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
  • F25C1/25—Filling devices for moulds
• • 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
  • F25D29/005—Mounting of control 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
  • F25C2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
  • F25C2700/04—Level of water

Definitions

• a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door.
• the refrigerator is configured to keep stored food in in a refrigerated state or frozen state by cooling an inside of the storage space using cold air.
• Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1850918 and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0005783 are provided.
• one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a number of divided water supply times is limited to prevent a number of water supply times from increasing beyond a limited number.
• one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which heat from a heater may be supplied to an ice making cell even during a process in which a second tray is moved to an ice separation position.
• one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a difference in ice making speed between a plurality of ice making cells is minimized.
• one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which water supplied to an ice making cell is minimized from overflowing from an ice making cell due to external vibration.
• a refrigerator may include an ice maker.
• the ice maker may include a first tray.
• the first tray may form a portion of an ice making cell, which is a space where water is phase-changed into ice by cold air.
• the first tray may have an opening that is a passage for cold air.
• the ice maker may further include a second tray that forms another portion of the ice making cell. The second tray may be movable relative to the first tray.
• the refrigerator may further include a water supply valve that controls a flow of water supplied to the ice making cell.
• the refrigerator may further include a sensing assembly to sense an amount of water supplied to the ice making cell.
• the refrigerator may further include a controller to control the water supply valve based on an amount of water sensed by the sensing assembly.
• the first tray may include a sensor hole through which the sensor passes.
• a lower end of the sensor hole may be positioned lower than the opening.
• the sensor may include a sensing bar extending in a vertical direction.
• the first tray may include a sensor coupling portion to which the sensing bar is coupled.
• the sensing bar passing through the sensor coupling portion may be inserted into the sensor hole.
• the insulator may surround the sensing bar and the sensor coupling portion.
• An upper end of the sensing bar may be positioned higher than an upper end of the first tray.
• the refrigerator may further include a pusher passing through the opening to press ice generated in the ice making cell.
• An upper end of the sensing bar may be positioned higher than a lower end of the pusher. At least a portion of the sensing bar may overlap the pusher in a horizontal direction.
• a portion of the insulator may be positioned between the pusher and the sensing bar. Another portion of the insulator may be positioned opposite to a portion of the insulator with respect to the sensing bar.
• a horizontal thickness of a portion of the insulator may be less than a horizontal thickness of another portion of the insulator.
• the insulator may include a first insulator to receive an upper portion of the sensing bar.
• the insulator may include a second insulator positioned at a lower side of the first insulator and through which the sensing bar passes.
• the sensor may further include a sensor extension that extends in a direction crossing an extension direction of the sensing bar.
• the sensor extension may be received in at least one of the first insulator or the second insulator.
• At least one of the first insulator or the second insulator may include a guide groove that guides a wire connected to the sensing bar.
• the sensing assembly may further include a cover to surround the insulator.
• the refrigerator may further include a tray to support the first tray, and the cover may be coupled to the tray case.
• the refrigerator may further include a water supply to guide water to the ice making cell.
• the ice making cell may be provided in plurality.
• the sensing assembly and the water supply may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in an arrangement direction of a plurality of ice making cells.
• the refrigerator may further include a cold air guide to guide cold air toward the ice making cell. An extension line of the cold air guide may pass through at least one of the water supply or the sensing assembly.
• the controller may control the water supply valve to supply water at a first reference amount to the ice making cell at a water supply position of the second tray. After water is supplied at the first reference amount, the controller may move the second tray to an ice making position. The controller may determine whether a water supply amount to the ice making cell is reached a target water supply amount based on a temperature detected by the sensor. If the water supply amount to the ice making cell is reached the target water supply amount, the controller may start ice making. The controller may determine whether a number of times in which the water supply amount is not reached the target water supply amount is reached a reference number if the water supply amount of the ice making cell is not reached the target water supply amount.
• the controller may start ice making. If the number of times in which the water supply amount is not reached the target water supply amount is not reached the reference number, the controller may control the water supply valve to supply water at a second reference amount that is less than the first reference amount after moving the second tray back to a water supply position. If an additional water supply condition is satisfied after the second tray is moved back to a water supply position, the controller may control the water supply valve to supply water at a second reference amount less than the first reference amount.
• the controller may control the water supply valve so that water is supplied to the ice making cell at a first reference amount at a water supply position of the second tray when a temperature detected by the sensor is equal to or lower than an initial water supply start temperature.
• a refrigerator may include a cabinet.
• the cabinet may form a storage space.
• the refrigerator may further include a door to open and close the storage space.
• the refrigerator may further include an ice making chamber provided in the door or the cabinet.
• the refrigerator may include a space forming wall forming the ice making chamber.
• the refrigerator may further include a bracket mounted on the space forming wall. A cold air hole may be formed in the space forming wall.
• the refrigerator may further include a supporter to support the tray from a lower side.
• the refrigerator may further include a heater installed in the supporter.
• the supporter may include a supporter body on which the tray is seated.
• the supporter body may include a heater coupling portion to which the heater is coupled.
• the supporter body may further include a heater guide portion extending from a heater coupling portion disposed at a lower side of the first ice making cell in the supporter body. An input portion and an output portion of the heater may be disposed within the heater guide portion.
• the tray may include a first tray to form a portion of each of the plurality of ice making cells.
• the tray may include a second tray movable with respect to the first tray and to form another portion of each of the plurality of ice making cells.
• the first tray may include a blocking wall to form a portion of each of the plurality of ice making cells.
• the blocking wall may have a through hole.
• the blocking wall may have a plurality of slits extending radially from the through hole.
• the first tray may further include a pusher for pressing the ice through the blocking wall so that ice is separated from the first tray.
