Patent Description:
Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store food at low temperatures in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured to store the stored food in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space by using cold air generated through heat exchange with refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

Recently, a refrigerator is gradually becoming multifunctional in accordance with change in dietary life and the trend of high-end products, and a refrigerator equipped with various structures and convenient devices for user's usability and efficient use of internal space of the refrigerator has been released. For example, the door of a refrigerator is provided with a dispenser for supplying water or ice, and when a user manipulates the dispenser, water stored in a water tank or ice from an ice maker can be taken out.

Such a dispenser includes the water tank, and a user may fill the water tank with water and may mount the water tank to the refrigerator. When no water is left in the water tank, a user may remove the water tank from the refrigerator and may refill the water tank with water, and may mount the water tank to the refrigerator again. Accordingly, technology concerning the refrigerator having the function of the dispenser is disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

However, it is difficult for a user to perceive whether the water tank is completely mounted to the refrigerator. An outlet of the water tank is required to be completely inserted into an insertion hole formed in the refrigerator such that the insertion hole is hidden by the water tank so as not to be checked visually. When the outlet of the water tank is not inserted into the insertion hole, water may not be supplied efficiently or may leak to a surrounding area.

<CIT> relates to a refrigeration appliance comprising: a structure within which at least one compartment is obtained for preserving foodstuffs, which is adapted to be closed by at least one door; and a device for dispensing a beverage, said device comprising a tank associated with an inner wall of the structure, in particular of said at least one door. The tank is secured to said inner wall and comprises at least one first block which allows coupling at least one container or door storage compartment to said tank, so that said tank can act as a support for said at least one container or door storage compartment.

Accordingly, the present disclosure has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and the present disclosure is intended to propose a refrigerator in which a user may easily perceive whether a water tank is completely mounted to the refrigerator.

In addition, the present disclosure is intended to propose a refrigerator in which a user may easily perceive whether the water tank is completely mounted to the refrigerator visually or through a mounting sound.

Furthermore, the present disclosure is intended to propose a refrigerator in which the weight of the water tank is used such that the water tank is easily mounted to the refrigerator and the mounted water tank is easily separated therefrom.

The objects are solved by the features of the independent claims.

In order to achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a water tank mounted to a door or cabinet of a refrigerator, and a detection device configured to detect the mounting of the water tank.

The detection device may be installed at the door or cabinet. The detection device may be installed at a mounting space of the water tank.

The detection device may rotatable or movable.

The detection device may be rotated and/or moved rectilinearly by interfering with the surface of the water tank in the mounting process of the water tank and may be restored to an initial position of the detection device by the elastic force of an elastic member when the mounting of the water tank is completed.

Accordingly, a user may easily perceive that the water tank is completely mounted to the refrigerator.

The user may perceive the correct mounting through a fastening sound and/or a fastening feel generated in the process in which the detection device is restored after being pressed.

When the detection device is restored to the initial position thereof by the elastic member, the detection device may hit the surface of the water tank.

Accordingly, the detection device may generate a hitting sound based on which the user may be informed that the water tank is completely mounted.

When the detection device is restored to the initial position thereof by the elastic member, at least a portion of the surface of a detection block constituting the detection device is exposed to the front side of the detection device. Accordingly, when the surface of the detection block is exposed, a user may observe the exposed state of the detection block and may visually perceive whether the water tank is mounted.

In one or more embodiments, at least a front surface of the detection block may have a color different than a color of a rear side of a mounting space in the door or the cabinet.

When the detection block constituting the detection device is rotated and is restored to the initial position thereof by the elastic member, the detection block may be in close contact with the surface of the water tank. The detection block may receive elastic force supplied by the elastic member and may press the surface of the water tank, and thus during the use of the refrigerator, vibration noise generated by the water tank may be reduced.

Alternatively or additionally, the detection device may be installed at the door, and a housing part having an operation space formed therein may constitute the frame of the detection device.

The detection block may be assembled in the operation space.

The detection block may be rotated or moved rectilinearly along a predetermined path in the operation space by interfering with the water tank.

Alternatively or additionally, the elastic member may be installed in the operation space and may be connected to the housing part and the detection block at the opposite ends thereof, respectively. Accordingly, the elastic member may supply elastic force to the detection block in the restoring direction of the detection block to the initial position thereof.

Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the front surface of the detection block facing the water tank may have a shape surrounding the surface of the water tank. Accordingly, the surface of the detection block may stably support the water tank.

Alternatively or additionally, an inclined guide surface may be formed along the mounting path of the water tank at the front surface of the housing part defining the operation space of the detection device. Such an inclined guide surface may naturally guide the mounting direction of the water tank.

In one or more embodiments, a stopping surface may be formed on the rear surface of the detection block.

When the detection block is rotated toward the inside of the operation space of the housing part, the stopping surface may be in surface contact with the inner surface of the operation space.

