KR102778429B1 - Ice maker and Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.
The refrigerator of the present invention may include a first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell, a heater disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second tray assemblies, and a control unit controlling the heater.
A refrigerator wherein the control unit controls the heater to be turned on so that ice is easily separated from the tray assemblies before the second tray assembly moves forward to the freezing position.

Description

Ice maker and refrigerator

This specification relates to a refrigerator.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at a low temperature in an internal storage space sealed by a door.

The above refrigerator can keep stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air.

Usually, refrigerators come with an ice maker to make ice.

The above ice maker collects water supplied from a water source or water tank in a tray and then cools the water to create ice.

Additionally, the ice maker can remove the ice that has been made from the ice tray by heating or twisting.

This type of ice maker, which automatically supplies and removes ice, is formed to open upwards and scoop up the formed ice.

Ice produced in an ice maker of this type of structure has at least one flat surface, such as a crescent or cubic shape.

Meanwhile, if the ice is formed into a spherical shape, it can be more convenient to use the ice and provide a different experience to the user. In addition, when storing the ice, the area of contact between the ice pieces can be minimized, thereby minimizing the ice from sticking together.

Prior document Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1850918 (hereinafter referred to as “prior document 1”) discloses an ice maker.

The ice maker of prior art document 1 includes an upper tray having a plurality of hemispherical upper cells arranged therein and a pair of link guide portions extending upward from both side ends; a lower tray having a plurality of hemispherical lower cells arranged therein and being rotatably connected to the upper tray; a rotational shaft connected to the rear ends of the lower tray and the upper tray so that the lower tray rotates with respect to the upper tray; a pair of links having one end connected to the lower tray and the other end connected to the link guide portion; and an upper ejecting pin assembly having both ends respectively connected to the pair of links while being fitted into the link guide portions and moving up and down together with the links.

In the case of prior art document 1, spherical ice can be created by a hemispherical upper cell and a hemispherical lower cell. However, since ice is created simultaneously in the upper cell and the lower cell, there is a disadvantage in that the bubbles contained in the water are not completely discharged, and the bubbles are dispersed inside the water, making the created ice opaque.

Prior art document Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-269172 (hereinafter referred to as “prior art document 2”) discloses an ice making device.

The ice making device of prior art document 2 includes an ice making plate and a heater that heats the bottom of water supplied to the ice making plate.

In the case of the ice making device of prior art document 2, water on one side and the bottom of the ice making block is heated by a heater during the ice making process. Accordingly, solidification occurs on the water surface side, and convection occurs within the water, so that transparent ice can be created.

As the transparent ice grows, the volume of water within the ice block decreases, and the solidification speed gradually increases, so that sufficient convection suitable for the solidification speed cannot occur.

Therefore, in the case of prior literature 2, when approximately 2/3 of the water is solidified, the heating amount of the heater is increased to suppress the increase in the solidification speed.

However, according to prior art document 2, when the volume of water is simply reduced, the heating amount of the heater is only increased, and a structure and heater control logic for generating ice with high transparency while reducing the decrease in ice-making speed are not disclosed.

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of producing ice having uniform transparency by reducing the heat transferred to an adjacent tray by a heater operating during an ice-making process and transferred to an ice-making cell formed by another tray.

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator that forms transparent ice while having uniform transparency per unit height of ice.

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator in which ice can be easily separated from a tray assembly during a freezing process.

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the ice maker is compact while increasing the moving distance of the pusher for smooth ice-making.

A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a first tray assembly forming a portion of an ice-making cell and a second tray assembly forming another portion of the ice-making cell.

A pusher may be arranged adjacent to at least one of the first and second tray assemblies. An ice heater may be provided adjacent to at least one of the first and second tray assemblies. The control unit may control the ice heater to be turned on before the second tray assembly moves forward to the ice position so that ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly. The tray assembly may be defined as a tray. The tray assembly may be defined as a tray and a tray case surrounding the tray. One of the first and second tray assemblies may be closer to the ice heater than the other tray assembly. The ice heater may be arranged on one of the tray assemblies.

When the ice making process is completed, the adhesion between the ice of the ice making cell and the tray may be greater for one tray than for the other tray. It may be advantageous for the pusher to be placed on a tray having a greater adhesion between the ice and the tray. The greater adhesion may be defined as a greater bonding angle between the ice of the ice making cell and the tray. The bonding angle may be a material characteristic of the tray. The adhesion between the ice of the ice making cell and the tray may be smaller than the adhesion between the ice of the ice making cell and the tray case. This configuration may reduce the adhesion of the ice of the ice making cell to the tray during the ice making process. The adhesion between the ice of the ice making cell and the tray case may be smaller than the adhesion between the ice of the ice making cell and the case of the refrigerator. In general, the case of the refrigerator may be made of a metal material including iron. The metal material may be advantageous in terms of heat transfer, but may be disadvantageous in terms of adhesion to the ice. The above-mentioned high degree of adhesion can be defined as a long time for which the ice of the ice-making cell and the tray are combined. For example, if ice is generated in the direction of the ice-making cell of the first tray toward the ice-making cell of the second tray during the ice-making process, the degree of adhesion between the ice and the first tray can be greater than the degree of adhesion between the ice and the second tray.

The refrigerator may further include a driving unit. The position of the second tray may be controlled to be determined according to the movement position (linear/rotary movement) of the driving unit. The control unit may control the movement position of the driving unit to be changed in the reverse direction after the water supply is completed so that the second tray moves to the ice-making position. The control unit may control the movement position of the driving unit to be additionally changed in the reverse direction so as to increase the bonding force between the first and second trays in the ice-making position. A refrigerator provided with such a configuration may advantageously include the pusher. This is because the greater the bonding force between the first and second trays, the greater the adhesion between the ice and the tray.

The pusher may be placed on a tray among the first and second trays, which has a high adhesion to ice. The pusher may include a first edge formed with a surface that presses ice or the tray so that the ice can be easily separated from the tray, a bar extended from the first edge, and a second edge located at an end of the bar. The control unit may control at least one of the pusher and the second tray to be moved so that the position of the pusher is changed. The control unit may control the ice heater to be turned on before at least one of the pusher and the second tray is moved. In this case, damage to the pusher or the second tray can be reduced. The control unit may control the position of at least one of the pusher and the second tray to be changed after the ice heater is turned off. In this case, the risk of a leakage of a wire supplying electricity to the ice heater can be reduced. The section in which at least one of the pusher and the second tray moves and the section in which the moving heater is turned on may overlap. The control unit may control the position of at least one of the pusher and the second tray to be changed after the moving heater is turned on and before the heater is turned off.

Meanwhile, the pusher may include a first pusher positioned closer to one of the first tray and the second tray, and a second pusher positioned closer to the other of the first tray and the second tray.

The control unit may control the first edge of the first pusher to pass through a through hole formed in one of the trays at a first point outside the ice-making cell. The control unit may control the first edge of the second pusher to contact at least a portion of the other tray at a first point outside the ice-making cell. The minimum distance between the first edge of the first pusher and a horizontal plane passing through the center of the ice-making cell may be smaller than the minimum distance between the first edge of the second pusher and a horizontal plane passing through the center of the ice-making cell. In this case, it may be advantageous for the first pusher to be placed on a tray having a high degree of adhesion to ice among the first and second trays. The distance between the first edge of the second pusher and a horizontal plane passing through the center of the ice-making cell may be greater than 0 and less than 1/2 of a radius of the ice-making cell.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a heater that is turned on during at least a portion of the period during which the cooler supplies cold so that bubbles dissolved in water inside the ice-making cell move from the section where ice is formed toward the liquid water, thereby forming transparent ice. The heater may be a transparent ice heater. When the first pusher is arranged closer to one of the first and second trays, the transparent ice heater may be arranged closer to the other of the first and second trays. For example, when the transparent ice heater is arranged closer to the second tray, ice may be formed from the ice-making cell of the first tray toward the ice-making cell of the second tray. In this case, the degree of adhesion between the ice and the first tray may be greater than the degree of adhesion between the ice and the second tray. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the first pusher to be arranged closer to the first tray on which the transparent ice heater is not arranged.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a receiving chamber that provides a space for receiving at least a portion of the pusher whose position is changed. The receiving chamber may include a first receiving chamber that provides a space where the second edge is located during the ice-making process. The receiving chamber may further include a third receiving chamber that provides a space where the second edge is located at the water supply position or the ice-making position and is located outside the second edge. The third receiving chamber may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the first receiving chamber.

The control unit may control the first edge to be in different positions at the water supply position and the ice making position. In this case, water supplied to the ice making cell at the water supply position may be reduced from freezing during the ice making process by attaching to the pusher. For example, the control unit may control the first edge to move in a first direction during the process of moving from the ice separating position to the water supply position, and may control the first edge to additionally move in the first direction during the process of moving from the water supply position to the ice making position. As another example, the control unit may control the first edge to move in the first direction during the process of moving from the ice separating position to the water supply position, and may control the first edge to move in a second direction different from the first direction during the process of moving from the water supply position to the ice making position. Here, the movement of the first edge in the second direction may include a rotational movement. The second direction movement of the first edge may include a movement at an angle different from the first direction.

The above control unit can control the position of the first edge to be determined by the movement of the driving unit. The control unit can control the driving unit to additionally move after the first edge reaches the ice-making position. In this case, water supplied to the ice-making cell at the water supply position can be reduced from freezing during the ice-making process by attaching to the pusher.

The position of the first edge can be determined by the movement of the driving unit. The control unit can control the driving unit to move additionally after the first edge reaches the ice-breaking position. In this case, the pressing force applied by the first edge to the ice at the ice-breaking position can be increased. The tray may have a smaller deformation resistance and a larger recovery resistance than the metal. The tray may have a smaller deformation resistance and a larger recovery resistance than the tray case.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a bracket including a surface on which the second tray is supported. The refrigerator may include a first portion forming a surface supported by the bracket. The refrigerator may further include a cover member having a third portion forming a surface supported by the storage compartment.

The control unit can control, at the moving position, the second edge to be positioned between the surface on which the second tray is supported by the bracket and the surface on which the bracket is supported by the first portion of the cover member. The control unit can control, at the water supply position, the second edge to be positioned between the surface on which the bracket is supported by the cover member and the surface on which the third portion of the cover member is supported by the storage room. This configuration can enable a wider use of the space of the storage room in which the first and second tray assemblies are arranged. That is, the more compactly the first and second tray assemblies are arranged, the more the remaining space of the storage room can be used.

The above control unit can control the first edge to move away from the through hole provided in the water supply unit during the process of the second tray moving from the ice-making position to the water supply position. For example, the control unit can control the first edge to move upward relative to the through hole. In another example, the control unit can control the first edge to rotate away from the through hole. This configuration can reduce freezing of the first edge. The through hole can be formed in a direction in which the water supply unit faces the ice-making cell.

The above control unit can control the second edge to move additionally during the process of the second tray moving from the water supply position to the ice-making position. The control unit can control the driving unit to rotate additionally at the ice-making position. This configuration can increase the bonding force between the first and second tray assemblies.

A refrigerator according to another aspect may include: a storage room in which food is stored; a cooler for supplying cold to the storage room; a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature within the storage room; a first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space in which water is phase-changed into ice by the cold; a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell and connected to a driving unit so as to be able to come into contact with the first tray assembly during an ice-making process and be able to be spaced apart from the first tray assembly during an ice-separating process; a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making cell; a second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell; a heater positioned adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly; and a control unit for controlling the heater and the driving unit.

The above control unit can control the cooler to supply cold to the ice making cell after the water supply to the ice making cell is completed and then move the second tray assembly to the ice making position.

The above control unit can control the second tray assembly to move forward to the ice removal position and then move in the reverse direction to remove ice from the ice removal cell after ice production in the ice making cell is completed.

The above control unit can start supplying water after the second tray assembly is moved in the reverse direction to the supply position after the ice-making is completed.

The above control unit can control the heater to be turned on so that ice is easily separated from the tray assemblies before the second tray assembly moves forward to the ice removal position.

The first tray assembly may include a first tray and a first tray case supporting the first tray, and the second tray assembly may include a second tray and a second tray case supporting the second tray.

When the ice making process is completed, the adhesion between the ice in the ice making cell and the tray may be greater for one of the first and second trays than for the other tray.

The above high degree of adhesion means that the bonding angle between the ice of the ice making cell and the tray is large.

The degree of adhesion between the ice of the ice making cell and the trays may be less than the degree of adhesion between the ice of the ice making cell and the tray case. The degree of adhesion between the ice of the ice making cell and the tray case may be less than the degree of adhesion between the ice of the ice making cell and the case of the refrigerator.

The high degree of adhesion means that the time that the ice in the ice making cell and the tray are combined is long.

The above heater may be positioned adjacent to either one of the first and second trays.

It may further include an additional heater positioned adjacent to another one of the first and second trays.

The amount of heating supplied by the heater before the second tray assembly moves to the icing position may be greater than the amount of heating supplied by the additional heater.

The above control unit can control the position of the second tray assembly to be determined according to the movement position of the driving unit.

The control unit may, after the water supply is completed, control the driving unit to change the motion position in the reverse direction so that the second tray assembly moves in the reverse direction to the ice-making position, and may further change the motion position of the driving unit in the reverse direction so as to increase the coupling force between the first and second tray assemblies at the ice-making position.

The cooler may further include an additional heater that is turned on in at least a portion of a section where cold is supplied so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell can move from the section where ice is formed toward the liquid water, thereby forming transparent ice.

The additional heater may be positioned adjacent to another one of the first and second tray assemblies.

The device may further include a pusher having a first edge formed with a surface that presses the ice or at least one of the first and second tray assemblies to easily separate the ice from the first and second tray assemblies, a bar extending from the first edge, and a second edge positioned at an end of the bar.

The above control unit can control movement of at least one of the pusher and the at least one tray assembly so that the distance between the first edge of the pusher and the ice-making cell changes.

The above control unit can control the heater to be turned on before one or more of the pusher and the at least one tray assembly move.

The above pusher may include a first pusher disposed adjacent to one of the first and second tray assemblies, and a second pusher disposed adjacent to the other tray assembly.

The above control unit can control the first edge of the first pusher to pass through a through hole formed in one of the tray assemblies at a first point outside the ice-making cell.

The control unit can control the first edge of the second pusher to contact at least a portion of the other tray assembly at a first point outside the ice-making cell.

One of the above tray assemblies may include a first contact surface, and the other of the above tray assemblies may include a second contact surface that contacts the first contact surface at the ice-making position.

In the moving position, the minimum distance between the first edge of the first pusher and the first contact surface can be less than the minimum distance between the first edge of the second pusher and the second contact surface.

In the ice-making position, the other tray assembly can include a contact surface that contacts the one of the tray assemblies. In the ice-making position, a distance between the first edge of the second pusher and the contact surface can be greater than zero and less than half the distance from the center of the ice-making cell to the outer periphery.

According to the proposed invention, since the heater is turned on during at least a portion of the period in which the cooler supplies cold, the ice-making speed is slowed down by the heat of the heater, so that the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move from the part where ice is formed to the liquid water, thereby allowing transparent ice to be formed.

In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, by controlling at least one of the cooling capacity of the cooler and the heating amount of the heater to vary depending on the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell, ice having uniform transparency can be produced overall regardless of the shape of the ice-making cell.

In addition, the present embodiment can produce ice having uniform transparency overall by varying the heating amount of the transparent ice heater and/or the cooling power of the cooler in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the water in the ice making cell and the cold in the storage chamber.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the pressing force of the movable pusher to pressurize the ice is increased, so that the ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly during the ice-breaking process.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the second edge of the movable pusher is positioned within the space formed by the cover member, there is an advantage in that the ice maker becomes compact while increasing the moving distance of the pusher.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a front view of the ice maker of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ice maker with the bracket removed in Figure 3.
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of a bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the first tray viewed from above.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first tray viewed from below.
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along Fig. 10 of Fig. 8.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 8.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the first tray cover.
Figure 13 is a bottom perspective view of the first tray cover.
Figure 14 is a plan view of the first tray cover.
Figure 15 is a side view of the first tray case.
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the joint relationship between the first heater case and the first tray.
Figure 17 is a plan view of the first tray supporter.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a second tray viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of the second tray viewed from below.
Fig. 20 is a bottom view of the second tray.
Figure 21 is a plan view of the second tray.
Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of Fig. 18.
Figure 23 is a perspective view of the second tray cover.
Figure 24 is a plan view of the second tray cover.
Figure 25 is a top perspective view of the second tray supporter.
Figure 26 is a bottom perspective view of the second tray supporter.
Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of Fig. 25.
Figure 28 is a perspective view of the second heater case.
Figure 29 is a drawing of the lower heater coupled to the second heater case.
Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of Fig. 29.
Figure 31 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second heater case.
Fig. 32 is a drawing showing the first pusher of the present invention.
Figure 33 is a drawing showing a state in which the first pusher is connected to the second tray assembly by a pusher link.
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a second pusher according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 35-35 of Fig. 2.
Figure 36 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 37 is a flow chart for explaining a process of generating ice in an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 38 is a drawing for explaining the height standard according to the relative position of the transparent ice heater to the ice making cell.
Figure 39 is a drawing for explaining the output of a transparent ice heater per unit height of water in an ice making cell.
Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the water supply location.
Figure 41 is a drawing showing a state in which water supply is completed in Figure 40.
Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the ice making position.
Figure 43 is a drawing showing a state in which the pressure part of the second tray is deformed in the ice-making completed state.
Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly during the icing process.
Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly in the moving position.
Figure 46 is a drawing showing the operation of the pusher link when the second tray assembly moves from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position.
Figure 47 is a drawing showing the position of the first pusher in the water supply position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator.
Fig. 48 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher at the water supply position with the ice maker installed in the refrigerator.
Figure 49 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher in the ice removal position with the ice maker installed in the refrigerator.
Figure 50 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the through hole of the bracket and the cold air duct.
Figure 51 is a drawing for explaining a method of controlling a refrigerator when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water is variable during the ice making process.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function hinders understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Also, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

The refrigerator of the present invention may include a tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice, a cooler for supplying cold to the ice-making cell, a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making cell, and a control unit. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may further include a heater positioned adjacent to the tray assembly. The refrigerator may further include a driving unit capable of moving the tray assembly. The refrigerator may further include a storage compartment in which food is stored in addition to the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may further include a cooler for supplying cold to the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the storage compartment. The control unit may control at least one of the water supply unit and the cooler. The control unit may control at least one of the heater and the driving unit.

The control unit may control the cooler to supply cold to the ice-making cell after the tray assembly is moved to the ice-making position. The control unit may control the tray assembly to move forward to the ice-taking position to take out ice from the ice-making cell after the ice-making is completed. The control unit may control the tray assembly to move in the reverse direction to the water supply position after the ice-taking is completed and then start the water supply. The control unit may control the tray assembly to move to the ice-making position after the water supply is completed.

In the present invention, the storage room can be defined as a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by a cooler. The outer case can be defined as a wall that divides the storage room and the space outside the storage room (i.e., the space outside the refrigerator). An insulating material can be positioned between the outer case and the storage room. An inner case can be positioned between the insulating material and the storage room.

In the present invention, the ice-making cell is located inside the storage chamber and can be defined as a space where water changes into ice. The circumference of the ice-making cell is not related to the shape of the ice-making cell and refers to the outer surface of the ice-making cell. In another aspect, the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making cell may refer to the inner surface of a wall forming the ice-making cell. The center of the ice-making cell refers to the center of gravity or the center of volume of the ice-making cell. The center may pass through the line of symmetry of the ice-making cell.

In the present invention, a tray may be defined as a wall dividing the ice-making cell and the inside of the storage room. The tray may be defined as a wall forming at least a part of the ice-making cell. The tray may be configured to surround the ice-making cell entirely or only a part of it. The tray may include a first part forming at least a part of the ice-making cell and a second part extending from a certain point of the first part. The tray may be present in plurality. The plurality of trays may be in contact with each other. For example, the tray disposed at the lower portion may include a plurality of trays. The tray disposed at the upper portion may include a plurality of trays. The refrigerator may include at least one tray disposed at the lower portion of the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may additionally include a tray positioned at the upper portion of the ice-making cell. The above first part and the second part may have a structure that takes into account the heat transfer of the tray, the cold transfer of the tray, the deformation resistance of the tray, the recovery resistance of the tray, the supercooling degree of the tray, the adhesion between the tray and the ice solidified inside the tray, and the bonding force between one tray and another among a plurality of trays, which will be described later.

In the present invention, a tray case may be positioned between the tray and the storage room. That is, the tray case may be arranged so as to surround at least a portion of the tray. The tray case may be present in plurality. The plurality of tray cases may be in contact with each other. The tray case may be in contact with the tray to support at least a portion of the tray. The tray case may be configured so that a component other than the tray (e.g., a heater, a sensor, a power transmission member, etc.) is connected. The tray case may be directly coupled to the component or coupled to the component through an intermediary therebetween. For example, if a wall forming an ice-making cell is formed of a thin film and there is a structure surrounding the thin film, the thin film is defined as a tray, and the structure is defined as a tray case. As another example, if a part of a wall forming an ice-making cell is formed of a thin film, and the structure includes a first part forming another part of the wall forming the ice-making cell and a second part surrounding the thin film, the thin film and the first part of the structure are defined as a tray, and the second part of the structure is defined as a tray case.

In the present invention, the tray assembly may be defined as including at least the tray. In the present invention, the tray assembly may additionally include the tray case.

In the present invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly configured to be movable and connected to a driving unit. The driving unit is configured to move the tray assembly in at least one axial direction of the X, Y, and Z axes or to rotate the tray assembly around at least one axis of the X, Y, and Z axes. The present invention may include a refrigerator having the remaining configurations excluding the driving unit and the power transmission member connecting the driving unit and the tray assembly as described in the detailed description. In the present invention, the tray assembly can be moved in a first direction.

In the present invention, the cooler can be defined as a means for cooling the storage chamber, including an evaporator and at least one thermoelectric element.

In the present invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly in which the heater is disposed. The heater may be disposed near the tray assembly so as to heat an ice-making cell formed by the tray assembly in which the heater is disposed. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter, "transparent ice heater") that is controlled to be turned on during at least a portion of a section while the cooler supplies cold so that bubbles dissolved in water inside the ice-making cell move toward liquid water in a section where ice is generated, thereby generating transparent ice. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter, "separating heater") that is controlled to be turned on during at least a portion of a section after ice-making is completed so that ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include a plurality of transparent ice heaters. The refrigerator may include a plurality of separating heaters. The refrigerator may include a transparent ice heater and a separating heater. In this case, the control unit may control the heating amount of the separating heater to be greater than the heating amount of the transparent ice heater.

In the present invention, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming an outer surface of the ice-making cell. The tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of the ice-making cell and a second portion extending from a predetermined point of the first portion.

For example, the first region may be formed in a first portion of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be formed in a first portion of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be parts of one tray assembly. The first and second regions may be arranged to contact each other. The first region may be a lower portion of an ice-making cell formed by the tray assembly. The second region may be an upper portion of an ice-making cell formed by the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include an additional tray assembly. One of the first and second regions may include a region in contact with the additional tray assembly. When the additional tray assembly is located below the first region, the additional tray assembly may be in contact with a lower portion of the first region. When the additional tray assembly is located above the second region, the additional tray assembly and an upper portion of the second region may be in contact.

As another example, the tray assembly may be configured as a plurality of tray assemblies that may be in contact with each other. The first region may be located in a first tray assembly among the plurality of tray assemblies, and the second region may be located in a second tray assembly. The first region may be the first tray assembly. The second region may be the second tray assembly. The first and second regions may be arranged to be in contact with each other. At least a portion of the first tray assembly may be located below the ice-making cell formed by the first and second tray assemblies. At least a portion of the second tray assembly may be located above the ice-making cell formed by the first and second tray assemblies.

