KR102487208B1 - Ice Generating Device and Control Method of Ice Generating Device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes the steps of supplying water to a water tank; applying power in a forward direction to a thermoelectric element provided on one side of the water tank to change the phase of the water stored in the water tank to ice; applying power to the thermoelectric element in a reverse direction to melt the ice inside the water tank; It relates to a control method of an ice making device comprising the step of discharging the ice inside the water tank.

Description

Ice generating device and control method thereof {Ice Generating Device and Control Method of Ice Generating Device}

The present invention relates to an ice making device and a control method thereof.

An ice making device refers to a device that generates ice by changing the phase of water.

A conventional ice maker uses a water tank for storing water, an evaporator provided in the water tank to cool water, a compressor connected to the evaporator, a condenser connected to the compressor, and an expansion device connected to the condenser to remove ice from the water tank. Created.

However, in the case of using the refrigeration cycle used in the conventional ice making apparatus, it is expensive to configure the refrigeration cycle, and since the refrigerant must be circulated for ice making, it takes a long time to make ice, and the ice storage to store the ice made is expensive. There was a matter of necessity.

In addition, since the conventional ice maker uses a refrigerating cycle, the noise of the compressor is high, and it is difficult to make the ice maker compact because of its large volume.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker capable of reducing unit cost for ice making and shortening ice making time since it does not use a refrigerating cycle.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an ice making device that does not require an ice storage because ice is immediately extracted.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker capable of reducing the size of a product compactly because it does not use a refrigerating cycle.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker with little noise when making ice.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides solutions to the following problems.

The present invention includes the steps of supplying water to a water tank; applying power in a forward direction to a thermoelectric element provided on one side of the water tank to change the phase of the water stored in the water tank to ice; applying power to the thermoelectric element in a reverse direction to melt the ice inside the water tank; It is possible to provide a control method of the ice making device including discharging the ice inside the water tank.

The present invention includes a step of introducing an ice cube generating case capable of producing each ice into the water tank, and the step of introducing the ice cube generating case into the water tank is performed before or after the step of supplying water to the water tank. It is possible to provide a control method of an ice making device characterized in that it is performed later.

The present invention may be characterized in that the ice cube generating case moves in a vertical direction.

The present invention may provide a control method of an ice making device characterized in that in the step of supplying water to the water tank, the amount of water supplied is controlled by a flow rate sensor or water supply time.

The present invention may provide a control method of an ice making apparatus, wherein the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element in a forward direction is performed for a longer time than the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element in a reverse direction.

The present invention may provide a control method of an ice making device, wherein, in the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element in the forward direction, heat is absorbed from a surface of the thermoelectric element in contact with the water tank.

In the present invention, the ice making device is provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and includes a heat exchange unit including a heat exchange fan, and applying power to the thermoelectric element in a forward direction or applying power to the thermoelectric element in a reverse direction may provide a control method of an ice maker comprising driving the heat exchange fan.

The present invention may provide a control method of an ice making device, wherein the heat exchange fan is driven simultaneously with the thermoelectric element or driven after a predetermined time from the thermoelectric element.

The present invention may provide a control method of an ice making device in which the step of discharging the ice inside the water tank includes the step of withdrawing an ice cube generating case capable of generating each ice from the water tank.

The present invention can provide a control method for an ice making device, wherein the ice cube generating case includes a first partition wall partitioning the inside left and right, and the first partition wall is inclined forward and downward. .

The present invention can provide a control method for an ice making device, wherein the step of discharging the ice from the inside of the water tank includes discharging the ice from the inside of the ice cube generating case with an ice-separating module rotatably provided by an elastic force. there is.

The present invention may provide a control method of an ice making device comprising the step of draining the remaining water to the outside to remove the remaining water from the water tank after the step of discharging the ice inside the water tank.

The present invention may provide a control method of an ice making device comprising the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element in a reverse direction to evaporate residual water in the water tank after the step of discharging the ice inside the water tank. .

The present invention includes the steps of maintaining power applied to a thermoelectric element in a forward direction so that ice does not melt; and detecting a signal indicating that ice is needed.

The present invention is characterized in that the step of maintaining the power applied to the thermoelectric element in the forward direction so that the ice does not melt is performed after the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element in the forward direction to change the phase of the water stored in the water tank into ice. It is possible to provide a control method of an ice making device that does.

The present invention has the effect of providing an ice making device that does not require an ice storage by extracting ice immediately by reducing unit cost for ice making and shortening ice making time by not using a refrigerating cycle.

In addition, the present invention has the effect of providing an ice making device capable of reducing the size of the product compactly because it does not use a refrigerating cycle.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker with little noise because a thermoelectric element is used when making ice.

In addition, the present invention has an effect of providing an ice maker in which cooling (ice making) and heating (ice removal) are simultaneously solved by using a thermoelectric element.

In addition, the present invention has an effect of providing an ice maker capable of dissipating heat emitted from a thermoelectric element to the outside of the ice maker through a heat exchanger.

In addition, the present invention has an effect of providing an ice making device capable of generating ice cubes while automatically performing water supply, ice making, ice removal, and ice removal.

According to the present invention, by attaching a thermoelectric element to a water tank, ice-making and ice-leaving can be controlled at once with one thermoelectric element, thereby reducing control complexity, shortening ice-making time, and immediately ice-making (extracting) ice-making. Therefore, there is an effect of providing an ice generating device that does not require a separate storage.

1 is a view showing how the ice made in the ice maker of the present invention is de-iced.
Figure 2 shows one side of the cross section of the ice making device of the present invention.
3 is an exploded perspective view of the ice making device of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view of the ice making device of the present invention.
5 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchange unit of the present invention.
6 is a cross-sectional view of a second heat exchanger and a heat exchange fan according to the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the sol valve and flow sensor of the present invention.
8 shows how ice is separated by an ice-separating module in the ice-making apparatus of the present invention.
9 is a block diagram of a hot sound ice maker according to the present invention.
10 shows a state before water is supplied to the water tank in the ice making device of the present invention.
11 shows how ice is made in the ice making device of the present invention.
12 and 13 show a control method of an ice making device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 illustrates a control method of an ice making device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
15 is another example of a cross-sectional view of the ice making device of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configuration or control method of a device to be described below is only for explaining an embodiment of the present invention, but is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and the same reference numerals used throughout the specification indicate the same components. .