• a shape of ice can be maintained in the same shape as an ice making cell.
• a direct contact of cold air with the sensor may be prevented.
• heat from a heater can be supplied to an ice making cell, so that an ice separation performance can be improved.
• a difference in ice making speed between a plurality of ice making cells can be minimized.
• an ice making time can be reduced.
• overflow of water supplied to an ice making cell from an ice making cell due to external vibration can be minimized.
• FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a present embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 is separated.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a front side according to the present embodiment.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a rear side according to the present embodiment.
• a refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment may include a cabinet 2 having a storage space.
• the refrigerator 1 may further include a refrigerator door to open and close the storage space.
• the storage space may include a refrigerating chamber 18.
• the storage space may optionally or additionally include a freezing chamber 19.
• FIG. 2 illustrates that the storage space includes a refrigerating chamber 18 and a freezing chamber 19.
• the first refrigerating chamber door 10 includes a plurality of ice makers.
• the dispenser 11 may include a first dispenser to discharge ice generated in the first ice maker 200, and a second dispenser to discharge ice generated in the second ice maker.
• the door liner 102 may include a first space 122 in which the first ice maker 200 is disposed.
• the first space 122 may also be referred to as a first ice making chamber.
• the door liner 102 may further include a second space 124 in which the second ice maker 500 is disposed.
• the second space 124 may also be referred to as a second ice making chamber.
• the second ice maker 500 may be omitted, and in this case, the second space 124 may exist.
• the second space 124 may function as a door storage space used for a specific purpose.
• the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include a first ice bin 280 in which ice generated in the first ice maker 200 is stored.
• the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a second ice bin 600 in which ice generated in the second ice maker 500 is stored.
• the second ice bin 600 may also be omitted.
• the first ice bin 280 may be received in the first space 122 together with the first ice maker 200.
• the second ice bin 600 may be received in the second space 124 together with the second ice maker 500.
• the second space 124 may be supplied with cold generated from a cooler.
• cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 may be supplied to the second space 124.
• the refrigerator 1 may include a supply passage 2a that guides cold air of the freezing chamber 19 or cold air of a space where an evaporator that generates cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 is disposed to the first refrigerating chamber door 10.
• the refrigerator 1 may include a discharge passage 2b that guides cold air discharged from the first refrigerating chamber door 10 to the freezing chamber 19 or the space where the evaporator is disposed.
• the supply passage 2a and the discharge passage 2b may be provided in the cabinet 2.
• the cold air outlet 123b may be formed on one side of the door liner 102.
• the one side of the door liner 102 may be a side facing a wall where the discharge passage 2b is disposed in the refrigerating chamber 18 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed.
• a shape of the ice generated from the first ice maker 200 may be the same as or different from a shape of the ice generated from the second ice maker 500.
• the second ice maker 500 may form spherical ice.
• the "spherical shape" mentioned in this specification means not only a geometrically spherical shape but also a shape similar to a spherical shape.
• At least one of the cold air inlet 123a or the cold air outlet 123b may be formed on the second side portion 102b of the door liner 102.
• the second side portion 102b may protrude further toward the refrigerating chamber18 than the first side portion 102a.
• a basket 136 capable of storing food may be connected to the first door 130 by varying a thickness of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.
• the cold air passage may further include a third cold air passage P3.
• the third cold air passage P3 may guide cold air of the second space 124 to an outside of the first refrigerating chamber door 10. Cold air from a lower portion of the second space 124 may flow through the third cold air passage P3.
• the ice may be separated from the ice tray 210 as the ice tray 210 is rotated (or twisted) by the driver.
• An ice separated from the ice tray 210 may be stored in the first ice bin 280.
• the second ice maker 500 may include the first tray 510.
• the second tray 550 may be moved with respect to the first tray 510.
• the second tray 550 may be rotated with respect to the first tray 510, or may move linearly with respect to the first tray 510, or may move linearly and rotationally.
• the second tray 550 is a rotation type tray
• water supply may be performed at a water supply position of the second tray 550. After the water supply is completed, the second tray550 may be rotated to an ice making position. If the second tray 550 is a linear movement type tray, water supply may be performed at the ice making position of the second tray 550. If the second tray 550 is a rotation type tray, at least a portion of the second tray 550 may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the first tray 510 at the water supply position. A portion of the second tray 550 spaced apart from the first tray 510 at the water supply position may come into contact with the first tray 510 at the ice making position to form the ice making cell 501.
• the dispenser 11 may include a dispenser housing 11a.
• the dispenser housing 11a may form a receiving space.
• a container such as a cup may be positioned in the receiving space. Water or ice may be discharged into the receiving space.
• At least a portion of the dispenser housing 11a may be disposed to overlap the second space 124 in a front-back direction.
• a minimum horizontal distance between a front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 and the second space 124 is greater than a minimum horizontal distance between the front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 and the first space 122 by the dispenser housing 11a.
• a vertical length of the first space 122 may be greater than a vertical length of the second space 124.
• At least a portion of the second space 124 may overlap the first space 122 in the vertical direction.
• the ice making cell 501 of the second ice maker 500 may overlap the dispenser housing 11a in the front-back direction.
• An ice chute 700 may be disposed at a lower side of the first space 122.
• the ice chute 700 may be opened and closed by a cap duct 900.
• An ice guide 800 may be disposed at a lower side of the ice chute 700.
• the ice chute700 may guide ice discharged from the first ice bin 280 to the ice guide 800.
• the ice guide 800 may guide ice and finally discharge the ice.
• the ice chute 700 may overlap at least a portion of the first space122 in a vertical direction. At least a portion of the ice chute700 may overlap at least a portion of the second space124 in the vertical direction.
