EP2297532B1 - Eisbereiter - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP2297532B1
EP2297532B1 EP09733044.3A EP09733044A EP2297532B1 EP 2297532 B1 EP2297532 B1 EP 2297532B1 EP 09733044 A EP09733044 A EP 09733044A EP 2297532 B1 EP2297532 B1 EP 2297532B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ice
ice maker
heater
maker
transmitter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP09733044.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2297532A4 (de
EP2297532A2 (de
Inventor
Yong-Su Kim
Dong-Hoon Lee
Kyung-Han Jeong
Kwang-Ha Suh
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Publication of EP2297532A2 publication Critical patent/EP2297532A2/de
Publication of EP2297532A4 publication Critical patent/EP2297532A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2297532B1 publication Critical patent/EP2297532B1/de
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
    • F25C1/24—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds for refrigerators, e.g. freezing trays
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
    • F25C5/18—Storing ice
    • F25C5/182—Ice bins therefor
    • F25C5/187—Ice bins therefor with ice level sensing means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
    • F25C5/18—Storing ice
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
    • F25C5/02—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice
    • F25C5/04—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws
    • F25C5/08—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws by heating bodies in contact with the ice
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
    • F25D21/04—Preventing the formation of frost or condensate

Definitions

  • the patent disclosure relates to an ice maker.
  • a refrigerator refrigerates or freezes food items or the like to keep them fresh in storage.
  • the refrigerator includes an ice maker for making ice and an ice container to receive ice made by the ice maker.
  • a full ice detection lever a mechanical device, coupled to a controller detects whether or not the ice container is full of ice.
  • the full ice detection lever is positioned at a lower side and rises as high as the ice is accumulated in the ice container.
  • the controller determines that the ice container is full.
  • US 6 314745 B1 disclosing the preamble of claim 1, is directed towards a control system for an ice making system.
  • the ice making system includes an ice maker, and an ice storage bin for receiving ice pieces formed by the ice maker.
  • the control system controls the ice maker and includes optic elements for emitting and receiving a beam of light directed across the upper portion of the bin.
  • the control system senses when the ice maker is ready to harvest ice pieces and then directs a beam of light or light signal from a first die of the ice storage bin, across the bin towards a second side of the ice storage bin.
  • the control system senses for the light signal at the second side of the ice storage bin and if ice pieces block the path of the light signal, the control system prevents ice harvesting from the ice maker.
  • the optic elements of the control system include a light emitting element and a light receiving element. If the status of the light receiving element indicates that the optic elements are impaired due to ice or moisture build up, the optic elements are heated by resistors.
  • KR 2008 0026385 A relates to a refrigerator to prevent energy from being unnecessarily consumed during an ice manufacturing process by freezing a desired number of ices.
  • the known refrigerator comprises an ice maker, an ice bucket and a level sensor.
  • the ice maker makes ice cubes by receiving water and drops the ice cubes onto the ice bucket.
  • the ice bucket stores the ice cubes dropped from the ice maker.
  • the level sensor is provided at the ice bucket to detect the amount of ice cubes stored in the ice bucket by using light.
  • An input unit inputs the amount if ice cubes stored in the ice bucket.
  • a display unit displays at least one of the amount of ice cubes inputted through the input unit and the amount of ice cubes stored in the ice bucket, which is detected by the level sensor.
  • the level sensor comprises a light emitting unit, which irradiates light, and a light receiving unit that detects the light irradiated from the light emitting unit.
  • DE 10 2005 003239 A1 describes an ice maker comprising a tray, which has at least one automatically emptiable compartment for molding a piece of ice, a storage chamber for receiving pieces of ice produced in the compartment and a sensor for detecting the presence of pieces of ice in the storage chamber.
  • the sensor comprises a transmitter and a receiver for a detection beam.
  • KR 2003 0021529 A relates to an apparatus including an optical sensor installed on a body of an ice making bin to sense that an ice storage bin is filled with ice.
  • the optical sensor includes a light emitting part installed on a lower part of the body of the ice making bin and a light receiving part installed on a same line to receive a light signal of the light emitting part.
