EP2240729A1

EP2240729A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: EP2240729A1
Application number: EP08870029A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dong-Jeong Kim; Seung-Hwan Oh; So-Hee Park; Wook-Yong Lee
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2008-01-07
Filing date: 2008-10-01
Publication date: 2010-10-20
Also published as: CN101910761A; WO2009088152A1; US20100293983A1; KR20090075911A; KR101437170B1; CN101910761B

Description

REFRIGERATOR

Technical Field

[1] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[2] In the related art, a refrigerator includes a plurality of storage chambers for storing foods at low temperatures close to or below zero degrees Celsius. Each of the storage chambers has an open side for allowing access to the foods stored in the storage chambers.

[3] Recently, a refrigerator having a dispenser for dispensing ice and water has been developed. A water tank for storing water that will be dispensed is connected to the dispenser.

[4] An ice-making device for making ice using the water supplied is provided in the refrigerator. The ice-making device may be installed in a main body of the refrigerator or a door of the refrigerator.

[5] When the ice-making device is provided at a chilling chamber, the ice-making device is formed in a thermal insulation structure to provide a low temperature environment. A passage through which cool air of a freezing chamber can be introduced and discharged is formed through side surfaces of the ice-making device and the refrigerator.

[6] Since the ice-making device is provided with an ice tray configured to make ice, and an ice bank configured to store ice removed from the ice tray, the ice-making device's volume is generally large.

[7] When the ice-making device is provided to the refrigerator door, the volume of the ice-making device limits a space for storing foods in the refrigerator door.

[8] Also, when the refrigerator door is closed, equipped with the ice-making device, a mounting space for a shelf installed in the main body is limited to prevent the ice- making device from interfering with the main body of the refrigerator. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[9] Embodiments provide a refrigerator configured to increase the inner space thereof by improving the structure of a refrigerator door to slim the refrigerator door provided with an ice-making device. [10] Embodiments also provide a refrigerator including a slimed door provided with a basket or a special freezing chamber for storing foods.

Technical Solution [11] In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body including a storage chamber; a door rotatably coupled to the main body; an ice-making device provided to the door and configured to make ice; and a special freezing chamber provided to the door and including a communication hole to introduce cool air of the ice-making device.

[12] In another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body provided with a freezing chamber and a chilling chamber; a chilling chamber door selectively covering the chilling chamber; an ice-making device provided to the chilling chamber door and configured to make ice; and a special freezing chamber provided to at least one side of the ice-making device and receiving cool air circulating in the ice-making device.

[13] In further another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a main body provided with a freezing chamber and a chilling chamber; a chilling chamber door selectively covering the chilling chamber; an ice-making device provided to the chilling chamber door and receiving cool air of the freezing chamber; a special freezing chamber provided to the chilling chamber door and configured to introduce cool air of the ice-making device; and a special freezing chamber door selectively covering the special freezing chamber.

Advantageous Effects

[14] According to the above configuration of the refrigerator, the refrigerator door equipped with the ice-making device is slimed, and the inner space of the refrigerator is increased. Thus, the space where the food shelf is placed, is increased. [15] Also, since the slimed door of the refrigerator is provided with the basket or the special freezing chamber for storing foods, the large space for storing foods can be provided to a user. [16] Therefore, convenience for users and product satisfaction are improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[17] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[18] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a refrigerator door according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[19] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 2.

[20] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a refrigerator door according to another embodiment. [21] Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a refrigerator door according to another embodiment.

Mode for the Invention [22] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be constructed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[23] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment.

[24] Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 includes a main body 10 having a chilling chamber 110 and a freezing chamber 120, a chilling chamber door 11 that is rotatably coupled to a front surface of the main body 10 to selectively open and close the chilling chamber 110, and a freezing chamber door 12 that is provided in a lower portion of the main body 10 to selectively open and close the freezing chamber 120. Here, the chilling chamber 110 is disposed in an upper portion of the main body 10, and the freezing chamber 120 is disposed in the lower portion of the main body 10.

[25] In this embodiment, a description will be made on a bottom freezer type refrigerator where the freezing chamber is defined under the chilling chamber. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to not only a top mount type refrigerator where the freezing chamber is defined above the chilling chamber but also a side-by-side type refrigerator where the freezing and chilling chambers are defined at right and left sides, respectively.

