REFRIGERATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a bypass continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2025/014629, filed on September 19, 2025, which is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0201305, filed on December 30, 2024 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a refrigerator including an improved structure.

A refrigerator is a home appliance that includes a main body including a storage compartment, a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment, and a door configured to open and close the storage compartment so as to keep food fresh.

The refrigerator may be equipped with an ice maker for making and storing ice, and in the case of bottom mounted freezer (BMF) type refrigerators, the ice-maker may be installed in a corner inside a refrigerating compartment or on a rear surface of a door of the refrigerating compartment.

The ice maker may include an ice-making tray on which ice is formed, and an ice-making room for receiving ice formed in the ice-making tray. In order to form and receive ice, each of the ice-making tray and the ice-making room needs to be maintained at a temperature lower than a predetermined temperature.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator capable of cooling an ice-making tray and an ice-making room through a thermoelectric element disposed inside an ice maker.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator including a heat pipe configured to transfer heat between an ice-making tray and a thermoelectric element.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, there is provided a refrigerator including a main body including a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and an ice maker configured to produce ice, wherein the ice maker includes an ice-making case, a partition dividing an internal space of the ice-making case into a first space and a second space, an ice-making tray in the first space, the ice-making tray including an ice-making cell configured to store water, a thermoelectric element on the partition, the thermoelectric element including a high-temperature portion on a first surface of the thermoelectric element and facing the second space, and a low-temperature portion on a second surface of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first surface of the thermoelectric element and facing the first space, and a heat pipe configured to transfer heat between the ice-making tray and the low-temperature portion to cool water stored in the ice-making cell, wherein the high-temperature portion is configured to have a higher temperature than a temperature of the low-temperature portion.

The heat pipe may include a refrigerant configured to flow inside the heat pipe, an evaporating portion configured to exchange heat with the ice-making tray, the evaporating portion being configured to vaporize the refrigerant, and a condensing portion configured to exchange heat with the low-temperature portion, the condensing portion being configured to condense the refrigerant vaporized by the evaporating portion.

The evaporating portion may be on the ice-making tray.

The ice maker may further include a cooling sink on the low-temperature portion of the thermoelectric element, wherein the condensing portion is on an inner side of the cooling sink.

The ice maker may further include a cooling fan on one side of the cooling sink, the cooling fan being configured to form an airflow passing through the cooling sink within the first space to cool the first space.

The cooling sink may include a base plate, and a fin protruding from the base plate, wherein the fin is inclined such that a first end of the fin is at a level that is different from a level of a second end of the fin opposite to the first end of the fin.

The second space is configured to communicate with the storage compartment to cool the high-temperature portion.

The ice maker may further include a heat sink in the second space and on the high-temperature portion.

The ice-making case may include an inlet configured to introduce air within the storage compartment into the second space, and an outlet configured to discharge air within the second space to the storage compartment, wherein the ice maker further may include a blower configured to discharge air, which is introduced into the second space through the inlet, to the outlet.

The ice maker may further include a defrosted water storage portion on the cooling sink, the defrosted water storage portion being configured to collect defrosted water generated in the cooling sink.

The refrigerator may further include a hose connected to the defrosted water storage portion, and an evaporating dish configured to evaporate the defrosted water introduced from the defrosted water storage portion through the hose.

The refrigerant may be a first refrigerant, wherein the refrigerator may further include an evaporator configured to supply air to the storage compartment, a compressor configured to compress a second refrigerant introduced from the evaporator, and a condenser configured to condense a second refrigerant introduced from the compressor, and wherein the evaporating dish may be on the condenser.

The defrosted water storage portion may be on the partition.

The thermoelectric element may be a first thermoelectric element, wherein the high-temperature portion may be a first high-temperature portion, wherein the low-temperature portion may be a first low-temperature portion, wherein the ice maker may further include a second thermoelectric element on the ice-making tray, the second thermoelectric element including a second high-temperature portion and a second low-temperature portion, wherein the second high-temperature portion may be configured to exchange heat with the evaporating portion, and wherein the second low-temperature portion may be configured to cool the ice-making tray.

The main body may further include an evaporator configured to supply air to the storage compartment, and a connecting duct connecting a main body cooling room and the first space, the conducting duct being configured to supply air from the main body cooling room, in which the evaporator is disposed, to the first space.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, there is provided an electronic device including a main body including a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and an ice maker configured to produce ice, wherein the ice maker includes an ice-making case, a partition dividing an internal space of the ice-making case into a first space and a second space, an ice-making tray in the first space, the ice-making tray including an ice-making cell configured to store water, a thermoelectric element on the partition, the thermoelectric element including a high-temperature portion on a first surface of the thermoelectric element and facing the second space, and a low-temperature portion on a second surface of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first surface of the thermoelectric element and facing the first space, and a heat pipe configured to transfer heat between the ice-making tray and the low-temperature portion to cool water stored in the ice-making cell, wherein the high-temperature portion is configured to have a higher temperature than a temperature of the low-temperature portion.

The heat pipe may include a refrigerant configured to flow inside the heat pipe, an evaporating portion configured to exchange heat with the ice-making tray, the evaporating portion being configured to vaporize the refrigerant, and a condensing portion configured to exchange heat with the low-temperature portion, the condensing portion being configured to condense the refrigerant vaporized by the evaporating portion.

The evaporating portion may be on the ice-making tray.

The ice maker may further include a cooling sink on the low-temperature portion of the thermoelectric element, wherein the condensing portion is on an inner side of the cooling sink.

The ice maker may further include a cooling fan on one side of the cooling sink, the cooling fan being configured to form an airflow passing through the cooling sink within the first space to cool the first space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a state in which doors of the refrigerator are open according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A’ illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a state in which an internal configuration of a machine room is separated in the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the internal configuration of the machine room according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an ice maker according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the ice maker according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the ice maker according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view illustrating an internal configuration of the ice maker according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an ice-making part of the ice maker according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B’ illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a thermoelectric element, a cooling sink, and a heat transfer member according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an internal structure of a heat pipe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C’ illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D’ illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the cooling sink, a cooling fan, a defrosted water storage portion, and peripheral components according to one embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the defrosted water storage portion according to one embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

In the disclosure, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of any element.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and/or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body.

The “main body” may include an inner case, an outer case positioned outside the inner case, and an insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

The “inner case” may include a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment (also referred to as a storage room). The inner case may be formed as one body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates together. The “outer case” may form an appearance of the main body, and be coupled to an outer side of the inner case such that the insulation is positioned between the inner case and the outer case.

The “insulation” may insulate an inside of the storage compartment from an outside of the storage compartment to maintain inside temperature of the storage compartment at an appropriate temperature without being influenced by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a foaming insulation. The foaming insulation may be molded by fixing the inner case and the outer case with jigs, etc. and then injecting and foaming urethane foam as a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to a foaming insulation, or may be configured only with a vacuum insulation instead of a forming insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material accommodating the core material and sealing the inside with vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulation is not limited to the above-mentioned foaming insulation or vacuum insulation, and may include various materials capable of being used for insulation.

The “storage compartment” may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include the inner case defining the space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store a variety of items, such as food, medicines, cosmetics, and the like, and the storage compartment may be configured to be open on at least one side for insertion and removal of the items.

The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In a case in which two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different purposes of use, and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the respective storage compartments may be partitioned by a partition wall including an insulation.

The storage compartment may be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to a purpose of use, and may include a “refrigerating compartment”, a “freezing compartment”, and a “temperature conversion compartment” according to purposes of use and/or temperature ranges. The refrigerating compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food refrigerating, and the freezing compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. The “refrigerating” may be keeping food cold without freezing the food, and for example, the refrigerating compartment may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. The “freezing” may be freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, the freezing compartment may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degrees Celsius. The temperature conversion compartment may be used as either a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment according to or regardless of a user’s selection.

The storage compartment may also be referred to by various terms, such as “vegetable compartment”, “freshness compartment”, “cooling compartment”, and “ice-making compartment”, in addition to “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, and “temperature conversion compartment”, and the terms, such as “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, “temperature conversion compartment”, etc., as used below are to be understood as representing storage compartments having the corresponding purposes of use and the corresponding temperature ranges.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close the open side of the storage compartment. The respective doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted to the front of the main body.

The “door” may seal the storage compartment in a closed state. The door, like the main body, may include an insulation to insulate the storage compartment in a closed state.

According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided therein.

