KR102577507B1 - Ice maker and refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

An ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed of a flexible material and includes a chamber wall defining a plurality of ice chambers arranged in a first direction on the inner surface, and an outer surface of the chamber wall, and the plurality of ice chambers are used during the ice making process. and an ice-making heater that supplies heat into the ice chambers, wherein the ice-making heater includes a plurality of contact parts in contact with the chamber wall, and a plurality of connection parts extending in the first direction and connecting the plurality of contact parts. The plurality of ice chambers include: a first ice chamber disposed at the outermost portion of one side in the first direction, a third ice chamber disposed at the outermost portion of the other side of the first direction, and the first ice chamber. and a second ice chamber disposed between an ice chamber and the third ice chamber, wherein the plurality of contact parts include a first contact part in contact with the first ice chamber, and a second contact part in contact with the second ice chamber. It includes, and the area of the first contact part is larger than the area of the second contact part.

Description

Ice maker and refrigerator {Ice maker and refrigerator}

This specification relates to ice makers and refrigerators.

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

The refrigerator can cool the inside of the storage space using cold air, thereby keeping the stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state.

Typically, an ice maker is provided inside a refrigerator to make ice.

The ice maker is configured to make ice by receiving water supplied from a water source or a water tank in a tray.

Additionally, the ice maker is configured to transfer ice that has already been made ice from the ice tray using a heating method or a twisting method.

In this way, the ice maker, which automatically supplies and moves water, is formed to open upward and scoops up the formed ice.

The ice made in an ice maker with this structure has at least one flat surface, such as a crescent moon shape or cubic shape.

On the other hand, if the shape of the ice is spherical, it may be more convenient to use the ice and provide a unique feeling of use to the user. Additionally, when storing de-iced ice, clumping of ice can be minimized by minimizing the area in contact with each other.

In Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1850918, a prior document, an ice maker is provided.

The ice maker of Prior Document 1 has a plurality of hemispherical upper cells arranged, an upper tray including a pair of link guide parts extending upward from both side ends, and a plurality of hemispherical lower cells arranged, and the upper tray It includes a lower tray rotatably connected to the tray and a moving heater for heating the upper tray.

Additionally, the ice maker includes a lower ejecting pin for separating ice attached to the lower tray during the moving process.

The lower tray includes a tray body on which a plurality of lower cells are formed, a lower frame on which a tray body seating part for seating the tray body is formed, and an upper frame on which the tray body and the lower frame are fixed to the bottom surface.

In the case of Prior Literature 1, ice in a shape similar to a sphere can be created, but since the ice is frozen from each of the upper and lower cells, air bubbles exist in the finished ice, making the ice opaque.

Prior document 2, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-269172, discloses an ice-making device.

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

The ice-making plate includes a plurality of ice-making blocks, and the heater is in contact with one side and a bottom of the ice-making blocks.

During the ice-making process, heat from the heater is transferred to one side and bottom of the ice-making block. Therefore, solidification progresses on the water surface, convection occurs within the water, and transparent ice can be created.

However, in the case of Prior Document 2, the ice-making dish is surrounded by insulating parts while the heater is in contact with the ice-making dish, so the technology using the heater of Prior Document 2 is applied to Prior Document 1, which is a type in which the lower tray is rotated. It's difficult to do.

Even if the heater of Prior Document 2 is installed in the lower cell of the lower tray of Prior Document 1, there is a risk that the heater may interfere with the lower ejecting pin during the rotation of the lower tray.

Additionally, in the case of Prior Document 2, since the heater extends in a straight line and contacts a plurality of ice-making blocks, the contact area between the heater and the ice-making blocks is small, which has the disadvantage that it takes a long time for the heat of the heater to be transferred to the ice-making blocks.

In addition, in the case of Prior Document 2, when the heater is in contact with one side and the bottom of the ice-making block and approximately 2/3 of the water in the ice-making block has solidified, the heating amount of the heater is increased to suppress the increase in the solidification rate. .

However, according to prior literature 2, not only is the transparency by height not uniform in spherical ice, but also when the volume of water is simply reduced, the heating amount of the heater increases, so the transparency is uniform depending on the shape of the ice. It is difficult to create ice.

This embodiment provides an ice maker that can produce ice that is transparent and has a spherical shape.

This embodiment provides an ice maker in which heat from a heater for producing transparent ice can be evenly transferred to the lower tray.

This embodiment provides an ice maker in which the spherical ice produced has uniform transparency depending on the height.

This embodiment provides an ice maker in which transparency between a plurality of ice chambers is uniform.

This embodiment provides an ice maker in which the produced ice is prevented from connecting to each other.

This embodiment provides an ice maker in which a wire connected to a heater for producing transparent ice is prevented from being disconnected during the rotation of the lower tray.

This embodiment provides a refrigerator including the above-described ice maker.

An ice maker according to one aspect includes an upper tray having an upper chamber that is part of an ice chamber, a lower tray having a lower chamber that is another part of the ice chamber, and a lower heater that provides heat to the lower tray during the ice making process. It may include, and the ice chamber may be formed in a spherical shape. Therefore, transparent spherical ice can be produced using an ice maker.

To allow heat from the lower heater to be smoothly transferred to the lower chamber, the lower heater may include a lower round portion that is rounded in the horizontal direction to surround the ice chamber.

To enable the ice maker to produce a plurality of ice simultaneously, the upper tray may include a plurality of upper chamber walls defining a plurality of upper chambers,

The lower tray may include a plurality of lower chamber walls defining a plurality of lower chambers. A plurality of independent ice chambers may be defined by a plurality of lower chambers and a plurality of upper chambers.

To enable the heat of the lower heater to be smoothly transferred to the plurality of ice chambers, the lower heater includes a plurality of lower round parts that are rounded in the horizontal direction to surround the plurality of lower chamber walls, and a straight part connecting the plurality of round parts. It can be included.

The output of the lower heater may be varied according to the mass of water per unit height in the ice chamber so that the transparency of the ice produced in the ice chamber is uniform for each height.

For example, the output of the lower heater may be adjusted in a pattern where the initial output decreases and then increases again.

The plurality of ice chambers may be arranged in a first direction. The plurality of lower round parts may include a plurality of first round parts corresponding to ice chambers located at both ends of the plurality of ice chambers. At least one of the plurality of first round parts may include an extension part that is convex outward in the radial direction.

The ice maker of this embodiment is equipped with the lower heater and may further include a lower supporter to support the lower tray on an upper side of the lower heater.

The lower supporter may include a plurality of chamber accommodating parts for accommodating the plurality of lower chamber walls, and a heater accommodating groove that is recessed downward in each of the plurality of chamber accommodating parts to accommodate the lower heater.

To increase the contact area between the lower heater and each lower chamber wall, the diameter of the lower heater may be formed to be larger than the depression depth of the heater receiving groove.

The lower supporter may include an inner wall and an outer wall for defining the heater receiving groove. The diameter of the lower heater may be larger than the height of the inner wall.

In this embodiment, the lower supporter extends from any one of the plurality of chamber accommodating parts and extends in a direction intersecting with a first guide groove in which the lower heater is accommodated, and the lower heater. It may include a second guide groove that guides the wire connected to.

The lower tray and the lower supporter may be rotated relative to the upper tray. The lower supporter can rotate about the central axis of rotation, and the second guide groove can extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation to prevent disconnection of the electric wire.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes a cabinet provided with a freezer; and an ice maker that creates ice using cold air for cooling the freezer.

The ice maker includes an upper tray having a plurality of upper chamber walls defining a plurality of upper chambers; a lower tray having a plurality of lower chamber walls defining a plurality of lower chambers, wherein the plurality of upper chambers and the plurality of lower chambers together define a plurality of independent ice chambers; and a lower heater located around the lower tray to provide heat to the lower tray.

The vertical overlap area of each ice chamber located at both ends of the plurality of ice chambers and the lower heater may be larger than the vertical overlap area of each ice chamber located between the ice chambers at both ends and the lower heater.

A contact area between each lower chamber wall and the lower heater located at both ends among the plurality of lower chamber walls may be larger than a contact area between each lower chamber wall and the lower heater located between the lower chamber walls at both ends.

According to another aspect, an ice maker includes an upper tray having a plurality of upper chamber walls defining a plurality of upper chambers; a lower tray having a plurality of lower chamber walls defining a plurality of lower chambers, wherein the plurality of upper chambers and the plurality of lower chambers together define a plurality of independent ice chambers; and a lower heater located around the lower tray and providing heat to the lower tray during an ice-making process.

The lower heater may include a plurality of lower round parts that are rounded in a horizontal direction to surround the plurality of lower chamber walls, and a straight part connecting the plurality of lower round parts.

The plurality of ice chambers are arranged in a first direction, and the plurality of lower round parts may include a first round part corresponding to at least one of the ice chambers located at both ends among the plurality of ice chambers.

The first round part may include an extension part that is convex outward in the radial direction.

The extension portion may have a convex shape in the first direction.

The first round part is connected to a pair of straight parts, and the distance between the pair of straight parts may be less than twice the radius of curvature of the first round part.

The distance between the pair of straight parts may be greater than the radius of curvature of the first round part.

The length of the first round part may be longer than the length of each straight part.

The plurality of lower round parts may include a second round part corresponding to an ice chamber located between ice chambers located at both ends of the plurality of ice chambers.

A pair of second round portions may be arranged to surround one lower chamber wall.

The pair of second round parts may be spaced apart in a second direction that intersects the first direction. Straight sections may be connected to both sides of each second round section.

The ice maker may further include a lower supporter that supports the lower tray and has a heater receiving groove in which the lower heater is installed.

The lower supporter may include a protrusion for fixing the position of the extension part.

The heater receiving groove may include an extension receiving groove arranged to surround the protrusion.

The lower supporter may include a plurality of chamber accommodating parts for accommodating the plurality of lower chamber walls, and a heater accommodating groove that is recessed downward in each of the plurality of chamber accommodating parts to accommodate the lower heater.

