Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a refrigerator body defining at least one storage space and a door connected to the refrigerator body for closing at least a part of the storage space. The door includes a heat insulating layer. A dispenser is provided in the door and has a dispenser casing which is adjacent to the heat insulating layer. A heater is arranged at least adjacent to the inner side of the dispenser casing and a heat conducting element covers at least a part of the inner surface of the dispenser casing in facing relationship to the heat insulating layer. The heat conducting element is arranged at least adjacent to the heater for transmitting the heat generated by the heater to the dispenser casing.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A refrigerator, comprising:
 a refrigerator body defining at least one storage space;   a door connected to the refrigerator body for closing at least a part of the storage space, said door comprising a heat insulating layer;   a dispenser provided in the door and comprising a dispenser casing which is adjacent to the heat insulating layer;   a heater arranged at least adjacent to an inner side of the dispenser casing; and   a heat conducting element covering at least a part of the inner surface of the dispenser casing in facing relationship to the heat insulating layer, said heat conducting element being arranged at least adjacent to the heater for transmitting heat generated by the heater to the dispenser casing.   
     
     
         13 . The refrigerator of  claim 12 , wherein the heat conducting element contacts the heater. 
     
     
         14 . The refrigerator of  claim 12 , wherein the dispenser casing defines a dispensing cavity for receiving at least a part of an outside container, said dispensing cavity comprising a dispensing cavity wall extending in a longitudinal direction, said heat conducting element covering at least a major portion of the dispensing cavity wall. 
     
     
         15 . The refrigerator of  claim 12 , wherein only an edge area of the heat conducting element contacts the heater. 
     
     
         16 . The refrigerator of  claim 12 , wherein the heat conducting element has an upper end in contact with the heater. 
     
     
         17 . The refrigerator of  claim 12 , wherein the heat conducting element comprises a metal foil having a high heat conductivity, said metal foil establishing face-to-face contacting with the dispenser casing. 
     
     
         18 . The refrigerator of  claim 12 , further comprising an adhesive for attaching the heat conducting element to the dispenser casing. 
     
     
         19 . The refrigerator e of  claim 12 , further comprising an ice transfer passage extending through the door, said heater being arranged near the ice transfer passage. 
     
     
         20 . The refrigerator of  claim 12 , wherein the heater is connected to the dispenser casing. 
     
     
         21 . The refrigerator of  claim 12 , wherein the heater comprises a first heater and a second heater which are controlled independently from each other. 
     
     
         22 . The refrigerator of  claim 21 , wherein the dispenser casing comprises a first area and a second area located near the first area, said first and second areas being arranged adjacent to the heat insulating layer, wherein the first and second heaters are disposed in the first and second areas, respectively.