Accordingly, the concentration of load on a portion of the detection block and damage to the detection block may be prevented.

In one or more embodiments, an operation surface may be formed at the detection block.

The operation surface may be exposed toward a side opposite to the operation space and may be pressed by the water tank.

A support surface may be connected to the operation surface and may surround an edge part of the water tank.

In one or more embodiments, a hitting surface may extend in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the support surface from the operation surface and may hit the surface of the housing part when the detection block is restored to the initial position.

In one or more embodiments, the support surface may be configured to be recessed to the inside of the detection block and may extend along at least two surfaces of surfaces of the water tank. Thus, the support surface may surround and support the two surfaces of the water tank.

The operation surface of the detection block is the most protruding surface to the front side thereof and may have a shape of a flat surface.

In this case, when the detection block is restored to the initial position thereof, the operation surface may be an outer surface continuous to the surface of a tank mounting part to which the water tank is mounted. Accordingly, a user may more easily identify whether the detection block is located at the initial position.

In one or more embodiments, a sounding space open toward the operation space may be defined in the detection block. Such a sounding space may amplify the fastening sound.

The refrigerator of the present disclosure described above has the following effects.

In the process in which the water tank is mounted to the refrigerator, the detection device installed at the refrigerator may be pressed by the water tank and restored to the initial position thereof. The surface of the restored detection device may protrude more than the inner surface of the door of the refrigerator, so a user may easily perceive that the water tank is completely mounted to the refrigerator by checking the protruded state of the surface of the detection device, thereby facilitating the mounting of the water tank.

Particularly, a user may easily perceive that water tank is completely mounted to the refrigerator through a fastening sound and a fastening feel generated in a process in which the detection block of the detection device is restored to the initial position thereof after being pressed, thereby enabling a user to identify, in various methods, whether the water tank is mounted and preventing the misassembly of the water tank.

During the mounting of the water tank, the detection block may be easily moved by using the weight of a heavy water tank filled with water, and during the removal of the water tank, the support surface formed at the detection block by being recessed therefrom may guide the removal of the water tank, thereby facilitating the mounting and removing of the water tank and improving the usability of the refrigerator.

In the detection block of the present disclosure, the sounding space which is a kind of empty space may be configured to be open toward the inside of the housing part, so a mounting sound generated when the detection block hits the water tank may be amplified, thereby enabling a user to easily perceive whether the water tank is mounted.

The operation surface of the detection block of the present disclosure may be an outer surface of the detection block protruding from the surface of the tank mounting part, thereby enabling a user to identify whether the water tank is completely mounted by checking the operation surface of the detection block.

In one or more embodiments, when the detection block of the present disclosure is rotated by being pressed by the water tank, the rear surface of the detection block as the stopping surface may be in surface contact with the inside of the housing part, thereby preventing the concentration of load on a portion of the detection block and preventing damage to the detection block in the process of the rapid rotation of the detection block pressed by the water tank.

In one or more embodiments, the inclined guide surface may be formed at the housing part constituting the detection device of the present disclosure and may naturally guide the mounting direction of the water tank, thereby facilitating the mounting of the water tank by a user through the detection device.

In one or more embodiments, the detection device of the present disclosure may occupy only a predetermined space of the door of the refrigerator and may be mounted to the door from a front side of the detection device, thereby having high installation convenience, and the water tank may not require a separate structure for relative operation with the detection device, thereby enabling the application of the water tank to the refrigerator without design change.

In one or more embodiments, the detection block provided in the detection device of the present disclosure may press the water tank which is completely mounted and may prevent the water tank from vibrating. The detection block may receive elastic force from the elastic member and may press the surface of the water tank, thereby reducing vibration noise generated by the water tank during the use of the refrigerator.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In adding reference numerals to components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of a known related configuration or function interferes with an understanding of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the refrigerator of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the essence or order of each of the components is not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but it should be understood that still another component may be connected or coupled to each component therebetween.

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator in which a removable water tank <NUM> is installed. The water tank <NUM> may supply water into the refrigerator, and, for example, may supply drinking water to a user through a dispenser device (not shown), or may supply water to an ice maker installed in the refrigerator such that ice can be made. Of course, a user can get both water and ice through the dispenser device. Here, the water tank <NUM> may be considered as a part of the dispenser device, or as a part independent therefrom.

Referring to <FIG>, the structure of a door <NUM> of the refrigerator is illustrated. The door <NUM> of the refrigerator may be coupled to a cabinet (not shown) and may function to selectively shield a storage compartment of the refrigerator. To swing the door <NUM>, a hinge may be installed at the cabinet, and the door <NUM> may be connected to the hinge such that the door <NUM> can swing.

The door <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the front surface of the cabinet and may have an approximate plate structure. Referring to the structure of the door <NUM>, a door frame <NUM> may constitute the exterior of the door <NUM>, and a foam filler for insulation may be filled inside the door <NUM> surrounded by the door frame <NUM>. The door frame <NUM> may be composed of multiple parts. The door frame illustrated in <FIG> may be considered as a cover member surrounding the door frame provided therein.