Unless there is a special definition, all terms in this specification are the same as the general meaning of the term understood by a person skilled in the art, and if a term used in this specification conflicts with the general meaning of the term, the definition used in this specification according to

Referring to the Cartesian coordinate system shown in FIG. 1, the positive direction of the X axis is forward, the negative direction of the X axis is backward, the positive direction of the Z axis is upward, the negative direction of the Z axis is downward, and the positive direction of the Y axis is right. , defines the negative direction of the Y-axis as leftward.

1 shows how ice made in the ice making apparatus of the present invention is de-iced. Figure 2 shows one side of the cross section of the ice making device of the present invention. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ice making device of the present invention. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ice making device of the present invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, the ice making device 1 of the present invention will be described.

The ice making device 1 of the present invention reduces ice making time by using a thermoelectric element during ice making, removes ice storage by extracting each ice made and immediately provides it to the user, and solves the problem of ice melting in the ice storage. and serve fresh ice.

An ice maker 1 of the present invention includes a water tank 100 storing water for making ice, a thermoelectric element 200 provided on one side of the water tank 100, and one side of the thermoelectric element 200. It includes a heat exchange unit 300 provided in.

The water tank 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape including a storage space 102 in which water is stored. The water tank 100 is provided with a front surface 110, a rear surface 111, an upper surface 112, a lower surface 113, a left surface 114, and a right surface 115, and the front surface 110 and the rear surface (111) is provided wider than other surfaces. This is because the thermoelectric element 200 exchanges heat with the water tank 100 through the front surface 110 and the rear surface 111 .

The water tank 100 is formed of a metal material having good thermal conductivity. The water tank 100 includes a water tank opening 104 that is open upward. The water tank opening 104 is provided on the upper surface 112 of the water tank 100 . Thus, the storage space 102 communicates with the outside of the water tank 100 through the water tank opening 104 .

The water tank 100 includes a water inlet 106 to receive water. The water supply port 106 is provided on a side surface (left side surface 114 or right side surface 115) of the water tank 100. This is to minimize interference with the thermoelectric element 200 provided on one side of the water tank 100.

In addition, the water supply port 106 is provided on the upper side of the side surface (left side surface 114 or right side surface 115) of the water tank 100. This is because the maximum water level that can be supplied to the water tank 100 is determined by the position of the water inlet 106, so the water inlet 106 is provided on the upper side of the water tank 100 to reduce the amount of water stored in the water tank 100. to maximize the amount.

Meanwhile, the ice making device of the present invention includes an insulator 400 surrounding the water tank 100 .

The insulator 400 is made of a plastic material having low thermal conductivity. The insulator 400 is provided to cover the left side 114 and the right side 115 and the lower surface 113 of the water tank 100 . Because the front surface 110 and the rear surface 111 of the water tank 100 are covered by the thermoelectric element 200, the left, right and bottom surfaces of the water tank 100 are wrapped around the water tank 100 and Restricts heat exchange with outside air.

Meanwhile, the present invention includes an ice cube generating case 500 drawn in/out from the water tank 100 to generate ice cubes.

The ice cube making case 500 is drawn in or taken out through the water tank opening 104 .

The ice cube making case 500 is provided in the storage space 102 of the water tank 100 during ice making, and partitions the water stored in the water tank 100 to make ice according to the partitioned shape.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the front and rear length l2 of the ice cube making case 500 is smaller than the front and rear length l1 of the water tank 100 . That is, a gap l3 exists between the ice cube generating case 500 and the inner wall of the water tank 100 . Because, in the state where water W is stored in the water tank 100, the ice cube generating case 500 is drawn into the water tank 100, and in order for water to flow into the ice cube generating case 500, each ice cube generating case 500 is drawn into the water tank 100. This is because a gap l3 is required between the ice generating case 500 and the inner surface of the water tank 100 .

Referring back to FIG. 3 , the ice cube making case 500 includes a square frame 502 that is opened in front and rear, a first partition wall 504 that partitions the inside of the square frame 502 left and right, and vertically partitioned. It includes a second partition wall 506 to do.

The square frame 502 is provided in a shape corresponding to the water tank storage space 102, and a plurality of first partition walls 504 and second partition walls 506 are provided according to the number of ice to be made at one time ice making. It can be. In the present invention, three first partition walls 504 are provided and one second partition wall 506 is provided, so that eight ice cubes are created at one time of ice making.

The ice cube generating case 500 is made of a metal material having good thermal conductivity.

The thermoelectric element 200 requires energy in order for electrons to move between two metals having a potential difference. At this time, the necessary energy is taken away from the energy possessed by the metal, and is a device using the Peltier effect.

Using the Peltier effect, the thermoelectric element 200 can be used as an element capable of emitting/absorbing heat. For example, when a current flows in one direction through the thermoelectric element 200, one surface becomes cold (heat absorption) and the other surface becomes hot (heat radiation). Conversely, when current flows through the thermoelectric element 200 in different directions, one surface becomes hot (heat dissipation) and the other surface becomes cold (heat absorption).

As the thermoelectric element 200, a thermoelectric module (TEM) is often used, and the thermoelectric element 200 of the present invention may also be provided as a TEM. TEM is a well-known content, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

The thermoelectric element 200 is formed in a plate shape and is in surface contact with one surface of the water tank 100 . Specifically, the thermoelectric element 200 has one surface 202 in surface contact with the front surface 110 or rear surface 111 of the water tank 100 and the other surface 204 in surface contact with the heat exchange unit 300. include

A thermoelectric element in surface contact with the front surface 110 of the water tank 100 is referred to as a front thermoelectric element, and a thermoelectric element in surface contact with the rear surface 111 is referred to as a rear thermoelectric element. Hereafter, since the front thermoelectric element and the rear thermoelectric element are made of the same material, the front thermoelectric element will be described based on the description, but the description of the front thermoelectric element can be applied to the rear thermoelectric element as it is.

