Refrigerator with icemaker

0001The present invention relates to refrigerators, and more particularly, to a refrigerator with an icemaker of an improved structure, which can dispense ice pieces from a dispenser provided in a refrigerator door.

0002The refrigerator is used for keeping food fresh for an extended period. The refrigerator has food storage chambers, the temperature of each of which is kept low by a refrigerating cycle, for fresh storage of the food.

0003There are a plurality of storage chambers of different characteristics, so that the user can select storage methods suitable for storage of various kinds of food, taking kinds and characteristics of food and required storage time periods into account. Of the storage chambers, the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber are typical.

0004The refrigerating chamber is maintained at about 3°C ∼ 4°C for extended fresh storage of food and vegetable. The freezing chamber is maintained at a subzero temperature for storage of meat and fish in a frozen state, and making and storage of ice pieces. In general, the refrigerating chamber has a volume greater than the freezing chamber, and the freezing chamber is arranged over the refrigerating chamber.

0005More recently, other than the foregoing traditional functions of the refrigerator, the refrigerator has been developed to have a variety of additional functions. For an example, for supplying cold drinking water from the refrigerating chamber. In the related art, the user is required to open the door, and take out a water bottle from the refrigerating chamber.

0006However, recently, a refrigerator provided with a water dispenser in the outside of a refrigerator door has been developed, for dispensing cold water cooled down by cold air in the refrigerating chamber, enabling the user to access cold water without opening the door. Moreover, refrigerators each having a water purifying function added to the water dispenser are known.

0007In general, the water dispenser is provided in a door of the refrigerating chamber for easy supply of water from the refrigerating chamber from the outside. However, since the refrigerating chamber is arranged under the freezing chamber, the water dispenser cannot, but be provided at a relatively low position. Thus using the water dispenser is awkward as the user is required to bend down.

0008<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US4970871A"><text>United States Patent Number 4,970,871</text></patcit> discloses a carbonator refrigeration system for use in a conventional refrigerator for dispensing a chilled carbonated liquid such as water or a beverage from the front door of the refrigerator. The system includes a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a carbonator and a valve member wherein the valve member is responsive to conditions detected within the refrigerator for selectively directing a source of cooling fluid to or away from a heat exchange device provided in connection with the carbonator. The carbonator refrigeration system enables cooling of the carbonator for home dispensing use in a time-share manner with the remaining mechanical refrigeration components.

0009When the user drinks water, and when the user cooks food, the user often has need of ice. For using ice thus, it is necessary to open the door of the freezing chamber, and take ice from an ice tray.

0010The opening of the door on the freezing chamber for using the ice causes cold air to escape from the freezing chamber resulting in temperature rise of the freezing chamber. This requires more work of the compressor, consuming an energy.

0011<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US3561231A"><text>US-A-3 561 231</text></patcit> discloses a refrigerator with an icemaker mounted in the freezing chamber of the refrigerator. An ice storing receptacle is provided in a cavity formed at the door of the refrigerating chamber and accessible via an extra door.

0012Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a refrigerator with an icemaker that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

0013An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator with an icemaker of an improved structure, in which a dispenser is provided at a height convenient for a user.

0014Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator with an icemaker of an improved structure, which can dispense ice to a user at an outside of the refrigerator without opening a door.

0015The present invention is defined in the accompanying independent claims. Some preferred features are recited in the dependent claims.

0016Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

0017To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the refrigerator with an icemaker includes a cabinet, a case, a first duct, the icemaker, an ice container, and a dispenser.

0018The cabinet may include a dividing wall for compartmentalization of a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber. The case is provided in a door on the refrigerating chamber, and has a cavity therein. It is preferable that the case is formed of a thermal insulating material. The first duct provided to pass through the wall for supplying cold air from a neighborhood of an evaporator in the freezing chamber to the cavity. The icemaker is provided in the cavity, and produces ice, and the ice container is provided in the cavity, and stores the ice. The dispenser is provided in the door so as to be in communication with the cavity.

0019The first duct may include a first part in the door in communication with the cavity, and a second part in the freezing chamber passed through the wall, the second part being in communication with the first part when the door is closed. The first duct further includes a gasket at a connection part of the first and the second parts when the door is closed.

0020The first duct may include a first part in the door in communication with the cavity, and a second part in contact with the wall, and in communication with the first part passed through the wall.

0021The first duct may include a first part provided to the door, and a second part provided to a sidewall of the cabinet so as to be in communication with the first part.

0022The refrigerator may further include a first fan adjacent the evaporator for supplying cold air to the first duct, and a second fan in a bent part of the first duct for turning a flow direction of the cold air. The case may further include a hole in communication with the refrigerating chamber. The case may further include a damper on the hole.