Meanwhile, the first region may be a region closer to the heater than the second region. The first region may be a region where the heater is arranged. The second region may be a region closer to the heat absorbing portion of the cooler (i.e., the heat absorbing portion of the refrigerant pipe or the thermoelectric module) than the first region. The second region may be a region closer to the through-hole through which the cooler supplies cold air to the ice-making cell than the first region. In order for the cooler to supply cold air through the through-hole, an additional through-hole may be formed in another component. The second region may be a region closer to the additional through-hole than the first region. The heater may be a transparent ice heater. The thermal insulation of the second region with respect to the cold may be smaller than that of the first region.

Meanwhile, a heater may be arranged in one of the first and second tray assemblies of the refrigerator. For example, if the heater is not arranged in the other one, the control unit may control the heater to be turned on during at least some sections while the cooler supplies cold. As another example, if an additional heater is arranged in the other one, the control unit may control the heating amount of the heater to be greater than the heating amount of the additional heater during at least some sections while the cooler supplies cold. The heater may be a transparent ice heater.

The present invention may include a refrigerator having a configuration excluding the transparent ice heater as described in the detailed description.

The present invention may include a pusher having a first edge formed with a surface that presses ice or at least one surface of the tray assembly so that the ice is easily separated from the tray assembly. The pusher may include a bar extending from the first edge and a second edge positioned at an end of the bar. The control unit may control movement of at least one of the pusher and the tray assembly so that a position of the pusher is changed. The pusher may be defined as a penetrating pusher, a non-penetrating pusher, a movable pusher, or a fixed pusher, depending on the viewpoint.

A through hole through which the pusher moves may be formed in the tray assembly, and the pusher may be configured to directly apply pressure to ice within the tray assembly. The pusher may be defined as a through-type pusher.

A pressurizing portion that pressurizes the pusher may be formed in the tray assembly, and the pusher may be configured to apply pressure to one surface of the tray assembly. The pusher may be defined as a non-penetrating pusher.

The control unit can control the pusher to move so that the first edge of the pusher can be positioned between a first point outside the ice-making cell and a second point inside the ice-making cell.

The above pusher may be defined as a movable pusher. The pusher may be connected to a drive unit, a rotational shaft of the drive unit, or a movable tray assembly connected to the drive.

The control unit may control at least one of the tray assemblies to move so that the first edge of the pusher can be positioned between a first point outside the ice-making cell and a second point inside the ice-making cell. The control unit may control at least one of the tray assemblies to move toward the pusher. Alternatively, the control unit may control the relative positions of the pusher and the tray assembly so that the pusher additionally pressurizes the pressurization unit after the pusher contacts the pressurization unit at the first point outside the ice-making cell. The pusher may be coupled to a fixed end. The pusher may be defined as a fixed pusher.

In the present invention, the ice-making cell can be cooled by the cooler that cools the storage room. For example, the storage room where the ice-making cell is located is a freezer that can be controlled to a temperature lower than 0 degrees, and the ice-making cell can be cooled by the cooler that cools the freezer.

The above freezer may be divided into multiple zones, and the ice making cell may be located in one of the multiple zones.

In the present invention, the ice-making cell may be cooled by a cooler other than the cooler that cools the storage room. For example, the storage room where the ice-making cell is located may be a refrigerator that can be controlled to a temperature higher than 0 degrees, and the ice-making cell may be cooled by a cooler other than the cooler that cools the refrigerator room. That is, the refrigerator may have a refrigerator room and a freezer room, the ice-making cell may be located inside the refrigerator room, and the ice-making cell may be cooled by a cooler that cools the freezer room.

The above ice-making cell can be located in a door that opens and closes the storage room.

In the present invention, the ice-making cell is not located inside the storage room, but can be cooled by a cooler. For example, the entire storage room formed inside the outer case can be the ice-making cell.

In the present invention, the degree of heat transfer indicates the degree to which heat is transferred from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature object, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc. From the perspective of the material of the object, a high degree of heat transfer of the object may mean that the thermal conductivity of the object is high. The thermal conductivity may be a unique material characteristic of the object. Even when the material of the object is the same, the degree of heat transfer may vary depending on the shape of the object, etc.

Depending on the shape of the above object, the heat transfer rate may vary. The heat transfer rate from point A to point B may be affected by the length of the path (hereinafter referred to as “heat transfer path”) through which heat is transferred from point A to point B. The longer the heat transfer path from point A to point B, the lower the heat transfer rate from point A to point B. The shorter the heat transfer path from point A to point B, the higher the heat transfer rate from point A to point B.

Meanwhile, the heat transfer from point A to point B may be affected by the thickness of the path along which heat is transferred from point A to point B. The thinner the thickness in the direction of the path along which heat is transferred from point A to point B, the lower the heat transfer from point A to point B. The thicker the thickness in the direction of the path along which heat is transferred from point A to point B, the higher the heat transfer from point A to point B.

In the present invention, the degree of cold transfer refers to the degree to which cold is transferred from a low-temperature object to a high-temperature object, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc. The degree of cold transfer is a term defined in consideration of the direction in which the cold flows, and can be viewed as the same concept as the degree of heat transfer. The explanation of the same concept as the degree of heat transfer will be omitted.

In the present invention, the degree of supercooling refers to the degree to which a liquid is supercooled, and can be defined as a value determined by the material of the liquid, the material or shape of a container containing the liquid, external influence factors applied to the liquid during the solidification process of the liquid, etc. An increase in the frequency of supercooling of the liquid can be regarded as an increase in the degree of supercooling. A decrease in the temperature at which the liquid is maintained in a supercooled state can be regarded as an increase in the degree of supercooling. Here, supercooling refers to a state in which the liquid does not solidify but exists in a liquid phase even at a temperature below the freezing point of the liquid. The supercooled liquid has the characteristic of rapidly solidifying from the point at which supercooling is relieved. In a case where the speed at which the liquid solidifies is to be maintained within a predetermined range, it would be advantageous to design the system so that the supercooling phenomenon is reduced.

In the present invention, the degree of deformation resistance refers to the degree to which an object resists deformation due to an external force applied to the object, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc. As an example, the external force may include a pressure applied to the tray assembly during the process in which water inside the ice-making cell solidifies and expands. As another example, the external force may include a pressure applied to ice or a part of the tray assembly by a pusher for separating the ice and the tray assembly. As another example, when the tray assemblies are coupled, the pressure applied by the coupling may be included.

Meanwhile, from the viewpoint of the material of the object, a large degree of internal deformation of the object may mean that the rigidity of the object is large. The thermal conductivity may be a unique material characteristic of the object. Even when the material of the object is the same, the degree of internal deformation may vary depending on the shape of the object, etc. The degree of internal deformation may be affected by an internal deformation reinforcement portion extended in the direction in which the external force is applied. The greater the rigidity of the internal deformation reinforcement portion, the greater the degree of internal deformation. The greater the height of the extended internal deformation reinforcement portion, the greater the degree of internal deformation.

In the present invention, the degree of restoration refers to the degree to which an object deformed by an external force is restored to its shape before the external force was applied after the external force is removed, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc. As an example, the external force may include a pressure applied to the tray assembly during the process in which water inside the ice-making cell solidifies and expands. As another example, the external force may include a pressure applied to ice or a part of the tray assembly by a pusher for separating the ice and the tray assembly. As another example, when the tray assemblies are joined, the pressure applied by the joining force may be included.

Meanwhile, from the perspective of the material of the object, a large degree of restitution of the object may mean a large elastic modulus of the object. The elastic modulus may be a unique material characteristic of the object. Even when the material of the object is the same, the degree of restitution may vary depending on the shape of the object, etc. The degree of restitution may be affected by an elastic reinforcement portion extended in the direction in which the external force is applied. The degree of restitution may increase as the elastic modulus of the elastic reinforcement portion increases.

In the present invention, the bonding force represents the degree of bonding between a plurality of tray assemblies, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the tray assembly, the material of the tray assembly, the size of the force bonding the trays, etc.

In the present invention, the degree of adhesion refers to the degree to which ice and the container are adhered during the process in which water contained in the container turns into ice, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the container, the material of the container, the time elapsed after the water turns into ice inside the container, etc.

The refrigerator of the present invention may include a first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice due to the cold, a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell, a cooler for supplying cold to the ice-making cell, a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making cell, and a control unit. The refrigerator may further include a storage room in addition to the ice-making cell. The storage room may include a space for storing food. The ice-making cell may be arranged inside the storage room. The refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature inside the storage room. The refrigerator may further include a second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell. The second tray assembly may be connected to a driving unit so as to be in contact with the first tray assembly during an ice-making process and to be spaced apart from the first tray assembly during an ice-removing process. The refrigerator may further include a heater positioned adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

The control unit can control at least one of the heater and the driving unit. The control unit can control the cooler to supply cold to the ice making cell after the second tray assembly moves to the ice making position after the water supply to the ice making cell is completed. The control unit can control the second tray assembly to move forward to the ice removing position and then move in the reverse direction to take out ice from the ice making cell after the ice production in the ice making cell is completed. The control unit can control the second tray assembly to move in the reverse direction to the water supply position after the ice removal is completed and then start the water supply.

Explaining about transparent ice. There are bubbles dissolved in water, and ice solidified with the bubbles included may have low transparency due to the bubbles. Therefore, if the bubbles are induced to move from the part where the water freezes first in the ice-making cell to another part that is not yet frozen, the transparency of the ice can be increased during the solidification process.

The through-hole formed in the tray assembly can affect the generation of transparent ice. The through-hole formed on one side of the tray assembly can affect the generation of transparent ice. In the process of generating ice, if the air bubbles are induced to move from a portion of the ice-making cell where the ice is first frozen to the outside of the ice-making cell, the transparency of the ice can be increased. In order to induce the air bubbles to move to the outside of the ice-making cell, the through-hole can be arranged on one side of the tray assembly. Since the air bubbles have a lower density than the liquid, a through-hole (hereinafter, "air bleeding hole") that induces the air bubbles to escape to the outside of the ice-making cell can be arranged on the upper portion of the tray assembly.

The location of the cooler and heater can affect the production of clear ice. The location of the cooler and heater can affect the ice-making direction, which is the direction in which ice is produced within the ice-making cell.

In the ice-making process, if bubbles are induced to move or be captured from an area where water is first solidified in the ice-making cell to another predetermined area in a liquid state, the transparency of the ice produced can be increased. The direction in which the bubbles move or are captured may be similar to the ice-making direction. The predetermined area may be an area in which water is desired to be induced to solidify late in the ice-making cell.

The above-described predetermined region may be a region where the cold supplied by the cooler to the ice-making cell reaches late. For example, during the ice-making process, in order to move or capture the bubbles to the lower part of the ice-making cell, the through-hole through which the cooler supplies cold air to the ice-making cell may be arranged closer to the upper part than the lower part of the ice-making cell. As another example, the heat absorbing part of the cooler (i.e., the refrigerant pipe of the evaporator or the heat absorbing part of the thermoelectric element) may be arranged closer to the upper part than the lower part of the ice-making cell. In the present invention, the upper part and the lower part of the ice-making cell may be defined as the upper part and the lower part based on the height of the ice-making cell.

The above-mentioned fixed area may be an area where a heater is placed. For example, during the ice making process, in order to move or capture bubbles in the water to the bottom of the ice making cell, the heater may be placed closer to the bottom than the top of the ice making cell.

The above-described predetermined region may be a region closer to the outer periphery of the ice-making cell than the center of the ice-making cell. However, the vicinity of the center is not excluded. When the above-described predetermined region is near the center of the ice-making cell, an opaque portion due to air bubbles moving or captured near the center may be easily visible to the user, and the opaque portion may remain until most of the ice melts. In addition, it may be difficult to place the heater inside the ice-making cell containing water. In contrast, when the above-described predetermined region is located at or near the outer periphery of the ice-making cell, water may solidify from one side of the outer periphery of the ice-making cell to the other side of the outer periphery of the ice-making cell, thereby resolving the above-described problem. The transparent ice heater may be placed at or near the outer periphery of the ice-making cell. The heater may also be placed at or near the tray assembly.

The above-mentioned fixed area may be located closer to the bottom of the ice-making cell than the top of the ice-making cell. However, the top is not excluded. During the ice-making process, liquid water with a density greater than ice descends, so it may be advantageous for the above-mentioned fixed area to be located at the bottom of the ice-making cell.

At least one of the deformation degree of the tray assembly, the degree of recovery, and the bonding force between the plurality of tray assemblies can affect the production of transparent ice. At least one of the deformation degree of the tray assembly, the degree of recovery, and the bonding force between the plurality of tray assemblies can affect the ice-making direction, which is the direction in which ice is produced inside the ice-making cell. As described above, the tray assembly can include a first region and a second region forming an outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell. In one example, the first and second regions can be parts constituting one tray assembly. In another example, the first region can be a first tray assembly. The second region can be a second tray assembly.

In order to produce transparent ice, it may be advantageous to configure the refrigerator so that the direction in which ice is produced within the ice-making cell is constant. This is because the more constant the ice-making direction is, the more likely it is that air bubbles in the water are moving or being captured within a certain area within the ice-making cell. In order to induce ice to be produced from one part of the tray assembly to another part, it may be advantageous for the degree of deformation of the part to be greater than the degree of deformation of the other part. Ice tends to grow as it expands toward the part with the smaller degree of deformation. Meanwhile, in order to start producing ice again after removing the produced ice, the deformed part must be restored so that ice of the same shape can be repeatedly produced. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the part with the smaller degree of deformation to have a greater degree of restoration than the part with the larger degree of deformation.

The internal deformation of the tray with respect to an external force may be configured to be smaller than the internal deformation of the tray case with respect to the external force, or the rigidity of the tray may be configured to be smaller than the rigidity of the tray case. The tray assembly may be configured to allow the tray to be deformed by the external force, while the tray case surrounding the tray may be configured to have reduced deformation. For example, the tray assembly may be configured to surround at least a portion of the tray with the tray case. In this case, when pressure is applied to the tray assembly during the process of water inside the ice-making cell solidifying and expanding, at least a portion of the tray may be configured to be allowed to be deformed, and the other portion of the tray may be configured to be supported by the tray case, thereby limiting deformation. In addition, when the external force is removed, the degree of restoration of the tray may be larger than the degree of restoration of the tray case, or the elastic modulus of the tray may be larger than the elastic modulus of the tray case. This configuration may be configured so that the deformed tray can be easily restored.

The internal deformation of the tray with respect to an external force may be greater than the internal deformation of the refrigerator gasket with respect to the external force, or the rigidity of the tray may be configured to be greater than the rigidity of the gasket. When the internal deformation of the tray is low, a problem may occur in which the tray is excessively deformed as water in the ice-making cell formed by the tray solidifies and expands. Such deformation of the tray may make it difficult to produce ice of a desired shape. In addition, when the external force is removed, the recovery of the tray may be smaller than the recovery of the refrigerator gasket with respect to the external force, or the elastic modulus of the tray may be configured to be smaller than the elastic modulus of the gasket.

The internal deformation of the tray case with respect to an external force may be configured to be smaller than the internal deformation of the refrigerator case with respect to the external force, or the rigidity of the tray case may be configured to be smaller than the rigidity of the refrigerator case. In general, the case of the refrigerator may be formed of a metal material including steel. In addition, when the external force is removed, the recovery of the tray case may be larger than the recovery of the refrigerator case with respect to the external force, or the elastic modulus of the tray case may be configured to be larger than the elastic modulus of the refrigerator case.

The relationship between transparent ice and deformation resistance is as follows.

The second regions may have different internal deformations in the direction along the outer circumference of the ice-making cell. The internal deformation of one of the second regions may be configured to be greater than the internal deformation of another of the second regions. Such a configuration may help induce ice to be formed in the ice-making cell formed by the second region in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

Meanwhile, the first and second regions arranged to be in contact with each other may have different degrees of internal deformation in the direction along the outer surface of the ice-making cell. The degree of internal deformation of any one of the second regions may be higher than the degree of internal deformation of any one of the first regions. This configuration can help induce ice to be formed in the ice-making cell formed by the second region in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

In this case, the water may expand in volume as it solidifies and apply pressure to the tray assembly, which may induce ice to be formed in either the other direction of the second region or in one direction of the first region. The degree of internal deformation may be a degree of resistance to deformation due to an external force. The external force may be a pressure applied to the tray assembly during the process in which water inside the ice-making cell solidifies and expands. The external force may be a force in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) of the pressure. The external force may be a force acting from the ice-making cell formed by the second region toward the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

For example, the thickness of the tray assembly in the direction of the outer circumference of the ice making cell from the center of the ice making cell may be such that one of the second regions is thicker than another one of the second regions or is thicker than one of the first regions. One of the second regions may be a portion that is not surrounded by the tray case. The other of the second regions may be a portion that is surrounded by the tray case. One of the first regions may be a portion that is not surrounded by the tray case. One of the second regions may be a portion that forms the uppermost portion of the ice making cell among the second regions. The second region may include a tray and a tray case that locally surrounds the tray. When at least a portion of the second region is configured to be thicker than the other portion in this way, the internal deformation of the second region with respect to an external force may be improved. The minimum value of the thickness of any one of the second regions may be thicker than the minimum value of the thickness of another of the second regions, or thicker than the minimum value of any one of the first regions. The maximum value of the thickness of any one of the second regions may be thicker than the maximum value of the thickness of another of the second regions, or thicker than the maximum value of any one of the first regions. The minimum value means the minimum value among the remaining regions excluding the part where the through hole is formed, when a through hole is formed in the region. The average value of the thickness of any one of the second regions may be thicker than the average value of the thickness of another of the second regions, or thicker than the average value of any one of the first regions. The uniformity of the thickness of any one of the second regions may be smaller than the uniformity of the thickness of another of the second regions, or smaller than the uniformity of the thickness of any one of the first regions.

As another example, one of the second regions may include a first surface forming a part of the ice-making cell and an internal deformation reinforcing member extending vertically from the first surface away from the ice-making cell formed by another one of the second regions. Meanwhile, one of the second regions may include a first surface forming a part of the ice-making cell and an internal deformation reinforcing member extending vertically from the first surface away from the ice-making cell formed by the first region. When at least a part of the second region includes the internal deformation reinforcing member in this way, the internal deformation of the second region with respect to an external force can be improved.

As another example, one of the second regions may further include a support surface connected to a fixed end (e.g., a bracket, a storage compartment wall, etc.) of the refrigerator located in a direction away from the ice-making cell formed by another one of the second regions from the first surface. One of the second regions may further include a support surface connected to a fixed end (e.g., a bracket, a storage compartment wall, etc.) of the refrigerator located in a direction away from the ice-making cell formed by the first region from the first surface. When at least a portion of the second region includes a support surface connected to the fixed end in this way, the internal deformation of the second region with respect to an external force can be improved.

As another example, the tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of an ice-making cell and a second portion extending from a point of the first portion. At least a portion of the second portion may extend in a direction away from the ice-making cell formed by the first region. At least a portion of the second portion may include an additional deformation-resistant reinforcement member. At least a portion of the second portion may further include a support surface connected to the fixed end. When at least a portion of the second region additionally includes the second portion, the deformation resistance of the second region with respect to the external force may be advantageously improved. This is because an additional deformation-resistant reinforcement member is formed in the second portion, or the second portion may be additionally supported by the fixed end.

As another example, one of the second regions may include a first through hole. When the first through hole is formed in this way, ice solidified in the ice-making cell of the second region expands out of the ice-making cell through the first through hole, so that the pressure applied to the second region can be reduced. In particular, when water is excessively supplied to the ice-making cell, the first through hole can contribute to reducing deformation of the second region during the process of solidifying the water.

Meanwhile, one of the second regions may include a second through hole for providing a path for air bubbles contained in water within the ice-making cell of the second region to move or escape. When the second through hole is formed in this way, the transparency of the solidified ice can be improved.

Meanwhile, one of the second regions may be formed with a third through hole so that the through-type pusher can pressurize. This is because, if the internal deformation of the second region increases, it may be difficult for the non-through type pusher to pressurize the surface of the tray assembly to remove ice. The first, second, and third through holes may overlap. The first, second, and third through holes may be formed in one through hole.

Meanwhile, one of the second regions may include a mounting portion where an ice-making heater is positioned. The fact that ice is induced to be formed in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region in the ice-making cell formed by the second region may mean that the ice is formed first in the second region. In this case, the time for which the ice is attached to the second region may be long, and an ice-making heater may be required to separate the ice from the second region. The thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making cell toward the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell may be thinner in the portion of the second region where the ice-making heater is mounted than in another portion of the second region. This is because the amount of heat supplied by the ice-making heater may increase the amount transferred to the ice-making cell. The fixed end may be a part of a wall forming a storage chamber or a bracket.

The relationship between the bonding strength of the transparent ice and the tray assembly is as follows.

In order to induce ice to be formed in the direction of the ice making cell formed by the first region in the ice making cell formed by the second region, it may be advantageous to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions, which are arranged to be in contact with each other. In the process of water solidifying, if the pressure applied to the tray assembly while expanding is greater than the bonding force between the first and second regions, ice can be formed in the direction in which the first and second regions are separated. In addition, in the process of water solidifying, if the pressure applied to the tray assembly while expanding is smaller than the bonding force between the first and second regions, there is also an advantage in that ice can be formed in the direction of the ice making cell of the region with the smaller internal deformation among the first and second regions.

There may be various examples of methods for increasing the bonding force between the first and second regions. For example, the control unit may control, after the water supply is completed, to change the motion position of the driving unit in the first direction so that one of the first and second regions moves in the first direction, and then control the motion position of the driving unit to additionally change in the first direction so as to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions. As another example, by increasing the bonding force between the first and second regions, the deformation or recovery degree of the first and second regions with respect to the force transmitted from the driving unit may be configured to be different so as to reduce the change in the shape of the ice-making cell due to the expanding ice after the ice-making process starts (or after the heater is turned on). As another example, the first region may include a first surface facing the second region. The second region may include a second surface facing the first region. The first and second surfaces may be arranged so as to be in contact with each other. The first and second surfaces may be arranged to face each other. The first and second surfaces may be arranged to be separated and joined. In this case, the areas of the first surface and the second surface may be configured to be different from each other. With this configuration, the bonding strength of the first and second regions can be increased while reducing damage to the portions where the first and second regions contact each other. In addition, there is also an advantage in that leakage of water supplied between the first and second regions can be reduced.

The relationship between transparent ice and resilience is as follows.

The tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of an ice-making cell and a second portion extending from a predetermined point of the first portion. The second portion is configured to be deformed by expansion of the ice produced and restored after the ice is removed. The second portion may include a horizontal extension provided to increase the degree of recovery against a vertical external force of the expanding ice. The second portion may include a vertical extension provided to increase the degree of recovery against a horizontal external force of the expanding ice. Such a configuration may help induce ice to be produced in the ice-making cell formed by the second region toward the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

The first regions may have different degrees of resilience in a direction along the outer circumference of the ice-making cell. In addition, the first regions may have different degrees of internal deformation in a direction along the outer circumference of the ice-making cell. The degree of resilience of one of the first regions may be higher than the degree of resilience of another of the first regions. In addition, the degree of internal deformation of one of the first regions may be lower than the degree of internal deformation of the other. This configuration may help induce ice to be formed in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region in the ice-making cell formed by the second region.

Meanwhile, the first and second regions arranged to be in contact with each other may have different degrees of restitution in a direction along the outer surface of the ice-making cell. In addition, the first and second regions may have different degrees of internal deformation in a direction along the outer surface of the ice-making cell. The degree of restitution of any one of the first regions may be higher than the degree of restitution of any one of the second regions. In addition, the degree of internal deformation of any one of the first regions may be lower than the degree of internal deformation of any one of the second regions. This configuration may help induce ice to be formed in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region in the ice-making cell formed by the second region.

