Patent Description:
Along with the change of people's eating patterns and preference, large and multifunctional refrigerators have been introduced, and various comfortable structures have been added to refrigerators.

For example, a refrigerator may include a dispenser for dispensing cool water without opening a door of the refrigerator. Such a dispenser is installed on an exterior part of a refrigerator door, and dispenses water according to a user's operation. <CIT>presents a refrigerator door having a dispenser. The refrigerator door includes an outer case forming a front appearance of the refrigerator door, an inner case forming a rear appearance of the refrigerator, and an insulation layer formed between the outer case and the inner case. First and second mounting frames are installed at both side ends of the refrigerator door and have first and second mounting slots longitudinally formed in the first and second mounting frames in opposition to each other. The dispenser is detachably coupled to a front surface of the outer case and includes a housing, which forms an external appearance of the dispenser and is formed with a recess section. An external plate section is coupled to the front surface of the outer case except for an area in which the dispenser is installed, in order to form an external appearance of the refrigerator door. Both side end portions of the external plate are inserted into the first and second mounting slots of the first and second mounting frames.

Embodiments provide a refrigerator including a door and a dispenser disposed on the door, thereby improving user convenience.

Since a dispenser is installed on the door, drinking water can be conveniently dispensed.

A recess of the dispenser is integrally formed with the outer case forming the appearance of the door.

Thus, the recess and the rest of the outer case except for the recess are formed of the same material and have the same figure or a continuous figure/pattern. Accordingly, the appearance of the refrigerator is improved.

In addition, the recess is formed of the same metal material as that of the outer case, instead of an injection-molded material having a metal texture, thereby providing the sense of unity, and improving the appearance.

Since the recess is naturally formed by forming the outer case, a process of manufacturing the refrigerator according to the embodiment can be further simplified than a process of manufacturing a refrigerator including a separate dispenser on a door, thus improving the productivity.

A top mount type refrigerator in which a freezer compartment is disposed over a refrigerator compartment will be exemplified in the following embodiments, for convenience in description, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and thus, the present disclosure may be applied to any refrigerator comprising a door including a dispenser.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment includes a cabinet <NUM> including a storage space therein, and doors <NUM> opening and closing the storage space. The cabinet <NUM> and the doors <NUM> form an appearance of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The storage space is divided into an upper part and a lower part. A freezer compartment <NUM> and a refrigerator compartment <NUM> are disposed in the upper and lower portions of the cabinet <NUM>, respectively. The doors <NUM> include a freezer door <NUM> and a refrigerator door <NUM>, which open and close the freezer compartment <NUM> and the refrigerator compartment <NUM>, respectively.

The doors <NUM> are rotatable, and include door handles <NUM> at a side thereof, so that a user can rotate the doors <NUM> to open and close the refrigerator compartment <NUM> and the freezer compartment <NUM>.

A display <NUM> may be disposed on the front surface of the door <NUM> to display an operation state of the refrigerator <NUM>. The display <NUM> may include manipulation buttons to manipulate the refrigerator <NUM>. The door <NUM> includes a dispenser <NUM> to dispense water outside the refrigerator <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a configuration of the refrigerator door <NUM> will now be described.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a main door of a refrigerator is opened, according to the current embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a sub door of a refrigerator is opened, according to the current embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a water supply passage of a refrigerator according to the current embodiment. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the main door of <FIG> and the sub door of the <FIG>, according to the current embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating rotations of the main door of <FIG> and the sub door of the <FIG>, according to the current embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the refrigerator door <NUM> includes a main door <NUM> and a sub door <NUM>. The main door <NUM> entirely covers a front opening of the refrigerator compartment <NUM>.

Main hinges <NUM> are installed at the upper and lower ends of the main door <NUM>, respectively. The main hinges <NUM> are fixed to the cabinet <NUM>, and are coupled through shafts to the upper and lower ends of the main door <NUM>, so that the main door <NUM> can rotate to open and close the refrigerator compartment <NUM>.

One of the main hinges <NUM> may be disposed between the refrigerator door <NUM> and the freezer door <NUM> to support the upper end of the refrigerator door <NUM> and the lower end of the freezer door <NUM>. Alternatively, although not shown, the main hinges <NUM> may be disposed on the upper and lower ends of each of the refrigerator door <NUM> and the freezer door <NUM>, respectively.