The diameter of the lower heater may be larger than the depression depth of the heater receiving groove.

The lower supporter may include an inner wall and an outer wall for defining the heater receiving groove. The diameter of the lower heater may be larger than the height of the inner wall.

One of the inner wall and the outer wall may be provided with a departure prevention protrusion to prevent the lower heater from leaving.

The separation prevention protrusion may protrude from one of the inner wall and the outer wall toward the other. The protruding length of the separation prevention protrusion may be less than 1/2 of the distance between the inner wall and the outer wall.

The heater receiving groove may be provided with a through opening for positioning a part of the heater accommodated therein.

The lower supporter extends from any one of the plurality of chamber accommodating parts, extends in a direction intersecting with a first guide groove in which the lower heater is accommodated, and guides an electric wire connected to the lower heater. It may include a second guide groove.

The lower supporter can rotate about the central axis of rotation, and the second guide groove can extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation.

The power input terminal and power output terminal of the lower heater may be located in the first guide groove. A first connector to which the power input terminal and the power output terminal are connected, and a second connector to which the electric wire is connected and connected to the first connector may be located in the second guide groove.

The ice maker may further include a lower ejector for pressurizing the walls of the plurality of lower chambers. The lower supporter may include a plurality of lower openings through which the lower ejector passes. Each of the lower round parts may be arranged to surround each of the lower openings.

An ice maker according to another aspect includes an upper tray forming a plurality of upper chambers in a hemispherical shape; It forms a plurality of lower chambers in a hemispherical shape and may include a lower tray in which spherical ice is generated by the lower chamber and the upper chamber.

The ice maker of this embodiment may further include a heater that applies heat to the lower chamber so that the produced ice becomes transparent. The heater may operate during the ice making process. When the heater operates, ice may be sequentially generated on the upper chamber side.

For example, the heater may be coupled to a lower supporter supporting the lower tray.

The lower supporter may include a heater coupling portion to which the heater is coupled.

The lower supporter may include a plurality of chamber accommodating parts for accommodating the plurality of lower chambers. The heater coupling portion may include a heater accommodating groove that is recessed in the plurality of chamber accommodating portions.

The diameter of the heater may be larger than the depression depth of the heater receiving groove. Accordingly, the heater may be in contact with the lower tray.

The heater receiving groove may include a plurality of lower round parts arranged to surround each lower chamber, and a straight part connecting the plurality of lower round parts.

The heater is a wire-type heater, and when the heater is accommodated in the plurality of lower round parts of the heater receiving groove, it can be bent into a shape corresponding to the plurality of lower round parts.

The heater coupling part may include an inner wall and an outer wall to form the heater receiving groove. The heater is accommodated between the inner wall and the outer wall, and one of the inner wall and the outer wall may be provided with a separation prevention protrusion to prevent the heater from leaving.

The separation prevention protrusion may protrude from one of the inner wall and the outer wall toward the other. The protruding length of the separation prevention protrusion may be less than 1/2 of the distance between the inner wall and the outer wall.

The heater receiving groove may be provided with a through opening for positioning a part of the heater accommodated therein.

In this embodiment, the lower tray body may include a heater contact portion that protrudes to contact the heater. The lower surface of the heater contact part is flat, and the heater can be in contact with the lower surface.

When the heater is in contact with the lower tray, the heater may be positioned lower than the midpoint of the height of the lower chamber.

The lower supporter extends from one of the plurality of lower chambers, extends in a direction intersecting the first guide groove, and a first guide groove in which the heater is accommodated, and guides the electric wire connected to the heater. It may include a second guide groove.

The lower supporter can rotate about the central axis of rotation, and the second guide groove can extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation.

The power input terminal and power output terminal of the heater may be located in the first guide groove. The power input terminal and the power output terminal may be connected to a first connector. A second connector to which an electric wire is connected may be connected to the first connector.

The first connector and the second connector may be located in the second guide groove.

The plurality of lower chambers are arranged in a line, and the other lower chamber located furthest from the one lower chamber among the plurality of lower chambers may be further provided with a bypass receiving groove extending from the heater receiving groove.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes a cabinet provided with a freezer; A housing provided in the freezer; and an ice maker installed in the housing, wherein the ice maker includes: an upper tray forming a plurality of upper chambers in a hemispherical shape; a lower tray forming a plurality of lower chambers in a hemispherical shape, and producing spherical ice by means of the plurality of lower chambers and the plurality of upper chambers; a lower supporter supporting the lower tray and having a heater coupling part; and a heater coupled to the heater coupling portion of the lower supporter and capable of providing heat to the plurality of lower chambers.

According to the proposed invention, spherical ice can be created by the upper tray and lower tray. In addition, during the ice-making process, the lower heater operates to provide heat to the lower tray, so ice is created from the upper part of the upper chamber among all ice chambers by the heat provided to the lower chamber, and air bubbles move to the bottom during the ice creation process. move Therefore, in the created spherical ice, bubbles exist only in a portion of the ultimately created ice, making the ice transparent as a whole.

Additionally, since the lower heater includes a round portion surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of the plurality of lower chambers, heat can be evenly transferred to the plurality of lower chambers.

Additionally, by varying the output of the lower heater in consideration of the mass per unit height of water in the ice chamber during the ice making process, there is an advantage in that the transparency of the ice produced is uniform for each unit height.

Additionally, as the lower heater is arranged so that more heat from the lower heater is transmitted to the ice chambers located at both ends of the plurality of ice chambers, transparency between the plurality of ice chambers may be uniform.

Additionally, since the ice making speeds of the plurality of ice chambers are substantially the same, the generated ice can be prevented from connecting to each other.

Additionally, during the rotation of the lower tray, the wires are arranged so that a twisting force acts on the wires connected to the lower heater, so concerns about disconnection of the wires can be resolved.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 opened.
3 and 4 are perspective views of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the upper case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a lower perspective view of the upper case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a top perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a lower perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a side view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a top perspective view of an upper supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a lower perspective view of an upper supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the heater coupling portion in the upper case of FIG. 6.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which a heater is coupled to the upper case of FIG. 6.
15 is a diagram showing the arrangement of wires connected to the heater in the upper case.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper assembly in an assembled state.
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a top perspective view of the lower case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 19 is a lower perspective view of the lower case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 20 is a top perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 and 22 are lower perspective views of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a side view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 24 is a top perspective view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 25 is a lower perspective view of the lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along DD of Figure 17 to show the lower assembly in an assembled state.
Figure 27 is a plan view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 28 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lower heater is coupled to the lower supporter of Figure 27.
Figure 29 is a view showing a state in which the lower assembly is combined with the upper assembly and the wire connected to the lower heater penetrates the upper case.
Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lower heater is installed on the lower supporter.
Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA of Figure 3.
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a state in which ice creation is completed in the diagram of FIG. 31.
Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of Figure 3 in a water supply state.
Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of Figure 3 in an ice-making state.
Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of Figure 3 in a state in which ice making is completed.
Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of Figure 3 in the initial state of moving.
Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of Figure 3 in a completed state.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions are judged to impede understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing the door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 opened.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 2 forming a storage space and a door opening and closing the storage space.

In detail, the cabinet 2 forms a storage space divided up and down by a barrier, and a refrigerating compartment 3 may be formed at the top and a freezer compartment 4 may be formed at the bottom.

Storage members such as drawers, shelves, and baskets may be provided inside the refrigerating compartment 3 and the freezer compartment 4.

The door may include a refrigerator compartment door 5 that shields the refrigerator compartment 3 and a freezer compartment door 6 that shields the freezer compartment 4.

The refrigerating compartment door 5 consists of a pair of left and right doors, and can be opened and closed by rotating. The freezer door 6 may be configured to be withdrawn and withdrawn in a drawer style.

Of course, the arrangement of the refrigerator compartment 3 and the freezer compartment 4 and the shape of the door may vary depending on the type of refrigerator, and the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various types of refrigerators. For example, the freezing compartment 4 and the refrigerating compartment 3 are arranged left and right, but it is also possible for the freezing compartment 4 to be located above the refrigerating compartment 3.

The freezer 4 may be equipped with an ice maker 100. The ice maker 100 can create spherical ice by making ice from supplied water.

An ice bin 102 may be further provided below the ice maker 100 to store ice after it is transferred from the ice maker 100.

The ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102 may be housed in a separate housing 101 and installed inside the freezer compartment 4.

The user can open the freezer door 6, access the ice bin 102, and obtain ice.

As another example, the refrigerating compartment door 5 may be equipped with a dispenser 7 for dispensing purified water or ice from the outside.

The ice produced in the ice maker 100 or the ice produced in the ice maker 100 and stored in the ice bin 102 is transferred to the dispenser 7 by a transfer means, so that the user can receive ice from the dispenser 7. It can be obtained.

Alternatively, the ice maker 100 may be installed in a door that opens or closes a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber.

Hereinafter, the ice maker will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 to 5, the ice maker 100 may include an upper assembly 110 (or upper tray assembly) and a lower assembly 200 (or lower tray assembly).

The lower assembly 200 can be rotated relative to the upper assembly 110. For example, the lower assembly 200 may be rotatably connected to the upper assembly 110.

When the lower assembly 200 is in contact with the upper assembly 110, spherical ice may be created together with the upper assembly 110.

That is, the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 form an ice chamber 111 for generating spherical ice. The ice chamber 111 is a substantially spherical chamber.

It should be noted that in the present invention, “spherical shape or hemispherical shape” is a concept that includes not only the shape of a geometrically complete sphere or hemisphere, but also a shape similar to a geometrically complete sphere or hemisphere.

The upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 may form a plurality of partitioned ice chambers 111.

Hereinafter, the example in which three ice chambers 111 are formed by the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 will be described, and it should be noted that there is no limit to the number of ice chambers 111.

When the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 form the ice chamber 111, water may be supplied to the ice chamber 111 through the water supply unit 190.

The water supply unit 190 is coupled to the upper assembly 110 and guides water supplied from the outside to the ice chamber 111.