In this case, the water may expand in volume as it solidifies and apply pressure to the tray assembly, which may induce ice to be generated in one direction of the first region where the internal deformation is small or the degree of restitution is large. Here, the degree of restitution may be a degree of restoration after the external force is removed. The external force may be a pressure applied to the tray assembly during the process in which the water inside the ice-making cell solidifies and expands. The external force may be a force in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) of the pressure. The external force may be a force from the ice-making cell formed by the second region toward the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

For example, the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice making cell to the outer circumferential surface of the ice making cell may be such that one of the first regions is thinner than another one of the first regions or thinner than one of the second regions. One of the first regions may be a portion that is not surrounded by the tray case. The other one of the first regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. One of the second regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. One of the first regions may be a portion forming the lowermost portion of the ice making cell among the first regions. The first region may include a tray and a tray case locally surrounding the tray.

The minimum value of the thickness of any one of the first regions may be thinner than the minimum value of the thickness of another of the first regions or thinner than the minimum value of the thickness of any one of the second regions. The maximum value of the thickness of any one of the first regions may be thinner than the maximum value of the thickness of another of the first regions or thinner than the maximum value of the thickness of any one of the second regions. The minimum value means the minimum value among the remaining regions excluding the part where the through hole is formed in the region when the through hole is formed. The average value of the thickness of any one of the first regions may be thinner than the average value of the thickness of any one of the first regions or thinner than the average value of the thickness of any one of the second regions. The uniformity of the thickness of any one of the first regions may be greater than the uniformity of the thickness of any one of the first regions or greater than the uniformity of the thickness of any one of the second regions.

In another example, a shape of one of the first regions may be different from the shape of another of the first regions or different from the shape of one of the second regions. A curvature of one of the first regions may be different from the curvature of another of the first regions or different from the curvature of one of the second regions. A curvature of one of the first regions may be smaller than a curvature of another of the first regions or smaller than a curvature of one of the second regions. One of the first regions may include a flat surface. Another of the first regions may include a curved surface. One of the second regions may include a curved surface. One of the first regions may include a shape that is sunken in a direction opposite to a direction in which the ice is induced to be formed. During the ice-making process, one of the first regions may be deformed in a direction in which the ice is induced to expand or in a direction in which the ice is induced to be formed. During the ice making process, the amount of deformation from the center of the ice making cell toward the outer circumference of the ice making cell may be greater in one of the first regions than in another of the first regions. During the ice making process, the amount of deformation from the center of the ice making cell toward the outer circumference of the ice making cell may be greater in one of the first regions than in one of the second regions.

As another example, in order to induce ice to be formed in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region in the ice-making cell formed by the second region, one of the first regions may include a first surface forming a part of the ice-making cell and a second surface extending from the first surface and supported on another surface of the first region. The first region may be configured not to be directly supported by another component except for the second surface. The other component may be a fixed end of the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, one of the first regions may be formed with a pressing surface so that a non-penetrating pusher can pressurize it. This is because when the internal deformation of the first region is low or the degree of recovery is high, the difficulty of the non-penetrating pusher pressing the surface of the tray assembly to remove ice can be reduced.

The ice making speed, which is the speed at which ice is formed inside the ice making cell, can affect the production of transparent ice. The ice making speed can affect the transparency of the ice formed. The factors affecting the ice making speed can be the amount of cooling and/or the amount of heating supplied to the ice making cell. The amount of cooling and/or the amount of heating can affect the production of transparent ice. The amount of cooling and/or the amount of heating can affect the transparency of the ice.

In the process of generating the above transparent ice, the transparency of the ice may decrease as the ice-making speed is greater than the speed at which the bubbles in the ice-making cell move or are captured. On the other hand, if the ice-making speed is slower than the speed at which the bubbles move or are captured, the transparency of the ice may increase, but there is a problem that the time required to generate transparent ice becomes excessive as the ice-making speed is lowered. In addition, the transparency of the ice may become more uniform as the ice-making speed is maintained within a uniform range.

In order to maintain the ice-making speed uniformly within a given range, the amount of cold and heat supplied to the ice-making cell must be uniform. However, in the actual usage conditions of the refrigerator, there are cases where the cold varies, and it is necessary to vary the amount of heat supplied accordingly. For example, there are many cases where the temperature of the storage room reaches the satisfactory range from the unsatisfactory range, where a defrosting operation is performed on the cooler of the storage room, where the door of the storage room is opened, etc. In addition, when the amount of water per unit height of the ice-making cell is different, if the same cold and heat are supplied per unit height, a problem may occur where the transparency per unit height varies.

To solve this problem, the control unit can control to increase the heating amount of the transparent ice heater when the amount of heat transfer between the cold air for cooling the ice cell and the water in the ice cell increases, and to decrease the heating amount of the transparent ice heater when the amount of heat transfer between the cold air for cooling the ice cell and the water in the ice cell decreases, so that the ice-making speed of the water inside the ice-making cell can be maintained within a predetermined range lower than the ice-making speed when ice-making is performed with the heater turned off.

The control unit can control at least one of the cold supply amount of the cooler and the heat supply amount of the heater to vary according to the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell. In this case, transparent ice can be provided according to the change in the shape of the ice-making cell.

The refrigerator further includes a sensor for measuring information about the mass of water per unit height of the ice-making cell, and the control unit can control at least one of a cold supply amount of the cooler and a heat supply amount of the heater to be varied based on information input from the sensor.

The refrigerator includes a storage unit in which predetermined operation information of a cooler is recorded based on information about a mass per unit height of an ice-making cell, and a control unit can control a cold supply amount of the cooler to be varied based on the information.

The refrigerator includes a storage unit in which predetermined heater operation information is recorded based on information about the mass per unit height of the ice-making cell, and the control unit can control the heat supply amount of the heater to be varied based on the information. For example, the control unit can control at least one of the cold supply amount of the cooler and the heat supply amount of the heater to be varied according to a predetermined time based on the information about the mass per unit height of the ice-making cell. The time may be a time for which the cooler is driven to produce ice or a time for which the heater is driven. As another example, the control unit can control at least one of the cold supply amount of the cooler and the heat supply amount of the heater to be varied according to a predetermined temperature based on the information about the mass per unit height of the ice-making cell. The temperature may be a temperature of the ice-making cell or a temperature of a tray assembly forming the ice-making cell.

Meanwhile, if a sensor measuring the mass of water per unit height of the ice-making cell malfunctions or if the water supplied to the ice-making cell is insufficient or excessive, the shape of the water to be iced changes, so that the transparency of the ice produced may deteriorate. In order to solve this problem, a water supply method that precisely controls the amount of water supplied to the ice-making cell is required. In addition, in order to reduce water leakage from the ice-making cell at the water supply position or the ice-making position, the tray assembly may include a structure for reducing leakage. In addition, it is necessary to increase the bonding force between the first and second tray assemblies forming the ice-making cell so as to reduce changes in the shape of the ice-making cell due to the expansion force of ice during the ice-making process. In addition, the precise water supply method, the leakage reduction structure of the tray assembly, and the increasing bonding force of the first and second tray assemblies are also necessary to produce ice having a shape close to a tray shape.

The degree of supercooling of the water inside the ice making cell can affect the production of transparent ice. The degree of supercooling of the water can affect the transparency of the ice produced.

In order to produce transparent ice, it is desirable to design the supercooling degree to be lowered so as to maintain the temperature inside the ice-making cell within a predetermined range. This is because the supercooled liquid has the characteristic of rapidly solidifying from the point at which supercooling is released. In this case, the transparency of the ice may be reduced.

The control unit of the refrigerator can control the operation of a supercooling release means to reduce the degree of supercooling of the liquid if, during the process of solidifying the liquid, the time required for the liquid to reach a specific temperature below the freezing point after reaching the freezing point is shorter than a reference value. It can be seen that, as supercooling occurs and solidification does not occur after reaching the freezing point, the temperature of the liquid is cooled below the freezing point more quickly.

As an example of the above supercooling release means, an electric spark generating means may be included. When the spark is supplied to the liquid, the supercooling degree of the liquid can be reduced. As another example of the above supercooling release means, a driving means for applying an external force to move the liquid can be included. The driving means can cause the container to move in at least one direction among the X, Y, and Z axes or to rotate around at least one axis among the X, Y, and Z axes. When kinetic energy is supplied to the liquid, the supercooling degree of the liquid can be reduced. As another example of the above supercooling release means, a means for supplying the liquid to the container can be included. The control unit of the refrigerator can control to additionally supply a second volume of liquid larger than the first volume to the container when a predetermined time has elapsed or the temperature of the liquid reaches a predetermined temperature below the freezing point after supplying a first volume of liquid smaller than the volume of the container. When the liquid is supplied in a divided manner to the above container in this manner, the liquid supplied first can solidify and act as an ice nucleus, thereby reducing the degree of supercooling of the additionally supplied liquid.

The higher the heat transfer coefficient of the container containing the liquid, the higher the degree of supercooling of the liquid can be. The lower the heat transfer coefficient of the container containing the liquid, the lower the degree of supercooling of the liquid can be.

The structure and method of heating the ice making cell, including the heat transfer coefficient of the tray assembly, can affect the production of transparent ice. As described above, the tray assembly can include a first region and a second region forming an outer surface of the ice making cell. In one example, the first and second regions can be parts of one tray assembly. In another example, the first region can be a first tray assembly. The second region can be a second tray assembly.

The cold supplied to the ice making cell by the cooler and the heat supplied to the ice making cell by the heater have opposite properties. In order to increase the ice making speed and/or improve the transparency of the ice, the design of the structure and control of the cooler and the heater, the relationship between the cooler and the tray assembly, and the relationship between the heater and the tray assembly may be very important.

For a constant amount of cold supplied by the cooler and a constant amount of heat supplied by the heater, in order to increase the ice-making speed of the refrigerator and/or increase the transparency of the ice, it may be advantageous for the heater to be arranged to locally heat the ice-making cell. The ice-making speed can be improved as the heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making cell is reduced from being transferred to areas other than the area where the heater is positioned. As the heater strongly heats only a part of the ice-making cell, it can move or capture air bubbles from the ice-making cell to an area adjacent to the heater, thereby increasing the transparency of the ice produced.

If the amount of heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making cell is large, the bubbles in the water can be moved or captured in the part that receives the heat, so that the transparency of the ice produced can be increased. However, if the heat is supplied uniformly to the outer surface of the ice-making cell, the ice-making speed at which the ice is produced can be reduced. Therefore, as the heater locally heats a part of the ice-making cell, the transparency of the ice produced can be increased, and the reduction in the ice-making speed can be minimized.

The heater may be positioned so as to contact one side of the tray assembly. The heater may be positioned between the tray and the tray case. Heat transfer by conduction may be advantageous in locally heating the ice-making cell.

At least a portion of the other side of the heater that does not come into contact with the tray may be sealed with insulation. This configuration may reduce the heat supplied by the heater from being transferred toward the storage chamber.

The above tray assembly can be configured such that the heat transfer from the heater toward the center of the ice making cell is greater than the heat transfer from the heater toward the circumference of the ice making cell.

The heat transfer of the tray toward the center of the ice-making cell in the tray may be configured to be greater than the heat transfer from the tray case toward the storage room, or the thermal conductivity of the tray may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the tray case. This configuration can induce an increase in the heat supplied by the heater to be transferred to the ice-making cell via the tray. In addition, the heat of the heater can be reduced from being transferred to the storage room via the tray case.

The heat transfer of the tray toward the center of the ice-making cell in the tray may be configured to be smaller than the heat transfer of the refrigerator case from the outside of the refrigerator case (for example, the inner case or the outer case) toward the storage compartment, or the thermal conductivity of the tray may be smaller than the thermal conductivity of the refrigerator case. This is because as the heat transfer or thermal conductivity of the tray increases, the degree of supercooling of water accommodated in the tray may increase. As the degree of supercooling of the water increases, the water may solidify more rapidly at the point when the supercooling is relieved. In this case, a problem may occur in which the transparency of the ice is not uniform or the transparency deteriorates. In general, the case of the refrigerator may be formed of a metal material including steel.

The heat transfer coefficient of the tray case in the storage room may be configured to be greater than the heat transfer coefficient of the insulating wall in the external space of the refrigerator in the storage room direction, or the thermal conductivity of the tray case may be configured to be greater than the thermal conductivity of the insulating wall (for example, an insulating material positioned between the inner/outer cases of the refrigerator). Here, the insulating wall may mean an insulating wall that partitions the external space and the storage room. This is because if the heat transfer coefficient of the tray case is equal to or greater than the heat transfer coefficient of the insulating wall, the cooling speed of the ice-making cell may be excessively reduced.

The first regions may be configured to have different heat transfer rates in a direction along the outer circumference. The heat transfer rate of one of the first regions may be configured to be lower than the heat transfer rate of another of the first regions. This configuration may help reduce the heat transfer rate transmitted through the tray assembly from the first region to the second region in a direction along the outer circumference.

Meanwhile, the first and second regions arranged to be in contact with each other may be configured to have different heat transfer rates in a direction along the outer circumference. The heat transfer rate of one of the first regions may be configured to be lower than the heat transfer rate of one of the second regions. This configuration may help reduce the heat transfer rate transferred from the first region to the second region through the tray assembly in a direction along the outer circumference. In another aspect, it may be advantageous to reduce the heat transferred from the heater to one of the first regions from being transferred to the ice-making cell formed by the second region. The less heat transferred to the second region, the more the heater can locally heat one of the first regions. This reduces the decrease in the ice-making speed due to the heating of the heater. In another aspect, the heater may move or capture bubbles within the region that it locally heats, thereby improving the transparency of the ice. The heater may be a transparent ice heater.

For example, the length of the heat transfer path from the first region to the second region may be configured to be greater than the length in the outer circumferential direction from the first region to the second region. As another example, the thickness of the tray assembly in the outer circumferential direction from the center of the ice making cell to the ice making cell may be thinner in one of the first regions than another of the first regions or thinner than one of the second regions. One of the first regions may be a portion that is not surrounded by the tray case. The other of the first region may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. One of the second regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. One of the first regions may be a portion forming the lowermost portion of the ice making cell among the first regions. The first region may include a tray and a tray case locally surrounding the tray.

In this way, by forming the thickness of the first region thinly, heat transfer toward the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making cell can be reduced while heat transfer toward the center of the ice-making cell can be increased. As a result, the ice-making cell formed by the first region can be locally heated.

The minimum value of the thickness of any one of the first regions may be thinner than the minimum value of the thickness of another of the first regions or thinner than the minimum value of the thickness of any one of the second regions. The maximum value of the thickness of any one of the first regions may be thinner than the maximum value of the thickness of another of the first regions or thinner than the maximum value of the thickness of any one of the second regions. The minimum value means the minimum value among the remaining regions excluding the part where the through hole is formed in the region when the through hole is formed. The average value of the thickness of any one of the first regions may be thinner than the average value of the thickness of any one of the first regions or thinner than the average value of the thickness of any one of the second regions. The uniformity of the thickness of any one of the first regions may be greater than the uniformity of the thickness of any one of the first regions or greater than the uniformity of the thickness of any one of the second regions.

As another example, the tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of an ice-making cell and a second portion extending from a point of the first portion. The first region may be disposed in the first portion. The second region may be disposed in an additional tray assembly that may contact the first portion. At least a portion of the second portion may extend away from the ice-making cell formed by the second region. In this case, heat transferred from the heater to the first region may be reduced from being transferred to the second region.

The structure and method for cooling the ice making cell, including the cold transfer rate of the tray assembly, can affect the production of transparent ice. As described above, the tray assembly can include a first region and a second region forming an outer periphery of the ice making cell. In one example, the first and second regions can be parts of one tray assembly. In another example, the first region can be a first tray assembly. The second region can be a second tray assembly.

For a constant amount of cold supplied by a cooler and a constant amount of heat supplied by a heater, in order to increase the ice-making speed of a refrigerator and/or increase the transparency of ice, it may be advantageous to configure the cooler to cool a portion of the ice-making cell more intensively. The greater the amount of cold supplied by the cooler to the ice-making cell, the higher the ice-making speed. However, the more uniformly cold is supplied to the outer surface of the ice-making cell, the lower the transparency of the ice produced. Therefore, as the cooler cools a portion of the ice-making cell more intensively, bubbles can be moved or captured to other areas of the ice-making cell, thereby increasing the transparency of the ice produced and minimizing the decrease in the ice-making speed.

In order for the cooler to cool a portion of the ice cell more intensively, the cooler may be configured such that the amount of cold it supplies to the second region is different from the amount of cold it supplies to the first region. The cooler may be configured such that the amount of cold it supplies to the second region is greater than the amount of cold it supplies to the first region.

For example, the second region may be composed of a metal material having a high cold conductivity, and the first region may be composed of a material having a lower cold conductivity than the metal.

As another example, in order to increase the cold transfer rate transmitted through the tray assembly toward the center of the ice making cell in the storage room, the second region may be configured to have different cold transfer rates toward the center. The cold transfer rate of one of the second regions may be greater than the cold transfer rate of another of the second regions. A through hole may be formed in one of the second regions. At least a portion of the heat absorbing surface of the cooler may be disposed in the through hole. A passage through which cold air supplied by the cooler passes may be disposed in the through hole. One of the second regions may be a portion that is not surrounded by the tray case. The other may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. The one of the second regions may be a portion forming the uppermost portion of the ice making cell. The second region may include a tray and a tray case locally surrounding the tray. In this way, when a portion of the tray assembly is configured to have a high cold transfer rate, supercooling may occur in the tray assembly having a high cold transfer rate. As mentioned above, design may be required to reduce the degree of supercooling.

Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (14) including a storage compartment and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment.

The above storage room may include a refrigerator (18) and a freezer (32). The refrigerator (18) is positioned at the top, and the freezer (32) is positioned at the bottom, so that each storage room can be individually opened and closed by each door.

As another example, it is possible to place the freezer on the top and the refrigerator on the bottom. Or, it is also possible to place the freezer on one side of the left and right sides and the refrigerator on the other side.

The above freezer (32) can be divided into an upper space and a lower space, and a drawer (40) that can be pulled out from the lower space can be provided in the lower space.

The above door may include a plurality of doors (10, 20, 30) that open and close the refrigerator (18) and the freezer (32).

The above plurality of doors (10, 20, 30) may include some or all of a door (10, 20) that opens and closes the storage room in a rotating manner and a door (30) that opens and closes the storage room in a sliding manner.

The above freezer (32) may be provided so as to be separated into two spaces, even though it can be opened and closed by one door (30).

In this embodiment, the freezer (32) may be referred to as the first storage room, and the refrigerator (18) may be referred to as the second storage room.

The above freezer (32) may be equipped with an ice maker (200) capable of making ice. The ice maker (200) may be located, for example, in the upper space of the above freezer (32).

An ice bin (600) may be placed at the bottom of the ice maker (200) into which ice produced by the ice maker (200) is dropped and stored. A user may take the ice bin (600) out of the freezer (32) and use the ice stored in the ice bin (600).

The above ice bin (600) can be installed on the upper side of a horizontal wall dividing the upper space and lower space of the above freezer (32).

Although not shown, the cabinet (14) is provided with a duct (not shown) for supplying cold air to the ice maker (200). The duct guides the cold air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator toward the ice maker (200).

For example, the duct may be positioned at the rear of the cabinet (14) to discharge cold air toward the front of the cabinet (14). The ice maker (200) may be positioned at the front of the duct.

Although not limited, the discharge port of the duct may be provided on one or more of the rear wall and upper wall of the freezer (32).

Although it has been described above that the ice maker (200) is provided in the freezer (32), the space where the ice maker (200) can be located is not limited to the freezer (32), and the ice maker (200) can be located in various spaces as long as it can be supplied with cold air.

Therefore, in the following, it will be described that the ice maker (200) is located in the storage room.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the ice maker of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ice maker with the bracket removed in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, each component of the ice maker (200) is provided inside or outside the bracket (220), so that the ice maker (200) can form one assembly.

The above ice maker (200) may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly.

The above first tray assembly may include a first tray (320), a first tray case, or the first tray (320) and a first tray case.

The second tray assembly may include a second tray (380), a second tray case, or the second tray (380) and a second tray case.

The above bracket (220) can define at least a portion of a space that accommodates the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

The above bracket (220) may be installed, for example, on the upper wall of the above freezer (32). A water supply unit (240) may be installed on the above bracket (220). The water supply unit (240) may guide water supplied from the upper side to the lower side of the water supply unit (240). A water supply pipe (not shown) for supplying water may be installed on the upper side of the water supply unit (240).

The water supplied to the above water supply unit (240) can move downward. The above water supply unit (240) can prevent water discharged from the above water supply pipe from falling from a high position, thereby preventing water from splashing.

Since the above water supply unit (240) is positioned lower than the above water supply pipe, water is guided downward without splashing up to the above water supply unit (240), and even if water moves downward due to the lowered height, the amount of water splashing can be reduced.

The above ice maker (200) may include an ice cell (see 320a of FIG. 35), which is a space where water changes into ice by cold air.

The first tray (320) may form at least a part of the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35). The second tray (380) may form another part of the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35).

The second tray (380) can be positioned so as to be relatively movable with respect to the first tray (320). The second tray (380) can move linearly or rotate.

Below, the rotational movement of the second tray (380) will be described as an example.

For example, during the ice making process, the second tray (380) may move relative to the first tray (320), so that the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may come into contact.

When the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) are in contact, a complete ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35) can be defined.

On the other hand, after the ice making is completed, the second tray (380) may move with respect to the first tray (320) during the ice separation process, so that the second tray (380) may be separated from the first tray (320).

In this embodiment, the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) can be arranged in a vertical direction while forming the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35).

Accordingly, the first tray (320) may be referred to as an upper tray, and the second tray (380) may be referred to as a lower tray.

A plurality of ice-making cells (see 320a of FIG. 35) can be defined by the first tray (320) and the second tray (380). In the following, as an example, three ice-making cells (see 320a of FIG. 35) are formed in the drawing.

When water is supplied to the ice making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35) and the water is cooled by cold air, ice of the same or similar shape as that of the ice making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35) can be created.

In this embodiment, for example, the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35) may be formed in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a spherical shape.

Of course, the above ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 35) can also be formed in a rectangular solid shape or a polygonal shape.

The above first tray case may include, for example, the first tray supporter (340) and the first tray cover (300).

The above first tray supporter (340) and the above first tray cover (300) may be formed integrally or manufactured as separate components and then combined.

For example, at least a portion of the first tray cover (300) may be positioned on the upper side of the first tray (320). At least a portion of the first tray supporter (340) may be positioned on the lower side of the first tray (320).

The above first tray cover (300) may be manufactured as a separate item from the bracket (220) and may be combined with the bracket (220) or formed integrally with the bracket (220). That is, the first tray case may include the bracket (220).

The above ice maker (200) may further include a first heater case (280). An ice heater (see 290 of FIG. 16) may be installed in the first heater case (280). The first heater case (280) may be formed integrally with the first tray cover (300) or formed separately.

The above-mentioned moving heater (see 290 of FIG. 16) may be placed adjacent to the first tray (320). The above-mentioned moving heater (see 290 of FIG. 16) may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

For example, the moving heater (see 290 of FIG. 16) may be installed so as to be in contact with the first tray (320) or may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the first tray (320).

In either case, the ice heater (see 290 of FIG. 16) can supply heat to the first tray (320), and the heat supplied to the first tray (320) can be transferred to the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35).

The above first tray cover (300) is formed to correspond to the shape of the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35) of the first tray (320), so that it can come into contact with the lower side of the first tray (320).

The above ice maker (200) may include a first pusher (260) for separating ice during the ice-making process. The first pusher (260) may receive power from a driving unit (480) to be described later.

The first tray cover (300) may be provided with a guide slot (302) that guides the movement of the first pusher (260). The guide slot (302) may be provided in a portion extending upwardly from the first tray cover (300).

A guide connection part of the first pusher (260) to be described later can be inserted into the above guide slot (302). Accordingly, the guide connection part can be guided along the guide slot (302).

The first pusher (260) may include at least one pushing bar (264). For example, the first pusher (260) may include a number of pushing bars (264) equal to the number of the ice-making cells (see 320a of FIG. 35), but is not limited thereto.

