Refrigerator

Provided is a refrigerator including: a main body; a storage compartment formed in the main body; a door that opens/closes the storage compartment; a general water tank in which general water supplied from an external water supply source is stored; a mixing tank in which general water supplied from the general water tank is mixed with carbon dioxide (CO2) so that carbonated water is made and stored; a dispenser that provides general water supplied from the general water tank to an outside and provides carbonated water supplied from the mixing tank to the outside of the refrigerator; and an ice-making machine that makes general ice by receiving general water from the external water supply source or the general water tank and makes carbonated ice by receiving carbonated water from the mixing tank, thereby providing general water, carbonated water, general ice, and carbonated ice through the dispenser.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application Nos. 2014-0109611 and 2014-0187457, filed on Aug. 22, 2014 and Dec. 23, 2014, respectively, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a refrigerator that is capable of making carbonated ice.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that keeps food fresh by including a storage compartment for storing food and a cold air supplying device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment. An ice bucket for making ice and a dispenser that dispenses water or ice from the outside without opening a door are also provided in the refrigerator according to a user's need.

Furthermore, a carbonated water-making device for making carbonated water is also provided in the refrigerator. The carbonated water-making device includes a carbon dioxide (CO2) gas cylinder in which a high-pressure CO2gas is stored, and a mixing tank in which CO2gas and general water are mixed with each other so that carbonated water can be made.

Carbonated water made in the mixing tank is connected to an external water intake space through the dispenser and can be taken from the outside without opening the door.

Meanwhile, an ice-making machine for making ice using internal cold air is also provided in the refrigerator. An automatic ice-making machine according to the related art makes general ice by using general water supplied from an external water supply source or a general water tank and cooling the general water.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator that is capable of making carbonated water and carbonated ice, and dispensing the carbonated water and carbonated ice through a dispenser.

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator that minimizes problem related to unstable ice separation and caught ice when carbonated ice is made, and improves so that reliability of the supply of carbonated ice and high-concentration carbonated ice can be made.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be readily appreciated by practice of the various embodiments of the invention.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a main body; a storage compartment formed in the main body; a door that opens/closes the storage compartment; a general water tank in which general water supplied from an external water supply source is stored; a mixing tank in which general water supplied from the general water tank is mixed with carbon dioxide (CO2) so that carbonated water is able to be made and stored; a dispenser that provides general water supplied from the general water tank to an outside and provides carbonated water supplied from the mixing tank to the outside of the refrigerator; and an ice-making machine that makes general ice by receiving general water from the external water supply source or the general water tank and makes carbonated ice by receiving carbonated water from the mixing tank.

The refrigerator may further include an ice-making general water flow path which connects the external water supply source and the ice-making machine so that general water is able to be supplied to the ice-making machine.

The refrigerator may further include a dispensing general water flow path that connects the external water supply source and the dispenser so that general water is able to be supplied to the dispenser.

The refrigerator may further include a carbonated water-making general water flow path that connects the external water supply source and the mixing tank so that general water is able to be supplied to the mixing tank.

The refrigerator may further include an ice-making carbonated water flow path that connects the mixing tank and the ice-making machine so that carbonated water is able to be supplied to the ice-making machine.

The refrigerator may further include a dispensing carbonated water flow path that connects the mixing tank and the dispenser so that carbonated water is able to be supplied to the dispenser.

The ice-making general water flow path may not pass through the mixing tank.

The dispensing general water flow path may not pass through the mixing tank.

The ice-making general water flow path may pass through the general water tank or not.

The dispensing general water flow path may pass through the general water tank.

The carbonated water-making general water flow path may pass through the general water tank.

The dispenser and the mixing tank may be disposed on the door, and the general water tank and the ice-making machine may be disposed in the main body.

One end of a door hose that extends from the door and one end of a main body hose that extends from the main body may be coupled to each other at an outside of the main body using a fitting member.

The refrigerator may further include a hinge member that supports the door rotatably and a cover member that is coupled to an upper side of the hinge member to cover the hinge member, wherein the fitting member may be disposed in the cover member.

The refrigerator may further include: an ice bucket in which general ice or carbonated ice made by the ice-making machine is stored; an auger that transports general ice or carbonated ice stored in the ice bucket; and a chute that connects the ice bucket and the dispenser, wherein the dispenser may provide general ice or carbonated ice made by the ice-making machine to the outside of the refrigerator.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator including a mixing tank in which carbon dioxide (CO2) and general water are mixed with each other so that carbonated water is able to be made, a dispenser, and an ice-making machine, the refrigerator further includes: an ice-making general water flow path that connects an external water supply source and the ice-making machine so that general water is able to be supplied to the ice-making machine; a dispensing general water flow path that connects the external water supply source and the dispenser so that general water is able to be supplied to the dispenser; a carbonated water-making general water flow path that connects the external water supply source and the mixing tank so that general water is able to be supplied to the mixing tank; an ice-making carbonated water flow path that connects the mixing tank and the ice-making machine so that carbonated water is able to be supplied to the ice-making machine; and a dispensing carbonated water flow path that connects the mixing tank and the dispenser so that carbonated water is able to be supplied to the dispenser.

The ice-making general water flow path and the ice-making carbonated water flow path may join at one join point and may form a common flow path.

A flow sensor may be disposed in each of the ice-making general water flow path and the ice-making carbonated water flow path so that a predetermined amount of general water or carbonated water is able to be supplied to the ice-making machine.

A flow sensor may be disposed on a common path of the ice-making general water flow path and the ice-making carbonated water flow path so that a predetermined amount of general water or carbonated water is able to be supplied to the ice-making machine.

The ice-making general water flow path may be diverged from the dispensing general water flow path and the carbonated water-making general water flow path at a first divergence point, and a first three-way valve may be disposed at the first divergence point and may open/close the ice-making general water flow path, the dispensing general water flow path, and the carbonated water-making general water flow path.

The dispensing general water flow path and the carbonated water-making general water flow path may be diverged at a second divergence point, and a second three-way valve may be disposed at the second divergence point and may open/close the dispensing general water flow path and the carbonated water-making general water flow path.

The ice-making carbonated water flow path and the dispensing carbonated water flow path may be diverged at a third divergence point, and a third three-way valve may be disposed at the third divergence point and may open/close the ice-making carbonated water flow path and the dispensing carbonated water flow path.

The ice-making general water flow path, the dispensing general water flow path, and the carbonated water-making general water flow path may be diverged at a first divergence point, and a four-way valve may be disposed at the first divergence point and may open/close the ice-making general water flow path, the dispensing general water flow path, and the carbonated water-making general water flow path.