0023The second duct may have one end arranged adjacent the evaporator, and the other end arranged in the refrigerating chamber, for supplying the cold air to the refrigerating chamber.

0024The second duct includes a plurality of through holes in an outside circumferential surface for supplying cold air to the refrigerating chamber. The second duct may include a louvre provided to each of the through holes for guiding a discharge direction of the cold air.

0025The refrigerator may further include a damper adjacent to the evaporator for controlling a flow rate of the cold air supplied to the second duct.

0026In other aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator with an icemaker including the cabinet, the case, the first duct, a third duct, the icemaker, the ice container, and the dispenser.

0027The third duct may have one end in communication with the cavity, and the other end in communication with the freezing chamber, for supplying the cold air from the cavity to the freezing chamber.

0028The third duct may include a third part provided to the door so as to be in communication with the cavity, and a fourth part in communication with the freezing chamber passed through the mullion wall, and fitted so as to be in communication with the third part when the door is closed. The third duct may further include a gasket provided to a part where the third part and the fourth part are connected when the door is closed.

0029The third duct may include a third part provided to the door so as to be in communication with the cavity, and a fourth part provided to the sidewall of the cabinet, and fitted so as to be in communication with the third part when the door is closed.

0030In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator with an icemaker including the cabinet, the case, the first duct, the second duct, the third duct, the icemaker, the ice container, and the dispenser.

0031It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed.

0032The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings; <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a diagram of a refrigerator not representing embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an icemaker provided to the refrigerator in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a partial section of the ice maker and the ice container provided to the refrigerator in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a diagram showing an operation of the icemaker provided to a refrigerator in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a diagram of an improved refrigerator in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a side section showing a first embodiment of the refrigerator in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a side section showing a second embodiment of the refrigerator in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a side section showing a third embodiment of the refrigerator in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a side section showing a fourth embodiment of the refrigerator in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>; and</li><li><figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a front view of a fifth embodiment of the refrigerator in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, showing a first and a third ducts.</li></ul>

0033Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In describing the embodiments, same parts will be given the same names and reference symbols, and repetitive description of which will be omitted.

0034Referring to <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, though the related art refrigerator has a refrigerating chamber in a lower part thereof and a freezing chamber in an upper part thereof, the refrigerator of the present invention has a freezing chamber 2 in a lower part thereof and a refrigerating chamber 1 in an upper part thereof.

0035Referring to <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, a refrigerator includes a refrigerating chamber 1 in an upper part of the refrigerator, and a freezing chamber 2 in a lower part of the refrigerator. There is a door 1a in a front part of the refrigerating chamber 1, with a water dispenser 3 provided in it. The water dispenser 3 enables the user to be supplied with cold water directly from outside the refrigerator without opening the door 1a. For this, there is a water tank (not shown) on an inside surface of the door 1a in contact with the refrigerating chamber 1. The water tank stores water, and the water in the water tank is cooled by the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 1. According to this, when the user operates the lever (not shown), the user can be supplied with the cold water from the water tank through the water dispenser 3.

0036Thus, the refrigerator is the refrigerating chamber 1 positioned in the upper part thereof, and the freezing chamber 2 positioned in the lower part thereof. Therefore, the water dispenser 3 can be provided at a waist or breast height of the user. According to this, the user can use the water dispenser 3 very easily and conveniently.

0037The refrigerator is provided, not only with the water dispenser 3 for supplying cold water, but also an icemaker 10 for producing and supplying a plurality of ice pieces. The icemaker 10 will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. For reference, <figref idref="f0002">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0003">FIG 3</figref> illustrate an icemaker and an ice container provided to the refrigerator in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, and <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a diagram showing operations of them.

0038The icemaker 10 and the ice container 20 are provided in the freezing chamber 2 under the refrigerating chamber 2.

0039Referring to <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, the icemaker 10 includes an ice tray 11, a water supplying part 12, an ejector 14, and a motor 13. As shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, the ice tray 11 has a semi-cylindrical form with an opened top, for storing water or ice therein. There is a plurality of ribs 11 a on an inside surface to divide an inside space thereof into a plurality of spaces. As shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG 2</figref>, the ribs 11a project in a radial direction, and enable the ice tray 11 to produce a plurality of ice pieces.

0040As shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, the water supplying part 12, provided to one side of the ice tray 11, supplies water to the ice tray 11. As shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG 2</figref>, there is a bracket 15 at a rear side of the ice tray 11, for fastening the icemaker 10 to the freezing chamber 2.