After ice is created, the lower assembly 200 can be rotated in the forward direction. Then, the spherical ice formed between the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 may be separated from the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200.

The ice maker 100 may further include a driving unit 180 so that the lower assembly 200 can rotate with respect to the upper assembly 110 .

The driving unit 180 may include a driving motor and a power transmission unit for transmitting power of the driving motor to the lower assembly 200. The power transmission unit may include one or more gears.

The driving motor may be a motor capable of rotating in both directions. Accordingly, rotation of the lower assembly 200 in both directions is possible.

To allow ice to be separated from the upper assembly 110, the ice maker 100 may further include an upper ejector 300.

The upper ejector 300 may separate ice in close contact with the upper assembly 110 from the upper assembly 110 .

The upper ejector 300 may include an ejector body 310 and a plurality of upper ejecting pins 320 extending in a direction intersecting the ejector body 310.

The upper ejecting pins 320 may be provided in the same number as the ice chambers 111.

Both ends of the ejector body 310 may be provided with separation prevention protrusions 312 to prevent the ejector body 310 from being separated from the connection unit 350 while it is coupled to the connection unit 350, which will be described later.

For example, a pair of separation prevention protrusions 312 may protrude from the ejector body 310 in opposite directions.

The upper ejecting pin 320 may pressurize the ice in the ice chamber 111 while penetrating the upper assembly 110 and being introduced into the ice chamber 111 .

Ice pressed by the upper ejecting pin 320 may be separated from the upper assembly 110.

Additionally, the ice maker 100 may further include a lower ejector 400 so that ice adhered to the lower assembly 200 can be separated.

The lower ejector 400 may pressurize the lower assembly 200 so that ice adhered to the lower assembly 200 is separated from the lower assembly 200 . For example, the lower ejector 400 may be fixed to the upper assembly 110.

The lower ejector 400 may include an ejector body 410 and a plurality of lower ejecting pins 420 protruding from the ejector body 410. The lower ejecting pins 420 may be provided in the same number as the ice chambers 111.

During the rotation of the lower assembly 200 for moving, the rotational force of the lower assembly 200 may be transmitted to the upper ejector 300.

To this end, the ice maker 100 may further include a connection unit 350 connecting the lower assembly 200 and the upper ejector 300. The connection unit 350 may include one or more links.

For example, when the lower assembly 200 rotates in one direction, the upper ejector 300 is lowered by the connection unit 350 so that the upper ejecting pin 320 can pressurize the ice.

On the other hand, when the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the other direction, the upper ejector 300 can be raised by the connection unit 350 and return to its original position.

Hereinafter, the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 120 will be described in more detail.

The upper assembly 110 may include an upper tray 150 that forms part of an ice chamber 111 for ice formation. As an example, the upper tray 150 defines the upper portion of the ice chamber 111. The upper tray 150 may be referred to as a first tray. Alternatively, the upper tray 150 may be referred to as an upper mold part.

The upper assembly 110 may further include an upper supporter 170 for fixing the position of the upper tray 150.

As an example, the upper supporter 170 may support the lower side of the upper tray 150 and limit downward movement.

The upper assembly 1110 may further include an upper case 120 for fixing the position of the upper tray 150.

The upper tray 150 may be located below the upper case 120.

In this way, the upper case 120, upper tray 150, and upper supporter 170, which are aligned in the vertical direction, may be fastened by a fastening member.

That is, the upper tray 150 can be fixed to the upper case 120 by fastening the fastening member.

The water supply unit 190 may be fixed to the upper case 120, for example.

The ice maker 100 may further include a temperature sensor 500 for detecting the temperature of water or ice in the ice chamber 111.

For example, the temperature sensor 500 may indirectly sense the temperature of water or ice in the ice chamber 111 by detecting the temperature of the upper tray 150.

The temperature sensor 500 may be mounted on the upper case 120, for example. When the upper tray 150 is fixed to the upper case 120, the temperature sensor 500 may contact the upper tray 150.

Meanwhile, the lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250 that forms another part of the ice chamber 111 for forming ice. As an example, the lower tray 250 defines the lower portion of the ice chamber 111. The lower tray 250 may be referred to as a second tray. Alternatively, the lower tray 250 may be referred to as a lower mold part.

The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower supporter 270 supporting the lower side of the lower tray 250.

The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower case 210 that at least partially covers the upper side of the lower tray 250.

The lower case 210, lower tray 250, and lower supporter 270 may be fastened by a fastening member.

Meanwhile, the ice maker 100 may further include a switch 600 for turning the ice maker 100 on/off. When the user operates the switch 600 in the on state, ice can be created through the ice maker 100.

That is, when the switch 600 is turned on, water is supplied to the ice maker 100, an ice-making process in which ice is created by cold air, and a moving process in which the lower assembly 200 is rotated to transfer ice. It can be performed repeatedly.

On the other hand, when the switch 600 is operated in the off state, ice production through the ice maker 100 becomes impossible. The switch 600 may be provided in the upper case 120, for example.

<Upper case>

Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the upper case according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a lower perspective view of the upper case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the upper case 120 may be fixed to the housing 101 in the freezing chamber 4 while the upper tray 150 is fixed.

The upper case 120 may include an upper plate 121 for fixing the upper tray 150.

The upper tray 150 may be fixed to the upper plate 121 with a portion of the upper tray 150 in contact with the lower surface of the upper plate 121.

The upper plate 121 may be provided with an opening 123 through which a portion of the upper tray 150 passes.

For example, when the upper tray 150 is fixed to the upper plate 121 while the upper tray 150 is located below the upper plate 121, a part of the upper tray 150 is It may protrude upward from the upper plate 121 through the opening 123.

Alternatively, the upper tray 150 may not protrude upward from the upper plate 121 through the opening 123, but may be exposed upward from the upper plate 121 through the opening 123. .

The upper plate 121 may include a depression 122 that is depressed downward. The opening 123 may be formed in the bottom 122a of the depression 122.

Accordingly, the upper tray 150 passing through the opening 123 can be positioned in the space where the depression 122 is formed.

The upper case 120 may be provided with a heater coupling portion 124 to which an upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 14) is coupled to heat the upper tray 150 for moving.

The heater coupling portion 124 may be provided on the upper plate 121, for example. The heater coupling portion 124 may be located below the recessed portion 122.

The upper case 120 may further include a pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 for installing the temperature sensor 500.

The pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 are arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 7 . The pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 are arranged to face each other, and the temperature sensor 500 may be positioned between the pair of installation ribs 128 and 129.

The pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 may be provided on the upper plate 121.

The upper plate 121 may be provided with a plurality of slots 131 and 132 for coupling with the upper tray 150.

A portion of the upper tray 150 may be inserted into the plurality of slots 131 and 132.

The plurality of slots 131 and 132 include a first upper slot 131 and a second upper slot 132 located on the opposite side of the first upper slot 131 with respect to the opening 123. can do.

The opening 123 may be located between the first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132.

The first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 may be spaced apart in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 7 .

Although not limiting, the plurality of first upper slots 131 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A (referred to as the first direction), which is a direction that intersects the direction of arrow B (referred to as the second direction).

Additionally, the plurality of second upper slots 132 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A.

In this specification, the direction of arrow A is the same direction as the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice chambers 111.

For example, the first upper slot 131 may be formed in a curved shape. Accordingly, the length of the first upper slot 131 can be increased.

For example, the second upper slot 132 may be formed in a curved shape. Accordingly, the length of the second upper slot 133 can be increased.

When the length of each of the upper slots 131 and 132 is increased, the length of the protrusion (formed on the upper tray) inserted into each of the upper slots 131 and 132 can be increased, so that the upper tray 150 and the upper The coupling force of the case 120 may be increased.

The distance from the first upper slot 131 to the opening 123 and the distance from the second upper slot 132 to the opening 123 may be different. For example, the distance from the second upper slot 132 to the opening 123 may be shorter than the distance from the first upper slot 131 to the opening 123.

When each of the upper slots 131 is viewed from the opening 123, each slot 131 may be rounded in a convex shape to the outside of the opening 123.

The upper plate 121 may further include a sleeve 133 into which the fastening boss of the upper supporter 170, which will be described later, is inserted.

The sleeve 133 may be formed in a cylindrical shape and may extend upward from the upper plate 121.

For example, a plurality of sleeves 133 may be provided on the upper plate 121. The plurality of sleeves 133 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A. Additionally, the plurality of sleeves 133 may be arranged in multiple rows in the direction of arrow B.

Some of the plurality of sleeves 133 may be positioned between two adjacent first upper slots 131 .

Another sleeve among the plurality of sleeves 133 may be disposed between two adjacent second upper slots 132 or may be disposed to face the area between the two second upper slots 132 .

The upper case 120 may further include a plurality of hinge supports 135 and 136 to enable rotation of the lower assembly 200.

The plurality of hinge supports 135 and 136 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction indicated by arrow A with reference to FIG. 7 . A first hinge hole 137 may be formed in each of the hinge supports 135 and 136.

For example, the plurality of hinge supports 135 and 136 may extend downward from the upper plate 121.

The upper case 120 may further include a vertical extension portion 140 extending vertically along the circumference of the upper plate 121. The vertical extension portion 140 may extend upward from the upper plate 121.

The vertical extension 140 may include one or more coupling hooks 140a. The upper case 120 may be hooked to the housing 101 by the coupling hook 140a.

The water supply unit 190 may be coupled to the vertical extension part 140.

The upper case 120 may further include a horizontal extension part 142 extending horizontally to the outside of the vertical extension part 140.

The horizontal extension portion 142 may be provided with a screw fastening portion 142a protruding outward to screw the upper case 120 to the housing 101.

The upper case 120 may further include a side peripheral portion 143. The side peripheral portion 143 may extend downward from the horizontal extension portion 142.

The side peripheral portion 143 may be arranged to surround the lower assembly 200 . That is, the side peripheral portion 143 serves to prevent the lower assembly 200 from being exposed to the outside.

