Hydrogen water dispenser unit and refrigerator having same

Abstract

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a hydrogen water dispenser unit and a refrigerator having the same, in which a hydrogen water generator disposed inside the refrigerator provides hydrogen water, as well as normal water, according to user preference.

Claims

1. A hydrogen water dispenser unit comprising: a reservoir; a plate unit comprising a hollow portion thereof; a guide unit extending upward along an upper surface of the plate unit, and comprising: a front guide surface; and side guide walls respectively connected to opposite side ends of the front guide surface, wherein the side guide walls surround the hollow portion; and a water supply unit comprising: an inlet portion configured to supply introduced water to the reservoir of the dispenser unit; a hydrogen water generator comprising an electrode body therein and configured to electrolyze the introduced water to generate hydrogen therefrom, and further configured to generate hydrogen water by dissolving the hydrogen generated in the introduced water; and an outlet portion configured to dispense water supplied from the hydrogen water generator, wherein the water supply unit further comprises a pressure reducer disposed between the inlet portion and the hydrogen water generator, wherein the pressure reducer is configured to reduce hydraulic pressure of the introduced water supplied from the inlet portion to the hydrogen water generator.

2. The dispenser unit of claim 1, further comprising: a front surface; and a check unit comprising a hydrogen water generation controller disposed at a side of the dispenser unit, wherein the check unit is configured to control operation of the hydrogen water generator responsive to one of: a button input; and a touch input from a user.

3. The dispenser unit of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen water generator is disposed at a side of the guide unit and adjacent to the outlet portion.

4. The dispenser unit of claim 1, further comprising: an ice cap rotatably coupled to the guide unit to selectively open and close the hollow portion; and a drive unit disposed adjacent to an outer side surface of one side guide wall of the side guide walls and configured to exert a rotational force to the ice cap, wherein the hydrogen water generator is disposed adjacent to an outer side surface of a remaining side guide wall of the side guide walls.

5. The dispenser unit of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen water generator comprises: a supply portion extending downward and penetrating through an upper surface of the hydrogen water generator wherein the introduced water flows; and a discharge portion formed through a side surface of the hydrogen water generator.

6. The dispenser unit of claim 5, wherein the water supply unit further comprises a flow portion having a first end that extends horizontally from a second end of the pressure reducer, wherein the introduced water flows to the inlet portion therein.

7. The dispenser unit of claim 1, further comprising a check unit comprising a display comprising a transparent material, and wherein further an outer surface of the hydrogen water generator is made of a transparent material.

8. The dispenser unit of claim 7, further comprising a lighting unit comprising an LED lighting device and wherein the lighting unit is disposed adjacent to the hydrogen water generator.

9. The dispenser unit of claim 7, wherein the display is operable to display replacement information pertaining to the hydrogen water generator when an amount of hydrogen dissolved in the hydrogen water supplied from the hydrogen water generator is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

10. The dispenser unit of claim 1, further comprising a mount unit having an outlet portion-insertion hole operable to allow the outlet portion to be inserted therethrough, and wherein the outlet portion-insertion hole is disposed in front of the hollow portion.

11. A hydrogen water dispenser unit comprising: a plate unit comprising a hollow portion configured as a path for ice; a guide unit extending upward along an upper surface of the plate unit, and comprising: a front guide surface; and side guide walls respectively connected to opposite side ends of the front guide surface to surround the hollow portion; and a water supply unit comprising: a hydrogen water generator configured to discharge hydrogen water outside of the dispenser unit, and comprising an electrode body therein to electrolyze introduced water to generate hydrogen therefrom; an inlet portion configured to supply the introduced water inside the dispenser unit; a first outlet portion configured to dispense the hydrogen water discharged from the hydrogen water generator; a two-way valve disposed at a side end of the inlet portion disposed at an outside of the dispenser unit; and a second outlet portion configured wherein normal water flows in a lateral direction of the two-way valve.

12. The dispenser unit of claim 11, wherein the second outlet portion extends in the lateral direction of the two-way valve and also extends downward in accordance with a bend thereof.

13. The dispenser unit of claim 12, further comprising a first surface; and a mount unit, wherein the mount unit comprises: an outlet portion-insertion hole configured to allow the first outlet portion to be inserted therethrough at a location adjacent to the first surface of the dispenser unit; and a through-hole configured to allow the second outlet portion to be inserted therethrough, wherein the outlet portion-insertion hole and the through-hole are disposed at a mutually adjacent position.