During ice making, the thermoelectric element 200 absorbs heat through one surface 202 and dissipates heat through the other surface 204 at the same time. Accordingly, the temperature of the water tank 100 in contact with one surface 202 is lowered, and the water inside the water tank 100 is phase-changed into ice.

Conversely, during ice separation, the thermoelectric element 200 dissipates heat through one surface 202 and absorbs heat to the other surface 204 at the same time. Therefore, the temperature of the water tank 100 in contact with one surface 202 is slightly raised to melt the ice on the inner surface of the water tank 100, and the ice can be easily taken out of the water tank 100.

In other words, when power is applied to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction, heat is absorbed through the surface of the thermoelectric element 200 in contact with the water tank 100, and heat is dissipated from the opposite surface. Conversely, when power is applied to the thermoelectric element 200 in a reverse direction, heat is dissipated through the surface of the thermoelectric element 200 in contact with the water tank 100, and heat is absorbed from the opposite surface.

The thermoelectric element 200 is provided with the same area as one surface of the water tank 100 . If the area of the thermoelectric element 200 is smaller than one surface of the water tank 100, heat absorption from the water tank 100 is not sufficiently performed, and thus the water in the water tank 100 does not phase change into ice. there is. In addition, if the area of the thermoelectric element 200 is larger than one surface of the water tank 100, energy is wasted in a portion of the thermoelectric element 200 that cannot contact the water tank 100.

5 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchange unit of the present invention. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second heat exchanger and a heat exchange fan according to the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the heat exchange unit of the present invention will be described.

The heat exchange unit 300 contacts the thermoelectric element 200 and exchanges heat with the thermoelectric element 200 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the heat exchange unit 300 includes a first heat exchanger 302 contacting the thermoelectric element 200 and a heat exchange pipe 304 connected to the first heat exchanger 302 and extending upward. includes

That is, the heat exchange pipe 304 is disposed in the direction of gravity so that the refrigerant provided therein is affected by gravity.

The heat exchange pipe 304 contains a refrigerant therein. When the heat exchange pipe 304 exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger 302 to receive heat, the refrigerant inside the heat exchange pipe 304 vaporizes and changes its phase to a gaseous state.

The first heat exchanger 302 and the heat exchange pipe 303 are made of a metal material having good thermal conductivity.

The first heat exchanger 302 is provided in a plate shape, and has a first surface 302a in surface contact with the other surface 204 of the thermoelectric element 200, and a second surface provided parallel to the first surface 302a. (302b), a third surface (302c) provided between the first surface (302a) and the second surface (302b) forming the upper side, a fourth surface (302d) forming the lower side, and a fifth surface forming the left side. 302e, and a sixth surface 302f forming the right side.

It is preferable that the first surface 302a of the first heat exchanger 302 has the same area as the other surface 204 of the thermoelectric element 200 . This is because, when the first heat exchanger 302 is provided with a smaller area than the area of the other surface 204 of the thermoelectric element 200, the heat generated during ice making in the thermoelectric element 200 is sufficiently discharged through the first heat exchanger 302. As a result, the efficiency of the thermoelectric element 200 decreases, and one surface 202 of the thermoelectric element 200 does not sufficiently absorb heat, so that the water tank 100 does not lower the temperature to the temperature at which ice is generated. .

Conversely, if the first heat exchanger 302 is provided with an area larger than the area of the other surface 204 of the thermoelectric element 200, even if the heat generated during ice making in the thermoelectric element 200 is transferred to the first heat exchanger 302, The part of the first heat exchanger 302 that is not in contact with the thermoelectric element 200 heats the water tank 100 by releasing heat from the inside of the first heat exchanger 302, so that ice is removed from the water tank 100. because it may not be created.

The first heat exchanger 302 includes a pipe hole 303 through which a heat exchange pipe 304 can pass. The pipe hole 303 is provided to pass through the fifth surface 302e and the sixth surface 302f, which are the left and right sides of the first heat exchanger 302 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the first heat exchanger 302 is provided with a first plate 3021 and a second plate 3022, and the pipe hole 303 is formed between the first plate 3021 and the second plate ( 3022) is provided between them. That is, the heat exchange pipe 304 is provided in the pipe hole 303 provided by the first plate 3021 and the second plate 3022 .

The heat exchange pipe 304 includes a first heat exchange pipe 304a provided inside the first heat exchanger 302 and a second heat exchange pipe 304b connected to the first heat exchange pipe 304a and exposed to air. .

The first heat exchange pipe 304a has one end closed and is provided horizontally in the first heat exchanger 302 . Therefore, the refrigerant inside the heat exchange pipe 304 is stored in the first heat exchange pipe 304a in a liquid state.

The second heat exchange pipe 304b is connected to the first heat exchange pipe 304a in the direction of the fifth surface 302e or the sixth surface 302f of the first heat exchanger 302 . The second heat exchange pipe 304b is bent upward and extended upward immediately after being connected to the first heat exchange pipe 304a. Accordingly, when the refrigerant inside the heat exchange pipe is vaporized, it rises upward through the second heat exchange pipe 304b. The vaporized refrigerant inside the second heat exchange pipe 304b exchanges heat with outside air through the second heat exchange pipe 304b.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6 , the ice maker according to the present invention includes a second heat exchanger 306 connected to the end of a heat exchange pipe 304 and a heat exchange fan 308 supplying external air to the second heat exchanger 306. ).

The second heat exchanger 306 includes a plurality of heat exchange fins 307 penetrated by the heat exchange pipe 304 . The heat exchange fins 307 are stacked upward at a predetermined distance apart horizontally, and the heat exchange pipe 304 penetrates the plurality of heat exchange fins 307 upward and penetrates the heat exchange fin 307 on the uppermost layer. protrudes outward The heat exchange pipe 304 protruding to the outside through the heat exchange fin 307 is provided to be closed.