0041The ejector 14 includes a shaft 14a, and a plurality of pins 14b. As shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, the shaft 14a is arranged to cross a center of an upper part of the ice tray 11 in a longitudinal direction. As shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, the pins 14b are formed on an outside circumferential surface of the shaft 14a substantially perpendicular to the shaft 14a. It is preferable that the pins 14b are formed at regular intervals along a length direction of the shaft 14a, more preferably, one for each of the spaces in the ice tray 11 divided with the ribs 11a.

0042As shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, the motor 13 is mounted on one point of an outside circumferential surface of the ice tray 11, and is connected to a shaft 14a. According to this, when the shaft 14a is rotated by the motor 13, the pins 14b rotate together with the shaft 14a. Then, the pins 14b push the ice pieces in the ice tray 11 out to drop the ice pieces below the icemaker 10.

0043Referring to <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, there is a plurality of strips 16 in a front part of the ice tray 11, i.e., in an upper part of a side opposite to the side on which the brackets 15 are arranged. The strips 16 extend from the upper part of the front side of the ice tray 11 to a part close to the shaft 14a.

0044There is a gap between adjacent strips 16, through which the pins 14b pass when the shaft 14a rotates.

0045The ice pieces in the ice tray 11 are pushed by the pins 14b, separated from the ice tray 11, and drop on the strips 16 after the ice pieces are separated from the ice tray 11, fully. The ice pieces 16 dropped on the strips 16 are dropped below the icemaker 10, and stored in the ice container 20 under the icemaker 10. According to this, top surfaces of the strips 16 are required to guide the ice pieces separated from the ice tray 11, to drop below the icemaker 10. Therefore, as shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4</figref>, in the present invention, it is preferable that the strips 16 are sloped such that parts near to the shaft 14a are higher than the front part of the ice tray 11.

0046A structure is also required for preventing the ice pieces separated from the ice tray 11 by the pins 14b from dropping to a rear side of the ice tray 11. For this, as shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4</figref>, in the present invention, it is preferable that a rear side end of the ice tray 11 is higher than the shaft 14a, so that the ice pieces moved backward, and separated from the ice tray 11 are guided to the front side of the ice tray 11 to drop on the strips 16, naturally.

0047Referring to <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, there is a heater on an underside of the ice tray 11. The heater 17 heats a surface of the ice tray 11 for a short time period, and melts the ice pieces on a surface of the ice tray 11, slightly. According to this, the ice in the ice tray 11 can be separated easily when the shaft 14a and the pins 14b rotate.

0048Referring to <figref idref="f0002">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4</figref>, the icemaker 10 is provided with a sensing arm for measuring an amount of ice in the ice container 20. The sensing arm, under the control of a controller (not shown), moves and measures the amount of ice in the ice container 20. For example, the sensing arm 18 can move down at regular intervals. A large movement before encountering ice indicates a small amount of vice and vice versa. According to this, the controller measures the amount of ice in the ice container 20 with reference to the extent of movement of the sensing arm 18.

0049Referring to <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 3</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4</figref>, the container 20 is arranged below the icemaker 10, and has an opened top for receiving and storing the ice pieces from the icemaker 10. As shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the ice container 20 has a discharge opening 21 in one surface, for an example, in a bottom surface for discharging ice pieces downward.

0050The ice container 20 has a transfer device 22 for transferring the ice pieces in the ice container 20 to a side having the discharge opening 21 formed therein. As shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the transfer device 22 has a form of a thread, arranged across the ice container 20. The transfer device 22 is connected to a motor 23, and rotated, to transfer the ice pieces in the ice container 20 toward the discharge opening 21.

0051Referring to <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, inside of the ice container 20, there is a crusher 30 in a side part having the discharge opening 21 formed therein for crushing the ice transferred by the transfer device 22. The crusher 30 includes a housing 31, a shaft 32, a supporter 33, and blades 34.

0052The housing 31, over the discharge opening 21 in the ice container 20, has an opened side in a side facing the transfer device 22.

0053The shaft 32 is arranged in the housing 31 horizontally, and connected to, and rotate together with, the transfer device 22. The shaft 32 may be fabricated separate from the transfer device 22, and connected to the transfer device 22, or, as shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, fabricated in a form extended from an end of the transfer device 22.

0054Referring to <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the supporter 33 is provided to support the shaft 32 in the housing 31. That is, since the shaft 32 passes the supporter 33, the shaft 32 rotates in the housing 31 together with the transfer device 22.

0055The blades 34, fixed to the shaft, rotate together with the shaft 32, and crush the ice pieces transferred by the transfer device 22. At least one blade 34 is provided, and, as shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG 3</figref>, when there is a plurality of blades 34, it is preferable that the blades 34 are arranged opposite to each other with respect to the supporter 33.