<FIG> illustrates the inner surface of the door <NUM>, that is, a surface facing the storage compartment of the refrigerator. The inner surface of the door <NUM> may have a recessed shape and may be a storage space <NUM>. A basket (not shown) may be mounted in the storage space <NUM> such that a user can store foods even in the inner surface of the door <NUM>. The storage space <NUM> may be surrounded by the door frame <NUM> constituting a side surface of the door <NUM>. Reference numeral G is a gasket, which can increase sealability between the door <NUM> and the cabinet.

The water tank <NUM> may be mounted to the upper portion of the door <NUM>, preferably at the inner surface of the door <NUM>. For the mounting of the water tank <NUM>, a mounting space <NUM> may be provided in the upper portion of the door <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the mounting space <NUM> may be space occupying the upper portion in the inner surface of the door <NUM>. In order to mount the water tank <NUM> while moving the water tank <NUM> downward from the upside of the door <NUM>, the mounting space <NUM> may have some free space upward after the water tank <NUM> is mounted.

Referring to <FIG>, the water tank <NUM> may be mounted in the mounting space <NUM> of the door <NUM> in a slanting direction from the upside of the door. A tank mounting part <NUM> may be located at the mounting space <NUM>, preferably the center of the mounting space <NUM>. The tank mounting part <NUM> may be a part to which the water tank <NUM> is mounted. More specifically, the tank mounting part <NUM> may be a part to which an outlet (not shown) provided in the water tank <NUM> is fitted.

At least one mounting hole <NUM> may be formed in or at the mounting space <NUM>, preferably in each of the opposite sides of the mounting space <NUM>.

A detection device <NUM> to be described later may be installed in the mounting hole <NUM>. The mounting hole <NUM> may be space recessed in the upper portion of the mounting space <NUM> of the door <NUM>. The inner space of the one or more mounting holes <NUM> may be filled with foam insulation.

In the present embodiment, a housing part <NUM> constituting the detection device <NUM> may be received in the mounting hole <NUM>. Before the foam insulation is filled inside the door <NUM>, the housing part <NUM> may be pre-assembled with the mounting hole <NUM>, or after the foam insulation is filled in the door <NUM>, the housing part <NUM> may be assembled with the mounting hole <NUM>.

A connecting part <NUM> may be assembled with or provided at the center part of the tank mounting part <NUM>. The connecting part <NUM> may be fitted to the center part of the tank mounting part <NUM> and the outlet of the water tank <NUM> may be fitted to the connecting part <NUM> by overlapping the connecting part <NUM>. Of course, the connecting part <NUM> may be provided integrally with the mounting hole <NUM>. A separate connection bracket (not shown) may be coupled to the connecting part <NUM>. The connection bracket may be omitted or may be configured as a filter.

The connecting part <NUM> may be a hollow tubular structure and may be regarded as a kind of adapter. A connection hole <NUM> which is empty space may be formed inside the connecting part <NUM>, and the outlet of the water tank <NUM> may be fitted into the connection hole <NUM>. When the outlet of the water tank <NUM> is fitted to the connecting part <NUM>, a valve assembly (not shown) mounted to the outlet may be connected to the dispenser device (not shown).

Referring to <FIG>, one or more guide grooves <NUM> may be formed at one or both side surfaces of the mounting space <NUM>. The guide groove <NUM> is to assist the mounting of the water tank <NUM>.

A mounting guide <NUM> formed at at least one side surface of the water tank <NUM> may be engaged with the guide groove <NUM> such that the water tank <NUM> is mounted to the door. The guide groove <NUM> may include at least one guide groove formed symmetrically at the opposite surfaces of the mounting space <NUM>, respectively, but the guide groove <NUM> may be omitted.

First, the approximate structure of the water tank <NUM> will be described. As illustrated in <FIG>, a tank body <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> may be approximately hexahedral and may have a water storage space defined therein. The water storage space may be open upward. The water tank <NUM> may have a shape long in a side-to-side direction to correspond to the shape of the mounting space <NUM>, and such a shape may be changed according to the shape of the mounting space <NUM>. Thus, the water tank <NUM> may be smaller than the width of the door, however it may extend at the inner surface of the door from the right to the left side and may be covered or partly surrounded by the side surface of the mounting space <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> is preferably located above the dispenser device to be described later. In this case, it is possible to supply water from the water tank <NUM> to the dispenser device in a free-fall method by gravity without using a separate pump.

The mounting guide <NUM> may be located at each of the opposite surfaces of the tank body <NUM>. The mounting guide <NUM> may have a shape of a rib protruding to fit the shape of the one or more guide grooves <NUM>. The mounting guides <NUM> may be formed symmetrically at the opposite sides of the tank body <NUM>. The mounting guide <NUM> may extend in a diagonal direction, that is, in the fitting direction of the water tank <NUM> to the mounting space <NUM> such that the mounting guide <NUM> can be engaged with the guide groove <NUM>.