In other words, the heat exchange pipe 304 includes a third heat exchange pipe 304c having one side connected to the second heat exchange pipe 304b and passing through a plurality of heat exchange fins 307 . The other side of the third heat exchange pipe 304c is closed and blocked. Therefore, even if the vaporized refrigerant moves upward through the second heat exchange pipe 304b and the third heat exchange pipe 304c, the movement is limited in the closed third heat exchange pipe 304c.

The heat exchange fan 308 supplies external air between the plurality of heat exchange fins 307 . That is, the heat exchange fan 308 is connected to the side of the plurality of heat exchange fins 307 to supply external air.

In summary, the liquid refrigerant inside the heat exchange pipe 304 is vaporized into a gas state by the first heat exchanger 302 and rises through the heat exchange pipe 304 extending upward. The refrigerant vaporized by the second heat exchanger 306 and the heat exchange fan 308 provided at the end of the heat exchange pipe 304 is phase-changed into a liquefied state again, and the liquefied refrigerant moves through the heat exchange pipe 304 by gravity. descend again through Then, the descending liquid refrigerant exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger 302 to repeat the vaporization process.

In the present invention, the heat exchange unit 300 includes a front first heat exchanger in surface contact with the front thermoelectric element, a front heat exchange pipe connected to the front first heat exchanger and extending upward, and a rear first heat exchanger in surface contact with the rear thermoelectric element. It includes a roof tile and a rear heat exchange pipe connected to the rear first heat exchanger and extending upward. The front heat exchange pipe and the rear heat exchange pipe are connected to one second heat exchanger, and the one second heat exchanger exchanges heat with external air through a heat exchange fan.

In the present invention, three front heat exchange pipes are connected to the left and right sides of the front first heat exchanger, respectively, and a total of six may be provided, and three rear heat exchange pipes are also connected to the left and right sides of the rear first heat exchanger, respectively, for a total of six. 6 may be provided. Accordingly, 12 front and rear heat exchange pipes may be connected to the second heat exchanger.

Meanwhile, the ice maker of the present invention has a front housing forming an accommodation space 606 in which an insulator 400, a first heat exchanger 302, a thermoelectric element 200, and a water tank 100 can be provided. 602 and rear housing 604. (See FIG. 3) Therefore, all heat generated by the thermoelectric element 200 during ice making is absorbed by the first heat exchanger 302, and the heat of the water tank 100 is absorbed only by the thermoelectric element 200. , The water tank 100, the thermoelectric element 200, and the first heat exchanger 302 are prevented from exchanging heat with outside air.

The front housing 602 includes an ice cube removing port 608 through which ice separated from the ice cube generating case 500 is taken out. The ice cube stripper 608 is provided above the first heat ventilator 302 . This is because the ice cube generating case 500 is drawn upward from the water tank 100, and the portion where the ice cubes are separated from the ice cube generating case 500 by the ice-separating module 900 to be described later is the first heat exchanger ( 302).

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the sol valve and flow sensor of the present invention.

3 and 7, the ice making device of the present invention includes a water supply passage 710 connected to an external water supply source 700 and supplying water to the water tank 100, and opening and closing the water supply passage 710. A certain amount of water must be supplied to the water tank 100, including the solenoid valve 720 and the flow sensor 730 for measuring the amount of water supplied.

The water supply passage 710 is connected between the external water supply source 700 and the water supply port 106 of the water tank 100 to supply water to the water tank 100 .

Solenoid valve 720 refers to a solenoid valve, and is a valve capable of opening and closing the water supply passage 710 electronically by changing an electrical switch. It includes an inlet end 722 through which water is introduced by the water supply passage 710 and a discharge end 724 through which water is discharged.

In addition, the flow sensor 730 is connected to the sol valve 720 and measures the amount of water passing through the flow sensor 730. The flow sensor 730 also includes an inlet end 732 through which water is introduced through the water supply passage 710 and a discharge end 734 through which water is discharged.

The discharge end 734 of the flow sensor 730 is connected to the inflow end 722 of the sol valve 720, and the discharge end 724 of the sol valve 720 and the inlet end 732 of the flow sensor 730 A water supply passage is connected to

Hereinafter, a structure for withdrawing the ice cube generating case 500 from the water tank 100 will be described. The ice cube making case 500 is drawn in and out vertically through the water tank opening 104 .

To this end, as shown in FIG. 3, the ice making device of the present invention includes a rack gear 800 connected to the ice cube making case 500, and a pinion gear 802 engaged with the rack gear 800 and rotating , a motor 804 providing rotational force to the pinion gear 802 may be included.

The rack gear 800 is vertically connected to the ice cube making case 500 to move the ice cube making case 500 up and down. In other words, the gears of the rack gear are connected vertically.

Specifically, the rack gear 800 is connected to the end of the horizontal member 806 extending horizontally from the ice cube making case 500, and is provided vertically downward from the end of the horizontal member 806.

The present invention may include a guide member 808 for guiding the movement of the rack gear 800 and a base 810 provided with the guide member 808 .

The guide member 808 is a pillar that protrudes upward from the base 810 and is inserted into a guide groove 801 provided on the bottom of the rack gear 800 to guide the movement of the rack gear 800 in the vertical direction. .

The base 810 refers to the bottom surface of the ice making device, and includes an insulator seating portion 812 on which the insulator 400 is seated.

In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, when the motor 804 receives power and rotates in one direction, the pinion gear 802 also rotates in one direction and the rack gear 800 moves upward, so that the ice cube generating case 500 also move upwards. Conversely, when the motor 804 receives power and rotates in the other direction, the pinion gear 802 also rotates in the other direction, and the rack gear 800 moves downward, so that the ice cube generating case 500 also moves downward. move

8 shows how ice is separated by an ice-separating module in the ice-making apparatus of the present invention. Hereinafter, a structure for removing ice cubes in the ice cube generating case 500 of the present invention will be described.

