Patent Description:
Generally, refrigerators are used to store food in a low-temperature and fresh state for a prolonged period of time. Such a refrigerator stores in a frozen or refrigerated state in accordance with the state or kind of the food.

In order to store food in a low-temperature state, the refrigerator includes a refrigerant system which repeatedly performs a refrigerant cycle of compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation.

Hereinafter, a conventional refrigerator will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> , the conventional refrigerator includes a refrigerator body <NUM> which includes a refrigerating compartment <NUM> for storing food in a refrigerated state, and a freezing compartment <NUM> for storing food in a frozen state.

The refrigerating compartment <NUM> and freezing compartment <NUM> are partitioned such that they have independent spaces, respectively. Each of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> and freezing compartment <NUM> is provided with an opening at the front side thereof.

The opening of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> is opened or closed by refrigerating compartment doors <NUM>. The opening of the freezing compartment <NUM> is opened or closed by a freezing compartment door <NUM>.

Generally, the refrigerating compartment <NUM> is more frequently used than the freezing compartment <NUM>. To this end, the refrigerating compartment <NUM> is arranged over the freezing compartment <NUM> so as to enable the user to easily take out the food stored in the refrigerating compartment <NUM> without bending his body.

Drawers, baskets, and shelves for receiving food of various sizes and states are provided in the interior of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> and at the refrigerating compartment doors <NUM>.

The freezing compartment door <NUM> is slidable in forward and rearward directions to open or close the freezing compartment <NUM>. A lower door handle is attached to the front surface of the freezing compartment door <NUM> at the upper portion of the freezing compartment door <NUM>, to enable the user to slide the freezing compartment door <NUM> while grasping the lower door handle.

An ice maker <NUM> is arranged in the freezing compartment <NUM>, in order to make ice using cold air generated by a heat exchanger and supplied to the freezing compartment <NUM>.

However, the conventional refrigerator having the above-mentioned configuration has various problems.

First, there is a problem in that the ice maker <NUM>, which makes ice, is arranged in the interior of the freezing compartment <NUM>, and the freezing compartment <NUM> is arranged beneath the refrigerating compartment <NUM> in the conventional refrigerator having the above-mentioned configuration. That is, it is inconvenient for the user to take ice out of the ice maker <NUM> because the user must operate the ice maker <NUM> after opening the freezing compartment door <NUM> while bending his body.

The above-mentioned problem may be solved by arranging the freezing compartment <NUM> over the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. In this case, however, it is difficult for a short man or a child to take ice out of the ice maker <NUM> arranged in the interior of the freezing compartment <NUM>, after opening the freezing compartment <NUM>, in the case in which the refrigerator has a large size.

Meanwhile, the ice maker <NUM> may be installed at an appropriate position outside the freezing compartment <NUM>, separately from the freezing compartment <NUM>. In this case, however, there are various problems, for example, an increase in the manufacturing costs of the refrigerator, an increase in the volume of the refrigerator, and a difficultly in the manufacture of the refrigerator, because an ice-making heat exchanger must be installed in the ice making compartment.

For the above-mentioned reasons, it is required to develop a refrigerator which enables the user to easily take ice out of an ice maker without causing a variation in the capacity of the refrigerator or a limitation on the position of a freezing compartment.

<CIT>, an intermediate document under Art. <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC, presents a refrigerator with an airflow passage for an ice making compartment of the refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a main body has an opened side, and a door selectively closes the opened side of the main body. An ice making compartment is formed in the door, the ice making compartment being insulated from the outside and being kept at a low temperature. A duct is formed in the main body for exchanging cooling air with the ice making compartment, and a cooling air passage is formed at an outer surface of the ice making compartment to connect the duct with the ice making compartment. A switching unit closes the cooling air passage when the door is opened, and opens the cooling air passage when the door is closed.

<CIT>, an intermediate document under Art. <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC, presents an ice and water dispenser for a bottom freezer refrigerator positioned on a refrigerator compartment door. The ice maker and ice cube storage bin can have below <NUM>. air provided to maintain the ice maker and ice cube storage bin below <NUM>. Supply and return ducts can convey below <NUM>. air to the ice maker and ice cube storage bin. The supply and return ducts can lead from the bottom freezer compartment or from an evaporator compartment. The ice maker and ice cube storage bin can be located in insulated sub-compartment to allow normal refrigerator compartment temperatures to be maintained in the above freezing refrigerator compartment.

<CIT>, an intermediate document under Art. <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC, presents a refrigerator with an icemaker including a cabinet having a dividing wall for compartmentalization of a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber, a case provided to a door on the refrigerating chamber, having a cavity therein, a first duct for supplying cold air from a neighborhood of an evaporator in the freezing chamber to the cavity, the icemaker in the cavity for producing ice, an ice container in the cavity for storing the ice, and a dispenser in the door in communication with the cavity, thereby having ice supplied to a user at an outside of the refrigerator through a dispenser provided to the door.

<CIT> discloses a refrigerator according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

An object of the present invention devised to solve the above-mentioned problems lies in providing a refrigerator which enables the user to easily take ice out of an ice maker without causing a variation in the capacity of the refrigerator or a limitation on the position of a freezing compartment.

One or more objects of the present technique are achieved by the invention set out by the features of independent claim <NUM>.

In accordance with the present invention, this object can be accomplished by providing a refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator body which includes a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment; an ice making compartment which is arranged in the refrigerating compartment, to make ice; a heat exchanger which generates cold air for freezing food stored in the freezing compartment; and a cold air guiding device which guides the cold air generated by the heat exchanger to the ice making compartment, to enable the ice making compartment to make ice.

The ice making compartment is arranged inside a refrigerating compartment door unit which opens or closes an inner space of the refrigerating compartment. Preferably, the refrigerating compartment is arranged over the freezing compartment.

The cold air guiding device includes a duct unit which communicates with the ice making compartment.

The refrigerator may further comprise a cold air supply fan which forcibly supplies the cold air generated by the heat exchanger to the ice making compartment.

The duct unit may include an air supply duct which supplies the cold air generated by the heat exchanger to the ice making compartment, and a return duct which guides the cold air from the ice making compartment to the freezing compartment.

In other words, the duct unit may include at least one duct which is provided at one side wall of the refrigerating compartment such that the duct communicates with the ice making compartment.

Preferably, the duct is arranged between an outer wall and an inner wall which form the side wall of the refrigerating compartment.

More preferably, the duct may be spaced apart from the outer wall and the inner wall.

To this end, the refrigerator further comprises a spacer which supports the duct such that the duct is spaced apart from the outer wall and the inner wall.

The spacer may include two spacing ribs which are protruded from an outer surface of the duct, to space the duct from the outer wall and inner wall by the same distance, respectively. Preferably, the spacing ribs are symmetrical to each other.

The refrigerator may further comprise a duct holder which fixes the duct to the side wall of the refrigerating compartment.

The duct may be internally installed between the outer wall and the inner wall under a condition in which the duct is held by the duct holder.

The duct holder may include at least one duct receiver which firmly receives the duct, and spacing protrusions which are outwardly protruded from the duct receiver, to space the duct from the outer wall and the inner wall.

