AU2022435971B2

AU2022435971B2 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: AU2022435971B2
Application number: AU2022435971A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Takashi Ito; Takamasa Nishioka; Shun Saito; Kazutaka Suzuki
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2022-01-18
Filing date: 2022-01-18
Publication date: 2025-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2042-01-18
Also published as: AU2022435971A1; TWI821088B; TW202331172A; WO2023139653A1; JP7630659B2; JPWO2023139653A1

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: an insulated box having a refrigerating compartment and an ice-making compartment; a first insulated partition that separates the refrigerating compartment and the ice-making compartment, forms at least part of the floor of the refrigerating compartment, and has a storage part that is recessed below the floor; a water supply tank that is stored in the storage part and supplies water for making ice in the ice-making compartment; and an ice maker that is disposed in the ice-making compartment and produces ice from the water supplied from the water supply tank. The ice-making compartment is disposed below the refrigerating compartment, the water supply tank and the ice maker are arranged in non-overlapping relation when viewed from the front, the water supply tank and the ice maker are arranged in at least partially overlapping relation when viewed from above, and the ice maker can be put in and taken out by moving the ice maker back and forth.

Description

TechnicalField Technical Field 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

[0001]

Thepresent The presentdisclosure disclosure relates relates toto a arefrigerator refrigerator provided provided with with an an ice-making ice-making

compartment compartment thatthat is configured is configured to generate to generate and ice. and store store ice.

5 Background Background

[0002]

[0002] 2022435971

In In automatic ice-making automatic ice-making systems systems used used in known in known refrigerators, refrigerators, a water asupply watertank supply tank

that supplies that watertotoananiceicemaker supplies water maker is often is often located located in ain a refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment set in set in

a refrigerating temperature a refrigerating temperature range range (0 6todegrees (0 to 6 degrees C) inC) in order order to preserve to both both preserve water for water for

a long period a long periodofoftime timeand and prevent prevent water water fromfrom freezing. freezing. In thisIn this acase, case, a refrigerator refrigerator

provided witha awater provided with water supply supply tanktank being being embedded embedded in asurface in a floor floor surface of the refrigerator of the refrigerator

compartment has compartment has been been proposed proposed so to so as as secure to secure a storage a storage capacity capacity of of thethe refrigerator refrigerator

compartment (seePatent compartment (see PatentReference Reference 1, 1, forforexample). example).

[0003]

Thewater The watersupply supply tank tank is located is located in front in front of of thethe refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment to to make make

ititeasier easier for foraa user user to to take take out the water out the watersupply supplytank. tank. The The ice maker ice maker and theand the water water

supply tankare supply tank areplaced placed close close to each to each other other for purpose for the the purpose of reducing of reducing the of the length length a of a

watersupply water supplyroute route as as short short as as possible. possible. Furthermore, Furthermore, if thesupply if the water water tank supply and tank the and the

ice ice maker areplaced maker are placed side side by side by side in ainwidth a width direction, direction, a storage a storage capacity capacity of theof the adjacent adjacent

storage compartmentisisreduced storage compartment reduceddue duetotoananincrease increaseininwidth width dimension dimensionofofthe the ice- ice-

making compartment. making compartment. For For thisthis reason, reason, a configuration a configuration ininwhich whichthe theice icemaker makerisisplaced placed

behind the water behind the supply tank water supply tank has beenproposed. has been proposed.

Patent Literature Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Patent Literature Literature1:1:Japan Japan Patent Patent No. No. 3102841 3102841

[0005]

However, However, inin aa configuration configuration where where the maker the ice ice maker is located is located behind behind the water the water

supply tank, aa problem supply tank, problem arises arises that thatthe theice maker ice makerinin the ice-making the ice-makingcompartment compartment cannot cannot

be removedininaa forward be removed forward direction direction and and hence cannotbe hence cannot becleaned cleanedbybycommon common users. users.

[0006]

[0006] 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

ItItisisdesired desired to to address or alleviate address or alleviate one oneorormore more disadvantages disadvantages or limitations or limitations of of

the prior the prior art, art, or or to toat atleast leastprovide provide a a useful alternative. In useful alternative. In particular, particular, ititwould would be be useful to useful to

provide provide aarefrigerator refrigeratorinin which whichanan ice ice maker maker can can be easily be easily removed removed while securing while securing a a

5 storage capacity of storage capacity of aa storage storage compartment. compartment.

Summary Summary 2022435971

[0007]

Accordingtotoone According one embodiment embodiment of theof the present present disclosure, disclosure, a refrigerator a refrigerator comprises: comprises:

an insulatingbox an insulating boxbody; body; a refrigerator a refrigerator compartment compartment provided provided in the in the insulating insulating box body; box body;

an ice-making compartment an ice-making compartment provided provided in in theinsulating the insulating box box body bodyand andlocated locatedbelow belowthe the

refrigerator refrigerator compartment; a freezer compartment; a freezer compartment compartment provided provided in the insulating in the insulating box body box body

and locatedadjacent and located adjacent to to thethe ice-making ice-making compartment; compartment; a first ainsulating first insulating partition partition

configured to divide configured to dividethe therefrigerator compartment refrigerator compartmentand andthe theice-making ice-making compartment, the compartment, the

first insulating partition forming at least part of a floor surface of the refrigerator first insulating partition forming at least part of a floor surface of the refrigerator

compartment, compartment, andand having having a storage a storage section section that isthat is recessed recessed below below the floor the floor surface; surface; a a

second insulating second insulating partitionconfigured partition configured to to divide divide thethe ice-making ice-making compartment compartment and the and the

freezer compartment; freezer compartment; a third a third insulating insulating partition partition configured configured to divide to divide the refrigerator the refrigerator

compartment compartment and and the freezer the freezer compartment, compartment, theinsulating the third third insulating partition partition forming forming at least at least

part part of of the the floor floor surface of the surface of the refrigerator refrigerator compartment; compartment; a water a water supply supply tank tank

accommodated accommodated in in thethe storage storage sectionand section and isisconfigured configuredtoto supply supplywater waterused usedinin ice ice

making in the making in the ice-making compartment;and ice-making compartment; andanan icemaker ice maker arranged arranged in in theice-making the ice-making

compartment and compartment and isisconfigured configuredtotogenerate generateice ice from from the the water water supplied supplied from from the the water water

supply tank,wherein supply tank, whereinthethe water water supply supply tank tank andice and the themaker ice maker are arranged are arranged at a position at a position

wherethey where they dodo notnot overlap overlap in ainfront a front view, view, the the water water supply supply tankthe tank and and icethe ice are maker maker are

arranged arranged atata aposition positionwhere where at least at least part part of them of them overlap overlap in aview, in a top top view, the first the first

insulating partition, the insulating partition, the second insulatingpartition, second insulating partition,and andthethethird thirdinsulating insulatingpartition partitionare are

filled with filled withdifferent differentinsulating insulatingmaterials, materials, and the ice and the ice maker maker is is configured configured to to be be inserted inserted

and removedbybya aback-and-forth and removed back-and-forthmovement. movement.

2

[0008]

[0008] 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

Brief Brief Description ofDrawings Description of Drawings

One or more One or moreembodiments embodiments of the of the present present inventionare invention arehereinafter hereinafterdescribed, described,by by

wayof way of example exampleonly, only, with with reference reference to to the theaccompanying drawingsininwhich" accompanying drawings which”

5 [Fig.

[Fig. 1] 1] Fig. Fig. 11 is isaafront frontview view of ofaa refrigerator refrigeratoraccording to Embodiment according to Embodiment 1. 1.

[Fig.

[Fig. 2] 2] Fig. Fig. 22 is isaaschematic diagram schematic diagram of of thethe refrigerator refrigerator illustratedininFig. illustrated Fig.1 1with with 2022435971

illustration illustrationof ofaadoor door being omitted. being omitted.

[Fig.

[Fig. 3] 3] Fig. Fig. 33 is isaaschematic cross-sectional schematic cross-sectional view view of of a peripheral a peripheral areaarea of anofice- an ice-

making compartment making compartment of of therefrigerator the refrigerator according to Embodiment according to Embodiment 1.1.

[Fig.

[Fig. 4] 4] Fig. Fig. 44 is isaaperspective viewofofaahandle perspective view handle and and an an ice-making ice-making tray tray of ofice the the ice

maker accordingtoto Embodiment maker according Embodiment 1. 1.

[Fig.

[Fig. 5] 5] Fig. Fig. 55 is isaaperspective bottomview perspective bottom view illustratingthe illustrating theice icemaker, maker, a gear a gear box box

and and aa frame frame according accordingto to Embodiment Embodiment 1, 1, and and isisa aperspective perspectivebottom bottomview viewshowing showing a a

state wherethe state where theiceicemaker maker is attached is attached to the to the geargear boxattached box and and attached in the frame. in the frame.

[Fig.

[Fig. 6] 6] Fig. Fig. 66 is isaaperspective viewillustrating perspective view illustrating the ice maker, the ice maker,the thegear gear box box andand the the

frame accordingto frame according to Embodiment Embodiment 1, 1, and and isisa aperspective perspectivebottom bottomview viewshowing showing a state a state

wherethe where the ice ice maker is removed maker is fromthe removed from thegear gearbox. box.

[Fig.

[Fig. 7] 7] Fig. Fig. 77 is isaaschematic perspective schematic perspective view view of of each each of the of the ice ice maker, maker, a water a water

supply tank and supply tank a water and a water supply supply pipe pipe according to Embodiment according to Embodiment 1.1.

[Fig.

[Fig. 8] 8] Fig. Fig. 88 is isan an exploded perspective exploded perspective view view showing showing one example one example of a of a

configuration configuration of ofthe thewater watersupply supplypump pump according to Embodiment according to Embodiment 1.1.

[Fig.

[Fig. 9] 9] Fig. Fig. 99 is isaaschematic topview schematic top viewofofthe theice icemaker, maker, thethe water water supply supply tank tank and and

the water the water supply supply pipe pipe according according to to Embodiment Embodiment 1.1.

[Fig.

[Fig. 10] 10] Fig. Fig. 10 is aa schematic 10 is cross-sectional schematic cross-sectional diagram diagram of ice of the the maker ice maker and a and a

first insulating first insulatingpartition partitionaccording to Embodiment according to Embodiment 1. 1.

[Fig.

[Fig. 11] 11] Fig. Fig. 11 11 is is aa schematic cross-sectional schematic cross-sectional diagram diagram of water of the the water supply supply tank tank

and the ice and the ice maker according to maker according to Embodiment Embodiment 1.1.

[Fig.

[Fig. 12] 12] Fig. Fig. 12 is aa schematic 12 is cross-sectional schematic cross-sectional diagram diagram of a of a refrigerator refrigerator

compartment according compartment according totoEmbodiment Embodiment1. 1.

3

[Fig.

[Fig. 13] 13] Fig. Fig. 13 is aa schematic 13 is cross-sectional schematic cross-sectional diagram diagram of a of a peripheral peripheral area area of theof the 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

ice-making compartment ice-making compartment ofofa arefrigerator refrigerator according to Embodiment according to Embodiment 2.2.

Detailed Description Detailed Description

[0009]

5 Embodiments willbe Embodiments will bedescribed describedbelow belowwith withreference referencetotothe the drawings. drawings. InIneach each

figure, figure,those thosewith withthe same the same symbol symbol are are the the same or equivalent same or equivalent components. This components. This is is 2022435971

applied applied to to the theentire entiredescription. description.Shapes Shapes of of the thecomponents shown components shown ininthe theentire entire

descriptionare description aregiven givenonly only forexemplary for exemplary purposes purposes and and are notare not restrictive. restrictive.

Furthermore, Furthermore, inin thefollowing the following drawings, drawings, the the sizesize relationships relationships of components of the the components may may

differ differ from from those of the those of theactual actualones. ones.

