REFRIGERATOR

- LG Electronics

A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment, a refrigerator compartment door opening and closing the refrigerator compartment, and an ice compartment in which an ice maker is disposed. The ice compartment is defined as an insulation space within the refrigerator compartment door. The refrigerator also includes an ice compartment door opening and closing the ice compartment, and a receiving member disposed on the ice compartment door. The receiving member protrudes toward an inside of the refrigerator compartment to provide a receiving space.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0129300, 10-2009-0129350, 10-2009-0129351 (Dec. 22, 2009), which are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND

Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance, which stores foods in a storage space that is covered by a refrigerator door to keep foods at low temperatures, and enables foods to be stored in a fresh state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with refrigerant that circulates through a cooling cycle.

The inside of the refrigerator may be divided into a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. A receiving member such as a shelf, a drawer, and a basket is disposed inside the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. The refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment are covered by doors, respectively. The refrigerator may be variously classified according to an arrangement of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment and configurations of the doors.

Due to changes in dietary life and well-being trends, consumers prefer larger, multi-functional refrigerators, and various convenient refrigerators have been introduced in the market.

For example, an ice making apparatus for making an ice may be disposed in the refrigerator. Also, a dispenser is further provided in the refrigerator to dispense the made ice to the outside of the refrigerator. The ice making apparatus may be disposed in the refrigerator compartment or the freezer compartment. Also, the ice making apparatus may be disposed in a refrigerator compartment door or a freezer compartment door, which respectively have insulation spaces.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment, a refrigerator compartment door configured to open and close at least a portion of the refrigerator compartment, and an ice compartment in which an ice maker is disposed. The ice compartment is defined as an insulation space within the refrigerator compartment door. The refrigerator also includes an ice compartment door configured to open and close the ice compartment and a receiving member disposed on the ice compartment door. The receiving member protrudes toward an inside of the refrigerator compartment to provide a receiving space on a portion of the refrigerator compartment door corresponding to the ice compartment.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the receiving member may include multiple receiving members disposed on each of upper and lower sides of a handle configured to open and close the ice compartment door. The refrigerator also may include receiving member mounting parts that are disposed on each of both sides of the ice compartment door, that protrude along both sides of the ice compartment door, and to which the receiving member is detachably mounted.

In some implementations, the refrigerator may include inwardly protruding mounting parts coupled to each of both lateral surfaces of the receiving member of the ice compartment door. In these implementations, the mounting parts may be provided in plurality to enable mounting of the receiving member at a desired height.

In addition, an outer surface of a receiving member mounting part may be disposed at the same level as an outer surface of the ice compartment. Also, at least a portion of an outer surface of a receiving member mounting part may contact an inner surface of the refrigerator compartment when the refrigerator compartment door is closed.

In some examples, the refrigerator compartment door may include a thermally insulating foam insulation material positioned within the refrigerator compartment door, and a second insulation material different from the foam insulation material positioned within the refrigerator compartment door at a location corresponding to the ice compartment. In these examples, the second insulation material may be attached to a back surface of an outer case defining a front surface of the refrigerator compartment door.

The second insulation material may have a sheet shape and may be disposed at a position corresponding to a region in which the ice compartment is defined. The refrigerator also may include an ice compartment door insulation material positioned in the ice compartment door and having a sheet shape. The ice compartment door further may include the foam insulation material positioned within the ice compartment door. The ice compartment door insulation material may be different than the foam insulation material.

In another aspect, a refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment, a refrigerator compartment door configured to open and close at least a portion of the refrigerator compartment, and an ice compartment in which an ice maker is disposed. The ice compartment is defined as an insulation space within the refrigerator compartment door. The refrigerator also includes an ice compartment door configured to open and close the ice compartment and a receiving member disposed on the ice compartment door. The receiving member protrudes toward an inside of the refrigerator compartment to provide a receiving space. The refrigerator further includes a receiving unit detachably disposed on a back surface of the refrigerator compartment door below the ice compartment and receiving unit mounting members disposed on each of at least two sides of the receiving unit. The receiving unit mounting members are configured to enable removal and replacement of the receiving unit at the refrigerator compartment door.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, each of the receiving unit mounting members may include an operation part exposed to an outside of the receiving unit, a restriction part extending from the operation part, and a rotation shaft disposed between the operation part and the restriction part and configured to cause movement of the restriction part in response to user operation of the operation part. In this example, the operation part may be configured to allow operation by a user, the restriction part may be configured to insert into a coupling hole defined in the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door, and the movement of the restriction part may promote release of the restriction part from the coupling hole when the restriction part is inserted in the coupling hole.

In some implementations, the refrigerator may include a support protrusion that is disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door, and that engages with and supports the receiving unit when the receiving unit is disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door. In these implementations, the support protrusion may be disposed above the receiving unit mounting members.

In some examples, the refrigerator may include a support member that is disposed on the refrigerator compartment door and that protrudes at a lower side of the receiving unit to support a lower end of the receiving unit. In these examples, the support member may be detachably coupled to the refrigerator compartment door and may cover a water tank disposed inside the refrigerator compartment door.

In addition, the receiving unit may be supported by the receiving unit mounting members, a support protrusion disposed on the refrigerator compartment door above the receiving unit mounting members, and a support member disposed on the refrigerator compartment door below the receiving unit mounting members.

In some implementations, the receiving unit may include a frame detachably disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door below the ice compartment, a door receiving member disposed on the frame that defines a receiving space, and receiving unit mounting members disposed on each of at least two sides of the frame. In these implementations, the receiving unit mounting members may be configured to enable removal and replacement of the receiving unit at the refrigerator compartment door. In addition, in these implementations, the refrigerator may include a handle disposed on an upper end of the frame.

Further, the refrigerator may include a frame circumference that is disposed on at least a portion of a circumference of the frame, that protrudes in a front direction, and that has an opened rear surface. Each of the receiving unit mounting members may be rotatably disposed on an inside of the frame circumference and may be configured to selectively engage with a coupling hole defined in the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door. The refrigerator also may include support protrusions disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door and configured to insert into the frame circumference at sides of the frame circumference to fix the frame.

In yet another aspect, a refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment, a first receiving member disposed on a bottom surface of the refrigerator compartment, and a second receiving member disposed on a top surface of the first receiving member. The first receiving member extends closer to a front of the refrigerator compartment than the second receiving member such that a portion of the top surface of the first receiving member remains uncovered. The refrigerator also includes a plurality of shelves disposed above the second receiving member, a refrigerator compartment door configured to open and close at least a portion of the refrigerator compartment, and an ice compartment defined as an insulation space within the refrigerator compartment door. The refrigerator further includes a refrigerator compartment door receiving member disposed on the refrigerator compartment door at a position corresponding to the second receiving member, an ice compartment door configured to open and close the ice compartment, and an ice compartment door receiving member disposed on the ice compartment door. When the refrigerator compartment door is oriented in a closed position, the refrigerator compartment door receiving member is disposed in front of the second receiving member at the portion of the top surface of the first receiving member that remains uncovered, and the ice compartment door receiving member is disposed at a front side of the shelves.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, at least one of the shelves may extend up to a position corresponding to that of a front end of the second receiving member. When the refrigerator compartment door is oriented in the closed position, the refrigerator compartment door receiving member and the ice compartment door receiving member may extend a same distance into an inside the refrigerator compartment.

The first receiving member may include a drawer, and the second receiving member may include a shelf. The refrigerator compartment door receiving member may extend out from a back surface of the refrigerator compartment door a distance that corresponds to the portion of the top surface of the first receiving member that remains uncovered. The refrigerator may include a cool air guide hole that is defined in the ice compartment door receiving member and opens toward the refrigerator compartment door receiving member to guide cool air toward the refrigerator compartment door receiving member.

In some implementations, the refrigerator may include a cool air guide hole that is defined in a bottom surface of the ice compartment door receiving member and that enables circulation of cool air through the ice compartment door receiving member. In these implementations, the refrigerator may include an induction part that is disposed outside the cool air guide hole, that protrudes downwardly from the cool air guide hole, and that is configured to induce cool air toward the refrigerator compartment door receiving member.

In some examples, the refrigerator may include a foam insulation material disposed inside the refrigerator compartment door and a vacuum insulation panel attached to an inside of the refrigerator compartment door at a position corresponding to a region in which the ice compartment is defined. In these examples, the vacuum insulation panel may be different than the foam insulation material. When the refrigerator compartment door is oriented in the closed position, a lower portion of the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door may extend into the refrigerator compartment further than the ice compartment.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example refrigerator.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the example refrigerator with a portion of a refrigerator compartment door opened.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view illustrating the inside of an example refrigerator compartment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example refrigerator compartment door with an example ice compartment door opened.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the example refrigerator compartment door in a state where an example ice making assembly is removed from an ice compartment.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the example ice making assembly.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example ice bin.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the example ice bin.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of an example refrigerator compartment door.