The at least one duct may comprise a pair of ducts, and the at least one duct receiver may comprise a pair of duct receivers which are connected to each other such that the duct receivers are integral, the duct receivers receiving the ducts, respectively.

Preferably, the refrigerator further comprises a first heater which prevents a frosting phenomenon from occurring in the refrigerating compartment due to the cold air flowing through the duct.

In this case, the duct is installed in the side wall of the refrigerating compartment, and the first heater is arranged on an inner surface of the side wall.

Preferably, the inner wall of the refrigerating compartment has a first opening which forms one end of the duct unit, and the first heater is arranged adjacent to the first opening.

The refrigerator may further comprise a cold air guide which is arranged in a barrier partitioning the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment, to connect the duct unit to the freezing compartment.

The barrier may include a cover which is separably coupled to the cold air guide.

The cold air guide may include an air supply passage which guides the cold air generated by the heat exchanger to the duct unit, and a return passage which guides the cold air guided through the duct unit after emerging from the ice making compartment to the freezing compartment.

The refrigerator may further comprise a second heater which is provided at one surface of the barrier facing an inner space of the refrigerating compartment, to prevent a frosting phenomenon from occurring in the refrigerating compartment due to the cold air guide. The second heater may operate selectively in accordance with a predetermined condition.

In this case, the ice making compartment is provided at a refrigerating compartment door unit which opens or closes an inner space of the refrigerator. The duct unit includes a first opening which is provided at an inner wall of the refrigerating compartment, and forms one end of the duct unit connected to one side of the refrigerating compartment door unit. The refrigerating compartment door unit includes a second opening which is connected to the first opening, to connect the duct unit to an inner space of the ice making compartment.

The refrigerator comprises a sealing unit which is provided at at least one of the first and second openings, to prevent air from being leaked between the first and second openings.

The sealing unit includes a gasket, and a gasket fixer which fixes the gasket to at least one of the first and second openings.

The gasket fixer may include a gasket supporter which is coupled to at least one of the first and second openings, and a gasket holder which fixes the gasket to the gasket supporter.

The ice making compartment may include a door duct unit which is provided at a refrigerating door unit for opening or closing an inner space of the refrigerating compartment, to connect the duct unit to an inner space of the freezing compartment.

The ice making compartment may include an ice making chamber which receives an ice maker for making ice using the cold air generated by the heat exchanger, and an ice making compartment door which opens or closes an opening formed at a rear side of the ice making chamber.

The ice making compartment door may be hingably movable by a hinge mounted to one side of the ice making chamber. The ice making compartment door may include a hinge cover which covers the hinge.

The refrigerator according to the present invention has various effects as follows.

First, since the refrigerator according to the present invention includes the cold air guiding device for guiding the cold air generated by the heat exchanger, which controls the temperature of the freezing compartment, to the ice making compartment, it is possible to appropriately select the position of the ice making compartment irrespective of the structure or capacity of the refrigerator. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve an improvement in the freedom of design of the refrigerator, and a reduction in the manufacturing costs of the refrigerator, and to maximize the inner space of the refrigerating compartment.

Second, in the refrigerator according to the present invention, it is possible to conveniently use the refrigerating compartment, and to easily take ice out of the ice making compartment because the freezing compartment is arranged beneath the refrigerating compartment.

Third, in the refrigerator according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a frosting phenomenon from occurring in the refrigerating compartment due to the cold air guiding device, which guides cold air, because the heater is arranged on the inner surface of the refrigerating compartment.

Fourth, in the refrigerator according to the present invention, it is possible to easily fill a foaming liquid because the duct is arranged at a correct position between the outer wall and inner wall, which form one side wall of the refrigerating compartment, by spacing ribs and/or spacing protrusions.

Fifth, since the refrigerator according to the present invention includes the duct holder for fixing the duct to one side wall of the refrigerating compartment, it is possible to easily install the duct.

Sixth, since the refrigerator according to the present invention includes the hinge cover, which covers the hinge for hingably opening or closing the ice making compartment door, it is possible to prevent an accident in that a portion of the body of the user is caught in the hinge through his carelessness, and to make the appearance of the ice making compartment beautiful.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle cf the invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same title and same reference numeral will be given for the same configuration, and no additional description will be given thereof.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an opened state of refrigerating compartment doors and an opened state of a freezing compartment door in the refrigerator shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating flow paths of cold air in an ice making compartment and a cold air guide device in the refrigerator shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the inner side of a part of one refrigerating compartment door where the ice making compartment is arranged, in the refrigerator shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> , the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerator body <NUM>, and an ice making compartment <NUM> in which ice is made.

The inner space of the refrigerator body <NUM> is partitioned into a refrigerating compartment <NUM> and a freezing compartment <NUM>.

Although not shown, shelves and drawers of various shapes are arranged in the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, in order to efficiently receive various kinds of food.

The flow of cold air supplied to the refrigerating compartment <NUM> at one side of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> is influenced by the shelves and drawers such that convection of the cold air is limited or controlled. As a result, the cold air is supplied in different amounts to portions of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> defined by the shelves and drawers, respectively, so that the portions of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> have different temperature characteristics. Thus, it is possible to store food in an appropriate portion of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, depending on the storage condition of the food.

Meanwhile, the refrigerating compartment <NUM> is open at the front side thereof. The refrigerating compartment <NUM> includes a refrigerating compartment door unit <NUM> which selectively opens or closes the front side of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. Thus, the refrigerating compartment door unit <NUM> opens or closes the inner space of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

The refrigerating compartment door unit <NUM> includes a pair of hinged doors <NUM> and <NUM> hingably connected to the refrigerator body <NUM>.

The left one of the hinged doors <NUM> and <NUM>, namely, the door <NUM>, may be hingably connected, at the left end thereof to the left corners of the front side of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> by means of hinges, respectively. The right one of the hinged doors <NUM> and <NUM>, namely, the door <NUM>, may be hingably connected, at the right end thereof, to the right corners of the front side of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> by means of hinges, respectively. Thus, the left and right doors <NUM> and <NUM> are openable independently of each other.

Shelves <NUM> and <NUM> may be installed at the refrigerating compartment door unit <NUM>, in order to receive drink bottles and other food.

The freezing compartment <NUM> is adapted to store fish, meat, or food required to be stored for a prolonged period of time, in a frozen state. Drawers and baskets (not shown) are arranged in the freezing compartment <NUM>, in order to separately store a variety of food to be stored in a frozen state, depending on the size or state of the food.

The temperature of the freezing compartment <NUM> is controlled by a heat exchanger <NUM> installed at the refrigerator body <NUM>. In detail, the inner space of the freezing compartment <NUM> is maintained in a low-temperature state by cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM>, in order to freeze the food stored in the freezing compartment <NUM>.

In other words, a refrigerant, which passes through the heat exchanger <NUM>, is evaporated as it absorbs heat from cold air supplied to the freezing compartment <NUM>, thereby lowering the temperature of the cold air. Thus, the inner space of the freezing compartment <NUM> is maintained at a temperature capable of storing food in a frozen state.