A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner door plate to seal the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door plate may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be fitted.

According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel that is detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided therein.

The refrigerator may be classified as French door type, side-by-side type, BMF, top mounted freezer (TMF), or single door refrigerator according to the arrangement of the doors and the storage compartments.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, an apparatus, an electronic device, and/or a combination system thereof, capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerants. To this end, the cold air supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to drive the refrigeration cycle. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a machine compartment in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

The “machine compartment” may be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated by the components installed in the machine compartment from being transferred to the storage compartment. To dissipate heat from the components installed in the machine compartment, the machine compartment may communicate with outside of the main body.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and/or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to allow access by the user without opening the door.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice-making device that produces ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-moving device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice-bucket that stores ice produced in the ice-making tray.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

The “controller” may include a memory for storing and/or recording data and/or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. in accordance with the programs and/or data stored in the memory.

The memory may store or record various information, data, instructions, programs, and the like necessary for operation of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs an artificial intelligence (AI) model operation. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control an operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

Furthermore, the processor may process a user input of a user interface and control an operation of the user interface in accordance with the programs and/or data memorized/stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided with an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive the user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor may transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

The processor and memory may be provided integrally or may be provided separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memories.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all of the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device in accordance with to an output of the temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may be separately provided with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the user interface in accordance with the user input.

A communication module may communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN.

The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive the user input and pass the received user input to the processor.

The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, and the like generated by the processor.

The terms “front and rear direction”, “left and right direction”, “upper side”, and “lower side” used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

For example, a X direction, Y direction, and Z direction may be defined based on a refrigerator 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. At this time, as for the refrigerator 1, it is assumed that all doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 are closed.

For example, the X direction may be defined as the front and rear direction of the refrigerator 1. For example, the Y direction may be defined as the lateral direction of the refrigerator 1. For example, the Z direction may be defined as the up and down direction of the refrigerator 1. For example, a +X direction may be defined as the front side, and a -X direction may be defined as the rear side. For example, a +Y direction may be defined as the left side, and a -Y direction may be defined as the right side. For example, a +Z direction may be defined as the upper side, and a -Z direction may be defined as the lower side.

Hereinafter embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a state in which doors of the refrigerator are open according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 10, storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 disposed inside the main body 10, doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 configured to open and close the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23, and a cold air supply device for supplying cold air that is air below a predetermined temperature to the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23.

The main body 10 may include an inner case 11 forming the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23, an outer case 12 coupled to an outside of the inner case 11 to form an outer exterior, and a main body insulation material 13 (refer to FIG. 3) disposed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to insulate the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23.

The storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 may be divided into a plurality of sections by a horizontal partition 15 and a vertical partition 16. Particularly, the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 may be divided into an upper storage compartment 21, and lower storage compartments 22 and 23 by the horizontal partition 15, and the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 may be divided into a lower right storage compartment 22 and a lower left storage compartment 23 by the vertical partition 16.

The upper storage compartment 21 may be used as a refrigerating compartment, and the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 may be used as a freezing compartment. However, the division and use of the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 as described above are only an example and embodiments are not limited thereto.

Depending on embodiments, the refrigerator may be a SBS type in which the storage compartment is divided into left and right sides by a vertical partition, a FDR type in which the storage compartment is divided into an upper refrigerating compartment and a lower refrigerating compartment by a horizontal partition, or a single-door type with one storage compartment and one door.

The refrigerator 1 may include a shelf 24 on which food is placed, and a storage container 25 in which food is stored. Each of the shelf 24 and the storage container 25may be disposed inside the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23. The shelf 24 may include a plurality of shelves and the storage container 25 may include a plurality storage containers.

The cold air supply device may include a compressor 51 (refer to FIG. 3) configured to compress a refrigerant, a condenser 52 (refer to FIG. 3) configured to condense the compressed refrigerant, an expansion device configured to expand the condensed refrigerant, and an evaporator 60 (refer to FIG. 3) configured to evaporate the expanded refrigerant. The cold air supply device may form a cooling circulation cycle through the compressor 51, the condenser 52, the expansion device (not shown), and the evaporator 60 to generate cold air, and may supply the generated cold air to the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23.

More details on the cold air supply device will be described later.

The refrigerator 1 may include a first door 31 and a second door 32. The upper storage compartment 21 may be opened and closed by the first door 31 and the second door 32. Each of the first door 31 and the second door 32 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10.

A filler (not shown) may be provided in one of the first door 31 and the second door 32 to prevent cold air from leaking out of the upper storage compartment 21 through between the first door 31 and the second door 32 when the first door 31 and the second door 32 are closed.

The refrigerator 1 may include a third door 33 and a fourth door 34. The lower right storage compartment 22 may be opened and closed by the third door 33, and the lower left storage compartment 23 may be opened and closed by the fourth door 34. Each of the third door 33 and the fourth door 34 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10.

The refrigerator 1 may include a gasket 35. The gasket 35 may be provided on a rear surface of the doors 31, 32, 33, and 34. Particularly, the gasket 35 may be provided along an edge of the doors 31, 32, 33, and 34. The gasket 35 may include an elastic material.

When the doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 are closed, the gasket 35 may be pressed against a front surface of the main body 10. With the configuration, the gasket 35 may seal between the doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 and the front surface of the main body 10.

The refrigerator 1 may include a door basket 36. The door basket 36 may form a storage space for storing items.

The door basket 36 may be provided on a rear surface of the plurality of doors 31, 32, 33, and 34. For example, the door basket 36 may be mounted on the rear surface of the doors 31, 32, 33, and 34.

The refrigerator 1 may include a dispenser 90. The dispenser 90 may be configured to provide water or ice to a user.

The dispenser 90 may be provided in the door 31, 32, 33, or 34. For example, the dispenser 90 may be provided in the first door 31.

The dispenser 90 may include a dispensing space 91 formed to be recessed to allow water and ice to be supplied, a dispensing tray 92 on which a container such as a cup may be placed on the dispensing space 91, and a dispensing switch 93 configured to allow a user to input an operation command for the dispenser 90.

The refrigerator 1 may include an ice maker 100. The ice maker 100 may be configured to produce ice.

The ice maker 100 may be disposed in the door 31, 32, 33, or 34. For example, the ice maker 100 may be disposed in the first door 31. The ice maker 100 may be disposed on an upper side of the dispenser 90 to supply ice to the dispenser 90. More details on the ice maker 100 will be described later. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the ice maker 100 disposed in the doors 31, 32, 33, or 34, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this configuration, and the ice maker 100 may be located within an interior space of the refrigerator 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A’ illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a state in which an internal configuration of a machine room is separated in the refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the internal configuration of the machine room according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the refrigerator 1 may include a machine room 50. The machine room 50 may be disposed inside the main body 10. Particularly, the machine room 50 may be located at a lower rear portion of the main body 10. The machine room 50 may be provided to include components such as the compressor 51 and the condenser 52.

The refrigerator 1 may include the compressor 51 and the condenser 52. The compressor 51 may be configured to compress a refrigerant introduced from the evaporator 60. The condenser 52 may be configured to condense a refrigerant introduced from the compressor 51.

The compressor 51 and the condenser 52 may be disposed inside the machine room 50. The compressor 51 may be disposed on one side of the machine room 50, and the condenser 52 may be disposed on the other side opposite to the one side of the machine room 50.

The refrigerator 1 may include a heat dissipation fan 53. The heat dissipation fan 53 may be provided inside the machine room 50. Particularly, the heat dissipation fan 53 may be disposed between the compressor 51 and the condenser 52. However, a position of the heat dissipation fan 53 is not limited thereto.

The heat dissipation fan 53 may be configured to blow air inside the machine room 50. With the configuration, heat generated from the compressor 51 and the condenser 52 may be released from the machine room 50.

The refrigerator 1 may include an evaporating dish 54. The evaporating dish 54 may be disposed inside the machine room 50. Particularly, the evaporating dish 54 may be disposed under the condenser 52.

The evaporating dish 54 may be provided to collect defrosted water generated in the refrigerator 1. For example, the evaporating dish 54 may collect the defrosted water generated in the evaporator 60. For example, the evaporating dish 54 may collect the defrosted water generated in the ice maker 100. More details on this will be described later.

The defrosted water collected in the evaporating dish 54 may be evaporated and removed. At this time, the heat dissipation fan 53 may form an air current by blowing air inside the machine room 50 and thus evaporation efficiency of the defrosted water may be further increased.