[0010]

A refrigerator A refrigerator according accordingtotoone one embodiment embodiment of theof the present present disclosure disclosure is a is a

refrigerator refrigerator comprising: comprising: anan insulating insulating box box body body including including a refrigerator a refrigerator compartment compartment and and

an ice-making an ice-making compartment; compartment; a first a first insulating insulating partition partition configured configured to divide to divide the the

refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment and and the ice-making the ice-making compartment, compartment, the firstthe first insulating insulating partition partition

formingatatleast forming leastpart partofofaafloor floor surface surfaceofofthe therefrigerator refrigeratorcompartment, compartment, and having and having a a

storage sectionthat storage section thatisisrecessed recessed below below the floor the floor surface; surface; a water a water supply supply tank tank

supply tank, wherein supply tank, wherein the the ice-making ice-making compartment compartment isisarranged arrangedbelow belowthe therefrigerator refrigerator

compartment, thewater compartment, the watersupply supplytank tankand andthe theice ice maker makerare arearranged arrangedatataaposition position where where

they do they donot notoverlap overlapinin aa frontview, front view,the thewater water supply supply tanktank and and themaker the ice ice maker are are

arranged arranged atata aposition positionwhere where at least at least part part of them of them overlap overlap in aview, in a top top view, and and the the ice ice

maker is configured maker is configured to to be be inserted insertedand and removed byaa back-and-forth removed by back-and-forth movement. movement.

[0011]

Embodiment Embodiment 11

Fig. Fig. 1 1 is is aa front front view view of of the the refrigerator refrigerator 1 1 according according totoEmbodiment Embodiment 1, Fig. 1, and and 2Fig. is 2 is

a schematic a schematic diagram diagram of the of the refrigerator refrigerator 1 illustrated 1 illustrated in Fig. in Fig. 1 with 1 with illustrationofofa adoor illustration door

being omitted.The The being omitted. positional positional relationship relationship (vertical (vertical relationship, relationship, for example) for example) of the of the

4 components in the components in the specification specification is, is, in in principle, principle, a positional a positional relationship relationship when when the the 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 refrigerator refrigerator 1 1 is is installed installed in inaa usable state. ToTo usable state. clarifythe clarify thecorrespondence correspondence between between the the following drawings, following drawings,including including Figs. Figs. 1 and 1 and 2, the 2, the coordinate coordinate system system is defined is defined as follows. as follows.

Theleft-to-right The left-to-right direction direction of of the the refrigerator refrigerator 1 1 is is defined as an defined as anXXaxis, axis,the theup-down up-down

5 direction of the direction of refrigerator 11 is the refrigerator is defined asaaYYaxis, defined as axis,and andthethe front-back front-back direction direction of the of the

refrigerator refrigerator 1 1 is is defined asaaZZaxis defined as axisininaafront front view viewofofthe therefrigerator refrigerator1.1.Usually, Usually, the the XY XY 2022435971

and ZYplanes and ZY planes areare vertical vertical planes planes and and theplane the XZ XZ plane is a horizontal is a horizontal plane. plane. In the In the

following explanation, following explanation,the theX-axis X-axis direction direction is is referred referred to to as as a "left-rightdirection" a "left-right direction"orora a

"width direction”, the "width direction", the Y-axis Y-axis direction directionisis referred referredto to as asanan"up-down "up-down direction" direction" or aor"height a "height

direction”, and direction", theZ-axis and the Z-axisdirection directionisisreferred referredtotoasasa a"front-back "front-back direction" direction" or or a "depth a "depth

direction”. direction".

[0012]

(Configuration (Configuration ofofRefrigerator Refrigerator1)1)

Asillustrated As illustrated in in Figs. Figs. 1 1 and 2, the and 2, therefrigerator refrigerator11according accordingto to the the present present

embodiment is provided embodiment is provided with with an insulating an insulating box2body box body that 2 isthat openisatopen at theand the front front has and a has a

storage space33 being storage space being formed formedinside. inside. The The insulatingbox insulating boxbody body2 2 includesananouter includes outerbox box

2a that is 2a that is made made ofof steelplate steel plateand and forming forming an outer an outer contour, contour, an inner an inner box 2bbox made2b ofmade of

thin-walledhard thin-walled hardresin resinsuch suchas as ABSABS resinresin and and is is placed placed insideinside the box the outer outer 2a,box and 2a, an and an

insulating material2c insulating material 2csuch suchas as rigidurethane rigid urethane foamfoam (urethane (urethane foam) between foam) filled filled between the the

outer box2a2aand outer box and thethe inner inner boxbox 2b. 2b.

[0013]

A storage A storagespace space 3 formed 3 formed inside inside the insulating the insulating box2body box body 2 is divided is divided into a into a

plurality plurality of of storage compartments storage compartments for for storing storing foodfood by aby a plurality plurality of partitioning of partitioning sections. sections.

Therefrigerator The refrigerator11ofofthe thepresent present embodiment embodiment includes, includes, as theas the plurality plurality of storage of storage

compartments, a refrigerator compartments, a refrigerator compartment compartment 100, a 100, first afreezer first freezer compartment compartment 200, an ice- 200, an ice-

making compartment making compartment 300, 300, a vegetable a vegetable compartment compartment 400,400, and and a second a second freezer freezer

compartment 500.The The compartment 500. refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment 100 100 is located is located at at a top a top shelf,and shelf, and

below therefrigerator below the refrigeratorcompartment compartment100, 100, the first the first freezer freezer compartment compartment 200 and 200 and the ice- the ice-

making compartment making compartment 300300 areare located located such such that that theyare they areadjacent adjacenttotoeach eachother otherinin the the

width direction. width The vegetable direction. The vegetablecompartment compartment400400 is is locatedbelow located below the the first freezer first freezer

5 compartment 200 compartment 200 and and thethe ice-making ice-making compartment compartment 300,300, and and the second the second freezer freezer 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 compartment 500 compartment 500 isislocated locatedbelow belowthe thevegetable vegetablecompartment compartment400400 and and is located is located at at bottom. The bottom. The first freezer first freezer compartment 200may compartment 200 may be be a temperature a temperature switching switching compartment. compartment.

5 [0014]

[0014]

Anopening An opening formed formed at aat a front front of the of the refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment 100 is 100 is provided provided with with 2022435971

a doubleswing-type a double swing-type leftdoor left door 11a11a and and a double a double swing-type swing-type right11b right door door each11b each

configured configured totoopen openandand close close the the opening. opening. Openings Openings formed at formed atof the front thethefront of the first first

freezer compartment freezer 200,the compartment 200, theice-making ice-makingcompartment compartment 300, 300, thethe vegetable vegetable compartment compartment

400, 400, and the second and the freezer compartment second freezer compartment 500 500 areare provided provided with with a a second second freezer freezer

compartment door12, compartment door 12,ananice-making ice-making compartment compartment doordoor 13, 13, a vegetable a vegetable compartment compartment

door 14, and door 14, a first and a first freezer compartment freezer compartment door door 15, 15, respectively. respectively. These doors are These doors are

withdrawableand withdrawable andserve servetoto open openand andclose closethe theopenings. openings.TheThe leftleft door door 11a 11a ofof the the

refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment 100 100 is provided is provided with with an operation an operation sectionsection 10 configured 10 configured to to

allow allow aa user usertotoperform perform operations operations suchsuch as temperature as temperature settings settings for eachfor each storage storage

compartment. compartment.

[0015]

Therefrigerator The refrigeratorcompartment compartment 100 100 is is in set seta in a refrigerating refrigerating temperature temperature zone zone

(about (about 33degrees degreesC, C, forfor example). example). Thefreezer The first first freezer compartment compartment 200 is set200 is first in a set in a first

freezing temperature freezing temperature zone zone (about (about -18 degrees -18 degrees C, for C, for example) example) or a softorfreezing a soft freezing

temperaturezone temperature zone(about (about-7-7degrees degreesC,C,for for example). example).TheThe ice-making ice-making compartment compartment

300 is set 300 is set in in aa second secondfreezing freezing temperature temperature zone zone (about(about -18 degrees -18 degrees C, for example). C, for example).

The vegetable The vegetablecompartment compartment400400 is is settotobebecooled set cooledinin aa refrigerating refrigerating temperature temperature zone zone

(about (about 6 6 degrees C, for degrees C, for example). example). The The second second freezer freezer compartment compartment 500 500 is set is set in in a a

third freezing third temperature freezing temperature zone zone (about (about -18 degrees -18 degrees C, for C, for example). example).

[0016]

A first A first insulating insulating partition partition30 30 is isinstalled installedbetween therefrigerator between the refrigeratorcompartment compartment100 100

and the ice-making and the compartment ice-making compartment 300 300 andand thethe first freezer first freezer compartment compartment200. 200.Between Between

the ice-making the ice-making compartment compartment 300 300 and and the thefreezer first first freezer compartment compartment 200, 200, the first the first

insulating partition 30 insulating partition anda asecond 30 and second insulating insulating partition partition 31 31 provided provided belowbelow the first the first

6 insulating partition 30 insulating partition are installed. 30 are installed. A A fourth fourth insulating insulating partition partition 32a 32a is is installed installed 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 between theice-making between the ice-makingcompartment compartment 300, 300, thethe first freezer first freezer compartment compartment200 200 and and thethe vegetablecompartment vegetable compartment 400. 400. A fifth A fifth insulating insulating partition partition 32b is32b is installed installed betweenbetween the the vegetable compartment vegetable compartment 400 400 andand thethe second second freezer freezer compartment compartment 500. 500.

5 [0017]

[0017]

Thefirst The first insulating partition 30 insulating partition separatesthetherefrigerator 30 separates refrigeratorcompartment compartment 100 100 from from 2022435971

the ice-making the ice-making compartment compartment 300 300 and andaforms forms floor a floor surface surface 100a 100a of the of the refrigerator refrigerator

compartment compartment 100.100. The Theinsulating first first insulating partition partition 30 has30 a has watera supply water tank supply tank storage storage

section section 30a 30a that that is isa aconcave-shaped storage space concave-shaped storage spacerecessed recessedbelow below thefloor the floorsurface surface

100a of the 100a of the refrigerator refrigeratorcompartment compartment 100. Thewater 100. The watersupply supply tankstorage tank storagesection section30a 30a

is is covered bythe covered by thefirst first insulating insulating partition partition 30 30 and andfaces faces the the refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment 100. 100.

Thetemperature The temperature of the of the water water supply supply tank tank storage storage sectionsection 30a is 30a is maintained maintained in the in the

refrigerator refrigeratorcompartment temperaturezone, compartment temperature zone,for for example. example.

[0018]

On On aa rear rear side side of of each each storage storage compartment, compartment, aacooling cooling mechanism mechanism 81 81 that that

supplies coldair supplies cold air to to each eachstorage storage compartment compartment and a and a controller controller 82 configured 82 configured to control to control

various sections various sections of of the therefrigerator refrigerator1 are provided. 1 are provided.Each Eachstorage storagecompartment is compartment is

provided withananinternal provided with internaltemperature temperature sensor sensor (not illustrated) (not illustrated) configured configured to detect to detect the the

temperatureinside temperature inside each each storage storage compartment. compartment.EachEach internal internal temperature temperature sensor sensor is ais a

thermistor, for thermistor, for example, example,andand a measured a measured temperature temperature is transmitted is transmitted to the controller to the controller 82. 82.