• a water tank 340 may be detachably mounted on the first refrigerating chamber door 10. At least a portion of the ice chute 700 may overlap the water tank 340 in a vertical direction. At least a portion of the water tank 340 may overlap the ice making cell 501 in a vertical direction.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second ice maker according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 9 is a plan view of a second ice maker according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bracket as viewed from an upper side according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bracket as viewed from a lower side according to a first embodiment.
• the first tray assembly may include a first tray 510, a first tray case, or the first tray 510 and the first tray case.
• the second tray assembly may include a second tray 550, a second tray case, or the second tray 550 and the second tray case.
• the second ice maker 500 may include an ice making cell 501, which is a space in which water is phase-changed into ice by cold (for example, cold air).
• the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may be arranged in a vertical direction while forming the ice making cell 501.
• the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may be arranged in a front-back direction or a left-right direction while forming the ice making cell 501.
• a plurality of ice making cells 501 may be defined by the first tray 510 and the second tray 550.
• the ice making cell 501 When water is supplied to the ice making cell 501 and the water is cooled by cold air, ice having a shape identical to or similar to the ice making cell 501 may be generated.
• the ice making cell 501 may be formed in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a spherical shape.
• the ice making cell 501 may also be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a polygonal shape.
• the first tray case may include the bracket 520.
• the first tray case may further include a first supporter 530. At least a portion of the first supporter 530 may be positioned at a lower side of the first tray 510.
• the second ice maker 500 may further include a first pusher 540 to separate ice in an ice separation process.
• the first pusher 540 may receive power from a driver 580 to be described later.
• the first supporter 530 may support the first tray 510.
• the first supporter 530 may guide movement of the first pusher 540.
• the second tray case may include, for example, a second tray cover 560.
• the second tray case may further include a second supporter 570.
• at least a portion of the second tray cover 560 may be positioned at one side or an upper side of the second tray 550.
• At least a portion of the second supporter 570 may be positioned at another side or a lower side of the second tray 550.
• the second supporter 570 may support the second tray 550 at another side of the second tray 550.
• An elastic member 547 may be connected to one side of the second supporter 570.
• the elastic member 547 may provide elastic force to the second supporter 570 so that the second tray 550 may maintain contact with the first tray 510.
• the second ice maker 500 may further include a driver 580 that provides driving power.
• the second tray 550 may move relative to the first tray 510 by receiving a driving power of the driver 580.
• the first pusher 540 may move by receiving the driving power of the driving force 580.
• a connecting arm 549 may be coupled to the driver 580.
• the connecting arm 549 may be connected to the second supporter 570 and may transmit a power of the driver 580 to the second supporter 570.
• the driver 580 may include a motor and a plurality of gears.
• a full ice detection lever may be connected to the driver 580.
• the full ice detection lever may be rotated by a rotational force provided by the driver 580.
• the driver 580 may further include a cam that rotates by receiving a rotational power of the motor.
• the second ice maker 500 may further include a sensor that detects a rotation of the cam.
• a controller described below may identify a position of the second tray 550 (or the second tray assembly) based on a type and pattern of a signal output from the sensor.
• the second ice maker 500 may further include a second pusher 590.
• the second pusher 590 may be installed, for example, on the bracket 520.
• the second pusher 590 may push out ice disposed in the ice making cell 501.
• the bracket 520 may include a first tray cover 521.
• the first tray cover 521 may include an opening 523.
• the first tray 510 may be in contact with one surface of the first tray cover 521 at one side of the first tray cover 521. A portion of the first tray 510 may pass through the opening 523.
• the first tray cover 521 may include a heater case 521b extending downward from a perimeter of the opening 523.
• the heater case 521b may receive an ice separation heater 503 (or a first heater), which will be described later. In any cases, the ice separation heater 503 may supply heat to the first tray 510 at least during an ice separation process. Heat supplied to the first tray 510 may be transferred to the ice making cell 501.
• the bracket 520 may further include a peripheral portion 522 extending from the first tray cover 521.
• the bracket 520 may further include a cold air guide 524 extending upward from the first tray cover 521 and to guide cold air toward the opening 523. Since a portion of the first tray 510 passes through the opening 523, cold air guided by the cold air guide 524 may be in contact with the first tray 510.
• the bracket 520 may further include a plurality of coupling bosses 525 for coupling with the first supporter 530.
• a coupling member may be coupled to the first supporter 530 by passing through the plurality of coupling bosses 525.
• the coupling member may be coupled to the first supporter 530 after passing through the coupling bosses 525 and the first tray 510.
• the sensing assembly 400 may be seated on at least one coupling boss among the plurality of coupling bosses 525. Accordingly, the coupling member may couple the sensing assembly 400 to the coupling boss.
• the bracket 520 may further include a coupling portion 528 to which the water supply 546 is coupled.
• the coupling portion 528 may be provided on the first tray cover 521.
• the coupling portion 528 may protrude upward from the first tray cover 521.
• the coupling portion 528 may include a fixing projection 528a.
• the fixing projection 528a may protrude from an upper surface of the coupling portion 528.
• the water supply 546 may include an extension 546a that is extended to be seated on an upper surface of the coupling portion 528.
• the extension 546a may extend from a lower side of the water supply 546 in a horizontal direction.
• the extension 546a may include a fixing hole 546b through which the fixing projection 528a passes.
• the extension 546a may further include a coupling hole 546c through which a coupling member passes.
• the coupling portion 528 may include a coupling groove 528b to which the coupling member passing through the coupling hole 546c is coupled.
• the sensing assembly 400 and the water supply 546 may be spaced apart from each other in an arrangement direction of the ice making cells 501 (for example, a X-axis direction).