The heat exchanger <NUM> is arranged at the rear side of the freezing compartment <NUM>, in particular, at the rear side of a storage box <NUM> arranged in the freezing compartment <NUM>. Here, the storage box <NUM> receives the above-described drawers and/or baskets, in order to store food.

Preferably, a fan (not shown) is arranged at one side of the heat exchanger <NUM>, in order to forcibly circulate air in the freezing compartment <NUM>.

A freezing compartment door <NUM> is arranged at the open front side of the freezing compartment <NUM>, in order to open or close the freezing compartment <NUM>. The freezing compartment door <NUM> is hingably connected, at a lower end thereof, to a lower end of the front side of the storage box <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is coupled to the refrigerator body <NUM> such that the storage box <NUM> is slidable in forward and rearward directions. The storage box <NUM> is forwardly extendable or rearwardly retractable together with the freezing compartment door <NUM>.

A lower handle <NUM> may be attached to a front surface of the freezing compartment door <NUM>, in order to open or close the freezing compartment door <NUM>. A shelf <NUM>, which can receive food, may be attached to a rear surface of the freezing compartment door <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger <NUM> is configured to perform temperature control for both the refrigerating compartment <NUM> and the freezing compartment <NUM>. Of course, the refrigerating compartment <NUM> may be temperature-controlled by a separate heat exchanger (not shown).

The refrigerating compartment <NUM> and freezing compartment <NUM>, which have the above-described configurations, respectively, are partitioned by a barrier <NUM>.

Generally, the refrigerating compartment <NUM> is more frequently used than the freezing compartment <NUM>. To this end, it is preferred that the refrigerating compartment <NUM> be arranged over the freezing compartment <NUM> so as to enable the user to easily take out the food stored in the refrigerating compartment <NUM> without bending his body.

Accordingly, the barrier <NUM> is horizontally arranged in the refrigerator body <NUM> such that the barrier <NUM> defines the bottom of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, and the top of the freezing compartment <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the ice making compartment <NUM> basically functions to make ice, and to store the ice. It is preferred that the ice making compartment <NUM> be arranged at an appropriate position in the refrigerator, in order to enable the user to easily take out ice made in the ice making compartment <NUM>, irrespective of the size or capacity of the refrigerator, and the arrangement of the freezing compartment <NUM> and refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

In conventional cases in which there is a limitation on the arrangement of an ice making compartment because the ice making compartment must be arranged in the freezing compartment, there is a difficulty in arranging the ice making compartment at an appropriate position in a refrigerator.

Therefore, in order to not only make ice using the above-described heat exchanger without use of a separate ice-making heat exchanger, but also to enable the ice maker to be arranged at an appropriate position enabling the user to most easily take out ice made by the ice maker, it is preferred that the refrigerator include a cold air guide device for guiding cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM> to the ice making compartment <NUM>.

In other words, there is a feature of the present invention in that the refrigerator includes a cold air guide device for guiding a part of cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM>, in order to enable the ice maker to be arranged at a most appropriate position, irrespective of the size or capacity of the refrigerator, and the arrangement of the freezing compartment <NUM> and refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

This feature of the present invention is more effective when the freezing compartment <NUM> is arranged beneath the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

In other words, when the refrigerating compartment <NUM> is arranged over the freezing compartment <NUM>, it is possible to more easily take out the food stored in the inner space of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, in particular, a lower portion of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

Also, it is preferred that the ice making compartment <NUM> be arranged in the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, in order to enable the user to easily take out the ice stored in the ice making compartment <NUM>. In the illustrated case, the ice making compartment <NUM> is provided at the refrigerating compartment door unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> , a dispenser <NUM> is also provided at the refrigerating compartment door unit <NUM>, in addition to the ice making compartment <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> functions to enable the user to take out water purified in the refrigerator and ice made in the ice making compartment <NUM> at the outside of the refrigerator. Operating buttons <NUM> for control of the internal temperatures of the compartments in the refrigerator, and other functions, and a display unit <NUM> for displaying the operating state of the refrigerator are arranged on the front surface of the refrigerator body <NUM>.

In accordance with this embodiment, the ice making compartment <NUM> is arranged at the inner side of the refrigerating door unit <NUM>, in particular, at the inner side of the left door <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> is arranged to discharge the ice stored in the ice making compartment <NUM> at the front side of the left door <NUM>. Of course, the ice making compartment <NUM> and dispenser <NUM> may be arranged at the right door <NUM>.

In order to enable the dispenser <NUM> to discharge the ice made in the ice making compartment <NUM> by gravity, it is preferred that the ice making compartment <NUM> be arranged over the dispenser <NUM>.

The ice making compartment <NUM> has a rear wall which is protruded from the left door <NUM> into the refrigerating chamber <NUM>.

The ice making compartment <NUM> includes an ice making chamber <NUM> in which an ice maker <NUM> adapted to make ice using cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM> is received, and an ice making compartment door <NUM> which opens or closes an opening formed at a rear side of the ice making chamber <NUM>.

The ice making compartment <NUM> is defined by an inner case (not shown) coupled to the rear surface of the left door <NUM>. Accordingly, the inner space of the ice making compartment <NUM> is partitioned from the inner space of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

The ice maker <NUM>, which makes ice using cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM>, is arranged in the interior of the ice making compartment <NUM>, namely, the ice making chamber <NUM>. A feeder <NUM> is also received in the ice making chamber <NUM>. The feeder <NUM> is arranged beneath the ice maker <NUM>, to store and feed ice made by the ice maker <NUM>.

The feeder <NUM> not only stores ice made by the ice maker <NUM>, but also feeds the ice to the dispenser <NUM>, in order to enable the user to take out the ice through the dispenser <NUM>, if necessary.

Meanwhile, the cold air guide device functions to guide the cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM> to the ice making chamber <NUM> of the ice making compartment <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> , the cold air guide device includes a duct unit <NUM> which communicates with the ice making compartment <NUM>.

In detail, the duct unit <NUM> defines a flow path of the cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM>. Preferably, the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention further includes a cold air supply fan <NUM> which forces the cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM> to flow through the ice making compartment <NUM>.

Accordingly, a part of the cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM> is introduced into the ice making compartment <NUM> via the duct unit <NUM> in accordance with the driving of the cold air supply fan <NUM>.

The ice making compartment <NUM> may be configured to be selectively connected to the duct unit <NUM>, as in this embodiment.

In detail, the ice making compartment <NUM> and duct unit <NUM> are configured to be connected to each other only in a closed state of the left door <NUM>.

In other words, when the left door <NUM> is closed, the ice making chamber <NUM> communicates with the duct unit <NUM>.

For this configuration, a first opening <NUM> is formed through an inner wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> defines one end of the duct unit <NUM>, in particular, an upper end of the duct unit <NUM>. A second opening <NUM>, which is selectively connected to the first opening <NUM>, is formed at the refrigerating door unit <NUM>, in particular, the left door <NUM>.

When the second opening <NUM> is connected to the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM> communicates with the inner space of the ice making compartment <NUM>, in particular, the ice making chamber <NUM>.

In detail, when the left door <NUM> is closed, the second opening <NUM> is connected to the first opening <NUM>. On the other hand, when the left door <NUM> is opened, the second opening <NUM> is disconnected from the first opening <NUM>.