[0019]

The cooling The cooling mechanism mechanism 81 81 hashas a refrigerantcircuit a refrigerant circuit including includingaacompressor compressor and and aa

chiller, chiller,an an air airpassage thatpropagates passage that propagates cold cold air air supplied supplied fromfrom the refrigerant the refrigerant circuit circuit to to

each storage compartment, each storage compartment,and and a a damper damper provided provided in the in the airairpassage. passage.The The controller controller

82 includes aa processor, 82 includes processor, such such as as a a CPU, or aa memory CPU, or memorysuch such asas a a RAM, RAM, a ROM a ROM and and

flash memory. flash The memory. The controller8282controls controller controlsthe the cooling cooling mechanism mechanism 81 81 to to cooleach cool each

storage compartment storage compartment basedbased on detection on detection signals signals from from each each sensor of sensor of the refrigerator the refrigerator 1 1

and settinginformation and setting information input input through through the the operation operation section section 10. 10.

[0020]

(Configuration (Configuration of ofIce-making Ice-making Compartment 300) Compartment 300)

7

Next, theconfiguration Next, the configurationofofa aperipheral peripheral area area of the of the ice-making ice-making compartment compartment 300 of 300 of 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

the present the presentembodiment embodimentwill will be described be described in detail. in detail. Fig. 3 Fig. is a 3 is a schematic schematic cross- cross-

sectional viewofofaaperipheral sectional view peripheralarea area of of thethe ice-making ice-making compartment compartment 300 of the 300 of the

refrigerator refrigerator 1 1 according according totoEmbodiment Embodiment 1. 3 Fig. 1. Fig. is a 3 is ataken view viewbytaken by cutting cutting the the

5 peripheral peripheral area area of ofthe theice-making ice-making compartment 300along compartment 300 alongthe theXY XYplane planeand andisisviewed viewed

fromthe from thefront. front. As As illustrated illustrated in in Fig.3,3,the Fig. theice icemaker maker 20 that 20 that generates generates iceanand ice and icean ice 2022435971

storage case storage case 2121 that that stores stores iceice generated generated byice by the themaker ice maker 20 are 20 are arranged arranged in the ice- in the ice-

making compartment making compartment 300. 300. The The ice storage ice storage casecase 21located 21 is is located below below the the ice ice maker maker 20. 20.

[0021]

Thewater The watersupply supply tank tank storage storage section section 30a formed 30a formed of theinsulating of the first first insulating partition partition

30 is located 30 is onthe located on theright rightside sideofofthe theice icemaker maker20 20 and and above above thestorage the ice ice storage case 21. case 21.

The water The water supply supplytank tank 22 22 is is stored stored in inthe thewater watersupply supplytank tankstorage storagesection section30a. 30a. The The

watersupply water supplytank tank 22 22 is is a tank a tank configured configured to store to store water water to beto be to sent sent thetoice themaker ice maker 20. 20.

A A water supply pipe water supply pipe 61 61 is is connected to the connected to the water water supply supply tank tank 22. Thewater 22. The watersupply supply

pipe 61isis arranged pipe 61 arranged such such that that it it penetrates penetrates the the water water supply supply tank storage tank storage sectionsection 30a 30a

and supplieswater and supplies water from from the the water water supply supply tank tank 22 to 22 theto themaker ice ice maker 20. 20.

[0022]

As described As described above, above,in in the the present present embodiment, sincethe embodiment, since thewater watersupply supplytank tank22 22

is is stored in the stored in the first firstinsulating insulatingpartition partition30, 30,aastorage storage capacity of the capacity of the refrigerator refrigerator

compartment compartment 100 100 canincreased. can be be increased. For example, For example, as illustrated as illustrated in Fig. 3, in Fig. 3, a refrigerator a refrigerator

compartment case compartment case 2323 isislocated locatedonona afloor floor surface surface 100a of the 100a of the refrigerator refrigeratorcompartment compartment

100. 100. In In thiscase, this case, if ifthe thewater water supply supply tank tank 22arranged 22 is is arranged on an on an surface upper upper surface of the of the

first insulating first insulatingpartition partition30, 30,i.e., ononthe i.e., floor the surface floor surface100a 100a of of the the refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment

100, 100, and beside the and beside the refrigerator refrigeratorcompartment case 23, compartment case 23, aa width width dimension of the dimension of the

refrigerator refrigeratorcompartment case 23 compartment case 23 has hasto to be be reduced. reduced. In Incontrast, contrast,in in the the present present

embodiment, embodiment, a astorage storagecapacity capacityofofthe the refrigerator refrigerator compartment 100and compartment 100 andaadimension dimensionofof

the refrigerator the refrigerator compartment compartment casecase 23not 23 are areaffected not affected by theby the supply water water tank supply 22. tank 22.

[0023]

Theice The icemaker maker20 20 is arranged is arranged at a at a position position wherewhere a projection a front front projection plane plane of the of the

ice ice maker maker 2020 does does not not overlap overlap the water the water supply supply tank tank 22 and 22 theand the first first insulating insulating partition partition

8

30 that forms 30 that forms the the water water supply supply tank tank storage storage section section30a. In other 30a. In other words, words, the the ice icemaker maker 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

20 is arranged 20 is arranged atata a positionwhere position where it does it does not not overlap overlap the water the water supplysupply tank 22tank and 22 the and the

first insulating first insulatingpartition partition30 30 in inaafront frontview view of ofthe the refrigerator refrigerator 1. Duetotothis 1. Due thisarrangement, arrangement,

a a user user can can insert insertand and remove the ice remove the ice maker 20 by maker 20 by aa back-and-forth back-and-forth movement movement while while

5 avoiding contactofofthe avoiding contact theice icemaker maker 20 with 20 with the the water water supply supply tank tank 22 22 or or the theinsulating first first insulating

partition partition 30. 30. Thisallows This allows a user a user to easily to easily remove remove themaker the ice ice maker 20 from20 thefrom the ice-making ice-making 2022435971

compartment 300 compartment 300 and and wash, wash, whereby whereby the the ice ice maker maker 20 can 20 can be kept be kept clean. clean.

[0024]

The ice The ice maker 20and maker 20 andthe thewater watersupply supplytank tank22 22are arearranged arrangedatataa position position where where

they partially they partially overlap in aa top overlap in top view viewofofthe therefrigerator refrigerator1.1.This This allows allows an upper an upper space space of of

the ice the ice maker maker2020 to to bebe utilizedasas utilized a space a space in which in which the water the water supplysupply tank 22tank 22 is arranged, is arranged,

and alsomakes and also makes it possible it possible to to increase increase a water a water storage storage capacity capacity of the of thesupply water water tank supply tank

22. 22. Further,since Further, since aa storage storage capacity capacity of of the the water water supply supply tank tank 22 22 can can be be secured secured

without increasing without increasing aa width width dimension dimension of of the the ice-making ice-making compartment 300,aastorage compartment 300, storage

capacityofofthe capacity theadjacent adjacent firstfreezer first freezercompartment compartment 200also 200 can canbealso be secured. secured. In other In other

words,bybyarranging words, arrangingthethe iceice maker maker 20the 20 and andwater the water supply supply tank 22 tank as in 22 theas in the present present

embodiment, embodiment, a astorage storagecapacity capacityofofeach eachofof the the refrigerator refrigerator compartment 100and compartment 100 andthe the

first freezer first compartment freezer compartment 200 200 can can be be secured, and the secured, and the ice ice maker 20 can maker 20 canbe beeasily easily

inserted inserted and and removed. removed.

[0025]

Theinsulating The insulatingbox box body body 2 has 2 has a fill a fill port port 33 33 through through which which the insulating the insulating material material

2c is injected. 2c is injected. The The firstinsulating first insulatingpartition partition3030has has an an outer outer contour contour section section 30b 30b that that

formsaasurface forms surfaceofof thefirst the first insulating insulatingpartition partition 30, 30,and andanan interiorofofthe interior theouter outercontour contour section 30bisisfilled section 30b filled with with the insulating material the insulating material2c. 2c.TheThe insulating insulating material material 2c injected 2c injected

throughthe through thefill fill port port 33 33 of of the the insulating boxbody insulating box body2 2 is is filled between filled between thethe outer outer box box 2a 2a and and inner box2b, inner box 2b,and andflows flows into into the the outer outer contour contour section section 30b through 30b through an injection an injection openingopening

9a of the 9a of the inner innerbox box2b2bandand an an injection injection opening opening 9b of9b ofouter the the outer contour contour sectionsection 30b 30b

provided provided atataajoint joint 8a 8aofofthe thefirst first insulating insulating partition partition 30 30 and theinner and the innerbox box2b.2b. ThisThis

allows theinsulating allows the insulatingmaterial material2c2c toto bebe filledininthe filled theouter outercontour contour section section 30b30b of the of the first first

insulating partition 30. insulating partition 30. AsAs illustratedininFig. illustrated Fig.3,3,the theinjection injectionopening opening9a 9a of the of the inner inner box box

9

2b andthe 2b and theinjection injectionopening opening9b 9b of the of the outer outer contour contour section section 30b 30b are are provided provided at the at the 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

same position. same position.

[0026]

When When rigidurethane rigid urethane foamfoam is used is used asinsulating as the the insulating material material 2c, for2c, for example, example, at a at a

5 position far away position far from away from the the fill port fill port 33, 33, it it takes time for takes time for rigid rigid urethane foam urethane foam to to be be filled, filled,

and duringa aperiod and during period of of time time untilrigid until rigidurethane urethane foam foam reaches reaches the position, the position, hardness hardness of of 2022435971

rigid rigid polyurethane foam polyurethane foam increases, increases, making making it difficult it difficult forfor rigid rigid urethane urethane foamfoam to flow. to flow.

Furthermore, rigidurethane Furthermore, rigid urethane foam foam is difficult is difficult to to flow flow in in narrow narrow or bended or bended parts parts of flow of flow

passages. Therefore, passages. Therefore, it is itdesirable is desirable that that bended bended parts parts in the in the insulating first first insulating partition partition 30 30

be locatedclose be located closetotothe thefill fill port port 33. 33. For For example, example, it is it is desired desired thatthat the the fillfillport port3333andand thethe

bended parts66a, bended parts 66a, 66b, 66b, 66c 66cand and66d 66dofofthe the water water supply supplytank tank storage storage section section 30a 30a be be

located closetotoeach located close each other. other.

[0027]

In In the the refrigerator refrigerator 1 1 of of the the present embodiment, present embodiment, as illustrated as illustrated in Fig. in Fig. 3, the 3, the fillport fill port

33 andthe 33 and thefirst first insulating insulating partition partition 30 30 are areprovided providedat at a a position position where where theythey overlap overlap in in

the height the heightdirection directioninin aa side sideview viewofofthe therefrigerator refrigerator1.1.TheThe fillfill port port 33 33 andand the the water water

supply tankstorage supply tank storage section section 30a30a are are provided provided at a position at a position where where they overlap they overlap in the in the

depthdirection depth directionininaaside sideview viewofofthe therefrigerator refrigerator1.1.ThisThis arrangement arrangement of the of theport fill fill port 33 33

makes makes ititeasier easiertotofill fill the the insulating insulating material 2cin material 2c in the the water watersupply supply tank tank storage storage section section

30a, 30a, which has aa complex which has complexshape, shape,and and improves improves insulationperformance insulation performanceof of thethefirst first

insulating partition 30, insulating partition 30, as well as as well as the thestrength strengthand andthethe productivity productivity of of thethe refrigerator refrigerator 1. 1.