  • the optical sensor senses that the ice storage bin is full with signal reflected by the ice.
  • An ice detecting apparatus of an ice maker disposed to make ice in a refrigerator includes an ice maker and an optical sensor to detect an ice-full state of ice storage container.
  • the the optical sensor is disposed at the ice maker.
  • the the optical sensor is heated by a heater by using a heat bridge.
  • the present inventions can overcome the above-mentioned problem which the mechanical operation of the full ice detection level is not likely to be performed, and accurately and stably detect whether the ice container is full.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator employing an ice-full state detecting apparatus of an ice maker according to a preferred embodiment.
  • a refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerating chamber 11 for keeping food or storable items in storage in a cool state at an above-zero temperature, and a freezing chamber 12 for keeping food or storable items such as ice at a near or below-zero temperature.
  • An ice maker 100 is provided in the freezing chamber 12 and an ice storage container or storage bin 180 stores ice made by the ice maker 100.
  • a dispenser 190 supplies ice kept in the ice container 180 upon user demand.
  • the refrigerator 10 includes various components such as a compressor, a condenser, an expander, an evaporator, and the like, to form a refrigerating cycle.
  • the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 are accessed using a refrigerating chamber door 13 and a freezing chamber door 14, rotatably attached to the housing.
  • the ice maker 100 After a prescribed amount of water is supplied to the ice maker 100, ice is made by the supplied cooling air in the ice maker 100, and the ice is separated from the ice maker 100 according to a self-operation of the ice maker 100. The ice falls into the ice container 180 so as to be collected therein. The ice collected in the ice container 180 is supplied to the user by a desired amount through the dispenser 190. As can be appreciated, the ice maker 100 may be installed inside the freezing chamber 12 rather than on the door 14.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ice maker for the refrigerator employing the ice detecting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the ice maker for the refrigerator employing the ice detecting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment, and
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion 'A' in FIG. 3 .
  • a water supply unit 107 of an ice maker 100 receives water provided from the exterior, and ice is made in an ice making chamber 104 of an ice maker 100.
  • An ejector 105 of an ice maker 100 separates ice made in the ice making chamber 104, and an ice maker body 101 of an ice maker 100 includes a plurality of components for rotating the ejector 105.
  • a rotational shaft extends out of the ice maker body 101.
  • the ejector 105 has portions (or arms) extending outwardly (or radially) from the shaft and rotates according to a rotational movement of the shaft in order to pick up ice.
  • a mounting unit or plate 102 is formed behind the ice making chamber 104 to mount the ice maker 100 within the refrigerator. Holes 103, into which a combining protrusion is inserted, allow the mounting unit 102 to be mounted on the door or within the freezing chamber.
  • a separator 106 is formed at an upper portion of the ice making chamber 104 to allow ice to be picked up by the ejector 105 to be guided and fall into the ice container 180.
  • a heater 140 is installed at a lower portion of the ice making chamber 104 in order to apply heat to allow the interfaces of ice and an inner surface of the ice making chamber 104 to be separated from each other.
  • the heater 104 may be electrically connected to an external power source, which may be provided within the ice maker body 101.
  • a heater support 130 may be formed at a lower portion of the ice making heater 140.
  • the heater support 130 may be connected with the ice maker body 101, or the heater support 130 may be molded together with the ice maker body 101.
  • a sensor housing 110 extends with a certain length in a downward direction from the ice maker body 101.
  • a portion of the heater support 130 extends up to a position corresponding to the sensor housing 110.
  • a transmitting unit or module 121 is installed in the sensor housing 110, and a receiving unit or module 123 is installed at a portion extending from the heater support 130 to correspond to the sensor housing 110 or the transmitting unit 120.
  • a transmitter 122 and a receiver 124 for transmitting and receiving signals are installed in the transmitting unit 121 and the receiving unit 123, respectively, to face each other. Based on the transmitting and received signals, the transmitting unit 121 and the receiving unit 123 are used to detect an ice-full state of the ice container 180.