Of course, although not shown, the ice making compartment <NUM> may be configured to always communicate with the duct unit <NUM>. For this configuration, the duct unit <NUM> may be directly connected, at one end thereof, to one side of the refrigerator door unit <NUM> where the ice making compartment <NUM> is defined, and may be connected, at the other end thereof, to one side of the freezing compartment <NUM>.

The duct unit <NUM> includes at least one duct, two ducts <NUM> and <NUM> in the illustrated case, arranged at one side wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

Where the ice making compartment <NUM> is arranged at the left door <NUM>, as in this embodiment, it is preferred that the ducts <NUM> and <NUM> be arranged at the left wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

The ducts <NUM> and <NUM> function to supply cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM> to the ice making compartment <NUM>. Hereinafter, these ducts are collectively referred to as an air supply duct <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the air supply duct <NUM> is configured such that one end of the air supply duct <NUM>, namely, the upper end of the air supply duct <NUM>, communicates with the ice making compartment <NUM>, and the other end of the air supply duct <NUM>, namely, the lower end of the air supply duct <NUM>, communicates with the freezing compartment <NUM>. In accordance with this configuration, the air supply duct <NUM> guides a part of the cold air, supplied to the freezing compartment <NUM>, to the ice making compartment <NUM>.

Of course, the other end of the air supply duct <NUM> may be open to one side of the heat exchanger <NUM> such that the air supply duct <NUM> directly sucks cold air from the heat exchanger <NUM>, to guide the sucked cold air to the ice making compartment <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the cold air introduced into the ice making compartment <NUM> absorbs heat from water in the ice making compartment <NUM>. The cold air emerging from the ice making compartment <NUM> may be introduced into the interior of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. However, it is preferred that the cold air emerging from the ice making compartment <NUM> be returned to the freezing compartment <NUM>, taking into consideration the temperature difference between the cold air in the refrigerating compartment <NUM> and the cold air in the ice making compartment <NUM>.

To this end, the duct unit <NUM> preferably further includes a duct <NUM> which is connected to the ice making compartment <NUM>, to guide the cold air from the ice making compartment <NUM> to the freezing compartment <NUM>. Hereinafter, the duct <NUM> is referred to as a return duct.

One end of the return duct <NUM>, namely, the upper end of the return duct <NUM>, is connected to the ice making compartment <NUM>, whereas the other end of the return duct <NUM>, namely, the lower end of the return duct <NUM>, is connected to one side of the freezing compartment <NUM> such that the return duct <NUM> communicates with the inner space of the freezing compartment <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the first opening <NUM> includes a duct-side air supply port 601a which allows the cold air emerging from the supply air duct <NUM> to be discharged into the ice making chamber <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> includes a door-side inlet 501a which is formed through an inner wall of the left door <NUM> such that the door-side inlet 501a is selectively connected to the duct-side air supply port 601a.

Where the duct unit <NUM> further includes the return duct <NUM>, as in this embodiment, the first opening <NUM> further includes a duct-side inlet 601b which receives the cold air emerging from the ice making compartment <NUM>, to guide the received cold air to the freezing compartment <NUM>. In this case, the second opening <NUM> further includes a door-side outlet 501b which is formed through the inner wall of the left door <NUM> such that the door-side outlet 501b is selectively connected to the duct-side inlet 601b.

Meanwhile, at least one of the ducts <NUM> and <NUM>, in particular, at least one of the air supply duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM>, is preferably arranged between outer and inner walls defining one side of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, namely, the left side of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

Here, the outer wall defines the left appearance of the refrigerator body <NUM>, whereas the inner wall defines the left inner wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

In particular, it is preferred that the air supply duct <NUM> be arranged between the outer and inner walls, because the temperature of the cold air flowing through the air supply duct <NUM> is lower than the temperature of the cold air flowing through the return duct <NUM>.

In order to minimize the influence of the duct unit <NUM> on the temperature of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, however, it is preferred that both the air supply duct <NUM> and the return duct <NUM> be arranged between the outer and inner walls, as in this embodiment.

The space between the walls of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, namely, the outer and inner walls of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> is filled with an insulating material such as foamed urethane, in order to prevent the internal temperature of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> from being varied by the cold air flowing through the duct unit <NUM>, and to minimize an increase in the temperature of the cold air flowing through the ducts <NUM> and <NUM>.

Where the air supply duct <NUM> is arranged at the left side of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> in the space between the outer and inner walls of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, it is preferred that the first opening <NUM> be arranged at the left inner wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. In this case, it is also preferred that the second opening <NUM> be arranged at the inner case of the refrigerating compartment door unit <NUM>.

In detail, the duct-side air supply port 601a and duct-side inlet 601b may be formed at a front portion of the left inner wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

One end of the air supply duct <NUM>, namely, the outlet of the air supply duct <NUM>, is connected to the duct-side air supply port 601a. One end of the return duct <NUM>, namely, the inlet of the return duct <NUM>, is connected to the duct-side inlet 601b.

Meanwhile, the door-side inlet 501a and door-side outlet 501b are formed at the inner case such that they correspond to the duct-side air supply port 601a and duct-side inlet 601b, respectively.

Of course, where one end of the air supply duct <NUM> is protruded from the inner wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, the outlet of the air supply duct <NUM> may form the duct-side air supply port. On the other hand, where one end of the return duct <NUM> is protruded from the inner wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, the inlet of the return duct <NUM> may form the duct-side air supply port.

In accordance with the above-described configuration, when the left door <NUM> is closed, the first opening <NUM> and second opening <NUM> are connected to each other. In this state, a part of the cold air supplied to the freezing compartment <NUM> is supplied to the interior of the ice making compartment <NUM> via the air supply duct <NUM>. Also, the cold air used to make ice in the ice making compartment <NUM> is returned to the freezing compartment <NUM> via the return duct <NUM>.

Hereinafter, operation of the refrigerator having the above-described configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, cold air, which is supplied to the freezing compartment <NUM> after being cooled by the heat exchanger <NUM>, freezes food stored in the freezing compartment <NUM>.

A part of the cold air, which is supplied to the freezing compartment <NUM> after being cooled by the heat exchanger <NUM>, is guided to the ice making compartment <NUM> via the cold air guide device, in particular, the duct unit <NUM>.

In detail, a part of cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM> is forcibly fed to the ice making compartment <NUM> via the air supply duct <NUM> by the cold air supply fan <NUM>.

The cold air introduced into the ice making compartment <NUM> heat-exchanges with water supplied to the ice maker <NUM>. Thus, making of ice is carried out in the ice making compartment <NUM>.

The cold air, which has performed heat exchange, namely, has been used to make ice, is introduced into the return duct <NUM> through the duct-side inlet 601b connected to the door-side outlet 501b, and is then returned to the freezing compartment <NUM> via the return duct <NUM>.

The cold air introduced into the freezing compartment <NUM> is cooled as it heat-exchanges again with the heat exchanger <NUM>. The resultant cold air is then supplied to the freezing compartment <NUM> or ice making compartment <NUM>.