[0028]

Thefill The fill port port 33 33 is is provided at aa position provided at position where whereititoverlaps overlaps the the injection injection opening opening 9a 9a of of the the inner box2b2band inner box andthethe injection injection opening opening 9bthe 9b of of outer the outer contour contour section section 30b of 30b the of the

first insulating first insulatingpartition partition30 30 in inaaside side view view of of the the refrigerator refrigerator 1. However, 1. However, the the position position of of the fill port 33 is not limited to the left side surface of the outer box 2a as illustrated in the fill port 33 is not limited to the left side surface of the outer box 2a as illustrated in

Fig. Fig. 3, 3, but but can beprovided can be providedat at the the rear rear side side surface, surface, front front or or back back of the of the leftleft side side surface surface

or or the right side the right side surface of the surface of theouter outerbox box2a2a at at a position a position where where the fill the fill portport 33 33 andand the the

first insulating first insulatingpartition partition30 30 overlap in the overlap in the height direction. ForFor height direction. example, example, the fill the fill portport 33 33

may may bebe provided provided atposition at a a position where where it overlaps it overlaps the injection the injection opening opening 9c on 9c on the the right right

10 side of the side of the inner inner box box2b2billustrated illustratedininFig. Fig. 33and andthe theinjection injectionopening opening 9d the 9d on on right the right sideside 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 surface ofthe surface of theouter outercontour contour section section 30b30b of the of the first first insulating insulating partition partition 30 30 in in a side a side view view of of the the refrigerator refrigerator 1. Alternatively,the 1. Alternatively, thefill fill port port 33 33 may may bebe provided provided at two at two or more or more of the of the above-mentioned multiplelocations. above-mentioned multiple locations.

5 [0029]

[0029]

A heater3434isisinstalled A heater installedinin the thefirst first insulating insulating partition partition 30 30 that that forms thewater forms the water 2022435971

supply tankstorage supply tank storage section section 30a. 30a. The heater The heater 34 is installed 34 is installed in a bottom in a bottom section section 30c of 30c of

the first the first insulating insulating partition partition30, 30,which formsaabottom which forms bottom surface surface of the of the water water supply supply tank tank

storage section 30a. storage section Thewater 30a. The water supply supply tank2222isispositioned tank positionedabove abovethe theheater heater34. 34.

The heater The heater 34 34 is is attached attached to to the thebottom bottom section section 30c 30c by by aluminum tape or aluminum tape or other other means. means.

The heater The heater 34 34 generates generatesheat heatbybybeing beingenergized energizedbybythe thecontroller controller 82. Thisallows 82. This allowsthe the

watersupply water supplytank tank 22 22 to to be be heated heated and transfer and heat heat transfer from from the thesupply water water tank supply tank 22 to 22 to

the ice-making the compartment300 ice-making compartment 300 oror thefirst the first freezer freezer compartment 200toto be compartment 200 be

compensated compensated byby theheat the heatfrom fromthe theheater heater34, 34,thereby therebysuppressing suppressingfreezing freezingofofthe the water water

in in the the water supplytank water supply tank22.22. ThisThis allows allows the refrigerator the refrigerator 1 ofpresent 1 of the the present embodiment embodiment

to reduce to theinsulation reduce the insulationthickness thickness of of thethe firstinsulating first insulatingpartition partition3030asas compared compared to a to a

case where case where thethe heater heater 34not 34 is is not provided, provided, thereby thereby increasing increasing a storage a storage capacitycapacity of the of the

ice-making compartment ice-making compartment 300 300 or or thefirst the first freezer freezer compartment 200. compartment 200.

[0030]

Thecontroller The controller8282may may change change an energization an energization rate ofrate the of the heater heater 34 according 34 according to to

the temperature the temperature setting setting of of anyany of of thethe refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment 100, 100, the thefreezer first first freezer

compartment 200,and compartment 200, and theice-making the ice-making compartment compartment 300.300. For example, For example, the controller the controller

82 setsan 82 sets anenergization energization rate rate of of thethe heater heater 34such 34 in in such a manner a manner that, that, the the the lower lower setthe set

temperature temperature in in each each storage storage compartment compartment is, the is, the higher higher the energization the energization rate rate of the of the

heater 34will heater 34 will be. be. This This allows allows the the amount amount of input of heat heat input to theto the water water supply supply tank 22 tank to 22 to be adjusted according be adjusted according to to the the ambient temperatureenvironment. ambient temperature environment.

[0031]

Thesecond The second insulating insulating partition partition 31 31 is provided is provided sotoascontact so as to contact a lower a lower surface surface

30d ofthe 30d of thebottom bottom section section 30c30c of the of the first first insulating insulating partition partition 3030 andand contact contact an upper an upper

surface 32a1 surface 32a1 of of the the fourth fourth insulating insulating partition partition 32a. 32a. The second The second insulating insulating partition partition 31 is 31 is

11 filled with filled withan an insulating insulating material 2d, which material 2d, whichisismade made ofmaterial of a a material different different fromfrom the the 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 insulating material2c. insulating material 2c.In In this this way, way, thethe ice-making ice-making compartment compartment 300 and 300 and the first the first freezer compartment freezer compartment200 200 are divided are divided by asurface by a side side surface section section 30efirst 30e of the of the first insulating insulating partition partition 30 andthe 30 and thesecond second insulating insulating partition partition 31 31 located located below below the surface the side side surface sectionsection

5 30e. 30e. In In Fig. Fig. 3,3, theside the side surface surface section section 30e 30e of first of the the first insulating insulating partition partition 30 forms 30 forms a a

right right side side surface of the surface of the water watersupply supply tank tank storage storage section section 30a, 30a, and and is is a portion a portion provided provided 2022435971

between thewater between the watersupply supplytank tankstorage storagesection section 30a 30aand andthe thefirst first freezer freezercompartment compartment

200. 200.

[0032]

Ice Ice grains grains are areassumed to be assumed to be stored stored in in the theice-making ice-making compartment 300,and compartment 300, and

fresh or fresh or frozen frozenfood foodisisassumed assumed to stored to be be stored in first in the the first freezer freezer compartment compartment 200. 200.

Therefore, the Therefore, the ice-making ice-making compartment 300 compartment 300 may may generally generally have have a smaller a smaller storage storage

capacity thanthat capacity than thatofofthe thefirst first freezer compartment freezer compartment 200 200 and and is is desirably desirably narrownarrow in width in width

direction. The direction. Thedimension dimensionininwidth widthdimension dimensionofofthe the ice-making ice-makingcompartment compartment300300 is is

determined determined by by thethe position position of the of the second second insulating insulating partition partition 31.example, 31. For For example, if the if the

second insulating second insulating partition3131 partition is is located located so so as as to to be be spaced spaced away away from from the thesupply water water supply

tank storage tank storage section section 30a 30a to to thereby thereby separate separate the the ice-making ice-making compartment 300from compartment 300 fromthe the

first freezer first freezer compartment 200, compartment 200, the the dimension dimension in width in width direction direction of theofice-making the ice-making

compartment 300 compartment 300 becomes becomes unnecessarily unnecessarily large. large.

[0033]

In In the the present embodiment, present embodiment, the the water water supply supply tank storage tank storage section section 30afirst 30a of the of the first

insulating partition 30 insulating partition andthe 30 and thesecond second insulating insulating partition partition 31 31 are are arranged arranged suchthey such that that they

overlap vertically one overlap vertically oneonontop topofofthe theother. other.In other In other words, words, the water the water supplysupply tank storage tank storage

section 30aand section 30a andthethe second second insulating insulating partition partition 31 located 31 are are located at a position at a position where where they they

overlap in aa top overlap in topview. view.DueDue to such to such an arrangement an arrangement of theinsulating of the second second insulating partition partition

31, 31, the the dimension in width dimension in width direction directionofof thethe ice-making compartment ice-making compartment 300 300 can can be be

reduced, wherebyananarea reduced, whereby areawhere where the the first freezer first freezer compartment 200isisaccommodated compartment 200 accommodated

can be increased. can be increased.

[0034]

(Configuration (Configuration ofofIce IceMaker Maker20)20)

12

Next, theconfiguration Next, the configurationofofthe theice icemaker maker 20 will 20 will be be described. described. Fig. 4 Fig. is a 4 is a 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

perspective view perspective view of of the the handle handle 51 and 51 and the ice-making the ice-making tray 50tray 50 of of the icethe ice20maker 20 maker

according according totoEmbodiment Embodiment 1. filling 1. After After filling the water the water supplysupply tank 22tank with 22 withthe water, water, ice the ice

maker 20automatically maker 20 automatically performs performsice-making ice-makingsteps stepsincluding including water water supply, supply, ice ice making, making,

5 and iceseparation and ice separation untilthe until thewater water in in the the water water supply supply tanktank 22 cannot 22 cannot be discharged be discharged any any

more more ororuntil until fullness fullnessof of ice ice is is detected inthe detected in theice icestorage storagecase case 21 21 of the of the ice-making ice-making 2022435971

compartment 300. compartment 300.

[0035]

Asillustrated As illustrated in in Fig. Fig. 4, 4, the the ice ice maker 20has maker 20 has thethe handle handle 51, 51, which which a user a user grips grips

whenremoving when removing theice the icemaker maker2020 from from theice-making the ice-making compartment compartment 300,300, and and the the ice-ice-

making tray50, making tray 50,which which divides divides and and stores stores the water the water supplied supplied from from the thesupply water watertank supply tank

22. 22. The The ice-making ice-making tray5050has tray has a a plurality of plurality of recesses recesses 50a for dividing 50a for dividingwater. water. The The

ice-making tray50, ice-making tray 50,with withthethe ice ice maker maker 20 being 20 being installed installed in ice-making in the the ice-making compartment compartment

300, hasa adimension 300, has dimensionthatthat is large is large in depth in depth direction direction as compared as compared with with that in that in width width

direction. direction.

[0036]

Since theice-making Since the ice-making tray tray 50 50 has has a dimension a dimension that that is is large large in depth in depth direction direction as as

compared with compared with that that in in width width direction, direction, thethe amount amount of water of water thatbecan that can be stored stored at one at one

time can time be increased can be increased while while controlling controlling the thewidth widthdimension dimension of ofthe theice maker ice maker20. 20. This This

makes it possible makes it possible to to make moreice make more ice at at one time without one time without making the width making the width dimension of dimension of

the ice-making the compartment300 ice-making compartment 300 largerthan larger thannecessary. necessary.

[0037]

Fig. Fig. 5 5 is is aa perspective bottom perspective bottom view view illustratingthethe illustrating ice ice maker maker 20, 20, the the frame frame 53, 53,

and thegear and the gearbox box 54 54 according according to Embodiment to Embodiment 1. Fig. 1. Fig. 5 illustrates 5 illustrates a state a state in which in thewhich the

ice ice maker maker 2020 isisattached attachedto to thethe gear gear box box 54 attached 54 and and attached in the in the 53. frame frame Fig.53. 6 is Fig. a 6 is a perspective view perspective view of of the the ice ice maker maker 20, 20, the the frame frame 53the 53 and and thebox gear gear box 54 according 54 according to to

Embodiment 1. 6Fig. Embodiment 1. Fig. 6 illustrates illustrates a state a state in which in which themaker the ice ice maker 20 is removed 20 is removed from the from the

gear box54. gear box 54.As illustrated As illustrated in Figs. in Figs. 5 and 5 and 6, the 6, the ice maker ice maker 20 includes 20 includes the ice-making the ice-making

tray 50, tray the handle 50, the handle51, 51,the theframe frame 53,53, the the geargear box box 54the 54 and and the ice ice storage storage detection detection lever lever

56. 56.

13

[0038]

[0038] 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

Theframe The frame53 53 forms forms a contour a contour of ice of the themaker ice maker 20asand, 20 and, as illustrated illustrated in 5Figs. in Figs. 5

and 6, is and 6, is L-shaped L-shaped in in a a side side view view andand is ainrectangular is in a rectangular frameframe in aview. in a top top view. The The

frame 53 frame 53 holds holds the the ice-making ice-making tray tray 50 50 and the handle and the 51, and handle 51, an upper and an upper surface surface portion portion

5 thereof is thereof isattached attachedtotoa aceiling of the ceiling ice-making of the compartment ice-making compartment300. 300. The gear box The gear box54 54is is

arranged onthe arranged on the rear rear side side of ofthe theframe frame53. Thegear 53. The gearbox box5454isis aa device device configured configured to to 2022435971

rotate the ice-making rotate the ice-making tray5050 tray to to cause cause the the ice ice produced produced by theby the ice-making ice-making tray 50 tray 50 to fall to fall

into into the the ice ice storage case21. storage case 21.