A tank cover <NUM> may be coupled to the open upper side of the water storage space <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>. The tank cover <NUM> may cover the upper surface of the tank body <NUM> and may function to shield the water storage space <NUM>. In this case, a supply hole may be formed through the tank cover <NUM>. The water storage space <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through the supply hole. When a shield cap <NUM> is coupled to the tank cover <NUM>, the supply hole may be shielded. In <FIG>, the supply hole is covered by the shield cap <NUM>. A user may remove the shield cap <NUM> from the tank cover <NUM> and may fill water in the water storage space through the supply hole. Also the tank cover <NUM> may be removed from the water tank <NUM>, e.g. for cleaning the water tank <NUM>.

Next, the detection device <NUM> will be described. The detection device <NUM> may operate in the process of mounting the water tank <NUM> to the door <NUM>. The operation of the detection device may function to supply or may output a fastening sound and/or a fastening feeling.

The detection device <NUM> may be installed such that at least a portion of the detection device <NUM> protrudes to the mounting space <NUM> of the door. Accordingly, during the mounting of the water tank <NUM>, the detection device <NUM> may be touched by the inserted water tank <NUM> and/or may be operated by interfering with the surface of the water tank <NUM>.

A part that is actually operated in the detection device <NUM> is a detection block <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the detection block <NUM> may be rotatable. When the detection block <NUM> is restored to an initial state thereof after being rotated in the initial state, the water tank <NUM> may be regarded to be completely mounted.

In this case, "the initial state" may mean that since an external force is not applied to the detection block <NUM>, the detection block <NUM> is located at an initial position and is in an initial state. Alternatively, the detection block <NUM> may not be rotated but may be moved, preferably rectilinearly.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, most part of the detection device <NUM> may be located inside the mounting hole <NUM>. The part of the detection device <NUM> exposed to the outside may be an operation surface <NUM> of the detection block <NUM>. The operation surface <NUM> may be exposed toward the front side of the mounting space <NUM>. Particularly, the operation surface <NUM> may be located at the exposed position, and thus may be pressed by the surface of the water tank <NUM>. For reference, <FIG> illustrates that the operation surface <NUM> is in close contact with an edge part 36a of the upper surface of the water tank <NUM> in a state in which the water tank <NUM> is completely mounted.

The frame of the detection device <NUM> may be constituted by the housing part <NUM>. The housing part <NUM> may be mounted to the mounting hole <NUM> of the door <NUM>. The housing part <NUM> may have an operation space <NUM> formed therein, which may be provided as a space in which the detection block <NUM> can move and/or can be operated. The operation space <NUM> may be open toward a front of the housing part <NUM>, and thus the detection block <NUM> may be assembled in the operation space <NUM> from the front of the housing part.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing part <NUM> may be fixed and only the detection block <NUM> installed in the operation space <NUM> may by moveably, preferably rotatable. An elastic member <NUM> to be described later may be compressed in this process and may restore the detection block <NUM> to the initial position thereof by using elastic energy stored in the elastic member <NUM> when the water tank is inserted into the mounting space <NUM>.

Looking at the structure of the housing part <NUM> with reference to <FIG>, a housing body <NUM> of the housing part <NUM> may have an approximate shape of a hexahedron. Most of the housing body <NUM> may be received in the mounting hole <NUM>. The operation space <NUM> of the housing part <NUM> may be open toward a front thereof, and the operation space <NUM> may be open even in an upward direction.

One or more rotation dents <NUM> may be formed in the operation space <NUM> of the housing part <NUM>. Each of the one or more rotation dents <NUM> may be formed by being recessed from the inner surface of the operation space <NUM> or may be formed therethrough. A rotation protrusion <NUM> of the detection block <NUM> to be described later may be fitted to the rotation dent <NUM>. Thus, the detection block <NUM> may rotate relative to the rotation protrusion <NUM> as a rotating shaft. The rotation dents <NUM> may be symmetrically at the opposite sides of the operation space <NUM>, respectively.

A support means <NUM> may be provided in the operation space <NUM> of the housing part <NUM>. The support means <NUM> may be for relative movement to at least any one of the detection block <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the detection block <NUM> may be selectively in contact with the support means <NUM>. A portion of the elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to the support means <NUM>.

The support means <NUM> may include a support jaw 64a. The support jaw 64a may be in contact with a portion of the detection block <NUM> which is rotated and may protrude in the operation space <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> The surface of the support jaw 64a may be formed slantingly. Accordingly, a portion of a lower part of the rotated detection block <NUM> may be in surface contact with the support jaw 64a.