The ice making device of the present invention includes an ice-separating module 900 for discharging the ice cubes generated inside the ice cube-making case to the outside.

The ice-separating module 900 is provided to have elasticity so as to be rotatable up and down. Specifically, one side of the ice-separating module 900 may be inserted into the ice cube generating case 500, and the other side thereof may be fixed and provided with elasticity. In this case, the other side of the ice-separating module 900 is fixed to the rear housing 604.

Alternatively, one side of the ice-separating module 900 is inserted into the ice cube generating case 500 and the other side thereof is rotatably fixed and includes a torsion spring (not shown) having elasticity. In this case, the other side of the ice-separating module 900 is rotatably fixed to the rear housing 604.

When the ice cube generating case 500 moves upward (FIG. 8A), one side of the ice-separating module 900 is forced upward by the first partition wall 504, and the ice-separating module 900 rotates upward. (Fig. 8b). And, when the first partition wall 504 moves upward and the force acting on the ice-separating module 900 disappears, the ice-separating module 900 moves to the lower side by its own elastic force or the elastic force of the torsion spring connected to the ice-separating module 900. rotates to Then, one side of the ice-separating module 900 hits the ice formed on the lower side of the first partition wall 504 (FIG. 8c), and the ice cubes are separated from the ice-cube generating case 500 and fall forward. This process is repeated to de-ice all the ice cubes generated in the ice cube generating case 500 .

9 is a block diagram of the ice making device of the present invention. 10 shows a state before water is supplied to the water tank in the ice making device of the present invention. 11 shows how ice is made in the ice making device of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 10 , the operation of the ice making device according to the present invention will be described.

The ice maker of the present invention includes a control unit 920 connected to a sol valve 720, a flow sensor 730, a motor 804, a thermoelectric element 200, and a heat exchange fan 308.

The control unit 920 includes a water supply step of supplying water to the water tank 100, an ice making step of making ice from the supplied water, an ice breaking step of separating the ice made, and removing the ice from the water tank 100. The glacier performs the ice-breaking step.

As shown in FIG. 10 , in the water supply step, the control unit 920 opens the solenoid valve 720 to supply water to the water tank 100 . When the solenoid valve 720 is opened, the water supply passage is opened, and water is supplied into the water tank 100 through the water supply passage 710 and through the water supply port 106 of the water tank 100 .

In order to supply water only up to a predetermined water level, the control unit 920 measures the amount of water passing through the water supply passage 710 using the flow sensor 730, and when it is determined that the predetermined amount of water has been supplied, the sol valve 720 ) to close the water supply passage 710.

In FIG. 10 , the ice cube making case 500 is pulled out of the water tank 100, but if the ice cube making case 500 is pulled into the water tank 100, the ice making step starts immediately. .

When the ice cube making case 500 is withdrawn from the water tank 100, the control unit 920 applies power to the motor 804 in the opposite direction to rotate the pinion gear 802 in the other direction, thereby forming a rack gear. 800 and the ice cube making case 500 are moved downward. (See Fig. 11)

In the ice making step, when the controller 920 applies current to the thermoelectric element 200 in a forward direction, one side of the thermoelectric element 200 in surface contact with one side of the water tank 100 is cooled, and the water tank 100 cools the water. turns into ice In this case, the other surface of the thermoelectric element 200 becomes hot, and heat is transferred to the first heat exchanger 302 in surface contact with the thermoelectric element 200 . The refrigerant inside the heat exchange pipe 304 vaporizes and moves upward, and the refrigerant vaporized by exchanging heat with external air by the second heat exchanger 306 and the heat exchange fan 308 connected to the end of the heat exchange pipe 304 It is liquefied and moves downward inside the heat exchange pipe 304.

In the ice-making step, the ice-making completion point is determined by counting the time when current is supplied to the thermoelectric element 200 by the control unit 920 or based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 922 provided in the water tank 100. can judge

In the icing step, the control unit 920 applies current to the thermoelectric element 200 in the reverse direction to remove the ice adhering to the inner surface of the water tank 100 so that the thermoelectric element 200 in surface contact with the water tank 100 One side of the is heated to heat the water tank 100. Thus, the ice stuck to the inner surface of the water tank 100 is melted.

The controller 920 extends the time for supplying current to the thermoelectric element 200 in the ice-making step compared to the ice-breaking step. That is, the control unit 920 minimizes melting of the ice inside the water tank 100 by shortening the time for supplying current to the thermoelectric element in the ice-breaking step to about several seconds.

In the ice-separating step, the controller 920 applies power to the motor 804 in a forward direction to rotate the pinion gear 802 in one direction to move the rack gear 800 and the ice cube making case 500 upward. When the ice cube generating case 500 moves upward, the ice separating module 900 hits the ice cubes generated inside the ice cube producing case 500 from the rear of the ice cube producing case 500 to form an ice cube producing case. (500) to de-icing in front. (See Figure 1)

Meanwhile, the present invention may include a water supply switch 924 capable of opening or closing the solenoid valve 720. Therefore, when the user manually presses the water supply switch 924 to supply water to the water tank 100, the sol valve 720 is opened and water is supplied to the water tank 100 through the water supply passage 710. In addition, when the water supply switch 924 is pressed again, the sol valve 720 is closed and the water supply passage 710 is closed.

Meanwhile, the present invention may include a movement switch 926 capable of moving the ice cube making case 500 up and down. Therefore, when the user manually presses the movement switch 926, the ice cube making case 500 moves upward and is taken out of the water tank 100, and when the user presses the movement switch 926 again, the ice cube making case 500 moves upward. It moves downward and enters the water tank 100.

12 and 13 show a control method of an ice making device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A control method of an ice making device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 .

The control method of the ice making device of the present invention includes the step of supplying water to the water tank 100 (S100), provided on one side of the water tank 100 to phase change the water stored in the water tank 100 into ice. Applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction (S300), applying power in the reverse direction to the thermoelectric element 200 to melt ice inside the water tank 100 (S400), and (100) may include discharging the ice inside (S500).