Ice made in the ice making compartment <NUM> is stored in the feeder <NUM>. The ice stored in the feeder <NUM> is subsequently externally discharged through the dispenser <NUM> in accordance with operation of the user.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment illustrating an opened state of refrigerating compartment doors and an opened state of a freezing compartment door. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a cold air guide device and one door of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a sealing unit applied to the refrigerator shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a sectional view illustrating the sealing unit applied to the refrigerator shown in <FIG>.

The basic constituent elements of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment are identical to those of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. In the following description given in conjunction with the refrigerator according to the second embodiment, the constituent elements identical to those of the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment, respectively, and no additional description thereof will be given.

The refrigerator according to the second embodiment includes sealing units <NUM> and <NUM> for preventing cold air from being leaked between the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM>.

In order to enable the user to open or close the ice making compartment door <NUM> in the refrigerator according to the second embodiment, a handle <NUM> is provided at the ice making compartment door <NUM>. Also, the ice making compartment door <NUM> is hingably mounted to one edge of an opening formed through the rear wall of the ice making chamber <NUM>.

The opening/closing structure of the ice making compartment door <NUM> and handle <NUM> may be applied to the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the same manner as described above.

The opening formed through the rear wall of the ice making chamber <NUM> is formed at an inner liner <NUM> which is coupled to the inner wall of the left door <NUM>.

Accordingly, when the user pulls the handle <NUM> in an opened state of the left door <NUM>, the ice making compartment door <NUM> is opened while being hingably moved.

The sealing units <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided at one of the first and second openings <NUM> and <NUM>.

Of course, the sealing units <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided at the first and second openings <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

Hereinafter, the sealing units <NUM> and <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Since the sealing units <NUM> and <NUM> have the same structure, the following description will be given only in conjunction with one of the sealing units <NUM> and <NUM>, for example, the sealing unit <NUM>.

The sealing unit <NUM> is provided at the second opening <NUM> of the inner case <NUM>, and functions to prevent cold air from being leaked through the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM>.

The sealing unit <NUM> includes a gasket <NUM>, and a gasket fixer for fixing the gasket <NUM> to the first opening <NUM> provided at the inner wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

The gasket <NUM> is in contact with the first opening <NUM>.

The gasket fixer includes a gasket supporter <NUM> which is coupled to the first opening <NUM>, and a gasket holder <NUM> which fixes the gasket <NUM> to the gasket supporter <NUM>.

In detail, the gasket holder <NUM> is coupled to the gasket supporter <NUM>, to fix the gasket <NUM> to the gasket supporter <NUM>. The gasket supporter <NUM> is coupled to the edge of the first opening <NUM>, to fix the gasket <NUM> to the inner case <NUM>.

The gasket <NUM> includes a gasket body 711a, and a holder coupler 711d for coupling the gasket <NUM> to the gasket holder <NUM>.

A cold air hole 711b is provided at the gasket body 711a in order to allow the ice making compartment <NUM> and duct unit <NUM> to communicate with each other. The cold air hole 711b is formed through the gasket body 711a.

In this embodiment, the gasket body 711a is made up of a ring-shaped member such that the cold air hole 711b is defined at a central portion of the gasket body 711a.

It is preferred that a reinforcing rib 711c be provided at the cold air hole 711b. The reinforcing rib 711c includes a first rib having an approximately cross shape, and an annular second rib which has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cold air hole 711b, and is formed integrally with the first rib.

The holder coupler 711d forms a holder receiving groove 711f for receiving the gasket holder <NUM>. To form the holder receiving groove 711f, the holder coupler 711d extends radially inwardly from the edge of the gasket body 711a, and then extends radially outwardly after being bent.

Thus, the bent portion of the holder coupler 711d forms the holder receiving groove 711f for receiving the gasket holder <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The gasket holder <NUM> includes a holder body 712a having an approximately ring shape, and at least one fixing member 712b which is coupled to the gasket supporter <NUM>.

The holder body 712a is fitted in the holder receiving groove 711f. The fixing member 712b includes a hook extending from the edge of the holder body 712a at one side of the holder body 712a such that the hook is integral with the holder body 712a.

The hook extends toward the gasket supporter <NUM>. The hook is coupled to the gasket supporter <NUM>, thereby fixing the gasket <NUM> to the gasket supporter <NUM>.

In detail, the portion of the holder coupler 711d extending from the bent portion of the holder coupler 711d outwardly from the gasket body 711a is interposed between the holder body 712a and the gasket supporter <NUM>.

When the hook is engaged with the gasket supporter <NUM>, the gasket <NUM> is partially supported by the gasket holder <NUM> and gasket supporter <NUM>. Thus, the assembly of the sealing unit <NUM> is completed.

Meanwhile, a hook groove 711e, through which the hook extends, is formed at the portion of the holder coupler 711d extending from the bent portion of the holder coupler 711d outwardly from the gasket body.

Here, the number of hook grooves 711e is identical to the number of hooks. In this embodiment, four hooks 711e, which are spaced apart from one another by an angle of <NUM>°, are formed at the holder coupler 711d. Also, four hooks, which are spaced apart from one another by an angle of <NUM>°, are formed at the holder body 712a.

The gasket supporter <NUM> includes a supporter body 713a, and hook coupling holes 713c formed at the supporter body 713a such that the hook coupling holes 713c correspond to the hooks, respectively.

The supporter body 713a has a recessed step on which the gasket holder <NUM> and gasket <NUM> are seated. A communicating hole 713b having a predetermined diameter is formed through the support body 713a inside the step. The communicating hole 713b communicates with the cold air hole 711b of the gasket <NUM>. The hooks extend through the hook coupling holes 713c, respectively, and engage with the rear surface of the supporter body 713a.

*In detail, hook engaging grooves 713d are formed at the rear surface of the supporter body 713a. The hook engaging grooves 713d receive respective ends of the hooks. A support protrusion 712c is formed at each hook. The support protrusion 712c supports the edge of the associated hook engaging groove 713d at one side of the associated hook engaging groove 713d. Each hook is preferably made of an elastic material.

Accordingly, when each hook 712b is engaged with the rear surface of the supporter body 713a after extending through the associated hook coupling hole 713c, a portion of the holder coupler 711d is fitted between the holder body 712a and the supporter body 713a. Thus, the gasket <NUM> is fixed to the gasket supporter <NUM>.

It is preferred that the gasket <NUM> having the above-described structure be made of a flexible material. For example, the gasket <NUM> may be made of a material having elasticity, such as rubber.

The gasket supporter <NUM> is fixed to the left door <NUM>. In detail, the gasket supporter <NUM> is fixed to the second opening <NUM> of the inner case <NUM>, thereby supporting the gasket holder <NUM> such that the gasket holder <NUM> is fixedly maintained.

Of course, the sealing units <NUM> and <NUM>, which have the above-described configuration, may also be provided at the first opening <NUM>.

Where the first opening <NUM> includes the duct-side air supply port 601a and duct-side inlet 601b, and the second opening <NUM> includes the door-side inlet 501a and door-side outlet 501b, the sealing units <NUM> and <NUM> are provided at at least one of the duct-side air supply port 601a, duct-side inlet 601b, door-side inlet 501a, and door-side outlet 501b.