14. The dispenser unit of claim 12, further comprising a first surface; and a mount unit, wherein the mount unit comprises: an outlet portion-insertion hole configured to allow the first outlet portion to be inserted there through at a location adjacent to the first surface of the dispenser unit; and a through-hole configured to allow the second outlet portion to be inserted there through, wherein the outlet portion-insertion hole and the through-hole are disposed at a position where a part of an outer circumferential surface of the outlet portion-insertion hole is in linear contact with a part of an outer circumferential surface of the through-hole.

15. The dispenser unit of claim 11, wherein the hydrogen water generator is disposed at a side of the guide unit and is adjacent to the first outlet portion.

16. The dispenser unit of claim 11, further comprising a check unit comprising a hydrogen water generation controller disposed at a side of the dispenser unit and configured to control operation of the hydrogen water generator responsive to a user input to a user input device, wherein the two-way valve selectively opens and closes inlets of the inlet portion and the second outlet portion according to an operation signal from the hydrogen water generation controller.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dispenser unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and provided in the refrigerator of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a front view of the dispenser unit of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the dispenser unit of FIG. 2;

(6) FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the dispenser unit of FIG. 2;

(7) FIG. 6 is a reference view showing how a plate unit and a mount unit are coupled to each other in the dispenser unit of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIGS. 7A and 7B are reference views of a hydrogen water generator in the dispenser unit of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 is a reference view of a water discharge operation unit in the dispenser unit of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 is a reference view of an ice discharge operation unit in the dispenser unit of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 10 is a reference view of a check unit in the dispenser unit of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(12) FIG. 11 is a reference view of a dispenser unit provided in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments will be described in detail in order to allow those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like elements or parts. Further, it is to be noted that, when the functions of conventional elements and the detailed description of elements related with the present invention may make the gist of the present invention unclear, a detailed description of those elements will be omitted.

(14) Further, terms such as a first term and a second term may be used for explaining various constitutive elements, but the constitutive elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose for distinguishing a constitutive element from other constitutive element. For example, a first constitutive element may be referred as a second constitutive element, and the second constitutive element may be also referred to as the first constitutive element.

(15) Reference will now be made in greater detail to a hydrogen water dispenser unit and a refrigerator including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(16) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(17) Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 provided with a hydrogen water dispenser unit according to an embodiment of the present invention and includes: a storage body 11 (which forms the overall appearance of the refrigerator) configured such that an inner space thereof is recessed from the front side to the rear side to form a storage space therein; and an opening and closing unit 13 (e.g., a door or doors) coupled to the storage body 11 to selectively open and close the storage space. Further, opening and closing unit 13 may be, for example, rotatably coupled to the storage body 11, e.g., via hinges.

(18) Further, a handle 13a may be provided on the front surface of the opening and closing unit 13 to allow a user to easily open and close the opening and closing unit 13. The handle 13a may have a predetermined length along the height direction of the refrigerator 1, but is not limited to any particular length. The number of the opening and closing units 13 provided on the front surface of the storage body 11 may be two with one door on the left and one door on the right sides, respectively, but is not limited to any particular number.

(19) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dispenser unit provided in the refrigerator of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a front view of the dispenser unit of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the dispenser unit of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the dispenser unit of FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a reference view showing how a plate unit and a mount unit are coupled to each other in the dispenser unit of FIG. 2; FIGS. 7A and 7B are reference views of a hydrogen water generator in the dispenser unit of FIG. 2; FIG. 8 is a reference view of a water discharge operation unit in the dispenser unit of FIG. 2; FIG. 9 is a reference view of an ice discharge operation unit in the dispenser unit of FIG. 2; and FIG. 10 is a reference view of a check unit in the dispenser unit of FIG. 2.

(20) Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a dispenser unit 100 on a first side of the refrigerator 1, preferably, on a first side of the opening and closing unit 13. Further, on a second side of the refrigerator 1, preferably, on an inner side of the storage body 11, an ice maker 15 may be provided to supply ice to the user through the dispenser unit 100.

(21) Hereinbelow, reference will be made in detail to the dispenser unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(22) Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, as described above, the dispenser unit 100 is provided on the first side of the refrigerator 1, preferably, on the first side of the opening and closing unit 13, which is configured to dispense water or ice to the user from the refrigerator 1. To this end, the dispenser unit 100 may include a plate unit 110, a guide unit 120, a mount unit 130, a water supply unit 140, an ice cap 150, a rotation drive unit 160, a water discharge operation unit 170, an ice discharge operation unit 180, and a check unit 190.