The refrigerator 1 may include a machine room cover 55. The machine room cover 55 may be disposed at the rear of the machine room 50.

The machine room cover 55 may be configured to open and close the machine room 50. For example, the machine room cover 55 may be provided to be detachable from the machine room 50.

The machine room cover 55 may include a machine room inlet 55a and a machine room outlet 55b. The machine room inlet 55a may be provided to allow air outside the machine room 50 to be introduced into the machine room 50. The machine room outlet 55b may be provided to allow air inside the machine room 50 to be discharged to the outside of the machine room 50.

The machine room inlet 55a and the machine room outlet 55b may be provided at different locations in the machine room cover 55. For example, the machine room inlet 55a may be provided at the rear side of the condenser 52, and the machine room outlet 55b may be provided at the rear side of the compressor 51.

The refrigerator 1 may include the evaporator 60. The evaporator 60 may include a first evaporator 61 arranged in the upper storage compartment 21, and a second evaporator 62 arranged in the lower storage compartments 22 and 23. The first evaporator 61 may be configured to supply cold air to the upper storage compartment 21, and the second evaporator 62 may be configured to supply cold air to the lower storage compartments 22 and 23. However, the configuration of the evaporator 60 is not limited thereto. For example, either the first evaporator 61 or the second evaporator 62 may be omitted, and in one embodiment cold air may be supplied to each of the upper storage compartment 21 and the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 by one evaporator.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an ice maker according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the ice maker according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the ice maker according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded view illustrating an internal configuration of the ice maker according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an ice-making part of the ice maker according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, the ice maker 100 may include an ice-making case 110. The ice-making case 110 may receive various configurations of the ice maker 100. The ice-making case 110 may form a general appearance of the ice maker 100.

An ice-making room 110a may be provided inside the ice-making case 110. The ice-making room 110a may be provided to receive ice. Particularly, the ice-making room 110a may be provided to receive ice formed in an ice-making tray 121 of an ice-making part 120 to be described later.

The ice-making room 110a may be maintained at a temperature below a predetermined temperature. Accordingly, ice received in the ice-making room 110a may be prevented from melting within the ice-making room 110a.

The ice-making room 110a may include a storage space S for storing ice, and a cooling space C for supplying cold air to the storage space S. For example, as cold air generated in the cooling space C is supplied to the storage space S, the storage space S may be cooled. In other words, as cold air generated in the cooling space C is supplied to the storage space S, the ice-making room 110a may be cooled.

The ice-making case 110 may include a chute 111. The chute 111 may be configured to discharge ice received in the storage space S of the ice-making room 110a to the dispensing space 91 (refer to FIG. 1). The chute 111 may be formed at a bottom or bottom surface of the ice-making case 110.

The ice maker 100 may include the ice-making part 120. The ice-making part 120 may be configured to produce ice.

The ice-making part 120 may include the ice-making tray 121. The ice-making tray 121 may be provided with a space for producing ice. In other words, the ice-making tray 121 may be provided with a space for storing water.

The ice-making tray 121 may be disposed inside the ice case 110. That is, the ice-making tray 121 may be provided in the ice-making room 110a. Particularly, the ice-making tray 121 may be provided at an upper portion of the storage space S.

The ice-making tray 121 may include a plurality of ice-making cells 121a. Each of the plurality of ice-making cells 121a may be provided by being recessed in the upper portion of the ice-making tray 121. A predetermined amount of water may be stored in each of the plurality of ice-making cells 121a.

The ice-making part 120 may include an ejector 122. The ejector 122 may be configured to eject ice separated from the ice-making tray 121. Particularly, the ejector 122 may be configured to eject ice separated from each of the plurality of ice-making cells 121a. The ejector 122a may be provided on an upper side of the ice-making tray 121.

The ejector 122 may be configured to be rotatable. Particularly, the ejector 122 may be configured to be rotatable by a motor device 123 to be described later. As the ejector 122 rotates, ice separated from the ice-making tray 121 may be ejected.

The ejector 122 may include an ejector shaft 122a extending in one direction. One end of the ejector shaft 122a may be coupled to an ice-moving motor 123a (refer to FIG. 11) of the motor device 123 to be described later. The ejector shaft 122a may be rotated through rotational power transmitted from the ice-moving motor 123a. The ejector shaft 122a may form a rotational axis of the ejector 122.

The ejector 122 may include a plurality of ejector pins 122b. Each of the plurality of ejector pins 122b may protrude from the ejector shaft 122a. Particularly, each of the plurality of ejector pins 122b may protrude from the ejector shaft 122a in a radial direction of the ejector shaft 122a. Each of the plurality of ejector pins 122b may eject ice, which is separated from the ice-making tray 121, by rotating together with the ejector shaft 122a.

The ice-making part 120 may include the motor device 123. The motor device 123 may be configured to rotate the ejector 122. The motor device 123 may be disposed on one side of the ice-making tray 121.

The motor device 123 may include the ice-moving motor 123a (refer to FIG. 11) coupled to the ejector shaft 122a of the ejector 122 to transmit rotational power to the ejector 122, and a motor box 123b provided to receive the ice-moving motor 123a (refer to FIG. 11).

The ice-making part 120 may include an upper cover 124. The upper cover 124 may be disposed on the upper side of the ice-making tray 121, the ejector 122, and the motor device 123. The upper cover 124 may cover an upper portion of the ice-making tray 121, the ejector 122, and the motor device 123.

The upper cover 124 may include a water supply portion 124a. The water supply portion 124a may be configured to supply water from the outside of the ice-making part 120 to the inside of the ice-making part 120. The water supplied into the inside of the ice-making part 120 through the water supply portion 124a may be received inside each of the plurality of ice-making cells 121a.

The ice-making part 120 may include a lower cover 125. The lower cover 125 may be disposed on the lower side of the ice-making tray 121 and the motor device 123. The upper cover 124 may cover the lower portion of the ice-making tray 121 and the motor device 123.

A space may be formed between the lower cover 125 and a lower surface of the ice-making tray 121. One end of a heat transfer member T to be described later may be provided in the space. For example, one end of a heat pipe 160 to be described later may be provided in the space. Details thereof will be described later.

The ice maker 100 may include a thermoelectric module 130. The thermoelectric module 130 may include a thermoelectric element 131, a heat sink 132, and a cooling sink 133. The thermoelectric module 130 may be configured to cool each of the ice-making tray 121 of the ice-making part 120 and the ice-making room 110a.

The thermoelectric module 130 may be disposed inside the ice-making case 110. That is, a configuration for cooling each of the ice-making tray 121 of the ice-making part 120 and the ice-making room 110a may be disposed inside the case 110. Therefore, the ice maker 100 may be provided with an independent cold air supply system without the need to receive cold air from an external cold source to cool the ice-making tray 121 and the ice-making room 110a. Therefore, a process of assembling the ice maker 100 or installing the ice maker 100 to the refrigerator 1 may be more simplified.

The thermoelectric module 130 may include the thermoelectric element 131. The thermoelectric element 131 may be a semiconductor element configured to convert thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, and the like. The thermoelectric element 131 may have, for example, a thin hexahedral shape.

The thermoelectric element 131 may include a high-temperature portion 131a and a low-temperature portion 131b. The high-temperature portion 131a may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element 131, and the low-temperature portion 131b may be provided on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the thermoelectric element 131. When a current is applied to the thermoelectric element 131, exothermic reaction may occur in the high-temperature portion 131a and endothermic reaction may occur in the low-temperature portion 131b. In the present disclosure, the terms “high-temperature portion” and “low-temperature portion” may be used as relative terms, indicating that the high-temperature portion 131a has a higher temperature (e.g., a higher average temperature) than the low-temperature portion 131b. For example, the high-temperature portion 131a may be positioned closer to the heat sink 132 than to the cooling sink 133, while the low-temperature portion 131b may be positioned closer to the cooling sink 133 than to the heat sink 132. This positional arrangement may result in a temperature difference between the high-temperature portion 131a and the low-temperature portion 131b. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The thermoelectric element 131 may be provided inside the ice-making case 110. The thermoelectric element 131 may be arranged separate from and/or spaced apart from the ice-making part 120. For example, the thermoelectric element 131 may be arranged separate from and/or spaced apart from the ice-making tray 121.

The thermoelectric element 131 may be disposed on one side of the ice-making part 120. The thermoelectric element 131 may be mounted on a partition 170 to be described later. Particularly, the thermoelectric element 131 may be mounted on a first mounting portion 171 of the partition 170 to be described later.