The pushing bar (264) can push out ice located in the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35) during the ice-making process. For example, the pushing bar (264) can be inserted into the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35) by penetrating the first tray cover (300).

Accordingly, the first tray cover (300) may be provided with an opening (304) (or through hole) for a part of the first pusher (260) to penetrate through.

The first pusher (260) may be coupled to the pusher link (500). At this time, the first pusher (260) may be coupled to the pusher link (500) so as to be rotatably connected. Accordingly, when the pusher link (500) moves, the first pusher (260) may also move along the guide slot (302).

The above second tray case may include, for example, a second tray cover (360) and a second tray supporter (400).

The second tray cover (360) and the second tray supporter (400) may be formed integrally or manufactured as separate components and then combined.

For example, at least a portion of the second tray cover (360) may be positioned on the upper side of the second tray (380). At least a portion of the second tray supporter (400) may be positioned on the lower side of the second tray (380).

The above second tray supporter (400) can support the second tray (380) at the lower side of the second tray (380).

For example, at least a portion of a wall forming a second cell (320c) of the second tray (380) may be supported by the second tray supporter (400).

A spring (402) may be connected to one side of the second tray supporter (400). The spring (402) may provide elasticity to the second tray supporter (400) so that the second tray (380) may be maintained in contact with the first tray (320).

The second tray (380) may include a peripheral wall (387) that surrounds a portion of the first tray (320) while in contact with the first tray (320). The second tray cover (360) may surround at least a portion of the peripheral wall (387).

The above ice maker (200) may further include a second heater case (420). A transparent ice heater (430) to be described later may be installed in the second heater case (420).

The second heater case (420) may be formed integrally with the second tray supporter (400) or formed separately and combined with the second tray supporter (400).

The ice maker (200) may further include a driving unit (480) that provides driving force. The second tray (380) may move relative to the first tray (320) by receiving the driving force of the driving unit (480). The first pusher (260) may move by receiving the driving force of the driving force (480).

A through hole (282) may be formed in an extension portion (281) extending downward on one side of the first tray cover (300).

A through hole (404) may be formed in an extension portion (403) extending from one side of the second tray supporter (400).

The above ice maker (200) may further include a shaft (440) (or rotating shaft) that penetrates the through holes (282, 404) together.

A rotary arm (460) may be provided at each end of the shaft (440). The shaft (440) may be rotated by receiving rotary force from the driving unit (480).

One end of the above rotary arm (460) is connected to one end of the above spring (402), so that when the above spring (402) is tensioned, the position of the above rotary arm (460) can be moved to the initial position by the restoring force.

The above driving unit (480) may include a motor and a plurality of gears.

A full ice detection lever (520) can be connected to the above driving unit (480). The full ice detection lever (520) can also be rotated by the rotational force provided from the driving unit (480).

The above-mentioned full ice detection lever (520) may have an overall 'ㄷ' shape. For example, the above-mentioned full ice detection lever (520) may include a first lever (521) and a pair of second levers (522) extending from both ends of the first lever (521) in a direction intersecting with the first lever (521).

One of the above pair of second levers (522) may be coupled to the driving unit (480), and the other may be coupled to the bracket (220) or the first tray cover (300).

The above ice detection lever (520) can detect ice stored in the ice bin (600) by rotating.

The above driving unit (480) may further include a cam that rotates by receiving the rotational power of the motor.

The above ice maker (200) may further include a sensor that detects rotation of the cam.

For example, the cam may be equipped with a magnet, and the sensor may be a Hall sensor for detecting the magnetism of the magnet during the rotation process of the cam. Depending on whether the sensor detects the magnet, the sensor may output a first signal and a second signal, which are different outputs. One of the first signal and the second signal may be a high signal, and the other may be a low signal.

The control unit (800) to be described later can determine the position of the second tray (380) (or the second tray assembly) based on the type and pattern of the signal output from the sensor. That is, since the second tray (380) and the cam are rotated by the motor, the position of the second tray (380) can be indirectly determined based on the detection signal of the magnet provided in the cam.

For example, based on the signals output from the above sensor, the water supply position, ice making position, and ice removal position, which will be described later, can be distinguished and determined.

The above ice maker (200) may further include a second pusher (540). The second pusher (540) may be installed, for example, on the bracket (220).

The second pusher (540) may include at least one pushing bar (544). For example, the second pusher (540) may include a number of pushing bars (544) equal to the number of the ice-making cells (see 320a of FIG. 35), but is not limited thereto.

The pushing bar (544) can push out ice located in the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35). For example, the pushing bar (544) can penetrate the second tray supporter (400) to come into contact with the second tray (380) forming the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35), and pressurize the second tray (380) that has come into contact.

The first tray cover (300) is rotatably coupled to the second tray supporter (400) and the shaft (440) so that it can be positioned so that the angle changes around the shaft (440).

In this embodiment, the second tray (380) may be formed of a non-metallic material.

For example, the second tray (380) may be formed of a flexible or malleable material that can change shape when pressed by the second pusher (540).

Although not limited, the second tray (380) may be formed of, for example, a silicone material.

Accordingly, in the process of pressurizing the second tray (380) by the second pusher (540), the pressing force of the second pusher (540) can be transmitted to the ice as the second tray (380) is deformed. The ice and the second tray (380) can be separated by the pressing force of the second pusher (540).

If the second tray (380) is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or malleable material, the bonding or adhesive force between the ice and the second tray (380) may be reduced, so that the ice may be easily separated from the second tray (380).

In addition, if the second tray (380) is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or malleable material, after the shape of the second tray (380) is deformed by the second pusher (540), when the pressing force of the second pusher (540) is removed, the second tray (380) can be easily restored to its original shape.

As another example, it is also possible for the first tray (320) to be formed of a metal material. In this case, since the bonding or adhesive force between the first tray (320) and the ice is strong, the ice maker (200) of the present embodiment may include at least one of the ice heater (see 290 of FIG. 16) and the first pusher (260).

As another example, the first tray (320) may be formed of a non-metallic material. When the first tray (320) is formed of a non-metallic material, the ice maker (200) may include only one of the ice heater (290) and the first pusher (260).

Alternatively, the ice maker (200) may not include the ice heater (290) and the first pusher (260).

Although not limited, the first tray (320) may be formed of, for example, a silicone material.

That is, the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) can be formed of the same material.

When the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) are formed of the same material, the hardness of the first tray (320) and the hardness of the second tray (380) may be different so that sealing performance is maintained at the contact portion of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380).

In the present embodiment, since the second tray (380) is pressed by the second pusher (540) to change shape, the hardness of the second tray (380) may be lower than the hardness of the first tray (320) so that the shape of the second tray (380) can be easily changed.

<Bracket>

Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of a bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the bracket (220) may be fixed to at least one side of the storage room or to a cover member (described later) fixed to the storage room.

The above bracket (220) may include a first wall (221) having a through hole (221a) formed therein. At least a portion of the first wall (221) may extend in a horizontal direction.

The first wall (221) may include a first fixed wall (221b) for being fixed to one side of the storage room or the cover member. At least a portion of the first fixed wall (221b) may extend in a horizontal direction. The first fixed wall (221b) may also be referred to as a horizontal fixed wall.

The first fixed wall (221b) may be provided with one or more fixing protrusions (221c). In order to firmly fix the bracket (220), the first fixed wall (221b) may be provided with a plurality of fixing protrusions (221c).

The above first wall (221) may further include a second fixed wall (221e) for being fixed to one side of the storage room or the cover member. At least a part of the second fixed wall (221e) may extend in a vertical direction. The second fixed wall (221e) may also be referred to as a vertical fixed wall.

For example, the second fixed wall (221e) may extend upward from the first fixed wall (221b). The second fixed wall (221e) may include a fixing rib (221e1) and/or a hook (221e2).

In this embodiment, the first wall (221) may include at least one of the first fixing wall (221b) and the second fixing wall (221e) for fixing the bracket (220).

The above first wall (221) may be formed in a form in which a plurality of walls are stepped in the vertical direction. For example, a plurality of walls may be arranged with a height difference in the horizontal direction, and the plurality of walls may be connected by a vertical connecting wall.

The first wall (221) may further include a support wall (221d) that supports the first tray assembly. At least a portion of the support wall (221d) may extend in a horizontal direction.

The above-mentioned support wall (221d) may be positioned at the same height as the first fixed wall (221b) or may be positioned at a different height. As an example, FIG. 6 illustrates that the support wall (221d) is positioned lower than the first fixed wall (221b).

The above bracket (220) may further include a second wall (222) having a through hole (222a) through which cold air generated by the cooling means passes.

The second wall (222) may extend from the first wall (221). At least a portion of the second wall (222) may extend in a vertical direction. At least a portion of the through hole (222a) may be positioned higher than the support wall (221d). As an example, FIG. 6 illustrates that the lowermost end of the through hole (222a) is positioned higher than the support wall (221d).

The above bracket (220) may further include a third wall (223) on which the driving unit (480) is installed. The third wall (223) may extend from the first wall (221). At least a portion of the third wall (223) may extend in the vertical direction.

At least a portion of the third wall (223) may be positioned to face the second wall (222) while being spaced apart from the second wall (222). At least a portion of the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 35) may be positioned between the second wall (222) and the third wall (223).

The driving unit (480) may be installed in the third wall (223) between the second wall (222) and the third wall (223). Alternatively, the driving unit (480) may be installed in the third wall (223) such that the third wall (223) is positioned between the second wall (222) and the driving unit (480).

In this case, an axial hole (223a) through which the shaft of the motor constituting the driving unit (480) passes may be formed in the third wall (223). FIG. 7 illustrates an axial hole (223a) formed in the third wall (223).

The above bracket (220) may further include a fourth wall (224) to which the second pusher (540) is fixed.

The fourth wall (224) may extend from the first wall (221). The fourth wall (224) may connect the second wall (222) and the third wall (223).

The fourth wall (224) may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal and vertical lines. For example, the fourth wall (224) may be inclined in a direction away from the shaft hole (223a) from the upper side to the lower side.

The fourth wall (224) may be provided with a mounting groove (224a) for mounting the second pusher (540). A mounting hole (224b) may be formed in the mounting groove (224a) for a mounting member to pass through to be mounted with the second pusher (540).

While the second pusher (540) is fixed to the fourth wall (224), the second tray (380) and the second pusher (540) may come into contact during the process of rotating the second tray assembly. During the process of the second pusher (540) pressuring the second tray (380), ice may be separated from the second tray (380).

When the second pusher (540) presses the second tray (380), the ice also presses the second pusher (540) before the ice is separated from the second tray (380). The force pressing the second pusher (540) can be transmitted to the fourth wall (224). Since the fourth wall (224) is formed in a thin plate shape, a strength reinforcing member (224c) can be provided on the fourth wall (224) to prevent deformation or damage of the fourth wall (224).

For example, the strength reinforcing member (224c) may include ribs arranged in a grid shape. That is, the strength reinforcing member (224c) may include a first rib extending in a first direction and a second rib extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

In this embodiment, two or more of the first to fourth walls (221 to 224) can define a space for positioning the first and second tray assemblies.

<Tray 1>

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the first tray as viewed from above, and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the first tray as viewed from below. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10 of Fig. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the first tray (320) can define a first cell (321a), which is a part of an ice-making cell (320a).

The above first tray (320) may include a first tray wall (321) forming a part of the ice-making cell (320a).

The above first tray (320) can define, for example, a plurality of first cells (321a). The plurality of first cells (321a) can be arranged in a row, for example. With reference to Fig. 9, the plurality of first cells (321a) can be arranged in the X-axis direction.

For example, the first tray wall (321) can define a plurality of first cells (321a).

The first tray wall (321) may include a plurality of first cell walls (3211) for forming each of a plurality of first cells (321a), and a connecting wall (3212) connecting the plurality of first cell walls (3211). The first tray wall (321) may be a wall extending in a vertical direction.

The first tray (320) may include an opening (324). The opening (324) may be in communication with the first cell (321a).

The above opening (324) can allow cold air to be supplied to the first cell (321a). The above opening (324) can allow water for ice formation to be supplied to the first cell (321a).

The above opening (324) may provide a passage for a part of the first pusher (260) to pass through. For example, during the ice-making process, a part of the first pusher (260) may pass through the opening (324) and be drawn into the ice-making cell (320a).

The above first tray (320) may include a plurality of openings (324) corresponding to a plurality of first cells (321a). Any one of the plurality of openings (324) may provide a passage for cold air, a passage for water, and a passage for the first pusher (260).

During the ice making process, air bubbles can escape through the opening (324).

The first tray (320) may include a case receiving portion (321b). The case receiving portion (321b) may be formed, for example, by a portion of the first tray wall (321) sinking downward.

At least a portion of the case receiving portion (321b) may be arranged to surround the opening (324). The bottom surface of the case receiving portion (321b) may be positioned lower than the opening (324).

The first tray (320) may further include an auxiliary storage room (325) that is connected to the ice-making cell (320a). For example, the auxiliary storage room (325) may store water overflowing from the ice-making cell (320a).

In the auxiliary storage room (325), ice that expands in the process of the supplied water changing phases can be positioned. That is, the expanded ice can pass through the opening (324) and be positioned in the auxiliary storage room (325).

The above auxiliary storage room (325) can be formed by a storage room wall (325a). The storage room wall (325a) can extend upward around the opening (324).

The above storage room wall (325a) may be formed in a cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.

In practice, the first pusher (260) can pass through the opening (324) after passing the storage room wall (325a).

The above storage room wall (325a) not only forms the auxiliary storage room (325), but also can reduce deformation around the opening (324) during the process of the first pusher (260) passing through the opening (324) during the freezing process.

When the first tray (320) defines a plurality of first cells (321a), at least one (325b) of the plurality of storage chamber walls (325a) can support the water supply unit (240).

The storage wall (325b) supporting the above-mentioned water supply unit (240) may be formed in a polygonal shape. For example, the storage wall (325b) may include a round portion that is rounded in a horizontal direction and a plurality of straight portions.

For example, the storage room wall (325b) may include a round wall, a pair of straight walls extending parallel from both ends of the round wall, and a connecting wall connecting the pair of straight walls. The connecting wall may be a round wall or a straight wall.

The upper part of the above connecting wall may be positioned lower than the upper part of the remaining wall. The above connecting wall may support the water supply unit (240). The opening corresponding to the storage room wall (325b) supporting the water supply unit (240) may be formed in the same shape as the storage room wall (325b).

The first tray (320) may further include a heater receiving portion (321c). An ice heater (290) may be received in the heater receiving portion (321c). The ice heater (290) may be in contact with the bottom surface of the heater receiving portion (321c).

The heater receiving portion (321c) may be provided, for example, in the first tray wall (321). The heater receiving portion (321c) may be sunken downward from the case receiving portion (321b). The heater receiving portion (321c) may be arranged to surround the periphery of the first cell (321a). For example, at least a portion of the heater receiving portion (321c) may be rounded in a horizontal direction.

The bottom surface of the above heater receiving portion (321c) may be positioned lower than the opening (324).

The first tray (320) may include a first contact surface (322c) that comes into contact with the second tray (380). The bottom surface of the heater receiving portion (321c) may be positioned between the opening (324) and the first contact surface (322c).

At least a portion of the heater receiving portion (321c) may be arranged to overlap with the ice-making cell (320a) (or the first cell (321a)) in the vertical direction.

The first tray (320) may further include a first extension wall (327) extending horizontally from the first tray wall (321). For example, the first extension wall (327) may extend horizontally around the upper end of the first tray wall (321).

The above first extension wall (327) may be provided with one or more first fastening holes (327a). Although not limited, a plurality of first fastening holes (327a) may be arranged along one or more axes of the X-axis and the Y-axis.

The upper end of the storage room wall (325b) may be positioned at the same height as or higher than the upper surface of the first extension wall (327).

When the first tray (320) includes a plurality of first cells (321a), the length of the first tray (320) may be increased, but the width of the first tray (320) may be shorter than the length of the first tray (320), so that the volume of the first tray (320) may be prevented from increasing.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 8.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, the first tray (320) may further include a sensor receiving portion (321e) in which a second temperature sensor (700) (or tray temperature sensor) is received.

The second temperature sensor (700) can detect the temperature of water or ice in the ice making cell (320a).

The second temperature sensor (700) is positioned adjacent to the first tray (320) to detect the temperature of the first tray (320), thereby indirectly detecting the temperature of the water or the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell (320a). In this embodiment, the temperature of the water or the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell (320a) may be referred to as the internal temperature of the ice-making cell (320a).

The above sensor receiving portion (321e) can be formed by sinking downward from the case receiving portion (321b).

At this time, in order to prevent the second temperature sensor (700) from interfering with the ice heater (290) while the second temperature sensor (700) is accommodated in the sensor accommodation portion (321e), the bottom surface of the sensor accommodation portion (321e) can be positioned lower than the bottom surface of the heater accommodation portion (321c).

The bottom surface of the sensor receiving portion (321e) may be positioned closer to the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) than the bottom surface of the heater receiving portion (321c).

The sensor receiving portion (321e) may be positioned between two adjacent ice-making cells (320a). For example, the sensor receiving portion (321e) may be positioned between two adjacent first cells (321a).

When the sensor receiving portion (321e) is positioned between two ice-making cells (320a), the second temperature sensor (700) can be easily installed without increasing the volume of the second tray (250). In addition, when the sensor receiving portion (321e) is positioned between two ice-making cells (320a), it can be affected by the temperatures of at least two ice-making cells (320a), so that the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor can be positioned as close as possible to the actual temperature inside the ice-making cells (320a).

The sensor receiving portion (321e) can be positioned between two adjacent first cells (321a) among three first cells (321a) arranged in the X-axis direction.

<Tray Cover 1>

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the first tray cover, Fig. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the first tray cover, Fig. 14 is a plan view of the first tray cover, and Fig. 15 is a side view of the first tray case.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 15, the first tray cover (300) may include an upper plate (301) that contacts the first tray (320).

The lower surface of the upper plate (301) can be combined with the upper side of the first tray (320). For example, the upper plate (301) can be in contact with at least one of the upper surface of the first portion (322) and the upper surface of the second portion (323) of the first tray (320).

A plate opening (304) (or through hole) may be formed in the upper plate (301). The plate opening (304) may include a straight portion and a curved portion.

Water can be supplied from the water supply unit (240) to the first tray (320) through the plate opening (304). In addition, the pushing bar (264) of the first pusher (260) can pass through the plate opening (304) to separate ice from the first tray (320). In addition, cold air can pass through the plate opening (304) and come into contact with the first tray (320).

A first case joining portion (301b) extending upward can be formed on the straight side of the plate opening (304) in the upper plate (301).

The above first case coupling part (301b) can be coupled with the first heater case (280).

The above first tray cover (300) may further include a peripheral wall (303) extending upward from the edge of the upper plate (301).

The above-mentioned perimeter wall (303) may include two pairs of walls facing each other. For example, one pair of walls may be arranged spaced apart in the X-axis direction, and the other pair of walls may be arranged spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

The peripheral wall (303) facing each other and spaced apart in the Y-axis direction of Fig. 12 may include an extension wall (302e) extending upward.

The above extension wall (302e) can extend upward from the upper surface of the peripheral wall (303).

The above first tray cover (300) may include a pair of guide slots (302) for guiding the movement of the first pusher (260).

A part of the above guide slot (302) may be formed in the extension wall (302e), and another part may be formed in the peripheral wall (303) located at the lower side of the extension wall (302e). The lower part of the above guide slot (302) may be formed in the peripheral wall (303).

The above guide slot (302) can extend in the Z-axis direction of Fig. 12.

The above guide slot (302) can be movable by inserting the first pusher (260). In addition, the first pusher (260) can move up and down along the guide slot (302).

The above guide slot (302) may include a first slot (302a) extending vertically with respect to the upper plate (301) and a second slot (302b) extending at a predetermined angle from the upper end of the first slot (302a). Alternatively, the guide slot (302) may include only the first slot (302a) extending vertically.

The lower end (302d) of the first slot (302a) may be positioned lower than the upper end of the peripheral wall (303). Additionally, the upper end (302c) of the first slot (302a) may be positioned higher than the upper end of the peripheral wall (303).

The portion that is bent from the first slot (302a) to the second slot (302b) can be formed at a higher position than the peripheral wall (303).

The length of the first slot (302a) may be longer than the length of the second slot (302b). The second slot (302b) may be bent toward the horizontal extension (305).

When the first pusher (260) moves upward along the guide slot (302), the first pusher (260) rotates or tilts at a certain angle in the portion where it moves along the second slot (302b).

When the first pusher (260) rotates, the pushing bar (264) of the first pusher (260) rotates so that the pushing bar (264) moves to a position spaced vertically above the opening (324) of the first tray (320).

When the first pusher (260) moves along the second slot (302b) that is bent and extended, the end of the pushing bar (264) can be spaced apart so as not to come into contact with the water supplied during the water supply, thereby solving the problem of the pushing bar (264) not being inserted into the opening (324) of the first tray (320) due to the water being cooled at the end of the pushing bar (264).

The above first tray cover (300) may include a plurality of fastening parts (301a) for coupling with the first tray (320) and the first tray supporter (340, see FIG. 17) described later.

The above plurality of fastening parts (301a) can be formed on the upper plate (301).

The above plurality of fastening members (301a) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the X-axis and/or Y-axis directions. The above fastening members (301a) may protrude upward from the upper surface of the upper plate (301).

For example, some of the plurality of fastening parts (301a) may be connected to the peripheral wall (303).

The above fastening portion (301a) can secure the first tray (320) by combining a fastening member.

The fastening member fastened to the above fastening portion (301a) may be, for example, a bolt. The fastening member may be connected to the fastening portion (301a) by penetrating through the fastening hole (341a) of the first tray supporter (340) and the first fastening hole (327a) of the first tray (320) on the lower surface of the first tray supporter (340).

Among the peripheral walls (303) facing each other and spaced apart in the Y-axis direction of Fig. 12, a horizontal extension portion (305) extending horizontally outward from the peripheral wall (303) may be formed on one of the peripheral walls (303).

The above horizontal extension (305) can extend away from the plate opening (304) from the peripheral wall (303) so as to be supported by the support wall (221d) of the bracket (220).

Among the facing peripheral walls (303) spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, another peripheral wall (303) may be provided with a plurality of vertical fastening parts (303a) for joining with the bracket (220).

The above vertical fastening portion (303a) can be combined with the first wall (221) of the bracket (220). The above vertical fastening portions (303a) can be arranged spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

The upper plate (301) may be provided with a lower protrusion (306) protruding downward.

The above lower protrusion (306) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the upper plate (301) and may be positioned around another peripheral wall (303) among the peripheral walls (303) spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

In addition, a step (306a) may be formed on the lower protrusion (306). The step (306a) may be formed between a pair of extensions (281) described later. Through this, the second tray (380) and the first tray cover (300) may not interfere with each other when the second tray (380) rotates.

The first tray cover (300) may further include a plurality of hooks (307) coupled to the first wall (221) of the bracket (220). The hooks (307) may be provided on the horizontal protrusion (306), for example.

The above plurality of hooks (307) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. In addition, the above plurality of hooks (307) may be positioned between the pair of extensions (281).

The above hook (307) may include a first portion (307a) extending horizontally from the peripheral wall (303) in an opposite direction to the upper plate (301) and a second portion (307b) bent from an end of the first portion (307a) and extending vertically downward.

The above first tray cover (300) may further include a pair of extension parts (281) to which a shaft (440) is coupled.

The above pair of extensions (281) may, for example, extend downward from the lower protrusion (306).

The above pair of extension parts (281) can be arranged spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

The above extension (281) may include a through hole (282) through which the shaft (440) passes.

The above first tray cover (300) may further include an upper wire guide portion (310) for guiding a wire connected to the moving heater (290, see FIG. 21) described later.