0056With the icemaker 10 and the ice container 20 are provided in the freezing chamber 2, a plurality of ice pieces produced from the icemaker 10 is stored in the ice container 20. According to this, without requiring separation of the ice pieces from the ice tray, the user may open the door 2a on the freezing chamber 2, and take out the ice pieces from the ice container 20, which is convenient to the user. However, in this case, it is still not convenient, since opening of the door 2a is required, and frequent opening of the door 2a causes a waste of energy.

0057Therefore, though not shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, an ice dispenser may be provided in the door 2a of the freezing chamber 2 of the refrigerator of the present invention. In this instance, the ice dispenser, provided separate from the water dispenser 3, supplies the ice pieces produced in the icemaker 10 and stored in the ice container 20 to the user.

0058To do this, it is preferable that an ice discharging device 40 is provided to the ice container 20, for discharging an appropriate amount of ice, selectively. As shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the ice discharging device 40 includes an actuator 42, and a shutter 41.

0059The shutter 41, substantially in a plate form, is provided to open/close the discharge opening 21. The shutter 41 is connected to the actuator 42, with, for example, a lever (not shown). As the actuator, for example, an actuator of a solenoid type may be used.

0060In the foregoing ice discharging device 40, the actuator 42 is operative in response to a control signal from the controller, and the shutter 41 regulates an amount of opening of the discharging device 21 according to operation of the actuator 42.

0061In the meantime, in the present invention, it is preferable that the ice discharging device 40 provided thus can discharge the ice crushed at the crusher 30, or the ice stored in the ice container 20, selectively.

0062To do this, as shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the discharge opening 21 may include a first discharge opening 21a and a second discharge opening 21b. The shutter 41 is arranged to open the second discharge opening 21b selectively. As shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the first discharge opening 21a is formed under the crusher 30, and the second discharge opening 21b is formed under an end part of the transfer device 22 on a side of the crusher 30.

0063Once the discharge opening 21 and the ice discharging device 40 have the forgoing structures, the ice discharging device 40 can discharge crushed, or uncrushed ice selectively, as will be described in more detail.

0064If the user wants crushed ice, the second discharge opening 21b is closed with the shutter 41. Then, the ice pieces in the ice container 20 are transferred to the crusher 30 by the transfer device 22, and the ice crushed at the crusher 30 is discharged through the opened first discharge opening 21 a.

0065On the other hand, if the user wants uncrushed ice, the shutter 41 opens the second discharge opening 21b. Then, the ice stored in the ice container is discharged through the second discharge opening 21b before the ice is transferred to the crusher 30. According to this, the user can have the uncrushed ice supplied thereto.

0066In the meantime, the structure in which the crushed or uncrushed ice can be supplied selectively is not limited to above structure. For an example, one discharge opening may be provided, and one shutter regulates an amount of opening of the discharge opening. That is, when the shutter opens the discharge opening slightly, the ice is discharged after being crushed at the crusher 30, and when the shutter opens the discharge opening fully, the ice is discharged as it is without being crushed.

0067The operation of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described.

0068If the controller (not shown) determines that there is shortage of ice in the ice container 20 by the operation of the sensing arm 18, water is supplied to the water supplying part 12 in the ice container 10. The water supplied to the water supplying part 12 in turn fills the spaces between the ribs 11a of the ice tray 11, and are frozen by the cold air in the freezing chamber 2. Accordingly, the ice tray 11 can produce the ice pieces of fixed sizes by the ribs 11 a.

0069When the ice is formed after a preset time has passed, the heater 17 heats the ice tray 11 for a short while. According to this, the ice on the surface of the ice tray 11 melts slightly, and is separated from the ice tray 11. Then, as the motor 13 is put into operation, the shaft 14a and the pins 14b rotate. Then, the pin 14b pushes out the ice between adjacent ribs 11a in a circumferential direction of the ice tray 11 until the ice, separated from the ice tray 11 fully by the pin 14b, drops onto the strip 16, therefrom, below the icemaker 10, and is received at the ice container 20.

0070When a preset amount of ice is stuffed in the ice container 20 by repeating the above process, the controller stops production of the ice as the sensing arm senses the amount of the ice. Of course, if the sensing arm 18 senses that there is shortage of the ice still, the foregoing process is repeated to produce ice continuously, which is stored in the ice container 20.

0071When the user operates a control panel on an outside surface of the door 2a, when the ice is stuffed in the ice container 20, the user can have the crushed, or uncrushed ice supplied through the ice dispenser, which process will be described, hereafter.

0072When the user operates the control panel, to select a function for having the crushed ice supplied, as described before, the shutter 41 closes the second discharge opening 21b a little, or opens the discharge opening 21, a little. Under this state, the motor 23 is rotated, to transfer large sized ice from the ice container 20 to the crusher 30. Then, the ice in the ice container 20 is transferred to the crusher 30, entirely. According to this, the ice crushed in the crusher 30 is discharged through the first discharge opening 21 a. Thereafter, the discharged ice is supplied to the user through the ice dispenser.