FIG. 11 is a view of a state in which an example ice maker is rotated to separate ice therefrom in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the example refrigerator compartment door from which an example receiving member is separated.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the example receiving member when viewed from a rear side.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the example receiving member.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the example receiving member when viewed from a bottom side.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a state in which the example receiving member is installed.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of an example refrigerator compartment door from which an example receiving unit is separated.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the example receiving unit when viewed from a rear side.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the example receiving unit when viewed from a bottom side.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 12.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling relation between an example receiving unit mounting member and an example frame.

FIG. 22 is a phantom view of an example refrigerator in a state where an example refrigerator compartment door is closed.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a mounting process of the example receiving unit.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an example refrigerator door.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an example refrigerator door.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example refrigerator. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the example refrigerator with a portion of a refrigerator compartment door opened.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 includes a cabinet 10 defining an outer appearance thereof and refrigerator doors 11 and 14 movably connected to the cabinet 10.

A storage compartment for storing foods is defined inside the cabinet 10. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment 102 and a freezer compartment 104 disposed below the refrigerator compartment 102.

That is, a bottom freeze type refrigerator in which a refrigerator compartment is disposed above the freezer compartment is described as an example. Other configurations or arrangements may be used.

The refrigerator doors 11 and 14 include refrigerator compartment doors 11 opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 102 and freezer compartment doors 14 opening and closing the freezer compartment 104.

The refrigerator compartment doors 11 include a plurality of doors 12 and 13, which are disposed at left and right sides, respectively. The plurality of doors 12 and 13 include a first refrigerator compartment door 12 and a second refrigerator compartment door 13 disposed at a right side of the first refrigerator compartment door 12. The first refrigerator compartment door 12 may be independently movable with respect to the second refrigerator compartment door 13.

The freezer compartment doors 14 include a plurality of doors 15 and 16, which are vertically disposed. The plurality of doors 15 and 16 include a first freezer compartment door 15 and a second freezer compartment door 16 disposed below the first freezer compartment door 15.

The first and second refrigerator compartment doors 12 and 13 may be rotatably operated, and the first and second freezer compartment doors 15 and 16 may be slidably operated.

A dispenser 17 for dispensing water and/or ice is disposed in one of the first and second refrigerator compartment doors 12 and 13. For example, the dispenser 17 is disposed in the first refrigerator door 12 in FIG. 1.

Also, an ice making assembly (that will be described later) for generating and storing the ice is disposed in one of the first and second refrigerator compartment doors 12 and 13.

In this example, the dispenser 17 and the ice making assembly may be disposed in the first refrigerator compartment door 12 and the second refrigerator compartment door 13. Thus, it will be described below that the dispenser 17 and the ice making assembly are disposed in the refrigerator compartment door 11. Here, the first refrigerator compartment door 12 and the second refrigerator compartment door 13 are commonly called the refrigerator compartment door 11.

An ice compartment 120 in which the ice is made is defined in the refrigerator compartment door 11. A receiving member 160 and a receiving unit 500, which will be described below in detail, are disposed on the refrigerator compartment door 11 including the ice compartment 120. A door receiving member 520 is disposed on the receiving unit 500. A water tank cover 180 is disposed below the door receiving member 520.

The cabinet 10 includes a main body supply duct 106 for supplying cool air to the ice compartment 120 and a main body recovery duct 108 for recovering the cool air from the ice compartment 120. The main body supply duct 106 and the main body recovery duct 108 may communicate with a space in which an evaporator (not shown) is disposed.

FIG. 3 illustrates an inside of an example refrigerator compartment.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the refrigerator compartment 102 is opened or closed by the refrigerator compartment door 11 opened and closed in left and right directions.

A first receiving member 103 is disposed on a bottom surface of the inside of the refrigerator compartment 102. The first receiving member 103 is slidably withdrawn in front and rear directions, like a drawer. The first receiving member 103 has a left-right width corresponding to an inner width of the refrigerator compartment 102. Thus, the first receiving member 103 can receive large pizzas or long vegetables.

The first receiving member 103 may extend up to a position adjacent to the water tank cover 180 at a rear side of the refrigerator compartment 102 when the refrigerator compartment door 11 is closed. The first receiving member 103 protrudes to the most front among a plurality of receiving members disposed inside the refrigerator compartment 102.

Also, the first receiving member 103 is disposed at a position lower than a bottom surface of the door receiving member 520. Thus, the first receiving member 103 does not interfere with the door receiving member 520 even when the refrigerator compartment door 11 is closed.

A second receiving member 105 is disposed above the first receiving member 103. Also, the second receiving member may have a drawer shape and be slidably withdrawn in front and rear directions. The second receiving member 105 may be disposed at a position facing the door receiving member 520. The second receiving member 105 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of second receiving members 105 may be sequentially disposed in a horizontal direction within the refrigerator compartment 102. The second receiving member 105 is disposed below the receiving member 160.

The first receiving member 103 and the second receiving member 105 may be stacked on each other and respectively mounted on separate frames.

Shelves 107 are disposed above the second receiving member 105. The shelves 107 may be disposed at both left and right sides of the inside of the refrigerator compartment 102. Also, the shelves 107 may be vertically disposed inside the refrigerator compartment 102. The shelves 107 may be fixed and mounted on a rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 102 in a cantilevered manner. For this, a shelf mounting part 109 to which a rear end of the respective shelves 107 is fixed is disposed on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 102.

A plurality of insertion holes in which the rear ends of the shelves 107 are inserted is defined in the shelf mounting part 109. Thus, the shelves may be vertically adjustable in height. Generally, the shelves 107 may be disposed at positions facing the receiving member 160. The shelves 107 disposed at both left and right sides may be disposed at the same height.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example refrigerator compartment door with an example ice compartment door opened. FIG. 5 illustrates the example refrigerator compartment door in a state where an example ice making assembly is removed from an example ice compartment.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the refrigerator compartment door 11 includes an outer case 111 and a door liner 112 coupled to the outer case 111. The door liner 112 defines a back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11.

The door liner 112 defines an ice compartment 120. The ice making assembly 200 for generating and storing the ice is disposed inside the ice compartment 120. An ice bin 300 for storing the ice separated from the ice maker 210 (see FIG. 6) is disposed below the ice making assembly 200.

The ice compartment 120 is opened and closed by an ice compartment door 130. The ice compartment door 130 is rotatably connected to the door liner 112 by an ice compartment door hinge 136.

A handle 140 coupled to the door liner 112 in a state where the ice compartment 120 is closed by the ice compartment door 130 is disposed on the ice compartment door 130. A handle coupling part 128 coupled to a portion of the handle 140 is defined in the door liner 112. The handle coupling part 128 receives the portion of the handle 140.

The receiving member 160 for receiving foods is disposed on the ice compartment door 130. The receiving member 160 has a basket shape. Also, the receiving member 160 is detachably disposed on a back surface (a surface facing the inside of the refrigerator) of the ice compartment door 130.

A gasket 132 is disposed around a front surface (a surface facing the inside of the ice compartment) of the ice compartment door 130. The gasket 132 may contact an opened front end of the ice compartment 120 to seal the ice compartment 120.

The door liner 112 defines a back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11 as well as the ice compartment 120. A portion of the refrigerator compartment door 11 corresponding to a lower side of the ice compartment 120 at the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11 defined by the door liner 112, i.e., a portion of the refrigerator compartment door 11 corresponding to a rear side of the dispenser 17 protrudes further from a portion of the refrigerator compartment door 11 at which the ice compartment 120 is defined. Thus, the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11 defined by the door liner 112 may be stepped. That is, when compared to a total thickness of the refrigerator compartment door 11, the portion of the refrigerator compartment door 11 at which the ice compartment 120 is defined is relatively thinner than the portion of the refrigerator compartment door 11 corresponding to the lower side of the ice compartment 120.

The refrigerator compartment door 11 includes a door supply duct 122 for supplying the cool air of the main body supply duct 106 to the ice compartment and a door recovery duct 124 for recovering the cool air of the ice compartment 120 to the main body recovery duct 108.

The door supply duct 122 and the door recovery duct 124 extend from an outer wall (see reference numeral 113 of FIG. 2) of the door liner 112 to an inner wall 114 constituting the ice compartment 120. The door supply duct 122 and the door recovery duct 124 are vertically arrayed. Also, the door supply duct 122 is disposed above the door recovery duct 124. However, the door supply duct 122 and the door recovery duct 124 are not limited to their positions.

When the refrigerator compartment door 11 is closed, the door supply duct 122 communicates with the main body supply duct (see reference numeral 106 of FIG. 2), and the door recovery duct 124 communicates with the main body recovery duct (see reference numeral 108 of FIG. 2).