The thermoelectric element 131 may be arranged in such a way that the high-temperature portion 131a faces a thermoelectric element cooling room 170a to be described later, and the low-temperature portion 131b faces the ice-making room 110a. In other words, the thermoelectric element 131 may be arranged in such a way that the high-temperature portion 131a faces the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a to be described later, and the low-temperature portion 131b faces the cooling space C. Particularly, the thermoelectric element 131 may be arranged in such a way that the high-temperature portion 131a faces the front side (+X direction) and the low-temperature portion 131b faces the rear side (-X direction).

However, the arrangement of the thermoelectric element 131 is not limited thereto. For example, the thermoelectric element 131 may be arranged in such a way that the high-temperature portion 131a faces the rear side (-X direction) and the low-temperature portion 131b faces the front side (+X direction). In addition, the high-temperature portion 131a may face the right side (-Y direction) and the low-temperature portion 131b may face the left side (+Y direction). More details on this will be described later.

The thermoelectric module 130 may include the heat sink 132. The heat sink 132 may be mounted on the thermoelectric element 131. Particularly, the heat sink 132 may be mounted on the high-temperature portion 131a of the thermoelectric element 131. The heat sink 132 may form a relatively large heat transfer area, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency of the thermoelectric element 131.

The heat sink 132 may include a first base plate 132a. The first base plate 132a may be mounted on the high-temperature portion 131a. The first base plate 132a may include a wider cross-section than a cross-section of the high-temperature portion 131a.

The heat sink 132 may include a first fin 132b. The first fin 132b may protrude from the first base plate 132a. For example, the first fin 132b may be provided in a plate shape.

The first fin 132b may extend in one direction. For example, the first fin 132b may extend in the left and right direction (Y-axis direction).

A plurality of first fin 132b may be provided in plurality. The plurality of first fins 132b may be arranged spaced apart from each other. The plurality of first fins 132b may be arranged along a direction intersecting a direction in which each of the plurality of first fins 132b extends. For example, the plurality of first fins 132b may be arranged in the up and down direction (Z direction).

The thermoelectric module 130 may include the cooling sink 133. The cooling sink 133 may be mounted on the thermoelectric element 131. Particularly, the cooling sink 133 may be mounted on the low-temperature portion 131b of the thermoelectric element 131. The cooling sink 133 may form a relatively large heat transfer area, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency of the thermoelectric element 131.

The cooling sink 133 may include a thermoelectric element mounting portion 133a. The thermoelectric element mounting portion 133a may be mounted on the low-temperature portion 131b. Particularly, one end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion 133a may be mounted on the low-temperature portion 131b.

The cooling sink 133 may include a second base plate 133b. The second base plate 133b may be provided at the other end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion 133a opposite to one end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion 133a. The second base plate 133b may include a wider cross-section than cross-sections of the low-temperature portion 131b and the thermoelectric element mounting portion 133a.

The cooling sink 133 may include a second fin 133c. The second fin 133c may protrude from the second base plate 133b. For example, the second fin 133c may be provided in a plate shape.

The second fin 133c may extend in one direction. For example, the second fin 133c may extend in the left and right direction (Y-axis direction).

A plurality of second fins 133c may be provided. The plurality of second fins 133c may be arranged spaced apart from each other. The plurality of second fins 133c may be arranged along a direction intersecting the direction in which each of the plurality of second fins 133c extends. For example, the plurality of second fins 133c may be arranged in the up and down direction (Z direction).

The ice maker 100 may include a blower 140. The blower 140 may be configured to blow air.

The blower 140 may be disposed on one side of the heat sink 132. Particularly, the blower 140 may be disposed in a direction intersecting a direction in which the plurality of first fins 132b is arranged from the heat sink 132. However, the position of the blower 140 is not limited thereto.

The high-temperature portion 131a of the thermoelectric element 131, the heat sink 132, and the blower 140 may be provided in the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a formed by the partition 170 to be described later.

The ice maker 100 may include a cooling fan 150. The cooling fan 150 may be configured to blow air.

The cooling fan 150 may be disposed at one side of the cooling sink 133. Particularly, the cooling fan 150 may be disposed at one side of the cooling sink 133 with respect to the direction in which each of the plurality of second fins 133c extends. In other words, the cooling fan 150 may be disposed at one side of the cooling sink 133 with respect to a direction intersecting a direction in which the plurality of second fins 133c is arranged.

The cooling fan 150 may blow air toward the cooling sink 133. With the configuration, the cooling fan 150 may form an airflow passing through the cooling sink 133 inside the ice-making room 110a. Accordingly, the heat transfer efficiency between the cooling sink 133 and the ice-making room 110a may be improved, and the ice-making room 110a may be cooled.

The low-temperature portion 131b of the thermoelectric element 131, the cooling sink 133, and the cooling fan 150 may be provided in the ice-making room 110a. Particularly, the low-temperature portion 131b of the thermoelectric element 131, the cooling sink 133, and the cooling fan 150 may be provided in the cooling space C formed by the partition 170 and the partition cover 190 to be described later.

The ice maker 100 may include the heat transfer member T. The heat transfer member T may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making part 120 and the thermoelectric element 131. Particularly, the heat transfer member T may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray 121 and the low-temperature portion 131b. In other words, the heat transfer member T may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray 121 and the cooling sink 133.

With the configuration, the ice-making tray 121 may be cooled. Particularly, water stored in the ice-making cell 121a of the ice-making tray 121 may be cooled, thereby producing ice.

For example, the heat transfer member T may be the heat pipe 160. The heat pipe 160 is a device that transfers heat by utilizing a phase change process of a refrigerant.

More details on the heat transfer member T and a heat transfer method between the ice-making tray 121 and the low-temperature portion 131b using the heat transfer member T will be described later.

The ice maker 100 may include the partition 170. The partition 170 may be provided inside the ice-making case 110. The partition 170 may be provided to partition an internal space of the ice-making case 110.

The partition 170 may form the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a provided between the partition 170 and the ice-making case 110. The high-temperature portion 131a of the thermoelectric element 131, the heat sink 132, and the blower 140 may be provided in the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a. The partition 170 may define the ice-making room 110a and the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a.

The thermoelectric element cooling room 170a may be configured to cool the high-temperature portion 131a of the thermoelectric element 131. Particularly, the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a may cool the high-temperature portion 131a of the thermoelectric element 131 by using cold air from the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 (refer to FIG. 2). More details on this will be described later.

The partition 170 may include a plurality of mounting portions 171 and 172 on which different configurations may be mounted. Particularly, the partition 170 may include a first mounting portion 171 on which the thermoelectric element 131 is mounted, and a second mounting portion 172 on which a defrosted water storage portion 180 to be described later is mounted. The first mounting portion 171 may be formed by being opened in a portion of the partition 170. The second mounting portion 172 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the defrosted water storage portion 180 to be described later in another portion of the partition 170.

The ice maker 100 may include the defrosted water storage portion 180. The defrosted water storage portion 180 may be configured to collect defrosted water generated in the cooling sink 133. In addition, the defrosted water storage portion 180 may be configured to discharge the collected defrosted water. For example, the defrosted water collected in the defrosted water storage portion 180 may be discharged to the outside of the ice maker 100 through a defrosted water hose 70 described later.

The defrosted water storage portion 180 may be disposed under the cooling sink 133 in the up and down direction (Z direction). Particularly, the defrosted water storage portion 180 may be disposed under the second base plate 133b and the second fin 133c.

The defrosted water storage portion 180 may be mounted on the partition 170. Particularly, the defrosted water storage portion 180 may be mounted on the second mounting portion 172 of the partition 170.

The ice maker 100 may include the partition cover 190. The partition cover 190 may be provided to cover an outer side of the partition 170. Particularly, on a side toward the ice-making room 110a, the partition cover 190 may be provided to cover the outer side of the partition 170. The cooling space C may be formed between the partition 170 and the partition cover 190.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B’ illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a thermoelectric element, a cooling sink, and a heat transfer member according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an internal structure of a heat pipe according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the heat transfer member T may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making part 120 and the thermoelectric element 131. Particularly, the heat transfer member T may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray 121 and the low-temperature portion 131b. In other words, the heat transfer member T may be provided to transfer heat between the ice-making tray 121 and the cooling sink 133. One end (a first end) of the heat transfer member T may be provided relatively closer to the ice-making tray 121, and the other end (a second end) of the heat transfer member T, which is opposite to the one end, may be provided relatively closer to the low-temperature portion 131b.