The main door <NUM> may include a storage space <NUM> for storing a food. The storage space <NUM> is formed by a storage unit <NUM> installed on the rear surface of the main door <NUM>. A food can be put in or taken out from the storage space <NUM> through an opening <NUM> of the front surface of the main door <NUM>.

In detail, the storage unit <NUM> is disposed on the rear surface of the main door <NUM>, and includes a frame <NUM> forming an appearance of the storage unit <NUM>, and storage members <NUM> disposed inside the frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> extends from the lower side of the opening <NUM> to the upper end of the main door <NUM> to form the storage space <NUM>, and protrudes rearward. A plurality of covers <NUM> may be disposed on the frame <NUM> to open and close separate rooms in the storage space <NUM> after the main door <NUM> is opened.

Cool air inlets <NUM> may be disposed in a side portion of the storage unit <NUM>. The cool air inlets <NUM> contact an inner wall of the refrigerator compartment <NUM> when the main door <NUM> is closed. A cool air duct (not shown) may be disposed in the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment <NUM>. When the main door <NUM> is closed, the cool air duct is connected to the cool air inlets <NUM> to discharge cool air into the storage space <NUM>.

The storage members <NUM> disposed inside the frame <NUM> may have various shapes including a basket shape and a shelf shape according to the types of foods to store. Since the storage members <NUM> disposed inside the frame <NUM> can be freely removed, various shaped spaces can be formed by combining the storage members <NUM>.

Access to the storage space <NUM> formed by the storage unit <NUM> is allowed by opening the main door <NUM>, so that a food can be stored in the storage space <NUM> through the rear portion of the main door <NUM>. When the main door <NUM> is closed, access to the storage space <NUM> may be allowed by opening the sub door <NUM>. In this case, a food can be stored in the storage space <NUM> through the opening <NUM> at the front side of the main door <NUM>.

The main door <NUM> may include a water tank <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> stores water to supply to the dispenser <NUM>, and may be removably attached to the rear surface of the main door <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> may be disposed in the storage space <NUM>, or be disposed in the rear surface of the main door <NUM> outside the storage space <NUM>.

The sub door <NUM> is coupled to the main door <NUM>. The sub door <NUM> opens and closes the storage members <NUM>, and has a size corresponding to the opening <NUM>.

The sub door <NUM> includes an outer case <NUM> forming an appearance of the sub door <NUM>, and a door liner <NUM> coupled to the outer case <NUM> to form a rear surface of the sub door <NUM>. A thermal insulator (not shown) is disposed between the outer case <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>.

The outer case <NUM> is formed of a metal such as a stainless steel plate. The outer case <NUM> constitutes the front surface of the sub door <NUM>, and at least one portion of the edge of the sub door <NUM>. When the door <NUM> is closed, the outer case <NUM> constitutes a front appearance of the door <NUM>.

A film may be attached to the front surface of the outer case <NUM>, and may have various figures or patterns through a hair line process or a corrosion process. The outer case <NUM> may have a planar front surface or a curved front surface that is at least partially curved forward. A part constituting the appearance of the main door <NUM> may be formed of the same material as that of the outer case <NUM> of the sub door <NUM>.

When the sub door <NUM> is closed, the sub door <NUM> may be flush with the front surface of the main door <NUM>. The upper end of the sub door <NUM> and the upper end of the main door <NUM> are disposed at the same height. That is, the sub door <NUM> and the main door <NUM> share the upper end of the refrigerator door <NUM>. The left, right, and lower ends of the sub door <NUM> are disposed inward from the left, right, and lower ends of the main door <NUM>.

The sub door <NUM> may have a width corresponding to the display <NUM> disposed in the lower end of the freezer door <NUM>. The distance between the left end of the sub door <NUM> and the left end of the main door <NUM> may be equal to the distance between the right end of the sub door <NUM> and the right end of the main door <NUM>.

That is, the sub door <NUM> is spaced apart from the left and right ends of the main door <NUM>. Thus, the door handle <NUM> may be disposed on a portion of the main door <NUM> at a side of the sub door <NUM>. Spaces in which the main hinges <NUM> are installed are disposed at another side of the sub door <NUM>.