A cold air hole 134 may be formed in the side projection 143. Cold air for ice making passes through the cold air hole 134 and then flows around the plurality of ice chambers 111. Cold air passes through the cold air hole 134 in the direction of arrow A.

Above, it was explained that the upper case 120 is fastened to a separate housing 101 within the freezing chamber 4. However, unlike this, the upper case 120 is directly fastened to the wall forming the freezing chamber 4. It is also possible.

<Upper tray>

Figure 8 is an upper perspective view of the upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 is a lower perspective view of the upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a upper perspective view of the upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the upper tray 150 may be made of a flexible material that can be returned to its original shape after being deformed by an external force.

As an example, the upper tray 150 may be made of silicone material. If the upper tray 150 is made of a silicone material as in this embodiment, even if the shape of the upper tray 150 is changed due to external force during the moving process, the upper tray 150 returns to its original shape. Despite repeated ice creation, it is possible to create spherical ice.

If the upper tray 150 is made of a metal material and an external force is applied to the upper tray 150 and the upper tray 150 itself is deformed, the upper tray 150 will no longer retain its original form. It cannot be restored.

In this case, after the shape of the upper tray 150 is deformed, spherical ice cannot be created. In other words, the creation of repetitive spherical ice becomes impossible.

On the other hand, if the upper tray 150 is made of a flexible material that can be returned to its original form, as in this embodiment, this problem can be solved.

Additionally, if the upper tray 150 is made of a silicone material, the upper tray 150 can be prevented from melting or thermally deforming due to heat provided from an upper heater, which will be described later.

The upper tray 150 may include an upper tray body 151 that forms an upper chamber 152 that is part of the ice chamber 111.

The upper tray body 151 may define a plurality of upper chambers 152.

For example, the plurality of upper chambers 152 may define a first upper chamber 152a, a second upper chamber 152b, and a third upper chamber 152c.

The upper tray body 151 may include three upper chamber walls 153 forming three independent upper chambers 152a, 152b, and 152c, and the three upper chamber walls 153 are formed as one body. can be connected to each other.

The first upper chamber 152a, the second upper chamber 152b, and the third upper chamber 152c may be arranged in a line. For example, the first upper chamber 152a, the second upper chamber 152b, and the third upper chamber 152c may be arranged in the direction of arrow A with respect to FIG. 8 . The direction of arrow A in FIG. 9 is the same direction as the direction of arrow A in FIG. 7.

The upper chamber 152 may be formed in a hemispherical shape. That is, the upper part of the spherical ice may be formed by the upper chamber 152.

An upper opening 154 may be formed on the upper side of the upper tray body 151.

For example, three upper openings 154 may be formed in the upper tray body 151.

Cold air may be guided into the ice chamber 111 through the upper opening 154. Additionally, water may be supplied through the upper opening 154.

During the moving process, the upper ejector 300 may be introduced into the upper chamber 152 through the upper opening 154.

The upper tray 150 has an entrance wall 155 to minimize deformation of the upper opening 154 in the upper tray 150 during the process of the upper ejector 300 being introduced through the upper opening 154. This can be provided.

The inlet wall 155 is disposed along the perimeter of the upper opening 154 and may extend upward from the upper tray body 151.

The inlet wall 155 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the upper ejector 300 may pass through the inner space of the inlet wall 155 and penetrate the upper opening 154.

One or more first connection ribs 155a along the circumference of the inlet wall 155 to prevent deformation of the inlet wall 155 while the upper ejector 300 is introduced into the upper opening 154. may be provided.

The first connecting rib 155a may connect the inlet wall 155 and the upper tray body 151. For example, the first connection rib 155a may be formed integrally with the perimeter of the inlet wall 155 and the outer surface of the upper tray body 151.

Although not limiting, a plurality of first connecting ribs 155a may be disposed along the perimeter of the inlet wall 155.

The two inlet walls 155 corresponding to the second upper chamber 152b and the third upper chamber 152c may be connected by a second connecting rib 162. The second connecting rib 162 also serves to prevent deformation of the inlet wall 155.

A water supply guide 156 may be provided on the inlet wall 155 corresponding to any one of the three upper chambers 152a, 152b, and 152c.

Although not limited, the water supply guide 156 may be formed on the inlet wall 155 corresponding to the second upper chamber 152b.

The water supply guide 156 may be inclined upward from the inlet wall 155 and away from the second upper chamber 152b.

The upper tray 150 may further include a first receiving portion 160. The recessed portion 122 of the upper case 120 may be accommodated in the first receiving portion 160.

Since the heater coupling portion 124 is provided in the recessed portion 122 and the upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 14) is provided in the heater coupling portion 124, the upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 14) is provided in the first receiving portion 160. 148 of FIG. 14) can be understood as being accepted.

The first accommodating portion 160 may be arranged to surround the upper chambers 152a, 152b, and 152c. The first receiving portion 160 may be formed as the upper surface of the upper tray body 151 is depressed downward.

The first accommodating part 160 may accommodate a heater coupling part 124 to which the upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 14) is coupled.

The upper tray 150 may further include a second accommodating part 161 (or it may be referred to as a sensor accommodating part) in which the temperature sensor 500 is accommodated.

For example, the second receiving portion 161 may be provided on the upper tray body 151. Although not limited, the second accommodating part 161 may be formed by being depressed downward from the bottom of the first accommodating part 160.

The second receiving portion 161 may be located between two adjacent upper chambers. As an example, in FIG. 8 it is shown positioned between the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b.

Accordingly, interference between the upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 14) accommodated in the first accommodating part 160 and the temperature sensor 500 can be prevented.

When the temperature sensor 500 is accommodated in the second receiving portion 161, the temperature sensor 500 may contact the outer surface of the upper tray body 151.

The upper chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 may include a vertical wall 153a and a curved wall 153b.

The curved wall 153b may be rounded in a direction away from the upper chamber 152 as it moves upward.

The upper tray 150 may further include a horizontal extension portion 164 extending in the horizontal direction around the upper tray body 151. For example, the horizontal extension portion 164 may extend along the perimeter of the upper edge of the upper tray body 151.

The horizontal extension part 164 may be in contact with the upper case 120 and the upper supporter 170.

For example, the lower surface 164b (or “first surface”) of the horizontal extension 164 may be in contact with the upper supporter 170, and the upper surface 164a of the horizontal extension 164 may be in contact with the upper supporter 170. ) (or may be referred to as the “second side”) may be in contact with the upper case 120.

At least a portion of the horizontal extension 164 may be located between the upper case 120 and the upper supporter 170.

The horizontal extension portion 164 may include a plurality of upper protrusions 165 and 166 to be inserted into each of the plurality of upper slots 131 and 132.

The plurality of upper protrusions 165 and 166 include a first upper protrusion 165 and a second upper protrusion 166 located on the opposite side of the first upper protrusion 165 with respect to the upper opening 154. ) may include.

The first upper protrusion 165 may be inserted into the first upper slot 131, and the second upper protrusion 166 may be inserted into the second upper slot 132.

The first upper protrusion 165 and the second upper protrusion 166 may protrude upward from the upper surface 164a of the horizontal extension portion 164.

The first upper protrusion 165 and the second upper protrusion 166 may be spaced apart in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 9 . The direction of arrow B in FIG. 9 is the same direction as the direction of arrow B in FIG. 7.

Although not limited, the plurality of first upper protrusions 165 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A.

Additionally, the plurality of second upper protrusions 166 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A.

For example, the first upper protrusion 165 may be formed in a curved shape. Additionally, the second upper protrusion 166 may be formed in a curved shape, for example.

In this embodiment, each of the upper protrusions 165 and 166 not only allows the upper tray 150 and the upper case 120 to be coupled, but also prevents the horizontal extension 264 from being deformed during the ice making or moving process. prevent it from happening.

At this time, when the upper protrusions 165, 165 are formed in a curved shape, the distance between the upper protrusions 165, 165 and the upper chamber 152 in the longitudinal direction is the same or almost similar, so that the horizontal extension portion 264 ) can effectively prevent deformation.

As an example, horizontal deformation of the horizontal extension portion 264 can be minimized, thereby preventing plastic deformation of the horizontal extension portion 264 from stretching. If the horizontal extension portion 264 is plastically deformed, the upper tray body is not positioned in the correct position during ice making, so the ice does not have a spherical shape.

The horizontal extension portion 164 may further include a plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168. The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 may be inserted into the lower slot of the upper supporter 170, which will be described later.

The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 include a first lower protrusion 167 and a second lower protrusion 168 located on the opposite side of the second lower protrusion 167 with respect to the upper chamber 152. It can be included.

The first lower protrusion 167 and the second lower protrusion 168 may protrude upward from the lower surface 164b of the horizontal extension portion 164.

The first lower protrusion 167 may be located on the opposite side of the first upper protrusion 165 with respect to the horizontal extension portion 164. The second lower protrusion 168 may be located on the opposite side of the second upper protrusion 166 with respect to the horizontal extension portion 164.

The first lower protrusion 167 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the vertical wall 153a of the upper tray body 151. The second lower protrusion 168 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the curved wall 153b of the upper tray body 151.

The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 may also be formed in a curved shape. As the protrusions 165, 166, 167, and 168 are formed on each of the upper and lower surfaces 164a and 164b of the horizontal extension portion 164, horizontal deformation of the horizontal extension portion 164 can be effectively prevented. there is.

The horizontal extension part 164 may be provided with a through hole 169 through which the fastening boss of the upper supporter 170, which will be described later, passes.

For example, a plurality of through holes 169 may be provided in the horizontal extension portion 164.

Some of the plurality of through holes 169 may be located between two adjacent first upper protrusions 165 or two adjacent first lower protrusions 167.

Another through hole among the plurality of through holes 169 may be arranged between two adjacent second lower protrusions 168 or may be arranged to face the area between the two second lower protrusions 168.

<Upper Supporter>

Figure 11 is an upper perspective view of an upper supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a lower perspective view of an upper supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the upper supporter 170 may include a supporter plate 171 in contact with the upper tray 150.