In this case, it is preferred that the sealing units <NUM> and <NUM> be provided at at least one of the duct-side air supply port 601a and door-side inlet 501a and at least one of the duct-side inlet 601b and door-side outlet 501b. Of course, the sealing units <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided at each of the duct-side air supply port 601a, duct-side inlet 601b, door-side inlet 501a, and door-side outlet 501b.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM> is introduced into the air supply duct <NUM> of the duct unit after passing through the interior of the barrier <NUM>. Where the duct unit <NUM> includes the return duct <NUM>, cold air discharged out of the ice making compartment <NUM> is introduced into the freezing compartment <NUM> after passing through the interior of the barrier <NUM>.

A grill pan <NUM> is arranged at the rear side of the freezing compartment <NUM>, to form the rear wall of the freezing compartment <NUM>. The grill pan <NUM> has a fan mounting portion <NUM> to which a cold air supply fan (not shown) is mounted.

Although not shown, constituent elements of the refrigerant cycle such as a compressor and the heat exchanger <NUM> are installed at the rear side of the grill fan <NUM>.

Other configurations of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment are identical to those of the first embodiment. Accordingly, no repeated description will be given of the identical configurations.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating an inner case included in a refrigerator door which is applied to the refrigerator according to the third embodiment. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a door duct unit provided at the inner case shown in <FIG>, and a sealing unit provided at the door duct unit.

The basic constituent elements cf the refrigerator according to the third embodiment are identical to those of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment and/or second embodiment. In the following description given in conjunction with the refrigerator according to the third embodiment, the constituent elements identical to those of the first embodiment and/or second embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment and/or second embodiment, respectively, and no additional description thereof will be given.

In accordance with the third embodiment, the ice making compartment <NUM> includes a door duct <NUM> which connects the interior of the ice making compartment <NUM> to the duct unit <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The door duct <NUM> is provided at the refrigerating compartment door unit <NUM>, in particular, in the interior cf the inner case <NUM> of the left door <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the top wall of the inner case <NUM> is rearwardly recessed to form the ice making chamber <NUM>. The door duct <NUM> may be arranged inside the second opening <NUM> such that the door duct <NUM> communicates with the second opening <NUM>. Alternatively, the door duct <NUM> may be exposed externally of the inner case <NUM> at one side cf the door duct <NUM> such that the door duct <NUM> forms the second opening <NUM>.

The door duct <NUM> is received in a space defined between the second opening <NUM> and the ice making chamber <NUM>, in a fixed state.

The door duct <NUM> has a first duct portion <NUM> which communicates with the air supply duct <NUM>, and a second duct portion <NUM> which communicates with the return duct <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the inlet of the first duct portion <NUM> and the outlet of the second duct portion <NUM> form the door-side inlet 501a and door-side outlet 501b, respectively. It is preferred that the above-described sealing unit <NUM> be provided at each of the inlet of the first duct portion <NUM> and the outlet of the second duct portion <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the door duct <NUM> will be described in more detail. The first duct portion <NUM> includes a body 541b centrally formed with a through hole 541a.

It is preferred that the through hole 541a have an inlet which forms the door-side inlet 501a. It is also preferred that the body 541b have a step recessed to a predetermined depth to receive the sealing unit <NUM>.

Preferably, the step has an edge having the same shape as the appearance of the gasket supporter <NUM> and has a depth approximately identical to the thickness of the gasket supporter <NUM> in order to prevent the sealing unit <NUM> from joggling after being fitted in the step.

A plurality of supporter mounting grooves 541c are formed at the step, in order to fix the gasket supporter <NUM> to the step of the first duct portion <NUM>. Also, the above-described coupling protrusions (not shown) are formed at the gasket supporter <NUM>. The coupling protrusions are engaged in the supporter mounting grooves 541c, respectively.

The second duct portion <NUM> may have the same structure as that of the first duct portion <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the door duct <NUM> is made of an insulating material in order to minimize thermal loss of cold air because the door duct <NUM> guides cold air introduced into or discharged out of the duct unit <NUM>. Preferably, the door duct <NUM> is made of an insulating material such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) which is easily moldable, and has superior insulation properties.

Thus, cold air supplied from the heat exchanger <NUM> is introduced into the ice making chamber <NUM> via the air supply duct <NUM> and first duct portion <NUM> of the door duct <NUM>. On the other hand, cold air discharged out of the ice making chamber <NUM> is returned to the freezing compartment <NUM> via the second duct portion <NUM> of the door duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM>.

Other configurations of the refrigerator according to the third embodiment are identical to those of the first embodiment and/or second embodiment. Accordingly, no repeated description will be given of the identical configurations.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a cold air guide device and a refrigerator door which are applied to the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a part of a duct constituting the cold air guide device shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the duct shown in <FIG> is installed at one wall of the refrigerator. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a duct holder applied to the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment. <FIG> is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the duct is installed at one wall of the refrigerator by the duct holder shown in <FIG>.

The basic constituent elements of the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment are identical to those of the refrigerator according to at least one of the first through third embodiments. In the following description given in conjunction with the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment, the constituent elements identical to those of at least one of the first through third embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used in at least one of the first through third embodiments, respectively, and no additional description thereof will be given.

Referring to <FIG> , the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment includes a spacer which spaces ducts internally arranged at one side wall of the refrigerator from the outer wall O and inner wall I forming the side wall of the refrigerator.

Here, the ducts include the above-described air supply duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM>.

The spacer supports the air supply duct <NUM> and/or return duct <NUM> to be spaced apart from the outer wall O and inner wall I.

The spacer is provided to minimize thermal loss of cold air flowing through the duct unit <NUM> and to easily fill a foaming liquid between the outer wall O and the inner wall I.

It is preferred that the spacer be configured to uniformly space each of the ducts <NUM> and <NUM> from the outer wall O and inner wall I.

The spacer includes at least one spacing rib protruded from the outer surface of an associated one of the ducts <NUM> and <NUM>.

The spacing rib functions to arrange the associated duct, namely, the air supply duct <NUM> or return duct <NUM>, at a desired correct position in one side wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the spacer includes two spacing ribs 611a or 621a which are protruded from the outer surface of the associated air supply duct <NUM> or return duct <NUM> in a symmetrical manner. Of course, it is preferred that spacing ribs 611a and spacing ribs 621a are provided at the air supply duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM>, respectively.

The spacing ribs 611a or 621a extend in opposite directions from the outer surface of the associated duct <NUM> or <NUM>, respectively.

Thus, the air supply duct <NUM> and/or return duct <NUM> is centrally arranged between the outer wall O and the inner wall I.

The spacing ribs 611a and 621a preferably have a shape having a small cross-sectional area, in order to minimize the area of the spacing ribs 611a and 621a contacting the outer wall O and inner wall I. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize thermal loss caused by the spacing ribs.

When the ducts <NUM> and <NUM> are centrally arranged between the inner wall I and the outer wall O, the foaming liquid L filling the space between the outer wall O and inner wall I can smoothly flow. In other words, since the distance between each of the ducts <NUM> and <NUM> and the inner wall I, and the distance between each of the ducts <NUM> and <NUM> and the outer wall O are uniform, the foaming liquid L can sufficiently fill the space between the inner wall I and the outer wall O.

