0276] The cooling sink (233) may include a base plate (233b) and a fin (233c) protruding from the base plate (233b). The fin (233c) may be inclined such that a first end of the fin (233c) is located at a height different from the height of a second end of the fin (233c) opposite to the first end of the fin (233c).

[0277] The second space (170a) may be provided to be connected to the storage room (21) to cool the high-temperature part (131a).

[0278] The above ice-making device (100) may further include a heat sink (132) provided in the second space (170a) and on the high temperature portion (131a).

[0279] The above ice-making case (110) may include an inlet (112) provided to introduce air from the storage room (21) into the second space (170a), and an outlet (113) provided to discharge air from the second space (170a) into the storage room (21). The ice-making device (100) may further include a blower (140) that discharges air introduced into the second space (170a) through the inlet (112) to the outlet (113).

[0280] The above ice-making device (100) may further include a defrost water storage unit (180) positioned below the cooling sink (133) and configured to collect defrost water generated in the cooling sink (133).

[0281] The refrigerator (1) may further include a hose (70) connected to the defrost water storage unit (180), and an evaporation dish (54) provided to evaporate the defrost water introduced from the defrost water storage unit (180) through the hose (70).

[0282] The above refrigerant (R) may be a first refrigerant (R). The refrigerator (1) may further include an evaporator (60) arranged to supply air to the storage compartments (21, 22, 23), a compressor (51) arranged to compress a second refrigerant flowing in from the evaporator (60), and a condenser (52) arranged to condense the second refrigerant flowing in from the compressor (51). The evaporation dish (54) may be placed below the condenser (52).

[0283] The above constant storage unit (180) can be provided on the above partition (170).

[0284] The thermoelectric element (131) may be a first thermoelectric element (131). The high temperature portion (131a) may be a first high temperature portion (131a). The low temperature portion (131b) may be a first low temperature portion (131b). The ice making device (400) may further include a second thermoelectric element (434) provided below the ice making tray (121), comprising a second high temperature portion (434a) and a second low temperature portion (434b). The second high temperature portion (434a) may be provided to exchange heat with the evaporator (161). The second low temperature portion (434b) may be provided to cool the ice making tray (121).

[0285] The above main body (10) may further include an evaporator (62) provided to supply air to the storage room (22, 23), and a connecting duct (81) provided to connect the main body cooling room (60a) and the first space (110a) and to supply air from the main body cooling room (60a) where the evaporator (62) is placed to the first space (110a).

[0286] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes a main body (10) having a storage room (21, 22, 23) inside, a door (31, 32, 33, 34) provided to open and close the storage room (21, 22, 23), and an ice-making device (100) disposed on the door (31, 32, 33, 34) and provided to generate ice. The above ice-making device (100) comprises an ice-making case (110), an ice-making tray (121) provided inside the ice-making case (110) and including an ice-making cell (121a) for storing water, a thermoelectric element (131) provided inside the ice-making case (110) and including a high temperature portion (131a) and a low temperature portion (131b), a cooling sink (133) mounted on the low temperature portion (131b), a heat transfer member (T) provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray (121) and the cooling sink (133) to cool the water stored in the ice-making cell (121a), and a cooling fan (150) disposed on one side of the cooling sink (133) and provided to form an airflow passing through the cooling sink (133) to cool the inside of the ice-making case (110).

[0287] One end of the heat transfer member (T) can be provided below the ice tray (121).

[0288] The other end opposite to one end of the heat transfer member (T) can be provided on the inside of the cooling sink (133).

[0289] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes a main body (10) having a storage room (21, 22, 23) inside, a door (31, 32, 33, 34) provided to open and close the storage room (21, 22, 23), and an ice-making device (100) disposed on the door (31, 32, 33, 34) and provided to generate ice. The above ice-making device (100) comprises an ice-making case (110), an ice-making tray (121) provided inside the ice-making case (110) and including an ice-making cell (121a) for storing water, a thermoelectric element (131) provided inside the ice-making case (110) and including a high temperature portion (131a) and a low temperature portion (131b), a cooling sink (133) mounted on the low temperature portion (131b), a heat transfer member (T) provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray (121) and the cooling sink (133) to cool the water stored in the ice-making cell (121a), and a water storage portion (180) disposed below the cooling sink (133) to collect water generated on the cooling sink (133).

[0290] The refrigerator (1) may further include a hose (70) connected to the defrost water storage unit (180), and an evaporation dish (54) provided to evaporate the defrost water introduced from the defrost water storage unit (180) through the hose (70).