The upper wire guide portion (310) may, for example, extend upward from the upper plate (301). The upper wire guide portion (310) may include a first guide (312) and a second guide (314) that are spaced apart from each other.

For example, the first guide (312) and the second guide (314) may extend vertically upward from the upper plate (310).

The first guide (312) may include a first portion (312a) extending in the Y-axis direction from one side of the plate opening (304), a second portion (312b) extending by being bent from the first portion (312a), and a third portion (312c) extending in the X-axis direction by being bent from the second portion (312b). The third portion (312c) may be connected to one peripheral wall (303).

A first protrusion (313) may be formed on the upper end of the second portion (312b) to prevent the wire from coming off.

The second guide (314) may include a first extension portion (314a) positioned to face the second portion (312b) of the first guide (312), and a second extension portion (314b) that is bent and extended from the first extension portion (314a) and positioned to face the third portion (312c).

The second part (312b) of the first guide (312) and the first extension part (314a) of the second guide (314) and the third part (312c) of the first guide (312) and the second extension part (314b) of the second guide (314) can be parallel to each other.

A second protrusion (315) may be formed at the top of the first extension portion (314a) to prevent the wire from coming off.

A wire guide slot (313a, 315a) may be formed in the upper plate (310) corresponding to the first protrusion (313) and the second protrusion (315), and a part of the wire may be inserted into the wire guide slot (313a, 315a) to prevent the wire from coming off.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the joint relationship between the first heater case and the first tray.

Referring to FIG. 16, an ice heater (290) for providing heat to an ice-making cell (320a) can be fixed to the first heater case (280).

The above-mentioned moving heater (290) may be, for example, a wire-type heater. Accordingly, the above-mentioned moving heater (290) may be bendable.

In order for the heat of the above-mentioned ice heater (290) to be evenly transferred to each of the plurality of ice-making cells (320a), the above-mentioned ice heater (290) may be arranged to surround the periphery of the plurality of ice-making cells (320a). For example, the above-mentioned ice heater (290) may be arranged to surround the first cell (321a).

The first heater case (280) may be coupled with the first tray cover (300) at the top of the first tray (320). Alternatively, the first heater case (280) may be formed integrally with the first tray cover (300).

The above first heater case (280) may be provided with a temperature sensor receiving portion (284) for receiving a second temperature sensor (700).

In detail, the temperature sensor receiving portion (284) may be received at the bottom of the first heater case (280) so as to be in contact with the first tray (320) and not in contact with the moving heater (290).

The above temperature sensor receiving portion (284) may include a temperature sensor receiving space on the lower side to prevent contact with the ice heater (290) and secure a space in which a second temperature sensor (700) can be received.

The second temperature sensor (700) can be accommodated in the sensor receiving portion (321e) of the first tray (320). When the second temperature sensor (700) is accommodated in the sensor receiving portion (321e), the second temperature sensor (700) is spaced apart from the ice heater (290).

The upper end of at least one of the above-described moving heater (290) and the second temperature sensor (700) may be positioned lower than the support wall (221d) of the bracket (220).

Additionally, the upper part of at least one of the above-described ice heater (290) and the second temperature sensor (700) may be positioned lower than the upper part of the auxiliary storage chamber (325).

<1st Tray Supporter>

Figure 17 is a plan view of the first tray supporter.

Referring to FIG. 17, the first tray supporter (340) can be combined with the first tray cover (300) to support the first tray (320).

In detail, the first tray supporter (340) includes a horizontal portion (341) that contacts the lower surface of the upper portion of the first tray (320) and an insertion opening (342) into which the lower portion of the first tray (320) is inserted in the center of the horizontal portion (341).

The above horizontal portion (341) may have a size corresponding to the upper plate (301) of the first tray cover (300).

Additionally, the horizontal portion (341) may be provided with a plurality of fastening holes (341a) that are coupled with the fastening portion (301a) of the first tray cover (300).

The above plurality of fastening holes (341a) can be arranged spaced apart in the X-axis and/or Y-axis direction of Fig. 17 so as to correspond to the fastening portion (301a) of the first tray cover (300).

When the first tray cover (300), the first tray (320) and the first tray supporter (340) are combined, the upper plate (301) of the first tray cover (300), the first extension wall (327) of the first tray (320) and the horizontal portion (341) of the first tray supporter (340) can be sequentially brought into contact.

In detail, the lower surface of the upper plate (301) of the first tray cover (300) and the upper surface of the first extension wall (327) of the first tray (320) can be in contact, and the lower surface of the first extension wall (327) of the first tray (320) and the upper surface of the horizontal portion (341) of the first tray supporter (340) can be in contact.

<2nd tray>

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a second tray viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the second tray viewed from below.

Figure 20 is a bottom view of the second tray, and Figure 21 is a plan view of the second tray.

Referring to FIGS. 18 to 21, the second tray (380) can define a second cell (381a), which is another part of the ice-making cell (320a).

The second tray (380) may include a second tray wall (381) forming a part of the ice-making cell (320a).

The second tray (380) above can define, for example, a plurality of second cells (381a). The plurality of second cells (381a) can be arranged in a row, for example. With reference to Fig. 21, the plurality of second cells (381a) can be arranged in the X-axis direction.

For example, the second tray wall (381) can define a plurality of second cells (381a).

The second tray wall (381) may include a plurality of second cell walls (3811) for forming each of a plurality of second cells (381a). Two adjacent second cell walls (3811) may be interconnected.

The second tray (380) may include a peripheral wall (387) extending along the upper perimeter of the second tray wall (381).

The above-mentioned peripheral wall (387) may, for example, be formed integrally with the second tray wall (381) and may extend from the upper portion of the second tray wall (381).

As another example, the peripheral wall (387) may be formed separately from the second tray wall (381) and positioned around the upper portion of the second tray wall (381). In this case, the peripheral wall (387) may be in contact with the second tray wall (381) or may be spaced apart from the second tray wall (381).

In either case, the peripheral wall (387) can surround at least a portion of the first tray (320).

If the second tray (380) includes the peripheral wall (387), the second tray (380) can surround the first tray (320).

In the case where the second tray (380) and the peripheral wall (387) are formed separately, the peripheral wall (387) may be formed integrally with the second tray case or may be combined with the second tray case.

For example, a single second tray wall may define a plurality of second cells (381a), and a single continuous peripheral wall (387) may surround the perimeter of the first tray (320).

The above-mentioned peripheral wall (387) may include a first extension wall (387b) extending in a horizontal direction and a second extension wall (387c) extending in a vertical direction.

The first extension wall (387b) may be provided with one or more second fastening holes (387a) for fastening with the second tray case. A plurality of second fastening holes (387a) may be arranged along one or more axes of the X-axis and the Y-axis.

The second tray (380) may include a second contact surface (382c) that contacts the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320).

The first contact surface (322c) and the second contact surface (382c) may be horizontal planes. The first contact surface (322c) and the second contact surface (382c) may be formed in a ring shape. When the ice-making cell (320a) is spherical, the first contact surface (322c) and the second contact surface (382c) may be formed in a circular ring shape.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of Fig. 18.

Figure 22 shows a Y-Z cross section passing through the center line (C1).

Referring to FIG. 22, the second tray (380) may include a first portion (382) defining at least a portion of the ice-making cell (320a). The first portion (382) may be, for example, a portion or all of the second tray wall (381).

In this specification, the first part (322) of the first tray (320) may be terminologically named as the third part to distinguish it from the first part (382) of the second tray (380). In addition, the second part (323) of the first tray (320) may be terminologically named as the fourth part to distinguish it from the second part (383) of the second tray (380).

The above first portion (382) may include a second cell surface (382b) (or outer surface) forming a second cell (381a) among the ice-making cells (320a).

The above first portion (382) can be defined as the area between the two dotted lines in Fig. 22.

The uppermost part of the first portion (382) is the second contact surface (382c) that comes into contact with the first tray (320).

The second tray (380) may further include a second portion (383). The second portion (383) may reduce the heat transferred from the transparent ice heater (430) to the second tray (380) from being transferred to the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first tray (320). That is, the second portion (383) serves to move the heat conduction path away from the first cell (321a).

The above second portion (383) may be part or all of the peripheral wall (387).

The second portion (383) may extend from a certain point of the first portion (382). Hereinafter, as an example, the second portion (383) will be described as being connected to the first portion (382).

The predetermined point of the first part (382) may be one end of the first part (382). Or, the predetermined point of the first part (382) may be one point of the second contact surface (382c).

The second portion (383) may include one end that is in contact with a point of the first portion (382) and the other end that is not in contact. The other end of the second portion (383) may be positioned further away from the first cell (321a) than the one end of the second portion (383).

At least a portion of the second portion (383) may extend in a direction away from the first cell (321a). At least a portion of the second portion (383) may extend in a direction away from the second cell (381a).

At least a portion of the second portion (383) may extend upward from the second contact surface (382c). At least a portion of the second portion (383) may extend horizontally in a direction away from the center line (C1).

The center of curvature of at least a portion of the second portion (383) may coincide with the center of rotation of the shaft (440) that is connected to and rotates the driving unit (480).

The second part (383) may include a first part (384a) extending from a point of the first part (382).

The second part (383) may further include a second part (384b) extending in the same direction as the extension direction of the first part (384a). Alternatively, the second part (383) may further include a second part (384b) extending in a different direction from the extension direction of the first part (384a).

Alternatively, the second part (383) may further include a second part (384b) and a third part (384c) formed by branching from the first part (384a).

For example, the first part (384a) may extend horizontally from the first part (382). A portion of the first part (384a) may be positioned higher than the second contact surface (382c). That is, the first part (384a) may include a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion. The first part (384a) may further include a portion extending vertically from the predetermined point.

For example, the length of the third part (384c) may be formed to be longer than the length of the second part (384b).

The extension direction of at least a part of the first part (384a) may be the same as the extension direction of the second part (384b). The extension directions of the second part (384b) and the third part (384c) may be different. The extension direction of the third part (384c) may be different from the extension direction of the first part (384a).

The third part (384c) may have a constant curvature based on the Y-Z cross-section. That is, the third part (384c) may have a constant radius of curvature in the longitudinal direction.

The curvature of the second part (384b) may be 0. When the second part (384b) is not a straight line, the curvature of the second part (384b) may be smaller than the curvature of the third part (384c). The radius of curvature of the second part (384b) may be larger than the radius of curvature of the third part (384c).

At least a portion of the second portion (383) may be positioned at the same level as or higher than the uppermost portion of the ice-making cell (320a). In this case, the heat conduction path formed by the second portion (383) may be longer, so that heat transfer to the ice-making cell (320a) may be reduced.

The length of the second portion (383) may be formed to be greater than the radius of the ice-making cell (320a). The second portion (383) may extend to a point higher than the rotation center (C4) of the shaft (440). For example, the second portion (383) may extend to a point higher than the top of the shaft (440).

The second part (383) may include a first extension part (383a) extending from a first point of the first part (382) and a second extension part (383b) extending from a second point of the first part (382) so as to reduce the transfer of heat of the transparent ice heater (430) to the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first tray (320).

For example, the first extension portion (383a) and the second extension portion (383b) may extend in different directions with respect to the center line (C1).

Based on Fig. 22, the first extension part (383a) may be positioned on the left side with respect to the center line (C1), and the second extension part (383b) may be positioned on the right side with respect to the center line (C1).

The first extension portion (383a) and the second extension portion (383b) may be formed with different shapes with respect to the center line (C1). The first extension portion (383a) and the second extension portion (383b) may be formed in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center line (C1).

The length (horizontal length) of the second extension (383b) in the Y-axis direction can be formed to be longer than the length (horizontal length) of the first extension (383a).

The first extension portion (383a) may be positioned closer to the edge portion opposite to the portion where the fourth wall (224) is connected among the second wall (222) or the third wall (223) of the bracket (220) than the second extension portion (383b).

The second extension (383b) may be positioned closer to the shaft (440) providing the center of rotation of the second tray assembly than the first extension (383a).

In the present embodiment, the length of the second extension (383b) in the Y-axis direction may be formed longer than the length of the first extension (383a). In this case, the width of the bracket (220) can be reduced compared to the space in which the ice maker (200) is installed, while increasing the heat conduction path.

When the length of the second extension (383b) in the Y-axis direction is formed longer than the length of the first extension (383a), the rotation radius of the second tray assembly having the second tray (380) in contact with the first tray (320) increases.

As the rotation radius of the second tray assembly increases, the centrifugal force of the second tray assembly increases, so that the ice separation force for separating ice from the second tray assembly during the ice separation process can increase, thereby improving the ice separation performance.

The center of curvature of at least a portion of the second extension (383b) may be the shaft (440) that is connected to the driving unit (480) and rotates as the center of curvature.

The distance between the upper part of the first extension part (383a) and the upper part of the second extension part (383b) may be greater than the distance between the lower part of the first extension part (383a) and the lower part of the second extension part (383b) based on the Y-Z cross-section passing through the center line (C1).

For example, the distance between the first extension portion (383a) and the second extension portion (383b) may increase upward.

Each of the first extension part (383a) and the second extension part (383b) may include the first to third parts (384a, 384b, 384c).

In another aspect, the third part (384c) can also be described as including a first extension part (383a) and a second extension part (383b) extending in different directions with respect to the center line (C1).

The above first part (382) can have a variable radius in the Y-axis direction.

The above first portion (382) may include a first region (382d) (see region A in FIG. 22) and a second region (382e).

The curvature of at least a portion of the first region (382d) may be different from the curvature of at least a portion of the second region (382e).

The above first region (382d) may include the lowermost portion of the ice-making cell (320a).

The second region (382e) may have a larger diameter than the first region (382d).

The above first region (382d) and second region (382e) can be divided in the upper and lower directions.

The transparent ice heater (430) can be brought into contact with the first region (382d). The first region (382d) can include a heater contact surface (382g) for bringing the transparent ice heater (430) into contact with the first region (382d).

The heater contact surface (382g) may be, for example, a horizontal plane. The heater contact surface (382g) may be positioned higher than the lowermost portion of the first portion (382).

The second region (382e) may include the second contact surface (382c).

The above first region (382d) may include a shape that sinks in the opposite direction to the direction in which ice expands in the ice-making cell (320a).

The distance from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) to the part where the sunken shape is located in the first region (382d) may be shorter than the distance from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) to the second region (382e).

For example, the first region (382d) may include a pressurizing portion (382f) that is pressurized by the second pusher (540) during the ice-making process. When the pressing force of the second pusher (540) is applied to the pressurizing portion (382f), the pressurizing portion (382f) is deformed and the ice is separated from the first portion (382). When the pressing force applied to the pressurizing portion (382f) is removed, the pressurizing portion (382f) may return to its original shape.

The above center line (C1) can penetrate the first region (382d). For example, the above center line (C1) can penetrate the pressurizing portion (382f).

The above heater contact surface (382g) can be arranged to surround the pressurizing portion (382f).

The above heater contact surface (382g) is likely to be positioned higher than the lowermost part of the pressurizing portion (382f).

At least a portion of the heater contact surface (382g) may be arranged to surround the center line (C1). Accordingly, at least a portion of the transparent ice heater (430) in contact with the heater contact surface (382g) may also be arranged to surround the center line (C1).

Accordingly, during the process in which the second pusher (540) pressurizes the pressurizing portion (382f), the transparent ice heater (430) can be prevented from interfering with the second pusher (540).

The distance from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) to the pressurizing portion (382f) may be different from the distance from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) to the second region (382e).

<2nd tray cover>

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the second tray cover, and Figure 24 is a plan view of the second tray cover.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the second tray cover (360) includes an opening (362) (or through hole) into which a portion of the second tray (380) is inserted.

For example, when the second tray (380) is inserted from the lower side of the second tray cover (360), a portion of the second tray (380) may protrude upward from the second tray cover (360) through the opening (362).

The above second tray cover (360) may include a vertical wall (361) and a curved wall (363) surrounding the opening (362).

In detail, the vertical wall (361) may form three sides of the second tray cover (360), and the curved wall (363) may form the remaining side of the second tray cover (360).

The above vertical wall (361) may be a wall extending vertically upward, and the above curved wall (363) may be a wall that rounds upwardly to move away from the opening (362).

The vertical wall (361) and the curved wall (363) may be provided with a plurality of fastening parts (361a, 361c, 363a) for coupling with the second tray (380) and the second tray supporter (400).

The above vertical wall (361) and curved wall (363) may further include a plurality of fastening grooves (361b, 361d, 363b) corresponding to the plurality of fastening portions (361a, 361c, 363a).

A fastening member may be inserted into the above-mentioned plurality of fastening portions (361a, 361c, 363a) and may penetrate the second tray (380) to be fastened to the fastening portion (401a, 401b, 401c) of the second tray supporter (400).

At this time, the fastening member can be prevented from protruding above the vertical wall (361) and the curved wall (363) through a plurality of fastening grooves (361b, 361d, 363b) and interfering with other configurations.

A plurality of first fastening portions (361a) may be provided on the wall facing the curved wall (363) of the vertical wall (361).

In detail, the plurality of first fastening portions (361a) can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction of FIG. 23.

In addition, it may include a first fastening groove (361b) corresponding to each of the first fastening portions (361a).

For example, the first fastening groove (361b) may be formed by the vertical wall (361) being sunken, and the first fastening portion (361a) may be provided in the sunken portion of the first fastening groove (361b).

Additionally, the vertical wall (361) may further include a plurality of second fastening portions (361c).

The above plurality of second fastening parts (361c) can be provided on vertical walls (361) facing each other and spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

In detail, the plurality of second fastening portions (361c) can be positioned closer to the first fastening portion (361a) than the third fastening portion (363a) described later, and this is to prevent interference with the extension portion (403) of the second tray supporter (400) when combined with the second tray supporter (400) described later.

For example, the vertical wall (361) on which the plurality of second fastening portions (361c) are positioned may further include a second fastening groove (361d) formed so that the portions excluding the second fastening portions (361c) are spaced apart from each other.

The above curved wall (363) may be provided with a plurality of third fastening portions (363a) for coupling with the second tray (380) and the second tray supporter (400).

For example, the plurality of third fastening parts (363a) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction of FIG. 23.

The above curved wall (363) may be provided with a third fastening groove (363b) corresponding to each of the third fastening portions (363a).

For example, the third fastening groove (363b) may be formed by vertically sinking the curved wall (363), and the third fastening portion (363a) may be provided in the sunken portion of the third fastening groove (363b).

Fig. 25 is a top perspective view of the second tray supporter, and Fig. 26 is a bottom perspective view of the second tray supporter. Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of Fig. 25.

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 27, the second tray supporter (400) may include a supporter body (407) on which the lower portion of the second tray (380) is secured.

The above supporter body (407) may include a receiving space (406a) in which a portion of the second tray (380) can be received.

The above-mentioned receiving space (406a) may be formed corresponding to the first part (382) of the second tray (380), and there may be a plurality of them.

The above supporter body (407) may include a lower opening (406b) (or through hole) for a part of the second pusher (540) to pass through during the icing process.

For example, three lower openings (406b) may be provided in the supporter body (407) to correspond to three receiving spaces (406a).

Additionally, a lower portion of the second tray (380) may be exposed through the lower opening (406b). At least a portion of the second tray (380) may be positioned in the lower opening (406b).

The upper surface (407a) of the above supporter body (407) can extend horizontally.

The above second tray supporter (400) may include an upper surface (407a) of the supporter body (407) and a stepped lower plate (401).

The above lower plate (401) can be positioned higher than the upper surface (407a) of the supporter body (407).

The above lower plate (401) may include a plurality of coupling portions (401a, 401b, 401c) for coupling with the second tray cover (360).

A second tray (380) can be inserted and joined between the second tray cover (360) and the second tray supporter (400).

For example, a second tray (380) may be positioned on the lower side of the second tray cover (360), and the second tray (380) may be accommodated on the upper side of the second tray supporter (400).

In addition, the first extension wall (387b) of the second tray (380) can be combined with the fastening portion (361a, 361b, 361c) of the second tray cover (360) and the joining portion (401a, 401b, 401c) of the second tray supporter (400).

The above plurality of first coupling portions (401a) may be arranged spaced apart in the X-axis direction. In addition, the first coupling portion (401a) and the second and third coupling portions (401b, 401c) may be arranged spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

The third coupling portion (401c) may be positioned further away from the first coupling portion (401a) than the second coupling portion (401b).

The second tray supporter (400) may further include a vertical extension wall (405) extending vertically downward from the edge of the lower plate (401).

One side of the vertical extension wall (405) may be provided with a pair of extension parts (403) coupled with a shaft (440) to rotate the second tray (380).

The above pair of extension parts (403) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction of Fig. 25. In addition, each of the above extension parts (403) may further include a through hole (404).

The shaft (440) can pass through the above through hole (404), and the extension (281) of the first tray cover (300) can be placed inside the pair of extensions (403).

Additionally, the through hole (404) may further include a central portion (404a) and an extension hole (404b) extending symmetrically to the central portion (404a).

The above second tray supporter (400) may further include a spring coupling portion (402a) to which a spring (402) is coupled.

The above spring coupling part (402a) can form a ring so that the lower end of the spring (402) is caught.

In addition, one of the walls facing each other and spaced apart in the X-axis direction of the vertical extension wall (405) may be provided with a guide hole (408) for guiding a transparent ice heater (430) or a wire connected to the transparent ice heater (430) to the outside.

The second tray supporter (400) may further include a link connecting portion (405a) to which the pusher link (500) is coupled. The link connecting portion (405a) may, for example, protrude in the X-axis direction from the vertical extension wall (405).

The above link connection part (405a) may be located in the area between the center line (CL1) and the through hole (404) based on Fig. 27.

In addition, a plurality of second heater coupling parts (409) may be further provided on the lower surface of the lower plate (401) to be coupled with a second heater case (420, see FIG. 28) to be described later.

The above plurality of second heater coupling parts (409) can be arranged spaced apart in the X-axis direction and/or the Y-axis direction.

With reference to FIG. 27, the second tray supporter (400) may include a first part (411) that supports a second tray (380) that forms at least a part of the ice-making cell (320a). In FIG. 27, the first part (411) may be an area between two dotted lines. For example, the supporter body (407) may form the first part (411).

The above second tray supporter (400) may further include a second part (413) extending from a certain point of the first part (411).

The second part (413) can reduce the heat transferred from the transparent ice heater (430) to the second tray supporter (400) from being transferred to the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first tray (320).

At least a portion of the second portion (413) may extend in a direction away from the first cell (321a) formed by the first tray (320).

The above second part (413) may have a moving direction that is a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a).

The above second part (413) may have a downward direction based on a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a).

The above second part (413) may include a first part (414a) extending in a horizontal direction from the above point, and a second part (414b) extending in the same direction as the first part (414a).

The second part (413) may include a first part (414a) extending in a horizontal direction from the predetermined point, and a third part (414c) extending in a different direction from the first part (414a).

The above second part (413) may include a first part (414a) extending in a horizontal direction from the above-described point, and a second part (414b) and a third part (414c) formed to branch from the first part (414a).

The upper surface (407a) of the above supporter body (407) can form, for example, the first part (414a).

The above first part (414a) may additionally include a fourth part (414d) extending in a vertical direction. The lower plate (401) may form the fourth part (414d), for example.

The above vertical extension wall (405) may form, for example, the third part (414c).

The length of the third part (414c) may be longer than the length of the second part (414b).

The second part (414b) may extend in the same direction as the first part (414a). The third part (414c) may extend in a different direction from the first part (414a).

The second portion (413) may be positioned at the same height as the lowermost portion of the first cell (321a) or may extend to a lower point.

The second portion (413) may include a first extension portion (413a) and a second extension portion (413b) positioned on opposite sides with respect to a center line (CL1) corresponding to the center line (C1) of the ice-making cell (320a).

Based on Fig. 27, the first extension part (413a) may be positioned on the left side with respect to the center line (CL1), and the second extension part (413b) may be positioned on the right side with respect to the center line (CL1).