For example, the upper surface of the supporter plate 171 may contact the lower surface 164b of the horizontal extension 164 of the upper tray 150.

The supporter plate 171 may be provided with a plate opening 172 through which the upper tray body 151 passes.

A peripheral wall 174 formed by bending upward may be provided on the edge of the supporter plate 171. For example, the peripheral wall 174 may contact at least a portion of the side surface of the horizontal extension portion 164.

The upper surface of the peripheral wall 174 may contact the lower surface of the upper plate 121.

The supporter plate 171 may include a plurality of lower slots 176 and 177.

The plurality of lower slots 176 and 177 include a first lower slot 176 into which the first lower protrusion 167 is inserted and a second lower slot 177 into which the second lower protrusion 168 is inserted. It can be included.

A plurality of first lower slots 176 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A on the support plate 171. Additionally, a plurality of second lower slots 177 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A on the support plate 171.

The supporter plate 171 may further include a plurality of fastening bosses 175. The plurality of fastening bosses 175 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the supporter plate 171.

Each of the fastening bosses 175 may pass through the through hole 169 of the horizontal extension part 164 and be inserted into the sleeve 133 of the upper case 120.

When the fastening boss 175 is retracted into the sleeve 133, the upper surface of the fastening boss 175 may be positioned at the same height or lower than the upper surface of the sleeve 133.

The fastening member fastened to the fastening boss 175 may be, for example, a bolt (B1 in FIG. 3). The bolt (B1) may include a body portion and a head portion formed to be larger in diameter than the body portion. The bolt B1 may be fastened to the fastening boss 175 from above the fastening boss 175.

In the process of fastening the body portion of the bolt (B1) to the fastening boss 175, the head portion contacts the upper surface of the sleeve 133, or the head portion contacts the upper surface of the sleeve 133 and the fastening boss 175. Once in contact with the upper surface, assembly of the upper assembly 110 can be completed.

The upper supporter 170 may further include a plurality of unit guides 181 and 182 for guiding the connection unit 350 connected to the upper ejector 300.

For example, the plurality of unit guides 181 and 182 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A with reference to FIG. 12 .

The unit guides 181 and 182 may extend upward from the upper surface of the support plate 171. Each of the unit guides 181 and 182 may be connected to the peripheral wall 174.

Each of the unit guides 181 and 182 may include a guide slot 183 extending in the vertical direction.

The connection unit 350 is connected to the ejector body 310 with both ends of the ejector body 310 of the upper ejector 300 penetrating the guide slot 183.

Therefore, when rotational force is transmitted to the ejector body 310 by the connection unit 350 during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, the ejector body 310 will move up and down along the guide slot 183. You can.

<Upper heater combination structure>

Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the heater coupling portion in the upper case of Figure 6, Figure 14 is a diagram showing the heater coupled to the upper case of Figure 6, and Figure 15 shows the arrangement of the wires connected to the heater in the upper case. This is a drawing that shows.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15 , the heater coupling portion 124 may include a heater receiving groove 124a for accommodating the upper heater 148.

For example, the heater receiving groove 124a may be formed as a portion of the lower surface of the recessed portion 122 of the upper case 120 is depressed upward.

The heater receiving groove 124a may extend along the perimeter of the opening 123 of the upper case 120.

For example, the upper heater 148 may be a wire-type heater. Therefore, the upper heater 148 can be bent, and the upper heater 148 can be accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a by bending it according to the shape of the heater receiving groove 124a.

The upper heater 148 may be a DC heater supplied with DC power. The upper heater 148 can be turned on for moving.

When the heat from the upper heater 148 is transferred to the upper tray 150, ice may be separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150.

If the upper tray 150 is made of a metal material, and the stronger the heat of the upper heater 148 is, the ice is heated by the upper heater 148 after the upper heater 148 is turned off. The part that has been removed again sticks to the surface of the upper tray 150, causing it to become opaque.

In other words, an opaque band of a shape corresponding to the upper heater is formed around the ice.

However, in the case of this embodiment, as a DC heater with low output is used and the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material, the amount of heat transferred to the upper tray 150 decreases, and the upper tray 150 Its own thermal conductivity also decreases.

Accordingly, since heat is not concentrated in a localized portion of the ice and a small amount of heat is gradually applied to the ice, the ice can be effectively separated from the upper tray and the formation of an opaque band around the ice can be prevented.

The upper heater 148 surrounds the periphery of the plurality of upper chambers 152 so that the heat of the upper heater 148 can be evenly transferred to each of the plurality of upper chambers 152 of the upper tray 150. can be placed.

The upper heater 148 may be in contact with the periphery of each of the plurality of upper chamber walls 153 that respectively form the plurality of upper chambers 152. At this time, the upper heater 148 may be positioned lower than the upper opening 154.

Since the heater receiving groove 124a is recessed in the depression 122, the heater receiving groove 124a may be defined by the outer wall 124b and the inner wall 124c.

The diameter of the upper heater 148 is such that the upper heater 148 can protrude to the outside of the heater coupling portion 124 while the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a. It may be formed to be larger than the depth of the heater receiving groove (124a).

When the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a, a portion of the upper heater 148 protrudes to the outside of the heater receiving groove 124a, so that the upper heater 148 is connected to the upper tray. (150) can be contacted.

To prevent the upper heater 148 accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a from falling out of the heater receiving groove 124a, at least one of the outer wall 124b and the inner wall 124c is provided with a separation prevention protrusion 124d. It can be.

FIG. 13 shows, as an example, a plurality of separation prevention protrusions 124d being provided on the inner wall 124c.

The separation prevention protrusion 124d may protrude from an end of the inner wall 124c toward the outer wall 124b.

At this time, the separation prevention protrusion (124d) prevents the upper heater 148 from being easily removed from the heater receiving groove (124a) while insertion of the upper heater 148 is not hindered by the separation prevention protrusion (124d). The protrusion length of 124d) may be less than 1/2 of the distance between the outer wall 124b and the inner wall 124c.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a, the upper heater 148 may be divided into an upper round portion 148c and a straight portion 148d.

That is, the heater receiving groove 124a includes an upper round portion and a straight portion, and the upper heater 148 includes an upper round portion 148c and a straight portion corresponding to the upper round portion and the straight portion of the heater receiving groove 124a. It can be divided into a straight portion 148d.

The upper round portion 148c is a portion disposed along the circumference of the upper chamber 152 and is bent to be round in the horizontal direction.

The straight part 148d is a part that connects the upper round part 148c corresponding to each upper chamber 152.

Since the upper heater 148 is located lower than the upper opening 154, a line connecting two spaced apart points of the upper round part may pass through the upper chamber 152.

Among the upper heaters 148, there is a high risk that the upper round part 148c will fall out of the heater receiving groove 124a, so the separation prevention protrusion 124d may be arranged to contact the round part 148c. .

A through opening 124e may be provided on the bottom of the heater receiving groove 124a. When the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a, a part of the upper heater 148 may be located in the through opening 124e. As an example, the through opening 124e may be located in a portion facing the separation prevention protrusion 124d.

When the upper heater 148 is bent to be horizontally rounded, the tension of the upper heater 148 increases and there is a risk of disconnection, and there is a high risk that the upper heater 148 will fall out of the heater receiving groove 124a.

However, when the through opening 124e is formed in the heater receiving groove 124a as in the present embodiment, a part of the upper heater 148 may be located in the through opening 124e, so that the upper heater ( 148), it is possible to prevent the upper heater from falling out of the heater receiving groove 124a.

As shown in FIG. 15, the power input terminal 148a and the power output terminal 148b of the upper heater 148 are arranged side by side and can pass through the heater passage hole 125 formed in the upper case 120. .

Since the upper heater 148 is accommodated on the lower side of the upper case 120, the power input terminal 148a and the power output terminal 148b of the upper heater 148 extend upward to form the heater passage hole 125. You can pass.

The power input terminal 148a and the power output terminal 148b that pass through the heater passage hole 125 may be connected to one first connector 129a.

A second connector 129c to which two wires 129d are connected to correspond to the power input terminal 148a and the power output terminal 148b may be connected to the first connector 129a.

The upper plate 121 of the upper case 120 has a first guide portion 126 that guides the upper heater 148, the first connector 129a, the second connector 129c, and the electric wire 129d. It can be provided.

FIG. 15 shows, as an example, the first guide portion 126 guiding the first connector 129a.

The first guide part 126 extends upward from the upper surface of the upper plate 121, and the upper end may be bent in the horizontal direction.

Accordingly, the upper bent portion of the first guide portion 126 restricts the first connector 126 from moving upward.

The wire 129d may be bent into a roughly “U” shape to prevent interference with surrounding structures and then drawn out of the upper case 120.

Since the wire 129d extends in a bent state at least once, the upper case 120 may further include wire guides 127 and 128 for fixing the position of the wire 129d.

The wire guides 127 and 128 may include a first guide 127 and a second guide 128 that are arranged to be spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The first guide 127 and the second guide 128 may be bent in a direction corresponding to the bending direction of the wire 129d to minimize damage to the bent wire 129d.

That is, each of the first guide 127 and the second guide 128 may include a curved portion.

In order to limit the upward movement of the electric wire 129d located between the first guide 127 and the second guide 128, one of the first guide 127 and the second guide 128 This may include an upper guide 127a extending toward the other guide.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper assembly in an assembled state.

Referring to FIG. 16, the upper case 120, the upper tray 150, and the upper supporter 170 are connected to each other while the upper heater 148 is coupled to the heater coupling portion 124 of the upper case 120. can be combined with each other.

The first upper protrusion 165 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the first upper slot 131 of the upper case 120. Additionally, the second upper protrusion 166 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the second upper slot 132 of the upper case 120.

Next, the first lower protrusion 167 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the first lower slot 176 of the upper supporter 170, and the second lower protrusion 168 of the upper tray is inserted into the first lower slot 176 of the upper supporter 170. It is inserted into the second lower slot 177 of the upper supporter 170.