In step S100, supplying water to the water tank 100 (S100), the amount of water supplied to the water tank 100 should be constantly supplied according to the setting. For example, if the amount of water supplied to make ice for one person is X(L), the amount of water supplied to make ice for two people is 2X(L). In order to constantly supply the amount of water supplied to the water tank 100, the amount of water passing through the flow sensor 730 is measured, and the measured value is transmitted to the controller 920, which controls the measured amount of water. Accordingly, the solenoid valve 720 is controlled to open and close the water supply passage 710.

As another method, the control unit 920 counts the water supply time from the time the sol valve 720 is opened, and closes the sol valve 720 after a predetermined time has elapsed to return the water to the water tank 100. Supply a constant amount of water supplied.

Meanwhile, the control method of the ice making apparatus of the present invention may include a step of introducing the ice cube making case 500 capable of producing each ice into the water tank 100 (S200).

Step S200, the step of introducing the ice cube generating case 500 into the water tank 100 (S200) may be performed before or after the step of supplying water to the water tank 100 (S100). In other words, water may be supplied after the ice cube making case 500 is introduced into the water tank 100, and conversely, the ice cube generating case 500 may be introduced after water is supplied to the water tank 100. there is.

When the ice cube making case 500 is introduced into the water tank 100, the ice cube making case 500 moves vertically. Since the structural description for moving the ice cube generating case 500 in the vertical direction has been described above, it will be omitted.

Regarding the movement of the ice cube making case 500, when power is applied to the motor 804 in the forward direction, the pinion gear 802 also rotates in one direction, and the rack gear 800 and the ice cube making case 500 move upward. Conversely, when power is applied to the motor 804 in the reverse direction, the pinion gear 802 rotates in the other direction, and the rack gear 800 and the ice cube making case 500 move downward.

Step S300, the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction (S300) is characterized in that heat is absorbed from the surface of the thermoelectric element 200 in contact with the water tank 100. In other words, when heat is absorbed from the surface of the thermoelectric element 200 in surface contact with the water tank 100, the direction of power applied to the thermoelectric element 200 is defined as a forward direction.

The power applied to the thermoelectric element 200 is always a DC power supplying a positive or negative voltage, and in step S300, the forward direction of the power is defined as supplying a positive voltage.

The step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction (S300) is performed during a time when all of the water inside the water tank 100 is phase-changed into ice. The time for all water to change to ice increases in proportion to the volume of the water tank 100, and when the volume of the water tank 100 is constant, the cross-sectional area of contact between the thermoelectric element 200 and the water tank 100 is The wider it gets, the shorter it gets.

Applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction (S300) may include driving the heat exchange fan 308 (S310).

The heat exchange fan 308 is included in the heat exchange unit 300 provided on one side of the thermoelectric element 200, and a detailed description thereof has been described above and thus will be omitted.

In step S310, the step of driving the heat exchange fan 308 (S310) may be driven simultaneously with the thermoelectric element 200, driven before the thermoelectric element 200 by a predetermined time, or driven after the thermoelectric element 200 by a predetermined time. It can be. Preferably, the heat exchange fan 308 is driven later than the thermoelectric element 200, and the refrigerant vaporized in the first heat exchanger 302 rises to the second heat exchanger 306 through the heat exchange pipe 304. You can save wasted energy by not driving.

In step S400, applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the opposite direction to melt the ice inside the water tank 100 (S400), heat is dissipated from the surface of the thermoelectric element 200 in contact with the water tank 100. to be characterized In other words, when heat is dissipated from the surface of the thermoelectric element 200 in surface contact with the water tank 100, the direction of power applied to the thermoelectric element 200 is defined as a reverse direction. In step S400, the forward direction of power is defined as supplying a positive voltage.

The step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the reverse direction (S400) is performed while the phase of ice inside the water tank 100 is partially changed to water. In detail, the ice adhering to the inner surface of the water tank 100 is melted so that water is filled between the water tank 100 and the ice. Therefore, this is to easily discharge the ice from the water tank 100 later.

The phase change time of ice to partial ice may be performed for a certain amount of time regardless of the volume of the water tank 100 or the size of the cross-sectional area in contact between the thermoelectric element 200 and the water tank 100 . This is because only the frozen ice on the inner surface of the water tank 100 needs to be melted.

Applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in a reverse direction (S400) may include driving the heat exchange fan 308 (S410).

In step S410, driving the heat exchange fan 308 (S410), the thermoelectric element 200 may be driven at the same time, or may be driven before the thermoelectric element 200 by a predetermined time, or may be driven after the thermoelectric element 200 by a predetermined time. It can be.

The step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction (S300) is performed for a longer time than the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the reverse direction (S400). Therefore, ice inside the water tank 100 is prevented from melting by applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the reverse direction (S400) may be performed for a preset time.

Alternatively, in the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the reverse direction (S400), the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 922 provided in the water tank 100 to measure the temperature inside the water tank 100 is preset. This can be done until the temperature is measured above. Specifically, the control unit 920 compares the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 922 with a preset temperature, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 922 is measured higher than the preset temperature, and the reverse direction to the thermoelectric element 200 After the step of applying power to (S400) is finished, the subsequent steps are performed.

Meanwhile, in the control method of the ice making device of the present invention, between applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction (S300) and applying power in the reverse direction (S400) to protect the thermoelectric element 200, A step (not shown) of not applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 for a predetermined period of time may be included. This is because when power is suddenly applied to the thermoelectric element 200 from the forward direction to the reverse direction, a short circuit may occur in the thermoelectric element 200 and the thermoelectric element 200 may be damaged.

In step S500, the step of discharging the ice inside the water tank 100 (S500), the ice is discharged from the inside of the water tank 100 to the outside of the water tank and provided to the user.

Discharging the ice inside the water tank 100 ( S500 ) may include taking out the ice cube generating case 500 capable of generating each ice from the water tank 100 ( S510 ).