0073On the other hand, if the user selects a function for having large sized uncrushed ice supplied thereto by operating the control panel, the shutter 41 opens the second discharge opening 21b, or the discharge opening 21, almost fully. Then, the ice transferred to the crusher 30 by the transfer device 22 is discharged through the discharge opening 21 before the ice reaches to the crusher 30, and supplied to the user through the ice dispenser.

0074Thus, the refrigerator of the present invention can dispense crushed, or uncrushed ice selectively. However, the refrigerator of the present invention described with reference to <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">FIGS. 1 ∼ 4</figref> has the following disadvantages.

0075First, in the case of the refrigerator having no ice dispenser provided in the door of the freezing chamber, the opening of door for taking out the ice not only is inconvenient, but also wastes energy.

0076Second, in the case of the refrigerator having an ice dispenser provided in the door of the freezing chamber, since the freezing chamber and the ice dispenser are provided to the lower part of the refrigerating chamber 1, the user is inconvenienced when taking the ice out by having to bend forward.

0077Third, when the water dispenser, and the ice dispenser are provided, the refrigerator becomes complicated causing difficulty in assembly and high cost. Moreover, the requirement for distinguishing between the water dispenser and the ice dispenser is not convenient for the user.

0078Accordingly, the present invention provides a refrigerator of improved structure in which the problems of the foregoing embodiments are addressed. In the refrigerator of improved structure of the present invention, a dispenser is provided in a door on the refrigerating chamber over the freezing chamber. According to this, the user can use the dispenser very easily, and conveniently. Moreover, the structure enables the user to take water from a water tank in the refrigerating chamber through the dispenser. Thus, the user can take ice or water from a dispenser provided at a height convenient to use, i.e., a height of waist or breast of the user.

0079<figref idref="f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010">FIGS. 5 to 10</figref> illustrate the refrigerators with improved structures of the present invention, referring to which embodiments of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described. For reference, <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an improved refrigerator in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, <figref idref="f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009">FIGS. 6 to 9</figref> illustrate side sections each showing first to fourth preferred embodiments of the refrigerator in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> in succession, <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a front view of a fifth embodiment of the refrigerator in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, showing first and third ducts.

0080A common structure for the first to fourth embodiment refrigerators of the present invention will be described, with reference to <figref idref="f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009">FIGS. 5 ∼ 9</figref>.

0081Referring to <figref idref="f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009">FIGS. 5 ∼ 9</figref>, there is a refrigerating chamber 52 in an upper part of the cabinet 50, and a freezing chamber 51 in a lower part of the cabinet 50. As shown in <figref idref="f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009">FIGS. 6 ∼ 9</figref>, the refrigerating chamber 52 and the freezing chamber 51 are compartmentalized into independent spaces with a dividing wall 64, referred to herein as a mullion wall 64.

0082Referring to <figref idref="f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009">FIGS. 6 ∼ 9</figref>, the freezing chamber 51 is provided with an evaporator 65. There is a fan adjacent the evaporator 65. Accordingly, cold air formed in the vicinity of the evaporator 65 is supplied to the freezing chamber 51 or the refrigerating chamber 52 by the fan 66.

0083An evaporator 65 is provided, not only in the freezing chamber 51. That is, though not shown, an evaporator 65 can also be provided in the refrigerating chamber 52. Moreover, a plurality of evaporators 65 may be provided in the refrigerating chamber 52 and the freezing chamber 51, respectively. However, as shown in <figref idref="f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009">FIGS. 6 ∼ 9</figref>, the embodiments will be described, taking the case of the evaporator 65 provided to the freezing chamber 51, as an example.

0084The refrigerating chamber 52 and the freezing chamber 51 are provided with doors 52a and 51a, respectively. The door 52a on the refrigerating chamber 52 is provided with a case 61 and a dispenser 55. The case 61 has an icemaker 10 and an ice container 20 provided therein. Of course, the ice container 20 may have the transfer device and the crusher described with reference to <figref idref="f0003">FIG 3</figref>.

0085Referring to <figref idref="f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009">FIGS. 6 ∼ 9</figref>, the case 61 is provided with a door 52a. The case 61 is formed of a thermal insulating material, for preventing heat exchange between the refrigerating chamber 52 and the cavity 61.

0086The case 61 is provided, for example, in an upper part of the door 52a, for arranging the dispenser 55 at a height convenient for use, i.e., at a height of waist or breast of an average people using the refrigerator. If the case 61 is arranged at a high position, an appropriate height 'H' for arranging the dispenser 55 which is required to be arranged at a position lower than the case 61 can be realised. Of course, the appropriate height 'H' may be set, not with reference to the height of waist or breast of the user, but with reference to other criteria.