[26] In more detail, the chilling chamber door 11 is divided into two sections that are respectively coupled to both sides of the main body 10 by hinges (not shown). The freezing chamber door 12 is coupled to a lower end of the main body 10 by a hinge (not shown) and is designed to be withdrawn in the form of a drawer. A storage container 15 for storing frozen foods may be provided in the freezing chamber 120.

[27] In addition, an evaporator 16 for generating cool air that will be supplied into the main body 10 is provided at a lower-rear portion of the main body 10.

[28] An inner surface of the chilling chamber door 11 is provided with an ice-making device 20, a first special freezing chamber 30, and a second special freezing chamber 40. The ice-making device 20 is configured to make ice. The first special freezing chamber 30 is provided on one side of the ice-making device 20 and configured to freeze foodstuffs with cool air received from the ice-making device 20. The second special freezing chamber 40 is provided on another side of the ice-making device 20 and oncfigured to receive cool air from the ice-making device 20.

[29] The ice-making device 20 is provided with a supply part 21 configured to supply at least part of cool air supplied to the freezing chamber 12, and a discharge part 22 configured to discharge cool air circulating in the ice-making device 20 toward the evaporator 16.

[30] A supply duct 13 for supplying cool air to the supply part 21 and a discharge duct 14 to which the cool air is discharged from the discharge part 22 are provided to the main body 10.

[31] First sides of the supply and discharge ducts 13 and 14 are connected to the freezing chamber 120. Cool air generated by the evaporator 16 is partially supplied to the ice- making device 20 through the supply duct 13. The cool air circulating in ugh the discharge duct 14.the ice-making device 20 is discharged into the freezing chamber 120 thro

[32] Duct supply hole 13a and duct discharge hole 14a are respectively disposed on second sides of the supply and discharge ducts 13 and 14. The duct supply and discharge holes 13a and 14a respectively communicate with the supply and discharge parts 21 and 22 when the chilling chamber door 11 is closed, but are spaced apart from the supply and discharge parts 21 and 22 when the chilling chamber door 11 is opened.

[33] Here, the duct supply and discharge holes 13a and 14a are exposed on an inner surface of the main body 10 to correspond to the supply part 102 and the discharge part 104 such that, when the chilling chamber door 11 is closed, the duct supply and discharge holes 22a and 24a are arranged at positions corresponding to the supply part 21 and the discharge part 22, respectively.

[34] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a refrigerator door according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 2.

[35] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the inner surface of the chilling chamber door 11 is provided with the ice-making device 20, the first special freezing chamber 30, and the second special freezing chamber 40. The ice-making device 20 is configured to make ice. The first special freezing chamber 30 is provided on a left side or a right side of the ice-making device 20 and has a low storage temperature due to cool air introduced from the ice-making device 20. The second special freezing chamber 40 is provided on a lower side of the ice-making device 20 and configured to receive cool air from the ice-making device 20.

[36] Particularly, the first special freezing chamber 30, corresponding to the height of the ice-making device 20, has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape with a predetermined width. Thus, the first special freezing chamber 30 is adapted to store vertically long bottles.

[37] The first special freezing chamber 30 has an open front surface, and a first door 31 is coupled to the front surface so as to be rotatable about a first hinge 32. The first hinge 32 is provided on one side of the first special freezing chamber 30. A user can access a stored object when the first door 31 is open.

[38] Since the first door 31 covers the first special freezing chamber 30 against the chilling chamber 110, cool air in the first special freezing chamber 30 is prevented from being introduced into the chilling chamber 110. [39] One side surface of the ice-making device 20 is coupled to one side surface of the first special freezing chamber 30. An interface between the ice-making device 20 and the first special freezing chamber 30 is provided with a communication hole 33 configured to introduce cool air of the ice-making device 20 into the first special freezing chamber 30.

[40] The second special chilling chamber 40 is disposed on a lower side of the ice-making device 20 and the first special chilling chamber 30, the second special freezing chamber 40 has a transverse width corresponding to the sum of transverse widths of the ice-making device 20 and the first special chilling chamber 30.

[41] The second special chilling chamber 40 is provided with a second door 41 configured to selectively cover the open front surface. It will be appreciated that the second door 41 is rotatable about a second hinge 42. The second hinge 42 is disposed on one side of the second special chilling chamber 40.

[42] A lower surface of the ice-making device 20, i.e., an upper surface of the second special freezing chamber 40 is provided with a second communication hole 43 configured to introduce cool air of the ice-making device 20 into the second special freezing chamber 40.