The first extension portion (413a) and the second extension portion (413b) may be formed with different shapes with respect to the center line (CL1). The first extension portion (413a) and the second extension portion (413b) may be formed in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center line (CL1).

The length in the horizontal direction can be formed such that the second extension portion (413b) is longer than the first extension portion (413a). That is, the heat conduction length of the second extension portion (413b) is longer than the heat conduction length of the first extension portion (413a).

The first extension portion (413a) may be positioned closer to the edge portion opposite to the portion where the fourth wall (224) is connected among the second wall (222) or the third wall (223) of the bracket (220) than the second extension portion (413b).

The second extension (413b) may be positioned closer to the shaft (440) providing the center of rotation of the second tray assembly than the first extension (413a).

In the present embodiment, since the length of the second extension (413b) in the Y-axis direction is formed longer than the length of the first extension (413a), the rotation radius of the second tray assembly having the second tray (380) in contact with the first tray (320) also becomes larger.

The center of curvature of at least a portion of the second extension (413b) may coincide with the center of rotation of the shaft (440) that is connected to and rotates the driving unit (480).

The above first extension portion (413a) may include a portion (414e) extending upward relative to the horizontal line. The portion (414e) may, for example, surround a portion of the second tray (380).

In another aspect, the second tray supporter (400) may include a first region (415a) including the lower opening (406b) and a second region (415b) having a shape corresponding to the ice-making cell (320a) to support the second tray (380).

The first region (415a) and the second region (415b) can be divided, for example, in the vertical direction. In Fig. 27, as an example, the first region (415a) and the second region (415b) are shown to be divided by a dashed line.

The above first region (415a) can support the second tray (380).

The control unit can control the ice maker (200) so that the second pusher (540) moves from a first point outside the ice making cell (320a) to a second point inside the second tray supporter (400) via the lower opening (406b).

The internal deformation of the second tray supporter (400) may be greater than the internal deformation of the second tray (380).

The degree of restoration of the second tray supporter (400) may be smaller than that of the second tray (380).

In another aspect, the second tray supporter (400) can be described as including a first region (415a) including a lower opening (406b) and a second region (415b) located further from the transparent ice heater (430) than the first region (415a).

<2nd heater case>

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the second heater case, FIG. 29 is a drawing of the lower heater coupled to the second heater case, FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 29, and FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second heater case.

The ice maker of the present embodiment may further include a transparent ice heater (430) for applying heat to the second tray (380) during the ice making process.

Referring to FIGS. 28 to 41, the second heater case (420) may include a second heater receiving portion (425) that receives a transparent ice heater (430) for transferring heat from the lower side of the second tray (380).

The second heater case (420) may be formed integrally with the second tray supporter (400) or may be formed separately and coupled to the second tray supporter (400).

The second heater case (420) may further include a second heater plate (421) in which the second heater receiving portion (425) is formed and a second heater vertical wall (424) extending vertically upward from an edge of the second heater plate (421).

The second heater receiving portion (425) may include a plurality of curved portions (425a) that contact the lower end of the second tray (380) and a plurality of straight portions (425b) that connect the plurality of curved portions (425a).

An opening (422) into which a lower part of the second tray (380) is inserted may be provided at the center of the plurality of curved portions (425a).

The inner side of the plurality of curved portions (425a) surrounding the opening (422) can be formed to correspond to the shape of the lower end of the second tray (380).

For example, the inner side of the curved portion (425a) may be lower than the outer side of the curved portion (425a), and the inner side of the curved portion (425a) may be inclined.

A heater support wall (425c) may be formed along the perimeter of the second heater receiving portion (425) at the bottom of the second heater plate (421). The heater support wall (425c) may prevent the transparent ice heater (430) received in the second heater receiving portion (425) from being separated from the second heater receiving portion (425).

In addition, a separation prevention projection may be provided at both ends of the plurality of curved portions (425a) based on the X-axis direction of Fig. 28 to prevent separation of the transparent ice heater (430).

A guide groove (425d) through which the transparent ice heater (430) is guided outward may be provided at one of the two ends of the plurality of curved portions (425a).

Additionally, a vertically extending guide wall (423) may be formed on the second heater plate (421) in the direction in which the guide groove (425d) is formed.

The above guide wall (423) can guide the transparent ice heater (430) or the wire connected to the transparent ice heater (430) guided along the guide groove (425d) to the outside of the second heater case (420).

The above guide wall (423) can be formed to correspond to the shape of the adjacent curved portion (425a).

The above guide wall (423) may be formed in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other with the guide groove (425d) as the center.

A plurality of anti-separation protrusions (425c1) may be formed on the plurality of straight sections (425b).

Additionally, the second heater plate (421) may be provided with a plurality of second heater fastening portions (421a) for fastening with the second heater fastening portions (409) of the second tray supporter (400).

The above plurality of second heater fastening parts (421a) can be spaced apart from each other.

A fastening member may be coupled to the lower side of the second heater case (420) and may penetrate and be coupled to the second heater fastening portion (421a) and the second heater coupling portion (409).

A cutout (424a) may be provided on a portion of one of the four sides of the second heater vertical wall (424).

For example, the transparent ice heater (430) guided through the guide wall (423) or a wire connected to the transparent ice heater (430) can be connected to the outside of the second heater case (420) through the cut portion (424a).

The above-mentioned cut portion (424a) can be positioned to correspond to the guide hole (408) of the second tray supporter (400).

The above transparent ice heater (430) will be described in detail.

The control unit (800) of the present embodiment can control the transparent ice heater (430) to supply heat to the ice making cell (320a) during at least some of the sections in which cold air is supplied to the ice making cell (320a) so that transparent ice can be created.

By the heat of the transparent ice heater (430), the speed of ice formation can be delayed so that the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell (320a) can move from the part where ice is formed to the liquid water, thereby allowing transparent ice to be formed in the ice maker (200). In other words, the bubbles dissolved in the water can be induced to escape to the outside of the ice-making cell (320a) or be captured at a certain position within the ice-making cell (320a).

Meanwhile, when the cold air supply means (900) described later supplies cold air to the ice making cell (320a), if the speed at which ice is created is fast, the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice making cell (320a) may freeze without moving from the part where ice is created to the liquid water, and thus the transparency of the created ice may be low.

In contrast, when the cold air supply means (900) supplies cold air to the ice making cell (320a), if the speed at which ice is created is slow, the above problem can be solved and the transparency of the ice created can be increased, but the problem of the ice making time taking a long time can occur.

Accordingly, in order to reduce the delay in ice making time and increase the transparency of the ice produced, the transparent ice heater (430) may be placed on one side of the ice making cell (320a) so as to locally supply heat to the ice making cell (320a).

Meanwhile, in the case where the transparent ice heater (430) is placed on one side of the ice-making cell (320a), at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may be made of a material having lower thermal conductivity than metal so as to reduce the heat of the transparent ice heater (430) from being easily transferred to the other side of the ice-making cell (320a).

Alternatively, at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may be made of a resin including plastic so that the ice attached to the trays (320, 380) is easily separated during the ice-making process.

Meanwhile, at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may be made of a flexible or malleable material so that the tray deformed by the pusher (260, 540) during the moving process can be easily restored to its original shape.

The transparent ice heater (430) may be placed adjacent to the second tray (380). The transparent ice heater (430) may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

For example, the transparent ice heater (430) may be installed so as to be in contact with the second tray (380) or may be placed at a position spaced apart from the second tray (380) by a predetermined distance.

As another example, it is also possible for the second heater case (420) not to be provided separately, and for the tumbling heater (430) to be installed on the second tray supporter (400).

In any case, the transparent ice heater (430) can supply heat to the second tray (380), and the heat supplied to the second tray (380) can be transferred to the ice-making cell (320a).

<1st Pusher>

FIG. 32 is a drawing showing a first pusher of the present invention, where (a) of FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the first pusher, and (b) of FIG. 32 is a side view of the first pusher.

Referring to FIG. 32, the first pusher (260) may include a pushing bar (264). The pushing bar (264) may include a first edge (264a) on which a pressing surface for pressing ice or a tray during the freezing process is formed, and a second edge (264b) located opposite the first edge (264a).

The above-mentioned pressurized surface may be, for example, flat or curved.

The above pushing bar (264) can extend in the vertical direction and can be formed in a straight shape or a curved shape with at least a portion being rounded.

The diameter of the pushing bar (264) is smaller than the diameter of the opening (324) of the first tray (320). Therefore, the pushing bar (264) can be inserted into the ice-making cell (320a) by penetrating the opening (324). Therefore, the first pusher (260) can be referred to as a penetrating pusher that penetrates the ice-making cell (320a).

When the ice maker includes a plurality of ice-making cells (320a), the first pusher (260) may include a plurality of pushing bars (264). Two adjacent pushing bars (264) may be connected by a connecting portion (263).

The above connecting portion (263) can connect the upper ends of the pushing bars (264) to each other. Therefore, during the process of inserting the pushing bar (264) into the ice-making cell (320a), the second edge (264a) and the connecting portion (263) can be prevented from interfering with the first tray (320).

The first pusher (260) may include a guide connecting portion (265) penetrating the guide slot (302). For example, the guide connecting portion (265) may be provided on both sides of the first pusher (260). The vertical cross-section of the guide connecting portion (265) may be formed in a circular, oval, or polygonal shape.

The above guide connecting portion (265) can be positioned in the guide slot (302). The guide connecting portion (265) can move lengthwise along the guide slot (302) while positioned in the guide slot (302). For example, the guide connecting portion (265) can move in the up-down direction.

Although the above guide slot (302) is described as being formed in the first tray cover (300), it may also be formed in the bracket (220) or the wall forming the storage room.

The above guide connecting portion (265) may further include a link connecting portion (266) for coupling with the pusher link (500). The link connecting portion (266) may be positioned lower than the second edge (264b).

The link connecting portion (266) may be formed in a cylindrical shape so that relative rotation is possible while the link connecting portion (266) is coupled with the pusher link (500).

<Connection relationship between the first pusher and the pusher link>

Figure 33 is a drawing showing a state in which the first pusher is connected to the second tray assembly by a pusher link.

Referring to FIG. 33, the pusher link (500) can connect the first pusher (260) and the second tray assembly. For example, the pusher link (500) can be connected to the first pusher (260) and the second tray case.

The above pusher link (500) may include a link body (502). The link body (502) may have a rounded shape. Since the link body (502) is formed in a rounded shape, the pusher link (500) can rotate during the rotation process of the second tray assembly, and the pusher link (500) can move the first pusher (260) up and down.

The above pusher link (500) may include a first connecting portion (504) provided at one end of the link body (502) and a second connecting portion (506) provided at the other end of the link body (502).

The first connecting portion (504) may include a first coupling hole (504a) for coupling the link connecting portion (266). The link connecting portion (266) may be coupled to the first connecting portion (504) after passing through the guide slot (302).

The second connecting portion (506) may be coupled to the second tray supporter (400). The second connecting portion (506) may include a second coupling hole (506a) to which a link connecting portion (405a) provided on the second tray supporter (400) is coupled.

The second connecting portion (506) can be connected to the second tray supporter (400) at a location spaced apart from the rotation center (C4) of the shaft (440) or the rotation center (C4) of the second tray assembly.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the pusher link (500) connected to the second tray assembly rotates together with the rotation of the second tray assembly. During the rotation of the pusher link (500), the first pusher (260) connected to the pusher link (500) moves up and down along the guide slot (302).

The above pusher link (500) can serve to convert the rotational force of the second tray assembly into the up-and-down movement force of the first pusher (260).

Therefore, the first pusher (260) may also be called a movable pusher.

<Second Pusher>

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a second pusher according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 34, the second pusher (540) according to the present embodiment may include a pushing bar (544). The pushing bar (544) may include a first edge (544a) on which a pressing surface for pressing the second tray (380) during the icing process is formed, and a second edge (544b) located on the opposite side of the first edge (544a).

The pushing bar (544) can be formed in a curved shape so that the time for which it presses the second tray (380) increases without interfering with the second tray (380) that rotates during the icing process.

The above first edge (544a) may be a vertical plane or may include an inclined plane.

The second edge (544b) may be joined to the fourth wall (224) of the bracket (220), or the second edge (544b) may be joined to the fourth wall (224) of the bracket (220) by a joining plate (542).

The above-mentioned joining plate (542) can be seated in a seating groove (224a) formed in the fourth wall (224) of the above-mentioned bracket (220).

When the ice maker (200) includes a plurality of ice-making cells (320a), the second pusher (540) may include a plurality of pushing bars (544). The plurality of pushing bars (544) may be connected to the connecting plate (542) while being spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

The above plurality of pushing bars (544) may be formed integrally with the joining plate (542) or may be joined to the joining plate (542).

The above first edge (544a) can be arranged to be inclined with respect to the center line (C1) of the ice-making cell (320a).

The above first edge (544a) may be inclined in a direction away from the center line (C1) of the ice-making cell (320a) from top to bottom.

The angle of the inclined plane formed by the first edge (544a) with respect to the vertical line may be smaller than the angle of the inclined plane formed by the second edge (544b).

The direction in which the pushing bar (544) extends from the center of the first edge (544a) toward the center of the second edge (544b) may include at least two directions.

For example, the pushing bar (544) may include a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a direction different from the second portion.

At least a portion of a line connecting the center of the first edge (544a) to the center of the second edge (544b) along the pushing bar (544) may be a curve.

The first edge (544a) and the second edge (544b) may have different heights. The first edge (544a) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the second edge (544b).

Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 35-35 of Fig. 2.

Referring to FIG. 35, the ice maker (200) may include a first tray assembly (201) and a second tray assembly (211) that are connected to each other.

The second tray assembly (211) may include a first part (212) forming at least a portion of the ice-making cell (320a), and a second part (213) extended from a certain point of the first part (212).

The above second part (213) can reduce the transfer from the transparent ice heater (430) to the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first tray assembly (201).

The above first part (212) may be an area located between two dotted lines in Fig. 35.

The predetermined point of the first part (212) may be an end of the first part (212) or a point where the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) meet.

At least a portion of the first portion (212) may extend in a direction away from the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first tray assembly (201).

A portion of the second portion (213) may be branched into at least two or more portions to reduce heat transfer in a direction extending into the second portion (213).

A part of the second part (213) may extend in a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a). A part of the second part (213) may extend upward based on a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making room (320a).

The second part (213) may include a first part (213c) extending in a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a), a second part (213d) extending upwardly based on the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a), and a third part (213e) extending downwardly.

In order to reduce the heat transferred from the transparent ice heater (430) to the second tray assembly (211) to the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first tray assembly (201), the first part (212) may have a different heat transfer rate in the direction along the outer surface of the ice-making cell (320a).

The above transparent ice heater (430) can be positioned to heat both sides centered on the lowest part of the first part (212).

The first portion (212) may include a first region (214a) and a second region (214b). In Fig. 35, the first region (214a) and the second region (214b) are illustrated as being divided by a dashed line. The second region (214b) may be an region located above the first region (214a).

The heat transfer rate of the second region (214b) may be greater than the heat transfer rate of the first region (214a).

The first region (214a) may include a portion where the transparent ice heater (430) is positioned. That is, the transparent ice heater (430) may be positioned in the first region (214a).

In the first region (214a), the lowermost portion (214a1) forming the ice-making cell (320a) may have lower heat transfer than other portions of the first region (214a).

The above second region (214b) may include a portion where the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) come into contact.

The first region (214a) may form a part of the ice-making cell (320a). The second region (214b) may form another part of the ice-making cell (320a).

The second region (214b) may be positioned further away from the transparent ice heater (430) than the first region (214a).

In order to reduce the heat transferred from the transparent ice heater (430) to the first region (214a) to the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the second region (214b), a part of the first region (214a) may have a lower heat transfer rate than another part of the first region (214a).

In order to cause ice to be generated in the direction of the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first region (214a) in the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the second region (214b), a part of the first region (214a) may have a smaller deformation resistance and a larger recovery resistance than another part of the first region (214a).

The thickness from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) toward the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making cell ((320a)) may be thinner in a part of the first region (214a) than in another part of the first region (214a).

The above first region (214a) may include, for example, at least a portion of the second tray (380) and a second tray case surrounding at least a portion of the second tray (380).

Based on the Y-Z cross-section, the average cross-sectional area or average thickness of the first tray assembly (201) may be greater than the average cross-sectional area or average thickness of the second tray assembly (211).

Based on the Y-Z cross-section, the maximum cross-sectional area or maximum thickness of the first tray assembly (201) may be greater than the maximum cross-sectional area or maximum thickness of the second tray assembly (211).

Based on the Y-Z cross-section, the minimum cross-sectional area or minimum thickness of the first tray assembly (201) may be greater than the minimum cross-sectional area or minimum thickness of the second tray assembly (211).

Based on the Y-Z cross-section, the uniformity of the minimum cross-sectional area or the uniformity of the minimum thickness of the first tray assembly (201) may be greater than the uniformity of the minimum cross-sectional area or the uniformity of the minimum thickness of the second tray assembly (211).

Meanwhile, the center of rotation (C4) may be eccentric with respect to a line that bisects the length in the Y-axis direction of the bracket (220).

Additionally, the ice-making cell (320a) may be eccentric with respect to a line that bisects the length in the Y-axis direction of the bracket (220).

The above rotation center (C4) may be positioned closer to the second pusher (540) than to the ice-making cell (320a).

The second portion (213) may include a first extension portion (213a) and a second extension portion (213b) positioned opposite each other with respect to the center line (C1).

The first extension part (213a) may be positioned to the left of the center line (C1) based on Fig. 35, and the second extension part (213b) may be positioned to the right of the center line (C1).

The above water supply unit (240) can be positioned close to the first extension unit (213a). The first tray assembly (201) includes a pair of guide slots (302), and the water supply unit (240) can be positioned in an area between the pair of guide slots (302).

The length of the above guide slot (302) may be greater than the sum of the radius of the above ice-making cell (320a) and the height of the above auxiliary storage room (325).

Figure 36 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 36, the refrigerator of the present embodiment may include a cooler for supplying cold to the freezer (32) (or ice making cell).

As an example, Fig. 36 illustrates that the cooler includes a cold air supply means (900).

The above cold air supply means (900) can supply cold air to the freezer (32) using a refrigerant cycle.

For example, the cold air supply means (900) may include a compressor for compressing refrigerant. The temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezer (32) may vary depending on the output (or frequency) of the compressor.

Alternatively, the cold air supply means (900) may include a fan for blowing air to the evaporator. The amount of cold air supplied to the freezer (32) may vary depending on the output (or rotation speed) of the fan.

Alternatively, the cold air supply means (900) may include a refrigerant valve that controls the amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle.

The amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle can be varied by controlling the opening of the refrigerant valve, and accordingly, the temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezer (32) can be varied.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cold air supply means (900) may include one or more of the compressor, fan, and refrigerant valve.

The above-mentioned cold air supply means (900) may further include an evaporator for heat-exchanging the refrigerant and air. Cold air that has undergone heat exchange with the evaporator may be supplied to the ice maker (200).

The refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a control unit (800) that controls the cold air supply means (900).

Additionally, the refrigerator may further include a water supply valve (242) for controlling the amount of water supplied through the water supply unit (240).

The above control unit (800) can control some or all of the ice heater (290), the transparent ice heater (430), the driving unit (480), the cold air supply means (900), and the water supply valve (242).

In the present embodiment, when the ice maker (200) includes both the ice heater (290) and the transparent ice heater (430), the output of the ice heater (290) and the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be different.

When the outputs of the above-mentioned ice heater (290) and the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430) are different, the output terminal of the above-mentioned ice heater (290) and the output terminal of the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430) can be formed in different shapes, so that incorrect connection of the two output terminals can be prevented.

Although not limited, the output of the ice heater (290) may be set to be greater than the output of the transparent ice heater (430). Accordingly, the ice can be quickly separated from the first tray (320) by the ice heater (290).

In the present embodiment, if the ice heater (290) is not provided, the transparent ice heater (430) may be placed at a position adjacent to the second tray (380) described above, or may be placed at a position adjacent to the first tray (320).

The above refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor (33) (or an internal temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the freezer (32).

The above control unit (800) can control the cold air supply means (900) based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (33).

Additionally, the control unit (800) can determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700).

Figure 37 is a flow chart for explaining a process of generating ice in an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 38 is a drawing for explaining a height standard according to the relative position of a transparent ice heater with respect to an ice-making cell, and Figure 39 is a drawing for explaining the output of a transparent ice heater per unit height of water in an ice-making cell.

Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the water supply location.

Figure 41 is a drawing showing a state in which water supply is completed in Figure 40.

Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly in the ice-making position, and Fig. 43 is a drawing showing the state in which the pressurizing portion of the second tray is deformed in the ice-making completed state.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly during the icing process, and FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the icing position.

Referring to FIGS. 41 to 45, in order to create ice in the ice maker (200), the control unit (800) moves the second tray assembly (211) to the water supply position (S1).

In this specification, the direction in which the second tray assembly (211) moves from the ice-making position of FIG. 42 to the ice-breaking position of FIG. 45 may be referred to as forward movement (or forward rotation).

On the other hand, the direction of movement from the ice position of Fig. 45 to the water supply position of Fig. 42 can be called reverse movement (or reverse rotation).

The movement of the water supply position of the second tray assembly (211) is detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray assembly (211) has moved to the water supply position, the control unit (800) stops the driving unit (480).

At least a portion of the second tray (380) may be spaced apart from the first tray (320) at the water supply location of the second tray assembly (211).

At the water supply position of the second tray assembly (211), the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) form a first angle (θ1) with respect to the center of rotation (C4). That is, the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) form a first angle.

Water supply begins when the second tray (380) is moved to the water supply position (S2).

To supply water, the control unit (800) turns on the water supply valve (242), and when it is determined that a set amount of water has been supplied, the control unit (800) can turn off the water supply valve (242).

For example, during the process of supplying water, a pulse is output from an undisclosed flow sensor, and when the output pulse reaches a reference pulse, it can be determined that a set amount of water has been supplied.

In the supply position, the second part (383) of the second tray (380) can surround the first tray (320). For example, the second part (383) of the second tray (380) can surround the second part (323) of the first tray (320).

Accordingly, during the process in which the second tray (380) moves from the water supply position to the ice-making position, it is possible to reduce water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) from leaking between the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211). In addition, it is possible to reduce water that expands during the ice-making process from leaking between the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) and freezing.

After the water supply is completed, the control unit (800) controls the driving unit (480) to move the second tray assembly (211) to the ice-making position (S3).

For example, the control unit (800) can control the driving unit (480) to move the second tray assembly (211) in the reverse direction from the water supply position.

When the second tray assembly (211) is moved in the reverse direction, the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) becomes closer to the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320).

Then, the water between the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) and the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) is divided and distributed into each of the plurality of second cells (381a).

When the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) and the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) are completely in close contact, the first cell (321a) is filled with water.

In this way, when the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) and the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) are in close contact, water leakage from the ice-making cell (320a) can be reduced.

The movement of the ice-making position of the second tray assembly (211) is detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray assembly (211) has moved to the ice-making position, the control unit (800) stops the driving unit (480).

Ice making begins when the second tray assembly (211) is moved to the ice making position (S4).

At the ice-making position of the second tray assembly (211), the second part (383) of the second tray (380) can face the second part (323) of the first tray (320).

At least a portion of each of the second portion (383) of the second tray (380) and the second portion (323) of the first tray (320) may extend in a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a).

At least a portion of each of the second portion (383) of the second tray (380) and the second portion (323) of the first tray (320) may be positioned at the same height as or higher than the top of the ice-making cell (320a).

At least a portion of each of the second portion (383) of the second tray (380) and the second portion (323) of the first tray (320) may be positioned lower than the uppermost portion of the auxiliary storage room (325).

At the ice-making position of the second tray assembly (211), the second part (383) of the second tray (380) can be spaced apart from the second part (323) of the first tray (320) to form a space.

The above space may extend to a point that is the same height as or higher than the top of the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first part (322) of the first tray (320). The above space may extend to a point that is lower than the top of the auxiliary storage room (325).