  • An ice detecting sensor 120 comprises at least one of the transmitter 122 and the receiver 124, transmitting and receiving units 121, 123, or sensor housing, and is used to determine or detect ice full state of the ice container 180.
  • the ice detecting sensor 120 may be disposed in or near the top, above or below the top of the ice container 180 at a position corresponding to the height at which ice is fully accumulated or collected.
  • the transmitter and/or receiver are optical devices to transmit or receive IR light.
  • the transmitter or emitter may be an IR photo diode and the receiver may be a photo transistor.
  • the structure of the optical emitter or receiver is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,201,910 .
  • the transmitting unit 121 of the ice detecting sensor 120 extends in a downward direction down to the interior of the ice storage container 180.
  • the transmitter 122 is installed or positioned at a lower portion of the transmitting unit 121.
  • the transmitter is disposed at a position corresponding to the height of the ice-full state of the ice container 180.
  • the receiving unit 123 and the receiver 124 may be formed to correspond to or near the height of the transmitting unit 121 and the transmitter 122, as can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • a detection height of the ice detecting sensor120 may have a certain height difference (h) from an upper end or top ridgeline 181 of the ice container 180.
  • the transmitting unit 121 and the receiving unit 123 of the ice detecting sensor 120 are located at both sides of an ice discharging outlet, a passage through which ice is discharged from the ice maker body 101.
  • the receiver 124 receives infrared rays transmitted from the transmitter 122, traversing the ice discharging outlet, and provide corresponding signals for determining whether the ice container 180 is substantially full of ice to detect the ice-full state.
  • the location of the transmitting module and the receiving module may be reversed, i.e., receiver on the left and emitter on the right.
  • the transmitter module and the receiver module are separated by a prescribed distance which is less than a width of the storage bin. Such lesser distance to the width allows the modules to be placed within the storage bin. The distance may be greater than the width such that the modules may be located outside the storage bin.
  • a transfer unit 150 is installed at a lower portion of the ice container 180.
  • the transfer unit 150 transfers ice stored in the ice container 180 (crushes the ice into an appropriate size, if desired) through an outlet 160 and a guide path 170 to a dispenser 190.
  • the transfer unit or assembly 150 includes a fixed blade 155 fixed in the ice container 180, a rotatable blade 151 relatively rotating with respect to the fixed blade 155, a rotational shaft 153 to which the rotational blade 151 is connected, a motor 154 connected to the rotational shaft 153, and a transfer blade 152 to allow the transfer of ice.
  • the rotatable blade 151 is formed at one side of the rotational shaft 153
  • the transfer blade 152 is formed at the other side of the rotational shaft.
  • a spiral auger may be used as the transfer blade 152.
  • Water is guided by a water supply pipe of a certain shape so as to be supplied to the water supply unit 107.
  • the supplied water is introduced into the ice making chamber 104, and below-zero or near zero cold air is provided in the ice making chamber to freeze water received in the ice making chamber 104.
  • heat is applied toward the ice making chamber 104 by the heater 140 to allow the ice and the contact surface of the ice making chamber 104 to be separated from each other.
  • the ejector 105 operates by a certain driving mechanism installed in the ice maker body 101 to pick up the ice. After the ice is picked up by the ejector 105, it is guided by the separator 106 and then falls into the ice container 180 for storage. This operation is repeated, and when the ice container 180 is near full or full of ice, the ice detecting sensor 120 detects the ice-full state, and the operation of the ice maker 100 is stopped.
  • the motor 154 When ice supply to the user via the dispenser 190 is requested, the motor 154 is driven and the rotational shaft 153 connected to the motor 154 is rotated. Then, the rotational blade 151 and the transfer blade 152 are rotated in conjunction. As the transfer blade 152 is rotated, ice in a lower portion of the ice container 180 is transferred toward the rotational blade 151. When the ice guided toward the rotational blade 151 is caught between the rotational blade 151 and the fixed blade 155, it is crushed according to a pushing operation of the rotational blade 151. The crushed ice is dispensed through the outlet 160 formed at a lower side of the fixed blade 155. The dispensed ice falls through the guide path 170.