The ice-making carbonated water flow path and the dispensing carbonated water flow path may be diverged at a second divergence point, and a three-way valve may be disposed at the second divergence point and may open/close the ice-making carbonated water flow path and the dispensing carbonated water flow path.

A first two-way valve may be disposed on a common flow path of the ice-making general water flow path, the dispensing general water flow path and the carbonated water-making general water flow path and may open/close the ice-making general water flow path, the dispensing general water flow path, and the carbonated water-making general water flow path.

The ice-making general water flow path and the carbonated water-making general water flow path may be diverged at a first divergence point, and a three-way valve may be disposed at the first divergence point and may open/close the ice-making general water flow path and the carbonated water-making general water flow path.

The dispensing general water flow path and the dispensing carbonated water flow path may join at one join point and may form a common flow path, and a second two-way valve may be disposed on the common flow path and may open/close the common flow path.

A third two-way valve may be disposed on the ice-making carbonated water flow path and may open/close the ice-making carbonated water flow path.

A fourth two-way valve may be disposed on the dispensing carbonated water flow path and may open/close the dispensing carbonated water flow path.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: an ice-making compartment; an ice-making tray disposed in the ice-making compartment; a cooling device that supplies cooling energy to the ice-making tray; and a mixing tank in which general water and carbon dioxide (CO2) are mixed so that carbonated water is able to be made, wherein the refrigerator may have a general ice-making mode in which general ice is made by supplying general water to the ice-making tray, and a carbonated ice-making mode in which carbonated ice is made by supplying carbonated water to the ice-making tray, and each of the general ice-making mode and the carbonated ice-making mode may include a water-supplying operation of supplying water to the ice-making tray, an ice-making operation of making ice by cooling the ice-making tray, and an ice-separating operation of separating ice in the ice-making tray from the ice-making tray, and in the water-supplying operation of the general ice-making mode, a first water-supply amount of general water may be supplied to the ice-making tray, and in the water-supplying operation of the carbonated ice-making mode, a second water-supply amount of carbonated water that is smaller than the first water-supply amount may be supplied to the ice-making tray.

The amount of water-supply per unit time in the water-supplying operation of the general ice-making mode and the amount of water-supply per unit time the water-supplying operation of the carbonated ice-making mode may be controlled to be different from each other.

A time for performing the water-supplying operation of the general ice-making mode and a time for performing the water-supplying operation of the carbonated ice-making mode may be controlled to be different from each other.

In accordance with yet still another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: an ice-making compartment; an ice-making tray disposed in the ice-making compartment; a cooling device that supplies cooling energy to the ice-making tray; and a mixing tank in which general water and carbon dioxide (CO2) are mixed so that carbonated water is able to be made, wherein the refrigerator may have a general ice-making mode in which general ice is made by supplying general water to the ice-making tray, and a carbonated ice-making mode in which carbonated ice is made by supplying carbonated water to the ice-making tray, and each of the general ice-making mode and the carbonated ice-making mode may include an ice-making compartment cooling operation of cooling the ice-making compartment, a water-supplying operation of supplying water to the ice-making tray, an ice-making operation of making ice by cooling the ice-making tray, and an ice-separating operation of separating ice in the ice-making tray from the ice-making tray, and at an initial stage of the ice-making operation of the general ice-making mode, the ice-making compartment may have a first ice-making compartment temperature, and at an initial stage of the ice-making operation of the carbonated ice-making mode, the ice-making compartment may have a second ice-making compartment temperature that is lower than the first ice-making compartment temperature.

The ice-making compartment cooling operation of the general ice-making mode may have a first performance time, and the ice-making compartment cooling operation of the carbonated ice-making mode may have a second performance time that is longer than the first performance time.

In accordance with yet still another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: an ice-making compartment; an ice-making tray disposed in the ice-making compartment; a cooling device that supplies cooling energy to the ice-making tray; and a mixing tank in which general water and carbon dioxide (CO2) are mixed so that carbonated water is able to be made, wherein the refrigerator may have a general ice-making mode in which general ice is made by supplying general water to the ice-making tray, and a carbonated ice-making mode in which carbonated ice is made by supplying carbonated water to the ice-making tray, and each of the general ice-making mode and the carbonated ice-making mode may include a water-supplying operation of supplying water to the ice-making tray, an ice-making operation of making ice by cooling the ice-making tray, and an ice-separating operation of separating ice in the ice-making tray from the ice-making tray, and the ice-making operation of the general ice-making mode may have a first ice-making speed, and the ice-making operation of the carbonated ice-making mode may have a second ice-making speed that is faster than the first ice-making speed.

The cooling device may include a compressor that constitutes a freezing cycle device, and rotation speed of the compressor in the ice-making operation of the general ice-making mode and rotation speed of the compressor in the ice-making operation of the carbonated ice-making mode may be controlled to be different from each other.

The cooling device may include a blower fan that allows air to flow in the ice-making compartment, and rotation speed of the blower fan in the ice-making operation of the general ice-making mode and rotation speed of the blower fan in the ice-making operation of the carbonated ice-making mode may be controlled to be different from each other.

In accordance with yet still another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a mixing tank in which general water and carbon dioxide (CO2) are mixed so that carbonated water is able to be made; a dispenser that provides carbonated water made in the mixing tank to an outside; and an ice-making machine that makes carbonated ice by receiving carbonated water from the mixing tank, wherein the refrigerator may have a carbonated water mode in which carbonated water is supplied to the dispenser, and a carbonated ice mode in which carbonated water is provided to the ice-making machine, and in a carbon dioxide (CO2) injecting operation of the carbonated water mode, a first injection amount of CO2may be injected into the mixing tank, and in a CO2injecting operation of the carbonated ice mode, a second injection amount of CO2that is larger than the first injection amount may be injected into the mixing tank.

The number of times of injecting CO2in the CO2injecting operation of the carbonated water mode and the number of times of injecting CO2in the CO2injecting operation of the carbonated ice mode may be controlled to be different from each other.

An interval for injecting CO2in the CO2injecting operation of the carbonated water mode and an interval for injecting CO2in the CO2injecting operation of the carbonated ice mode may be controlled to be different from each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an exterior of a refrigerator1according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 2is a perspective view of an interior of the refrigerator illustrated inFIG. 1.FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of a mixing tank110mounted on a door of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 1.FIG. 4is a conceptual view of a main configuration of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 4, a refrigerator1includes a main body10, storage compartments20and30formed in the main body10, and a cooling device (not shown) that supplies cold air into the storage compartments20and30.