• the sensing assembly 400 may be positioned adjacent to the cold air guide 524. At least a portion of the sensing assembly 400 may be positioned between an extension line A1 of the cold air guide 524 and the first pusher 540 so that the sensing assembly 400 acts as a resistance to a flow of cold air. From the perspective of a cold air flowing, the sensing assembly 400 may be positioned upstream of the water supply 546. The sensing assembly 400 may be positioned between the water supply 546 and the cold air guide 524. An extension line A1 of the cold air guide 524 may pass through the water supply 546 and the cold air guide 524.
• the bracket 520 may further include a pusher fixing wall 526 to which the second pusher 590 is fixed.
• the pusher fixing wall 526 may be inclined.
• the pusher fixing wall 526 may be provided with a pusher seating groove 527 for installing the second pusher 590.
• the pusher seating groove 527 may be provided with a catch projection 527a to prevent the second pusher 590 from being separated downward.
• the pusher fixing wall 526 may be provided with a separation prevention projection 527b to prevent the second pusher 590 seated on the pusher mounting groove 527 from being separated.
• the separation prevention projection 527b may extend from the pusher fixing wall 526 toward the pusher seating groove 527.
• the separation prevention projection 527b may be spaced apart from the pusher seating groove 527.
• the separation prevention projection 527b may be in contact with the second pusher 590 seated on the pusher seating groove 527 or press the second pusher 590.
• the bracket 520 may further include a sensor mounting portion 529 on which an ice making chamber temperature sensor (see 1005 of FIG. 25 ) for detecting a temperature of a second space 124 is mounted.
• the sensor mounting portion 529 may, for example, extend from the peripheral portion 522.
• the sensor mounting portion 529 may extend from the peripheral portion 522 toward the opening 523.
• the ice making chamber temperature sensor may be omitted.
• At least a portion of the sensor mounting portion 529 may face a space between the water supply 546 and the sensing assembly 400.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first supporter according to a first embodiment.
• the first supporter 530 may include a guide slot 537 to guide movement of the first pusher 540.
• a portion of the guide slot 537 may be formed in the extension wall 536.
• Another portion of the guide slot 537 may be formed in a barrier 532 disposed at a lower side of the extension wall 536.
• the first pusher 540 may be inserted into the guide slot 537.
• the first pusher 540 may be moved up and down along the guide slot 537.
• the first supporter 530 may further include a plurality of coupling portions 538 for coupling with the bracket 520.
• the plurality of coupling portions 538 may be formed on the plate 531.
• the coupling portion 538 may protrude upward from an upper surface of the plate 531.
• the coupling portion 538 may be aligned with the coupling boss 525 of the bracket 520.
• the first supporter 530 may further include a protrusion slot 533 for receiving a protrusion (described later) provided on the first tray 530.
• the protrusion slot 533 may be formed on the plate 531.
• the first supporter 530 may further include an overflow prevention wall 539 to prevent water in the ice making cell 501 from overflowing to an outside through a gap between the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is opened and closed at a water supply position of the second tray 550 or due to vibration of the refrigerator 1.
• the overflow prevention wall 539 may extend downward from the plate 531, for example. When the first tray 510 is coupled to the first supporter 530, the overflow prevention wall 539 may be spaced apart from the first tray 510.
• FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a first tray according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a first tray according to a first embodiment.
• the first tray 510 may define a first cell 511a, which is a portion of the ice making cell 501.
• the first tray 510 may include a first tray wall 511 to form a portion of the ice making cell 501.
• the first tray 510 may define, for example, a plurality of first cells 511a.
• the first tray 510 may further include an auxiliary storage chamber 515 communicated with the ice making cell 501.
• auxiliary storage chamber 515 communicated with the ice making cell 501.
• water overflowing from the ice making cell 501 may be stored in the auxiliary storage chamber 515.
• Ice that expands in a process of phase change of supplied water may be positioned in the auxiliary storage chamber 515.
• the auxiliary storage chamber 515 may be formed by a storage chamber wall 515a.
• the storage chamber wall 515a may extend upward from a perimeter of the opening 514.
• the storage chamber wall 515a may be formed in a cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.
• a storage chamber wall 515a corresponding to at least one first cell 511a among the plurality of first cells 511a may further include an inlet opening 519 for introducing water.
• An outlet of the water supply 546 may be aligned with the inlet opening 519.
• the first pusher 540 may pass through the opening 514 after passing through the storage chamber wall 515a.
• the storage chamber wall 515a may reduce deformation around the opening 514 during a process in which the first pusher 540 passes through the opening 514.
• a blocking wall 515b may be provided at an upper end of the storage chamber wall 515a.
• a through hole 515c may be provided at a central portion of the blocking wall 515b.
• a plurality of slits 515d extending in a radial direction of the through hole 515c may be provided in the blocking wall 515b. In a state in which the plurality of slits 515d are spaced apart from each other, the plurality of slits 515d may extend.
• the first tray 510 may further include a first extension wall 517 extending from the first tray wall 511 in a horizontal direction.
• the first extension wall 517 may extend from a perimeter of an upper end of the first extension wall 517 in a horizontal direction.
• the first extension wall 517 may be provided with one or more first coupling holes 517a.
• Protrusions 517b and 517c may be formed on the first extension wall 517 of the first tray 510.
• one or more protrusions 517c may be formed on an upper surface of the first extension wall 517.
• One or more protrusions 517b may be formed on a lower surface of the first extension wall 517.
• the first tray 510 may further include a sensor hole 511b through which a portion of the sensing assembly 400 passes.
• the sensor hole 511b may pass through the first tray wall 511 in a vertical direction.