The rear surface of the sub door <NUM> may protrude in a shape corresponding to a stepped part of the opening <NUM>. Thus, when the sub door <NUM> is closed, the sub door <NUM> can seal the storage space <NUM>. A gasket <NUM> is disposed on the edge of the rear surface of the sub door <NUM>, and closely contacts the main door <NUM> to prevent leakage of cool air. The gasket <NUM> may include a magnet, and thus, can closely contact the main door <NUM> by magnetic force of the magnet. The sub door <NUM> may include a locking structure such as a latch structure to selectively lock the sub door <NUM> to the main door <NUM>.

A cap decor <NUM> is disposed in the upper end of the sub door <NUM>. The cap decor <NUM> constitutes the upper portion of the sub door <NUM>, and may be formed of a plastic material that is different from the material constituting the front surface of the sub door <NUM>. The cap decor <NUM> may be coupled to a main body of the sub door <NUM>.

The cap decor <NUM> may include a sub door handle <NUM>. The sub door handle <NUM> is recessed downward. A user can hold the sub door handle <NUM>, so that a user can easily rotate the sub door <NUM>. The sub door handle <NUM> is disposed on the cap decor <NUM> at a position far away from sub hinges <NUM> to be described later, and facilitates a rotation of the sub door <NUM>.

Since the sub door handle <NUM> is disposed at the upper end of the sub door <NUM>, when the sub door <NUM> and the main door <NUM> are closed, the sub door handle <NUM> is disposed just under the freezer door <NUM>. Thus, a user may put his/her hand into a space between the freezer door <NUM> and the refrigerator door <NUM>, and holds the sub door handle <NUM>, to open the sub door <NUM>. The sub door handle <NUM> may be hidden from the front side when the main door <NUM> and the sub door <NUM> are closed.

The cap decor <NUM> includes a fixing part <NUM> coupled to the upper end of a main body <NUM> of the sub door <NUM>, and a cover <NUM> covering the sub hinge <NUM> to be described later. The fixing part <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are coupled to each other to constitute a hinge installation part <NUM> on which an upper sub hinge <NUM> disposed at the upper side of the sub door <NUM> is installed.

In detail, the fixing part <NUM> is installed on the upper end of the main body <NUM> of the sub door <NUM>, and then, the upper sub hinge <NUM> is installed on the hinge installation part <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is installed on the fixing part <NUM> to fix and hide the upper sub hinge <NUM>. Accordingly, when the sub door <NUM> is closed, the sub hinge <NUM> is not exposed to the outside.

In detail, the sub hinges <NUM> include the upper sub hinge <NUM> supporting the upper end of the sub door <NUM>, and a lower sub hinge <NUM> supporting the lower end thereof.

The upper sub hinge <NUM> may be disposed on the upper side of the main door <NUM> and the opening <NUM>. The upper sub hinge <NUM> includes a coupling part <NUM> coupled to the main door <NUM>, and a hinge part <NUM> installed on the hinge installation part <NUM>. The coupling part <NUM> has a plate shape, and is fixed to the upper portion of the main door <NUM> by a coupling member such as a screw. The hinge part <NUM> protrudes perpendicularly to the coupling part <NUM>, and is inserted in the hinge installation part <NUM>. A hinge shaft extends from an end of the hinge part <NUM>, and is perpendicular to the hinge part <NUM>, and is inserted in the cap decor <NUM>.

The lower sub hinge <NUM> may be disposed at the upper side of the main door <NUM> and the opening <NUM>. The lower sub hinge <NUM> protrudes upward from the lower end of the opening <NUM> of the main door <NUM>, and is inserted in the lower end of the sub door <NUM> to function as a rotation shaft of the sub door <NUM>.

The lower sub hinge <NUM> may be fixed to the main door <NUM>. A hinge hole <NUM> for receiving the lower sub hinge <NUM> may be disposed in the bottom surface of the sub door <NUM> at a position corresponding to the lower sub hinge <NUM>. Alternatively, the lower sub hinge <NUM> may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the sub hinge <NUM>, and the hinge hole <NUM> corresponding to the lower sub hinge <NUM> may be disposed in the main door <NUM>.