A first fastening part 64b may be located at a position adjacent to the support jaw 64a. The first fastening part 64b may be depressed from the bottom part of the operation space <NUM> and may extend in one direction. A first fastening end <NUM> of the elastic member <NUM> may be inserted and fixed to the first fastening part 64b. In the present embodiment, the first fastening part 64b has a structure being depressed but alternatively, may have a structure protruding in the operation space <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a gripping protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the inner surface of the operation space <NUM> and may be configured to facilitate the assembly or rework of the housing part <NUM>. The gripping protrusion <NUM> may be omitted.

A flange part <NUM> may be formed at the front surface of the housing part <NUM>. The flange part <NUM> may be a part having a width larger than the width of the housing body <NUM> constituting the housing part <NUM>. The outer part 66a' of the flange part <NUM> may be held by the edge and/or cover the edge of the mounting hole <NUM>. More specifically, the flange part <NUM> may be disposed outside of the mounting hole <NUM> relative to the outer part 66a', but the remaining portion of the housing part <NUM> may be considered to be received in the mounting hole <NUM>.

The upper and lower parts of the flange part <NUM> may extend at angles different from each other. In the front surface of the flange part <NUM>, an inclined guide surface 66a may be formed at an upper portion of the front surface. A lower flat surface 66b may be formed at a lower portion of the front surface. The inclined guide surface 66a may extend to be inclined downward in a direction in which the depth of the operation space <NUM> is decreased downward, and the lower flat surface 66b may extend in a vertical direction.

The inclined guide surface 66a may be considered to be formed along the mounting path of the water tank <NUM>. In the mounting process of the water tank <NUM>, the surface of the water tank <NUM> may be inserted slantingly downward along the inclined guide surface 66a which is an edge of the housing part <NUM>.

Furthermore, since the operation surface <NUM> of the detection block <NUM> to be described later more protrudes toward the outside of the detection block <NUM> than the inclined guide surface 66a, the operation surface <NUM> may be naturally pressed by the water tank <NUM>. The inclination angle or overall length of the inclined guide surface 66a may vary depending on the environment of the mounting space <NUM> of the door <NUM>.

A contact surface 67a may be formed behind a mounting groove <NUM>. The contact surface 67a may be a part which is a rear of the mounting groove <NUM> and, at the same time, an inner surface of the upper end of the operation space <NUM>. A hitting surface 77a of the detection block <NUM> to be described later may be in close contact with the contact surface 67a. In a process in which the detection block <NUM> is restored to the initial position after being rotated, the hitting surface 77a may hit the contact surface 67a and may generate a fastening sound. Accordingly, the contact surface 67a is preferably a flat surface to be in surface contact with the hitting surface 77a.

Referring to <FIG>, the mounting groove <NUM> may be formed behind the contact surface 67a. The mounting groove <NUM> may be configured to be depressed, and an edge portion of the mounting hole <NUM> may be fitted into the mounting groove <NUM>. The mounting groove <NUM> may be formed continuously along a side-to-side direction of the housing part <NUM>.

Next, referring to the detection block <NUM>, when the detection block <NUM> is restored to the initial position thereof by the elastic member <NUM> after being pressed by the water tank <NUM>, the detection block <NUM> may hit the surface of the water tank <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the detection block <NUM> may rotate relative to the rotation protrusion <NUM> but may move rectilinearly in a manner that enters and exits the operation space <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the exterior of the detection block <NUM> may be constituted by a block body <NUM>. The block body <NUM> may have a width to be received in the operation space <NUM> and may have an overall structure in which an upper part of the bock body <NUM> more protrudes toward the front side of the bock body than a lower part thereof. Furthermore, the rear surface of the block body <NUM> may extend in a slanting direction.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the inside of the block body <NUM> may be configured as a kind of empty space, wherein this empty space may not be exposed to the front side thereof but may be open toward the inner surface of the operation space <NUM>.

In addition, multiple partition plates <NUM> may be provided in the empty space inside the block body <NUM>. The partition plates <NUM> may divide the empty space into multiple sounding spaces 73a. Each of the partition plates <NUM> may have a plate structure extending from the front of the block body <NUM> to the rear thereof. The length of the partition plate <NUM> may depend on the shape of the block body <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, due to the inclined shape of the block body <NUM>, the length of the partition plate <NUM> may be increased downward.

The multiple sounding spaces 73a formed by being divided by the partition plates <NUM> may be empty spaces, and may amplify the fastening sound generated when the detection block <NUM> hits the housing part <NUM>. That is, due to each of the sounding spaces 73a, the detection block <NUM> may be a sounding box as a whole. The sounding space 73a may be open toward the rear side of the detection block <NUM> and may transfer the amplified fastening sound to the outside of the sounding space 73a.