0087There is a cavity in the case 61, containing the icemaker 10 and the ice container 20. Since structures of the icemaker 10 and the ice container 2 are similar to the structures described with reference to <figref idref="f0002">FIGS. 2</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4</figref>, further description will be omitted. However, as shown in <figref idref="f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009">FIGS. 6 ∼ 9</figref>, the icemaker 10 is arranged in an upper part of the cavity 61, and the ice container 20 is arranged in a lower part of the cavity 61. The ice produced at the icemaker 10 drops down, and is stored in the ice container 20.

0088Referring to <figref idref="f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009">FIGS. 6 ∼ 9</figref>, the dispenser 55 is provided in a door 52a of the refrigerating chamber 52. There is an ice chute 54 in the door 52a making the cavity 61 and the dispenser 55 in communication. According to this, the ice can be supplied from the ice container 20 to the user at the dispenser 55 via the ice chute 54.

0089In the meantime, the refrigerator 52 may be provided with a water tank (not shown) for cooling water with the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 52. Since the water tank is in communication with the dispenser 55, the user may have the water, or the ice supplied thereto, selectively.

0090Structural characteristics of the embodiments will now be described for each of the embodiments.

0091Referring to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, the refrigerator in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first duct 70 for supplying the cold air formed around the evaporator 65 in the freezing chamber 51 to the cavity 61. The first duct 70 passes the mullion wall 64, and has one end adjacent the evaporator 65 in the freezing chamber 51, and the other end in communication with the cavity 61.

0092Referring to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, the first duct 70 includes a first part 71 and a second part 75. As shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, the first part is provided in the door 52a, and has one end arranged at a lower end of the door 52a, and the other end in communication with the cavity 61.

0093The second part 75 is provided in the freezing chamber 51, passing through the mullion wall 64, and has one end arranged adjacent the evaporator 65, and the other end arranged at an upper part of the mullion wall 64. As shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, the second part 75 is provided in a bottom surface of the mullion wall 64 or in a sidewall surface of the freezing chamber 51.

0094If the first duct 70 is provided thus, the evaporator 65 can supply cold air from the vicinity of the evaporator 65 to the cavity 61. For effective supply of the cold air from the neighborhood of the evaporator 65 to the cavity 61, it is preferable that a first fan 66 is provided as shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>. The first fan 66, arranged between the evaporator 65 and the first duct 70, supplies the cold air from the neighborhood of the evaporator 65 to the first duct 70.

0095In the meantime, as shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, the duct 70 has a bent part. Therefore, the cold air from the first fan 66 forms turbulence at the bent part, and may fail to supply the cavity 61. Therefore, as shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, the refrigerator of the present invention is further provided with a second fan 68. The second fan 68 inside the bend in the first duct 70, turns the cold air flowing in the first duct 70, and supplies it to the cavity 61, quickly.

0096The second fan 68 can be, for an example, a cross flow fan that can change an air flow direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation shaft of the fan. For easy mounting and rigid support of the second fan 68, the second fan 68 may be provided at a part having the first duct 70 passing through the mullion wall 64.

0097In the meantime, in the foregoing first duct 70, the first part 71 is separated from the second part 75 when the door 52a is opened, and vice versa. Therefore, for preventing the cold air in the first duct 70 from leaking to an outside of the refrigerator when the door 52a is closed, there is a gasket 70a provided to a connection part of the first part 71 and the second part 75.

0098In the meantime, referring to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, the case 60 has a hole 60a for putting the refrigerating chamber 52 and the cavity 61 in communication. The hole 60a enables supply of the cold air supplied to the cavity 61 through the first duct 70 to the refrigerating chamber 52. Then, production of the ice, as well as cooling of the refrigerating chamber 52 are made possible, by using the cold air in the neighborhood of the evaporator 65.

0099It is preferable that the hole 60a is provided in a top part of the case 60, because the cold air discharged into the refrigerating chamber 52 through the hole 60a has a temperature lower than the refrigerating chamber 52, and tends to fall. Therefore, if the hole 60a is formed in the top of the case 60, the cold air can be supplied to every part of the refrigerating chamber 52.

0100As shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, when the hole 60a is formed in the case 60 thus, it is preferable that the hole 60a is provided with a damper 60b. The damper 60b closes/opens, or regulates opening of the hole 60a. Once the damper 60b is provided to the hole 60a, the cold air supplied to the cavity 61 can be supplied to the refrigerating chamber 52 only when a temperature of the refrigerating chamber 52 is outside of a preset temperature range.