The ice compartment 120 includes a cool air duct 290 guiding cool air passing through the door supply duct 122 to the ice making assembly 200. The cool air duct 290 includes a passage through which the cool air flows, and the cool air passing through the cool air duct 290 is finally supplied to the ice making assembly 200. Since the cool air may be concentrated into the ice making assembly 200 through the cool air duct 290, the ice may be rapidly generated.

The refrigerator compartment door 11 includes a first connector 125 for supplying an electric source to the ice making assembly 200. The first connector 125 is exposed to the ice compartment 120. Also, the refrigerator compartment door 11 includes a water supply pipe 126 for supplying water to the ice making assembly 200.

The water supply pipe 126 is disposed between the outer case 111 and the door liner 112, and its end passes through the door liner 112 and is disposed at the ice compartment 120.

An opening 127 for discharging the ice is disposed at the lower side of the inner wall 114 of the door liner 112 constituting the ice compartment 120. An ice duct 150 communicating with the opening 127 is disposed at the lower side of the ice compartment 120.

A receiving unit 500 is disposed below the ice compartment 120, i.e., on a back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11 corresponding to a position at which the dispenser (see reference numeral 17 of FIG. 1) is disposed. The receiving unit 500 is configured to receive the foods into a lower space of the ice compartment 120. The receiving unit 500 can receive long bottles or foods.

A water tank 182 for supplying drinking water or ice making water to the dispenser 17 and the ice maker 210 is disposed below the receiving unit 500. The water tank 182 is disposed in a recessed tank receiving part disposed at a lower side of the refrigerator compartment door 11. An opened front surface of the tank receiving part is covered by a water tank cover 180.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example ice making assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the ice making assembly 200 includes an ice maker 210 defining a space in which an ice is generated and supporting the generated ice, a driving source 220 providing a power for rotating the ice maker 210 to separate the ice from the ice maker 210, a gear box 224 transmitting the power of the driving source 220 to the ice maker 210, and a water guide part 240 for guiding water supplied from the water supply pipe (see reference numeral 126 of FIG. 5) to the ice maker 210.

The ice making assembly 200 includes a support mechanism 250 supporting a seat part 215 on which the ice maker 210 is seated, a tray cover 230 to reduce (e.g., prevent) the water stored in the ice maker 210 from overflowing and concentratedly supplying the cool air, an ice bin 300 storing the ice separated from the ice maker 210, a full ice sensor 270 for detecting a full ice state of the ice bin 300, and a motor assembly 280 selectively connected to the ice bin 300.

An electric wire connected to the motor assembly 280 and an electric wire connected to the driving source 220 are connected to a second connector 282. The second connector is removably coupled to the first connector (see reference numeral 125 of FIG. 5).

In detail, the support mechanism 250 includes a first support part 252 and a second support part 260 coupled to the first support part 252.

The first support part 252 is seated on the ice compartment 120. The motor assembly 280 is disposed on the first support part 252. The motor assembly 280 further includes a connection member 284 connected to an ice discharge member (see reference numeral 400 of FIG. 8) when the ice bin 300 is disposed. The connection member 284 may be exposed to a front side through the first support part 252.

An ice opening 253 through which the ice discharged from the ice bin 300 passes is disposed in a bottom surface of the first support part 252. The ice bin 300 is seated on the first support part 252. That is, the first support part 252 supports the ice bin 300.

When the ice bin 300 is seated on the first support part 252, the motor assembly 280 is connected to the ice bin 300. In this example, the state in which the ice bin 300 is seated on the first support part 252 represents the state in which the ice bin 300 is received in the ice compartment (see reference numeral 120 of FIG. 5).

The seat part 215 on which the ice maker 210 is seated is disposed on the second support part 260. The ice maker 210 includes a rotation shaft 212 at both sides thereof. The rotation shaft 212 has one side connected to the gear box 224 and the other side rotatably connected to the seat part 215.

The full ice sensor 270 is disposed on the second support part 260 at a position spaced apart from the ice maker 210. The full ice sensor 270 is disposed below the ice maker 210.

The full ice sensor 270 includes a transmission part 271 transmitting a signal, and a receiving part 272 spaced apart from the transmission part 271 and receiving a signal from the transmission part 271.

The transmission part 271 and the receiving part 272 are disposed in an inner space of the ice bin 300 when the ice bin 300 is seated on the first support part 252.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example ice bin.

Referring to FIG. 8, an opening 310 is defined at an upper side of the ice bin 300. The ice bin 300 has a front wall 311, a rear wall 312, and sidewalls 313.

An inclined guide surface 320 is disposed inside the ice bin 300 to support the stored ice and guide the stored ice such that the ice is moved downwardly by its own weight.

An ice storage space 315 in which the ice is stored is defined by the front wall 311, the rear wall 312, the sidewalls 313, and the inclined guide surface 320.

The inclined guide surface 320 includes a first inclined guide surface 321 and a second inclined guide surface 322. The first inclined guide surface 321 is inclined downwardly from one wall of the sidewalls 313 toward a central portion. The second inclined guide surface 322 is inclined downwardly from the other wall of the sidewalls 313 toward the central portion.

The ice discharge member 400 is disposed between the first inclined guide surface 321 and the second inclined guide surface 322 to discharge the ice received in the ice bin 300 to the outside of the ice bin 300. That is, the first inclined guide surface 321 and the second inclined guide surface 322 are disposed at left and right sides of the ice discharge member 400.

The ice discharge member 400 includes one or more rotation blades 410 to define a predetermined space 411 in which the ice is disposed. The ice discharge member 400 may include a plurality of rotation blades 410 to easily discharge the ice.

Hereinafter, the ice discharge member 400 including the plurality of rotation blades 410 will be described as an example.

The ices disposed on the first inclined guide surface 321 and the second inclined guide surface 322 are moved toward the ice discharge member 40 by their own weight. Then, the ices are discharged to the outside of the ice bin 300 by an operation of the ice discharge member 400.

The ice discharge member 400 is rotatably disposed between the first inclined guide surface 321 and the second inclined guide surface 322, and also, a discharge part 350 having a discharge hole 351 in which the ice is finally discharged is disposed between the first inclined guide surface 321 and the second inclined guide surface 322.

The ice discharge member 400 is forwardly/reversely and rotatably (or rotatable in both directions) disposed on the discharge part 350.

When the ice discharge member 400 is rotated in a first direction, a plurality of fixed blades 480 crushing the ice by interacting with the rotation blades 410 is disposed at a side of a lower portion of the ice discharge member 400, i.e., a side of the discharge part 350.

The plurality of fixed blades 480 is spaced from each other, and the rotation blades 410 pass through a space between the plurality of fixed blades 480.

When the ice is compressed by the rotation operations of the rotation blades 410 in a state where the ice is jammed between the fixed blades 480 and the rotation blades 410, the ice is crashed to form ice chips.

When the ice discharge member 400 is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, an opening/closing member 340 allowing the discharge hole 410 and the ice storage space 315 to selectively communicate with each other to discharge ice cubes is disposed at the other side of the lower portion of the ice discharge member 400, i.e., the other side of the discharge part 350.

An operation restriction part 341 is disposed below the opening/closing member 340 to restrict an operation range of the opening/closing member 340, thereby reducing (e.g., preventing) the ice cubes from being excessively discharged.

The discharge part 350 has a discharge guide wall 353 having a configuration corresponding to a rotational track of the rotation blade 410. The fixed blades 480 are disposed below the discharge guide wall 353.

The discharge guide wall 353 reduces (e.g., prevents) the crushed ice chips from remaining on the discharge part 350. An ice jam prevention part 330 protruding toward the rotation blade 410 is disposed on a back surface of the front wall 311 of the ice bin 300 to reduce (e.g., prevent) the ice from being jammed between the rotation blades 410 and the front wall 311 of the ice bin 300.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the example ice bin.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the plurality of rotation blades 410 is fixed to a rotation shaft 420. The rotation shaft 420 passes through a connection plate 428 connected to a support plate 425 and the motor assembly (see reference numeral 280 of FIG. 6). The rotation shaft 420 is horizontally disposed within the ice bin 300.

An elastic member 429 having a coil shape and elastically supporting the connection plate 428 is disposed between the support plate 425 and the connection plate 428. The support plate 425 has an inclined surface 426 to smoothly move the ice disposed on the lateral surface of the support plate 425 toward the plurality of rotation blades 410.

In a state where the rotation blade 410, the support plate 425, the connection plate 428, and the elastic member 429 are coupled to the rotation shaft 420, an insertion member 421 is inserted into a front end of the rotation shaft 420.

The plurality of rotation blades 410 are disposed spaced from each other in a direction parallel to an extending direction of the rotation shaft 420.