[43] That is, cool air of the ice-making device 20 is introduced through the first communication hole 33 into the first special chilling chamber 30, and introduced through the second communication hole 43 into the second special freezing chamber 40.

[44] It will be appreciated that, in the process where cool air of the ice-making device 20 is discharged through the discharge part 22 to the discharge duct 14, respective cool air of the first special chilling chamber 30 and the second special freezing chamber 40 may be introduced through the communication holes 33 and 43 to the ice-making device 20.

[45] According to the above configuration, the chilling chamber door 11 secures a space for storing foodstuffs requiring freezing, as well as the ice-making device 20. The chilling chamber door 11 is more easily and conveniently opened and closed than the freezing chamber door 12, thereby conveniently storing frozen desserts, confectionery, or drinks requiring frequent access.

[46] Hereinafter, refrigerator doors are described according to other embodiments. These embodiments are the same as the previous embodiment except for the configuration of a chilling chamber door. Thus, the difference will be mainly described, and the same parts will be described using the reference numerals and the description of the previous embodiment.

[47] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating configuration of the refrigerator door according to one embodiment.

[48] Referring to Fig. 4, a chilling chamber door 11 is provided with an ice-making device 20 for making ice, a third special freezing chamber 50, and a chilling chamber basket 61. The third special freezing chamber 50 is provided on a lower side of the ice- making device 20, and cool air of the ice-making device 20 is introduced into the third special freezing chamber 50. The chilling chamber basket 61 is provided on an upper side of the ice-making device 20, and configured to store foods to be refrigerated.

[49] Particularly, the ice-making device 20 has a large transverse width corresponding to a transverse width of the chilling chamber door 11, but has a small protruding width in an inner direction of the chilling chamber door 11. That is, it is possible to achieve slimness of the ice-making device 20.

[50] A transverse width of the third special freezing chamber 50 corresponds to that of the ice-making device 20.

[51] A front surface of the third special freezing chamber 50 is open to allow access to foods, and coupled with a third door 51 that is rotatable about a third hinge 52. The third hinge 52 may be disposed on one side of the third special freezing chamber 50.

[52] It will be appreciated that the third special freezing chamber 50 is configured to store low objects.

[53] A rear surface of the third special freezing chamber 50 is provided with a third communication hole 53 configured to introduce cool air of the ice-making device 20.

[54] The ice-making device 20 is provided with a discharge hole (not shown) communicating with the third communication hole 53, and a cool air passage (not shown), through which cool air flows, may be provided between the third communication hole 53 and the discharge hole.

[55] Thus, cool air in the ice-making device 20 is discharged through the discharge hole, and moved along the cool air passage, and then introduced into the third special freezing chamber 50 through the third communication hole 53.

[56] Cool air circulating in the main body 10, i.e., the chilling chamber 110 may cool foods stored in the chilling chamber basket 61.

[57] According to the above configuration, since upper and lower portions of the chilling chamber door 11, provided with the third special freezing chamber 50 and the chilling chamber basket 61, is slimed, a large storage space of the main body 10 is secured when the chilling chamber door 11 is closed.

[58] In addition, this makes it possible to increase a space for a chilling chamber shelf 18 configured to store foods. That is, a front end of the chilling chamber shelf 18 is allowed to extend toward a front side of the main body 10.

[59] Although not shown, the chilling chamber basket 61 may be disposed on the lower side of the ice-making device 20, and the third special freezing chamber 50 may be disposed on the upper side of the ice-making device 20.

[60] Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a refrigerator door according to another embodiment.

[61] Referring to Fig. 5, a chilling chamber door 11 is provided with an ice-making device

20 for making ice, a fourth special freezing chamber 70, and a plurality of baskets 81 and 82. The fourth special freezing chamber 70 is provided to a front surface of the ice-making device 20 and receives cool air from the ice-making device 20 to form a low temperature atmosphere. The baskets 81 and 82 are provided to at least one side of the ice-making device 20 and configured to store foodstuffs requiring refrigeration.

[62] Particularly, a front surface of the fourth special freezing chamber 70 is open to allow access to foods, and coupled with a fourth door 71 that is rotatable about a fourth hinge 72. A rear surface of the fourth special freezing chamber 70 is provided with a fourth communication hole 73 configured to introduce cool air of the ice-making device 20.