[0039]

Theice-making The ice-making tray tray 50 50 is designed is designed to produce to produce multiple multiple pieces pieces of aicetime, of ice at at aintime, in

whicheach which each piece piece of of thethe multiple multiple pieces pieces of ice of ice being being capable capable of being of being produced produced from from

about 10CCccofofwater, about 10 water,for forexample. example. Therefore, Therefore, the interior the interior thereof thereof is partitioned is partitioned into two into two

rows onthe rows on theleft left and andright rightininthe thedepth depthdirection directionofofthe therefrigerator refrigerator1.1.In the In the example example of of

the present the present embodiment, theice-making embodiment, the ice-makingtray tray50 50has has1212recesses recesses50a, 50a,i.e. i.e. two two rows rows on on

the left the left and right and and right six rows and six rowsininthe thefront frontand andback, back, so so that that 12 12 pieces pieces of ice of ice can can be be

generated generated atat a a time. time.

[0040]

One end One end of of the the ice-making ice-making traytray 50 ahas 50 has a convex convex portionportion that is that is inserted inserted into a into a

throughhole through holeformed formed inside in a a side surface surface portion portion of handle of the the handle 51. A 51. recessAis recess formedisinformed in

the other the other end endofofthe theice-making ice-makingtraytray 50 into 50 into which which the rotational the rotational axis axis 54a 54a of theofgear the box gear box

54 is fitted. 54 is Theice-making fitted. The ice-making traytray 50provided 50 is is provided inside inside of anofinterior an interior portion portion that that is is

enclosed enclosed byby the the handle handle 51, 51, the the frame frame 53,the 53, and andgear thebox gear 54,box and 54, and is axially is axially supported supported

at at both both ends ends by by the the handle handle 51 51 and the gear and the gear box 54. box 54. AsAs a a result, the result, the ice-making tray 50 ice-making tray 50

can rotatearound can rotate around a rotational a rotational axis axis 54a. 54a.

[0041]

Theice The iceproduced produced in the in the ice-making ice-making tray tray 50 is50 is separated separated by rotation by rotation of the of the ice- ice-

making tray5050 making tray byby thethe gear gear box box 54, 54, andseparated and the the separated iceonto ice drops drops theonto the ice storage ice storage

case 21.Specifically, case 21. Specifically, when when the gear the gear box 54box 54 rotates rotates the ice-making the ice-making tray 50, tray 50, a stopper a stopper

receiving sectionprovided receiving section providedin in thethe ice-making ice-making tray tray 50caught 50 is is caught by a stopper by a stopper sectionsection of of

the frame the frame53. 53.Then, Then, sincesince the box the gear gear54box 54 further further continues continues to rotatetothe rotate the ice-making ice-making

14 tray 50, tray the ice-making 50, the ice-making tray5050 tray cancan be twisted, be twisted, whereby whereby ice isice is separated separated from from the ice-the ice- 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 making tray50. making tray 50.

[0042]

Theice The icestorage storage detection detection lever lever 56 56 is provided is provided to detect to detect whether whether the the ice ice storage storage

5 case 21 is case 21 is full fulland andthen thentoto determine determinewhether whetherthe theice can ice canbebemade made continuously. The continuously. The

ice ice storage detectionlever storage detection lever5656 is is attached attached toside to a a side surface surface of the of the gear gear boxas54, as box 54, 2022435971

illustrated illustrated in inFigs. Figs. 55 and 6. and 6. When When the the ice storage ice storage detection detection lever lever 56 contacts 56 contacts the ice the in ice in

the ice the ice storage storagecase case21 21 when when it isit in is in a lowered a lowered state, state, it is it is detected detected thatthat the the ice ice storage storage

case 21isisfull case 21 full and is determined and is determined that that further further iceice making making is impossible. is impossible.

[0043]

The ice The ice maker 20may maker 20 mayfurther furtherbe beprovided providedwith with an an ice-making ice-makingtray tray temperature temperature

sensor that measures sensor that measures aatemperature temperatureofofice ice in in the the ice-making ice-making tray tray 50. Theice-making 50. The ice-making

tray temperature tray sensor temperature sensor is aisthermistor, a thermistor, for for example, example, and and is is covered covered by a temperature by a temperature

sensor cover sensor cover and and attached attached in close in close contact contact to a lower to a lower surface surface of the of the ice-making ice-making tray 50. tray 50.

A A temperature measured temperature measured by by the the ice-making ice-making traytemperature tray temperature sensor sensor is is transmittedtoto transmitted

the controller the controller 82. 82. TheThe controller controller 82 controls 82 controls the gear the gear box box 54 54 according according to a to a

temperaturemeasured temperature measuredby by the the ice-making ice-making traytemperature tray temperature sensor. sensor.

[0044]

(Configuration (Configuration of ofWater Water Supply Supply Tank) Tank)

Next, the configuration Next, the configurationofofthe thewater water supply supply tanktank 22described. 22 is is described. Fig. 7 Fig. is a 7 is a

schematic perspectiveview schematic perspective viewof of each each of of the the ice ice maker maker 20, 20, the the water water supply supply tank tank 22 22 and and

the water the water supply supply pipe pipe 61 61 according according to to Embodiment Embodiment 1.1.Fig. Fig. 7 7 shows shows an an exploded exploded

diagramofofeach diagram each of of thethe iceice maker maker 20, water 20, the the water supplysupply tank tank 22, and22, theand thesupply water water supply pipe 61. pipe 61.

[0045]

Asillustrated As illustrated in in Fig. Fig. 7, 7, the the water supplytank water supply tank2222 has has a water a water storage storage container container 58 58

formedin formed in a a box box shape with an shape with an opening openingon onaatop top surface, surface, aa water water supply supply pump 59 pump 59

located insidethe located inside thewater waterstorage storage container container 58, 58, a filter a filter 60 60 attached attached to front to the the front of the of the

watersupply water supplypump pump 59, 59, and and a water a water supplysupply tank tank lid 24.lid 24.

[0046]

15

Asillustrated As illustrated in in Fig Fig 7, 7, the the water storagecontainer water storage container 58 58 has has fourfour corners corners in a in topa top 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

view. In Inthethe view. vicinityofofone vicinity oneofofthe thefour fourcorners corners of of thethe water water storage storage container container 58, a 58, a drain drain

outlet outletport port62 62toto which whichthe water the supply water pipe supply 6161is is pipe connected is is connected formed. formed. The The remaining remaining

three corners three cornersare areformed formed in ainshape a shape that that has ahas a rounded rounded inner circumference, inner circumference, that that is, the is, the

5 so-called "R"shape. so-called "R" shape.

[0047]

[0047] 2022435971

Fig. Fig. 8 8 is is an an exploded perspective exploded perspective view view showing showing an example an example of a configuration of a configuration of of

the water the water supply supply pump 59according pump 59 accordingtotoEmbodiment Embodiment1. 1. The The waterwater supply supply pump pump 59 is 59 is

provided provided soso asas toto send send water water out out fromfrom the water the water storage storage container container 58ice-making 58 to the to the ice-making

tray 50. tray 50. AsAs illustratedininFig. illustrated Fig.8,8,the thewater water supply supply pump pump 59 includes 59 includes a pump acover pump 59acover 59a

provided witha awater provided with water supply supply portport 63, 63, a propeller a propeller 59b 59b including including a magnet a magnet in its inside in its inside

and and aa pump pumpcase case59c. 59c.These These are are combined combined to form to form the water the water supply supply pump pump 59. In59. the In the

water supply water supply pump pump59, 59,the thepropeller propeller 59b rotates as 59b rotates as a a magnet attachedto magnet attached to an an external external

pump motor pump motor (not (not illustrated) illustrated) rotates. rotates.

[0048]

The pump The pumpcase case 59c 59c is isprovided providedwith witha adrainage drainagepipe pipe6565that that extends extendsupward. upward.

Thedrainage The drainage pipe pipe 65 65 is provided is provided such such that that it it extends extends from afrom a vicinity vicinity of an of endanportion end portion in in

the left-right the left-right direction direction of ofthe thepump case pump case 59c 59c in in a direction a direction tangential tangential to the to the direction direction of of

rotation rotation of of the the propeller 59b. propeller 59b.

[0049]

Thedrainage The drainage pipe pipe 65 65 is configured is configured such such that that it it extends extends upwardupward and vertically and vertically

fromthe from thepump pump case case 59c,59c, bendsbends at a height at a height of awater of a full full water line line of theofwater the water supplysupply tank tank

22 and extends 22 and extendsalong alongaawall wall surface surface of of the the water water storage storage container container 58. Oneend 58. One endofofthe the drainagepipe drainage pipe6565 is is connected connected to a to a drain drain outlet outlet portport 62the 62 of of water the water storage storage container container

58. When 58. When the propeller the propeller 59b rotates 59b rotates in thein the forward forward direction, direction, the drainage the drainage pipe 65 pipe 65

distributes water distributes waterthat thatisis taken takenfrom fromthethe water water supply supply portport 63 is 63 and and is staying staying in theinwater the water

storage container storage container 5858 to to distribute distribute to to the the drain drain outlet outlet port port 62. 62.

[0050]

Referring backtotoFig. Referring back Fig.7,7,the thewater water supply supply pipe pipe 61 serves 61 serves as a water as a water supply supply route route

for supplying for waterininthe supplying water thewater water storage storage container container 58 to58 to ice-making the the ice-making tray tray 50. The50. The

16 watersupply water supplypipe pipe 61 61 is is configured configured independently independently from from the thesupply water water tank supply 22, tank 22, and is and is 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 detachablyattached detachably attached to the to the water water supply supply tank tank 22. As22. As illustrated illustrated in Fig. in 7,Fig. the 7, the water water supply pipe6161hashas supply pipe an an inlet inlet port port 61a61a into into which which water water from from the water the water storagestorage container container

58 flows, an 58 flows, anoutlet outletport port61b 61bthat thatallows allows water water to to flow flow outout to the to the ice-making ice-making tray tray 50,aand a 50, and

5 pathway section pathway section 61c61c thatthat connects connects the inlet the inlet port port 61athe 61a and and the outlet outlet port 61b. port 61b.

[0051]

[0051] 2022435971

Fig. Fig. 9 9 is is aa schematic topview schematic top view of of the the iceice maker maker 20, 20, the the water water supply supply tank tank 22, and22, and

the water the watersupply supply pipe pipe 61 61 according according to Embodiment to Embodiment 1. As illustrated 1. As illustrated in Fig. 9,inthe Fig. 9, the outlet outlet

port port 61b of the 61b of thewater watersupply supply pipe pipe 61 61 is located is located rearward rearward relative relative toinlet to the the inlet port port 61a. 61a.

In In other words,the other words, thepathway pathway section section 61c 61c of water of the the water supplysupply pipe 61pipe 61 is arranged is arranged so as to so as to

extend diagonally extend diagonally backward backward from from the inlet the inlet port port 61a. 61a. Theport The outlet outlet 61bport 61bwater of the of the water

supply pipe6161isispositioned supply pipe positionedto to overlap overlap with with the the ice-making ice-making tray tray 50 in50 in aview. a top top view. As a As a

result, result, water passingthrough water passing through thethe water water supply supply pipe pipe 61 is61 is discharged discharged from from the top the top of the of the

ice ice maker maker 2020 with with a velocity a velocity component component equal equal to a velocity to a velocity component component in the in the

longitudinal direction (depth longitudinal direction (depthdirection directionofofthe therefrigerator refrigerator1). 1).By By arranging arranging the water the water

supply pipe6161andand supply pipe thethe ice-making ice-making tray tray 50 in50 in this this way, way, it isitpossible is possible to prevent to prevent quality quality

defectssuch defects suchasas water water splashing splashing from from themaker the ice ice maker 20 and 20 and falling falling into into the icethe ice storage storage

case 21,causing case 21, causingthethe stored stored ice ice to stick to stick together. together.