0101The operation of the refrigerator in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

0102The cold air is blown from the neighborhood of the evaporator 65 to the first duct 70 by the first fan 66. The cold air introduced into the first duct 70 is involved in a flow direction change by the second fan 68, and supplied to the cavity 61.

0103The icemaker 10 produces ice by using the cold air supplied to the cavity 61, and the produced ice is stored in the ice container 20. Since the cold air is supplied to the cavity 61 continuously, the ice stored in the ice container 20 does not melt.

0104The ice stored in the ice container 20 is supplied to the user through the dispenser 55 in an outside surface of the door 52a. Since the dispenser 55 is at the waist or breast height of the user, the user can have the ice supplied thereto without having to bend forward.

0105If the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 52 is outside of the preset temperature range, the damper 60b on the hole 60a of the case 60 is opened. Therefore, the cold air is supplied from the cavity 61 to the refrigerating chamber 52, to cool down the refrigerating chamber 52 again, to maintain the preset temperature range.

0106When the door 52a is opened thus, the first part 71 of the first duct 70 is separated from the second part 75. Therefore, for preventing the cold air from leaking to the outside of the refrigerator, the first fan 66 and the second fan 68 stop when the door 52a is opened.

0107Next, referring to <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, the refrigerator in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 50, a case 60, a first duct 70, a second duct 80, the icemaker 10, the ice container 20, and the dispenser 55. Parts other than the second duct 80 are identical to the first embodiment.

0108For example, the refrigerator in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes all other parts described in the first embodiment, such as the first and second fans 66, and 68, and the damper 60b, and the like. As the refrigerator in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, the characteristics of the second embodiment distinctive from the first embodiment, i.e., only the second duct 80 will be described.

0109Referring to <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, the second duct 80 has one end arranged adjacent the evaporator 65, and the other end arranged in the refrigerating chamber 52. For this, the second duct 80 passes the mullion wall 64, or, as shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, an opening is provided in the mullion wall 64, and the second duct 80 communicates with the opening. The second duct 80 supplies the cold air from a neighborhood of the evaporator 65 to the refrigerating chamber 52, directly.

0110As shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, it is preferable that the second duct 80 has the other end arranged in an upper part of the refrigerating chamber 52, for moving down the cold air discharged through the other end of the second duct 80 to a lower part of the refrigerating chamber 52, and cooling down every part of the refrigerating chamber 52.

0111In addition to this, for more effective supply of the cold air to every part of the refrigerating chamber 52, there is a plurality of holes 81 in an outside circumferential surface of the second duct 80. As shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, each of the plurality of holes 81 is provided at substantially regular intervals along a length direction of the second duct 80. Therefore, the cold air in the second duct 80 can be distributed to every part of the refrigerating chamber 52 through the holes 81.

0112Referring to <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, in the second embodiment, the hole 81 has louvres 85, additionally. The louvre 85 controls a discharge direction of the cold air supplied to the refrigerating chamber 52 through the holes 81. Therefore, once the louvre 85 is provided, the cold air can be distributed to every part of the refrigerating chamber 52, more effectively.

0113In the second embodiment refrigerator, there may be a damper 67 provided thereto for controlling the amount of cold air supplied to the second duct 80. As shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, the damper 67, is provided at an end of the second duct 80, for opening/closing or controlling opening of the one end of the second duct 80. Once the damper 67 is provided thus, the cold air supply to the refrigerating chamber 52 can be stopped when the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 52 is low.

0114A process for supplying cold air in the refrigerator in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention having the second duct 80 and the first duct 70 provided thereto will now be described.

0115When the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 52 reaches a preset temperature range, both of the dampers 60b and 67 are closed. Then, the cold air is supplied from the neighborhood of the evaporator 65 only to the cavity 61. The cold air supplied to the cavity 61 maintains the cavity 61 at a subzero temperature, such that, not only the icemaker 10 can produce ice, but also the ice stored in the ice container 20 can be conserved for a long time period.

0116Next, if the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 52 rises to a temperature outside of the preset temperature range, at least one of the dampers 60b and 67 is opened. If both of the dampers 60b and 67 are opened, enabling much of the cold air to flow in the front part and the rear part of the refrigerating chamber 52 uniformly, every part of the refrigerating chamber 52 can be cooled down within a short time period, uniformly.

0117Referring to <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref>, the refrigerator in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the cabinet 50, the case 60, the first duct 70, a third duct 90, the icemaker 10, the ice container 20, and the dispenser 55. Parts except the third duct 90 are identical to the parts described in the first embodiment.