One end of the heat transfer member T may be disposed under the ice-making tray 121 in the up and down direction (Z direction). Particularly, one end of the heat transfer member T may be disposed within a space formed between the lower surface of the ice-making tray 121 and the lower cover 125.

The other end of the heat transfer member T may be disposed on the inside of the cooling sink 133. Particularly, the other end of the heat transfer member T may be disposed on the inside of the thermoelectric element mounting portion 133a of the cooling sink 133.

A plurality of heat transfer members T may be provided. In the drawing, it is illustrated that two heat transfer members T are provided, but there is no particular limitation on the number of heat transfer members T.

According to the present disclosure, one end of the heat transfer member T may be disposed under the ice-making tray 121 so as to exchange heat with the ice-making tray 121, and the other end of the heat transfer member T may be disposed inside the cooling sink 133 so as to exchange heat with the low-temperature portion 131b. At this time, heat may be transferred from the ice-making tray 121 to the low-temperature portion 131b through the heat transfer member T, and thus the ice-making tray 121 may be cooled.

For example, the heat transfer member T may be the heat pipe 160. The heat pipe 160 may be configured to transfer heat between the ice-making part 120 and the thermoelectric element 131. Particularly, the heat pipe 160 may be configured to transfer heat between the ice-making tray 121 and the low-temperature portion 131b. In other words, the heat pipe 160 may be configured to transfer heat between the ice-making tray 121 and the cooling sink 133.

The heat pipe 160 may include a refrigerant R. The refrigerant R is a medium that may transfer heat by absorbing or releasing heat. For example, the refrigerant R may include water, ammonia, and/or freon. The refrigerant R may flow within the heat pipe 160.

The refrigerant R flowing inside the heat pipe 160 may be distinguished from a refrigerant flowing inside the cold air supply device of the refrigerator 1. Therefore, in the disclosure, the refrigerant R flowing inside the heat pipe 160 may be referred to as a first refrigerant R, and the refrigerant flowing inside the cold air supply device of the refrigerator 1 may be referred to as a second refrigerant. Alternatively, the refrigerant R flowing inside the heat pipe 160 may be referred to as a second refrigerant R, and the refrigerant flowing inside the cold air supply device of the refrigerator 1 may be referred to as a first refrigerant.

The heat pipe 160 may include an evaporating portion 161. In the evaporating portion 161, the refrigerant R in a liquid state may be vaporized to absorb heat from around the evaporating portion 161. For example, in the evaporating portion 161, the refrigerant R condensed by a condensing portion 162 described below may be vaporized.

The evaporating portion 161 may be disposed at one end of the heat pipe 160. That is, the evaporating portion 161 may be disposed under the ice-making tray 121. Particularly, the evaporating portion 161 may be provided within a space formed between the lower surface of the ice-making tray 121 and the lower cover 125. Accordingly, the evaporating portion 161 may be configured to exchange heat with the ice-making tray 121.

The evaporating portion 161 may extend in one direction along the lower surface of the ice-making tray 121. With the configuration, a heat transfer area of the evaporating portion 161 may be increased, and heat transfer efficiency of the heat pipe 160 may be improved.

The heat pipe 160 may include the condensing portion 162. In the condensing portion 162, the refrigerant R in a gaseous state may be liquefied, thereby dissipating heat around the condensing portion 162. For example, the refrigerant R vaporized by the evaporating portion 161 may be condensed in the condensing portion 162.

The condensing portion 162 may be provided at the other end of the heat pipe 160 opposite to one end of the heat pipe 160. That is, the condensing portion 162 may be provided on the inside of the cooling sink 133. Particularly, the condensing portion 162 may be provided on the inside of the thermoelectric element mounting portion 133a of the cooling sink 133. Accordingly, the condensing portion 162 may be provided to exchange heat with the cooling sink 133 and the low-temperature portion 131b.

The heat pipe 160 may include a wick 163. The wick 163 may include a porous material that allows the refrigerant R to flow therein.

The wick 163 may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the heat pipe 160. The wick 163 may extend from the evaporating portion 161 to the condensing portion 162.

A plurality of heat pipes 160 may be provided. In the drawing, it is illustrated that two heat pipes 160 are provided, but there is no particular limitation on the number of heat pipes 160.

Hereinafter a method of heat transfer within the heat pipe 160 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 13.

The evaporating portion 161 of the heat pipe 160 may exchange heat with an external heat source. Particularly, the evaporating portion 161 may receive heat from an external heat source. As the evaporating portion 161 receives heat from the outside, the liquid refrigerant R inside the evaporating portion 161 may be vaporized. The vaporized refrigerant R may flow to the condensing portion 162 in which a proportion of the gaseous refrigerant R is lower.

The condensing portion 162 of the heat pipe 160 may exchange heat with an external cold source. Particularly, the condensing portion 162 may transfer heat to an external cold source. As the condensing portion 162 transfers heat to the outside, the gaseous refrigerant R inside the condensing portion 162 may be liquefied. The liquefied refrigerant R may flow to the evaporating portion 161 in which the liquid refrigerant R is relatively less.

The wick 163 may more quickly move the liquid refrigerant R. Particularly, because the wick 163 includes a porous material, the wick 163 may cause a capillary phenomenon, and by using this, the refrigerant R flowing inside the wick 163 may flow more quickly. However, the wick 163 is not an essential component, and may be omitted depending on embodiments.

That is, the heat pipe 160 may transfer heat through the refrigerant R flowing while causing a phase change between the evaporating portion 161 and the condensing portion 162. Through the heat transfer method, the heat pipe 160 may transfer heat relatively faster than a method in which a solid-state heat transfer member transfers heat while causing heat conduction.

Referring again to FIGS. 11 to 13, the evaporating portion 161 may exchange heat with the ice-making tray 121, and the condensing portion 162 may exchange heat with the cooling sink 133 and the low-temperature portion 131b. Accordingly, the heat pipe 160 may transfer heat relatively more quickly between the ice-making tray 121 and the low-temperature portion 131b, and the cooling efficiency of the ice-making tray 121 through the thermoelectric element 131 may be further improved.

In addition, because the heat pipe 160 is configured to transfer heat through the flow of refrigerant R, a length of the heat pipe 160 may be relatively increased. Accordingly, even when the ice-making tray 121 and the thermoelectric element 131 are not provided adjacent to each other, heat may be more quickly transferred between the ice-making tray 121 and the low-temperature portion 131b.

With the configuration, the thermoelectric element 131 may be spaced apart from the ice-making tray 121. That is, a structure for coupling the thermoelectric element 131 to the ice-making tray 121 to allow the thermoelectric element 131 to be positioned adjacent to the ice-making tray 121 may be unnecessary. Therefore, restrictions on the position of the thermoelectric element 131 may be reduced, and a design of an internal structure of the ice maker 100 may be made easier.

In the above, one embodiment in which the heat transfer member T is the heat pipe 160 is described. However, the heat transfer member T is not limited to the heat pipe 160 described above. For example, when a configuration includes an evaporating portion, a condensing portion, a wick and the like, so as to quickly transfer heat, which is similar to the heat pipe 160, the configuration may function as the heat transfer member T according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C’ illustrated in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 14, the partition 170 and the partition cover 190 may form the cooling space C. The low-temperature portion 131b of the thermoelectric element 131, the cooling sink 133, and the cooling fan 150 may be disposed in the cooling space C. Accordingly, cold air may be generated in the cooling space C.

The cooling space C may communicate with the storage space S. Therefore, the air inside the ice-making room 110a may flow freely between the cooling space C and the storage space S.

As described above, the cooling sink 133 may be provided in the cooling space C. The cooling sink 133 may include the second base plate 133b, and the plurality of second fins 133c protruding from the second base plate 133b.

The plurality of second fins 133c may extend toward the storage space S. At this time, the cooling fan 150 may be disposed at one side of the cooling sink 133 with respect to the direction in which each of the plurality of second fins 133c extends. Accordingly, the cooling fan 150 may blow air in the direction in which the plurality of second fins 133c extend, thereby causing air in the cooling space C to flow to the storage space S. In other words, the air in the cooling space C may flow toward the storage space S through the cooling sink 133 by the cooling fan 150. That is, cold air in the cooling space C may be transferred to the storage space S.