The above-mentioned ice heater (290) can provide heat to reduce freezing of water in the space between the second part (383) of the second tray (380) and the second part (323) of the first tray (320).

As described above, the second part (383) of the second tray (380) functions as a leak prevention part. It is advantageous for the length of the leak prevention part to be formed as long as possible.

This is because as the length of the above-mentioned leak prevention section increases, the amount of water leaking between the first and second tray assemblies can be reduced.

The length of the leakage prevention portion formed by the second portion (383) may be greater than the distance from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) to the outer circumference of the ice-making cell (320a).

The area of the first surface of the first portion (322) of the first tray (320) facing the first portion (382) of the second tray (380) is greater than the area of the second surface of the first portion (382) of the second tray (380) facing the first portion (322) of the first tray (320). This difference in area can increase the bonding force between the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211).

Ice making may start when the second tray (380) reaches the ice making position. Alternatively, ice making may start when the second tray (380) reaches the ice making position and the water supply time has elapsed for a set time.

When ice making begins, the control unit (800) can control the cold air supply means (900) so that cold air is supplied to the ice making cell (320a).

After ice making begins, the control unit (800) can control the transparent ice heater (430) to be turned on during at least some of the period in which the cold air supply means (900) supplies cold air to the ice making cell (320a).

When the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the heat of the transparent ice heater (430) is transferred to the ice-making cell (320a), so the speed of ice production in the ice-making cell (320a) may be delayed.

As in this embodiment, transparent ice can be created in the ice maker (200) by delaying the speed of ice creation so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell (320a) can move from the part where ice is created toward the liquid water by the heat of the transparent ice heater (430).

During the ice making process, the control unit (800) can determine whether the on condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied (S5).

In the present embodiment, the transparent ice heater (430) is not turned on immediately after ice making starts, but rather, the transparent ice heater (430) can be turned on only when the on condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied (S6).

In general, the water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) may be water at room temperature or water at a temperature lower than room temperature. The temperature of the water supplied in this manner is higher than the freezing point of water.

Therefore, after the water is immersed, the temperature of the water decreases due to the cold air, and when it reaches the freezing point of water, the water changes into ice.

In the present embodiment, the transparent ice heater (430) may not be turned on before the water changes into ice.

If the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on before the temperature of the water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) reaches the freezing point, the speed at which the temperature of the water reaches the freezing point is slowed down by the heat of the transparent ice heater (430), and as a result, the start of ice formation is delayed.

The transparency of ice can vary depending on the presence or absence of bubbles in the area where ice is formed after ice begins to be formed. However, if heat is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) before ice is formed, it can be seen that the transparent ice heater (430) operates regardless of the transparency of the ice.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on after the on condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied, power consumption due to unnecessary operation of the transparent ice heater (430) can be prevented.

Of course, since the transparency is not affected even if the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on immediately after ice making starts, it is also possible to turn the transparent ice heater (430) on after ice making starts.

In this embodiment, the control unit (800) may determine that the on condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied when a certain period of time has elapsed from a set specific point in time. The specific point in time may be set to at least one of the points in time before the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on.

For example, the specific point in time may be set as the point in time when the cold air supply means (900) starts supplying cold power for ice making, the point in time when the second tray assembly (211) reaches the ice making position, the point in time when the water supply is completed, etc.

Alternatively, the control unit (800) may determine that the on condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the on reference temperature.

For example, the above-mentioned reference temperature may be a temperature for determining that water has started to freeze at the uppermost side (the opening (324) side) of the ice making cell (320a).

When some of the water freezes in the ice making cell (320a), the temperature of the ice in the ice making cell (320a) is below zero.

The temperature of the first tray (320) may be higher than the temperature of the ice in the ice making cell (320a).

Of course, water exists in the ice-making cell (320a), but after ice starts to form in the ice-making cell (320a), the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) may be below zero.

Therefore, in order to determine that ice has started to be formed in the ice making cell (320a) based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700), the on reference temperature can be set to a temperature below zero.

That is, when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the on-reference temperature, the on-reference temperature is a sub-zero temperature, so the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell (320a) will be sub-zero and lower than the on-reference temperature. Therefore, it can be indirectly determined that ice has been formed in the ice-making cell (320a).

In this way, when the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the heat of the transparent ice heater (430) is transferred into the ice-making cell (320a).

As in the present embodiment, when the second tray (380) is positioned below the first tray (320) and the transparent ice heater (430) is arranged to supply heat to the second tray (380), ice can start to be created from the upper side of the ice-making cell (320a).

In this embodiment, since ice is generated from the top within the ice-making cell (320a), bubbles move downward toward the liquid water in the part where ice is generated within the ice-making cell (320a).

Since the density of water is greater than that of ice, water or air bubbles can convect within the ice-making cell (320a), and the air bubbles can move toward the transparent ice heater (430).

In this embodiment, depending on the shape of the ice-making cell (320a), the mass (or volume) per unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a) may be the same or different.

For example, when the ice-making cell (320a) is a rectangular solid, the mass (or volume) per unit height of water within the ice-making cell (320a) is the same.

On the other hand, when the ice-making cell (320a) has a shape such as a sphere, an inverted triangle, a crescent moon, etc., the mass (or volume) per unit height of water is different.

If, assuming that the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) is constant, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) is the same, the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a) is different, so the speed at which ice is created per unit height may be different.

For example, when the mass per unit height of water is small, the rate of ice formation is fast, whereas when the mass per unit height of water is large, the rate of ice formation is slow.

Ultimately, the rate at which ice is formed per unit height of water is not constant, so the transparency of the ice may vary by unit height. In particular, if the rate of ice formation is fast, the bubbles may not be able to move from the ice to the water side, so the ice may contain bubbles and have low transparency.

That is, the smaller the deviation in the rate at which ice is formed per unit height of water, the smaller the deviation in the transparency of the formed ice per unit height.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit (800) can control the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) and/or the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) to vary depending on the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a).

In this specification, the cooling capacity variation of the cold air supply means (900) may include at least one of variation in the output of the compressor, variation in the output of the fan, and variation in the opening degree of the refrigerant valve.

Additionally, in this specification, variation of the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) may mean variation of the output of the transparent ice heater (430) or variation of the duty of the transparent ice heater (430).

At this time, the duty of the transparent ice heater (430) may mean the ratio of the on time to the off time of the transparent ice heater (430) in one cycle, or may mean the ratio of the off time to the on time and off time of the transparent ice heater (430) in one cycle.

In this specification, the standard for the unit height of water within the ice-making cell (320a) may vary depending on the relative positions of the ice-making cell (320a) and the transparent ice heater (430).

For example, as shown in (a) of Fig. 38, the transparent ice heater (430) may be arranged so that the height is the same from the bottom of the ice-making cell (320a).

In this case, the line connecting the transparent ice heater (430) is a horizontal line, and a line extending in a vertical direction from the horizontal line becomes the standard for the unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a).

In the case of (a) of Fig. 38, ice is created and grows from the top to the bottom of the ice-making cell (320a).

On the other hand, as shown in (b) of Fig. 38, the transparent ice heater (430) may be arranged at different heights from the bottom of the ice-making cell (320a).

In this case, heat is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) at different heights of the ice-making cell (320a), so ice is generated in a pattern different from that in (a) of Fig. 38.

For example, in the case of (b) of Fig. 38, ice is created at a location spaced to the left from the top of the ice-making cell (320a), and ice can grow to the lower right where the transparent ice heater (430) is located.

Therefore, in the case of (b) of Fig. 38, a line (reference line) perpendicular to the line connecting the two points of the transparent ice heater (430) becomes the standard for the unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a). The reference line of Fig. 38 (b) is inclined at a predetermined angle from the vertical line.

Figure 39 shows the unit height division of water and the output of the transparent ice heater per unit height in the case where the transparent ice heater is arranged as in Figure 38 (a).

Below, an example of controlling the output of a transparent ice heater so that the ice production speed is constant for each unit height of water is explained.

Referring to Fig. 39, when the ice-making cell (320a) is formed in a spherical shape, for example, the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a) increases from the top to the bottom, reaches a maximum, and then decreases again.

For example, water (or the ice-making cell itself) in a spherical ice-making cell (320a) with a diameter of 50 mm is divided into 9 sections (sections A to I) at 6 mm heights (unit heights) as an example. It should be noted that there is no limitation on the size of the unit height and the number of sections divided.

When the water in the ice-making cell (320a) is divided into unit heights, the heights of each divided section are the same for sections A to H, and section I is lower than the remaining sections. Of course, depending on the diameter of the ice-making cell (320a) and the number of divided sections, the unit heights of all divided sections may be the same.

Among the multiple sections, section E is the section where the mass per unit height of water is maximum. For example, the section where the mass per unit height of water is maximum may include a portion where the diameter of the ice-making cell (320a), the horizontal cross-sectional area of the ice-making cell (320a) or the circumference is maximum when the ice-making cell (320a) is spherical.

As described above, assuming that the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) is constant and the output of the transparent ice heater (430) is constant, the ice creation speed in section E is the slowest, and the ice creation speeds in sections A and I are the fastest.

In this case, the speed of ice creation differs by unit height, so the transparency of the ice differs by unit height, and in certain sections, the speed of ice creation is so fast that it contains air bubbles, which causes a problem of reduced transparency.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be controlled so that the speed at which ice is formed per unit height becomes the same or similar while allowing air bubbles to move toward the water side in the part where ice is formed during the ice formation process.

Specifically, since the mass of section E is the largest, the output (W5) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section E can be set to a minimum.

Since the mass of section D is smaller than that of section E, the speed of ice formation increases as the mass decreases, so it is necessary to delay the speed of ice formation.

Therefore, the output (W4) of the above-mentioned tumbling heater (430) in section D can be set higher than the output (W5) of the transparent tumbling heater (430) in section E.

For the same reason, since the mass of section C is smaller than the mass of section D, the output (W3) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section C can be set higher than the output (W4) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section D.

In addition, since the mass of section B is smaller than the mass of section C, the output (W2) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section B can be set higher than the output (W3) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section C.

In addition, since the mass of section A is smaller than the mass of section B, the output (W1) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section A can be set higher than the output (W2) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section B.

For the same reason, since the mass per unit height decreases as one goes downward in section E, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can increase as one goes downward in section E (see W6, W7, W8, and W9).

Therefore, when examining the output change pattern of the transparent ice heater (430), after the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be gradually reduced from the initial section to the middle section.

The output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be minimum in the middle section, which is the section where the mass per unit height of water is minimum.

From the next section of the above intermediate section, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be increased stepwise again.

Depending on the shape or mass of the ice being generated, it is also possible to set the output of the transparent ice heater (430) in two adjacent sections to be the same. For example, it is also possible to set the output of sections C and D to be the same. That is, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) in at least two sections can be the same.

Alternatively, it is also possible to set the output of the transparent ice heater (430) to a minimum in a section other than the section with the smallest mass per unit height.

For example, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) in section D or section F may be minimum. The output of the transparent ice heater (430) in section E may be equal to or greater than the minimum output.

In summary, in this embodiment, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be the maximum initial output. During the ice making process, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be reduced to the minimum output.

The output of the above transparent ice heater (430) may be reduced stepwise in each section, or the output may be maintained in at least two sections.

The output of the above transparent ice heater (430) can be increased from the minimum output to the end output. The end output can be the same as or different from the initial output.

Additionally, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be increased stepwise in each section from the minimum output to the final output, or the output may be maintained in at least two sections.

Alternatively, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may become a termination output in any section before the last section among multiple sections. In this case, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be maintained as a termination output in the last section. That is, after the output of the transparent ice heater (430) becomes a termination output, the termination output may be maintained until the last section.

As ice making is performed, the amount of ice existing in the ice making cell (320a) decreases. Therefore, if the output of the transparent ice heater (430) continues to increase until the last section, the heat supplied to the ice making cell (320a) becomes excessive, and water may exist in the ice making cell (320a) even after the last section ends.

Accordingly, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be maintained as the end output in at least two sections including the final section.

By controlling the output of the transparent ice heater (430) described above, the transparency of the ice becomes uniform for each unit height, and air bubbles gather in the lowest section. Accordingly, when looking at the entire ice, air bubbles gather in localized areas, and the remaining areas can become transparent overall.

As described above, even if the ice-making cell (320a) is not in a spherical shape, transparent ice can be produced when the output of the transparent ice heater (430) is varied according to the mass per unit height of water within the ice-making cell (320a).

The heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) when the mass per unit height of water is large is smaller than the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) when the mass per unit height of water is small.

For example, while maintaining the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) the same, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) can be varied inversely proportional to the mass per unit height of water.

In addition, transparent ice can be created by varying the cooling capacity of the cooling supply means (900) according to the mass per unit height of water.

For example, when the mass per unit height of water is large, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) can be increased, and when the mass per unit height is small, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) can be decreased.

For example, while maintaining the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) constant, the cooling power of the cold air supply means (900) can be varied in proportion to the mass per unit height of water.

Looking at the cooling power variation pattern of the cold air supply means (900) in the case of producing spherical ice, the cooling power of the cold air supply means (900) can increase from the initial section to the middle section during the ice making process.

The cooling capacity of the cooling air supply means (900) can be maximized in the middle section, which is the section where the mass per unit height of water is minimum.

From the next section of the above intermediate section, the cooling capacity of the cooling air supply means (900) can be reduced again.

Alternatively, transparent ice can be created by varying the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) depending on the mass per unit height of water.

For example, the cooling capacity of the cooling supply means (900) can be varied in proportion to the mass per unit height of water, and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) can be varied in inverse proportion to the mass per unit height of water.

As in the present embodiment, when one or more of the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) are controlled according to the mass per unit height of water, the speed of ice production per unit height of water can be maintained substantially the same or within a predetermined range.

As shown in Fig. 43, during the ice-making process, the pressurizing portion (382f) may be deformed in a direction away from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) by being pressurized by the ice. The lower part of the ice may take on a spherical shape due to the deformation of the pressurizing portion (382f).

Meanwhile, the control unit (800) can determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) (S8).

When it is determined that ice making is complete, the control unit (800) can turn off the transparent ice heater (430) (S9).

For example, when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the first reference temperature, the control unit (800) may determine that ice making is complete and turn off the transparent ice heater (430).

At this time, in the case of the present embodiment, since the distance between the second temperature sensor (700) and each ice-making cell (320a) is different, in order to determine that ice creation is complete in all ice-making cells (320a), the control unit (800) can start ice-making after a certain period of time has elapsed from the time at which ice-making is determined to be complete or when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches a second reference temperature that is lower than the first reference temperature.

When ice making is completed, the control unit (800) operates at least one of the ice removal heater (290) and the transparent ice heater (430) to separate the ice (S10).

When at least one of the above-described ice heater (290) and the above-described transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the heat of the heater is transferred to at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380), so that ice can be separated from the surface (inner surface) of at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380).

In addition, the heat of the heater (290, 430) is transferred to the contact surface of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380), thereby making the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) separable.

When at least one of the above-mentioned ice heater (290) and the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430) operates for a set time or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) becomes higher than the off reference temperature, the control unit (800) turns off the turned-on heater (290, 430) (S10).

Although not limited, the above off reference temperature can be set to the temperature of the image.

The above control unit (800) operates the driving unit (480) so that the second tray assembly (211) moves in the forward direction (S11).

As shown in Fig. 44, when the second tray (380) is moved in the forward direction, the second tray (380) is separated from the first tray (320).

Meanwhile, the moving force of the second tray (380) is transmitted to the first pusher (260) by the pusher link (500). Then, the first pusher (260) descends along the guide slot (302), causing the pushing bar (264) to pass through the opening (324) and pressurize the ice in the ice-making cell (320a).

In this embodiment, during the ice-making process, ice can be separated from the first tray (320) before the pushing bar (264) pressurizes the ice. That is, ice can be separated from the surface of the first tray (320) by the heat of the turned-on heater.

In this case, the ice can move together with the second tray (380) while being supported by the second tray (380).

As another example, even if the heat of the heater is applied to the first tray (320), there may be cases where ice is not separated from the surface of the first tray (320).

Therefore, when the second tray assembly (211) moves in the forward direction, there is a possibility that the ice may be separated from the second tray (380) while in close contact with the first tray (320).

In this state, during the movement process of the second tray (380), the pushing bar (264) that passed through the opening (324) presses the ice that is in close contact with the first tray (320), so that the ice can be separated from the first tray (320).

The ice separated from the first tray (320) can be supported again by the second tray (380).

When the ice moves together with the second tray (380) while being supported by the second tray (380), the ice can be separated from the second tray (380) by its own weight even if no external force is applied to the second tray (380).

If, during the movement process of the second tray (380), the ice does not fall from the second tray (380) due to its own weight, as shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, when the second pusher (540) comes into contact with the second tray (380) and presses the second tray (380), the ice may be separated from the second tray (380) and fall downward.

For example, as shown in Fig. 44, when the second tray assembly (211) moves in the forward direction, the second tray (380) comes into contact with the pushing bar (544) of the second pusher (540).

As shown in Fig. 44, at the point where the second tray (380) comes into contact with the second pusher (540), the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) form a second angle (θ2) with respect to the center of rotation (C4). That is, the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) form a second angle. The second angle is greater than the first angle and may be close to 90 degrees.

When the second tray assembly (211) continues to move in the forward direction, the pushing bar (544) presses the second tray (380), so that the second tray (380) is deformed, and the pressing force of the pushing bar (544) is transmitted to the ice, so that the ice can be separated from the surface of the second tray (380).

Ice separated from the surface of the second tray (380) can fall downward and be stored in the ice bin (600).

In this embodiment, the position where the second tray (380) is deformed by being pressed by the second pusher (540) as shown in FIG. 45 can be called the moving position.

As shown in Fig. 45, at the moving position of the second tray assembly (211), the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) form a third angle (θ3) based on the center of rotation (C4). That is, the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) form a third angle (θ3). The third angle (θ3) is larger than the second angle (θ2). For example, the third angle (θ3) is larger than 90 degrees and smaller than 180 degrees.

In order to increase the pressing force of the second pusher (540), at the moving position, the distance between the first edge (544a) of the second pusher (540) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) may be shorter than the distance between the first edge (544a) of the second pusher (540) and the lower opening (406b) of the second tray supporter (400).

The adhesion of the ice to the first tray (320) is greater than the adhesion of the ice to the second tray (380). Therefore, the minimum distance between the first edge (264a) of the first pusher (260) and the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) at the ice-moving position may be greater than the minimum distance between the first edge (544a) of the second pusher (540) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380).

In the moving position, the distance between the line passing through the first edge (264a) of the first pusher (260) and the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) may be greater than 0 and less than half the radius of the ice-making cell (320a). Accordingly, the first edge (264a) of the first pusher (260) moves to a position close to the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320), so that ice can be easily separated from the first tray (320).

Meanwhile, during the process in which the second tray assembly (211) moves from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, whether the ice bin (600) is full can be detected.

For example, if the full ice detection lever (520) rotates together with the second tray assembly (211), and the rotation of the full ice detection lever (520) is interfered with by ice during the process of rotating the full ice detection lever (520), it can be determined that the ice bin (600) is in a full ice state. On the other hand, if the rotation of the full ice detection lever (520) is not interfered with by ice during the process of rotating the full ice detection lever (520), it can be determined that the ice bin (600) is not in a full ice state.

After the ice is separated from the second tray (380), the control unit (800) controls the driving unit (480) so that the second tray assembly (211) moves in the reverse direction (S11).

Then, the second tray assembly (211) moves from the moving position toward the water supply position.

When the second tray assembly (211) moves to the water supply position of Fig. 40, the control unit (800) stops the driving unit (480) (S1).

When the second tray (380) is separated from the pushing bar (544) during the process of the second tray assembly (211) moving in the reverse direction, the deformed second tray (380) can be restored to its original shape.

During the reverse movement process of the second tray assembly (211), the moving force of the second tray (380) is transmitted to the first pusher (260) by the pusher link (500), so that the first pusher (260) rises and the pushing bar (264) is removed from the ice-making cell (320a).

Figure 46 is a drawing showing the operation of the pusher link when the second tray assembly moves from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position.

Figure 46 (a) shows the ice-making position, Figure 46 (b) shows the water supply position, Figure 46 (c) shows the position where the second tray comes into contact with the second pusher, and Figure 47 (d) shows the ice-making position.

FIG. 47 is a drawing showing the position of the first pusher in the water supply position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator, FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher in the water supply position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator, and FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher in the ice removal position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator.

Referring to FIGS. 46 to 49, the pushing bar (264) of the first pusher (260) may include the first edge (264a) and the second edge (264b) as described above.

The above first pusher (260) can move by receiving power from the driving unit (480).

The above control unit (800) can control the position of the first edge (264a) so that it is positioned at different positions at the water supply position and the ice making position, so as to reduce freezing during the ice making process by water supplied to the ice making cell (320a) at the water supply position attaching to the first pusher (260).

In this specification, it can be understood that the control unit (800) controls the position by controlling the driving unit (480).

The above control unit (800) can control the position so that the first edge (264a) is located at different positions in the water supply position, the ice making position, and the ice removal position.

The above control unit (800) can control the first edge (264a) to move in the first direction during the process of moving from the ice-making position to the water-supplying position, and to additionally move in the first direction during the process of moving from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position.

Alternatively, the control unit (800) may control the first edge (264a) to move in a first direction during the process of moving from the ice-making position to the water-supplying position, and to move in a second direction different from the first direction during the process of moving from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position.

For example, the first edge (264a) can move in a first direction by the first slot (302a) of the guide slots (302), and the second edge (264a) can rotate in a second direction or move in a second direction that is inclined with respect to the first direction by the second slot (302b).

The position of the first edge (264a) can be controlled so that it is positioned at a first point outside the ice-making cell (320a) at the ice-making position and at a second point inside the ice-making cell (320a) during the ice-making process.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a cover member (100) including a first part (101) forming a support surface supporting the bracket (220) and a third part (103) forming an accommodation space (104). A wall (32a) forming the freezer (32) may be supported on an upper surface of the first part (101).

The first part (101) and the third part (103) are arranged at a predetermined distance apart from each other and can be connected by the second part (102).

The second part (102) and the third part (103) can form an accommodation space (104) for accommodating at least a portion of the ice maker (200). At least a portion of the guide slot (302) can be positioned in the accommodation space (104).

For example, the upper end (302c) of the guide slot (302) may be located in the receiving space (104). The lower end (302d) of the guide slot (302) may be located outside the receiving space (104).

The lower end (302d) of the above guide slot (302) may be positioned higher than the support wall (221d) of the bracket (220) and lower than the upper surface (303b) of the peripheral wall (303) of the first tray cover (300).

Therefore, the length of the guide slot (302) can be increased without increasing the height of the ice maker (200).

Meanwhile, a water supply unit (240) may be coupled to the bracket (220). The water supply unit (240) may include a through hole (244). Water passing through the through hole (244) may be supplied to the ice-making cell (320a). To this end, the through hole (244) may be formed in a portion of the water supply unit (240) facing the ice-making cell (320a).

For example, the water supply unit (240) may include a first portion (241), a second portion (242) arranged to be inclined with respect to the first portion (241), and a third portion (243) extending from both sides of the first portion (241). The first portion (241) may face the ice-making cell (320a). Accordingly, the through hole (244) may be formed in the first portion (241). Alternatively, the through hole (244) may be formed between the first portion (241) and the second portion (242).

The water supplied to the water supply unit (240) can flow downward along the second portion (242) and then be discharged from the water supply unit (240) through the through hole (244). The water discharged from the water supply unit (244) can be supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) through the auxiliary storage room (325) and the opening (324) of the first tray (320).

The above-mentioned through hole (244) can be positioned in the direction in which the water supply unit (240) faces the ice-making cell (320a).