Then, the fastening boss 175 of the upper supporter 170 passes through the through hole 169 of the upper tray 150 and is accommodated in the sleeve 133 of the upper case 120. In this state, the bolt B1 can be fastened to the fastening boss 175 from above the fastening boss 175.

When the bolt B1 is fastened to the fastening boss 175, the head of the bolt B1 is positioned higher than the upper plate 121.

On the other hand, since the hinge supports 135 and 136 are located lower than the upper plate 121, the upper assembly 110 or the connection unit 350 is connected to the bolt B1 while the lower assembly 200 is rotated. Interference with the head portion can be prevented.

In the process of assembling the upper assembly 110, the plurality of unit guides 181 and 182 of the upper supporter 170 have through openings located on both sides of the upper plate 121 in the upper case 120 (FIG. It protrudes upward from the upper plate 121 through 6 (139a, 139b).

In this way, the upper ejector 300 penetrates the guide slot 183 of the unit guides 181 and 182 that protrude upward from the upper plate 121.

Accordingly, the upper ejector 300 is lowered while positioned on the upper side of the upper plate 121 and is drawn into the upper chamber 152 so that the ice in the upper chamber 152 is transferred to the upper tray 150. ensure that it is separated from

When the upper assembly 110 is assembled, the heater coupling portion 124 to which the upper heater 148 is coupled is received in the first receiving portion 160 of the upper tray 150.

With the heater coupling portion 124 accommodated in the first accommodating portion 160, the upper heater 148 contacts the bottom surface 160a of the first accommodating portion 160.

As in this embodiment, when the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the recessed heater coupling portion 124 and comes into contact with the upper tray body 151, the heat of the upper heater 148 is transmitted to the upper tray body. Transfer to parts other than (151) can be minimized.

At least a portion of the upper heater 148 may be arranged to overlap the upper chamber 152 in the vertical direction so that the heat of the upper heater 148 is smoothly transferred to the upper chamber 152.

In this embodiment, the upper round part 148c of the upper heater 148 may overlap the upper chamber 152 in the vertical direction.

That is, the maximum distance between two points of the upper round portion 148c located on opposite sides of the upper chamber 152 is smaller than the diameter of the upper chamber 152.

<Bottom case>

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the upper part of the lower case according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a lower part of the lower case according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view.

17 to 19, the lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250.

The lower tray 250 may form the ice chamber 111 together with the upper tray 150.

The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower supporter 270 supporting the lower tray 250. With the lower tray 250 seated on the lower supporter 270, the lower supporter 270 and the lower tray 250 may be rotated together.

The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower case 210 for fixing the position of the lower tray 250.

The lower case 210 may surround the lower tray 250, and the lower supporter 270 may support the lower tray 250.

The connection unit 350 may be coupled to the lower supporter 270.

The connection unit 350 is connected to a first link 352 for rotating the lower supporter 270 by receiving the power of the driving unit 180 and the lower supporter 270 to support the lower supporter 270. ) may include a second link 356 for transmitting the rotational force of the lower supporter 270 to the upper ejector 300 when rotating.

The first link 352 and the lower supporter 270 may be connected by an elastic member 360. The elastic member 360 may be a coil spring, for example.

One end of the elastic member 360 is connected to the first link 352, and the other end is connected to the lower supporter 270.

The elastic member 360 provides elastic force to the lower supporter 270 to maintain contact with the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250.

In this embodiment, a first link 352 and a second link 356 may be located on both sides of the lower supporter 270, respectively.

One of the two first links 352 is connected to the driving unit 180 and receives rotational force from the driving unit 180.

The two first links 352 may be connected by a connecting shaft (370 in FIG. 5).

A hole 358 through which the ejector body 310 of the upper ejector 300 can pass may be formed at the upper end of the second link 356.

The lower case 210 may include a lower plate 211 for fixing the lower tray 250.

A portion of the lower tray 250 may be fixed in contact with the lower surface of the lower plate 211.

The lower plate 211 may be provided with an opening 212 through which a portion of the lower tray 250 passes.

For example, when the lower tray 250 is fixed to the lower plate 211 while the lower tray 250 is located on the lower side of the lower plate 211, a part of the lower tray 250 is It may protrude upward from the lower plate 211 through the opening 212.

The lower case 210 may further include a peripheral wall 214 (or cover wall) surrounding the lower tray 250 that penetrates the lower plate 211.

The peripheral wall 214 may include a vertical wall 214a and a curved wall 215.

The vertical wall 214a is a wall extending vertically upward from the lower plate 211. The curved wall 215 is a wall that rounds upward from the lower plate 211 and away from the opening 212.

The vertical wall 214a may include a first coupling slit 214b to be coupled to the lower tray 250. The first coupling slit 214b may be formed as the upper end of the vertical wall 214a is depressed downward.

The curved wall 215 may include a second coupling slit 215a to be coupled to the lower tray 250.

The second coupling slit 215a may be formed as the upper end of the curved wall 215 is depressed downward.

The lower case 210 may further include a first fastening boss 216 and a second fastening boss 217.

The first fastening boss 216 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the lower plate 211. For example, a plurality of first fastening bosses 216 may protrude downward from the lower plate 211.

The plurality of first fastening bosses 216 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A with reference to FIG. 18 .

The second fastening boss 217 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the lower plate 211. For example, a plurality of second fastening bosses 217 may protrude from the lower plate 211. The plurality of first fastening bosses 217 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A with reference to FIG. 18 .

The first fastening boss 216 and the second fastening boss 217 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow B.

In this embodiment, the length of the first fastening boss 216 and the length of the second fastening boss 217 may be different. For example, the length of the second fastening boss 217 may be longer than that of the first fastening boss 216.

The first fastening member may be fastened to the first fastening boss 216 from an upper side of the first fastening boss 216. On the other hand, the second fastening member may be fastened to the second fastening boss 217 from the lower side of the second fastening boss 217.

In the process of fastening the first fastening member to the first fastening boss 216, a groove 215b is provided in the curved wall 215 to prevent the first fastening member from interfering with the curved wall 215. ) is provided.

The lower case 210 may further include a slot 218 for coupling with the lower tray 250.

A portion of the lower tray 250 may be inserted into the slot 218. The slot 218 may be located adjacent to the vertical wall 214a.

As an example, a plurality of slots 218 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 18 . Each slot 218 may be formed in a curved shape.

The lower case 210 may further include a receiving groove 218a into which a portion of the lower tray 250 is inserted. The receiving groove 218a may be formed as a portion of the lower plate 211 is depressed toward the curved wall 215.

The lower case 210 may further include an extension wall 219 that contacts a portion of the side circumference of the lower plate 212 when coupled to the lower tray 250. The extension wall 219 may extend in a straight line in the direction of arrow A.

<Lower tray>

Figure 20 is an upper perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figures 21 and 22 are a lower perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 23 is a perspective view of the lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of the lower tray.

Referring to FIGS. 20 to 23, the lower tray 250 may be made of a flexible material that can be returned to its original form after being deformed by an external force.

For example, the lower tray 250 may be made of silicone material. If the lower tray 250 is made of a silicone material as in this embodiment, even if an external force is applied to the lower tray 250 during the moving process and the shape of the lower tray 250 is deformed, the lower tray 250 can be rebuilt. It can return to its original form. Therefore, it is possible to create spherical ice despite repeated ice generation.

If the lower tray 250 is made of a metal material and an external force is applied to the lower tray 250 and the lower tray 250 itself is deformed, the lower tray 250 will no longer retain its original form. It cannot be restored.

In this case, after the shape of the lower tray 250 is deformed, spherical ice cannot be created. In other words, the creation of repetitive spherical ice becomes impossible.

On the other hand, if the lower tray 250 is made of a flexible material that can be returned to its original form, as in this embodiment, this problem can be solved.

Additionally, if the lower tray 250 is made of a silicone material, the lower tray 250 can be prevented from melting or thermally deforming due to heat provided from a lower heater, which will be described later.

The lower tray 250 may include a lower tray body 251 that forms a lower chamber 252 that is part of the ice chamber 111.

The lower tray body 251 may define a plurality of lower chambers 252.

For example, the plurality of lower chambers 252 may include a first lower chamber 252a, a second lower chamber 252b, and a third lower chamber 252c.

The lower tray body 251 may include three lower chamber walls 252d forming three independent lower chambers 252a, 252b, and 252c, and the three lower chamber walls 252d are formed as one body. to form the lower tray body 251.

The first lower chamber 252a, second lower chamber 252b, and third lower chamber 152c may be arranged in a line. For example, the first lower chamber 252a, the second lower chamber 252b, and the third lower chamber 152c may be arranged in the direction of arrow A with respect to FIG. 20.

The lower chamber 252 may be formed in a hemispherical shape or a shape similar to a hemisphere. That is, the lower part of the spherical ice may be formed by the lower chamber 252.

The lower tray 250 may further include a first extension 253 extending horizontally from the upper edge of the lower tray body 251. The first extension portion 253 may be formed continuously along the circumference of the lower tray body 251.

The lower tray 250 may further include a peripheral wall 260 extending upward from the upper surface of the first extension portion 253.

The lower surface of the upper tray body 151 may be in contact with the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251.

The peripheral wall 260 may surround the upper tray body 151 seated on the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251. The upper surface 251e may also be referred to as an end surface of the lower tray body 251.

The peripheral wall 260 includes a first wall 260a surrounding the vertical wall 153a of the upper tray body 151, and a second wall surrounding the curved wall 153b of the upper tray body 151. It may include a wall 260b.

The first wall 260a is a vertical wall extending vertically from the upper surface of the first extension portion 253. The second wall 260b is a curved wall formed in a shape corresponding to the upper tray body 151. That is, the second wall 260b may be rounded in a direction away from the lower chamber 252 as it moves upward from the first extension portion 253.

The lower tray 250 may further include a second extension portion 254 extending horizontally from the peripheral wall 260.