• the first tray 510 may further include a sensor coupling portion 511c.
• the sensor coupling portion 511c may extend upward from the first tray wall 511c.
• a sensing bar 412 of the sensing assembly 400 may be received in the sensor hole 511b after passing through the sensor coupling portion 511c.
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second tray cover according to a first embodiment.
• a second tray cover 560 of the present embodiment may include a plate 561.
• a portion of the second tray 550 may be fixed in a state of contacting one surface of the plate 561.
• An opening 562 may be provided in the plate 561 through which a portion of the second tray 550 passes.
• a portion of the second tray 550 may protrude upward from the plate 361 through the opening 562.
• a portion of the second tray cover 560 may extend vertically upward from the lower plate 561.
• the second tray cover 560 may include a round wall 565 that is rounded in a direction away from the opening 562 from the plate to an upper side.
• the second tray cover 560 may further include a coupling boss 567.
• the coupling boss 567 may protrude downward from a lower surface of the plate 561.
• a coupling member may be coupled to the coupling boss 567 at a lower side of the coupling boss 567.
• the second tray cover 560 may further include a slot 568 for coupling with the second tray 550. A portion of the second tray 550 may be inserted into the slot 568.
• the second tray cover 560 may further include a chamber wall 569 to define a water receiving chamber for storing water overflowing from an ice making cell 501.
• the chamber wall 569 may extend upward from an edge of the lower plate 561.
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second tray according to a first embodiment.
• the second tray 550 may include a barrier 557 extending along a perimeter of one end of the second tray wall 551.
• the barrier 557 may, for example, be integrally formed with the second tray wall 551 and extend from one end of the second tray wall 551.
• the one end may be, for example, an upper end.
• the second tray 550 may surround the first tray 510.
• the second supporter 570 may include a supporter body 571 on which a lower portion of the second tray 550 is seated.
• the supporter body 571 may include a receiving space 576a in which a portion of the second tray 550 may be received.
• the supporter body 571 may include a lower opening 572 (or a through hole) through which a portion of the second pusher 590 passes in an ice separation process.
• a lower portion of the second tray 550 may be exposed through the lower opening 572. At least a portion of the second tray 550 may be positioned in the lower opening 572.
• the second supporter 550 may further include a peripheral wall 575.
• One surface of the peripheral wall 575 may be provided with a pair of extensions 573 for rotating the second tray 550.
• Each of the extensions 573 may further include a through hole 574.
• a shaft to transmit power of the driver 580 may be connected to the through hole 574.
• the second pusher 590 may be coupled to the bracket 520.
• the second pusher 590 may include a plate 591.
• the plate 591 may be seated on the pusher seating groove 527.
• the second pusher 590 may further include a pushing column 592 extending from one surface of the plate 591.
• the pushing column may be formed as a shape of a bar.
• the pushing column 592 may push out ice located in the ice making cell 501.
• the pushing column 592 may be in contact with the second tray 550 that forms the ice making cell 501 after passing through the second supporter 570.
• the pushing column 592 may press the second tray 550 that is in contact.
• the sensing assembly 400 may include a tray temperature sensor 410.
• the tray temperature sensor will be briefly referred to as a "sensor.”
• the sensor 410 may be coupled to the first tray 510 to detect a temperature of water or a temperature of ice in the ice making cell 501.
• the sensor 410 may include a sensing bar 412.
• the sensing bar 412 may be coupled to the first tray 510.
• the sensor 410 may include a sensor extension 414.
• the sensor extension 414 may be integrally formed with the sensing bar 412 or coupled to the sensing bar 412.
• the sensor extension 414 may extend in a direction crossing an extension direction of the sensing bar 412. Based on Fig. 21 , the sensing bar 412 may be extended in a vertical direction.
• the sensor extension 414 may be extended in a horizontal direction.
• the first insulator 451 may further include a first guide groove 454 to guide a wire 416 connected to the sensing bar 412.
• the first guide groove 454 may be formed as a lower surface of the first insulator 451 is recessed upward.
• the first guide groove 454 may extend from the receiving groove 452 in a horizontal direction.
• a portion of the first guide groove 454 may overlap the recessed portion 453 in a vertical direction.
• the first guide groove 454 may be disposed at an upper side of the recessed portion 453. Therefore, when the sensor extension 414 is received in the recessed portion 453, the wire 416 may extend horizontally along the guide groove 454 at an upper side of the sensor extension 414.
• the sensing assembly 400 may further include a cover 430.
• the cover 430 may cover the insulator 450.
• the cover 430 may receive the first insulator 451.
• the cover 430 may receive a portion of the second insulator 455.
• the cover 430 may cover a remaining portion of the second insulator 455 except for the contact portion 459.
• the cover 430 may include a cover body 431 to form a space 432 for receiving the insulator 450.
• the cover 430 may further include a coupling body 433 seated on a coupling boss 525 of the bracket 520.
• the coupling body 433 may extend from the cover body 431 in a horizontal direction.
• a plurality of coupling bodies 433 may extend from the cover body 431.
• a coupling hole 434 may be formed in the coupling body 433.
• the cover 430 may further include a wire hole 436 through which the wire 416 passes.
• the first pusher 540 may include an extension body 542.
• the first pusher 540 may include a pushing column 544 extending downward from the extension body 542.
• the pushing column may be formed as a shape of a bar. In an ice separation process, the pushing column 544 may pass through the opening 514 to press ice in the ice making cell 501.
• step S21 if it is determined that a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is reached a temperature equal to or lower than the initial water supply start temperature, the controller 1000 may control the water supply valve 1004 so that a water supply is performed to supply water at a first reference water supply amount.
• the first reference water supply amount is less than a target water supply amount.