[0052]

Fig. Fig. 10 is aa schematic 10 is cross-sectional schematic cross-sectional diagram diagram ofice of the themaker ice maker 20 and 20 theand the first first

insulating partition 30 insulating partition accordingtotoEmbodiment 30 according Embodiment 1. 10Fig. 1. Fig. 10a shows shows a which state in state the in which the

center in aa width center in widthdirection directionofofthe theice-making ice-making tray tray 50 50 is cut is cut along along the the ZY plane. ZY plane. As As

illustrated illustrated in inFig. Fig.10, 10,behind the gear behind the gearbox box5454 of of the the iceice maker maker 20, 20, a windway a windway guide guide

section section 69 69 is isprovided. Thewindway provided. The windway guide guide section6969isisaawind section windpassage passage thatisis that

connectedtoto the connected the cooling cooling mechanism mechanism 8181 and and sends sends cold cold airair generated generated by by the the cooling cooling

mechanism 81the mechanism 81 to to the ice-making ice-making tray tray 50 via50 viainside the the inside of the of the 53. frame frame 53.

[0053]

Theceiling The ceilingsurface surfaceofofthe theframe frame 53 53 has has a slope a slope 74 extends 74 that that extends diagonally diagonally

upward fromthe upward from theback backtoto the the front. front. AA temperature temperaturesensor sensor7373isisprovided providedon onthe the slope slope

74. 74. The The temperature temperature sensor sensor 73 73 is,is, forexample, for example,ananinfrared infraredsensor. sensor. TheThe temperature temperature

17 sensor sensor 7373 measures measures a temperature a temperature of eachofofeach of the the four fourrecesses front front recesses 50a 50a of the of the ice- ice- 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 making tray 50 making tray 50 and and transmits transmits an an average averagevalue valueto to the the controller controller82. 82. The temperature The temperature sensor sensor 7373 detects detects whether whether water water has supplied has been been supplied to the to the four fourrecesses front front recesses 50a of the 50a of the ice-making tray 50, ice-making tray 50, whether whether ice ice making has been making has beencomplete, complete,ororother other matters. matters. The The

5 temperature temperature sensor sensor 73fixed 73 is is fixed to the to the frame frame 53 obliquely 53 obliquely relative relative to thetolongitudinal the longitudinal

direction of the direction of ice maker the ice maker 2020 so so as as to to include include the the front front four four recesses recesses 50a 50a as an as an infrared infrared 2022435971

detection detection range. Thetemperature range. The temperature sensor sensor 73 73 measures measures a temperature a temperature of each of each the four the four

front recesses front 50a, recesses 50a, which which have have a slower a slower ice making ice making ratethethan rate than rearthe rear recesses recesses 50a. 50a.

As one As oneexample, example, if the if the temperature temperature of each of each of theoffront the front four recesses four recesses 50a detected 50a detected by by

the temperature the sensor73 temperature sensor 73is is below below aa predetermined predeterminedtemperature temperature (-10degrees (-10 degreesC)C) fora a for

predetermined period predetermined period (100(100 minutes) minutes) or longer, or longer, the controller the controller 82, which 82, which receives receives a a

temperaturetransmitted temperature transmitted from from the the temperature temperaturesensor sensor73, 73,determines determinesthat thatthe the ice ice

making in the making in the ice-making tray 50 ice-making tray 50 has has been completeand been complete andthen thenactivates activatesthe the gear gear box box

54. 54. Theactivated The activatedgear gearbox box5454rotates rotatesthe theice-making ice-makingtray tray 50 50 to to thereby thereby separate the separate the

ice ice from from the the ice-making ice-making tray tray50. Theice 50. The ice separated separatedfrom fromthe the ice-making ice-makingtray tray 50 50 drops drops

onto theice onto the ice storage storagecase case 21.21.

[0054]

Althoughnot Although notillustrated illustratedFig. Fig.10, 10,hooks hooksareare provided provided on a on a ceiling ceiling surface surface of theofice- the ice-

making compartment making compartment 300 formed 300 formed by theinsulating by the first first insulating partition partition 30, and30, theand the53frame frame is 53 is

fixed to fixed tothe theceiling ceilingsurface of the surface ice-making of the compartment ice-making compartment300 300by byassembling assembling hooks hooks

provided provided onon a a side side surface surface in depth in depth direction direction of the of the frame frame 53 to53 thetohooks the hooks provided provided on on

the ceiling surface of the first insulating partition 30. the ceiling surface of the first insulating partition 30.

[0055]

Fig. Fig. 11 is aa schematic 11 is cross-sectional schematic cross-sectional diagram diagram of water of the the water supplysupply tank 22tank and 22 and

the ice the ice maker maker2020 according according to Embodiment to Embodiment 1. Fig. 1. Fig. 11 illustrates 11 illustrates a state a state in which in which the the watersupply water supplytank tank 22 22 andand the the ice ice maker maker 20 are20 are cut cut the along along XY the XY plane atplane at a position a position in in

front of front of the the water supplypipe water supply pipe61.61. MoreMore specifically, specifically, the position the position ofcross of the the cross section section in in

Fig. Fig. 11 is aa position 11 is position passing through passing through a bottom a bottom surface surface of recess of the the recess 50a in50a in a second a second row row

fromthe from thefront front of of the the ice-making ice-making tray tray 50.50.

[0056]

18

Thewater The watersupply supply pipe pipe 61 penetrates 61 penetrates the first the first insulating insulating partition partition 30 runs 30 and and runs 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

between theice between the ice maker maker2020and andthe thewater watersupply supplytank tank22. 22.TheThe outlet outlet port61b port 61bofofthe the

watersupply water supplypipe pipe 61 61 is is positioned positioned on the on the leftleft sideside and and diagonally diagonally downward downward relative relative to to

the inlet the inlet port port 61a in aa front 61a in front view of the view of the refrigerator refrigerator 1. 1.

5 [0057]

[0057]

Asillustrated As illustrated in in Figs. Figs. 9 9 and 11,the and 11, thewater watersupply supply pipe pipe 61 arranged 61 is is arranged such such that that 2022435971

watersupplied water suppliedfrom from thethe outlet outlet port port 61b61b hitshits a slope a slope 50b.50b. Among Among the the plurality plurality of of

recesses 50a recesses 50a of of thethe ice-making ice-making tray tray 50, slope 50, the the slope 50b 50b is is provided provided in a recess in a recess 50a which 50a which

is is positioned positionedatata asecond secondrow row from from the thefront and front andnear nearthe water the watersupply supplypipe 61. pipe 61. By By

setting a landing setting a landingpoint pointofofthe thewater watersupplied supplied from from the the outlet outlet portport 61b 61b to tray to the the tray tothe to be be the

recess 50anear recess 50a near thethe water water supply supply pipe pipe 61,leaving 61, and and leaving a distance a distance equivalent equivalent to a length to a length

of of one recessfrom one recess from a right a right end end of of thethe ice-making ice-making tray tray 50, water 50, water supplied supplied from from the the outlet outlet

port port 61b canbebe 61b can prevented prevented fromfrom spilling spilling out out fromfrom the ice-making the ice-making tray tray 50. In 50. In Fig. Fig. 11, in 11, in

the first the first insulating insulating partition partition30, 30,an an upper surfacesection upper surface section7070 andand a lower a lower surface surface section section

71 arecombined 71 are combined to form to form the the outer outer contour contour 72,anand 72, and anspace inner innerthereof space is thereof fillediswith filled with

the insulating the insulating material material2c. 2c.

[0058]

Asillustrated As illustrated in in Fig. Fig. 11, 11, in in an an interior interiorof ofthe thewater water storage container58, storage container 58,steps steps areare

formed.Specifically, formed. Specifically, a firststep a first step section section 58a, 58a, of which of which the depth the depth of water of water is shallow is shallow

whenwater when water is is stored, stored, andand a second a second step section step section 58b provided 58b provided in adjacent in adjacent to the to the first first

step section58a step section 58aandand of of which which the the depth depth of water of water is deeper is deeper than than the thestep first firstsection step section

58a, 58a, are are formed. formed. The The second second step step section section 58b58b is is formed formed in in thewater the waterstorage storagecontainer container

58 suchthat 58 such thatitit is is adjacent tothe adjacent to thefirst first step step section 58aininthe section 58a theleft-to-right left-to-right direction. direction. AsAs

will be will be described described inindetail detail later, later, aa water supplypump water supply pump 59positioned 59 is is positioned in second in the the second step step

section 58bsosothat, section 58b that,ininthe thefront-back front-back direction,ititisis in direction, in contact withaawall contact with wallsurface surfaceofofthe the waterstorage water storagecontainer container 58.58. The first The first step step section section 58a is58a is formed formed such such that that it is it is higher higher

than a than a water water supply supply port port 63 63 of ofthe thewater watersupply supplypump pump 59 59 arranged in the arranged in the second step second step

section 58b. section 58b.

[0059]

19

Thefirst The first step section58a step section 58aisisformed formedso so as as to incline to incline downward downward towardtoward the the second second 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

step section58b step section 58bsoso that that water water on on the the first first step step section section 58a 58a flows flows into into the second the second step step

section 58b.ForFor section 58b. example, example, the first the first step step section section 58a is58a is formed formed soincline so as to as to incline

downward downward by about by about 7 degrees 7 degrees relative relative to theto the horizontal horizontal direction. direction.

5 [0060]

[0060]

Thefirst The first step section58a step section 58aisisformed formedso so that that a bottom a bottom surface surface thereof thereof inclines inclines 2022435971

downward from downward from one one wallsurface wall surfaceofofthe thewater waterstorage storagecontainer container 58 58to to the the other other opposing opposing

wall surface. wall surface.In In thiscase, this case, thethe oneone wallwall surface surface of water of the the water storage storage container container 58 is a 58 is a

wall surface wall surfacethat thatthe thewater watersupply supply pump pump 59, which 59, which is located is located in the in the second second step step section section

58b, contacts. 58b, contacts.

[0061]

Thewidth The widthininthe theleft-right left-right direction direction of of the the second second step step section section 58b58b is formed is formed

taking into taking into account accountthe thewidth width in in the the left-to-rightdirection left-to-right directionofofthe thewater watersupply supply pump pump 59 so59 so

as as to to allow allow the thewater watersupply supplypump 59 to pump 59 to be be positioned. Thesecond positioned. The second stepsection step section58b 58bisis

formedsosothat formed thata apart partofofa abottom bottom surface surface thereof thereof inclines inclines upward upward from from one one wall wall surface surface

to the to the other opposing other opposing wall wall surface surface of the of the water water storage storage container container 58, the 58, where where the water water

supply pump5959isis arranged. supply pump arranged.A remaining A remaining portion portion ofof thebottom the bottomsurface surfaceofofthe thesecond second

step step section section 58b 58b is isaaportion portionwhere wherethe thewater watersupply supplypump pump 59 is arranged. 59 is In other arranged. In other

words,the words, thebottom bottom surface surface of the of the second second step section step section 58b, excluding 58b, excluding a where a portion portion thewhere the

watersupply water supplypump pump 59arranged, 59 is is arranged, is formed is formed such such that it that it inclines inclines upwardupward as it as it moves moves

away fromthe away from the water watersupply supplypump pump 59. 59.