The main body10may include an inner case that forms the storage compartments20and30, an outer case that is coupled to an outside of the inner case and forms an exterior of the refrigerator1, and an insulating material (not shown) that is disposed between the inner case and the outer case and insulates the storage compartments20and30.

The storage compartments20and30may be partitioned off into an upper refrigerator compartment20and a lower freezer compartment30by an intermediate partition wall11. The refrigerator compartment20may be maintained at a temperature of about 3° C. so that food can be kept under refrigeration, and the freezer compartment30may be maintained at a temperature of about −18.5° C. so that food can be kept in a freezer. A shelf23on which food can be put, and at least one accommodation box27in which food can be kept in a sealed state, may be provided at the refrigerator compartment20.

In addition, an ice-making compartment81in which ice can be made, may be formed in a corner of an upper portion of the refrigerator compartment20to be partitioned off from the refrigerator compartment20by an ice-making compartment wall82. An ice-making machine80that makes general ice or carbonated ice, an ice bucket83in which general ice or carbonated ice made by the ice-making machine80is stored, and an auger (see84ofFIG. 10) that transfers general ice or carbonated ice stored in the ice bucket83to a chute94may be provided in the ice-making compartment81.

Here, general ice refers to ice formed by cooling general water that does not include carbonic acid, and carbonated ice refers to ice formed by cooling carbonated water including carbonic acid. Hereinafter, when general water and carbonated water do not necessarily need to be distinguished from each other, both general water and carbonated water may be referred to as water, simply, and when general ice and carbonated ice do not necessarily need to be distinguished from each other, both general ice and carbonated ice may be referred to as ice, simply.

A general water tank70in which general water may be stored, may be provided in the refrigerator compartment20. The general water tank70may be disposed between a plurality of accommodation boxes27, as illustrated inFIG. 2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the general water tank70may be provided in the refrigerator compartment20so that general water in the general water tank70may be cooled due to cold air in the refrigerator compartment20.

The general water tank70may be connected to an external water supply source40, such as a water pipe, and may store general water purified by a water-purifying filter50. A first three-way valve261may be disposed in a water supply hose that connects the external water supply source40and the general water tank70.

The refrigerator compartment20and the freezer compartment30may have an open front side through which food may be put into/taken out of the refrigerator compartment20and the freezer compartment30. The open front side of the refrigerator compartment20may be open/closed by a pair of rotating doors21and22hinge-coupled to the main body10, and the open front side of the freezer compartment30may be open/closed by a sliding door31that may slide with respect to the main body10. A door guard24in which food may be stored, may be provided at rear sides of the refrigerator compartment doors21and22.

Meanwhile, a gasket28, which regulates cold air in the refrigerator compartment20by sealing a space between the refrigerator compartment doors21and22and the main body10when the refrigerator compartment doors21and22are closed, may be provided at an edge of each of the rear sides of the refrigerator compartment doors21and22. In addition, a rotation bar26, which regulates cold air in the refrigerator compartment20by sealing a space between the refrigerator compartment door21and the refrigerator compartment door22when the refrigerator compartment doors21and22are closed, may be provided at one refrigerator compartment door21of the refrigerator compartment doors21and22.

A dispenser90that may take water or ice from the outside without opening the refrigerator compartment door21, may be provided at one refrigerator compartment door21of the refrigerator compartment doors21and22.

The dispenser90may include a water intake space91in which water or ice may be taken by inserting a container, such as a cup, a control panel92on which an input button for manipulating various settings of the dispenser90and a display for displaying various pieces of information of the dispenser90are disposed, and an operation lever93that may operate the dispenser90so that water or ice may be discharged.

The dispenser90may include the chute94that connects the ice-making machine80and the water intake space91so that ice made by the ice-making machine80may be discharged into the water intake space91.

A carbonated water-making module100that makes carbonated water may be mounted on a rear side of the refrigerator compartment door21on which the dispenser90is provided.

The carbonated water-making module100is provided to make carbonated water in the refrigerator1. The carbonated water-making module100may include a carbon dioxide (CO2) gas cylinder120in which a high-pressure CO2gas is stored, a mixing tank110in which general water and CO2gas are mixed with each other so that carbonated water may be made, a module case140having accommodation spaces151,152, and153in which the CO2gas cylinder120and the mixing tank110are accommodated, formed in the module case140, and the module case140being coupled to the rear side of the refrigerator compartment door21, and a valve assembly130.

A high-pressure CO2gas of about 45 to 60 bar may be stored in the CO2gas cylinder120. The CO2gas cylinder120may be mounted on a cylinder connector157of the module case140and may be accommodated in a lower accommodation space153of the module case140.

The CO2gas in the CO2gas cylinder120may be supplied to the mixing tank110through a CO2gas supply flow path200that connects the CO2gas cylinder120and the mixing tank110.

A CO2gas regulator201that regulates pressure of the CO2gas, a CO2gas supply valve202that opens/closes the CO2gas supply flow path200, and a CO2gas backflow prevention valve203that prevents backflow of the CO2gas may be provided on the CO2gas supply flow path200.

The CO2gas regulator201may adjust pressure of the CO2gas discharged from the CO2gas cylinder120and may supply the CO2gas to the mixing tank110. The CO2gas regulator201may reduce pressure of the CO2gas to be equal to or less than about 10 bar.

In the mixing tank110, the CO2gas supplied from the CO2gas cylinder120and general water supplied from the general water tank70are mixed to make carbonated water, and the carbonated water may be stored in the mixing tank110.

An exhaust flow path205on which the CO2gas that remains in the mixing tank110is discharged so that general water may be smoothly supplied to the mixing tank110, may be provided in the mixing tank110. An exhaust valve204that opens/closes the exhaust flow path205may be provided on the exhaust flow path205.

A water level sensor111that may measure the amount of general water supplied to the mixing tank110or the amount of carbonated water made in the mixing tank110, and a temperature sensor112that may measure the temperature of general water supplied to the mixing tank110or the temperature of carbonated water made in the mixing tank110may be provided in the mixing tank110.

A safety valve114that may discharge high-pressure CO2gas when the high-pressure CO2gas that exceeds a predetermined pressure is supplied to the mixing tank110due to malfunction of the CO2gas regulator201, may be provided in the mixing tank110.

The mixing tank110may be formed to have a predetermined size and to accommodate general water or carbonated water of about 1 l. The mixing tank110may be formed of a stainless material having pressure-resistant and corrosion-resistant characteristics. The mixing tank110may be accommodated in a first upper accommodation space151of the module case140. The mixing tank110may be supported by a bottom support portion155and a guide portion156of the module case140.