  • the fallen ice is then supplied to the user via the dispenser 190.
  • various components described above are controlled by at least one controller provided in the ice maker and/or the refrigerator, including making a determination of a full-state based on at least one signal received from the receiver.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing that the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator detects a state before full ice according to a preferred embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing that the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator detects an ice-full state according to a preferred embodiment.
  • Ice made by the ice maker 100 is discharged and falls into the ice storage container 180.
  • the fallen ice is collected and stored within the ice storage container 180.
  • infrared rays transmitted from the transmitter 122 reach the receiver 124, and the controller determines whether the ice container 180 is full of ice based on signals received from or detected by the receiver. As ice is collected and stored, ice would reach the full or near full height of the ice container 180.
  • infrared rays transmitted from the transmitter 122 is interrupted by the ice, e.g., the optical path between the optical emitter and receiver is blocked, failing to reach the receiver 124, and the controller determines that the ice container 180 is full or near full of ice.
  • the ice detecting sensor 120 is disposed at the ice maker body 101 and detects full or near full ice collected within the ice container 180. Because the ice detecting sensor 120 can detect a level of ice stored in the ice container 180, the related art problem(s) of a mechanical ice detecting lever (or the like) can be avoided. The ice filled state of the ice container 180 can be more accurately and stably detected.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of the configuration of an ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator according to the invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing a portion of the configuration of the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator according to the invention.
  • a heat bridge 300 is attached to the heater 140 of the ice maker 100 for transferring heat to the optical sensor 120.
  • the heat bridge 300 is shown to be connected with the transmitter 122 (alternatively, the transmitter module) of the optical sensor 120, but of course, another heat bridge 300 may be connected with the receiver 124 (alternatively, the receiver module) of the ice detecting sensor 120 in the same or similar manner.
  • the heater 140 may include linear portions or rods 141 and 143 and a bent/curved portion or rod 142 and a connection plate 144 connecting or integrated with the linear portions 141 and 143.
  • the heat bridge 300 has a step like shape and includes a connection/inclined portion or plate 301, a heater connection portion or plate 302 and a transmitter connection portion or plate 303.
  • the heater connection plate 302 allows heat at the linear portion 141 to pass therethrough, and surrounds the linear portion 141.
  • the transmitter connection plate 303 allows transfer of heat to the transmitter 122 and surrounds the transmitter 122.
  • the inclined plate 301 connects the heater connection plate 302 and the transmitter connection plate 303. The angle of inclination of the inclined plate may be varied depending upon h desired as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the heat bridge 300 is made of a heat conductive material, e.g., a metal material. As can be appreciated, the thermal conductivity of the materials for the heater 140 and the heat bridge may be the same or different.
  • Heat generated by the heater 140 can be partially transferred to the transmitter 122 via the heat bridge 300.
  • the surface of the transmitter 122 can be heated by heat delivered from the heater 140, defrosting or preventing frost from forming on the surface of the transmitter 122 and/or receiver 124 (alternatively, transmitter module and/or receiver module).
  • the formation of frost on the transmitter 122 and/or receiver 124 hampers the transmission and/or detection of light from the transmitter or the receiver.
  • the heater 140 may be continuously heated while the ice maker 100 is making and discharging ice, and the heat of the heater 140 can be continuously transferred to the ice detecting sensor 120 via the heat bridge 300.
  • the ice maker 100 stops making and discharging ice, and the operation of the ice making heater 140 may be also stopped. In such an instance, there is a possibility that the receiver and transmitter of the optical sensor 120 may become frosted.
  • the controller may operate the heater 140 at certain time intervals to transfer heat to the optical sensor 120 via the heat bridge 300. Accordingly, the ice-full state detecting sensor 140 may be defrosted while minimizing energy consumption by the heater 140, thus preventing degradation of a detecting capability of the optical sensor 120.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing a refrigerator ice maker employing an ice detecting apparatus not part of the invention
  • FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a portion 'B' in FIG. 9
  • An ice detecting sensor 220 includes a transmitting unit 221 (oriented vertically) extending to allow a transmitter 222 to be positioned at or near the height of an ice-full state within the ice storage container 180.