The rotation shaft 420 is connected to one side of each of the plurality of fixed blades 480. That is, the rotation shaft 420 passes through the plurality of fixed blades 480. A through-hole 481 through which the rotation shaft 420 passes is defined in the respective fixed blades 480.

Here, the through-hole 481 may have a diameter greater than that of the rotation shaft 420 such that the fixed blades 480 are not moved during the rotation of the rotation shaft 420.

The plurality of rotation blades 410 and the plurality of fixed blades 480 may be alternately disposed in the direction parallel to the extending direction of the rotation shaft 420.

As described above, the other side of each of the plurality of fixed blades 480 is fixed to a lower side of the discharge guide wall 353. A fixing member 485 is connected to the other side of the respective fixed blades 480 and inserted into a groove 355 defined in the discharge guide wall 353.

The opening/closing member 340 may be provided in one or plurality. The opening/closing member 340 is disposed at a lateral side of the plurality of fixed blades 480.

The opening/closing member 340 is rotatably disposed on the discharge part 350. The opening/closing member 340 may be formed of an elastic material or supported by an elastic member 343 such as a spring.

This is done for returning the opening/closing member 340 to its initial position when a compression effect is released in a state where an end of the opening/closing member 340 is moved downwardly by the compression effect due to the ice.

The ice discharge member 400, the fixed blade 480, and the opening/closing member 340 are disposed within the ice bin 300, and then, a front plate 311a constituting the front wall 311 of the ice bin 300 is disposed.

A cover member 318 may be disposed at a lower portion of a front surface of the front plate 311a to reduce (e.g., prevent) the opening/closing member 340 or the fixed blade 480 from being exposed to the outside.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of the example refrigerator compartment door. FIG. 11 is a view of a state in which an example ice maker is rotated to separate an ice therefrom in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the ice bin 300 is substantially vertically disposed below the ice maker 210 in a state where the ice making assembly (reference numeral 200 of FIG. 7) is disposed within the ice compartment 120.

In detail, an inlet 301a of the opening 310 of the ice bin 300 is disposed at a position lower than that of the ice maker 210. Thus, when the ice compartment door 130 closes the ice compartment 120, the ice bin 300 is not disposed in a region A between the ice compartment door 130 and the ice maker 210. That is, the ice bin 300 may be disposed in a region except for the region between the ice compartment door 130 and the ice maker 210 in an entire region of the ice compartment 120.

This is done for a reason that the ice bin 300 does not need to dispose the ice bin 300 in the region A because the ice maker 210 is turned over by its rotation operation to separate ices I from the ice maker 210 due to its own weight, thereby dropping into the ice bin 300. That is, since the ices I separated from the ice maker 210 do not pass through the region A, the ice bin need not be disposed in the region A.

Thus, since the ice bin 300 is not disposed in the region A, the ice compartment door 130 may be disposed further adjacent to the ice maker 210. As a result, a total thickness of the refrigerator compartment door 11 may be reduced. That is, the refrigerator compartment door 11 may become slim.

As described above, the plurality of rotation blades 410 may be disposed spaced from each other in a direction parallel to the extending direction (front and rear directions) of the rotation shaft 420. The plurality of rotation blades 410 may be disposed within a range of a front-rear width W of the ice maker 210.

Thus, when the ice maker 210 is rotated to separate the ices I from the ice maker 210, a portion of the plurality of ices separated from the ice maker 210 directly drop into at least one rotation blade of the plurality of rotation blades 410. That is, the ices I separated from the ice maker 210 drop down by their own weight, and one or more ices I of the dropping ices I directly contact at least one rotation blade 410.

At this time, a dropping direction of the ices I separated from the ice maker 210 crosses the extending direction of the rotation shaft 420. In another aspect, the dropping direction of the ices I separated from the ice maker 210 is substantially parallel to a virtual surface defined when the plurality of rotation blades 410 is rotated.

A horizontal distance from the ice compartment door 130 to the rotation shaft 212 of the ice maker 210 is greater than the shortest horizontal distance from the ice compartment door 130 to the discharge hole 351.

A foam solution is filled between the outer case 111 and the door liner 112 of the refrigerator compartment door 11 to form a foam insulation material 115. An insulation material 116 different from the foam insulation material 115 is attached to the back surface of the outer case 111 of the refrigerator compartment door 11.

The insulation material 116 is formed of a material having high efficiency when compared to the foam insulation material 115. For example, a vacuum insulation panel may be used as the insulation material 116, and the insulation material 116 may be attached to a region corresponding to the outer case 111 of the ice compartment 120.

The vacuum insulation panel includes a core material having a vacuum state within an envelope material having low gas permeability. The vacuum insulation panel has superior insulation performance and relatively thin thickness when compared to polyurethane or styrofoam.

Thus, a filling amount of the foam insulation material 115 may be reduced in the region in which the insulation material 116 is attached. As a result, the refrigerator compartment door 11 corresponding to the ice compartment 120 may be slimmer in thickness.

Also, an ice compartment door insulation material 134 including a vacuum insulation panel equal to the insulation material 116 may be attached to the inside of the ice compartment door 130. The ice compartment door insulation material 134 may be attached to design the slimmer ice compartment door 130.

Of course, as necessary, a foam solution together with the ice compartment door insulation material 134 may be filled in the ice compartment door 130.

As described above, in the refrigerator compartment door 11 including the ice compartment door 130, the region in which the ice compartment is defined may be slimmer due to the structure of the ice making assembly 200, the insulation material 116, and the ice compartment door insulation material 134.

Thus, since the refrigerator compartment door 11 becomes slim, the receiving member 160 may be disposed on the ice compartment door 130. In a state where the refrigerator compartment door 11 on which the receiving member 160 is disposed is closed, the receiving member 160 does not interfere with the shelves (see reference numeral 107 of FIG. 3) within the refrigerator. Also, when the refrigerator compartment door 11 on which the receiving member 160 is disposed is rotated, the receiving member 160 may not interfere with the refrigerator compartment door 11 disposed at the other side.

FIG. 12 illustrates the example refrigerator compartment door from which an example receiving member is separated.

Referring to FIG. 12, a receiving member mounting part 170 is disposed on a back surface of the ice compartment door 130. The receiving member mounting part 170 is disposed along a circumference of the ice compartment door 130. Also, the receiving member mounting part 170 protrudes up to a height at which the receiving member 160 is mountable.

An outer surface of the receiving member mounting part 170 may be flush with those of the ice compartment door 130 and the ice compartment (see reference numeral 120 of FIG. 11). When the refrigerator compartment door 11 is closed, a top surface of outer surfaces and a surface of left and right surfaces of the ice compartment 120 and the ice compartment door 130 may be adjacent to the sidewalls of the refrigerator.

The handle 140 is disposed at a central portion of the receiving member mounting part 170 facing the ice compartment door hinge 136 for rotating the ice compartment door 130. The handle 140 is configured to selectively restrict the ice compartment door 130 by its rotation. Also, the handle 140 may constitute a portion of the receiving member mounting part 170 in a state where the ice compartment door 130 is closed.

The ice compartment door hinge 136 rotatably supports the ice compartment door 130 at upper and lower portions of the ice compartment door 130. The lower ice compartment door hinge 136 of the ice compartment door hinge 136 is disposed inside the ice compartment door 130. Thus, when the ice compartment door 130 is closed, an avoidance part 138 for avoiding interference between the ice compartment door 130 and the ice compartment door hinge 136 is disposed.

The avoidance part 138 protrudes when viewed from the back surface (the surface facing the inside of the refrigerator) of the ice compartment door 130. Thus, avoidance part 138 is recessed when viewed from the front surface of the ice compartment door 130 to prevent the ice compartment door 130 from interfering with the ice compartment door hinge 136 when the ice compartment door 130 is closed.

The back surface (the surface facing the inside of the refrigerator) of the ice compartment door 130 is recessed on the whole by the receiving member mounting part 170. A plurality of mounting parts 172 is disposed on the receiving member mounting part 170.

The mounting parts 172 assist the mounting of the receiving member 160 and protrude in directions facing each other at left and right sides of the receiving member mounting part 170. The respective mounting parts 172 have a vertically long projection shape. The mounting parts 172 may be disposed at positions spaced from the ice compartment door 130.

The mounting parts 172 may be provided in plurality along the receiving member mounting part 170. Thus, a user selects one of the plurality of mounting parts 172 to mount the receiving member 160, thereby changing the mounted position of the receiving member 160. Also, the mounting parts 172 are disposed above and below the handle 140 except a position at which the handle 140 is disposed to prevent the handle 140 from interfering with the receiving member 160 when the handle 140 is operated.

The receiving member 160 is removably disposed on the ice compartment door 130. The receiving member 160 may have a width corresponding to a horizontal width of the ice compartment door 130. Thus, when the receiving member is mounted, the receiving member 160 may be disposed on the same plane as an outer surface of the ice compartment door 130, i.e., an outer surface of the receiving member mounting part 170.