In step S510, when the ice cube generating case 500 is withdrawn into the water tank 100, the ice cube producing case 500 moves in the vertical direction, and in order to move the ice cube producing case 500 upward, the motor ( When power is applied to 804 in the forward direction, the pinion gear 802 also rotates in one direction, and the rack gear 800 and the ice cube making case 500 move upward.

When the ice cube making case 500 is drawn upward from the water tank 100, ice is drawn from the ice cube producing case 500 to the front of the ice making device and provided to the user.

The ice cube generating case 500 includes a square frame 502 that is opened to the front and rear, a first partition wall 504 that partitions the inside of the square frame 502 in left and right directions, and vertically A second partition wall 506 may be included.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the first partition wall 504 may be inclined forward and downward. In addition, the lower surface of the square frame 502 may be inclined forward and downward.

Therefore, when the ice cube generating case 500 is taken out of the water tank 100, the ice inside the ice cube producing case 500 is formed on the upper surface of the first partition wall 504 and the upper surface of the lower surface of the square frame 502. It can slide along the surface and be drawn to the front of the ice maker by sliding by the weight of the ice.

Meanwhile, the step of discharging the ice from the inside of the water tank 100 (S500) includes the step of discharging the ice from the inside of the ice cube case 500 with the ice-separating module 900 rotatably provided by an elastic force (S520). can do.

In step S520, in the step of discharging ice from the inside of the ice cube case 500 using the ice-separating module 900, the ice-separating module 900 is fixed at one end and the ice-separating module 900 itself is provided with an elastic material, , A part of the other end is inserted into the ice cube case 500. Therefore, while the ice cube case 500 moves up and down, the movement of the ice-separating module 900 is limited by the first partition wall 504, and as the first partition wall 504 rises, the ice-separating module 900 When the movement restriction by the first partition wall 504 is released after being bent, a restoring force is generated to lift the ice under the first partition wall 504 forward.

Meanwhile, in the control method of the ice making device of the present invention, after the step of discharging the ice inside the water tank 100 (S500), the remaining water in the water tank 100 is drained to the outside of the water tank 100. It may include a step (S600) of doing.

The water tank 100 may include a drain port 107 communicating the inside and outside at the lower side. The drain port 107 is provided on the left or right side of the water tank 100 . The drain hole 107 is connected to the drain passage 750, and the drain passage 750 is opened and closed by the drain valve 760. The controller 920 controls the drain valve 760, and when water needs to be drained from the inside of the water tank 100, the drain valve 760 is opened to pass through the drain hole 107 and the drain passage 750 to the outside. Drain the water with

In step S600, draining the water out of the water tank 100 to remove residual water in the water tank 100 (S600), the drain valve 760 is opened to drain the water inside the water tank 100 to the outside. .

Meanwhile, the control method of the ice making device of the present invention may include applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in a reverse direction to remove residual water from the water tank 100 (S700).

In step S700, in step S700 of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in a reverse direction to remove residual water from the water tank 100, heat is dissipated from the surface of the thermoelectric element 200 in contact with the water tank 100, so water Tank 100 is heated. The water tank 100 heated in a state in which there is no water inside the water tank 100 evaporates and removes remaining water accumulated therein. In addition, the water tank 100 may be heated for a predetermined time to kill harmless bacteria living in the water tank 100 to perform a sterilization function.

The step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in a reverse direction to remove residual water from the water tank 100 (S700) may be performed after the step of discharging ice inside the water tank 100 (S500). Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the reverse direction to remove residual water from the water tank 100 (S700) is the step of supplying water to the water tank 100 (S100). As previously performed, water remaining in the water tank 100 may be removed and the water tank 100 may be sterilized before supplying water to the water tank 100 .

Also, the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 100 in the reverse direction (S700) may be performed after the step of draining the residual water to the outside to remove the residual water from the water tank 100 (S600) is performed. Accordingly, when the amount of water stored in the water tank 100 is large, it is possible to shorten the time required to firstly drain the water and secondarily heat the water tank 100 to remove the water in the water tank.

14 illustrates a control method of an ice making device according to another embodiment of the present invention. A control method of an ice making device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 14 .

The control method of the ice making device of the present invention includes the step of supplying water to the water tank 100 (S100), provided on one side of the water tank 100 to phase change the water stored in the water tank 100 into ice. Applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction (S300), applying power in the reverse direction to the thermoelectric element 200 to melt ice inside the water tank 100 (S400), and (100) may include discharging the ice inside (S500).

The control method of the ice making apparatus of the present invention may include a step of introducing the ice cube making case 500 capable of producing each ice into the water tank 100 (S200).

Applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction (S300) may include driving the heat exchange fan 308 (S310). Applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in a reverse direction (S400) may include driving the heat exchange fan 308 (S410).

Discharging the ice inside the water tank 100 ( S500 ) may include taking out the ice cube generating case 500 capable of generating each ice from the water tank 100 ( S510 ). Discharging the ice from the inside of the water tank 100 (S500) may include discharging the ice from the inside of the ice cube case 500 with the ice-separating module 900 rotatably provided by an elastic force (S520). there is.

The control method of the ice making device of the present invention includes the step of draining the ice inside the water tank 100 (S500) and then draining the remaining water from the water tank 100 to the outside of the water tank 100. (S600) may be included.

The control method of the ice making apparatus of the present invention may include applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in a reverse direction to remove residual water from the water tank 100 (S700).

Detailed description has been described in the control method of the ice making apparatus according to an embodiment, and since it can be applied as it is here, it will be omitted. The following will focus on the differences.

Referring to FIG. 14, the control method of the ice making apparatus according to the present invention includes the steps of maintaining power applied to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction so that the ice does not melt (S800), and detecting a signal indicating that ice is needed (S800). S900) may be further included.

Step S800, the step of maintaining power applied to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction so as not to melt the ice (S800) is performed after the step of forwardly applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 to generate ice (S300). do. Therefore, while the step S800 is being performed, the ice generated in the water tank 100 is not discharged and is stored inside the water tank 100 .