The second extension part 254 may be positioned higher than the first extension part 253. Accordingly, the first extension part 253 and the second extension part 254 form a step.

The second extension 254 may include a first upper protrusion 255 to be inserted into the slot 218 of the lower case 210. The first upper protrusion 255 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the peripheral wall 260 in the horizontal direction.

For example, the first upper protrusion 255 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the second extension 254 at a position adjacent to the first wall 260a.

Although not limited, the plurality of first upper protrusions 255 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A with respect to FIG. 20 . For example, the first upper protrusion 255 may extend in a curved shape.

The second extension 254 may further include a first lower protrusion 257 to be inserted into the protrusion groove of the lower supporter 270, which will be described later. The first lower protrusion 257 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the second extension portion 254.

Although not limited, the plurality of first lower protrusions 257 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A.

The first upper protrusion 255 and the first lower protrusion 257 may be located on opposite sides relative to the upper and lower sides of the second extension portion 254. At least a portion of the first upper protrusion 255 may overlap the second lower protrusion 257 in the vertical direction.

A plurality of through holes 256 may be formed in the second extension portion 254.

The plurality of through holes 256 include a first through hole 256a through which the first fastening boss 216 of the lower case 210 penetrates, and a second fastening boss 217 of the lower case 210. It may include a second through hole 256b for penetration.

As an example, a plurality of first through-holes 256a may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 20.

Additionally, a plurality of second through-holes 256b may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 20 .

The plurality of first through holes 256a and the plurality of second through holes 256b may be located on opposite sides of the lower chamber 252.

Some of the plurality of second through holes 256b may be located between two adjacent first upper protrusions 255. Additionally, some of the plurality of second through holes 256b may be located between the two first lower protrusions 257.

The second extension 254 may further include a second upper protrusion 258. The second upper protrusion 258 may be located on the opposite side of the first upper protrusion 255 with respect to the lower chamber 252 .

The second upper protrusion 258 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the peripheral wall 260 in the horizontal direction. For example, the second upper protrusion 258 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the second extension 254 at a position adjacent to the second wall 260b.

Although not limited, a plurality of second upper protrusions 258 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 20 .

The second upper protrusion 258 may be accommodated in the receiving groove 218a of the lower case 210. When the second upper protrusion 258 is accommodated in the receiving groove 218a, the second upper protrusion 258 may contact the curved wall 215 of the lower case 210.

The peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may include a first coupling protrusion 262 for coupling with the lower case 210.

The first coupling protrusion 262 may protrude in the horizontal direction from the first wall 260a of the peripheral wall 260. The first coupling protrusion 262 may be located on the upper side of the first wall 260a.

The first coupling protrusion 262 may include a neck portion 262a whose diameter is reduced compared to other portions. The neck portion 262a may be inserted into the first coupling slit 214b formed in the peripheral wall 214 of the lower case 210.

The peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may further include a second coupling protrusion 260c for coupling with the lower case 210.

The second coupling protrusion 260c may protrude in the horizontal direction from the second wall 260b of the peripheral wall 260. The second coupling protrusion 260c may be inserted into the second coupling slit 215a formed in the peripheral wall 214 of the lower case 210.

The second extension 254 may further include a second lower protrusion 266. The second lower protrusion 266 may be located on the opposite side of the second lower protrusion 257 with respect to the lower chamber 252 .

The second lower protrusion 266 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the second extension portion 254. For example, the second lower protrusion 266 may extend in a straight line.

Some of the plurality of first through holes 256a may be located between the second lower protrusion 266 and the lower chamber 252.

The second lower protrusion 266 can be accommodated in a guide groove formed in the lower supporter 270, which will be described later.

The second extension portion 254 may further include a side limit portion 264. The side limiter 264 restricts the lower tray 250 from moving in the horizontal direction while it is coupled with the lower case 210 and the lower supporter 270.

The side limiter 264 protrudes laterally from the second extension part 254, and the vertical length of the side limiter 264 is greater than the thickness of the second extension part 254. For example, part of the side limiter 264 is positioned higher than the upper surface of the second extension part 254, and another part is positioned lower than the lower surface of the second extension part 254.

Accordingly, a portion of the side limiting portion 264 may contact the side of the lower case 210, and the other portion may contact the side of the lower supporter 270.

<Lower Supporter>

Figure 24 is an upper perspective view of the lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 25 is a lower perspective view of the lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 26 is a diagram showing the assembled state of the lower assembly. This is a cross-sectional view cut along D-D in Figure 17.

24 to 26, the lower supporter 270 may include a supporter body 271 supporting the lower tray 250.

The supporter body 271 may include three chamber receiving portions 272 for accommodating the three chamber walls 252d of the lower tray 250. The chamber receiving portion 272 may be formed in a hemispherical shape.

The supporter body 271 may include a lower opening 274 through which the lower ejector 400 passes during the moving process. As an example, the supporter body 271 may be provided with three lower openings 274 to correspond to the three chamber receiving portions 272.

A reinforcing rib 275 may be provided along the circumference of the lower opening 274 to reinforce the steel beam.

Additionally, two adjacent chamber accommodating parts 272 of the three chamber accommodating parts 272 may be connected by a connecting rib 273. These connecting ribs 273 can reinforce the strength of the chamber receiving portion 272.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a first extension wall 285 extending in the horizontal direction from the top of the supporter body 271.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a second extension wall 286 formed at an edge of the first extension wall 285 to be stepped apart from the first extension wall 285 .

The upper surface of the second extension wall 286 may be positioned higher than the first extension wall 285.

The first extension 253 of the lower tray 250 may be seated on the upper surface 271a of the supporter body 271, and the second extension wall 286 may be the first extension of the lower tray 250. It may surround the side of the extension portion 253. At this time, the second extension wall 286 may contact the side of the first extension 253 of the lower tray 250.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a protrusion groove 287 for receiving the first lower protrusion 257 of the lower tray 250.

The protruding groove 287 may extend in a curved shape. The protruding groove 287 may be formed in the second extension wall 286, for example.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a first fastening groove 286a into which the first fastening member B2 penetrating the first fastening boss 216 of the upper case 210 is fastened.

For example, the first fastening groove 286a may be provided on the second extension wall 286.

A plurality of first fastening grooves 286a may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A on the second extension wall 286. Some of the plurality of first fastening grooves 286a may be located between two adjacent protruding grooves 287.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a boss through hole 286b through which the second fastening boss 217 of the upper case 210 passes.

For example, the boss through hole 286b may be provided in the second extension wall 286. The second extension wall 286 may be provided with a sleeve 286c surrounding the second fastening boss 217 penetrating the boss through hole 286b. The sleeve 286c may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open bottom.

The first fastening member B2 may pass through the first fastening boss 216 from the upper side of the lower case 210 and then be fastened to the first fastening groove 286a.

The second fastening member B3 may be fastened to the second fastening boss 217 below the lower supporter 270.

The lower end of the sleeve 286c may be positioned at the same height as the lower end of the second fastening boss 217 or may be positioned lower than the lower end of the second fastening boss 217.

Therefore, during the fastening process of the second fastening member B3, the head portion of the second fastening member B3 contacts the second fastening boss 217 and the lower surface of the sleeve 286c, or contacts the lower surface of the sleeve 286c. It may come into contact with the lower surface.

The lower supporter 270 may further include an outer wall 280 disposed to surround the lower tray body 251 while being spaced apart from the outside of the lower tray body 251 .

For example, the outer wall 280 may extend downward along the edge of the second extension wall 286.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a plurality of hinge bodies 281 and 282 to be connected to each hinge supporter 135 and 136 of the upper case 210.

The plurality of hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 24 . Each of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may further include a second hinge hole 281a.

The shaft connection portion 353 of the first link 352 may pass through the second hinge hole 281. The connecting shaft 370 may be connected to the shaft connecting portion 353.

The spacing between the plurality of hinge bodies 281 and 282 is smaller than the spacing between the plurality of hinge supports 135 and 136. Accordingly, the plurality of hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be positioned between the plurality of hinge supports 135 and 136.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a coupling shaft 283 to which the second link 356 is rotatably connected. The coupling shaft 383 may be provided on both sides of the outer wall 280, respectively.

The lower supporter 270 may further include an elastic member coupling portion 284 to which the elastic member 360 is coupled. The elastic member coupling portion 284 may form a space in which a portion of the elastic member 360 can be accommodated. As the elastic member 360 is accommodated in the elastic member coupling portion 284, the elastic member 360 can be prevented from interfering with surrounding structures.

The elastic member coupling portion 284 may include a locking portion 284a for engaging the lower end of the elastic member 370.

<Combined structure of lower heater>

Figure 27 is a plan view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 28 is a perspective view showing a lower heater coupled to the lower supporter of Figure 27, and Figure 29 is a lower assembly coupled to the upper assembly. This diagram shows the wire connected to the lower heater penetrating the upper case. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lower heater is installed on the lower supporter.

27 to 30, the ice maker 100 of this embodiment may further include a lower heater 296 for applying heat to the lower tray 250 during the ice making process.

The lower heater 296 provides heat to the lower chamber 252 during the ice making process, allowing ice to begin to freeze within the ice chamber 111 from the upper portion.

In addition, as the lower heater 296 generates heat during the ice-making process, the air bubbles in the ice chamber 111 move downward during the ice-making process, and when ice-making is completed, the remaining portion of the spherical ice except for the lowest portion is transparent. It can happen. That is, according to this embodiment, ice in a substantially transparent spherical shape can be created.

The lower heater 296 may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

For example, the lower heater 296 may be located between the lower tray 250 and the lower supporter 270.

The lower heater 296 may be installed on the lower supporter 270, for example. The lower heater 296 may be in contact with the lower tray 250 to provide heat to the lower chamber 252.

For example, the lower heater 296 may be in contact with the lower tray body 251. The lower heater 296 may be arranged to surround the three chamber walls 252d of the lower tray body 251.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a heater coupling portion 290 to which the lower heater 296 is coupled.