The lower sub hinge <NUM> may have a hollow tube shape. The lower sub hinge <NUM> may have upper and lower openings. A water supply passage for supplying water to the dispenser <NUM> and/or a wire <NUM> for supplying power to electric/electronic parts of the sub door <NUM> may be guided by the lower sub hinge <NUM>.

In detail, a water supply passage <NUM> and the wire <NUM> are provided to the sub door <NUM> to drive electric/electronic parts provided to the dispenser <NUM> and the sub door <NUM>. The water supply passage <NUM> and the wire <NUM> are guided from the main door <NUM> to the sub door <NUM> through the inner space of the lower sub hinge <NUM>.

The water supply passage <NUM> is disposed in the main door <NUM> and the sub door <NUM> to guide water from the water tank <NUM> to the dispenser <NUM>. The water supply passage <NUM> is connected to the water tank <NUM> in the main door <NUM>, and is guided into the sub door <NUM> through the lower sub hinge <NUM> at a side of the main door <NUM>. The water supply passage <NUM> is connected to the dispenser <NUM> in the sub door <NUM> to supply water.

A valve <NUM> and a pump <NUM> for supplying water to the dispenser <NUM> may be disposed on the water supply pipe <NUM>. The valve <NUM> and the pump <NUM> may be disposed in the main door <NUM>, or at least one of the valve <NUM> and the pump <NUM> may be disposed in the sub door <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a dispenser as described above will now be described in more detail.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a dispenser according to the current embodiment. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the dispenser of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the dispenser <NUM> may include a recess <NUM>, a dispensing member <NUM>, decor members <NUM>, and a manipulation member <NUM>.

In detail, the recess <NUM> provides a space for receiving a container such as a cup during the dispensing of drinking water, and is integrally formed with the outer case <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is formed by recessing a portion of the outer case <NUM> inward. The recess <NUM> may have a curved surface increasing in depth toward the center thereof.

Portions of the outer case <NUM>, which correspond to the upper and lower ends of the recess <NUM>, are cut, and then, the recess <NUM> is formed. Cut parts <NUM> and <NUM> formed by cutting the portions of the recess <NUM> may correspond to the width of the recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may have a depth corresponding to the diameter of the dispensing member <NUM> to be described later.

The cut parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed before forming the recess <NUM>, and may receive the dispensing member <NUM>. The cut parts <NUM> and <NUM> are naturally opened by forming the recess <NUM>, and an open depth thereof is determined according to a depth of the recess <NUM>.

The cut parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed at the upper and lower sides of the recess <NUM>, respectively, and are opened toward the center of the recess <NUM>. The cut parts <NUM> and <NUM> may have the same shape. Alternatively, the cut part <NUM> may be larger than the cut part <NUM>. In this case, the recess <NUM> may be inclined.

The dispensing member <NUM> may be disposed in the center of the cut part <NUM> at the position having the largest width. The dispensing member <NUM> has a pipe or tube shape, and may be exposed to the recess <NUM> through the cut part <NUM>. The dispensing member <NUM> may be integrally formed with an upper decor <NUM> to be described later.

The decor members <NUM> are disposed on the cut part <NUM> disposed over the recess <NUM> and the cut part <NUM> disposed under the recess <NUM>, respectively. The decor members <NUM> cover the cut part <NUM> and the cut part <NUM>, and may be formed of a different material from that of the outer case <NUM>. The decor members <NUM> may be formed of a plastic material, and be colored or coated with a metal texture after injection molding.

The decor members <NUM> may include the upper decor <NUM> and a lower decor <NUM>. The upper decor <NUM> covers the cut part <NUM> disposed over the recess <NUM>. The upper decor <NUM> is installed upward from the outside of the recess <NUM> to cover the cut part <NUM>. The dispensing member <NUM> may be installed in the middle of the upper decor <NUM>. A portion of the upper decor <NUM> constitutes a portion of an appearance over the recess <NUM>.