FIG. 13 illustrates the example receiving member when viewed from a rear side. FIG. 14 illustrates the example receiving member. FIG. 15 illustrates the example receiving member when viewed from a bottom side. FIG. 16 illustrates a state in which the example receiving member is installed.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, the receiving member 160 has a basket shape with an opened top side. Also, at least a portion of a front surface of the receiving member 160 may be formed of a transparent material to allow the user to confirm the inside of the receiving member 160. A portion of a rear end of the receiving member 160 is inserted into a space between the receiving member mounting parts 170. At this time, a back surface of the receiving member 160 contacts the ice compartment door 130, and the receiving member 160 is closely attached to the ice compartment door 130.

Fixing parts 162 for fixedly mounting the receiving member 160 protrude from both left and right sides of the receiving member 160. The respective fixing parts 162 are disposed at an upper portion of the receiving member 160 and supported by the mounting part 172 disposed on the receiving member mounting part 170.

In detail, the fixing part 162 includes a first extending part 163 downwardly extending and a second extending part 164 laterally extending. When the receiving member 160 is mounted, the first extending part 163 is inserted into a space between the mounting part 172 and the ice compartment door 130, and the second extending part 164 is supported by an upper end of the mounting part 172.

Thus, in a state where the receiving member 160 is mounted on the ice compartment door 130, front and rear movements of the receiving member 160 are restricted by the mounting part 172 and the first extending part 163. Also, the receiving member 160 may be supported by the mounting part 172 and the second extending part 164.

As the receiving member 160 is vertically moved along the back surface of the ice compartment door 130, the receiving member 160 may be detached from the ice compartment door 130.

The receiving member 160 is disposed at a position facing the shelf 107 in a state where the receiving member 160 is mounted on the ice compartment door 130. After the receiving member 160 is detached from the back surface of the ice compartment door 130, the receiving member 160 may be vertically moved, and thus mounted on the back surface of the ice compartment door 130. Thus, the receiving member 160 may be mounted at various heights.

When the receiving member 160 is mounted, an opening 166 is defined in the back surface of the receiving member 160 contacting the ice compartment door 130. Here, a portion of the back surface of the receiving member 160 is cut or punched to define the opening 166. The opening 130 may reduce a contact area between the receiving member 160 and the ice compartment door 130.

A portion of a central portion except both left and right sides of the back surface of the receiving member 160 is downwardly recessed and cut to define the opening 166. Thus, it may reduce (e.g., prevent) dew concentration from occurring on an inner surface of the receiving member 160 due to a temperature difference between a surface of the ice compartment door 130 and the inside of the refrigerator.

Since the portion of the back surface of the receiving member 160 is recessed, the recessed portion of the receiving member 160 may be spaced from the ice compartment door 130 when the receiving member 160 is mounted. Thus, a surface temperature of the ice compartment door 130 may be minimally transferred to the inside of the receiving member 160.

Also, a cool air guide hole 168 may be defined in a bottom surface of the receiving member 160. The cool air guide hole 168 may circulate the cool air in a vertical direction of the receiving member 160 so that the cool air does not stay inside the receiving member 160.

The cool air guide hole 168 is opened toward the door receiving member 520 to smoothly supply the cool air to the door receiving member 520 disposed below the receiving member 160. That is, the cool air guide hole 168 may be inclinedly opened toward the inside of the door receiving member 520.

Also, an induction part 169 for inducing the cool air passing through the cool air guide hole 169 to the door receiving member 520 is further disposed on the bottom surface of the receiving member 160. The induction part 169 is disposed along at least portion of a circumference of the cool air guide hole 168 and downwardly extends. The induction part 169 may be disposed at only a portion of the circumference of the cool air guide hole 168. Also, the induction part 169 may be inclined toward the inside of the door receiving member 520.

When the receiving member 160, a receiving part 167 recessed in a shape corresponding to that of the avoidance part 138 may be further disposed at a position corresponding to that of the avoidance part 138 of the ice compartment door 130. Thus, when the receiving member 160 is mounted, the avoidance part 138 may be received into the receiving part 167. The receiving part 167 protrudes toward an inner space of the receiving member 160.

FIG. 17 illustrates the example refrigerator compartment door from which an example receiving unit is separated.

Referring to FIG. 17, a support protrusion 150 is disposed on a lower portion of the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11 corresponding to a lower side of the ice compartment door 130. The support protrusion 150 fixes and supports the receiving unit 500 when the receiving unit 500 is mounted. The support protrusion 150 protrudes from the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11.

The support protrusion 150 protrudes at each of positions corresponding to both left and right sides of the receiving unit 500. When the receiving unit 500 is mounted, the support protrusion 150 may be forcedly inserted into both left and right sides of the receiving unit 500. In a state where the receiving unit 500 is mounted, the support protrusion 150 supports the receiving unit 500.

A coupling hole 161 is defined below the support protrusion 150. The coupling hole 161 is opened to allow a receiving unit mounting member 600 (that will be described below) to be inserted and fixed thereto. The door liner 112 may be recessed to define the coupling hole 161, or a separate injected member may be mounted on the door liner 112 to define a space in which the receiving unit mounting member 600 is inserted.

The water tank cover 180 protrudes at a lower portion of the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11. The water tank cover 180 is provided as a separate member and coupled to the door liner 112. When the water tank cover 180 is separated, a water tank 182 within the water tank receiving part is exposed.

In case where the water tank 182 is not provided, the door liner 112 may protrude to define the water tank cover 180. In this case, a top surface of the water tank cover 180 may support a lower end of the receiving unit 500.

The water tank cover 180 may define a lower edge of the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11. When the receiving unit 500 is mounted, the lower end of the receiving unit 500 may be supported by the top surface of the water tank cover 180.

Lower end fixing parts 184 upwardly protruding are disposed at both left and right sides of the top surface of the water tank cover 180. The lower end fixing part 184 fixes the lower end of the receiving unit 500. The lower end fixing part 184 protrudes upwardly at a position spaced from the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11. Thus, the lower end of the receiving unit 500 may be inserted between the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11 and the lower end fixing part 184.

As necessary, the lower end fixing part 184 may have a recessed shape, but the protruding shape so that the lower end of the receiving unit 500 is inserted to restrict the lower end of the receiving unit 500.

FIG. 18 illustrates the example receiving unit when viewed from a rear side. FIG. 19 illustrates the example receiving unit when viewed from a bottom side. FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 12.

Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the receiving unit 500 includes a frame 510 disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11 and a door receiving member 520 disposed on a lower end of the frame 510 to define a receiving space.

The frame 510 extends from an upper end of the water tank cover 180 to a lower side of the ice compartment door 130. The frame 510 may have a width corresponding to that of the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11. The door receiving member 520 may have a width corresponding to that of the frame 510 at a lower end of the frame 510.

A frame circumference 530 is disposed along a circumference of the frame 510. The frame circumference 530 may be disposed on both left and right side ends and an upper end of the frame 510 and protrudes forwardly. The frame circumference 530 may have a recessed shape when viewed from a rear side. The left and right side ends and the upper end of the frame 510 may be bent to form the frame circumference 530.

An opening 512 is defined in an upper portion of the frame 510. The frame circumference 530 may be grasped together with the handle through the opening 512. An upper side of the frame 510 contacting the frame circumference 530 disposed on the upper end of the frame 510 is opened to define the opening 512. That is, as the opening 512 is defined, the frame circumference 530 defining the upper end of the frame 510 may be grasped together with the handle by the user.

Partition walls 532 are disposed on upper left and right ends of the frame circumference 530 defining both left and light ends of the frame 510, respectively. The partition walls 532 contact a top surface of the support protrusion 150 when the frame 510 is completely mounted on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11. That is, when the frame 510 is mounted, the support protrusion 150 supports the partition wall 532 in a downward direction.

The top surface of the support protrusion 150 may be inclined. Thus, when the frame 510 is mounted, the support protrusion 150 may be easily inserted inside the frame circumference 530 in case where the frame 510 is coupled while it is rotated with respect to a lower end thereof.

Also, when the frame 510 is completely mounted on the refrigerator compartment door 11, the top surface of the support protrusion 150 compresses the partition wall 532 of the frame circumference 530 from a downward direction of the partition wall 532. Thus, the support protrusion may support the frame 510 as well as maintain the mounting state of the frame 510.

A lower protrusion 514 protruding downwardly is disposed on a lower end of the frame 510. The lower protrusion 514 is a portion that is fixed to the water tank cover 180 when the frame 510 is mounted. The lower protrusion 514 protrudes downwardly from each of both left and right sides of the lower end of the frame 510.

The lower protrusion 514 is disposed at a position corresponding to that of the lower end fixing part 184 to receive the lower end fixing part 184. The lower protrusion 514 extends a lower end of the back surface of the frame 510. When the frame 510 is mounted on the refrigerator compartment door 11, the lower protrusion 514 may be inserted between the lower end fixing part 184 and the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11.