Further, air within the storage space S may flow into the cooling space C due to the airflow within the ice-making case 110. The air flowing into the cooling space C may be cooled by the cooling fan 150 and the cooling sink 133, and flow back into the storage space S.

Accordingly, the ice-making room 110a may be cooled by the cold air generated within the cooling space C. That is, the ice-making tray 121 of the ice-making part 120 may be cooled by direct cooling through the heat transfer member T, and the ice-making room 110a may be cooled by indirect cooling through the cooling fan 150.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D’ illustrated in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 7, and 15, the partition 170 may form the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a provided between the partition 170 and the ice-making case 110. The high-temperature portion 131a of the thermoelectric element 131, the heat sink 132, and the blower 140 may be provided in the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a. The thermoelectric element cooling room 170a may be configured to cool the high-temperature portion 131a of the thermoelectric element 131.

The thermoelectric element cooling room 170a may be provided to communicate with the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23. For example, the ice maker 100 may be disposed in the first door 31, and the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a may be in communication with the upper storage compartment 21.

As described above, the upper storage compartment 21 may be used as the refrigerating compartment. Accordingly, cold air (cold air in the refrigerating compartment) in the upper storage compartment 21 may be supplied into the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a.

Particularly, the ice-making case 110 may include a cooling room inlet 112, and a cooling room outlet 113. The cooling room inlet 112 may be provided to introduce air within the upper storage compartment 21 into the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a. The cooling room outlet 113 may be provided to discharge air within the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a into the upper storage compartment 21.

The cooling room inlet 112 and the cooling room outlet 113 may be formed on one side wall of the ice-making case 110. The cooling room inlet 112 may be disposed under the cooling room outlet 113 in the up and down direction (Z direction). However, the positions of the cooling room inlet 112 and the cooling room outlet 113 are not limited thereto, and the cooling room inlet 112 may be disposed above the cooling room outlet 113.

The blower 140 may discharge air, which is introduced into the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a through the cooling room inlet 112, to the cooling room outlet 113. That is, the blower 140 may form an air current inside the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a.

Air introduced into the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a through the cooling room inlet 112 may be discharged to the cooling room outlet 113 via the heat sink 132. Therefore, the heat sink 132 may be cooled by the cold air introduced through the cooling room inlet 112. In addition, because the heat sink 132 is mounted on the high-temperature portion 131a of the thermoelectric element 131, the high-temperature portion 131a may be cooled together with the heat sink 132.

As the high-temperature portion 131a is cooled, the high-temperature portion 131a may release heat more effectively. In addition, the higher the amount of heat released from the high-temperature portion 131a, the lower the temperature of the low-temperature portion 131b, and thus the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric element 131 may be further improved. That is, because the ice maker 100 is provided with the thermoelectric element cooling room 170a for cooling the high-temperature portion 131a of the thermoelectric element 131, the cooling efficiency of the thermoelectric element 131 may be further increased.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the cooling sink, a cooling fan, a defrosted water storage portion, and peripheral components according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the defrosted water storage portion according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the partition 170 and the partition cover 190 may form the cooling space C. The cooling sink 133 and the cooling fan 150 may be provided in the cooling space C. The cooling sink 133 may include the second base plate 133b and the plurality of second fins 133c protruding from the second base plate 133b.

Because the cooling sink 133 has a relatively low temperature, defrosted water may be generated in the cooling sink 133. For example, defrosted water may be generated in the second base plate 133b or the second fin 133c. In order to collect the defrosted water generated in the cooling sink 133, the defrosted water storage portion 180 may be disposed under the cooling sink 133.

The defrosted water storage portion 180 may include a plurality of side walls 181. The plurality of side walls 181 may form a storage space 180a for storing water.

The defrosted water storage portion 180 may include a defrosted water discharge port 182. The defrosted water discharge port 182 may be provided to discharge the defrosted water stored in the storage space 180a. The defrosted water discharge port 182 may be disposed on one side wall of the ice-making case 110 (refer to FIG. 7).

The defrosted water storage portion 180 may include an inclined portion 183. The inclined portion 183 may guide the defrosted water stored in the storage space 180a to the defrosted water discharge port 182. The inclined portion 183 may be disposed on a lower surface of the defrosted water storage portion 180 and may be inclined toward the defrosted water discharge port 182. A plurality of inclined portions 183 may be provided, and the plurality of inclined portions 183 may be connected to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, and FIGS. 16 and 17, the refrigerator 1 may include the defrosted water hose 70. The defrosted water hose 70 may be connected to the defrosted water storage portion 180. Particularly, the defrosted water hose 70 may be connected to the defrosted water discharge port 182. In other words, the defrosted water hose 70 may be coupled to the defrosted water discharge port 182.

The refrigerator 1 may include the evaporating dish 54. The evaporating dish 54 may be provided to evaporate defrosted water introduced from the defrosted water storage portion 180 through the defrosted water hose 70. Particularly, the evaporating dish 54 may collect defrosted water introduced from the defrosted water storage portion 180 and evaporate the collected defrosted water. As the defrosted water collected in the evaporating dish 54 evaporates, the defrosted water may be completely removed from the refrigerator 1.

The evaporating dish 54 may evaporate the defrosted water introduced from the defrosted water storage portion 180, and may also evaporate the defrosted water generated in the evaporator 60. That is, the evaporating dish 54 may simultaneously evaporate the defrosted water generated in the ice maker 100 and the defrosted water generated in the cold air supply device. Accordingly, the refrigerator 1 may evaporate all the defrosted water generated in the ice maker 100 and the defrosted water generated in the cold air supply device with one evaporating dish 54 without a separate evaporating dish to process the defrosted water generated in each component.

The evaporating dish 54 may be disposed inside the machine room 50. Particularly, the evaporating dish 54 may be disposed under the condenser 52. Accordingly, the defrosted water hose 70 may be extended from the defrosted water storage portion 180 to the machine room 50. Particularly, one end of the defrosted water hose 70 may be connected to the defrosted water discharge port 182, and the other end of the defrosted water hose 70 may be provided above the evaporating dish 54.

However, the number or position of the evaporating dish 54 is not limited thereto. That is, the refrigerator 1 may be provided with an evaporating dish for evaporating the defrosted water generated in the ice maker 100. For example, the ice maker 100 may further include a separate evaporating dish disposed inside the ice-making case 110.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment.

Hereinafter an ice maker 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 18. In describing the ice maker 200, components that are substantially the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 17 are given the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 18, the ice maker 200 may include a thermoelectric module 230. The thermoelectric module 230 may include a thermoelectric element 131, and a cooling sink 233. The thermoelectric module 230 may be configured to cool each of an ice-making tray 121 of an ice-making part 120 and an ice-making room 110a.

The cooling sink 233 may be mounted on the thermoelectric element 131. The cooling sink 233 may improve heat transfer efficiency of the thermoelectric element 131 by forming a relatively large heat transfer area.

A defrosted water storage portion 180 may be disposed under the cooling sink 233 in the up and down direction (Z direction). The defrosted water storage portion 180 may be configured to collect defrosted water generated in the cooling sink 233.

The cooling sink 233 may include a thermoelectric element mounting portion 233a. The thermoelectric element mounting portion 233a may be mounted on a low-temperature portion 131b. Particularly, one end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion 233a may be mounted on the low-temperature portion 131b.

The cooling sink 233 may include a second base plate 233b. The second base plate 233b may be disposed at the other end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion 233a opposite to the one end of the thermoelectric element mounting portion 233a. The second base plate 233b may have a wider cross-section than a cross-section of the low-temperature portion 131b and a cross-section of the thermoelectric element mounting portion 233a.

The cooling sink 233 may include a second fin 233c. The second fin 233c may protrude from the second base plate 233b. For example, the second fin 233c may be provided in a plate shape.

Because the cooling sink 233 has a relatively low temperature, defrosted water may be generated in the cooling sink 233. For example, defrosted water may be generated in the second base plate 233b or the second fin 233c. In order to collect the defrosted water generated in the cooling sink 233, the defrosted water storage portion 180 may be disposed under the cooling sink 233.

The second fin 233c may extend in an inclined direction with respect to the ground. In other words, the second fin 233c may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the ground. Particularly, the second fin 233c may be arranged to be inclined to allow one end of the second fin 233c to be positioned relatively upward, and the other end opposite to the one end of the second fin 233c to be positioned relatively downward in the up and down direction (Z direction).