The lower decor <NUM> covers the cut part <NUM> disposed under the recess <NUM>. The lower decor <NUM> is installed downward from the outside of the recess <NUM> to cover the cut part <NUM>. The lower decor <NUM> may include a water collecting part <NUM> recessed downward. The water collecting part <NUM> collects the remainder of water dropping to the recess <NUM>. The lower decor <NUM> may be removed to dump out the water from the water collecting part <NUM>.

The manipulation member <NUM> is disposed in the center of the recess <NUM>. The manipulation member <NUM> may be pressed to operate it, like a button or a lever. Alternatively, since the recess <NUM> is shallow, the manipulation member <NUM> may sense a touch to determine whether to supply water.

The manipulation member <NUM> may be installed in an installation part <NUM> further recessed from the center of the recess <NUM>. The installation part <NUM> may include an installation hole <NUM> in which electric/electronic parts such as an LED lighting device <NUM> and a switch connected to the manipulation member <NUM> can be installed. A wire may be connected through the installation hole <NUM> to the LED lighting device <NUM> provided to the manipulation member <NUM>. The installation part <NUM> may allow a back- and-forth movement or a rotation of the manipulation member <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a door of a refrigerator as configured above will now be described according to the current embodiment.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of manufacturing a refrigerator door according to the current embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, first, the outer case <NUM> is formed to form the door <NUM>. In operation S100, the outer case <NUM> is formed by cutting a stainless steel plate wound in a roll shape, to correspond to the size of the door <NUM>.

A surface of the cut stainless steel plate is treated with a figure or pattern in operation S200. For example, a hairline process may be performed on the surface of the stainless steel plate to provide a rich texture or anti-fingerprint characteristics. In addition, a figure may be formed using a corrosion such as etching, or various textures can be expressed through a grinding process.

Then, edges of the outer case <NUM> are bent to form edges of the sub door <NUM>. The outer case <NUM> may have a curved surface that protrudes in the center thereof, according to a shape of the door <NUM>.

When the forming of the outer case <NUM> is completed, the outer case <NUM> is cut to form the cut parts <NUM> and <NUM> at positions corresponding to the upper and lower ends of the recess <NUM> in operation S300. At this point, the installation hole <NUM> may be formed in the installation part <NUM>. The cut parts <NUM> and <NUM> are formed to correspond to the width of the recess <NUM>. At this point, if necessary, other holes may be formed in the outer case <NUM>.

After the forming of the cut parts <NUM> and <NUM>, a portion of the outer case <NUM> corresponding to the recess <NUM> is recessed in operation S400. Thus, the recess <NUM> has a curved surface protruding rearward. The cut parts <NUM> and <NUM> are naturally formed at the upper and lower sides of the recess <NUM> by forming the recess <NUM>.

While the recess <NUM> is formed, the installation part <NUM> may also be formed. Alternatively, after the recess <NUM> is formed, the installation part <NUM> may be formed through a separate forming process.

After the forming of the recess <NUM>, the decor members <NUM> are installed on the cut parts <NUM> and <NUM> in operation S500. That is, the upper decor <NUM> is installed on the cut part <NUM> disposed over the recess <NUM>. At this point, the dispensing member <NUM> coupled to the upper decor <NUM> may be installed in the cut part <NUM>, together with the upper decor <NUM>. Alternatively, after the upper decor <NUM> is installed on the cut part <NUM>, the dispensing member <NUM> may be coupled to the upper decor <NUM>.

Then, the lower decor <NUM> is fixed to the cut part <NUM> disposed under the recess <NUM>. The lower decor <NUM> may be detachably fixed to the cut part <NUM> to remove the remainder of water.

In operation S600, the manipulation member <NUM> is installed in the installation part <NUM>. The manipulation member <NUM> can be operated in the installation part <NUM> according to a method of manipulating the manipulation member <NUM>.

A button switch for driving the manipulation member <NUM> may be installed in the installation hole <NUM> of the installation part <NUM>. The lighting device <NUM> such as an LED provided to the manipulation member <NUM>, or a wire connected to electric/electronic parts pass through the installation hole <NUM>.

After the installing of the manipulation member <NUM> and the installing of the decor members <NUM>, a water supply passage and a power line, which extend to the recess <NUM>, are fixed. Next, the outer case <NUM> is coupled to the door liner <NUM> constituting the inner surface of the door <NUM>. A cap decor constituting an edge of the door <NUM> may be installed to form an appearance of the door <NUM>.