Both ends of the lower protrusion 514 are bent to guide the lower end fixing part 184 such that the lower end fixing part 184 is received between both ends of the lower protrusion 514 to mount the frame 510 in position.

A receiving unit mounting member 600 for selectively fixing the frame 510 to the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11 is disposed on the frame circumference 530. The receiving unit mounting member 600 may be moved by a pushing operation of the user and selectively fixed to the inside of the coupling hole 161.

That is, the receiving unit mounting member 600 is rotatably disposed on the frame 510. The user may push the receiving unit mounting member 600 to rotate the receiving unit mounting member 600, and thus, the receiving unit mounting member 600 may be restricted by the coupling hole 161 to fixedly mount the frame 510.

FIG. 21 illustrates a coupling relation between an example receiving unit mounting member and an example frame.

Referring to FIG. 21, the receiving unit mounting member 600 includes an operation part 610 pushed by the user, a rotation shaft that provides a rotation center of the receiving unit mounting member 600, and a restriction part 630 inserted into the coupling hole 161.

In detail, the operation part 610 is disposed in an exposure hole 534 opened toward both left and right sides of the frame 510. The operation part 610 protrudes to improve user's convenience. The exposure hole 534 is defined in both left and right surfaces of the frame 510 to expose the operation part 610 toward both sides of the frame 510. Thus, the user may push the operation part 610 while the user holds the left and right sides of the frame 510.

A portion of the operation part 610 protrudes through the exposure hole 534, and a remaining portion is disposed within the frame circumference 530. The rotation shaft 620 is disposed at a side of a portion spaced from the operation part 610. The rotation shaft 620 rotates a shaft mounting part 536. Also, the rotation shaft 620 may rotate the restriction part 630 when the operation part 610 is pushed.

The rotation shaft 620 may vertically extend and be fixedly mounted on the shaft mounting part 536 disposed within the frame circumference 530. An elastic member 640 such as torsion spring may be disposed on the rotation shaft 620. The elastic member 640 returns the receiving unit mounting member 600 to its natural position through an elastic recovery force. When an external force is not applied, the elastic member 640 may allow the restriction part 630 to be restricted while the restriction part 620 compress the inside of the coupling hole (see reference numeral 161 of FIG. 17).

That is, when the user pushes the operation part 610, the elastic member 640 is elastically deformed and the restriction part 630 is rotated. Also, when the user takes the operation part 610 off his/her hands, the restriction part 630 is returned to its nature position due to the elastic recovery force of the elastic member 640.

The restriction part 630 extends from a side of the operation part 610. Also, the restriction part 630 extends such that it is insertable into the coupling hole 161. The restriction part 630 is bent to compress an inner sidewall of the coupling hole 161.

Also, when the frame 510 is mounted, an end of the restriction part 630 may be inclined such that the restriction member 630 is smoothly inserted into the coupling hole 161 by rotating the frame 510. Thus, when the frame 510 is mounted, the restriction part 630 may be smoothly inserted into the coupling hole 161. Also, the rotation shaft 620 is rotated to elastically deform the elastic member 640.

A friction member 632 may be further disposed on the restriction part 630 inserted into the coupling hole 161. The friction member 632 is disposed on the restriction part 630 contacting an outer surface of the coupling hole 161. The friction member 632 may be formed of a rubber or a material having a high friction force such as the rubber.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 16, when the ice compartment door 130 and the refrigerator compartment door 11 are closed, the cool air flows from the main body supply duct 106 to the ice compartment 120 via the door supply duct 122. At this time, a cool air duct communicating with the door supply duct 122 is disposed inside the ice compartment 120 to concentratedly supply the cool air toward the ice maker 210.

The cool air supplied into the ice compartment 120 passes through the ice making assembly 200 to make ice in the ice maker 210. The cool air within the ice compartment 120 is discharged to the outside of the ice compartment 120 through the door recovery duct 124 and recovered into the freezer compartment 104 through the main body recovery duct 108. The cool air is continuously circulated through such passages. Thus, a temperature for making the ice in the ice compartment 120 and a temperature for maintaining the made ice may be maintained.

Also, the spaces within the refrigerator are thermally insulated by the foam insulation material 115 within the refrigerator compartment door 11. Specifically, a space between the ice compartment 120 and an external space of the ice compartment 120 may be thermally further insulated by the insulation material 116 having a sheet shape and disposed inside the refrigerator compartment door 11 corresponding to the region in which the ice compartment is defined.

Also, a space between the ice compartment 120 and the refrigerator compartment 102 may be thermally insulated by the foam insulation material within the refrigerator compartment door 11 and/or the insulation material 116 having the sheet shape.

When the ice is made in the ice maker 210 within the ice compartment 120, a portion of the ice maker 210 at which the ices are made is rotated, and thus, the made ices drop vertically downward from the ice maker 210. The ices separated from the ice maker 210 directly drop toward the ice discharge member 400 and then are piled up a lower space within the ice bin 300.

When the dispenser 17 is operated to dispense the ice stored in the ice bin 300, the rotation blades 410 are rotated to dispense the made ice in the ice cube state that is its original state. At this time, when the rotation blades 410 is rotated in the first direction, the ice disposed in the space between the rotation blades 410 is discharged to the discharge hole 510 through the opening/closing part 340.

When the rotation blades 410 is rotated in the second direction, the ice disposed in the space between the rotation blades 410 is crushed between the fixed blade 480 and the rotation blade 410, and thus discharged to the discharge hole 351 in the ice chip state.

That is, the ice cube state or the ice chip state of the ice may be determined according to the rotation direction of the rotation blade 410. The ice discharged to the discharge hole 351 is dispensed to the dispenser 17 via the inlet 152 and the outlet 154 of the ice duct 150.

The space within the ice compartment 120 may be reduced due to the structure of the ice making assembly 200 within the ice compartment 120. Also, the refrigerator compartment door 11 and the ice compartment door itself may be reduced in thickness due to the insulation material 116 having the sheet shape and the ice compartment door insulation material 134, which are respectively disposed within the refrigerator compartment door 11 and the ice compartment door 130.

That is, a region in which the refrigerator compartment door 11 and the ice compartment door 120 are disposed may become slim. Thus, the receiving member 160 may be mounted on the ice compartment door 130. The receiving member 160 may be mounted on the mounting part 172 of the ice compartment door 130. Also, the receiving member 160 may be fixedly mounted by the restriction of the mounting part 172 and the fixing part 162.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example refrigerator in a state where the refrigerator compartment door is closed.

Referring to FIG. 22, when the refrigerator compartment door 11 is closed, the receiving members 160 disposed at the ice compartment 120 and on the ice compartment door 130 are disposed inside the refrigerator compartment 102.

In this state, a portion of the refrigerator compartment door 11 including the ice compartment 120 becomes slim to prevent the receiving members 160 from interfering with the shelf 107 even when the receiving members 160 are mounted. Of course, a front and rear length of the shelf 107 may be maintained at its existing length.

Thus, the refrigerator compartment door 11 may become slim on the whole by a space in which the receiving members 160 are mounted to increase an inner volume of the refrigerator.

The water tank cover 180 is disposed at a front side of the first receiving member 103, and the door receiving member 520 is disposed at a front side of the second receiving member 105. At this time, the door receiving member 520 is disposed at a portion at which the first receiving member 103 and the second receiving member 105 have a height difference.

In detail, a rear end of the door receiving member 520 is disposed between a front end of the first receiving member 103 and a front end of the second receiving member 105. Thus, the door receiving member 520 is disposed above the first receiving member 103 and at a front side of the second receiving member 105.

The receiving member 160 disposed on the ice compartment door 130 is disposed at a front side of the shelf 107. In this state, a portion of the refrigerator compartment door 11 including the ice compartment 120 becomes slim to prevent the receiving members 160 from interfering with the shelf 107 even when the receiving members 160 are mounted. Of course, a front and rear length of the shelf 107 may be maintained at the length of the existing shelf 107.

The cool air generated in the evaporator may be discharged into the inner space of the refrigerator compartment 102 through the discharge hole of the cool air supply duct 101 disposed in the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 102. The cool air discharged through the discharge hole may flow in a front direction and along the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11.

At this time, the cool air flowing into the receiving member 160 is moved downwardly. Then, the cool air may flow toward the door receiving member 520 through the cool air guide hole 168 via the receiving member 160. Also, the cool air may flow toward the inside of the receiving member 160 by the induction part 169 disposed around the cool air guide hole 168. Thus, the cool air may uniformly cool the receiving member 160 as well as the inside of the door receiving member 520.

FIG. 23 illustrates a mounting process of the example receiving unit.