[0062]

Withthe With thefirst first step section58a step section 58aand and thethe second second step step section section 58b formed 58b being being in formed in this manner, this manner, ininthe thewater water storage storage container container 58, 58, a a continuous continuous surface surface is formed is formed by the by the

lowest bottom lowest bottom surface surface of of thethe firststep first step section section 58a58a and and the highest the highest bottombottom surfacesurface of the of the

second stepsection second step section 58b. 58b.

[0063]

In In the the example illustratedininFig. example illustrated Fig.11, 11,inin the thewater waterstorage storage container container 58, 58, the the first first

step section58a step section 58aisisformed formedon on the the leftleft side side andand a second a second step section step section 58b is 58b is formed formed on on

the right the right side of the side of first step the first step section section 58a. The 58a. The firststep first step section section 58a58a inclines inclines downward downward

20 towardthe toward thesecond secondstepstep section section 58b which 58b which is adjacent is adjacent to the to thestep first first section step section 58a on 58a the on the 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 right right side. The side. The firststep first stepsection section 58a 58a is is formed formed sotoasincline so as to incline downward downward from thefrom rearthe rear side to the side to the front front side. The side. The second second step step section section 58b is58b is formed formed with of with a part a part of the bottom the bottom surface thereofinclining surface thereof incliningupward upward from from the the rearrear sideside wall wall to front to the the front sideside wall wall of water of the the water

5 storage container 58. storage container 58. A Acontinuous continuoussurface surfaceisis formed formedbybyaalowest lowestbottom bottomsurface surfaceonon

the front the front side of the side of first step the first step section section 58a anda ahighest 58a and highest bottom bottom surface surface onfront on the the front side side 2022435971

of of the the second step second step section section 58b. 58b.

[0064]

Fig. Fig. 12 is aa schematic 12 is cross-sectional schematic cross-sectional diagram diagram ofrefrigerator of the the refrigerator compartment compartment

100 according to 100 according to Embodiment Embodiment 1.1. Fig. Fig. 12 12 illustrates the illustrates the refrigerator refrigerator compartment 100 compartment 100

cut alongthe cut along theXZXZplane plane andand viewed viewed fromtop. from the theFig. top.12 Fig. 12 illustrates illustrates thesurface the floor floor surface

100a ofthe 100a of therefrigerator refrigeratorcompartment compartment100, 100, a water a water supplysupply tank tank lid lid 24 installed 24 installed in the in the

watersupply water supplytank tank storage storage section section 30a 30a provided provided on theon thesurface floor floor surface 100a, 100a, and the and the

refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment casecase 23 installed 23 installed onfloor on the the floor surface surface 100a. 100a.

[0065]

Asillustrated As illustrated in in Fig. Fig. 12, 12, in in aa front front view view of of the the refrigerator refrigerator 1, 1, the the water supplytank water supply tank

22 is positioned 22 is such positioned such thatititoverlaps that overlaps the the leftdoor left door11a11a of of thethe refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment

100 and does 100 and doesnot notoverlap overlap the the right right door door 11b 11b of ofthe therefrigerator compartment refrigerator compartment100. The 100. The

watersupply water supplytank tank 22 22 is is positioned positioned nearnear the the center center in width in the the width direction direction of theof the

refrigerator refrigeratorcompartment 100. compartment 100.

[0066]

Since thewater Since the watersupply supply tank tank 22 overlaps 22 overlaps the door the left left door 11adoes 11a and andnot does not overlap overlap

the right the right door 11bininaafront door 11b front view viewofofthe therefrigerator refrigerator1,1,aauser usercan can open open onlyonly the the leftleft doordoor 11a to take 11a to takeout outthe thewater watersupply supply tank tank 22, 22, making making it easier it easier to insert to insert and remove and remove the the

watersupply water supplytank tank 22 22 forfor cleaning. cleaning. In addition, In addition, the water the water supplysupply tank 22tank 22 is located is located near near the center the centerinin the thewidth widthdirection directionofofthe therefrigerator refrigeratorcompartment compartment100, 100, whichwhich allows allows a a

user standingininfront user standing frontofofthe therefrigerator refrigerator11totoinsert insert and andremove removethe the water water supply supply tank 22 tank 22

while reducing while reducinga arotation rotationangle angle when when the left the left doordoor 11aopened, 11a is is opened, whereby whereby the the

operability of operability of the refrigerator 1 the refrigerator canbebefurther 1 can furtherimproved. improved.

[0067]

21

In In the the present embodiment, present embodiment, the the water water supply supply tank tank 22 22 overlaps overlaps the leftthe left door 11adoor of 11a of 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

the refrigerator the refrigerator compartment compartment 100 100 and not and does does not overlap overlap thedoor the right right door 11b 11b of the of the

refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment 100 100 in a in a front front viewview of the of the refrigerator refrigerator 1, but 1, but the the position position of the of the

watersupply water supplytank tank 22 22 is is not not limited limited to to this.For For this. example, example, the water the water supply supply tank 22 tank may 22 may

5 be positionedsuch be positioned such that, that, in in a a frontview front viewof of the the refrigerator refrigerator 1, 1, ititoverlaps overlapsthethe rightdoor right door 11b11b

and doesnot and does not overlap overlap the the left left door door11a. In this 11a. In thiscase, case,the theice-making ice-makingcompartment 300 compartment 300 2022435971

is is provided sothat provided so thatitit is is adjacent to the adjacent to the first first freezer freezer compartment compartment 200200 on right on the the right side. side.

[0068]

Asillustrated As illustrated in in Fig. Fig. 12, 12, the the fill fill port port3333through through which theinsulating which the insulatingmaterial material2c2c is is

injected is provided injected is inthe provided in theouter outerbox box2a2a of of thethe insulating insulating boxbox bodybody 2 at 2 a at a position position wherewhere

ititoverlaps the first overlaps the first insulating insulating partition partition30 30 and the water and the watersupply supply tank tank 22 22 in in a side a side view view of of

the refrigerator the refrigerator 1. 1. This This allows allows injection injection of of thethe insulating insulating material material 2c with 2c with a higher a higher flow flow

velocity into velocity into the watersupply the water supplytank tank storage storage section section 30a 30a of first of the the first insulating insulating partition partition 30, 30,

as compared as compared tocase to a a case where where theport the fill fill port 33located 33 is is located at a at a position position wherewhere it not it does does not

overlap thewater overlap the watersupply supply tank tank 22 (at 22 (at the the rearrear sideside of the of the outer outer boxfor box 2a, 2a,example). for example).

This structure This structureimproves improvesthethe fillingproperty filling propertyof of the the insulating insulating material material 2c 2c in the in the water water

supply tank storage supply tank storage section section 30a, 30a, which which has has a a bended shape.In In bended shape. other other words, words, by by

arranging thefill arranging the fill port port 33 33 in in such such aa way, way,insulation insulationproperty property of of thethe firstinsulating first insulatingpartition partition

30 is improved, 30 is whereby improved, whereby insulation insulation performance performance of the of the refrigerator refrigerator 1 can 1 can be be enhanced. enhanced.

[0069]

Embodiment Embodiment 22

Fig. Fig. 13 is aa schematic 13 is cross-sectional schematic cross-sectional diagram diagram of a of a peripheral peripheral area area of the of the ice- ice-

making compartment making compartment 300300 in in therefrigerator the refrigerator 11 of of Embodiment Embodiment 2.2.Fig. Fig. 1313 is isa aview viewofof the refrigerator the refrigerator 11 taken takenbybycutting cuttingthe therefrigerator refrigerator1 1along along thethe XY XY plane plane and viewed and viewed from from

the front. the As compared front. As compared withEmbodiment with Embodiment 1, the 1, the refrigerator11according refrigerator accordingtoto Embodiment 2 differs Embodiment 2 differs in structure in structure of insulating of insulating partitions partitions placed placed between between the refrigerator the refrigerator

compartment 100 compartment 100 and and thethe ice-making ice-making compartment compartment 300 300 and between and between the refrigerator the refrigerator

compartment 100 compartment 100 and and thethe first freezer first freezer compartment 200.TheThe compartment 200. other other configuration configuration of of

the refrigerator the refrigerator1 1 according accordingtoto Embodiment Embodiment 2 2 is isthe thesame same as as that thatof ofEmbodiment 1. Embodiment 1.

[0070]

22

Theinsulating The insulatingpartition partitionbetween betweenthethe refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment 100 and100 the and ice- the ice- 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

making compartment making compartment 300 300 is is formed formed by the by theinsulating first first insulating partition partition 30 in 30 in anfrom an area area from

one sidesurface one side surfaceofof the the inner inner boxbox 2b 2b (left (left side side surface surface in Fig. in Fig. 13)13) to the to the water water supply supply

tank storage tank storagesection section 30a. 30a. Then,Then, in an in anfrom area areathe from the side side surface surface of the of the first first insulating insulating

5 partition partition 30 to the 30 to the other sidesurface other side surfaceofofthe theinner innerbox box 2b 2b (right (right side side surface surface in Fig. in Fig. 13), 13),

the insulating the insulating partition partition is is formed bya athird formed by thirdinsulating insulatingpartition partition67. 67.ThatThat is, is, thethe first first 2022435971

insulating partition 30 insulating partition andthe 30 and thethird thirdinsulating insulatingpartition partition67 67each each forms forms a part a part of the of the floor floor

surface 100a surface 100a of of the the refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment 100. 100.

[0071]

As in As in Embodiment Embodiment 1,1,the therefrigerator refrigerator 11 according according to toEmbodiment Embodiment 22is is provided provided

with the with the second second insulating insulating partition partition 3131 that that divides divides thethe ice-making ice-making compartment compartment 300 and 300 and

the first the first freezer compartment freezer compartment 200 200 below below the the water water supply supply tank tank storage storage section section 30a. An 30a. An

interior of the interior of thethird thirdinsulating insulating partition partition 67 is67 is filled filled with with a a material material similar similar to to the insulating the insulating

material 2cused material 2c usedinin theinsulating the insulating box box body body 2. Meanwhile, 2. Meanwhile, an interior an interior of the first of the first

insulating partition 30 insulating partition is filled 30 is filledwith withan an insulating insulating material 2e, which material 2e, whichisismade madeof of a material a material

different different from that of from that of the the insulating insulating material material2c2cand andthethe insulating insulating material material 2dthe 2d of of the

second insulating second insulating partition31. partition 31.

[0072]

In In this this refrigerator refrigerator 11 according to the according to thepresent presentembodiment, embodiment, asinsulating as the the insulating

material 2cofof the material 2c thethird third insulating insulating partition partition 67 67and andthe theinsulating insulating box box body body 2, which 2, which each each

secures secures anan insulation insulation thickness thickness above above a certain a certain level level andtend and are aretotend havetoa have lineara linear

shape, urethane shape, urethane foam foam (rigid (rigid urethane urethane foam), foam), etc., etc., whichwhich hasinsulation has high high insulation

performance performance butbut is is difficulttoto fill, difficult fill, isisused. Onthe used. On theother other hand, hand, forfor thethe insulating insulating material material

2e of the 2e of the first first insulating insulating partition partition30, 30, which mustfollow which must followthe theshape shape of the of the water water supply supply

tank 22 tank 22 and has bended and has bendedparts parts66a, 66a,66b, 66b,66c, 66c,and and66d, 66d,polystyrene polystyrenefoam foamisisused, used,which which has slightly lower has slightly insulationperformance lower insulation performancethanthan rigidrigid urethane urethane foam foam but hasbut has high high molding molding

property. Sincethe property. Since thetemperature temperaturedifference differencebetween betweenthe theice-making ice-makingcompartment compartment 300 300

and thefirst and the first freezer compartment freezer compartment 200 200 is small, is small, polypropylene, polypropylene, which which has has a smaller a smaller

specific specific gravity andaahigher gravity and higherstrength strength as as compared compared with other with other resins, resins, is as is used used the as the

insulating material2d insulating material 2dofofthe thesecond second insulating insulating partition partition 31.31. By using By using different different materials materials

23 for the for the insulation of the insulation of first through the first through third third insulating insulating partitions partitions in in this thisway, way, the the insulation insulation 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 performance performance andand productivity productivity of the of the refrigerator refrigerator 1 can 1 can be achieved be achieved at the at thetime. same same time.