• a gap In order for an impeller to rotate within a housing of the flow sensor, a gap must exist between the impeller and an inner surface of the housing. When the impeller rotates, some of the water flows by the impeller, and some of the water flows by bypassing a gap between the impeller and an inner surface of the housing.
• the water pressure is higher than a reference water pressure, an amount of water flowing through a gap between the impeller and an inner surface of the housing is small, so even if a number of pulses output during a rotation of the impeller reaches a reference number corresponding to a target water supply amount and the water supply valve is turned off, an actual water supply amount is almost the same as the target water supply amount.
• the passage when a filter provided on a water flowing passage is replaced or when a refrigerator is initially operated after purchase, the passage may not be completely filled with water and may contain air. In a case in which the passage contains both water and air, even if water is supplied at a first reference water supply amount, an actual water supply amount may be less than the first reference water supply amount. If an ice making starts in this state, it is determined that an ice making is completed when ice is not completely frozen, and the ice may not become transparent.
• the controller 1000 turns on the water supply valve 1004 for a water supply, and when a number of pulses output from the flow sensor 1002 reaches a first reference number corresponding to a first reference water supply amount, turns off the water supply valve 1004.
• the second tray 550 may standby for a predetermined time at a water supply position in consideration of water spread (S4). After a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 1000 controls the driver 580 to move the second tray 550 to an ice making position (S5). A movement of the second tray 550 to the ice making position is detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray 550 is moved to the ice making position, the controller 1000 may stop the driver 580.
• the controller 1000 may determine whether an actual water supply amount of an ice making cell 501 is reached the target water supply amount (S6). For example, it may be determined whether a temperature detected by the sensor 410 within a set time is reached a reference temperature. Alternatively, it may be determined whether a value of an increase of a temperature detected by the sensor 410 within a set time is higher than a reference value.
• step S6 if a temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches the reference temperature or a value of an increase of a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is greater than the reference value, it is determined that an actual water supply amount is reached the target water supply amount, and an ice making may be started.
• the controller 1000 may perform additional water supply. Before performing additional water supply, the controller 1000 may determine whether a number of times, in which an actual water supply amount is not reached the target water supply amount, is reached a reference number (or a limited number) (S7).
• step S7 may be replaced with a step of determining whether the number of additional water supplies has reached a reference number.
• the controller 1000 may control the driver 580 to move the second tray 550 to a water supply position for additional water supply (S8).
• the controller 1000 may determine whether an additional water supply condition is satisfied (S9). For example, the controller 1000 may determine whether a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is equal to or lower than the additional water supply start temperature.
• the additional water supply start temperature may be the same as or higher than the initial water supply start temperature.
• the controller 1000 may determine that the additional water supply condition is satisfied when a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is lower than the additional water supply start temperature.
• the controller 1000 may control the water supply valve 1004 so that water is additionally supplied at a second reference water supply amount at a water supply position of the second tray 550 (S10).
• the second reference water supply amount is less than the first reference water supply amount.
• the controller 1000 turns on the water supply valve 1004 for a water supply, and when a number of pulses output from the flow sensor 1002 reaches a second reference number corresponding to the second reference water supply amount, turns off the water supply valve 1004.
• the controller 1000 controls the driver 580 to move the second tray 550 to an ice making position (S5).
• steps S4 to S6 may be repeatedly performed. If an additional water supply is required, steps S7 to S10 may be repeatedly performed.
• the controller 1000 may determine whether an actual water supply amount of the ice making cell 501 is reached the target water supply amount (S6). That is, in the present embodiment, an additional water supply may be repeatedly performed until a water supply amount of the ice making cell reaches the target water supply amount after a first water supply.
• a first water supply process may be referred to as a basic water supply process.
• the present invention may include a basic water supply process and one or more additional water supply processes.
• an ice making starts with the second tray 550 moved to an ice making position (S11).
• An ice making may start when the second tray 550 reaches an ice making position.
• an ice making may start when the second tray 550 reaches an ice making position and a predetermined time has elapsed after a water supply is completed.
• the controller 1000 may control the cold air supply 1020 so that cold air is supplied to the ice making cell 501.
• an ice making may start when a water supply is completed while cold air is being supplied to the ice making cell 501 by the cold air supply 1020.
• the controller 1000 may determine whether a turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied (S12). If it is determined that the turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied, the controller 1000 may control the transparent ice heater 505 to be turned on during at least a period that the cold air supply 1020 supplies cold air to the ice making cell 501. When the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on, heat of the transparent ice heater 505 is transferred to the ice making cell 501, so that an ice production in the ice making cell 501 may be delayed.
• transparent ice may be generated in the second ice maker 500 by delaying an ice generation so that bubbles dissolved in the water within the ice making cell 501 move from a portion, at which the ice is made, toward water that is in a liquid state by heat of the transparent ice heater 505.
• the controller 1000 may determine that a turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied when a certain time has elapsed from a set specific time.
• the set specific time may be set to at least one of times before the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on.
• the specific time may be set to a time when the cold air supply 1020 starts to supply cooling power for an ice making, a time when the second tray 550 reaches the ice making position, a time when a water supply is completed, etc.
• the controller 1000 may determine that a turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied when a temperature detected by the sensor 505 reaches a turn-on reference temperature.
• the turn-on reference temperature may be, for example, a temperature for determining that water has started to freeze at an uppermost side (at side of a communication hole) of the ice making cell 501.
• the on- reference temperature may be set to a temperature below zero.
• the transparent ice heater 505 When the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on, heat of the transparent ice heater 505 is transferred into the ice making cell 501.
• ice may be generated from an upper side of the ice making cell 501.