The valve assembly130may include a second three-way valve271and a third three-way valve281that will be described later. The valve assembly130may be accommodated in a second upper accommodation space152of the module case140.

The module case140may include a back case150, one side of which is open, and a cover160coupled to the open side of the back case150.

At least one insertion groove154may be formed in the module case140in a position corresponding to at least one insertion protrusion25formed on the rear side of the door21. Thus, the at least one insertion protrusion25is inserted into the at least one insertion groove154so that the module case140may be easily mounted on the rear side of the door21. However, this coupling structure is just an example, and the module case140may be separably mounted on the rear side of the door21using various coupling structures including a screw-coupling structure or a hook-coupling structure in addition to this insertion structure.

An insertion groove158and an insertion protrusion162are formed in positions corresponding to the back case150and the cover160, respectively, so that the cover160may be coupled to the back case150. However, this coupling structure is also just an example, and the back case150and the cover160may also be separably coupled to each other using various coupling structures.

In a state in which the cover160is coupled to the back case150, the CO2gas cylinder120, the mixing tank110, and a valve assembly130, which are disposed in the module case140, may not be exposed to the outside of the refrigerator1. Thus, an esthetic appealing effect of the door21may not be lowered.

A ventilation port161through which an inside and an outside of the module case140are in communication with each other, is formed in the cover160so that, even when the cover160is coupled to the back case150, cold air in the storage compartment may be supplied to the mixing tank110in the module case140and carbonated water stored in the mixing tank110may be cooled at an appropriate temperature.

From another viewpoint, the carbonated water-making module100of the refrigerator1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first module having the first accommodation space151in which the mixing tank110is accommodated, and the second accommodation space153in which the CO2gas cylinder120is accommodated.

In this case, the second module may be disposed at a lower side of the first module. Also, the second module may be disposed in a lateral direction of the chute94that guides ice in the ice bucket83into the water intake space91.

FIG. 5is a conceptual view of an ice-making general water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 1.FIG. 6is a conceptual view of a dispensing general water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 1.FIG. 7is a conceptual view of a carbonated water-making general water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 1.FIG. 8is a conceptual view of an ice-making carbonated water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 1.FIG. 9is a conceptual view of a dispensing carbonated water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 1.FIG. 10is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 1.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the refrigerator1may include an ice-making general water flow path210that connects the external water supply source40and the ice-making machine80so that general water may be supplied to the ice-making machine80. General water from the external water supply source40may be supplied to the ice-making machine80through a water pressure of the external water supply source40and valve control.

The ice-making general water flow path210may be provided to pass through the water-purifying filter50. Thus, general water from the external water supply source40may be purified by the water-purifying filter50and may be supplied to the ice-making machine80.

The ice-making general water flow path210may be provided not to pass through the mixing tank110. This is to supply only general water, without carbonated water, to the ice-making machine80regardless of whether carbonated water is stored in the mixing tank110. That is, if the ice-making general water flow path210is disposed to pass through the mixing tank110, when carbonated water is stored in the mixing tank110, carbonated water in the mixing tank110may be supplied to the ice-making machine80.

Since general water supplied to the ice-making machine80is cooled not in the general water tank70but in the ice-making machine80, the ice-making general water flow path210may not pass through the general water tank70. However, unlike in the current embodiment, the ice-making general water flow path210may also be provided to pass through the general water tank70.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the refrigerator1may include a dispensing general water flow path220that connects the external water supply source40and the dispenser90so that general water may be supplied to the dispenser90. General water from the external water supply source40may be supplied to the dispenser90through a water pressure of the external water supply source40and valve control.

The dispensing general water flow path220may be disposed to pass through the water-purifying filter50. Thus, general water from the external water supply source40may be purified by the water-purifying filter50and may be supplied to the dispenser90.

The dispensing general water flow path220may be disposed not to pass through the mixing tank110. This is to supply only general water, without for carbonated water regardless of whether carbonated water is stored in the mixing tank110, to the dispenser90. That is, if the dispensing general water flow path220is disposed to pass through the mixing tank110, when carbonated water is stored in the mixing tank110, carbonated water may be supplied to the dispenser90.

The dispensing general water flow path220may be provided to pass through the general water tank70. Thus, general water from the external water supply source40may be cooled in the general water tank70and then may be supplied to the outside of the refrigerator1through the dispenser90.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the refrigerator1may include a carbonated water-making general water flow path230that connects the external water supply source40and the mixing tank110so that general water may be supplied to the mixing tank110. General water from the external water supply source40may be supplied to the mixing tank110through a water pressure of the external water supply source40and valve control.

The carbonated water-making general water flow path230may be provided to pass through the water-purifying filter50. Thus, general water from the external water supply source40may be purified by the water-purifying filter50and may be supplied to the mixing tank110.

The carbonated water-making general water flow path230may be provided to pass through the general water tank70. Thus, general water from the external water supply source40may be cooled in the general water tank70and then may be supplied to the mixing tank110.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the refrigerator1may include an ice-making carbonated water flow path240that connects the mixing tank110and the ice-making machine80so that carbonated water may be supplied to the ice-making machine80. Carbonated water in the mixing tank110may be supplied to the ice-making machine80through a water pressure of the mixing tank110and valve control.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the refrigerator1may include a dispensing carbonated water flow path250that connects the mixing tank110and the dispenser90so that carbonated water may be supplied to the dispenser90. Carbonated water in the mixing tank110may be supplied to the dispenser90through a water pressure of the mixing tank110and valve control.

In this way, the refrigerator1may have three general water flow paths210,220, and230which transfer general water, and two carbonated water flow paths240and250which transfer carbonated water.

Meanwhile, the three general water flow paths210,220, and230, i.e., the ice-making general water flow path210, the dispensing general water flow path220, and the carbonated water-making general water flow path230may extend as a common flow path from the external water supply source40to a first divergence point260.

At the first divergence point260, the ice-making general water flow path210may be diverged from the dispensing general water flow path220and the carbonated water-making general water flow path230. To this end, the first three-way valve261may be provided at the first divergence point260. The first three-way valve261may have an inlet port262, a first outlet port263, and a second outlet port264.

The first outlet port263of the first three-way valve261may open/close the ice-making general water flow path210. That is, when the first outlet port263of the first three-way valve261is open/closed, the ice-making general water flow path210may be open/closed.

The second outlet port264of the first three-way valve261may open/close the dispensing general water flow path220and the carbonated water-making general water flow path230.

That is, when the second outlet port264of the first three-way valve261is open/closed, the dispensing general water flow path220and the carbonated water-making general water flow path230may be open/closed.