Referring to FIG. 23, a lower end of the receiving unit 500 is seated on a top surface of the water tank cover 180 to mount the receiving unit 500 on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11.

That is, the lower protrusion 514 of the receiving unit 500 is inserted between the lower end fixing part 520 disposed on the top surface of the water tank cover 180 and the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11. To smoothly insert the lower protrusion 514, the frame 510 is moved downwardly in a state where it is tilted, and then, the lower end of the frame 510 contacts the top surface of the water tank cover 180. At this time, the lower end fixing part 520 is disposed inside the bent portion of the lower protrusion 514 to dispose the frame 510 at an exact mounting position.

In a state where the lower end of the frame 510 is supported by the water tank cover 180, the user rotates the frame toward the refrigerator compartment door 11 in a state where the user grasps the top end of the frame 510.

The restriction part 630 of the receiving unit mounting member 600 is inserted into the coupling hole 161 before the frame 510 is completely rotated. Then, the restriction part 630 is completely inserted into the coupling hole 161 to compress the inside of the coupling hole 161 or hook-coupled to the inner surface of the coupling hole 161 to maintain a state in which the frame 510 is mounted.

The support protrusion 150 is inserted into a rear side of the frame circumference 530 before the frame 510 is completely rotated. When the frame 510 is completely rotated to complete the mounting of the receiving unit 500, the support protrusion 150 is completely inserted into the frame circumference 530. The support protrusion supports the partition wall 532 disposed inside the frame circumference (see reference numeral 530 of FIG. 19) at a downward direction as well as compresses the partition wall 532 to maintain the fixed state of the frame 510.

As described above, when the receiving unit 500 is completely mounted, the receiving unit 500 is supported by the support protrusion 150, the receiving unit mounting member 600, and the lower protrusion 514 disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 11 at three points (upper, middle and lower portions) of the frame 510 to maintain the stable mounting state of the frame 510.

When the receiving unit 500 is completely mounted, the user may store various foods such as the long bottles or foods within the receiving unit 500.

In a state where the receiving unit 500 is mounted, the user grasps both left and right sides of the frame 510 and rotates the frame 510 in a direction opposite to the mounting direction to separate the receiving unit 500.

In detail, the user grasps both left and right sides of the frame 500. At this time, the user pushes the operation part 610 of the receiving unit mounting member 600 exposed in a lateral direction of the frame circumference 530. When the operation part 610 is pushed, the receiving unit mounting member 600 is rotated with respect to the rotation shaft 620. Thus, the restriction part 630 is released from a state it is restricted inside the coupling hole 161.

In this state, the user rotates the upper portion of the frame 510 in a state where the user grasps the frame 510. As a result, the support protrusion 150 supporting the frame 510 gets out from the frame circumference 530.

The support protrusion 150 is separated from the frame circumference 530 by pulling the frame 510, and the restriction part 630 gets out from the coupling hole 161. In this state, the user lifts the frame 510 to allow the lower protrusion 514 to get out from the lower restriction part 630, thereby completely separating the frame 510.

When the receiving unit 500 is completely separated, the user may move the receiving unit 500 in a state where the user grasps the frame circumference 530 disposed on the upper portion of the receiving unit 500, i.e., the handle. Also, in a state where the foods are received into the door receiving member 520 of the receiving unit 500, the receiving unit 500 may be moved to easily transfer a large amount of foods or other foods having similar objects at the same time.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example refrigerator door.

This example is similar to the example described above except for a mounted structure of a receiving member. Thus, only new portions of this example will be described below, and the same parts will be given the same reference numerals. Thus, their detailed descriptions were presented above.

Referring to FIG. 24, an ice compartment (see reference numeral 120 of FIG. 5) defined in a refrigerator compartment door 11 is opened and closed by an ice compartment door 130. A receiving member mounting part 190 for mounting a receiving member 160 is disposed on the ice compartment door 130.

The receiving member mounting part 190 is disposed at each of both left and right ends of the ice compartment door 130. The receiving member mounting part 190 protrudes at a position corresponding to that on which the receiving member 160 is mounted. The receiving member mounting part 190 has a length corresponding to a vertical length of the receiving member 160. Thus, when the receiving member is mounted, it may be a sense of unity.

The receiving member mounting part 190 is disposed above and below a handle 142 for opening and closing the ice compartment door 130. A circumference of the ice compartment door 130 on which the receiving member mounting part 190 is not disposed may be flat.

Mounting protrusions 192 protruding in a direction facing each other may be further disposed between the receiving member mounting parts 190 disposed on the left and right sides of the ice compartment door 130. The mounting protrusions 192 may have the same configuration as that the mounting parts 172 described above.

Thus, when the receiving member 160 is mounted, a fixing part 162 of the receiving member 160 is restricted by the mounting protrusion 192 of the receiving member mounting part 190 to maintain the mounted state of the receiving member 160.

When the receiving member is mounted, left and right surfaces of the receiving member 160 have the same plan as a lateral surface of the receiving member mounting part 190 and outer surfaces of the ice compartment door 130 and the ice compartment. The remaining surface of the ice compartment door 130 except a portion on which the receiving member mounting part 190 is disposed may be flat on the whole. Thus, the ice compartment door 130 may be very slim-looking.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example refrigerator door.

This example is similar to the example described above except for a mounted structure of a receiving member. Thus, only new portions of this example will be described below, and the same parts will be given the same reference numerals. Thus, their detailed descriptions were presented above.

Referring to FIG. 25, an ice compartment (see reference numeral 120 of FIG. 5) defined in a refrigerator compartment door 11 is opened and closed by an ice compartment door 130. A back surface of the ice compartment door 130 may be flat on the whole. A receiving member mounting part 139 for mounting a receiving member 700 having a basket shape is disposed on the ice compartment door 130.

The receiving member mounting part 139 may have a vertically long hole shape. An opened inside of the receiving member mounting part 139 is downwardly recessed to receive a fixing protrusion 710 disposed on the receiving member 700. That is, the fixing protrusion 710 is inserted into the recessed portion of the receiving member mounting part 139, and then is downwardly moved to fix the receiving member 700.

The receiving member mounting part 139 may be disposed on each of both left and right ends of a back surface of the ice compartment door 130. The receiving member mounting part 139 may be provided in plurality on each of both sides to receive the plurality of fixing protrusions disposed on both sides of the receiving member 700.

The receiving member mounting parts 139 are disposed above and below a handle 144 for opening and closing the ice compartment door 130. The receiving member mounting parts 139 may be provided in plurality with a predetermined distance to mount the receiving member 700 at a desired height of the ice compartment door 130.

The fixing protrusion 710 protruding in a rear direction is disposed on each of both left and right ends of the receiving member 700. The fixing protrusion 710 has a shape insertable into the receiving member mounting part 139.

The fixing protrusion 710 extends in a rear direction, and then, the extending end is downwardly bent again to form a hook shape or vertically bent shape. Thus, when the receiving member 700 is mounted, the fixing protrusion 710 is inserted into the receiving member mounting part 139, and then, the receiving member 700 is downwardly moved to restrict the fixing protrusion 710 inside the receiving member mounting part 139.

When the receiving member 700 is mounted on the ice compartment door 130, an outer surface of the receiving member 700 has the same plane as those of the ice compartment door 130 and the ice compartment 120.

The receiving member mounting part 139 and the fixing protrusion 710 may be changed in position. The receiving member mounting part 139 and the fixing protrusion 710 may be disposed on a central portion or other positions, but both left and right sides.

According to the proposed implementations, since the ice within the ice bin are moved from the upper side to the lower side and moved and drop by the plurality of rotation blades, the ice bin can be reduced in thickness.

Also, the refrigerator compartment door can be reduced in thickness by the decrease of the thickness of the ice bin and the position of the ice bin within the ice compartment according to the separation method of the ices from the ice maker.

Also, another insulation material except a foam insulation material is further provided inside a region of the refrigerator compartment door corresponding to that of the ice compartment to reduce the thickness of a portion of the refrigerator compartment door corresponding to that at which the ice compartment is defined when the additional insulation material has superior insulation performance.

Also, when the refrigerator door becomes slim, the receiving member for additionally receiving the foods can be disposed in the refrigerator door.

Also, when the refrigerator door is reduced in thickness, since a portion (that is inserted into the storage compartment) of the refrigerator door is reduced in volume, the receivable capacity of the storage compartment can increase.

Also, according to the proposed implementations, the first receiving member and the second receiving member have the height difference, and the shelf is disposed above the second receiving member. Also, the receiving member is disposed on the ice compartment door at a position of the refrigerator compartment door corresponding to that at which the shelf is disposed, and the door receiving member is disposed on the refrigerator compartment door below the ice compartment door.

Also, when the refrigerator compartment door is closed, the door receiving member is disposed on a portion at which the first receiving member and the second receiving member have the height difference, and the receiving member is disposed on a front side of the shelf.