Because the second fin 233c is arranged to be inclined with respect to the ground, the defrosted water generated in the cooling sink 233 may flow downward due to its own weight. Accordingly, the efficiency of collecting the defrosted water through the defrosted water storage portion 180 may be improved.

A plurality of second fins 233c may be provided. The plurality of second fins 233c may be arranged spaced apart from each other. The plurality of second fins 133c may be arranged along a direction intersecting a direction in which each of the plurality of second fins 133c extends.

The ice maker 200 may include a cooling fan 250. The cooling fan 250 may be configured to blow air.

The cooling fan 250 may be disposed at one side of the cooling sink 233. Particularly, the cooling fan 250 may be disposed at one side of the cooling sink 233 with respect to a direction in which each of the plurality of second fins 233c extends. In other words, the cooling fan 250 may be disposed at one side of the cooling sink 233 with respect to a direction intersecting a direction in which the plurality of second fins 233c is arranged.

The cooling fan 250 may blow air toward the cooling sink 233. With the configuration, the cooling fan 250 may form an airflow passing through the cooling sink 233 inside the ice-making room 110a. Accordingly, the heat transfer efficiency between the cooling sink 233 and the ice-making room 110a may be improved, and the ice-making room 110a may be cooled.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment.

Hereinafter an ice maker 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 19. In describing the ice maker 300, components that are substantially the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 17 are given the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 19, the ice maker 300 may include a thermoelectric module 330. The thermoelectric module 330 may include a thermoelectric element 331, a heat sink 332, and a cooling sink 333. The thermoelectric module 330 may be configured to cool each of an ice-making tray 121 of an ice-making part 120 and an ice-making room 110a.

The thermoelectric element 331 may include a high-temperature portion 331a, and a low-temperature portion 331b. The high-temperature portion 331a may be disposed on one surface of the thermoelectric element 331, and the low-temperature portion 331b may be provided on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the thermoelectric element 331. When a current is applied to the thermoelectric element 331, exothermic reaction may occur in the high-temperature portion 331a, and endothermic reaction may occur in the low-temperature portion 331b.

The thermoelectric element 331 may be arranged in such a way that the high- temperature portion 331a faces a thermoelectric element cooling room 370a to be described later, and the low-temperature portion 331b faces the ice-making room 110a. Particularly, the thermoelectric element 331 may be arranged in such a way that the high-temperature portion faces the right direction (-Y direction) and the low-temperature portion 331b faces the left direction (+Y direction).

The thermoelectric module 330 may include the heat sink 332. The heat sink 332 may be mounted on the high-temperature portion 331a of the thermoelectric element 331. The heat sink 332 may form a relatively large heat transfer area, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency of the thermoelectric element 331.

The thermoelectric module 330 may include the cooling sink 333. The cooling sink 333 may be mounted on the low-temperature portion 331b of the thermoelectric element 331. The cooling sink 333 may form a relatively large heat transfer area, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency of the thermoelectric element 331.

The ice maker 300 may include a partition 370. The partition 370 may be disposed inside the ice-making case 110. The partition 370 may divide the internal space of the ice-making case 110.

The partition 370 may form the thermoelectric element cooling room 370a provided between the partition 370 and the ice-making case 110. The high-temperature portion 331a of the thermoelectric element 331, the heat sink 332, and a blower 140 may be disposed in the thermoelectric element cooling room 370a. The partition 370 may define the ice-making room 110a and the thermoelectric element cooling room 370a.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment.

Hereinafter an ice maker 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 20. In describing the ice maker 400, components that are substantially the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 17 are given the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted. In addition, a thermoelectric element 131 may be referred to as a first thermoelectric element 131, a high-temperature portion 131a may be referred to as a first high-temperature portion 131a, and a low-temperature portion 131b may be referred to as a first low-temperature portion 131b.

Referring to FIG. 20, the ice maker 400 may include a heat transfer member T. The heat transfer member T may be provided to transfer heat between an ice-making tray 121 and a cooling sink 133. One end of the heat transfer member T may be disposed under the ice-making tray 121, and the other end of the heat transfer member T may be provided inside the cooling sink 133.

For example, the heat transfer member T may be a heat pipe 460. The heat pipe 460 may be configured to transfer heat between the ice-making tray 121 and the cooling sink 133.

The heat pipe 460 may include an evaporating portion 461. In the evaporating portion 461, a liquid refrigerant may be vaporized to absorb heat from around the evaporating portion 461. For example, in the evaporating portion 461, a refrigerant condensed by a condensing portion 462 to be described later may be vaporized.

The evaporating portion 461 may be disposed at one end of the heat pipe 460. That is, the evaporating portion 461 may be disposed under the ice-making tray 121.

The heat pipe 460 may include the condensing portion 462. In the condensing portion 462, a gaseous refrigerant may be liquefied, thereby dissipating heat around the condensing portion 462. For example, a refrigerant vaporized by the evaporating portion 461 may be condensed in the condensing portion 462.

The condensing portion 462 may be disposed at the other end opposite to one end of the heat pipe 460. That is, the condensing portion 462 may be disposed on the inside of the cooling sink 133. Particularly, the condensing portion 462 may be disposed on the inside of a thermoelectric element mounting portion 133a of the cooling sink 133.

The ice maker 400 may include a second thermoelectric element 434. The second thermoelectric element 434 may be a semiconductor element that converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, or the like. The thermoelectric element 434 may have, for example, a thin hexahedral shape.

The second thermoelectric element 434 may include a second high-temperature portion 434a, and a second low-temperature portion 434b. The second high-temperature portion 434a may be disposed on one surface of the second thermoelectric element 434, and the second low-temperature portion 434b may be disposed on the other surface of the second thermoelectric element 434 opposite to the one surface of the second thermoelectric element 434. Particularly, the second high-temperature portion 434a may be disposed on a lower surface of the second thermoelectric element 434, and the second low-temperature portion 434b may be disposed on an upper surface of the second thermoelectric element 434. When a current is applied to the second thermoelectric element 434, exothermic reaction may occur in the second high-temperature portion 434a, and endothermic reaction may occur in the second low-temperature portion 434b.

The second thermoelectric element 434 may be disposed under the ice-making tray 121. Particularly, the second thermoelectric element 434 may be disposed within a space formed between the lower surface of the ice-making tray 121 and a lower cover 125.

The ice maker 400 may include a first connecting member 435. The first connecting member 435 may connect the evaporating portion 461 of the heat pipe 460 and the second high-temperature portion 434a of the second thermoelectric element 434. Particularly, the evaporating portion 461 may be disposed on an inner side of the first connecting member 435, and an upper surface of the first connecting member 435 may be in contact with the second high-temperature portion 434a. Accordingly, the second high- temperature portion 434a may be configured to exchange heat with the evaporating portion 461. That is, the second high-temperature portion 434a may be cooled by the evaporating portion 461.

The ice maker 400 may include a second connecting member 436. The second connecting member 436 may connect the second low-temperature portion 434b of the second thermoelectric element 434 and the ice-making tray 121. Particularly, a lower surface of the second connecting member 436 may be in contact with the second low-temperature portion 434b, and an upper surface of the second connecting member 436 may be in contact with a lower surface of the ice-making tray 121. Accordingly, the second low-temperature portion 434b may be configured to exchange heat with the ice-making tray 121. That is, the second low-temperature portion 434b may cool the ice-making tray 121.

According to the present disclosure, the ice maker 400 may cool the ice-making tray 121 through the two thermoelectric elements 131 and 434. Particularly, cold air supplied from the low-temperature portion 131b of the first thermoelectric element 131 may be transferred to the second thermoelectric element 434 through the heat pipe 460, the first connecting member 435, the second thermoelectric element 434, and the second connecting member 436.

The smaller the temperature difference between the high-temperature portion and the low-temperature portion of the thermoelectric element, the more the cooling efficiency through the low-temperature portion may be improved. Therefore, when the ice-making tray 121 is cooled through the two thermoelectric elements 131 and 434 as described above, the cooling efficiency of the ice-making tray 121 may be further improved.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment.

Hereinafter a refrigerator 1’ and an ice maker 500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. In describing the refrigerator 1’ and the ice maker 500, components that are substantially the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 17 are given the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the refrigerator 1’ may include an evaporator 60. The evaporator 60 may include a first evaporator 61 disposed in an upper storage compartment 21, and a second evaporator 62 disposed in lower storage compartments 22 and 23. The first evaporator 61 may be configured to supply cold air to the upper storage compartment 21, and the second evaporator 62 may be configured to supply cold air to the lower storage compartments 22 and 23.