The first outlet port263and the second outlet port264may be open/closed independently. That is, only the first outlet port263may be open, or only the second outlet port264may be open, or both the first outlet port263and the second outlet port264may be open, or both may be closed.

The dispensing general water flow path220and the carbonated water-making general water flow path230may extend as a common flow path from the first divergence point260to a second divergence point270and may be diverged at the second divergence point270. To this end, the second three-way valve271may be provided at the second divergence point270. The second three-way valve271may have an inlet port272, a first outlet port273, and a second outlet port274.

The first outlet port273of the second three-way valve271may open/close the dispensing general water flow path220. That is, when the first outlet port273of the second three-way valve271is open/closed, the dispensing general water flow path220may be open/closed.

The second outlet port274of the second three-way valve271may open/close the carbonated water-making general water flow path230. That is, when the second outlet port274of the second three-way valve271is open/closed, the carbonated water-making general water flow path230may be open/closed.

The first outlet port273and the second outlet port274may be open/closed independently. That is, only the first outlet port273may be open, or only the second outlet port274may be open, or both the first outlet port273and the second outlet port274may be open, or both may be closed.

Meanwhile, the two carbonated water flow paths240and250, i.e., the ice-making carbonated water flow path240and the dispensing carbonated water flow path250may extend as a common flow path from the mixing tank110to a third divergence point280and may be diverged at the third divergence point280. To this end, the third three-way valve281may be provided at the third divergence point280. The third three-way valve281may have an inlet port282, a first outlet port283, and a second outlet port284.

The first outlet port283of the third three-way valve281may open/close the ice-making carbonated water flow path240. That is, when the first outlet port283of the third three-way valve281is open/closed, the ice-making carbonated water flow path240may be open/closed.

The second outlet port284of the third three-way valve281may open/close the dispensing carbonated water flow path250. That is, when the second outlet port284of the third three-way valve281is open/closed, the dispensing carbonated water flow path250may be open/closed.

The first outlet port283and the second outlet port284may be open/closed independently. That is, only the first outlet port283may be open, or only the second outlet port284may be open, or both the first outlet port283and the second outlet port284may be open, or both may be closed.

A carbonated water regulator206that controls pressure of carbonated water discharged from the mixing tank110may be disposed on a common path of the ice-making carbonated water flow path240and the dispensing carbonated water flow path250. Meanwhile, the ice-making general water flow path210and the ice-making carbonated water flow path240may join at one join point242and may extend as a common flow path244up to the ice-making machine80. The ice-making general water flow path210and the ice-making carbonated water flow path240may be connected to each other using a Y fitting member243.

The Y fitting member243may have a first inlet port243a, a second inlet port243b, and an outlet port243c. The Y fitting member243may prevent water introduced from one of the first and second inlet ports243aand243bfrom flowing to the other one of the first and second inlet ports243aand243band may allow water to flow only to the outlet port243c.

The Y fitting member243may be disposed in various positions. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the Y fitting member243may be disposed at an outside of the rear of the main body10. That is, the ice-making general water flow path210and the ice-making carbonated water flow path240may be coupled to each other at the outside of the rear of the main body10.

Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 13, a Y fitting member247may be disposed in the main body10. That is, the ice-making general water flow path210and the ice-making carbonated water flow path240may be coupled to each other in the main body10. Reference numeral246represents a join point of the ice-making general water flow path210and the ice-making carbonated water flow path240, and reference numerals247a,247b, and247crepresent a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port of the Y fitting member247, respectively.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, a flow sensor211may be disposed on the ice-making general water flow path210so that a predetermined amount of general water may be supplied to the ice-making machine80. In addition, a flow sensor241may be disposed on the ice-making carbonated water flow path240so that a predetermined amount of carbonated water may be supplied to the ice-making machine80.

Unlike the embodiment shown inFIG. 11, a flow sensor245, as illustrated inFIG. 12, may be disposed on the common flow path244of the ice-making general water flow path210and the ice-making carbonated water flow path240and may measure the amount of general water or carbonated water supplied to the ice-making machine80.

Meanwhile, the dispensing general water flow path220and the dispensing carbonated water flow path250may join at one join point251and may extend as a common flow path254up to the dispenser90. A three way valve252may be provided at the joint point251. The dispensing general water flow path220and the dispensing carbonated water flow path250may be connected to each other using the Y fitting member247.

A remnant water prevention valve207that prevents remnant water may be disposed on the common flow path254of the dispensing general water flow path220and the dispensing carbonated water flow path250. The remnant water prevention valve207may be disposed close to an end of the common flow path254of the dispensing general water flow path220and the dispensing carbonated water flow path250.

The above-described various flow paths210,220,230,240, and250may be formed using a hose. In particular, in the current embodiment, the dispenser90and the mixing tank110are provided at the door21and the general water tank70and the ice-making machine80are provided in the main body10. Thus, the flow paths210,220,230,240, and250may be formed by coupling a door hose295, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 13, that extends from the door21and a main body hose297that extends from the main body10.

Returning to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10, the door hose295and the main body hose297may be coupled to each other at an upper portion of an outside of the main body10. The door hose295and the main body hose297may be coupled to each other using a straight fitting member299.

The refrigerator1may include a hinge member (see290ofFIG. 30) that supports the door21rotatably and a cover member292coupled to an upper side of the hinge member290to cover the hinge member290and having an internal space293formed in the cover member292. The hinge member290may include a hinge shaft (see294ofFIG. 30) inserted into a shaft insertion hole (see21aofFIG. 30) of the door21and having a hollow portion (see291ofFIG. 30).

The door hose295may extend from an inside of the door21to an outside of the door21through the hollow portion291of the hinge shaft294. The main body hose297may penetrate an upper wall10aof the main body10and may extend from an inside of the main body10to an outside of the main body10.

The straight fitting member299that couples the door hose295and the main body hose297may be disposed in the internal space293of the cover member292and may not be exposed to the outside of the refrigerator1.

FIG. 14is a conceptual view of a main configuration of a refrigerator1according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 15is a conceptual view of an ice-making general water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 14.FIG. 16is a conceptual view of a dispensing general water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 14.FIG. 17is a conceptual view of a carbonated water-making general water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 14.FIG. 18is a conceptual view of an ice-making carbonated water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 14.FIG. 19is a conceptual view of a dispensing carbonated water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 14.FIG. 20is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 21is a conceptual view of a modified embodiment of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 14.FIG. 22is a conceptual view of another modified embodiment of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 14.

A refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS. 14 through 22. Like reference numerals are used for the same configuration as the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, the refrigerator1may include an ice-making general water flow path310that connects an external water supply source40and an ice-making machine80so that general water may be supplied to the ice-making machine80.

The ice-making general water flow path310may be disposed to pass through a water-purifying filter50. The ice-making general water flow path310may be disposed not to pass through a mixing tank110. The ice-making general water flow path310may be disposed to pass through a general water tank70.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, the refrigerator1may include a dispensing general water flow path320that connects the external water supply source40and a dispenser90so that general water may be supplied to the dispenser90.

The dispensing general water flow path320may be disposed to pass through the water-purifying filter50. The dispensing general water flow path320may be disposed not to pass through the mixing tank110. The dispensing general water flow path320may be disposed to pass through the general water tank70.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, the refrigerator1may include a carbonated water-making general water flow path330that connects the external water supply source40and the mixing tank110so that general water may be supplied to the mixing tank110.

The carbonated water-making general water flow path330may be disposed to pass through the water-purifying filter50. The carbonated water-making general water flow path330may be disposed to pass through the general water tank70.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the refrigerator1may include an ice-making carbonated water flow path340that connects the mixing tank110and the ice-making machine80so that carbonated water may be supplied to the ice-making machine80.

As illustrated inFIG. 19, the refrigerator1may include a dispensing carbonated water flow path350that connects the mixing tank110and the dispenser90so that carbonated water may be supplied to the dispenser90.

The ice-making general water flow path310, the dispensing general water flow path320, and the carbonated water-making general water flow path330may be diverged at a first divergence point360, and a four-way valve361may be disposed at the first divergence point360.

The four-way valve361may have an inlet port362, a first outlet port363that opens/closes the ice-making general water flow path310, a second outlet port364that opens/closes the dispensing general water flow path320, and a third outlet port365that opens/closes the carbonated water-making general water flow path330. The first outlet port363, the second outlet port364, and the third outlet port365may be open/closed independently.

The ice-making carbonated water flow path340and the dispensing carbonated water flow path350may be diverged at a second divergence point370, and a three-way valve371may be disposed at the second divergence point370.

The three-way valve371may have an inlet port372, a first outlet port373that opens/closes the ice-making carbonated water flow path340, and a second outlet port374that opens/closes the dispensing carbonated water flow path350. The first outlet port373and the second outlet port374may be open/closed independently.

The ice-making general water flow path310and the ice-making carbonated water flow path340may join at one join point342and may extend as a common flow path344up to the ice-making machine80. The ice-making general water flow path310and the ice-making carbonated water flow path340may be connected to each other using a Y fitting member343.

The Y fitting member343may have a first inlet port343a, a second inlet port343b, and an outlet port343c. The Y fitting member343may prevent water introduced from one of the first and second inlet ports343aand343bfrom flowing to the other one of the first and second inlet ports343aand343band may allow water to flow only to the outlet port343c.

As illustrated inFIG. 20, a door hose395and a main body hose397may be coupled to each other at an upper side of an outside of a main body10. The door hose395and the main body hose397may be coupled to each other using a straight fitting member299.

As illustrated inFIG. 21, a flow sensor311may be disposed on the ice-making general water flow path310so that a predetermined amount of general water may be supplied to the ice-making machine80. In addition, a flow sensor341may be disposed on the ice-making carbonated water flow path340so that a predetermined amount of carbonated water may be supplied to the ice-making machine80.

As illustrated inFIG. 22, one flow sensor345may be disposed on the common flow path344of the ice-making general water flow path310and the ice-making carbonated water flow path340, and may measure the amount of general water or carbonated water supplied to the ice-making machine80.

FIG. 23is a conceptual view of a main configuration of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 24is a conceptual view of an ice-making general water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 23.FIG. 25is a conceptual view of a dispensing general water flow path of the refrigerator)1ofFIG. 23.FIG. 26is a conceptual view of a carbonated water-making general water flow path of the refrigerator ofFIG. 23.FIG. 27is a conceptual view of an ice-making carbonated water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 23.FIG. 28is a conceptual view of a dispensing carbonated water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 23.FIG. 29is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 23.

A refrigerator1according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS. 23 through 29. Like reference numerals are used for the same configuration as the above-described embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 24, the refrigerator1may include an ice-making general water flow path410that connects an external water supply source40and an ice-making machine80so that general water may be supplied to the ice-making machine80.

The ice-making general water flow path410may be disposed to pass through a water-purifying filter50. The ice-making general water flow path410may be disposed not to pass a mixing tank110. The ice-making general water flow path410may be disposed to pass through a general water tank70.

As illustrated inFIG. 25, the refrigerator1may include a dispensing general water flow path420that connects the external water supply source40and a dispenser90so that general water may be supplied to the dispenser90.

The dispensing general water flow path420may be disposed to pass through the water-purifying filter50. The dispensing general water flow path420may be disposed not to pass through the mixing tank110. The dispensing general water flow path420may be disposed to pass through the general water tank70.

As illustrated inFIG. 26, the refrigerator1may include a carbonated water-making general water flow path430that connects the external water supply source40and the mixing tank110so that general water may be supplied to the mixing tank110.

The carbonated water-making general water flow path430may be disposed to pass through the water-purifying filter50. The carbonated water-making general water flow path430may be disposed to pass through the general water tank70.

As illustrated inFIG. 27, the refrigerator1may include an ice-making carbonated water flow path440that connects the mixing tank110and the ice-making machine80so that carbonated water may be supplied to the ice-making machine80.

As illustrated inFIG. 28, the refrigerator1may include a dispensing carbonated water flow path450that connects the mixing tank110and the dispenser90so that carbonated water may be supplied to the dispenser90.

A first two-way valve461may be disposed on a common flow path of the ice-making general water flow path410, the dispensing general water flow path420, and the carbonated water-making general water flow path430and may open/close the ice-making general water flow path410, the dispensing general water flow path420, and the carbonated water-making general water flow path430.

The ice-making general water flow path410and the carbonated water-making general water flow path430may be diverged at a first divergence point470, and a three-way valve471may be disposed at the first divergence point470and may open/close the ice-making general water flow path410and the carbonated water-making general water flow path430.

The three-way valve471may have an inlet port472, a first outlet port473that opens/closes the ice-making general water flow path410, and a second outlet port474that opens/closes the carbonated water-making general water flow path430. The first outlet port473and the second outlet port474may be open/closed independently.

The dispensing general water flow path420and the dispensing carbonated water flow path450may join at one join point454and may form a common flow path454, and a second two-way valve207may be disposed on the common flow path of the dispensing general water flow path420and the dispensing carbonated water flow path450. Here, the second two-way valve207may be the remnant water prevention valve207in the above-described embodiment.