(23) Referring to FIG. 2, the plate unit 110 is an assembly in which the guide unit 120 is seated. Further, a hollow portion 111 is formed at one side of the plate unit 110 to serve as a passage for ice. For example, the hollow portion 111 may be formed through substantially the center of the plate unit 110. Thus, the ice can be dispensed from the dispenser unit 100 by naturally moving downward.

(24) Further, the plate unit 110 includes a protruding portion 113, preferably, a pair of protruding portions 113 being spaced apart from each other and protruding in one direction in a substantially horizontal direction. The protruding portion 113 is provided with a guide groove 113a that is recessed from a first end to the inside to a predetermined depth to receive a coupling means (see FIG. 6). Herein, the coupling means may be of any of a variety of well known configurations such as a coupling screw and a bolt, etc., but is not limited thereto.

(25) Accordingly, for example, a bolt body inserted into the inner end of the guide groove 113a through the guide groove 113a is inserted into the plate unit 110 and a grooved hole 133 of the mount unit 130 (to be described later), and a bolt head is seated on the upper surface of the guide groove 113a, whereby the plate unit 110 and the mount unit 130 are coupled to each other. Accordingly, it is more preferable that the distance between the inner surfaces of the guide groove 113a is smaller than the diameter of the bolt head.

(26) Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the guide unit 120 is formed to extend upward along the upper surface of the plate unit 110. The guide unit 120 may include a front guide surface 121 formed on the front side, and a side guide wall 123 connected to each of opposite side ends of the front guide surface 121 to surround the inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion 111. Accordingly, the guide unit 120 is configured, for example, to surround the hollow portion 111 formed in the plate unit 110, whereby it is possible to prevent ice that is introduced from the upper side into the inner space of the hollow portion 111 from being separated outwardly. Thus, the guide unit 120 can guide the inflow path of ice. Further, the guide unit 120 may be integrally formed with the plate unit 110, or may be separately formed, but there is no particular limitation thereon.

(27) Referring to FIG. 2, the mount unit 130 is configured to be coupled to one side of the refrigerator, and other components of the dispenser unit 100 are mounted thereto. For example, some components of the plate unit 110 and the water supply unit 140 may be mounted thereto. Accordingly, it is preferable that the mount unit 130 is disposed at the lower portion of the plate unit 110.

(28) Further, the mount unit 130 may be formed with an anti-separation wall 131 protruding upward to a predetermined thickness adjacent to opposite side ends thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent lateral separation of the plate unit 110 that is seated inside the anti-separation walls 131.

(29) Further, referring to FIG. 6, the mount unit 130 is formed in the upper surface thereof with a coupling means or grooved hole 133, and preferably, a pair of grooved holes 133. Accordingly, the inner end of the coupling means 113a (guide groove 113a) of the protruding portion 113 of the plate unit 110 positioned at the upper portion of the mount unit 130 is matched to with the position of the coupling means 133 (grooved hole 133), and then the coupling means is passed through the protruding portion 113 to be inserted into the inner space of the coupling means 133 (grooved hole 133). Thereby, the mount unit 130 and the plate unit 110 are coupled to each other. The coupling means (grooved hole) 133 may be formed on the upper surface of the mount unit 130 and adjacent to the rear side.

(30) Further, a locking protrusion 135, preferably, a pair of locking protrusions 135 spaced apart from each other are formed upwardly on the upper surface of the mount unit 130. The locking protrusion 135 has a side cross-section formed in a reverse L shape. The front surface of the plate unit 110 is inserted into the inner space thereof, whereby the front surface of the plate unit 110 is prevented from being separated upward or forward. In summary, for example, after the front surface of the plate unit 110 is inserted into the inner space of the locking protrusion 135, the coupling means (grooved hole) 133 and the coupling means (guide groove) 113a are matched with each other, whereby the rear side of the plate unit 110 can be locked to the mount unit 130 by insertion of coupling means.

(31) Lastly, at a side of the mount unit 130, preferably, at a location of a side of the mount unit adjacent to the front surface, an outlet portion-insertion hole 137 may be formed to allow an outlet portion 147 to pass therethrough, described below. Accordingly, it is possible to flow from the dispenser unit 100 to the outside.

(32) Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the water supply unit 140 is an assembly for providing water to the user from the dispenser unit 100, and to achieve this, may include an inlet portion 141, a pressure reducing portion 142, a flow portion 143, a first fitting hose 144, a hydrogen water generator 145, a second fitting hose 146, and the outlet portion 147. Further, the entire assembly of the water supply unit 140 is preferably provided on the front side of the guide unit 120 in order to avoid mutual interference between ice supplied to the inside of the guide unit 120 and to allow the user to easily receive water.