Meanwhile, the air supply duct <NUM> includes at least one main duct <NUM> which guides cold air to flow rectilinearly, and a connecting duct <NUM> which varies the flow direction of cold air flowing through the air supply duct <NUM>. The connecting duct <NUM> may be connected to one end of the main duct <NUM>. Where the air supply duct <NUM> includes, for example, two main ducts <NUM>, the connecting duct <NUM> may be connected between the facing ends of the main ducts <NUM>.

Where the duct unit <NUM> includes, in addition to the air supply duct <NUM>, the return duct <NUM>, the return duct <NUM> includes, similarly to the air supply duct <NUM>, at least one main duct <NUM> which guides cold air to flow rectilinearly, and a connecting duct <NUM> which varies the flow direction of cold air flowing through the return duct <NUM>. The connecting duct <NUM> may be connected to one end of the main duct <NUM>. Where the return duct <NUM> includes, for example, two main ducts <NUM>, the connecting duct <NUM> may be connected between the facing ends of the main ducts <NUM>.

Each of the main ducts <NUM> and <NUM> has an approximately rectilinear shape. Each of the connecting ducts <NUM> and <NUM> has a curved shape to guide a flow of cold air. The connecting duct <NUM> or <NUM> may form one end of the associated air supply duct <NUM> or return duct <NUM>. Where the connecting duct <NUM> or <NUM> is connected between the adjacent main ducts <NUM> or <NUM>, it varies the flow direction of cold air.

In this embodiment, the spacing ribs 611a and 621a are provided at the outer surfaces of the associated connecting ducts <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. The spacing ribs 611a and 621a may be provided at the outer surfaces of the associated main ducts <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may further include a duct holder <NUM> which functions to fix the ducts <NUM> and <NUM> to one side wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

In detail, at least one of the air supply duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM> is coupled to the duct holder <NUM>, and is fixed to one side wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> by the duct holder <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG> and <FIG>, the duct holder <NUM> includes duct receivers <NUM> and <NUM> which receive the ducts <NUM> and <NUM> in a fixed state, respectively.

In this embodiment, the duct holder <NUM> simultaneously fixes the air supply duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM>. To this end, it is preferred that the duct holder <NUM> include a pair of duct receivers, namely, duct receivers <NUM> and <NUM>, which are connected to each other such that they are integral.

Hereinafter, the duct receiver <NUM>, which receives the air supply duct <NUM>, is also referred to as a first duct receiver, whereas the duct receiver <NUM>, which receives the return duct <NUM>, is also referred to as a second duct receiver.

The duct receivers <NUM> and <NUM> have duct receiving holes <NUM> and <NUM> through which the ducts <NUM> and <NUM> extend, respectively. The duct receivers <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to each other by a connecting rib <NUM>.

The shapes of the duct receiving holes <NUM> and <NUM> correspond to the outer cross-sectional shapes of the air supply duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM>, respectively. Accordingly, the air supply duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM> are fixed as they are fitted in the duct receiving hole <NUM> of the first duct receiver <NUM> and the duct receiving hole <NUM> of the second duct receiver <NUM>, respectively.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the duct holder <NUM> preferably includes at least one spacing protrusion <NUM> outwardly protruded from the outer surface of each cf the duct receivers <NUM> and <NUM>.

The spacing protrusion <NUM> has the same function as those of the above-described spacing ribs 611a and 621a. Accordingly, the duct unit <NUM> may include the spacing protrusions <NUM> or the spacing ribs 611a and 621a alone.

Of course, there is a difference between the spacing protrusions <NUM> and the spacing ribs 611a and 621a in that the spacing protrusions <NUM> are protruded from respective outer surfaces of the duct receivers <NUM> and <NUM>, whereas the spacing ribs 611a and 621a are protruded from respective outer surfaces of the ducts <NUM> and <NUM>.

The spacing protrusions <NUM> formed at each of the duct receivers <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged at opposite sides of the associated duct receiver <NUM> or <NUM>. Accordingly, the spacing protrusions <NUM> maintain the air supply duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM> at a central position between the outer wall O and the inner wall I.

Where the air supply duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM> are centrally arranged between the inner wall I and the outer wall O, the foaming liquid L filling the space between the inner wall I and the outer wall O can smoothly flow. Accordingly, the foaming liquid L can sufficiently fill the space between the inner wall I and the outer wall O.

Other configurations of the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment are identical to those of the first through third embodiment. Accordingly, no repeated description will be given of the identical configurations.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a first heater which is applied to the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment, and is installed in a refrigerating compartment wall.

The basic constituent elements of the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment are identical to those of the refrigerator according to at least one of the first through fourth embodiments. In the following description given in conjunction with the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment, the constituent elements identical to those of at least one of the first through fourth embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used in at least one of the first through fourth embodiments, respectively, and no additional description thereof will be given.

Referring to <FIG>, the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment includes a first heater <NUM> which prevents a frosting phenomenon from occurring in the refrigerating compartment <NUM> due to cold air flowing through the ducts <NUM> and <NUM>.

In this case, at least one of the ducts <NUM> and <NUM>, namely, the air supply duct <NUM> and return duct <NUM>, is arranged in one side wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. The first heater <NUM> is arranged on one side wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

In detail, the ducts <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged between the outer wall O and inner wall I of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. The first heater <NUM> is arranged on the inner wall I of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. In other words, the first heater <NUM> is installed on the inner wall I of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, to increase the temperature of the inner wall I of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. In particular, the first heater <NUM> is preferably arranged on one surface of the inner wall I of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> contacting the filled foaming liquid L such that the first heater <NUM> is not outwardly exposed.

More preferably, the first heater <NUM> is arranged adjacent to the first opening <NUM>.

Cold air is introduced into the duct unit <NUM> through the duct-side air supply port 601a, and is discharged out of the duct unit <NUM> through the duct-side inlet 601b. If there is no heater arranged near the duct-side air supply port 601a and duct-side inlet 601b, such as the first heater <NUM>, a decrease in temperature occurs around the duct-side air supply port 601a and duct-side inlet 601b due to the influence of the cold air flowing through the duct unit <NUM>. For this reason, it is preferred that the first heater <NUM> be arranged adjacent to the first opening <NUM>.

The first heater <NUM> heats the inner wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> such that the temperature of the inner wall of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> is similar to the internal temperature of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

In detail, it is preferred that the first heater <NUM> be arranged around each of the duct-side air supply port 601a and duct-side inlet 601b. The first heater <NUM> includes a heating wire having a plurality of bent portions. The heating wire generates heat when external electric power is applied to the wire.

Although not shown, the refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor which measures the wall temperature of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, and a power controller which selectively turns on or off the heater <NUM>, based on the value measured by the temperature sensor.

Using the first heater <NUM> having the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent a frosting phenomenon from occurring at the inner surface of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> due to the cold air flowing through the duct-side air supply port 601a and duct-side inlet 601b.