A third two-way valve481may be disposed on the ice-making carbonated water flow path440and may open/close the ice-making carbonated water flow path440.

A fourth two-way valve491may be disposed on the dispensing carbonated water flow path450and may open/close the dispensing carbonated water flow path450.

As illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 24, the ice-making general water flow path410and the ice-making carbonated water flow path440may join at one join point442and may extend as a common flow path444up to the ice-making machine80. The ice-making general water flow path410and the ice-making carbonated water flow path440may be connected to each other using a Y fitting member443.

The Y fitting member443may have a first inlet port443a, a second inlet port443b, and an outlet port443c. The Y fitting member443may prevent water introduced from one of the first and second inlet ports443aand443bfrom flowing to the other one of the first and second inlet ports443aand443band may allow water to flow only to the outlet port443c.

One flow sensor445may be disposed on the common flow path444of the ice-making general water flow path410and the ice-making carbonated water flow path440and may measure the amount of general water or carbonated water supplied to the ice-making machine80.

As illustrated inFIGS. 29 and 30, a door hose495and a main body hose497may be coupled to each other at an upper side of an outside of a main body10. The door hose495and the main body hose497may be coupled to each other using a straight fitting member299. The fitting member299and the flow sensor445may be disposed in an internal space293of a cover member292and may not be exposed to the outside of the refrigerator1.

FIG. 31is a conceptual view of a main configuration of the refrigerator1according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 31. Like reference numerals are used for the same configuration as the first embodiment.

The refrigerator according to the first through third embodiments use a CO2spray technique when making carbonated water. That is, a mixing tank110is filled with general water, and high-pressure CO2is sprayed into the mixing tank110, and general water and CO2are mixed with each other in the mixing tank110. The mixing tank110has pressure-resisting characteristics in which the mixing tank110withstands a high pressure of CO2.

In the CO2spray technique, as CO2is sprayed at a higher pressure, carbonated water may be rapidly made. A manual CO2spray technique is a technique for making carbonated water more conveniently. In an automatic CO2spray technique, the number of times of spraying CO2is controlled so that the concentration of carbonated water may be controlled. That is, the amount of general water and the amount of injecting CO2may be controlled so that the concentration of carbonated water may be controlled.

The refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure uses not the CO2spray technique but a water spray technique. That is, in the water spray technique, general water is sprayed into the mixing tank110in which CO2is present. To this end, the refrigerator1has a water pump400that sprays general water at a higher pressure than pressure of CO2. The technique for spraying general water using the water pump400has the advantage of rapidly making high-concentration carbonated water compared to the technique for spraying CO2.

FIG. 32is a conceptual view of a main configuration of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 33is a conceptual view of an ice-making general water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 32.FIG. 34is a conceptual view of a dispensing general water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 32.FIG. 35is a conceptual view of a carbonated water-making general water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 32.FIG. 36is a conceptual view of an ice-making carbonated water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 32.FIG. 37is a conceptual view of a dispensing carbonated water flow path of the refrigerator1ofFIG. 32.

A refrigerator1according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will described with reference toFIGS. 32 through 37. Like reference numerals are used for the same configuration as the above-described embodiments.

In the first through third embodiments, a CO2spray technique is used as a technique for making carbonated water, and in the fourth embodiment, a general water spray technique is used. However, in the fifth embodiment, a continuous making technique is used.

The continuous making technique is a technique in which general water and CO2are simultaneously mixed with each other at the same pressure. Since the pressure of general water is generally low, general water and CO2are mixed with each other at a low pressure. Thus, it may take long to stabilize the mixture. However, the continuous making technique may have a simple structure.

As illustrated inFIG. 32, the refrigerator1includes a water-purifying filter50that purifies general water, a general water tank70in which general water supplied from an external water supply source40is stored, a CO2gas cylinder120in which a CO2gas is stored, a pressure operation valve501that sprays the CO2gas and general water at the same pressure, a mixing valve502that mixes the CO2gas and general water sprayed by the pressure operation valve501at the same pressure to make carbonated water, a carbonated water tank504in which carbonated water is stored, a dispenser90that provides general water or carbonated water to the outside of the refrigerator1, and an ice-making machine80that makes general ice or carbonated ice.

The refrigerator1may include an ice-making general water flow path (see510ofFIG. 33) that provides general water to the ice-making machine80, a dispensing general water flow path (see520ofFIG. 34) that provides general water to the dispenser90, a carbonated water-making general water flow path (see530ofFIG. 35) that provides general water to the pressure operation valve501, an ice-making carbonated water flow path540that provides carbonated water to the ice-making machine80, and a dispensing carbonated water flow path550that provides carbonated water to the dispenser90.

The ice-making general water flow path (see510ofFIG. 33) does not pass through the mixing valve502and the carbonated water tank504. Thus, only general water except for carbonated water regardless of whether carbonated water is stored in the carbonated water tank504, may be supplied to the ice-making machine80.

The dispensing general water flow path (see520ofFIG. 34) does not pass through the mixing valve502and the carbonated water tank504. Thus, only general water, without except for carbonated water regardless of whether carbonated water is stored in the carbonated water tank504, may be supplied to the ice-making machine80.

Reference numeral503is a safety valve, and reference numerals551,555, and556are three-way valves for switching a flow path, and reference numerals552and553are two-way valves.

FIG. 38is a view of a structure of an ice-making compartment81and an ice-making machine80according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIGS. 39 and 40are views for comparing the amount of water supplied to an ice-making tray80ain a general ice-making mode and a carbonated ice-making mode of a refrigerator1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

An ice-making machine80may be disposed in an ice-making compartment81. The ice-making compartment81may be formed to be partitioned by a separate ice-making compartment wall82(seeFIG. 2) inside a refrigerator compartment20, as in the current embodiment. However, unlike this embodiment, the ice-making compartment81may also be formed in a freezer compartment.

The ice-making machine80may include an ice-making tray80ato which general water or carbonated water is supplied, and an ejector80bthat separates general ice or carbonated ice generated in the ice-making tray80afrom the ice-making tray80aand drops the general ice or carbonated ice into an ice bucket83.

A refrigerant pipe99that allows a refrigerant to flow and supplies cooling energy into the ice-making tray80aand the ice-making compartment81, may contact the ice-making tray80a. That is, the ice-making machine80according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be cooled through a direct cooling technique. However, unlike in the current embodiment, an indirect cooling technique, whereby cold air generated in a separate cooling compartment is supplied into the ice-making compartment81via a duct, may also be used.