[63] Thus, cool air of the ice-making device 20 is introduced to the fourth special freezing chamber 70 through the fourth communication hole 73 so as to cool the inner space of the fourth special freezing chamber 70.

[64] The baskets 81 and 82 are configured to store objects to be refrigerated.

[65] According to the above configuration, foods requiring freezing is allowed to be stored even in the chilling chamber door 11 as well as in the freezing chamber 120. Particularly, since the chilling chamber door 11 is more easily opened and closed than the freezing chamber door 12 provided to a lower portion of the refrigerator 1. the fourth special freezing chamber 70 of the chilling chamber door 11 is adapted to store frozen foods requiring frequent access.

[66] Since the chilling chamber door 11 is provided with the baskets 81 and 82 adapted to store refrigerated foods, foods are allowed to be stored in the chilling chamber door 11 as well as in the chilling chamber 110, thereby improving convenience for users. Industrial Applicability

[67] The embodiments relate to a refrigerator configured to expand the inner space thereof by improving the structure of a refrigerator door to achieve the slimness of the refrigerator door provided with an ice-making device.

[68] According to the embodiments, the slimed refrigerator door of the refrigerator is configured to receive a food basket, and the space for foods in the refrigerator is increased.

[69]

Claims

[ 1 ] A refrigerator comprising: a main body including a storage chamber; a door rotatably coupled to the main body; an ice-making device provided to the door and configured to make ice; and a special freezing chamber provided to the door and including a communication hole to introduce cool air of the ice-making device.

[2] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the communication hole is provided to an interface where the ice-making device and the special freezing chamber are coupled to each other.

[3] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the special freezing chamber is provided on a left side or a right side of the ice-making device.

[4] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the special freezing chamber is provided on a lower side of the ice-making device.

[5] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the special freezing chamber has a side coupled with a special freezing chamber door configured to cover an inner space of the special freezing chamber against an outer space.

[6] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the special freezing chamber door is hinged to a side of the special freezing chamber.

[7] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the ice-making device has a side provided with a basket configured to store an object cooled by cool air of the main body.

[8] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the ice-making device has a rear surface coupled to an inner surface of the door of the refrigerator, and the special freezing chamber is provided to a bottom surface of the ice-making device.

[9] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the special freezing chamber is provided on a front side of the ice-making device.

[10] A refrigerator comprising: a main body provided with a freezing chamber and a chilling chamber; a chilling chamber door selectively covering the chilling chamber; an ice-making device provided to the chilling chamber door and configured to make ice; and a special freezing chamber provided to at least one side of the ice-making device and receiving cool air circulating in the ice-making device.

[11] The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein a transverse width of the chilling chamber door corresponds to a sum of a transverse width of the ice-making device and a transverse width of the special freezing chamber.

[12] The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein a transverse width of the ice- making device corresponds to a transverse width of the chilling chamber door.

[13] The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the special freezing chamber comprises: a first special freezing chamber provided to a right side or a left side of the ice- making device; and a second special freezing chamber provided to a lower side of the ice-making device.

[14] The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the first and second special freezing chambers are respectively provided with communication holes configured to introduce cool air from the ice-making device.

[15] The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the first special freezing chamber and the ice-making device are transversely arranged, and the second special freezing chamber and the ice-making device are longitudinally arranged.

[16] The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the freezing chamber is disposed on a lower side of the chilling chamber, and the chilling chamber door is provided in plurality.

[17] A refrigerator comprising: a main body provided with a freezing chamber and a chilling chamber; a chilling chamber door selectively covering the chilling chamber; an ice-making device provided to the chilling chamber door and receiving cool air of the freezing chamber; a special freezing chamber provided to the chilling chamber door and configured to introduce cool air of the ice-making device; and a special freezing chamber door selectively covering the special freezing chamber.

[18] The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein the special freezing chamber door is provided with a hinge such that the special freezing chamber door is rotatably coupled to the special freezing chamber.

[19] The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein the ice-making device has a side provided with both a supply part configured to supply cool air and a discharge part configured to discharge cool air, and the supply part and the discharge part selectively communicate with the main body.

[20] The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein the special freezing chamber is coupled to at least one side of the ice-making device.

[21] The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein the special freezing chamber is provided with a communication hole to introduce cool air, and the ice-making device is provided with a discharge hole communicating with the communication hole.