A space between the outer case <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> may be filled with a thermal insulator through a foaming process, thereby completing the forming of the door <NUM>.

Hereinafter, operations of a refrigerator configured as described above will now be described.

The freezer door <NUM> is opened to take out a food from the freezer compartment <NUM>. The refrigerator door <NUM> is opened to take out a food from the refrigerator compartment <NUM>.

To take out a food from the refrigerator compartment <NUM>, a user rotates the main door <NUM> with holding the door handle <NUM> of the main door <NUM> and opens the refrigerator compartment <NUM>. When the main door <NUM> is opened, the front surface of the refrigerator compartment <NUM> is completely exposed, and a food can be put in the refrigerator compartment <NUM>.

The main door <NUM> or the sub door <NUM> is opened to take out a food from the storage space <NUM> in the main door <NUM>.

When the main door <NUM> is rotated and completed opened, the refrigerator compartment <NUM> is opened, and simultaneously, the rear surface of the main door <NUM> can be exposed. Thus, the rear surface of the storage space <NUM> can be exposed, and the cover <NUM> covering the storage space <NUM> can be opened and closed to take out or put in a food in the storage members <NUM>. After the main door <NUM> is opened, the water tank <NUM> may be removed from the main door <NUM> to provide the water tank <NUM> with water to supply to the dispenser <NUM>.

The sub door <NUM> may be rotated to open the storage space <NUM>. To this end, a hand may be put into the sub door handle <NUM> between the refrigerator door <NUM> and the freezer door <NUM>, and the sub door <NUM> may be pulled and rotated.

The sub door <NUM> rotates about the sub hinge <NUM> as an axis, and thus, the front portion of the storage space <NUM> is exposed. When the storage space <NUM> is opened, a user can take out or put in a food in the storage space <NUM>.

A user can dispense water outside the refrigerator by manipulating the dispenser <NUM>. When the dispenser <NUM> is manipulated, water is supplied from the water tank <NUM> through the water supply passage <NUM> to the dispenser <NUM> disposed in the sub door <NUM>. After water is completely discharged from the water tank <NUM>, the main door <NUM> may be opened, then, the water tank <NUM> may be removed, then, the water tank <NUM> may be filled with water, and then, the water tank <NUM> may be installed again on the main door <NUM> to use the dispenser <NUM>.

A refrigerator according to various other embodiments may be exemplified. Hereinafter, a refrigerator will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings according to another embodiment.

In the current embodiment, the dispenser is provided to the sub door, and a water tank disposed in the refrigerator compartment is connected to the dispenser through a water supply passage, so that water can be dispensed outside of the refrigerator. Thus, in the current embodiment, the rest parts except for the water tank and the water supply passage are the same as those of the previous embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted, and like reference numeral denote like elements.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a water supply passage of a refrigerator according to the current embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the refrigerator <NUM> includes the cabinet <NUM> forming a storage space, the refrigerator door <NUM> opening and closing the refrigerator compartment <NUM> in the cabinet <NUM>, and the freezer door <NUM> opening and closing the freezer compartment <NUM> in the cabinet <NUM>. The cabinet <NUM>, the refrigerator door <NUM>, and the freezer door <NUM> form an appearance of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The refrigerator door <NUM> includes the main door <NUM> opening and closing the refrigerator compartment <NUM>, and the sub door <NUM> opening and closing the storage space <NUM> disposed in the main door <NUM>. The sub door <NUM> includes the dispenser <NUM> to dispense water at the outside of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The main door <NUM> can be rotated through a main hinge <NUM> supporting the upper and lower ends of the main door <NUM>. The sub door <NUM> can be rotated through sub hinges <NUM> including an upper sub hinge <NUM> and a lower sub hinge <NUM>.

Water to be supplied to the dispenser <NUM> is stored in a water tank <NUM> disposed in the refrigerator compartment <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> disposed in the refrigerator compartment <NUM> can be removed from the refrigerator compartment <NUM> to fill the water tank <NUM> with water.

The dispenser <NUM> is connected to the water tank <NUM> through a water supply passage <NUM>. A pump <NUM> and a valve <NUM> may be installed on the water supply passage <NUM>, and thus, the dispenser <NUM> operates to supply water from the water tank <NUM> to the dispenser <NUM>.