An ice-separating heater (not shown) may be disposed in the ice-making tray80ato heat the ice-making tray80aduring ice separation so that ice separation may be smoothly performed. A blower fan97that circulates air inside the ice-making compartment81may be disposed in the ice-making compartment81.

A cooling device that supplies cooling energy into the ice-making compartment81and the ice-making tray80amay include a freezing cycle device including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a refrigerant pipe99, and the blower fan97that allows air to flow.

The refrigerator1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a general ice-making mode in which general ice is made, and a carbonated ice-making mode in which carbonated ice is made. In the general ice-making mode, general water is supplied into the ice-making tray80a, and in the carbonated ice-making mode, carbonated water is supplied into the ice-making tray80a.

The general ice-making mode and the carbonated ice-making mode commonly include an ice-making compartment cooling operation of cooling the ice-making compartment81, a water-supplying operation of supplying water into the ice-making tray80a, an ice-making operation of making ice by cooling the ice-making tray80a, and an ice-separating operation of separating ice in the ice-making tray80afrom the ice-making tray80a.

After the ice-separating operation, the general ice-making mode and the carbonated ice-making mode may further include a full ice detecting operation of determining whether the ice bucket83is fully filled with ice. If it is determined that the ice bucket83is not fully filled with ice, a series of operations may be repeatedly performed again.

In the current embodiment, the ice-making operation may include a water-supplying operation. That is, at an initial stage of the ice-making operation, water supply may be performed.

In this way, the general ice-making mode and the carbonated ice-making mode commonly include an ice-making compartment cooling operation, a water-supplying operation, an ice-making operation and an ice-separating operation. Since characteristics of general ice and carbonated ice are different from each other, a controlling method in each of the operations may be changed.

In one example, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of water supplied into the ice-making tray80ain the water-supplying operation of the general ice-making mode and the amount of water supplied into the ice-making tray80ain the water-supplying operation of the carbonated ice-making mode may be different from each other.

As illustrated inFIGS. 39 and 40, when the amount of water supply of general water supplied into the ice-making tray80ain the water-supplying operation of the general ice-making mode is S*W1, the amount of water supply of carbonated water supplied into the ice-making tray80ain the water-supplying operation of the carbonated ice-making mode may be S*W2 (W1>W2). That is, the amount of water supply of carbonated water supplied into the ice-making tray80ain the water-supplying operation of the carbonated ice-making mode may be smaller than the amount of water supply of general water supplied into the ice-making tray80ain the water-supplying operation of the general ice-making mode. This is because, when the same amount of water is cooled, the volume of carbonated ice is increased due to a CO2gas contained in carbonated water compared to the volume of general ice.

In this way, as a method of adjusting the amount of water supply, as illustrated inFIGS. 39 and 40, a time S for performing the water-supplying operation may be set to be the same, while the amount of water supply per unit time may be changed. However, unlike this embodiment, the amount of water supply per time may be set to be the same, while the time S for performing the water-supplying operation may be set to be different.

FIGS. 41 and 42are views for comparing the temperature of an ice-making compartment at an initial stage of an ice-making operation in the general ice-making mode and the carbonated ice-making mode of the refrigerator1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIGS. 43 and 44are views for comparing ice-making speed of the ice-making operation in the general ice-making mode and the carbonated ice-making mode of the refrigerator1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A method of making high-concentration carbonated ice in a carbonated ice-making mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS. 41 through 44. The method of making high-concentration carbonated ice includes a method of lowering temperature of an ice-making compartment81at an initial stage of an ice-making operation. This is to increase solubility of CO2according to the Henry's law.

As illustrated inFIGS. 41 and 42, when the temperature of the ice-making compartment81at the initial stage of the ice-making operation of the general ice-making mode is T1, the temperature of the ice-making compartment81at the initial stage of the ice-making operation of the carbonated ice-making mode may be T2 (T1>T2).

This may be achieved when a time for performing an ice-making compartment cooling operation is increased in the carbonated ice-making mode than in the general ice-making mode. That is, when the time for performing the ice-making compartment cooling operation in the general ice-making mode is X1 and the time for performing the ice-making compartment cooling operation in the carbonated ice-making mode is Y1, the relationship X1<Y1 is established.

Here, when the entire cooling time (the sum of the time for performing the ice-making compartment cooling operation and the time for performing the ice-making operation) in the general ice-making mode and the entire cooling time in the carbonated ice-making mode are the same, an ice-making time X2 in the general ice-making mode and an ice-making time Y2 in the carbonated ice-making mode may satisfy the relationship X2>Y2 in reverse. Another method of making high-concentration carbonated ice includes a method of increasing an ice-making speed in an ice-making operation. This is because, as the ice-making speed is increased, a loss of CO2may be prevented as much as the ice-making speed.

As illustrated inFIGS. 43 and 44, when the ice-making speed in the ice-making operation in the general ice-making mode is V1 and the ice-making speed in the ice-making operation in the carbonated ice-making mode is V2, the relationship V1<V2 may be established. In this way, in an inverter compressor that is capable of adjusting rotation speed to increase the ice-making speed in the carbonated ice-making mode, the rotation speed of the compressor may be increased. In one example, when revolutions per minute (RPM) of the compressor in the general ice-making mode is 2450 RPM of the compressor in the carbonated ice-making mode may be increased to 2950 RPM. In order to increase the ice-making speed, the rotation speed of the blower fan97of the ice-making compartment81may also be properly adjusted.

Still another method of making high-concentration carbonated ice may include a method of increasing concentration of carbonated water substantially. That is, when a mode in which only carbonated water is made for the purpose of supplying carbonated water to the dispenser90, is referred to as a carbonated water mode and a mode in which carbonated ice is made, is referred to as a carbonated ice mode, a larger amount of CO2in the carbonated ice mode than in the carbonated water mode may be injected into the mixing tank110.

Since CO2is injected into the mixing tank110at regular intervals with a predetermined number of times, an injection interval may be reduced, or the number of times of injection may be increased so that the amount of injection may be increased.

According to the spirit of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can also make carbonated ice. The refrigerator1can supply the made carbonated ice to a user through a dispenser.

Additionally, according to the spirit of the present disclosure, the refrigerator1can make general ice or carbonated ice and can supply the general ice or carbonated ice to the user through the dispenser. A phenomenon in which carbonated ice is large when the carbonated ice is made so that ice separation is not smoothly performed or ice is caught on a component can be prevented and thus reliability of the supply of carbonated ice can be improved. A higher-concentration carbonated ice can be made.