  • a receiving unit of the ice detecting sensor 220 may extend into the ice storage container 180 in the same or similar manner.
  • the ice detecting sensor 220 can detect the distance between the ice maker body 101, and the ice cubes collected in the ice storage container 180, thereby recognizing whether the ice storage container 180 is full of ice.
  • the distance detected by the ice detecting sensor 220 would be detected to be farther than the distance detected when the ice storage container 180 is installed. Thus, whether or not the ice storage container 180 is detached may be also detected according to a change in the detected distance. If the ice storage container 180 is detected to have been released, discharging ice from the ice maker 100 is also stopped to prevent ice from pouring down onto the floor of the refrigerator or kitchen.
  • FIG. 11 is a side view showing a configuration of the transmitter and/or receiver not part of the invention
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 11
  • a transmitter 422 is provided on a printed circuit board (PCB) 425, and a plate heater 450 is attached to the transmitter 422 such that the plate heater 450 can transfer heat via a heat bridge 400.
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • a plate heater 450 is attached to the transmitter 422 such that the plate heater 450 can transfer heat via a heat bridge 400.
  • description for the transmitter 422 is provided, but the description is readily applicable to the receiver in the same or similar manner.
  • the plate heater 450 is made of a material that can generate heat when power or current is applied thereto, and has a plate form with a predefined (prescribed) thickness. Alternatively, the plate heater may be a resistive element/heater or resistor. One end of the plate heater 450 may be electrically coupled to the PCB 425.
  • the heat bridge 400 includes a connection plate or portion 403 coupled to the PCB 425 and a bent plate or portion 401 bent downwardly, namely, toward the transmitter 422 from the connection plate 403. The heat bridge 400 with such configuration transfers heat generated from the plate heater 450 to the transmitter 422.
  • the bent plate 401 includes a hole or an opening 402 allowing the transmitter 422 to pass therethrough.
  • the diameter of the hole 402 is substantially the same as an outer diameter as that of the transmitter 422, so that when the transmitter 422 is inserted into the hole 402, an outer circumferential surface of the transmitter 422 and an inner circumferential surface of the hole 402 are substantially in contact or near contact with each other to allow transmission of heat to the transmitter 422 via the heat bridge 400 after being generated from the plate heater 450.
  • a thermal grease 460 may be provided between the plate heater 450 and the connection plate 403 of the heat bridge 400 if a gap exists therebetween to allow the plate heater 450 and the heat bridge 400 to be thermally coupled with each other.
  • the thermal grease or dielectric should have relatively good thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the efficiency of transmission of heat to the heat bridge 400 via the thermal grease 460 after being generated from the plate heater 450 may be improved.
  • the plate heater 450 and the heat bridge 400 are provided, formation of frost can be prevented on the transmitter and/or receiver.
  • the surface of the ice detecting sensor can be defrosted. The device prevents frost or moisture formation or defrosting operation can be simplified.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the transmitter and/or receiver shown in FIG. 13
  • FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the transmitter and/or receiver in an alternative arrangement according to a preferred embodiment.
  • a transmitting unit or transmitter module 521 of an ice-full state detecting apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters. For sake of explanation, two transmitters are shown. As can be appreciated, a plurality of receivers may be used or a single receiver may be used.
  • the two transmitters are disposed in a vertical direction relative to each other, e.g., in the direction of the ice storage container 180 at the ice maker 100, and FIG. 15 shows two transmitters disposed in a horizontal direction, namely, in a horizontal direction of the ice maker 100.
  • each transmitter may be also located diagonally from each other.
  • the transmitters 522a and 522b are coupled to a PCB 525, in the vertical direction, and a plate heater 550 is connected with the transmitters 522a and 522b such that it can transfer heat via the heat bridge 500.
  • the plate heater 550 is made of a material that can generate heat when power is applied thereto, and has a plate form with a predefined (prescribed) thickness.
  • One end of the plate heater 550 is located with the PCB 525 and may be electrically connected with the PCB 525.