• bubbles move downward from a portion, at which ice is made, toward water that is in a liquid state.
• a density of water is greater than a density of ice, water or bubbles may be convected within the ice making cell 501, and bubbles may move toward the transparent ice heater 505.
• a mass (or volume) per unit height of water in the ice making cell 501 may be the same or different.
• the controller 1000 may control a cooling power of the cold air supply 1020 and/or a heating amount of the transparent ice heater 505 to vary according to a mass per unit height of water in the ice making cell 501 (S14).
• a variation of the cooling power of the cold air supply 1020 may include at least one of variation of an output of the compressor, variation of an output of a fan, or variation of an opening degree of a refrigerant valve.
• a variation of a heating amount of the transparent ice heater 505 may mean variation of an output of the transparent ice heater 505 or variation of a duty of the transparent ice heater 505.
• a duty of the transparent ice heater 505 may mean a ratio of an on-time to an on-time and off-time of the transparent ice heater 505 in one cycle, or may mean a ratio of an off-time to an on-time and off- time of the transparent ice heater 505 in one cycle.
• the controller 1000 may determine whether an ice making is complete based on a temperature detected by the sensor 410 (S15). The controller 1000 may determine that an ice making is completed when a temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches a first reference temperature.
• the controller 1000 may turn off the transparent ice heater 505 (S16). For example, if a temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches a first reference temperature, the controller 1000 may determine that an ice making is completed and turn off the transparent ice heater 505. At this time, in a case of the present embodiment, since a distance between the sensor 410 and each of ice making cells 501 is different, in order to determine that an ice making is completed in all ice making cells 501, the controller 1000 may start an ice separation after a certain time has elapsed from a time at which an ice making is determined to be completed or when a temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches a second reference temperature lower than the first reference temperature.
• the controller 1000 operates at least one of the ice separation heater 503 or the transparent ice heater 505 for ice separation (S17).
• the controller 1000 operates at least one of the ice separation heater 503 or the transparent ice heater 505 for ice separation (S17).
• the controller 1000 operates at least one of the ice separation heater 503 or the transparent ice heater 505 for ice separation (S17).
• heat of the heater is transferred to at least one of the first tray 510 or the second tray 550, so that ice may be separated from a surface (inner surface) of at least one of the first tray 510 or the second tray 550.
• the controller 1000 may determine whether an operating condition of the driver 580 is satisfied (S18). For example, when at least one of the ice separation heater 503 or the transparent ice heater 505 is operated for a set time or a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is higher than a driver operation reference temperature, the controller 1000 determines that an operating condition of the driver 580 is satisfied. Then, the controller 1000 operates the driver 580 so that the second tray 550 moves to an ice separation position (so that it moves in a forward direction) (S19).
• the second tray 550 moves in a forward direction, the second tray 550 is spaced apart from the first tray 510. A moving force of the second tray 550 is transmitted to the first pusher 540. Then, the first pusher 540 is lowered, so that the pushing column 544 passes through the opening 514 to press ice in the ice making cell 501. During a process of the second tray 550 moving to an ice separation position, the second tray 550 may be contact with the pushing column 592.
• the pushing column 592 presses the second tray 550, so that the second tray 550 is deformed, and a pressing force of the pushing column 592 is transmitted to ice, so that the ice may be separated from a surface of the second tray 550.
• the controller 1000 may determine whether an operation end condition of a heater is satisfied (S20). For example, the controller 1000 may determine that an operation end condition of a heater is satisfied when an operation time of the driver 580 reaches a reference time or a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is equal to or higher than an end reference temperature.
• FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a second ice maker according to a second embodiment.
• FIG. 30 is a plan view of a second ice maker according to a second embodiment.
• FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30 .
• FIG. 32 is a drawing showing a state in which a second ice maker installed in a second space according to a second embodiment.
• the present embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other parts, but structures of some of the components constituting a second ice maker are different. Therefore, only characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described below, and the same drawing reference numerals will be used for the same components as the first embodiment.
• a cold air hole 493 may be formed in a space forming wall 124g forming the second space 124 in which the second ice maker 500 according to the present embodiment is accommodated.
• the space forming wall 124g may include a rear wall 124c facing the dispenser housing 11a, and a side wall 124a bent from the rear wall 124c.
• the cold air hole 493 may be formed in the side wall 124a.
• a plurality of ice making cells 501 may be defined by the first tray 510 and the second tray 550. Hereinafter, an example in which three ice making cells 501 are formed will be described. Water supplied to a plurality of ice making cells 501 may be phase-changed into ice by cold air introduced through the cold air inlet 520a.
• the first ice making cell 501a, the second ice making cell 501b, and the third ice making cell 501b may be arranged in a row (arranged in a X-axis direction).
• the first ice making cell 501a may be positioned closest to the cold air inlet 520a.
• the third ice making cell 501c may be positioned farthest from the cold air inlet 520a.
• FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a bracket as viewed from an upper side according to a second embodiment.
• Each of the pusher links 548 connected to both sides of the first pusher 540 may pass through the first through hole 523a and the second through hole 523b.
• the connecting arm 549 may pass through the second through hole 523b.
• the bracket 520 may further include a peripheral portion 522 extending upward from the first tray cover 521.
• the peripheral portion 522 may be mounted on the space forming wall 124g.
• the bracket 520 may further include a coupling portion 528 to which the water supply 546 is coupled.
• the water supply 546 may include an extension 546a extended to be seated on an upper surface of the coupling portion 528.
• the coupling portion 528 may be positioned adjacent to the third ice making cell 501c.
• the water supply 546 When the water supply 546 is coupled to the coupling portion 528, the water supply 546 may be positioned at an upper side of the third ice making cell 501c. Accordingly, water may be supplied to the third ice making cell 501c through the water supply 546.