[0291] The refrigerator can cool the ice tray and the ice chamber through thermoelectric elements placed inside the ice-making device. Therefore, the ice-making device can be equipped with an independent cold air supply system without the need to receive cold air from an external cold source.

[0292] Additionally, the refrigerator may include a heat pipe configured to transfer heat between the ice-making tray and the thermoelectric element. Through this configuration, heat can be transferred more quickly through the heat pipe even if the ice-making tray and the thermoelectric element are separated by a certain distance. Consequently, restrictions on the location of the thermoelectric element can be reduced, and the design of the internal structure of the ice-making device can be made easier.

[0293] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0294] Although embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, a person skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail are possible without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the following claims and equivalents.

Claims

1. A main body including a storage chamber; A door provided to open and close the above storage room; and An ice-making device configured to generate ice; comprising, The above ice-making device is, De-icing case; A partition dividing the internal space of the above-mentioned ice-making case into a first space and a second space; An ice-making tray provided in the first space, comprising an ice-making cell provided for storing water; A thermoelectric element provided on the above partition, comprising a high-temperature portion provided on a first surface of the thermoelectric element and facing the second space, and a low-temperature portion provided on a second surface of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first surface of the thermoelectric element and facing the first space; and A heat pipe provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray and the low-temperature section to cool the water stored in the ice-making cell; A refrigerator configured such that the high-temperature portion has a temperature higher than the temperature of the low-temperature portion.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above heat pipe is, A refrigerant arranged to flow inside the above heat pipe; An evaporator arranged to exchange heat with the above-mentioned ice-making tray and arranged to vaporize the above-mentioned refrigerant; and A refrigerator comprising: a condensation section arranged to exchange heat with the above-mentioned low-temperature section and arranged to condense the refrigerant vaporized by the above-mentioned evaporation section.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above evaporator is a refrigerator provided below the ice-making tray.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above ice-making device is, It further includes a cooling sink provided on the low-temperature portion of the thermoelectric element, and The above condensation unit is a refrigerator provided on the inner side of the cooling sink.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above ice-making device is, A refrigerator further comprising a cooling fan provided on one side of the cooling sink and configured to form an airflow passing through the cooling sink within the first space to cool the first space.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above cooling sink is, base plate; and It includes a pin protruding from the above base plate, and A refrigerator with a slanted pin such that the first end of the pin is located at a different height from the second end of the pin, which is opposite to the first end of the pin.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above second space is a refrigerator provided to be connected to the storage room in order to cool the above high-temperature part.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above ice-making device is, A refrigerator further comprising a heat sink provided in the second space and provided on the high-temperature portion.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above ice-making case is, An inlet provided to introduce air from the storage room into the second space; and It includes an exhaust port provided to discharge air within the second space to the storage room; and The above ice-making device is, A refrigerator further comprising a blower that discharges air introduced into the second space through the inlet to the outlet.

10. In Paragraph 4, A refrigerator comprising a defrost water storage unit positioned below the cooling sink and configured to collect defrost water generated in the cooling sink.

11. In Paragraph 10, A hose connected to the above-mentioned water storage unit; and A refrigerator further comprising an evaporation dish arranged to evaporate the defrost water introduced from the defrost water storage unit through the hose.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above refrigerant is a first refrigerant, and The above refrigerator is, An evaporator provided to supply air to the above storage room; A compressor configured to compress a second refrigerant flowing in from the above evaporator; and It further includes a condenser arranged to condense a second refrigerant flowing in from the compressor above, and The above evaporation dish is a refrigerator placed below the condenser.

13. In Paragraph 10, The above-mentioned water storage unit is a refrigerator provided on the above-mentioned partition.

14. In Paragraph 2, The above thermoelectric element is a first thermoelectric element, and The above high temperature part is the first high temperature part, The above low-temperature section is the first low-temperature section, The above ice-making device is, A second thermoelectric element provided below the above-mentioned ice-making tray further comprises a second thermoelectric element including a second high-temperature portion and a second low-temperature portion, and The above second high-temperature section is provided to exchange heat with the above evaporator section, and The above second low-temperature section is a refrigerator configured to cool the ice-making tray.

15. In Paragraph 1, The above main body is, An evaporator provided to supply air to the above storage room; and A refrigerator further comprising a connecting duct that connects the main body cooling chamber and the first space, and is configured to supply air from the main body cooling chamber, where the evaporator is placed, to the first space.

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