A second fastening part 73b may be formed at the partition plate <NUM>. The second fastening part 73b may be intended to fasten a second fastening end <NUM> of the elastic member <NUM>. The second fastening part 73b may have a structure being recessed from the partition plate <NUM>, and the second fastening end <NUM> may be fitted to this recessed portion. The first fastening end <NUM> of the elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to the first fastening part 64b of the housing part <NUM> and the second fastening end <NUM> thereof may be fixed to the second fastening part 73b to maintain the stably fixed state of the elastic member <NUM>.

The second fastening part 73b may be continuously formed at each of the multiple partition plates <NUM>. That is, the second fastening part 73b may be formed along a continuous path at each of the multiple partition plates <NUM> by being recessed therefrom. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second fastening end <NUM> of the elastic member <NUM> may be fitted to each of the multiple second fastening parts 73b while passing therethrough.

The rotation protrusion <NUM> may be provided at the lower portion of the detection block <NUM>. The rotation protrusion <NUM> may have a protruding structure such that the rotation protrusion <NUM> can be fitted to the rotation dent <NUM> of the housing part <NUM>. When the rotation protrusion <NUM> is fitted to the rotation dent <NUM>, the detection block <NUM> may be rotated in the operation space <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the operation surface <NUM> may be formed at the front surface of the detection block <NUM>. The operation surface <NUM> may be a part directed toward a side opposite to the operation space <NUM> and may be pressed by the water tank <NUM>. The operation surface <NUM> may be a flat surface and may be a part that the most protrudes toward the front side of the detection block <NUM> when the detection block <NUM> is located at the initial position.

The operation surface <NUM> may be located at a position protruding more toward the front side thereof than the rotation protrusion <NUM>. When the detection block <NUM> is restored to the initial position, the operation surface <NUM> may protrude more than the surrounding area of the operation surface <NUM>. Here, the surrounding area may refer to the surface of the tank mounting part <NUM> to which the water tank <NUM> is mounted, and more specifically, may be regarded to refer to the inner surface of the mounting space <NUM>. Accordingly, a user may visually check whether the water tank <NUM> is properly mounted by looking at the protruded position of the operation surface <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the operation surface <NUM> can be seen to be exposed to the front side thereof through the upper portion of the mounting space <NUM>.

When the operation surface <NUM> is located inside the surface of the tank mounting part <NUM> instead of protruding therefrom, it may be perceived that the water tank <NUM> is not properly mounted. The operation surface <NUM> may have a distinctive color. When the operation surface <NUM> has a distinctive color, the perception of the mounting of the water tank <NUM> may be further improved.

The hitting surface 77a may be connected to the operation surface <NUM>. The hitting surface 77a may be located at a side upper than the operation surface <NUM>. When the detection block <NUM> is located at the initial position, the hitting surface 77a may be located at a side behind the operation surface <NUM>.

The hitting surface 77a may be in contact with the contact surface 67a of the housing part <NUM>. When the hitting surface 77a is in contact with the contact surface 67a, the detection block <NUM> may not rotate toward the outside (counterclockwise relative to <FIG>) of the operation space <NUM>, so the hitting surface 77a may be considered as a kind of stopper.

The hitting surface 77a may be a flat surface corresponding to the contact surface 67a and may have a predetermined height in a vertical direction. When the hitting surface 77a is in contact with the contact surface 67a, a hitting sound may be generated. Such a hitting sound may be a kind of fastening sound. Accordingly, a part at which the hitting surface 77a and the contact surface 67a are in contact with each other may be considered as a hitting part K1.

A stopping surface 77a' may be formed at the rear surface of the upper end of the detection block <NUM> continuing from the hitting surface 77a. The stopping surface 77a' may be configured as a flat surface at the rear surface of the detection block <NUM>. The stopping surface 77a' may be a part in contact with the inner surface of the operation space <NUM> when the detection block <NUM> is rotated.

As illustrated in <FIG>, since the stopping surface 77a' may be in surface contact with the inner surface of the operation space <NUM>, the detection block <NUM> may be stably supported by the housing part <NUM>, and the concentration of load on a portion of the detection block <NUM> may be prevented. Particularly, the detection block <NUM> may be rapidly rotated due to the weight of the water tank <NUM>, and in this case, the stopping surface 77a' may be in surface contact with the inner surface of the operation space <NUM>, and thus damage to the detection block <NUM> or the housing part <NUM> may be prevented.

A support surface 77b may be located at a side opposite to the hitting surface 77a, the support surface 77b being connected to the operation surface <NUM>. The support surface 77b may be a part constituting a portion of the front surface of the detection block <NUM>. When the water tank <NUM> is completely mounted, the support surface 77b may be a part surrounding the edge part of the upper surface of the water tank <NUM>. The support surface 77b may be formed at a side opposite to the hitting surface 77a relative to the operation surface <NUM> and, in other words, may be located under the operation surface <NUM>. The support surface 77b may form the lower portion of the front surface of the detection block <NUM>.