• the cold air guide 5241 may extend upward from the first tray cover 521. Since a portion of the first tray 510 passes through the opening 523, cold air guided by the cold air guide 524 may be in contact with the first tray 510.
• the cold air guide 5241 may include a first guide 524a extending in a X-axis direction, which is an arrangement direction of ice making cells.
• the cold air guide 5241 may further include a second guide 524b bent from the first guide 524a.
• the cold air guide 5241 may further include a third guide 524c extending from the second guide 524b. In some cases, the second guide 524b may be omitted.
• a height of an upper end of the first guide 524a may be maintained constant. At least a portion of an upper end of the third guide 524c may be decreased as being away from the first guide 524a.
• An end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be, for example, an end of the third guide 524c.
• An upper end of the first guide 524a may be positioned higher than the peripheral portion 522. A portion of an upper end of the third guide 524c may be positioned higher than the peripheral portion 522. A portion of an upper end of the third guide 524c may be positioned higher than the water supply 546.
• An upper end of the first guide 524a may be positioned the same as or higher than an upper end of an extension wall 536 of the first supporter 530.
• cold air flowing through the cold air inlet 520a may be blocked from flowing toward the extension wall 536 by the first guide 524a.
• An upper portion of the third guide 524c may be positioned at the same as or higher than an upper portion of the extension wall 536 of the first supporter 530, which will be described later.
• An end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be positioned closer to the second ice making cell 501b than a center of the first ice making cell 501a.
• an end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may overlap a region between the first ice making cell 501a and the second ice making cell 501b in a Y-axis direction crossing a X-axis direction.
• a virtual line extending in a Y-axis direction from an end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be positioned between a vertical center line of the first ice making cell 501a and a vertical center line of the second ice making cell 501b.
• a virtual line extending in an extension direction of the third guide 524c from the third guide 524c may pass through the water supply 546.
• the third guide 524c may overlap the water supply 546 in a X-axis direction.
• a distance between the water supply 546 and an end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be equal to or greater than a distance between a center of the first ice making cell 501a and a center of the second ice making cell 501b.
• a distance between the water supply 546 and an end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be less than a distance between a center of the first ice making cell 501a and a center of the third ice making cell 501c.
• cold air introduced through the cold air inlet 520a may flow along one surface of the cold air guide 5241 and then be supplied to a vicinity of the second ice making cell 501b.
• the first guide 524a may block cold air from directly flowing into the first through hole 523a. That is, the first guide 524a may partition the first through hole 523a and the cold air passage 520b.
• the cold air guide 5241 may be positioned between the first through hole 523a and the cold air passage 520b.
• the cold air guide 5241 may be positioned between the first ice making cell 501a and the cold air passage 520b. Some of cold air supplied around the second ice making cell 501b may flow toward the first ice making cell 501a, and another portion of cold air may flow toward the third ice making cell 501c.
• a water supply 506 is provided at an upper side of the third ice making cell 501c, and a third guide 524c is positioned around the first ice making cell 501a, so that cold air may be prevented from being concentrated on either the first ice making cell 501a or the third ice making cell 501c.
• FIG. 34 is a bottom view of a state in which a second tray is seated on a second supporter according to a third embodiment.
• a second supporter of the present embodiment is identical to a second supporter of the first and second embodiments in other parts, but has a characteristic structure for guiding the transparent ice heater (or the second heater). Therefore, only characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described below.
• the first ice making cell 501a is positioned adjacent to the cold air inlet 520a.
• the second supporter 1570 may have a heater guide 1572 extended from a supporter body 1571 on which the first ice making cell 501a is seated.
• FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing an insulating block coupled to a second supporter according to a fourth embodiment.
• FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an insulating block according to a fourth embodiment.
• FIG. 37 is a plan view of an insulating block of FIG. 36 .
• the insulating block 1680 may include a receiving groove 1681 to receive a portion of the supporter body 171.
• the insulating block 1680 may include a block opening 1682 corresponding to an opening 572 of the second supporter 570. By the block opening 1682, the second pusher 590 may be prevented from interfering with the insulating block 1680.
• the insulating block 1680 may further include an avoidance groove 1683 for preventing interference with a portion of the second supporter 570.
• FIG. 38 is a drawing showing a blocking wall of a first tray according to a fifth embodiment.
• FIG. 39 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first tray of FIG. 38 .
• a through hole 1518 may be provided at a central portion of the blocking wall 1517.
• a thickness of the blocking wall 1517 may be less than a thickness of the first tray wall 511 forming an upper cell 511a in the first tray 510.
• a plurality of slits 1519 extending in a radial direction of the through hole 1518 may be provided in the blocking wall 1517. In a state in which the plurality of slits 1519 are spaced apart from each other, the plurality of slits 1519 may extend.
• the first tray 510 may include a storage chamber wall 1515 forming an auxiliary storage chamber communicating with the ice making cell 501.
• the auxiliary storage chamber may store water overflowing from the ice making cell 501.
• the storage chamber wall 1515 may extend upward from a perimeter of the blocking wall 1517.
• the storage chamber wall 1515 may be formed in a cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.
• the blocking wall 1515 forms a part of the ice making cell 501, there is an advantage in that a shape of generated ice becomes the same as the ice making cell 501.
• generated ice may be the same as a spherical shape or may be almost similar to the spherical shape.

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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)

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• 2023
  • 2023-09-07 EP EP23877491.3A patent/EP4603776A4/de active Pending
  • 2023-09-07 WO PCT/KR2023/013406 patent/WO2024080561A1/ko not_active Ceased

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