  • the heat bridge 500 includes a connection plate or portion 503 coupled to the PCB 525 and a bent plate or portion 501 bent downwardly, namely, toward the transmitters 522a and 522b from the connection plate 503.
  • the heat bridge 500 with such configuration allows transfer of heat generated from the plate heater 550 to the transmitters 522a and 522b.
  • the bent plate 501 includes holes or openings 502a and 502b allowing the transmitters 522a and 522b to pass therethrough.
  • the diameters of the transmitters 522a and 522b are substantially the same as the diameters of the holes 502a and 502b.
  • a thermal grease or dielectric 560 is provided between the plate heater 550 and the connection plate 503 of the heat bridge 500, if to allow the plate heater 550 and the heat bridge 500 to be thermally coupled with each other. Accordingly, the efficiency of transmission of heat to the heat bridge 500 via the thermal grease 560 after being generated from the plate heater 550 can be improved. Because the plate heater 550 and the heat bridge 500 are provided, the formation of frost can be prevented. The surface of the ice detecting sensor can be defrosted and the device for performing defrosting can be simplified.
  • transmitters 622a and 622b are coupled to a PCB 625 in a horizontal direction, and a plate heater 650 is connected with the transmitters 622a and 622b such that it can transfer heat via the heat bridge 600.
  • the heat bridge 600 includes a connection plate or portion 603 coupled to the PCB 625 and a bent plate or portion 601 bent downwardly, namely, toward the transmitter 622a and 622b from the connection plate 603.
  • the bent plate 601 includes holes or openings 602a and 602b to allow the transmitters 622a and 622b to pass therethrough. Other than the horizontal arrangement, the description of FIG. 14 applies.
  • the detection performance of the ice detecting apparatus may be improved.
  • three or more transmitters may be disposed, and in this case, the transmission are may be further increased.
  • a single receiver is shown, but multiple receivers may be used.
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing that the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator not part of the claimed invention
  • FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the receiver in FIG. 16
  • FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the receiver according to a preferred embodiment.
  • a receiving unit or a receiver module of an ice detecting apparatus includes a plurality of receivers.
  • the receiving unit is illustrated with two receivers.
  • the common description of the transmitter of above is readily applicable.
  • the receivers 724a and 724b are coupled to a PCB 725 in a vertical direction, and a plate heater 750 is connected with the receivers 724a and 724b such that it can transfer heat via the heat bridge 700.
  • the heat bridge 700 includes a connection plate or portion 703 coupled to the PCB 725 and a bent plate or portion 701 bent downwardly, toward the receivers 724a and 724b from the connection plate 703.
  • the bent plate 701 includes holes or openings 702a and 702b allowing the receivers 724a and 724b to pass therethrough.
  • the receivers 724a and 724b When the receivers 724a and 724b are provided in the vertical direction, they can detect to which degree ice is full as well as an ice-full state upon detecting a signal transmitted from the transmitter. For example, if the receiver 724b does not detect a signal while the receiver 724a detects a signal, it can be determined that ice is filled up to the height of the receiver 724b.
  • receivers 824a and 824b are coupled to a PCB 825, in a horizontal direction, and a plate heater 850 is connected with the receivers 824a and 824b such that it can transfer heat via a heat bridge 800.
  • the heat bridge 800 includes a connection plate or portion 803 coupled to the PCB 825 and a bent plate or portion 801 bent downwardly, toward the receivers 824a and 824b from the connection plate 803.
  • the bent plate 801 includes holes or openings 802a and 802b allowing the receivers 824a and 824b to pass therethrough.
  • the receivers 824a and 824b When the receivers 824a and 824b are provided in the horizontal direction, they can detect whether there is an error in detecting whether or not ice is completely full as well as an ice-full state upon detecting a signal transmitted from the transmitter. For example, if the receiver 824b has received a signal transmitted from the transmitter while the receiver 824a has not, an error regarding an ice-full state can be detected based on the signal received or detected by the receiver 824b.