(33) As will be described in detail below, the water supply unit 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention can selectively provide hydrogen water. Accordingly, by supplying hydrogen water, it is possible to remove oxygen free radicals accumulated in the body. As the oxygen introduced into the body during breathing is used in the oxidation process, the oxygen free radicals produced in the metabolic process damage cell structure and cause protein degradation. Thus, in order to remove such oxygen free radicals, hydrogen water is advantageously supplied by the refrigerator appliance 1.

(34) The inlet portion 141 is a conduit assembly for supplying water to the inside of the dispenser unit 100. Looking at the exemplary water supply path of the refrigerator 1, water is delivered into the dispenser unit 100 along the inlet portion 141 from a faucet via a water filter (not shown).

(35) For example, it is preferable that the inlet portion 141 extends through the upper portion of the dispenser unit 100, then extends inside the dispenser unit 100, and then extends by being bent in a substantially horizontal direction. In order to maximize the generation of hydrogen in the electrode body of the hydrogen water generator 145 (to be described later), the water pressure needs to be maintained below a predetermined level before being supplied to the hydrogen water generator 145. Accordingly, it is advantageous to bend the end portion of the inlet portion 141 in the horizontal direction in order to reduce the pressure of the water supplied by flowing it to the dispenser unit 100 in a substantially vertical direction.

(36) As described above, the pressure reducing portion 142 is configured such that a first end thereof is coupled with a first end of the inlet portion 141 in order to maximize the generation of hydrogen in the electrode body by reducing the hydraulic pressure before being supplied to the hydrogen water generator 145. The pressure reducing portion 142 may be, for example, a pressure reducing valve.

(37) The flow portion 143 has a conduit assembly in which a first end thereof extends substantially horizontally from a second end of the pressure reducing portion 142. The flow portion 143 also preferably extends in the substantially horizontal direction to prevent the water pressure as reduced by the pressure reducing portion 142 from rising again.

(38) The first fitting hose 144 is configured such that a first end thereof communicates with a second end of the flow portion 143, and a second end thereof communicates with a supply portion 145a of the hydrogen water generator 145. Further, the first fitting hose 144 is bent in accordance with a reverse L shape such that the flowing water flows downward into the hydrogen water generator 145.

(39) The hydrogen water generator 145 includes an electrode body thereinside, and generates hydrogen by electrolyzing the introduced water within a reservoir 159 and the generated hydrogen is dissolved, thereby generating and supplying hydrogen water. Further, hydrogen water may be selectively dispensed at the preference of the user. For example, when the user presses or touches a hydrogen water button provided on the front surface of the refrigerator 1 or on the front of the dispenser unit 100, a control unit (not shown) operates the hydrogen water generator 145 to turn on to supply the hydrogen-dissolved water to the user. Otherwise, normal water in which the hydrogen is not dissolved is dispensed.

(40) Further, it is preferable that the entire outer surface of the hydrogen water generator 145 is made of a transparent material so that the user can visually check whether hydrogen water is generated or not from outside of the dispenser unit 100. This allows increased ease of use of the refrigerator 1. Further, referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the hydrogen water generator 145 may include: the supply portion 145a communicating with the second end of the first fitting hose 144 and extending downward to be coupled to the upper surface of the generator 145; and a discharge portion 145b configured to discharge the hydrogen water from the generator 145 in the lateral direction by being penetrating through the side surface of the generator 145. Accordingly, the hydraulic pressure reduced by flowing through the flow portion 143 can be compensated to a predetermined level by the supply portion 145a extending in the substantially vertical direction. That is, even when the hydraulic pressure is low, the possibility that the amount of dissolved hydrogen is maintained at a predetermined level or more is increased.

(41) The electrode body provided in the hydrogen water generator 145 may be formed with an upper electrode 145c and a lower electrode 145d having a plurality of pores formed at the center thereof, and each of the electrodes 145c and 145d may be formed with an electrode terminal on one side thereof. Further, the upper and lower electrodes 145c and 145d may be damaged during long-term use, and the control unit may measure any damage to the electrodes 145c and 145d and provide the user with information about for electrode replacement through a display portion 191. For example, electrode damage may be determined by measuring the amount of hydrogen dissolved in hydrogen water.