The support surface 77b may be configured to be recessed to the inside of the detection block <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a portion of the detection block <NUM> at which the support surface 77b is formed may be formed at a side behind the operation surface <NUM>, that is, may be formed by being recessed toward the operation space <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the support surface 77b may be considered to extend along at least two surfaces of the water tank <NUM>.

Accordingly, the edge part 36a of the water tank <NUM> may be inserted in the inner portion of the detection block <NUM> recessed by the support surface 77b. Accordingly, the support surface 77b may have a shape surrounding the edge part 36a of the water tank <NUM> and may maintain the more stably mounted state of the water tank <NUM> to the tank mounting part <NUM>.

Contrarily, when the water tank <NUM> is removed from the door, the water tank <NUM> may be led to be easily removed therefrom along the support surface 77b. To this end, the support surface 77b is preferably made in a curved and/or inclined shape.

Meanwhile, when the detection block <NUM> is rotated to the initial position, the support surface 77b may hit the edge part 36a of the water tank <NUM>. In this case, the support surface 77b may be a second hitting part K2. Of course, the support surface 77b may not hit the edge part 36a of the water tank <NUM>, but may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the edge part 36a of the water tank <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the detection block <NUM> may have an assembly recess <NUM>' formed at the rear surface thereof by being partially recessed therefrom. In addition, in the assembly recess <NUM>', a fastening boss <NUM> may protrude in the same direction as the protruding direction of the rotation protrusion <NUM>.

The fastening boss <NUM> may have a kind of cantilever structure. An assembly step part 78a may be configured to be thin at an end of the fastening boss <NUM> and may facilitate the assembly of the elastic member <NUM>. Accordingly, a body part <NUM> of the elastic member <NUM> may be fitted over the fastening boss <NUM> in the assembly recess <NUM>', the fastening boss <NUM> protruding in a direction parallel to the direction of the rotating shaft of the detection block <NUM>.

A fixing groove part <NUM> may be formed in the detection block <NUM>. The second fastening end <NUM> of the elastic member <NUM> may be fitted to the fixing groove part <NUM>. The starting part of the second fastening end <NUM> may be fitted to the fixing groove part <NUM>, and a part of the second fastening end <NUM> extending further from the starting part may be fitted to the second fastening part 73b. The fixing groove part <NUM> may be formed at a portion protruding from the assembly recess <NUM>' of the detection block <NUM>.

Looking at the elastic member <NUM> with reference to <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> may be installed in the operation space <NUM>, and the opposite ends of the elastic member <NUM> may be connected to the housing part <NUM> and the detection block <NUM>, respectively. The elastic member <NUM> may function to supply elastic force to the detection block <NUM> in the restoring direction of the detection block <NUM> to the initial position.

In the present embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> may be configured as a torsion spring. The body part <NUM> of the torsion spring may be fitted over the fastening boss <NUM> of the detection block <NUM>. In addition, the first fastening end <NUM> and the second fastening end <NUM> extending from the body part <NUM> may be fastened to the first fastening part 64b of the housing part <NUM> and the second fastening part 73b of the detection block <NUM>, respectively. The second fastening end <NUM> may extend longer than the first fastening end <NUM>. The second fastening end <NUM> may be stably fastened at each of multiple positions while passing through each of the multiple second fastening parts 73b formed in the detection block <NUM>.

Accordingly, the second fastening end <NUM> may supply the elastic force of rotating the detection block <NUM> toward the outside (counterclockwise relative to <FIG>) of the operation space <NUM> to the detection block <NUM>. Alternatively, the elastic member <NUM> may be configured as various types of elastic parts such as a coil spring and a plate spring.

In the embodiment described above, the detection device <NUM> may include a separate housing part <NUM>. However, the housing part <NUM> may be omitted. When the housing part <NUM> is omitted, the detection block <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> may be mounted directly in the mounting hole <NUM>. In this case, the detection block <NUM> may be regarded as the detection device <NUM>.

In addition, although the detection device <NUM> is illustrated to be mounted to the door <NUM>, both the detection device <NUM> and the water tank <NUM> may be alternatively mounted to the cabinet of the refrigerator. In such case the mounting space <NUM> is provided in the cabinet.

Next, the mounting process of the water tank according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In <FIG>, the mounting process of the water tank <NUM> to the tank mounting part <NUM> is sequentially illustrated.

First, in order to mount the water tank <NUM> to the door <NUM>, a user is required to move the water tank <NUM> to a position close to the mounting space <NUM>. In this case, a surface of the water tank <NUM> may face the tank mounting part <NUM> of the mounting space <NUM>.

In this case, the detection block <NUM> of the detection device <NUM> may be in a standing state, that is, in the initial state. This is because the elastic member <NUM> is supplying elastic force to the detection block <NUM>. The operation surface <NUM> of the detection block <NUM> may be configured as a surface protruding from the inner surface of the mounting space <NUM>, and at the same time, may stand by in a state in which the operation surface <NUM> protrudes from the housing part <NUM>/ mounting hole <NUM>.