Thus, the volumes of the door receiving member and the receiving member, which are disposed on the refrigerator compartment door, can be maximized to improve the space efficiency within the refrigerator.

Also, the cool air guide hole is defined in the bottom surface of the receiving member to supply the cool air supplied into the refrigerator to the door receiving member through the cool air guide hole. Thus, the door receiving member in which a relatively small amount of the cool air is supplied can be uniformly cooled.

Also, according to the proposed implementations, the receiving unit removable by an operation of the user is disposed below the ice compartment.

Thus, the user can separate the whole receiving unit to transfer the separated receiving unit in a state where beverages or foods are received in the receiving unit. Specifically, since it may be convenient to transfer a plurality of relatively long bottles, the convenience of use can be improved.

Also, since the handle is disposed above the receiving unit, the receiving unit can be more easily transferred and detached.

Also, since the receiving unit is supported at three points by the mounting member, the support protrusion, and support member, the receiving unit can be further stably mounted.

Also, since the receiving unit is rotated with respect to the lower end thereof when the receiving unit is detached, the receiving unit can be further easily and stably detached.

Although examples have been described with reference to a number of illustrative implementations, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and implementations can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerator compartment;
a refrigerator compartment door configured to open and close at least a portion of the refrigerator compartment;
an ice compartment in which an ice maker is disposed, the ice compartment being defined as an insulation space within the refrigerator compartment door;
an ice compartment door configured to open and close the ice compartment; and
a receiving member disposed on the ice compartment door, the receiving member protruding toward an inside of the refrigerator compartment to provide a receiving space on a portion of the refrigerator compartment door corresponding to the ice compartment.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the receiving member comprises multiple receiving members disposed on each of upper and lower sides of a handle configured to open and close the ice compartment door.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising receiving member mounting parts that are disposed on each of both sides of the ice compartment door, that protrude along both sides of the ice compartment door, and to which the receiving member is detachably mounted.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising inwardly protruding mounting parts coupled to each of both lateral surfaces of the receiving member of the ice compartment door.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the mounting parts are provided in plurality to enable mounting of the receiving member at a desired height.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of a receiving member mounting part is disposed at the same level as an outer surface of the ice compartment.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of a receiving member mounting part contacts an inner surface of the refrigerator compartment when the refrigerator compartment door is closed.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerator compartment door includes a foam insulation material positioned within the refrigerator compartment door, the foam insulation material being thermally insulating, and

the refrigerator compartment door further includes a second insulation material different from the foam insulation material positioned within the refrigerator compartment door at a location corresponding to the ice compartment.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the second insulation material is attached to a back surface of an outer case defining a front surface of the refrigerator compartment door.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the second insulation material has a sheet shape and is disposed at a position corresponding to a region in which the ice compartment is defined.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 8, further comprising an ice compartment door insulation material positioned in the ice compartment door and having a sheet shape.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the ice compartment door further includes the foam insulation material positioned within the ice compartment door, the ice compartment door insulation material being different than the foam insulation material.

13. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerator compartment;
a refrigerator compartment door configured to open and close at least a portion of the refrigerator compartment;
an ice compartment in which an ice maker is disposed, the ice compartment being defined as an insulation space within the refrigerator compartment door;
an ice compartment door configured to open and close the ice compartment;
a receiving member disposed on the ice compartment door, the receiving member protruding toward an inside of the refrigerator compartment to provide a receiving space;
a receiving unit detachably disposed on a back surface of the refrigerator compartment door below the ice compartment; and
receiving unit mounting members disposed on each of at least two sides of the receiving unit, the receiving unit mounting members being configured to enable removal and replacement of the receiving unit at the refrigerator compartment door.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein each of the receiving unit mounting members comprises:

an operation part exposed to an outside of the receiving unit, the operation part being configured to allow operation by a user;
a restriction part extending from the operation part, the restriction part being configured to insert into a coupling hole defined in the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door; and
a rotation shaft disposed between the operation part and the restriction part and configured to cause movement of the restriction part in response to user operation of the operation part, the movement of the restriction part promoting release of the restriction part from the coupling hole when the restriction part is inserted in the coupling hole.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 13, further comprising a support protrusion that is disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door, and that engages with and supports the receiving unit when the receiving unit is disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein the support protrusion is disposed above the receiving unit mounting members.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 13, further comprising a support member that is disposed on the refrigerator compartment door and that protrudes at a lower side of the receiving unit to support a lower end of the receiving unit.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein the support member is detachably coupled to the refrigerator compartment door and covers a water tank disposed inside the refrigerator compartment door.

19. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the receiving unit is supported by the receiving unit mounting members, a support protrusion disposed on the refrigerator compartment door above the receiving unit mounting members, and a support member disposed on the refrigerator compartment door below the receiving unit mounting members.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the receiving unit comprises:

a frame detachably disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door below the ice compartment;
a door receiving member disposed on the frame, the door receiving member defining a receiving space; and
receiving unit mounting members disposed on each of at least two sides of the frame, the receiving unit mounting members being configured to enable removal and replacement of the receiving unit at the refrigerator compartment door.

21. The refrigerator according to claim 20, further comprising a handle disposed on an upper end of the frame.

22. The refrigerator according to claim 20, further comprising a frame circumference that is disposed on at least a portion of a circumference of the frame, that protrudes in a front direction, and that has an opened rear surface.

23. The refrigerator according to claim 22, wherein each of the receiving unit mounting members is rotatably disposed on an inside of the frame circumference and configured to selectively engage with a coupling hole defined in the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door.

24. The refrigerator according to claim 22, further comprising support protrusions disposed on the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door and configured to insert into the frame circumference at sides of the frame circumference to fix the frame.

25. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerator compartment;
a first receiving member disposed on a bottom surface of the refrigerator compartment;
a second receiving member disposed on a top surface of the first receiving member, the first receiving member extending closer to a front of the refrigerator compartment than the second receiving member such that a portion of the top surface of the first receiving member remains uncovered;
a plurality of shelves disposed above the second receiving member;
a refrigerator compartment door configured to open and close at least a portion of the refrigerator compartment;
an ice compartment defined as an insulation space within the refrigerator compartment door;
a refrigerator compartment door receiving member disposed on the refrigerator compartment door at a position corresponding to the second receiving member;
an ice compartment door configured to open and close the ice compartment;
an ice compartment door receiving member disposed on the ice compartment door,
wherein, when the refrigerator compartment door is oriented in a closed position, the refrigerator compartment door receiving member is disposed in front of the second receiving member at the portion of the top surface of the first receiving member that remains uncovered, and the ice compartment door receiving member is disposed at a front side of the shelves.

26. The refrigerator according to claim 25, wherein at least one of the shelves extends up to a position corresponding to that of a front end of the second receiving member.

27. The refrigerator according to claim 25, wherein, when the refrigerator compartment door is oriented in the closed position, the refrigerator compartment door receiving member and the ice compartment door receiving member extend a same distance into an inside the refrigerator compartment.

28. The refrigerator according to claim 25, wherein the first receiving member comprises a drawer, and the second receiving member comprises a shelf.

29. The refrigerator according to claim 25, wherein the refrigerator compartment door receiving member extends out from a back surface of the refrigerator compartment door a distance that corresponds to the portion of the top surface of the first receiving member that remains uncovered.

30. The refrigerator according to claim 25, further comprising a cool air guide hole that is defined in the ice compartment door receiving member and opens toward the refrigerator compartment door receiving member to guide cool air toward the refrigerator compartment door receiving member.

31. The refrigerator according to claim 25, further comprising a cool air guide hole that is defined in a bottom surface of the ice compartment door receiving member and that enables circulation of cool air through the ice compartment door receiving member.

32. The refrigerator according to claim 31, further comprising an induction part that is disposed outside the cool air guide hole, that protrudes downwardly from the cool air guide hole, and that is configured to induce cool air toward the refrigerator compartment door receiving member.

33. The refrigerator according to claim 25, further comprising:

a foam insulation material disposed inside the refrigerator compartment door; and
a vacuum insulation panel attached to an inside of the refrigerator compartment door at a position corresponding to a region in which the ice compartment is defined, the vacuum insulation panel being different than the foam insulation material.

34. The refrigerator according to claim 25, wherein, when the refrigerator compartment door is oriented in the closed position, a lower portion of the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door extends into the refrigerator compartment further than the ice compartment.

Patent History
Publication number: 20110146335
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 7, 2010
Publication Date: Jun 23, 2011
Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC. (Seoul)
Inventors: Jae Hun JUNG (Gyeongsangnam-do), Do Wan KIM (Gyeongsangnam-do), Chan Ju PAE (Gyeongsangnam-do)
Application Number: 12/961,653
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Plural Cooled Compartments (62/441)
International Classification: F25D 11/02 (20060101);