(42) Further, the hydrogen water generator 145 is preferably provided on the left or right side of the front surface of the guide unit 120 to facilitate size reduction of the dispenser unit 100. When the hydrogen water generator 145 is provided right at the front of a front guide surface 120a, this may cause a layout problem may occur because the dispenser unit 100 may be large. Further, it is preferable that the hydrogen water generator 145 is provided at a location adjacent to the outlet portion 147 to minimize the distance from the end of the outlet portion 147 through which the water is discharged, thereby minimizing the flow path of the hydrogen water. Thus, it is possible to prevent the amount of hydrogen dissolved in water from decreasing over time.

(43) More preferably, the hydrogen water generator 145 is provided at a location opposite to the location of the rotation drive unit 160 (to be described later) to reduce the size of the dispenser unit 100.

(44) Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the second fitting hose 146 is configured such that a first end thereof communicates with a second end of the discharge portion 145b, and a second end thereof communicates with a first end of the outlet portion 147.

(45) The outlet portion 147 is configured to flow the water supplied from the hydrogen water generator 145 to outside of the dispenser unit 100. The outlet portion 147 penetrates through the outlet portion-insertion hole 137. Further, for easy water supply, the outlet portion 147 preferably penetrates through at a location adjacent to the front surface of the mount unit 130. For example, in the case of a user filling a sports drink bottle having a very small inlet, it is difficult to dispense water into that bottle when the outlet portion 147 is provided deep inside from the front of the dispenser unit 100. Further, the outlet portion 147 is provided in front of the hollow portion 111 to facilitate filling such bottles.

(46) Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the ice cap 150 is configured to be rotatably coupled to a side of the guide unit 120. The ice cap 150 may include a shaft 151 hinged to the side guide wall 123, and a stopper 153 extending from the shaft 151 to open and close the hollow portion 111. The shaft 151 is rotatably inserted into the insertion holes of the side guide walls 123. Further, the ice cap may further include an elastic member 155 provided on the shaft, preferably, at a location adjacent to the guide hole of the side guide wall 123 in order to provide a restoring force to the ice cap 150. It is appreciated that the elastic member 155 may be any of a variety of well known configurations, such as, for instance, a coil spring and a torsion spring. The elastic member 155 provides a rotational force to return the ice cap 150 to its original position when the ice cap 150 is rotated to one side by the rotation drive unit 160.

(47) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the drive unit 160 is provided at a side of the plate unit 110, and for example, is positioned adjacent to the outer side of the side guide wall 123 to provide a rotational force to the ice cap 150. Further, for overall layout convenience and beneficial size reduction of the dispenser unit 100, it is preferable that the drive unit 160 is placed adjacent to one of the side guide wall 123 and the hydrogen water generator 145 is placed adjacent to a remaining side guide wall 123.

(48) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, the water discharge operation unit 170 is configured to supply water to the outside of the dispenser unit 100, more preferably to the outside of the dispenser unit 100 through the outlet portion 147, and to achieve this, the dispenser may include a first pressing portion 171, a first contact protrusion 173, and a first switch 175.

(49) The first pressing portion 171 is disposed below the plate unit 110 and extends downward by a predetermined length so that the first contact protrusion 173, which will be described later, is brought into contact with the first switch 175 when the front surface thereof is pressed. For example, the first pressing portion 171 may include a general pressing lever and may be hinged to the plate unit 110 so that is can rotate toward the plate unit 110. Further, it is more preferable that the first pressing portion 171 is disposed behind the outlet portion 147 adjacent to the outlet portion 147 for convenience of use.

(50) The first contact protrusion 173 is rotatably coupled to the first pressing portion 171 to be brought into contact with the neighboring first switch 175 when the first contact protrusion 173 is rotated by being pressed, preferably, rotated in the same direction as the rotation direction of the first contact protrusion 173.

(51) The first switch 175 is disposed adjacent to the first contact protrusion 173 so that the dispenser unit 100 can discharge water outside of the outlet portion 147 under the control of the control unit when the first contact protrusion 173 is pivotally contacted.

(52) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9, the ice discharge operation unit 180 is configured to supply ice outside of the dispenser unit 100, more preferably to the outside of the dispenser unit 100 through the hollow portion 111, and to achieve this, may include a second pressing portion 181, a second contact protrusion 183, and a second switch 185.