In the step of maintaining the power applied to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction so that the ice does not melt (S800), the strength of the power maintained is the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction to generate ice (S300). It is smaller than the intensity of the power applied in Because, in step S800, since the ice already generated inside the water tank 100 only needs to be kept from melting, the intensity of the heat absorbed by the thermoelectric element 200 does not need to be greater than when the water is phase-changed into ice in step S300. .

Specifically, in step S300, it is preferable that the intensity of the power applied to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction has a maximum value in order to change the phase of the water inside the water tank 100 to ice in a short time. However, the maximum value of the applied power is limited within the safety range of the thermoelectric element 200 .

In addition, in step S800, since the ice inside the water tank 100 needs to be maintained to the extent that it does not melt, the intensity of the power applied in the forward direction from the thermoelectric element 200 is a value that keeps the temperature in the water tank 100 below zero. It is desirable to have Specific values may vary depending on the volume of the water tank 100 and the cross-sectional area of the water tank 100 in contact with the thermoelectric element.

The step of maintaining power applied to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction (S800) so that the ice is not melted is maintained until the step of detecting a signal indicating that ice is needed (S900) is performed.

In step S900 of detecting a signal indicating that ice is needed (S900), if the signal indicating that ice is required is not detected, power applied to the thermoelectric element 200 in the forward direction is maintained so that the ice is not melted.

Meanwhile, when a signal that ice is needed is sensed in the step of detecting a signal that ice is needed (S900), the step of melting the ice (S400) and the step of discharging the ice (S500) are performed. Accordingly, it has an effect of omitting the time for generating ice and immediately providing ice to the user without waiting time.

In step S900 of detecting the signal that ice is needed, the controller 920 detects the signal that ice is needed.

When a user operates the ice extracting lever 930 provided in the ice maker, the controller 920 detects the signal generated by the ice extracting lever 930 as a signal that ice is needed, and the controller 920 melts the ice. Step S400 and the step of discharging ice (S500) are performed.

Alternatively, the controller 920 defines it as a signal that ice is needed when a predetermined time has elapsed since ice is created in the water tank or from the point in time when ice is created in the water tank, and detects this, and the controller 920 Melting the ice (S400) and discharging the ice (S500) are performed.

Therefore, hygiene problems such as the propagation of microorganisms caused by ice being kept inside the water tank 100 for a long time are prevented, and power is consumed by maintaining the power supply step (S800) so that the ice does not melt for a long time. has the effect of saving

Water tank (100) Storage space (102)
Water tank opening (104) Water inlet (106)
Thermoelectric element (200) one side (202)
Other side (204) heat exchange part (300)
First heat exchanger (302) first plate (3021)
Second plate (3022) pipe hole (303)
Heat exchange pipe (304) Second heat exchanger (306)
Heat exchange fin (307) Heat exchange fan (308)
Insulation material (400) Ice cube generating case (500)
Square frame (502) First partition wall (504)
Second partition wall (506) front housing (602)
Rear housing (604) accommodating space (606)
External water source (700) Water supply path (710)
Sol valve (720) Flow sensor (730)
Rack Gear(800) Pinion Gear(802)
Motor (804) Ice-separating module (900)
Controller (920) Drain (107)
Drainage passage (750) Drain valve (760)

Claims (15)

supplying water to the water tank;
before or after the step of supplying water to the water tank, inserting an ice cube generating case for generating ice cubes between two vertical sides of the water tank facing each other;
applying power in a forward direction to thermoelectric elements provided on the two vertical sides of the water tank to change the phase of the water stored in the water tank to ice;
applying power to the thermoelectric element in a reverse direction to melt the ice inside the water tank;
Discharging the ice inside the water tank;
The control method of the ice making device, wherein a partition wall is disposed in the ice cube making case so that a plurality of ice cubes can be partitioned parallel to the two vertical sides. delete According to claim 1,
The control method of the ice making device, characterized in that the ice cube making case moves in the vertical direction. According to claim 3,
The control method of the ice making device, characterized in that in the step of supplying water to the water tank, the amount of water supplied is controlled by a flow rate sensor or a water supply time. According to claim 1,
The control method of the ice making apparatus, characterized in that the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element in the forward direction is performed for a longer time than the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element in the reverse direction. According to claim 1,
In the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element in the forward direction, heat is absorbed from a surface of the thermoelectric element in contact with the water tank. According to claim 1,
The ice maker is provided on one side of the thermoelectric element and includes a heat exchange unit including a heat exchange fan,
The step of applying power to the thermoelectric element in a forward direction or the step of applying power in a reverse direction to the thermoelectric element includes driving the heat exchange fan. According to claim 7,
The control method of the ice making device according to claim 1 , wherein the heat exchange fan is driven simultaneously with the thermoelectric element or driven for a predetermined time after the thermoelectric element. According to claim 1,
The step of discharging the ice inside the water tank includes the step of withdrawing an ice cube generating case capable of generating each ice from the water tank. According to claim 9,
The partition wall includes a first partition wall partitioning the inside of the ice cube generating case in left and right directions and a second partition wall partitioning the inside up and down,
The control method of the ice making apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first partition wall is inclined forward and downward. According to claim 9,
The step of discharging the ice inside the water tank includes discharging the ice from the inside of the ice cube generating case with an ice-separating module rotatably provided by an elastic force. According to claim 1,
and draining the remaining water to the outside to remove the remaining water from the water tank after the step of discharging the ice inside the water tank. According to claim 1,
and applying power to the thermoelectric element in a reverse direction to evaporate residual water in the water tank after the step of discharging the ice inside the water tank. According to claim 1,
maintaining power applied to the thermoelectric element in a forward direction so as not to melt the ice; and
A control method of an ice making device further comprising the step of detecting a signal indicating that ice is needed. According to claim 14,
Ice generation, characterized in that the step of maintaining the power applied to the thermoelectric element in the forward direction so that the ice does not melt is performed after the step of applying power to the thermoelectric element in the forward direction to change the phase of the water stored in the water tank into ice How to control the device.

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