  • a single transmitter is shown, but as described above, multiple transmitters are readily applicable.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Production, Working, Storing, Or Distribution Of Ice (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Defrosting Systems (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Eisbereiter (100), der eine Eisbereitungskammer (104) aufweist, wobei der Eisbereiter (100) Folgendes umfasst:
    - einen optischen Sensor (120), der an dem Eisbereiter (100) befestigt ist, um eine Menge an Eis zu detektieren, die in einem Vorratsbehälter (180) gesammelt worden ist, und
    - ein Heizelement (140), das in einen unteren Abschnitt der Eisbereitungskammer (104) eingebaut ist, um Wärme zuzuführen, damit die Grenzflächen des Eises und einer inneren Oberfläche der Eisbereitungskammer (104) voneinander getrennt werden können;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Eisbereiter (100) ferner Folgendes umfasst:
    - eine Wärmebrücke (300), die aus einem wärmeleitenden Material gebildet ist und das Heizelement (140) und den optischen Sensor (120) zum Übertragen von Wärme des Heizelements (140) zu dem optischen Sensor (120) verbindet.
  2. Eisbereiter (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei sich der optische Sensor (120) auf einer vorgegebenen Höhe befindet, der einem gefüllten oder nahezu gefüllten Zustand des Vorratsbehälters (180) entspricht.
  3. Eisbereiter (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der optische Sensor (120) ein Sendermodul (121) und ein Empfängermodul (123) umfasst, die an dem Eisbereiter (100) befestigt sind und um einen vorgegebenen Abstand voneinander getrennt sind.
  4. Eisbereiter (100) nach Anspruch 3, wobei der vorgegebene Abstand kleiner oder größer als eine Breite des Vorratsbehälters (180) ist.
  5. Eisbereiter (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei der optische Sensor (120) einen Abstand von dem Eisbereiter (100) zu einem oberen Abschnitt des Eises, das in dem Vorratsbehälter (180) gesammelt worden ist, detektiert.
  6. Eisbereiter (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei das Heizelement (140) in einem "EIN"-Zustand gehalten wird, bis der optische Sensor (120) einen mit Eis gefüllten Zustand des Vorratsbehälters (180) detektiert, und daraufhin das Heizelement (140) in vorgegebenen Abständen "EIN" geschaltet wird.
  7. Eisbereiter (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 3 oder 4, wobei das Sendermodul (121) wenigstens eine Infrarotphotodiode umfasst und das Empfängermodul (122) wenigstens einen Phototransistor umfasst.
  8. Eisbereiter (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 3, 4 und 7, wobei das Sendermodul (121) und das Empfängermodul (122) an Seiten eines Eisausgabeauslasses des Eisbereiters (100) angeordnet sind, um Infrarotstrahlen, die den Eisausgabeauslass über eine bestimme Strecke durchlaufen, zu senden und zu empfangen.
  9. Eisbereiter (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 3, 4, 7 und 8, wobei das Sendermodul (121) mehrere optische Sender (122) umfasst.
  10. Eisbereiter (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 3, 4 und 7 bis 9, wobei das Empfängermodul (123) mehrere optische Empfänger (124) umfasst.
EP09733044.3A 2008-04-15 2009-04-02 Eisbereiter Not-in-force EP2297532B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020080034854A KR101535481B1 (ko) 2008-04-15 2008-04-15 냉장고 제빙기의 만빙 감지 장치
PCT/KR2009/001709 WO2009128614A2 (en) 2008-04-15 2009-04-02 Refrigerator and ice maker thereof

Publications (3)

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EP2297532A2 EP2297532A2 (de) 2011-03-23
EP2297532A4 EP2297532A4 (de) 2015-01-07
EP2297532B1 true EP2297532B1 (de) 2019-03-20

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EP (1) EP2297532B1 (de)
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WO (1) WO2009128614A2 (de)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR101535481B1 (ko) 2015-07-09
EP2297532A4 (de) 2015-01-07
KR20090109416A (ko) 2009-10-20
WO2009128614A2 (en) 2009-10-22
US20090255279A1 (en) 2009-10-15
WO2009128614A3 (en) 2009-12-23
EP2297532A2 (de) 2011-03-23

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