The materials The materials are are not not limited limitedtoto these, and these, urethane and urethanefoam foam may may also also be be used as the used as the

insulation material insulation material for for the the firstfirst through through third insulating third insulating partitions, partitions, givingto priority to giving priority

5 insulation performance. insulation performance.

[0073]

[0073] 2022435971

The embodiments The embodiments areare as as described described above. above. The present The present disclosure disclosure is not is not limited limited

to the to the above-mentioned embodiments, above-mentioned embodiments, butbut cancan be be varied varied or or combined combined to an to an extent extent that that

ititdoes does not deviatefrom not deviate fromthe thegist gistofofthe thedisclosure. disclosure.For For example, example, the arrangement the arrangement of of

each storage compartment each storage compartment isisnot notlimited limited to to the the arrangement in the arrangement in the above-mentioned above-mentioned

embodiments, butmay embodiments, but maybe be arranged arranged in in a manner a manner other other than than that that ofofthe theabove-mentioned above-mentioned

embodiments. embodiments. The The number number of compartments of compartments and and the the temperature temperature of eachof each

compartment arealso compartment are alsonot notlimited limited to to the theexamples of the examples of the above-mentioned above-mentioned

embodiments. embodiments.

[0074]

In In the theabove-mentioned embodiments, above-mentioned embodiments, thethe water water supply supply tank tank storage storage section30a section 30a

is is configured to be configured to becovered coveredby by thethe firstinsulating first insulating partition30. partition 30.However, However, this this is notis not

restrictive. Forexample, restrictive. For example,the the upper upper surface surface of theofwater the water supply supply tank storage tank storage section section

30a maybebeopen 30a may open and and communicated communicated with with the the refrigerator refrigerator compartment compartment 100.100.

[0074a]

Throughout Throughout this this specification specification andand the the claims claims whichwhich follow, follow, unless unless the context the context

requires otherwise,the requires otherwise, theword word "comprise", "comprise", and variations and variations such such as as "comprises" "comprises" and and

"comprising", will be "comprising", will beunderstood understoodto to imply imply the the inclusion inclusion of aof a stated stated integer integer or step or step or or group ofintegers group of integersororsteps steps but but notnot thethe exclusion exclusion of any of any otherother integer integer or step or step or group or group of of

integers or steps. integers or steps.

[0074b]

Thereference The referencein in thisspecification this specification toto any any prior prior publication publication (or(or information information derived derived

fromit), from it), or or to toany any matter whichisisknown, matter which known,is is not, not, and and should should not not be taken be taken as an as an

acknowledgment or admission acknowledgment or admission or any or any form ofform of suggestion suggestion that that that that prior prior publication publication (or (or

24 information derivedfrom information derived from it)it)ororknown known matter matter forms forms part part ofcommon of the the common general general 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 knowledge knowledge in in thethe fieldofofendeavour field endeavour to which to which this this specification specification relates. relates.

Reference SignsList Reference Signs List

[0075]

5 1: 1: refrigerator, refrigerator, 2: 2:insulating insulating box box body, 2a:outer body, 2a: outerbox, box,2b: 2b:inner innerbox, box, 2c,2c, 2d,2d, 2e:2e:

insulating material, 3: insulating material, 3: storage storagespace, space,8a:8a: joint,9a, joint, 9a,9b, 9b,9c,9c,9d:9d: injectionopening, injection opening, 10: 10: 2022435971

operation sections,11a: operation sections, 11a: leftdoor, left door,11b: 11b:right rightdoor, door,12: 12:second second freezer freezer compartment compartment door, door,

13: 13: ice-making ice-making compartment door,14: compartment door, 14:vegetable vegetablecompartment compartment door, door, 15:15: first freezer first freezer

compartment door, compartment door, 20: 20: ice ice maker, maker, 21:storage 21: ice ice storage case, case, 22:supply 22: water water tank, supply 23:tank, 23:

refrigerator refrigerator compartment case, compartment case, 24: 24: water water supply supply tank30: tank lid, lid,first 30: first insulating insulating partition, partition,

30a: watersupply 30a: water supply tank tank storage storage section, section, 30b:30b: outerouter contour contour section, section, 30c: bottom 30c: bottom section, section,

30d: lowersurface, 30d: lower surface,30e: 30e: side side surface surface section, section, 31: 31: second second insulating insulating partition, partition, 32a: fourth 32a: fourth

insulating partition, insulating partition, 32a1: 32a1: upperupper surface, surface, 32b: 32b: fifth fifth insulating insulating partition, partition, 33: 33:34:fill port, 34: fill port,

heater, 50: ice-making heater, 50: ice-making tray,50a: tray, 50a: recess, recess, 50b: 50b: slope, slope, 51: 51: handle, handle, 53: frame, 53: frame, 54: gear 54: gear

box, 54a:rotational box, 54a: rotationalaxis, axis,56: 56:ice icestorage storagedetection detection lever, lever, 58:58: water water storage storage container, container,

58a: first step 58a: first step section, section, 58b: second 58b: second step step section, section, 59:59: water water supply supply pump,pump, 59a: pump 59a: pump

cover, 59b:propeller, cover, 59b: propeller,59c: 59c:pump pump case, case, 60: 60: filter, filter, 61:61: water water supply supply pipe, pipe, 61a: 61a: inletinlet port, port,

61b: outlet port, 61b: outlet port, 61c: 61c: pathway pathway section, section, 62:62: drain drain outlet outlet port, port, 63:63: water water supply supply port,port, 65: 65:

drainagepipe, drainage pipe,66a, 66a, 66b, 66b, 66c, 66c, 66d: 66d: bended bended part, part, 67: third 67: third insulating insulating partition, partition, 69: 69:

windway windway guide guide section, section, 70: 70: upper upper surface surface section, section, 71: surface 71: lower lower surface section,section, 72: 72: outer outer

contour, 73:temperature contour, 73: temperature sensor, sensor, 74: 74: slope, slope, 81: cooling 81: cooling mechanism, mechanism, 82: controller, 82: controller, 100: 100:

refrigerator refrigerator compartment, 100a: compartment, 100a: floor floor surface, surface, 200:200: firstfirst freezer freezer compartment, compartment, 300: ice- 300: ice-

making compartment, making compartment, 400: 400: vegetable vegetable compartment, compartment, 500:500: second second freezer freezer compartment compartment

25

Claims

THE CLAIMS THE CLAIMS DEFINING DEFININGTHE THEINVENTION INVENTIONARE AREASASFOLLOWS: FOLLOWS: 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025

[Claim 1]

[Claim 1]

A refrigerator comprising: A refrigerator comprising:

an insulatingbox an insulating boxbody; body;

5 a refrigerator compartment a refrigerator provided compartment provided in insulating in the the insulating box body; box body;

an ice-making compartment an ice-making compartment provided provided in in theinsulating the insulating box box body bodyand andlocated located 2022435971

below the refrigerator below the refrigerator compartment; compartment;

a a freezer freezer compartment providedinin the compartment provided the insulating insulating box box body body and located adjacent and located adjacent

to the to the ice-making ice-making compartment; compartment;

a first insulating a first insulatingpartition partitionconfigured configured to to divide divide the refrigerator compartment the refrigerator compartment and and

the ice-making the ice-making compartment, compartment, the first the first insulating insulating partition partition forming forming at least at least part part of a of a floor floor

surface ofthe surface of therefrigerator refrigeratorcompartment, compartment,and and having having a storage a storage sectionsection that is that is recessed recessed

below thefloor below the floorsurface; surface;

a secondinsulating a second insulating partitionconfigured partition configured to divide to divide thethe ice-making ice-making compartment compartment

and the freezer and the freezer compartment; compartment;

a third insulating a third insulating partition partition configured to divide configured to dividethe therefrigerator refrigeratorcompartment compartmentand and

the freezer the freezercompartment, compartment,the the third third insulating insulating partition partition forming forming at least at least partpart of the of the floor floor

surface ofthe surface of therefrigerator refrigeratorcompartment; compartment;

a a water water supply supply tank tank accommodated accommodated in in thestorage the storagesection sectionand andisisconfigured configuredto to

supply water used supply water used in in ice ice making in the making in the ice-making ice-making compartment; and compartment; and

an ice maker an ice arrangedin maker arranged in the the ice-making compartment ice-making compartment and and is isconfigured configuredtoto

generate icefrom generate ice from the the water water supplied supplied from from the water the water supplysupply tank, tank,

wherein wherein

the water the watersupply supply tank tank andand the the ice ice maker maker are arranged are arranged at a position at a position where where they do they do

not overlapinin aafront not overlap front view, view,

the water the watersupply supply tank tank andand the the ice ice maker maker are arranged are arranged at a position at a position where where at least at least

part part of of them overlapinina atop them overlap topview, view,

the first the first insulating insulating partition, partition,the thesecond insulatingpartition, second insulating partition, and thethird and the third insulating insulating

partition partition are are filled filledwith withdifferent differentinsulating insulatingmaterials, materials, and and

26 the ice the ice maker is configured maker is configured to tobe beinserted insertedand andremoved removed by by a a back-and-forth back-and-forth 17 Jun 2025 2022435971 17 Jun 2025 movement. movement.
[Claim 2]

[Claim 2]

Therefrigerator The refrigeratorofofclaim claim1 1wherein whereinthethe second second insulating insulating partition partition is provided is provided

5 below thestorage below the storage section, section, andand is contact is in in contact withwith the the storage storage section. section.
[Claim 3]

[Claim 3] 2022435971

Therefrigerator The refrigeratorofofclaim claim1 1oror2,2,further furthercomprising comprising a water a water supply supply pipe pipe configured configured

to supply to waterfrom supply water from thethe water water supply supply tank tank to ice to the the maker, ice maker, wherein wherein

the water the watersupply supplypipe pipe includes includes an inlet an inlet port port through through whichwhich the water the water flows flows in fromin from

the water the watersupply supplytank, tank, anan outlet outlet port port from from which which the water the water flows flows out toout thetoice themaker, ice maker,

and and aapathway pathway section section which which connects connects the port the inlet inletand porttheand the outlet outlet port, port,

the outlet the outlet port port of of the the water supplypipe water supply pipe is is arranged arranged at aatposition a position where where it overlaps it overlaps

the ice the ice maker makerinina atop topview, view,andand

the pathway the pathway section section of of thethe water water supply supply pipe pipe is arranged is arranged such such that it that it extends extends

diagonallybackward diagonally backwardin aintop a top view. view.
[Claim 4]

[Claim 4]

Therefrigerator The refrigeratorofofany anyone oneof of claims claims 1 to 1 to 3, 3, wherein wherein the the insulating insulating box box body body

includes anouter includes an outerbox, box, an an inner inner boxbox and and an insulating an insulating material material filledfilled between between the outer the outer

box andthe box and theinner inner box, box,

the insulating the insulating box boxbody body includes includes a fillport a fill portfrom from which which the the insulating insulating material material is is

filled, filled,

the fill the fill port portisis arranged arranged at at aa position position where it overlaps where it overlapsthe thefirst first insulating insulating partition partition

in in a a height direction in height direction in a side view. a side view.
[Claim 5]

[Claim 5]

The refrigeratorofofclaim The refrigerator claim4,4,wherein whereinthethe fillport fill portis is arranged arrangedonon a side a side surface surface of of

the insulating the insulatingbox boxbody body on on aa side sidewhere where the the ice-making ice-making compartment compartment isisprovided. provided.

27