The lowermost end (240a) of the water supply unit (240) may be positioned lower than the uppermost end of the auxiliary storage room (325). The lowermost end (240a) of the water supply unit (240) may be positioned in the auxiliary storage room (325).

The above control unit (800) can control the position of the first edge (264a) to move away from the through hole (244) of the water supply unit (240) during the process of the second tray assembly (211) moving from the ice position to the water supply position. For example, the first edge (264a) can be rotated away from the through hole (244).

When the first edge (264a) is moved away from the through hole (244), water coming into contact with the first edge (264a) during the water supply process can be reduced, thereby reducing freezing of water at the first edge (264a).

During the process in which the second tray assembly (211) moves from the water supply position to the ice-making position, the second edge (264b) can additionally move in the second direction.

At the above water supply location, the first edge (264a) may be located outside the ice-making cell (320a). At the above water supply location, the first edge (264a) may be located outside the auxiliary storage room (325).

At the above-mentioned water supply location, the first edge (264a) may be positioned higher than the lower end of the through hole (244).

At the above-mentioned water supply location, the maximum value of the distance between the center line (C1) of the ice-making cell (320a) and the first edge (264a) may be greater than the maximum value of the distance between the center line (C1) of the ice-making cell (320a) and the storage room wall (325a).

At the above-mentioned water supply position, the first edge (264a) may be positioned higher than the upper end (325c) of the auxiliary storage chamber (325) and lower than the upper end (325b) of the peripheral wall (303) of the first tray cover (300). In this case, the first edge (264a) may be positioned close to the ice-making cell (320a), so that the first edge (264a) may pressurize ice at the beginning of the ice-making process, thereby improving the ice-making performance.

At the above-mentioned ice position, the length at which the first pusher (260) is inserted into the ice-making cell (320a) may be longer than the length at which the second pusher (540) is inserted into the second tray supporter (400).

At the above-mentioned moving position, the first edge (264a) can be located in an area between parallel lines extending in the direction of the first contact surface (322c) while passing through the highest and lowest points of the shaft (440) (an area between two dotted lines in FIG. 49).

Alternatively, in the above-described moving position, the first edge (264a) may be positioned on an extension line extending from the first contact surface (322c).

At the water supply location, the second edge (264b) can be positioned lower than the third portion (103) of the cover member (100).

At the water supply location, the second edge (264b) may be positioned higher than the upper end (241b) of the first portion (241) of the water supply section (240).

At the water supply location, the second edge (264b) may be positioned higher than the upper surface (221b1) of the first fixing wall (221b) of the bracket (220).

The above control unit (800) can control the position so that the second edge (264b) is closer to the water supply unit (240) than the first edge (264a) at the water supply position.

At the supply location, the second edge (264b) can be located between the first part (101) of the cover member (100) and the third part (103) of the cover member (100).

For example, the second edge (264b) at the water supply location may be positioned within the receiving space (104). Accordingly, since a part of the ice maker (200) may be positioned within the receiving space (104), the space for accommodating food in the freezer (32) by the ice maker (200) may be reduced, and the moving length of the first pusher (260) may be increased. When the moving length of the first pusher (260) increases, the pressing force of the first pusher (260) for pressing ice during the ice-making process may be increased.

In the moving position, the second edge (264b) may be located outside the receiving space (104).

In the moving position, the second edge (264b) can be positioned between the support surface (221d1) supporting the first tray assembly (201) in the bracket (220) and the first part (101) of the cover member (100).

In the moving position, the second edge (264b) may be positioned lower than the upper surface (221b1) of the first fixed wall (221b) of the bracket (220).

In the ice position, the second edge (264b) may be located outside the ice-making cell (320a). In the ice position, the second edge (264b) may be located outside the auxiliary storage room (325).

In the moving position, the second edge (264b) may be positioned higher than the support surface (221d1) of the support wall (221d). In the moving position, the second edge (264b) may be positioned higher than the through hole (244) of the water supply unit (240).

In the moving position, the second edge (264b) may be positioned higher than the lower end (241a) of the first portion (241) of the water supply unit (240).

The first part (241) of the water supply unit (240) may extend in the vertical direction as a whole, or a part thereof may extend in the vertical direction and another part thereof may extend in a direction away from the first pusher (260). Alternatively, the first part (241) of the water supply unit (240) may be formed such that the first part (241) becomes farther away from the first pusher (260) as it goes from the lower end (241a) to the upper end (241b).

The distance between the second edge (264b) and the first part (241) of the water supply unit (240) at the water supply position may be greater than the distance between the second edge (264b) and the first part (241) of the water supply unit (240) at the ice-making position.

The distance between the second edge (264b) and the first part (241) of the water supply unit (240) facing the first pusher (260) at the water supply position may be greater than the distance between the second edge (264b) and the first part (241) of the water supply unit (240) facing the first pusher (260) at the moving position.

Meanwhile, the position of the guide connecting part (265) can also be controlled in the same or similar manner in response to the position control of the first pusher (260).

For example, the guide connecting portion (265) can be controlled to be positioned at different positions in the water supply position and the ice making position.

The above guide connecting part (265) can be controlled to move in the first direction during the process of moving from the ice-making position to the water-supplying position, and to additionally move in the first direction during the process of moving from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position.

Alternatively, in the process of moving from the ice-making position to the water-supplying position, the guide connecting part (265) may be controlled to move in a first direction, and in the process of moving from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position, the guide connecting part (265) may be controlled to move in a second direction different from the first direction.

For example, the guide connection part (265) can move in a first direction by the first slot (302a) of the guide slots (302), and the guide connection part (265) can rotate in a second direction or move in a second direction that is inclined with respect to the first direction by the second slot (302b).

In order to reduce freezing of water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) at the above-mentioned water supply location by attaching to the first pusher (260) during the ice-making process, the driving unit (480) may be controlled to move additionally after the guide connecting unit (265) reaches the ice-making position.

Alternatively, the driving unit (480) may be controlled to move additionally after the guide connecting unit (265) reaches the ice-free position so that the first edge (264a) of the first pusher (260) can increase the pressing force applied to the ice at the ice-free position.

At the above-mentioned moving position, the guide connecting portion (265) can be located between the first part (101) of the cover member (100) and the third part (103) of the cover member (100).

At the above-mentioned water supply location, the guide connecting portion (265) can be positioned between the support surface (221d1) supporting the first tray assembly (201) in the bracket (220) and the first part of the cover member (100).

In addition, since the pusher link (500) is connected to the link connection part (266) of the first pusher (260), the contents regarding position control of the first pusher (260) can be applied identically or similarly to the pusher link (500).

For example, the first connecting portion (504) of the pusher link (500) can be controlled to be positioned at different positions at the water supply position and the ice making position so that water supplied to the ice making cell (320a) at the water supply position is attached to the first pusher (260) and freezes during the ice making process.

The first connecting part (504) can be controlled to move in the first direction during the process of moving from the ice-making position to the water-supplying position, and to additionally move in the first direction during the process of moving from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position.

Alternatively, in the process of moving from the ice-making position to the water-supplying position, the first connecting part (504) may be controlled to move in a first direction, and in the process of moving from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position, the first connecting part (504) may be controlled to move in a second direction different from the first direction.

For example, the first connection part (504) can move in the first direction by the first slot (302a) of the guide slots (302). The first connection part (504) or the first pusher (260) connected to the first connection part (504) can rotate in the second direction or move in the second direction that is inclined with respect to the first direction by the second slot (302b).

In order to reduce freezing of water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) at the above-mentioned water supply location by attaching to the first pusher (260) during the ice-making process, the driving unit (480) may be controlled to move additionally after the first connecting member (504) reaches the ice-making position.

Alternatively, the driving unit (480) may be controlled to move additionally after the first connecting member (504) reaches the ice-free position so that the first edge (264a) of the first pusher (260) can increase the pressing force applied to the ice at the ice-free position.

The second connecting portion (506) can rotate in at least some section in which the first connecting portion (504) moves linearly.

To increase the rotation angle of the second connecting portion (506) while reducing the movement distance of the first connecting portion, the link body (502) can be inclined at one point in a direction away from the rotational center axis of the second connecting portion (506).

At the above-mentioned moving position, the first connecting portion (504) can be located between the first part (101) of the cover member (100) and the third part (103) of the cover member (100).

At the above-mentioned water supply location, the first connecting portion (504) can be positioned between the support surface (221d1) supporting the first tray assembly (201) in the bracket (220) and the first part of the cover member (100).

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the link connection part (405a) of the second tray supporter (400) may be referred to as the first connection part of the second tray assembly (211). The first connection part may be connected to the first pusher (260). The first connection part may be connected to the first pusher (260) by the pusher link (500).

A part of the extension (403) of the second tray supporter (400) may be referred to as the second connecting portion of the second tray assembly (211). The second connecting portion may be connected to the driving portion (480) through the shaft (440).

The first coupling part may be positioned at a location spaced apart from a reference line (for example, a horizontal line) passing through the center of the second coupling part and the ice-making cell (320a) in the direction of the ice-making cell of the second tray assembly (211).

The ice-making cell (second cell) of the second tray assembly (211) is positioned lower than the ice-making cell (first cell) of the first tray assembly (201). The first coupling portion may be positioned lower with respect to the reference line. The first coupling portion may be positioned at the lower portion of the second tray assembly (211).

The above control unit can rotate the first coupling part around the second coupling part so that the first coupling part is positioned between the ice-making cell (320a) and the inner side of the second coupling part at the water supply position or the ice-making position, and so that the first coupling part is positioned on the outer side of the second coupling part at the ice-breaking position.

The second tray assembly (211) includes an extension (403) having the second coupling portion, and the extension (403) can extend upward from the lower portion of the ice-making cell formed by the second tray assembly (211).

The above first connecting portion can be connected to the second connecting portion (506) of the pusher link (500).

The above control unit can control the first coupling unit to be in different positions at the water supply position and the ice making position.

In the process of moving from the above-mentioned ice position to the above-mentioned water supply position, the first coupling member moves in the first direction, and in the process of moving from the above-mentioned water supply position to the above-mentioned ice-making position, the first coupling member can additionally move in the first direction.

The above control unit can control the first pusher (260) to move additionally while the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) are in contact and further movement of the first coupling unit is restricted.

The position of the first coupling part can be determined by the movement of the driving part (480).

In order to reduce freezing during the ice-making process by water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) at the above-mentioned water supply location by attaching to the first pusher (260), the control unit can control the driving unit (480) to additionally move after the first coupling unit reaches the ice-making position.

In order to increase the pressure applied to the ice by the first edge (264a) at the ice-free position, the control unit can control the driving unit (480) to move additionally after the first coupling unit reaches the ice-free position.

In another embodiment, the first pusher (260) in the ice maker (220) is positioned to be in direct contact with the cold air, but alternatively, the ice maker (220) may further include a chamber wall including a pusher chamber surrounding the first pusher (260).

Of course, the above-described receiving chamber wall may be formed in a structure that does not interfere with the moving first pusher (260). For example, the above-described receiving chamber wall may be formed in a form that connects the extension wall (302e) in which a pair of guide slots are formed.

Accordingly, the above-described receiving chamber wall can be formed in a shape corresponding to the guide slot (302) to guide the movement of the first pusher (260).

For example, the pusher receiving room may include a first receiving room that provides a space where the second edge (264b) of the first pusher (260) is positioned during the moving process.

The above pusher receiving room may further include a second receiving room located outside the first edge (264a) to provide a space where only the first edge (264a) is located and the second edge (264b) is not located during the icing process. The water supply unit (240) may be located in the second receiving room.

The above pusher receiving chamber may include a third receiving chamber located outside the second edge (264b) to provide a space where the second edge (264b) is located at the water supply position or ice making position.

The third containment room can be arranged at an angle with respect to the first containment room.

The above first accommodation room may be located above the second accommodation room. The above third accommodation room may be located above the second accommodation room.

The volume of the first receiving room may be greater than the volume of the third receiving room. The height of the first receiving room may be greater than the height of the third receiving room.

The width of the first storage room may be smaller than the width of the second storage room. The width of the third storage room may be smaller than the width of the second storage room.

The pusher receiving room may be larger in height than in width. The pusher receiving room may be provided in the same number as the ice-making cell (320a). The pusher receiving room may be provided in the same number as the number of pushing bars (264) of the first pusher (260).

The above-described receiving chamber wall may be a wall of the first tray assembly or the second tray assembly. Alternatively, the receiving chamber wall may be a part of the wall of the freezer (32).

Figure 50 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the through-hole of the bracket and the cold air duct.

Referring to FIG. 50, the refrigerator may further include a cold air duct (120) that guides cold air from the cold air supply means (900).

The outlet (121) of the above cold air duct (120) can be aligned with the through hole (222a) of the above bracket (220).

The outlet (121) of the cold air duct (120) may be positioned so as not to face at least the guide slot (302). If the cold air flows directly into the guide slot (302), freezing may occur in the guide slot (302) and the first pusher (260) may not move smoothly.

At least a portion of the outlet (121) of the above cold air duct (120) may be positioned higher than the upper end of the peripheral wall (303) of the first tray cover (300).

For example, the outlet (121) of the cold air duct (120) may be positioned higher than the opening (324) of the first tray (320). Accordingly, cold air may flow from above the ice-making cell (320a) toward the opening (324). Among the outlets (121) of the cold air duct (120), an area that does not overlap with the first tray cover (300) is larger than an area that overlaps with the first tray cover (300). Accordingly, the cold air may flow above the ice-making cell (320a) without interfering with the first tray cover (300) to cool water or ice in the ice-making cell (320a).

That is, the cold air supply means (900) (or cooler) can be arranged so that the amount of cold air (or cold) supplied to the first tray assembly is greater than that to the second tray assembly where the transparent ice heater (430) is positioned.

In addition, the cold air supply means (900) (or cooler) may be arranged so that the amount of cold air (or cold) supplied to an area farther away from the transparent ice heater (430) in the first cell (321a) is greater than the amount supplied to an area near the transparent ice heater (430).

For example, the distance between the cooler and an area close to the transparent ice heater (430) in the first cell (321a) may be longer than the distance between the cooler and an area located far from the transparent ice heater (430) in the first cell (321a).

The distance between the cooler and the second cell (381a) may be longer than the distance between the cooler and the first cell (321a).

Figure 51 is a drawing for explaining a method of controlling a refrigerator when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water is variable during the ice making process.

Referring to FIG. 36 and FIG. 51, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) can be determined in response to the target temperature of the freezer (32). Cold air generated by the cold air supply means (900) can be supplied to the freezer (32).

The water in the ice-making cell (320a) can change into ice through heat transfer between the cold air supplied to the above-mentioned freezer (32) and the water in the ice-making cell (320a).

In this embodiment, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) per unit height of water can be determined by considering the predetermined cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900).

In this embodiment, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) determined by considering the predetermined cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) is referred to as the reference heating amount. The size of the reference heating amount per unit height of water is different.

However, when the amount of heat transfer between the cold air in the freezer (32) and the water in the ice-making cell (320a) changes, if the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) is not adjusted to reflect this, there is a problem in that the transparency of the ice changes per unit height.

In this embodiment, the case where the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water increases may be, for example, when the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) increases or when air having a temperature lower than the temperature of the cold air inside the freezer (32) is supplied to the freezer (32).

On the other hand, cases where the heat transfer amount between cold air and water is reduced may be, for example, cases where the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) is reduced or cases where air having a temperature higher than the temperature of the cold air inside the freezer (32) is supplied to the freezer (32).

For example, when the target temperature of the freezer (32) is lowered, the operation mode of the freezer (32) is changed from the normal mode to the rapid cooling mode, the output of one or more of the compressor and the fan is increased, or the opening degree of the refrigerant valve is increased, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) can be increased.

On the other hand, if the target temperature of the freezer (32) increases, or the operation mode of the freezer (32) is changed from the rapid cooling mode to the normal mode, or the output of one or more of the compressor and the fan is reduced, or the opening degree of the refrigerant valve is reduced, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) may be reduced.

When the cooling capacity of the above-mentioned cold air supply means (900) increases, the cold air temperature around the ice maker (200) decreases, thereby accelerating the ice production speed.

On the other hand, if the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) decreases, the cold air temperature around the ice maker (200) increases, causing the ice production speed to slow down and the ice making time to become longer.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water increases, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) can be controlled to increase so that the ice making speed can be maintained within a predetermined range lower than the ice making speed when ice making is performed with the transparent ice heater (430) turned off.

On the other hand, when the heat transfer amount of the cold air and water decreases, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) can be controlled to decrease.

In this embodiment, if the ice-making speed is maintained within the predetermined range, the ice-making speed becomes slower than the speed at which air bubbles move in the part where ice is created in the ice-making cell (320a), so that no air bubbles exist in the part where ice is created.

If the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) increases, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) may increase. On the other hand, if the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) decreases, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) may decrease.

Below, an example is described in which the target temperature of the freezer (32) is variable.

The above control unit (800) can control the output of the transparent ice heater (430) so that the ice making speed can be maintained within a predetermined range regardless of the variation in the target temperature of the freezer (32).

For example, ice making can start (S4) and a change in the heat transfer between the cold air and the water can be detected (S31).

For example, a change in the target temperature of the freezer (32) can be detected through an input section that is not shown.

The above control unit (800) can determine whether the heat transfer amount of cold air and water has increased (S32). For example, the control unit (800) can determine whether the target temperature has increased.

If it is determined in step S32 that the target temperature has increased, the control unit (800) can reduce the predetermined reference heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) in each of the current section and the remaining sections.

Until ice making is completed, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) can be controlled normally for each section (S35).

On the other hand, if the target temperature is reduced, the control unit (800) can increase the predetermined reference heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) in each of the current section and the remaining sections. Until ice making is completed, the variable heating amount control of the transparent ice heater (430) for each section can be performed normally (S35).

In this embodiment, the reference heating amount to be increased or decreased can be determined in advance and stored in memory.

According to this embodiment, by increasing or decreasing the standard heating amount for each section of the transparent ice heater in response to the variation in the heat transfer amount of cold air and water, the ice-making speed can be maintained within a predetermined range, so that there is an advantage in that the transparency of the ice per unit height becomes uniform.

Claims (20)

A storage room where food is stored;
A cooler for supplying cold to the above storage room;
A first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice due to the cold;
A second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell, the second tray assembly being connected to the driving unit so as to be in contact with the first tray assembly during the ice-making process and spaced apart from at least a part of the first tray assembly during the ice-breaking process;
A water supply unit for supplying water to the ice making cell;
a heater disposed in the first tray assembly; and
Including a control unit that controls the above driving unit,
The above control unit controls the second tray assembly to move in the forward direction to the ice removal position to remove ice from the ice making cell after the ice making cell has completed producing the ice.
The above control unit starts supplying water after the second tray assembly is moved to the supply position in the reverse direction after the ice-making is completed.
Controlling the heater to be turned on so that the ice is easily separated before the second tray assembly moves forward to the ice removal position;
The first tray assembly comprises a first tray forming a part of the ice-making cell, and a first tray case supporting the first tray as a separate configuration from the first tray.
The second tray assembly comprises a second tray forming another part of the ice-making cell, and a second tray case supporting the second tray as a separate configuration from the second tray,
The first tray includes a portion whose adhesion to the ice of the ice-making cell is smaller than that of the first tray case,
The cooler further includes an additional heater that is turned on in at least a portion of the section where the cold is supplied so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell can move toward the liquid water in the section where ice is formed, thereby forming transparent ice, and the additional heater is arranged in the second tray assembly.
When the ice making process is completed, the first tray includes a portion whose adhesion to the ice in the ice making cell is greater than that of the second tray,
A refrigerator wherein the heater is positioned adjacent to the first tray and is operated after the ice making process is completed. In paragraph 1,
A refrigerator further comprising a heater case in which the heater is installed. In paragraph 1,
A refrigerator wherein the above heater is installed in the first tray case. In paragraph 1,
A refrigerator wherein the heater comprises a portion installed to be in contact with the first tray. In paragraph 1,
A refrigerator wherein the heating amount of the heater supplied before the second tray assembly moves to the freezing position is greater than the heating amount of the additional heater. In paragraph 1,
A refrigerator wherein the output of the heater supplied before the second tray assembly moves to the freezing position is greater than the output of the additional heater. In paragraph 1,
A refrigerator further comprising a pusher having a first edge formed with a surface that presses the ice or at least one surface of the first tray assembly so that the ice is easily separated from the first tray assembly. In paragraph 7,
A refrigerator wherein the pusher comprises a bar extending from the first edge and a second edge positioned at an end of the bar. In paragraph 7,
A refrigerator in which the heater is turned on before the above pusher moves. In paragraph 7,
A refrigerator wherein the pusher is positioned adjacent to the first tray assembly among the first and second tray assemblies. In paragraph 7,
A refrigerator wherein the first edge of the pusher is controlled to pass through a through hole formed in the first tray assembly at a first point outside the ice making cell. A first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice due to cold;
A second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell;
a heater disposed in the first tray assembly; and
An additional heater is included that is disposed on the second tray assembly;
The first tray assembly comprises a first tray forming a part of the ice-making cell, and a first tray case supporting the first tray as a separate configuration from the first tray.
The second tray assembly comprises a second tray forming another part of the ice-making cell, and a second tray case supporting the second tray as a separate configuration from the second tray,
The additional heater is turned on during at least a portion of the cold supply so that the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move from the part where ice is formed to the liquid water, thereby forming transparent ice.
When the ice making process is completed, the first tray includes a portion whose adhesion to the ice in the ice making cell is greater than that of the second tray,
The above heater is positioned adjacent to the first tray,
The above heater is an ice maker that operates to separate the ice after the ice making process is completed. A first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice due to cold;
A second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell;
A heater is included, which is placed in the second tray assembly and is turned on during at least a portion of the cold supply period so that bubbles dissolved in water inside the ice-making cell move toward liquid water in the area where ice is created, thereby creating transparent ice.
The first tray assembly comprises a first tray forming a part of the ice-making cell, and a first tray case supporting the first tray as a separate configuration from the first tray.
The second tray assembly comprises a second tray forming another part of the ice-making cell, and a second tray case supporting the second tray as a separate configuration from the second tray,
When the ice making process is completed, the first tray includes a portion whose adhesion to the ice in the ice making cell is greater than that of the second tray,
A pusher further comprises a first edge formed with a surface that presses the ice or at least one surface of the first tray assembly so that the ice can be easily separated from the first tray assembly, a bar extending from the first edge, and a second edge positioned at an end of the bar,
The above pusher is an ice maker that operates to separate the ice after the above ice making process is completed. In Article 13,
An ice maker, wherein the first tray case includes the first tray cover and a first tray supporter formed integrally with the first tray cover. In Article 13,
An ice maker, wherein the first tray case comprises the first tray cover and the first tray supporter, which are manufactured as separate components and then combined with the first tray cover. In Article 13,
The above adhesion refers to the degree to which ice and the container are attached during the process of water in the container turning into ice, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the container, the material of the container, and the time elapsed after the ice is turned into ice inside the container. In Article 13,
An ice maker wherein the time during which the ice in the ice making cell and the first part of the first tray are combined is longer than the time during which the ice in the ice making cell and the second tray are combined. In Article 13,
An ice maker wherein the first tray comprises a flexible or malleable material. A first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice due to cold;
a second tray assembly forming another part of said ice-making cell; and
Including a moving heater disposed in the first tray assembly,
The first tray assembly comprises a first tray forming a part of the ice-making cell, and a first tray case supporting the first tray as a separate configuration from the first tray.
The second tray assembly comprises a second tray forming another part of the ice-making cell, and a second tray case supporting the second tray as a separate configuration from the second tray,
The first tray includes a portion whose adhesion to the ice of the ice-making cell is smaller than that of the first tray case,
The above-mentioned moving heater includes a portion installed to be in contact with the first tray,
The above ice maker heater is an ice maker that operates to separate the ice when ice making is complete. A storage room where food is stored;
A cooler for supplying cold to the storage room; and
A refrigerator comprising an ice maker according to claim 12 or claim 13 or claim 19.

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