0118In the meantime, the refrigerator in accordance with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention may include all other parts described in the first preferred embodiment, such as the first and second fans 66 and 68, and the damper 60b. As the refrigerator in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, characteristics of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, distinctive from he first embodiment, i.e., the third duct 90 will only be described.

0119Referring to <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref>, the third duct 90 has one end in communication with the freezing chamber 51, and the other end in communication with the cavity 61. The third duct 90 is provided in the case 60, or the door 52a, and passes through the mullion wall 64. The third duct 90 supplies the cold air from the cavity 61 to the freezing chamber 51. Therefore, since the cold air formed in the neighborhood of the evaporator 65 cools down the freezing chamber 51 again, after cooling down the cavity 61, an energy efficiency can be enhanced.

0120Referring to <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref>, the third duct 90 includes a third part 91 and a fourth part 95. The third part 91 has one end provided at a lower end of the door 52a, and the other end in communication with the cavity 61. The fourth part 95 passes through the mullion wall 64, and has one end provided on an upper surface of the mullion wall 64, and the other end in communication with the freezing chamber 51.

0121In the third duct 90, the third part 91 is separated from the fourth part 95 when the door 52a is opened, and vice versa. Therefore, as shown in <figref idref="f0008">FIG 8</figref>, for preventing the cold air from leaking from the refrigerator when the door 52a is closed, a gasket 90a is provided to a connection part of the third part 91 and the fourth part 75.

0122Since the refrigerator in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention supplies the cold air to the cavity 61 through the first duct 70, the icemaker 10 can produce the ice by using the cold air supplied to the cavity 61, and the ice container 20 can store the ice. Since the cold air, supplied to the cavity 61, is supplied to the refrigerating chamber 51 through the third duct 90, an energy efficiency can be enhanced. In the meantime, if the refrigerating chamber 52 temperature rises to a temperature outside of the present temperature range, the damper 60b is opened. Therefore, the cold air supplied to the cavity 61 is supplied to the refrigerating chamber 52.

0123In the meantime, referring to <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref>, the refrigerator in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the cabinet 50, the case 60, the first duct 70, the second duct 80, the third duct 90, the icemaker 10, the ice container 20, and the dispenser 55. The fourth embodiment refrigerator includes all parts of the first to third embodiment refrigerator, and has all advantages thereof. Since the parts have been described with reference to <figref idref="f0006 f0007 f0008">FIGS. 6 ∼ 8</figref>, repetitive description will be omitted.

0124Referring to <figref idref="f0010">FIG 10</figref>, the refrigerator in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention has a structure similar to the first to fourth refrigerators respectively, except that parts of the first duct 70 and the third duct 90 are provided to a sidewall of the cabinet 50 respectively, which will be described.

0125The third duct 70 includes a first part 71 provided to the door 52a, and a second part 75 provided to the sidewall of the cabinet 50. The first part 71 is in communication with the cavity 61, and the second part 75 makes the freezing chamber 51 and the first part 71 in communication. The first part 71 and the second part 75 are connected to each other when the door 52a is closed, and there is a gasket 70a at a connection part of the first part 71 and the second part 75 for prevention of the cold air from leaking.

0126The third duct 90 includes a third part 91 provided to the door 52a and a fourth part 95 provided to the sidewall of the cabinet 50. The third part 91 is in communication with the cavity 61, and the fourth part 95 makes the freezing chamber 51 and the third part 91 in communication. The third part 91 and the fourth part 95 are connected to each other when the door 52a is closed, and there is a gasket 90a at a connection part of the third part 91 and the fourth part 95.

0127In the meantime, referring to <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref>, the first duct 70 may be applied to the refrigerators in accordance with first to fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention described with reference to <figref idref="f0006">FIGS. 6</figref> and <figref idref="f0009">9</figref>, respectively. Moreover, the third duct 90 described with reference to <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> can be applied to the refrigerators in accordance with third and fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention described with reference to <figref idref="f0008">FIGS. 8</figref> and <figref idref="f0009">9</figref> respectively.

0128Thus, the refrigerator of the present invention can be embodied in a variety of embodiments.

0129As has been described, the refrigerator of the present invention has the following advantages either separately or in combination.

0130First, the dispenser at a height of user's waist or breast provides convenience of use.

0131Second, it is convenient as ice or water is available without opening a door.

0132Third, both an icemaker and an ice container are provided in a door. Therefore, spaces of the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber can be used, effectively.

0133Fourth, the cold air formed in the freezing chamber is introduced into the refrigerating chamber through the icemaker. Therefore, direct introduction of the cold air into the refrigerating chamber, and consequential local overcooling of the refrigerating chamber can be prevented.

0134Fifth, since the cold air supplied to the icemaker is supplied to the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, the refrigerator has a high energy efficiency.

0135It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.