Other configurations of the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are identical to those of the first through fourth embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, no repeated description will be given of the identical configurations.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The basic constituent elements of the refrigerator according to the sixth embodiment are identical to those of the refrigerator according to at least one of the first through fifth embodiments. In the following description given in conjunction with the refrigerator according to the sixth embodiment, the constituent elements identical to those of at least one of the first through fifth embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used in at least one of the first through fifth embodiments, respectively, and no additional description thereof will be given.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the refrigerator according to the sixth embodiment, illustrating opened states of the refrigerating compartment doors and freezing compartment door. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a cold air guide arranged at the barrier of the refrigerator shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a barrier cover which opens or closes the cold air guide shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the cold air guide is closed by the barrier cover shown in <FIG>.

*Referring to <FIG>, the refrigerator according to the sixth embodiment includes a cold air guide <NUM> which is arranged in the barrier <NUM> partitioning the refrigerating compartment <NUM> and freezing compartment <NUM>.

The cold air guide <NUM> is configured to connect the duct unit <NUM> and freezing compartment <NUM>.

In detail, the cold air guide <NUM> includes an air supply passage <NUM> which guides cold air generated by the heat exchanger <NUM> to the air supply duct <NUM>.

Where the duct unit <NUM> further includes the return duct <NUM>, as described above, the cold air guide <NUM> further includes a return passage <NUM>.

In this case, it is preferred that a partition wall <NUM> be arranged between the air supply passage <NUM> and the return passage <NUM>.

The return passage <NUM> guides cold air, which is guided through the duct unit, in particular, the return duct <NUM>, after emerging from the ice making compartment <NUM>, to the freezing compartment <NUM>.

In detail, the air supply passage <NUM> includes an air supply hole <NUM> which extends vertically, and an air supply guide <NUM> which guides cold air from the air supply hole <NUM> to the air supply duct <NUM>.

The return passage <NUM> includes a return hole <NUM> which extends vertically, and a return guide <NUM> which guides cold air from the return duct <NUM> to the return hole <NUM>.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the barrier <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> which opens or closes the cold air guide <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> is separably coupled to the cold air guide <NUM>. The cover <NUM> includes an air supply cover 211a for opening or closing the air supply passage <NUM>, and a return cover 211b for opening or closing the return passage <NUM>. Preferably, the air supply cover 211a and return cover 211b are integrally formed.

The cover <NUM> also includes a partition groove 211c formed between the air supply cover 211a and the return cover 211b, to provide a sealing effect between the air supply passage <NUM> and the return passage <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> having the above-described configuration is detachably attached to the top of the cold air guide <NUM>.

Where cold air flowing through the duct unit <NUM> passes through the interior of the barrier <NUM>, as described above, it is preferred that a second heater <NUM> be provided at the barrier <NUM>, in order to prevent a frosting phenomenon from occurring in the interior of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>.

Preferably, the second heater <NUM> is arranged at one surface of the barrier <NUM> facing the interior of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, namely, the top surface of the barrier <NUM>. That is, the second heater <NUM> is arranged at the bottom of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. Electric wires 861a are connected to the second heater <NUM>, to supply electric power to the second heater <NUM>.

Where the barrier <NUM> includes the cover <NUM> for opening or closing the cold air guide <NUM>, as in this embodiment, it is more preferable for the second heater <NUM> to be arranged at the top surface of the cover <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the second heater <NUM> is configured to operate selectively in accordance with a predetermined condition.

In detail, the second heater <NUM> is automatically turned on or off in accordance with the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. That is, when the temperature value measured by a temperature sensor (not shown), which measures the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerating compartment <NUM>, is lower than a predetermined lower limit, the second heater <NUM> is turned on by a power supply controller (not shown). On the other hand, when the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined upper limit, the second heater <NUM> is turned off by the power supply controller.

Other configurations of the refrigerator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention are identical to those of the first through fifth embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, no repeated description will be given of the identical configurations.

Finally, a refrigerator according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The basic constituent elements of the refrigerator according to the seventh embodiment are identical to those of the refrigerator according to at least one of the first through sixth embodiments. In the following description given in conjunction with the refrigerator according to the seventh embodiment, the constituent elements identical to those of at least one of the first through sixth embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used in at least one of the first through sixth embodiments, respectively, and no additional description thereof will be given.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an ice making compartment applied to the refrigerator according to the seventh embodiment, taken at the rear side.

Referring to <FIG> , the ice making compartment door <NUM> in the refrigerator according to the seventh embodiment is hingably connected to one side of the opening of the freezing compartment <NUM> by hinges <NUM>.

Thus, the ice making compartment door <NUM> is hingably openable about the hinges <NUM>.

It is preferred that the hinges <NUM> be arranged on upper and lower corners of the ice making compartment door <NUM> at one edge of the ice making compartment door <NUM>.

The refrigerator according to the seventh embodiment further includes a hinge cover <NUM> which covers each hinge <NUM>.

To mount the hinge cover <NUM>, a cover mount <NUM> is provided at the associated corner of the ice making compartment door <NUM>. The hinge cover <NUM> has a size and shape corresponding to those of the associated cover mount <NUM>.

Accordingly, when the hinge cover <NUM> is mounted to the associated cover mount <NUM>, the associated hinge <NUM> is not outwardly exposed.

The hinge cover <NUM> prevents an accident in that a portion of the body of the user is caught in the hinge <NUM> through his carelessness, and makes the appearance of the ice making compartment beautiful.

Other configurations of the refrigerator according to the seventh embodiment are identical to those of the first through sixth embodiments. Accordingly, no repeated description will be given of the identical configurations.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention provided they are within the scope of the appended claims.

The refrigerator having the above-described configuration has various advantages.

The industrial applicability of the refrigerator has been described in the preferred embodiments.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a refrigerator body (<NUM>) which includes a freezing compartment (<NUM>) and a refrigerating compartment (<NUM>), wherein the refrigerating compartment (<NUM>) is arranged over the freezing compartment (<NUM>);
an ice making compartment (<NUM>) which is arranged in the refrigerating compartment (<NUM>), to make ice;
a heat exchanger (<NUM>) which generates cold air; and
a cold air guiding device which guides the cold air generated by the heat exchanger (<NUM>) to the ice making compartment (<NUM>), to enable the ice making compartment (<NUM>) to make ice;
wherein the cold air guiding device includes a duct unit (<NUM>) which communicates with the ice making compartment (<NUM>);
wherein the ice making compartment (<NUM>) is provided at a refrigerating compartment door unit (<NUM>) which opens or closes an inner space of the refrigerator;
characterized in that:
the duct unit includes (<NUM>) a first opening (<NUM>) which is provided at an inner wall of the refrigerating compartment (<NUM>), and forms one end of the duct unit (<NUM>) connected to one side of the refrigerating compartment door unit (<NUM>); and
the refrigerating compartment door unit (<NUM>) includes a second opening (<NUM>) which is connected to the first opening (<NUM>), to connect the duct unit (<NUM>) to an inner space of the ice making compartment (<NUM>); and
wherein the refrigerator further comprising: a sealing unit (<NUM>) which is provided at at least one of the first and second openings (<NUM>, <NUM>), to prevent air from being leaked between the first and second openings (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
wherein the sealing unit (<NUM>) includes: a gasket (<NUM>), and a gasket fixer which fixes the gasket (<NUM>) to at least one of the first and second openings (<NUM>, <NUM>).