When the water tank <NUM> is moved further to the inside of the mounting space <NUM>, the surface of the water tank <NUM> may come in contact with the operation surface <NUM> of the detection block <NUM>. At the same time, the surface of the water tank <NUM> may be in contact with the inclined guide surface 66a constituting the flange part <NUM> of the housing part <NUM>.

In this state, when a user pushes the water tank <NUM> toward the inside of the operation space, the surface of the water tank <NUM> may naturally move in a diagonal or inclined direction (in a direction of an arrow <NUM> of <FIG>) along the inclined guide surface 66a. That is, the water tank <NUM> may be moved along a mounting path thereof by being guided by the inclined guide surface 66a. Accordingly, a user may push the water tank <NUM> only in the inward direction and thus the mounting of the water tank <NUM> may be easily performed.

Accordingly, in the process in which the water tank <NUM> moves, the surface of the water tank <NUM> may push the operation surface <NUM> of the detection block <NUM>, and the detection block <NUM> may be rotated. That is, the detection block <NUM> may be rotated clockwise by using the rotation protrusion <NUM> as a rotating shaft and may be introduced or pushed to the inside of the operation space <NUM>. Such a state is illustrated in <FIG>.

Although the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> is required to be overcome to introduce the detection block <NUM> to the inside of the operation space <NUM>, a user may easily rotate the detection block <NUM> by using the weight of the water tank <NUM> since the water tank <NUM> is filled with water.

In this case, when the detection block <NUM> is rotated, the stopping surface 77a' of the detection block <NUM> may be in contact with the inner surface of the operation space <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the stopping surface 77a' may be in surface contact with the inner surface of the operation space <NUM>, so the detection block <NUM> may be stably supported by the housing part <NUM>, and the concentration of load on a portion of the detection block <NUM> may be prevented.

Next, when the water tank <NUM> is further inserted inward, the water tank <NUM> may be in contact with the inner surface of the mounting space <NUM> and may be completely mounted. Simultaneously, the edge part 36a of the water tank <NUM> may move to the support surface 77b of the detection block <NUM> from the operation surface <NUM> thereof, and the state in which the water tank <NUM> pushes the operation surface <NUM> may be released.

Accordingly, the detection block <NUM> may be restored in a standing direction thereof, that is, to the initial position by the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>. In this case, while the detection block <NUM> is rotated by the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>, the hitting surface 77a of the detection block <NUM> may move anticlockwise until it hits the contact surface 67a of the housing part <NUM>. Accordingly, the hitting surface 77a may generate the fastening sound by hitting the contact surface 67a.

A user may check, in various methods, whether the water tank <NUM> is mounted through the detection block <NUM>.

The user may perceive whether the water tank <NUM> is mounted through (i) the fastening sound (the hitting sound) which the detection block <NUM> rotating to the initial position generates by coming into contact with the housing part <NUM>, (ii) a fastening feel due to vibration generated when the detection block <NUM> is restored to the initial position by rotating, and (iii) a state in which the operation surface <NUM> of the detection block <NUM> is directed to the front side of the detection block <NUM> and protrudes from the inner surface of the mounting space <NUM>.

Such a state is illustrated in <FIG>. The support surface 77b of the detection block <NUM> may surround the edge part 36a of the water tank <NUM>, and thus the detection block <NUM> may maintain the stably mounted state of the water tank <NUM> by surrounding two surfaces of the edge part 36a.

That is, the detection block <NUM> may have tendency of being located at the initial position due to the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>, whereby the support surface 77b may press the edge part 36a of the water tank <NUM> and may prevent the vibration of the water tank <NUM>. Accordingly, during the use of the refrigerator, vibration noise generated by the water tank <NUM> may be reduced.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet having a storage compartment formed therein;
a door (<NUM>) configured to open and close the storage compartment;
a water tank (<NUM>) mounted to the door (<NUM>) or the cabinet; and
a detection device (<NUM>) installed at the door (<NUM>) or the cabinet, wherein the detection device (<NUM>) comprises a detection block (<NUM>) and an elastic member (<NUM>), the detection block (<NUM>) comprising an operation surface (<NUM>) configured to be the part of the detection block (<NUM>) exposed to the outside and pressed by the water tank (<NUM>);
wherein during mounting the water tank (<NUM>), the detection block (<NUM>) is rotatable and/or is rectilinearly movable along a predetermined path by interfering with surfaces of the water tank (<NUM>), wherein when the water tank (<NUM>) is correctly mounted, the detection block (<NUM>) is restored to an initial position thereof by an elastic force of an elastic member (<NUM>), and
wherein when the detection block (<NUM>) is restored to the initial position by the elastic member (<NUM>), the operating surface (<NUM>) protrudes more to the outside than a surface of a surrounding area of the detection block (<NUM>).