The second evaporator 62 may be disposed in a main body cooling room 60a provided inside a main body 10. The main body cooling room 60a may be disposed at the rear of the lower storage compartments 22 and 23.

The refrigerator 1’ may include a first connecting duct 81. The first connecting duct 81 may connect the main body cooling room 60a and an ice-making room 110a. That is, the main body cooling room 60a and the ice-making room 110a may communicate with each other through the first connecting duct 81. With the configuration, cold air within the main body cooling room 60a may be supplied to the ice-making room 110a.

The refrigerator 1’ may include a second connecting duct 82. The second connecting duct 82 may connect the main body cooling room 60a and the ice-making room 110a. That is, the main body cooling room 60a and the ice-making room 110a may communicate through the second connecting duct 82. With the configuration, air within the ice-making room 110a may be supplied to the main body cooling room 60a.

The ice maker 500 may include an ice-making case 510. The ice-making room 110a may be disposed inside the ice-making case 510.

The ice-making case 510 may include an ice-making room inlet 514, to which the first connecting duct 81 is coupled, and an ice-making room outlet 515, to which the second connecting duct 82 is coupled. With the configuration, air in the ice-making room 110a may be cooled by being delivered to the main body cooling room 60a through the second connecting duct 82, and the cooled air may be supplied back to the ice-making room 110a through the first connecting duct 81. That is, the ice-making room 110a may be cooled by cold air generated through the thermoelectric module 130 and by cold air supplied from the main body cooling room 60a. Accordingly, the cooling efficiency of the ice-making room 110a may be further improved.

The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may include the main body 10 in which the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 are arranged, the doors 31, 32, and 33 configured to open and close the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23, and the ice maker 100 disposed on the door 31, 32, or 33 and configured to produce ice. The ice maker 100 may include the ice-making case 110, the partition 170 provided to divide the internal space of the ice-making case 110 into the first space 110a and the second space 110b, the ice-making tray 121 disposed in the first space 110a, and including the ice-making cell 121a for storing water, the thermoelectric element 131 mounted on the partition 170, and including the high-temperature portion 131a arranged on one surface of the thermoelectric element 131 and disposed so as to face the second space 170a, and the low-temperature portion 131b arranged on another surface opposite to the one surface of the thermoelectric element and disposed so as to face the first space 110a, and the heat pipe 160 configured to transfer heat between the ice-making tray 121 and the low-temperature portion 131b to cool water stored in the ice-making cell 121a.

The heat pipe 160 may include the refrigerant R flowing inside the heat pipe 160, the evaporating portion 161 configured to exchange heat with the ice-making tray 121, the evaporating portion in which the refrigerant R is vaporized, and the condensing portion 162 configured to exchange heat with the low-temperature portion 131b, the condensing portion 162 in which the refrigerant R vaporized by the evaporating portion 161 is condensed.

The evaporating portion 161 may be disposed under the ice-making tray 121.

The ice maker 100 may further include the cooling sink 133 mounted on the low-temperature portion 131b of the thermoelectric element 131. The condensing portion 162 may be arranged on an inner side of the cooling sink 133.

The ice maker 100 may further include the cooling fan 150 disposed on one side of the cooling sink 133 and configured to form an airflow passing through the cooling sink 133 within the first space 110a to cool the first space 110a.

The cooling sink 233 may include the base plate 233b, and the fin 233c protruding from the base plate 233b. The fin 233c may be inclined such that one end of the fin 233c to be positioned relatively upward and another end opposite to the one end of the fin 233c to be positioned relatively downward. For example, a first end of the fin 233c may be at a level that is different from a level of a second end of the fin 233c opposite to the first end of the fin 233c in an up and down direction (Z direction).

The second space 170a may be configured to communicate with the storage compartment 21 to cool the high-temperature portion 131a.

The ice maker 100 may further include the heat sink 132 arranged in the second space 170a and mounted on the high-temperature portion 131a.

The ice-making case 110 may include the inlet 112 configured to introduce air within the storage compartment 21 into the second space 170a, and the outlet 113 configured to discharge air within the second space 170a to the storage compartment 21. The ice maker 100 may further include the blower 140 configured to discharge air, which is introduced into the second space 170a through the inlet 112, to the outlet 113.

The ice maker 100 may further include the defrosted water storage portion 180 disposed under the cooling sink 133 to collect defrosted water generated in the cooling sink 133.

The refrigerator may further include the hose 70 connected to the defrosted water storage portion 180, and the evaporating dish 54 configured to evaporate the defrosted water introduced from the defrosted water storage portion 180 through the hose 70.

The refrigerant R may be the first refrigerant R. The refrigerator 1 may further include the evaporator 60 configured to supply cold air to the storage compartments 21, 22 and 23, the compressor 51 configured to compress the second refrigerant introduced from the evaporator 60, and the condenser 52 configured to condense the second refrigerant introduced from the compressor 51. The evaporating dish 54 may be disposed under the condenser 52.

The defrosted water storage portion 180 may be mounted on the partition 170.

The thermoelectric element 131 may be the first thermoelectric element 131. The high-temperature portion 131a may be the first high-temperature portion 131a. The low-temperature portion 131b may be the first low-temperature portion 131b. The ice maker 400 may further include the second thermoelectric element 434 disposed under the ice-making tray 121, the second thermoelectric element including the second high-temperature portion 434a and the second low-temperature portion 434b. The second high-temperature portion 434a may be configured to exchange heat with the evaporating portion 161. The second low-temperature portion 434b may be configured to cool the ice-making tray 121.

The main body 10 may further include the evaporator 62 configured to supply cold air to the storage compartments 22 and 23, and the connecting duct 81 provided to connect the main body cooling room 60a and the first space 110a to supply cold air from the main body cooling room 60a, in which the evaporator 62 is disposed, to the first space 110a.

The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may include the main body 10 in which the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 are formed, the doors 31, 32, and 33 configured to open and close the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23, and the ice maker 100 disposed on the door 31, 32, or 33 and configured to produce ice. The ice maker 100 may include the ice-making case 110, the ice-making tray 121 disposed in the ice-making case 110, and including an ice-making cell 121a for storing water, the thermoelectric element 131 disposed in the ice-making case 110, and including the high- temperature portion 131a, and the low-temperature portion 131b, the cooling sink 133 mounted on the low-temperature portion 131b, the heat transfer member T configured to transfer heat between the ice-making tray 121 and the cooling sink 133 to cool water stored in the ice-making cell 121a, and the cooling fan 150 disposed on one side of the cooling sink 133 and configured to form an airflow passing through the cooling sink 133 to cool an inside of the ice-making case 110.

One end of the heat transfer member T may be disposed under the ice-making tray 121.

The other end opposite to the one end of the heat transfer member T may be disposed on an inside of the cooling sink 133.

The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may include the main body 10 in which the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 are formed, the doors 31, 32, and 33 configured to open and close the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23, and the ice maker 100 disposed on the door 31, 32, or 33 and configured to produce ice. The ice maker 100 may include the ice-making case 110, the ice-making tray 121 disposed in the ice-making case 110, and including the ice-making cell 121a for storing water, the thermoelectric element 131 disposed in the ice-making case 110, and including the high- temperature portion 131a, and the low-temperature portion 131b, the cooling sink 133 mounted on the low-temperature portion 131b, the heat transfer member T configured to transfer heat between the ice-making tray 121 and the cooling sink 133 to cool water stored in the ice-making cell 121a, and the defrosted water storage portion 180 disposed under the cooling sink 133 to collect defrosted water generated in the cooling sink 133.

The refrigerator may further include the hose 70 connected to the defrosted water storage portion 180, and the evaporating dish 54 configured to evaporate the defrosted water introduced from the defrosted water storage portion 180 through the hose 70.

A refrigerator may cool an ice-making tray and an ice-making room through a thermoelectric element disposed inside an ice maker. Accordingly, the ice maker may be provided with an independent cold air supply system without having to receive cold air from an external cold source.

Further, a refrigerator may include a heat pipe configured to transfer heat between an ice-making tray and a thermoelectric element. With the configuration, even when the ice-making tray and the thermoelectric element are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, heat may be more quickly transferred through the heat pipe. Accordingly, restrictions on a location of the thermoelectric element may be reduced, and a design of an internal structure of the ice maker may be made easier.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

While embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims and their equivalents.