(53) The second pressing portion 181 is disposed below the plate unit 110 and extends downward by a predetermined length so that the second contact protrusion 183, which will be described later, is brought into contact with the second switch 185 when the front surface thereof is pressed. For example, the second pressing portion 181 may include a general pressing lever and may be hinged to the plate unit 110 to be rotatable toward the plate unit 110. Further, it is more preferable that the second pressing portion 181 is disposed behind the hollow portion 111 and adjacent to the hollow portion 111 for user convenience.

(54) The second contact protrusion 183 is rotatably coupled to the second pressing portion 181 to be brought into contact with the neighboring second switch 185 when the second contact protrusion 183 is rotated in response to being pressed, and preferably, rotated in the same direction as the rotation direction of the second contact protrusion 183.

(55) The second switch 185 is disposed adjacent to the second contact protrusion 183 so that the dispenser unit 100 can discharge water below the hollow portion 111 under the control of the control unit when the second contact protrusion 183 is pivotally contacted.

(56) Referring to FIG. 10, the check unit 190 is configured to allow the user to determine whether hydrogen is dissolved in the water that is discharged by the water supply unit 140 and visually check the generation of hydrogen water. To achieve this, the check unit 190 may include the display portion 191, and a hydrogen water generation controller 193.

(57) The display portion 191 is configured such that a transparent window is placed at a portion of the front side of the dispenser unit 100, more preferably, at a location corresponding to the hydrogen water generator 145, whereby the user can visually check the hydrogen water generator 145 from a position outside the dispenser unit 100. Accordingly, both the hydrogen water generator 145 and the display portion 191 are made of a transparent material so that it is possible to check in real time that hydrogen is dissolved in water inside the hydrogen water generator 145.

(58) In addition, a lighting unit (not shown) may be additionally provided at one side of the dispenser unit 100 to allow visualization of hydrogen production in the dark. For example, the lighting unit may be an LED lighting device. Further, it is more preferable that the lighting unit is disposed adjacent to the hydrogen water generator 145. Therefore, at any time, the user can check the generation of hydrogen water in real time, for verification of normal operation.

(59) The hydrogen water generation controller 193 is disposed on the front side of the refrigerator 1 or the dispenser unit 100, preferably on the front side of the display portion 191, so that the user can control the operation of the hydrogen water generator 145. For example, the hydrogen water generation controller 193 may be operated by a button or touch input method, such that the user is able to select whether to receive hydrogen water or normal water from the dispenser.

(60) Hereinbelow, reference will be made in detail to a hydrogen water dispenser unit and a refrigerator including the same according to another embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the hydrogen water dispenser unit and the refrigerator according to another embodiment are the same as the hydrogen water dispenser unit and the refrigerator according to the above-described embodiment, and there are only additional configurations pertaining to a water supply unit 140.

(61) Referring to FIG. 11, a hydrogen water dispenser unit 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a hydrogen water supply path and a normal water supply path are separated from each other. Accordingly, when normal water is discharged, it is possible to discharge water more rapidly since it is not required to pass through a pressure reducing portion 142, a flow portion 143, a hydrogen water generator 145, and the like. Further, since residual hydrogen in an outlet portion 147 side is not dissolved in the normal water, the user can be assured that a selection of normal water will result in only normal water being dispensed and a selection of hydrogen water dispenses only hydrogen water. Further, the outlet portion 147 according to the first embodiment is understood as the first outlet portion 147.

(62) Firstly, a two-way valve 148 is provided at a side end of an inlet portion 141 disposed outside the dispenser unit 100. In other words, through the two-way valve 148, the inlet portion 141 is disposed at the lower portion. Accordingly, after a control signal is received from a hydrogen water generation controller 193 that is configured to control the operation of the hydrogen water generator 145 in response to a button or touch input (located on one side of the front surface of the refrigerator 1 or the dispenser unit 100), the two-way valve 148 selectively opens and closes the inlet portion 141 and second outlet portion 149.

(63) Further, the second outlet portion 149 extends substantially horizontally and then extends downwardly in accordance with a bend thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the flow path of normal water.

(64) The lower end of the second outlet portion 149 penetrates through a through-hole 139 of a mount unit 130 and extends below the dispenser unit 100. Further, in order to facilitate user convenience, it is preferable that the through-hole 139 is formed at a location adjacent to the outlet portion-insertion hole 137, and it is more preferable that a part of the outer circumferential surface thereof is formed to be substantially in linear contact with the outlet portion-insertion hole 137.

(65) Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. It is thus well known to those skilled in that art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed in the detailed description, and the patent right of the present invention should be defined by the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present invention includes various modifications, additions and substitutions without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.