The water supply passage <NUM> for supplying water from the water tank <NUM> in the refrigerator compartment <NUM> to the dispenser <NUM> of the sub door <NUM> sequentially passes through the main hinge <NUM> and the sub hinge <NUM>.

The water supply passage <NUM> is connected to the water tank <NUM> in the refrigerator compartment <NUM>. Thus, the water supply passage <NUM> is guided into the main door <NUM> through the main hinge <NUM> disposed under the main door <NUM>, and is guided into the sub door <NUM> through the lower sub hinge <NUM>, and thus, can be connected to the dispenser <NUM>. The water supply passage <NUM> is disposed in the cabinet <NUM>, the main door <NUM>, and the sub door <NUM>, and may be embedded in a thermal insulator.

Also when the dispenser <NUM> includes a lighting device or electric/electronic parts, a wire to be connected to the dispenser <NUM> can be guided to the dispenser <NUM> or the sub door <NUM> through the main hinge <NUM> and the sub hinges <NUM>.

A refrigerator according to various other embodiments than the previous embodiments may be exemplified. Hereinafter, a refrigerator will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings according to another embodiment.

In the current embodiment, the dispenser is provided to the sub door, and a water supply pipe connected to the dispenser is connected to a water supply source disposed outside the refrigerator, so that water can be dispensed through the dispenser. Thus, in the current embodiment, the rest parts except for the water supply passage are the same as those of the previous embodiments, a description thereof will be omitted, and like reference numeral denote like elements.

Water dispensed by the dispenser <NUM> is supplied from a water supply source <NUM> disposed outside the refrigerator <NUM>. The water supply source <NUM> is connected to a water pipe or a water supply passage <NUM> at the outside of the refrigerator <NUM> to supply water from the outside of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The water supply passage <NUM> connects the water supply source <NUM> to the dispenser <NUM>. Thus, a portion of the water supply passage <NUM> is exposed out of the refrigerator <NUM>, and is connected to the water supply source <NUM>. A portion of the water supply passage <NUM> in the refrigerator <NUM> passes through the cabinet <NUM>. The water supply passage <NUM> is guided into the main door <NUM> through the main hinge <NUM> disposed under the main door <NUM>, and is guided into the sub door <NUM> through the lower sub hinge <NUM>, and thus, can be connected to the dispenser <NUM>.

At least one pump <NUM> and at least one valve <NUM> are disposed on the water supply passage <NUM>, and thus, the dispenser <NUM> operates to supply water from a water tank <NUM> to the dispenser <NUM>. The water supply passage <NUM>, the pump <NUM>, and the valve <NUM> are disposed in the cabinet <NUM>, the main door <NUM>, and the sub door <NUM>, and may be embedded in a thermal insulator.

Although the main door and the sub door constitute the refrigerator door in the previous embodiments, the main door and the sub door may constitute a freezer door in another embodiment. Furthermore, the main door and the sub door may constitute a refrigerator door including only a single rotatable door, and thus, may be applied to any refrigerator including a dispenser.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) forming one of a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment;
a door (<NUM>) including an outer case (<NUM>) that constitutes the front surface of the door (<NUM>) and formed of a metal material; and
a dispenser (<NUM>) disposed on the door (<NUM>) for dispensing water,
wherein the dispenser (<NUM>) includes:
a recess (<NUM>) integrally formed by inwardly recessing the outer case (<NUM>) of the door (<NUM>) and formed of the same metal material as that of the outer case (<NUM>);
a first cut part (<NUM>) formed by cutting the outer case at an upper side of the recess (<NUM>) and being naturally opened by forming the recess (<NUM>) on the outer case (<NUM>);
a second cut part (<NUM>) formed by cutting the outer case (<NUM>) at a lower side of the recess (<NUM>) and being naturally opened by forming the recess (<NUM>) on the outer case (<NUM>), the open depth of the first and second cut parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) being determined according to a depth of the recess (<NUM>); and
a dispensing member (<NUM>) disposed in the first cut part (<NUM>) at the upper side of the recess (<NUM>) to dispense drinking water.