The heater coupling portion 290 may include a heater receiving groove 291 that is recessed downward in the chamber receiving portion 272 of the lower tray body 251.

Due to the depression of the heater receiving groove 291, the heater coupling portion 290 may include an inner wall 291a and an outer wall 291b.

For example, the inner wall 291a may be formed in a ring shape, and the outer wall 291b may be arranged to surround the inner wall 291a.

When the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, the lower heater 296 may surround at least a portion of the inner wall 291a.

The lower opening 274 may be located in an area formed by the inner wall 291a. Accordingly, when the chamber wall 252d of the lower tray 250 is accommodated in the chamber receiving portion 272, the chamber wall 252d may contact the upper surface of the inner wall 291a. The upper surface of the inner wall 291a is rounded to correspond to the hemispherical chamber wall 252d.

When the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, the diameter of the lower heater 296 is adjusted so that a portion of the lower heater 296 protrudes out of the heater receiving groove 291. It may be formed to be larger than the depression depth of the heater receiving groove 291.

Accordingly, the lower tray 250 may be described as being supported on the upper side of the lower heater 296.

The diameter of the lower heater 296 may be larger than the height of the inner wall 291a. If the diameter of the lower heater 296 is larger than the height of the inner wall 291a, the lower tray 250 is supported by the lower heater 296 while the lower tray 250 is supported on the lower supporter 270. can be pressurized to increase the contact area between the lower heater 296 and the lower tray 250. For example, the diameter of the lower heater 296 may be 0.5 mm or more larger than the inner wall 291a. Accordingly, 0.5 mm or more of the lower heater 296 may be pressurized by the lower tray 250.

To prevent the lower heater 296 accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291 from falling out of the heater receiving groove 291, at least one of the outer wall 291b and the inner wall 291a is provided with a separation prevention protrusion 291c. It can be provided.

Figure 27 shows that the separation prevention protrusion 291c is provided on the inner wall 291a.

Since the diameter of the inner wall 291a is smaller than the diameter of the chamber receiving part 272, during the assembly process of the lower heater 296, the lower heater 296 moves along the surface of the chamber receiving part 272. While doing so, it is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291.

That is, the lower heater 296 is received in the heater receiving groove 291 from above the outer wall 291a toward the inner wall 291a. Therefore, so that the lower heater 296 does not interfere with the separation prevention protrusion 291c while being accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, the separation prevention protrusion 291c is formed on the inner wall 291a. desirable.

The separation prevention protrusion 291c may protrude from the upper end of the inner wall 291a toward the outer wall 291b.

The protruding length of the separation prevention protrusion 291c may be formed to be less than 1/2 of the distance between the outer wall 291b and the inner wall 291a.

As shown in FIG. 28, when the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, the lower heater 296 may be divided into a lower round portion 296a and a straight portion 296b.

The round portion 296a is a portion disposed along the circumference of the lower chamber 252 and is bent to be round in the horizontal direction. For example, the lower round part 296a may surround the lower opening 274 on the radial outer side of the lower opening 274.

The straight part 296b is a part that connects the lower round part 296a corresponding to each lower chamber 252.

The plurality of ice chambers are arranged in a first direction (direction of arrow A), and the straight portion 296b may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction.

The lower round part 184c may include first round parts 296a1 and 296a2 corresponding to the first and third upper chambers 252a and 252c on the outermost sides of the plurality of lower chambers 252. .

The first round parts 296a1 and 296a2 may be connected by a pair of straight parts 296b. That is, straight portions 296b may be connected to both ends of each first round portion 296a1 and 296a2.

The length of the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2 is longer than the length of each straight part 296b.

A pair of straight parts 296b connected to both ends of the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2 may be arranged to be substantially parallel.

The distance R4 between the pair of straight parts 296b is less than twice the radius of curvature of the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2 (2*R3).

As the distance R4 between the pair of straight parts 296b increases, the length of each straight part 296b itself increases, while the length of the first round parts 296c and 296d decreases, the lower heater 296 ) Overall, the length of the lower heater 296 is reduced.

When the length of the lower heater 296 is reduced, the amount of heat transferred to the lower chamber 252 by the lower heater 296 is reduced.

In addition, when the distance R4 between the pair of straight portions 296b becomes longer, the distance between the straight portions 296b and the lower chamber 252 increases, so that the row of straight portions 296b becomes larger than the lower chamber 252. The time to reach chamber 252 is increased.

However, according to this embodiment, since the distance R4 between the pair of straight parts 296b is less than twice the radius of curvature of the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2, the pair of straight parts ( The gap between 296b and the lower chamber 252 is reduced so that the heat of the straight portion 296b can be quickly transferred to the lower chamber 252.

The distance R4 between the pair of straight parts 296b may be equal to or greater than the radius of curvature R3 of the first round parts 296a1 and 296d.

As the distance R4 between the pair of straight parts 296b decreases, the amount of bending increases at the boundary between the straight parts 296b and the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2, which not only increases the risk of disconnection, but also increases the risk of disconnection of adjacent wires. Heat may be unnecessarily concentrated between the two lower chambers 252.

However, as in this embodiment, if the distance R4 between the pair of straight parts 296b is equal to or greater than the radius of curvature R3 of the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2, the above problem can be prevented. You can.

The lower round part 296a may further include a second round part 296a3 corresponding to the second lower chamber 252b.

For example, a pair of second round parts 296a3 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The pair of second round parts 296a3 may be spaced apart in a second direction (direction of arrow B).

This is because each of the second round parts 296a3 must be connected to the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2 by straight parts 296b on both sides.

The length of the second round part 296a3 may be shorter than the length of the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2.

Among the lower heaters 296, there is a high risk that the lower round part 296a will fall out of the heater receiving groove 291, so the separation prevention protrusion 291c may be arranged to contact the lower round part 296a. .

A through opening 291d may be provided on the bottom of the heater receiving groove 291. When the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, a part of the lower heater 296 may be located in the through opening 291d. For example, the through opening 291d may be located in a portion facing the separation prevention protrusion 291c.

When the lower heater 296 is bent to be round in the horizontal direction, the tension of the upper heater 296 increases, so there is a risk of disconnection, and there is a high risk that the lower heater 296 will fall out of the heater receiving groove 291. .

However, when a through opening 291d is formed in the heater receiving groove 291 as in the present embodiment, a part of the lower heater 296 may be located in the through opening 291d, so that the lower heater (291d) By reducing the tension of 296), it is possible to prevent the lower heater 296 from falling out of the heater receiving groove 291.

The lower supporter 270 includes a first guide groove 293 and a first guide for guiding the power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d of the lower heater 296 accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291. It may include a second guide groove 294 extending in a direction intersecting the groove 293.

For example, the first guide groove 293 may extend from the heater receiving groove 291 in the direction of arrow B.

The second guide groove 294 may extend in the direction of arrow A from the end of the first guide groove 293. In this embodiment, the direction of arrow A is parallel to the direction in which the central rotation axis C1 of the lower assembly 200 extends.

Referring to FIG. 28, the first guide groove 293 may extend from any one of the left and right chamber accommodating parts of the three chamber accommodating parts excluding the central part.

As an example, in FIG. 28, the first guide groove 293 is shown extending from the chamber accommodating part located on the left among the three chamber accommodating parts.

As shown in FIG. 28, the power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d of the lower heater 296 can be accommodated in the first guide groove 293 while being arranged side by side.

The power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d of the lower heater 296 may be connected to one first connector 297a.

A second connector 297b to which two wires 298 are connected to correspond to the power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d may be connected to the first connector 297a.

In this embodiment, when the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are connected, the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are received in the second guide groove 294. .

The wire 298 connected to the second connector 297b is pulled out from the end of the second guide groove 294 to the outside of the lower supporter 270 through the withdrawal slot 295 formed in the lower supporter 270. do.

According to this embodiment, the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are accommodated in the second guide groove 294, so when assembly of the lower assembly 200 is completed, the first connector 297a ) and the second connector 297b has the advantage of not being exposed to the outside.

In this way, if the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are not exposed to the outside, the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b may be exposed during rotation of the lower assembly 200. Interference with surrounding structures can be prevented, and separation of the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b can be prevented.

In addition, since the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are accommodated in the second guide groove 294, a portion of the wire 298 is located in the second guide groove 294, The other part is located outside the lower supporter 270 by the withdrawal slot 295.

At this time, since the second guide groove 294 extends in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis C1 of the lower assembly 200, a part of the electric wire 298 also extends in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis C1. It is extended.

Another part of the wire 298 extends from the outside of the lower supporter 270 in a direction crossing the rotation center axis C1.

According to this arrangement of the wire 298, almost no tensile force acts on the wire 298 and a torsion force acts on the wire 298 during the rotation of the lower assembly 200.

Compared to the case where a tensile force acts on the wire 298, the possibility of the wire 298 being disconnected when the twisting force acts on the wire 298 is very low.

In the case of this embodiment, the position of the lower heater 296 is maintained in a fixed state during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, and a twisting force acts on the wire 298, so that the lower heater 296 Damage can be prevented and disconnection of the wire 298 can be prevented.

At least one of the first guide groove 293 and the second guide groove 294 may be provided with a separation prevention protrusion 293a to prevent the lower heater 296 or the wire 298 accommodated therein from falling out. there is.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 28, the plurality of ice chambers 111 may be arranged in the direction of arrow A.

Additionally, cold air may pass through the cold air hole 134 in the direction of arrow A.

Some of the cold air that has passed through the cold air hole 134 flows straight and then flows downward through the second through opening 139b of the upper case 120.

On the other hand, another part of the cold air passing through the cold air hole 134 flows toward the upper tray 150, and another part flows downward through the first through opening 139a.

As a result, among the cold air passing through the cold air hole 134, the amount of cold air flowing downward of the upper plate 121 through the through openings 139a and 139b is greater than the amount of cold air flowing in the horizontal direction along the upper plate 121. There is a lot of cold air.

In the present embodiment, since the plurality of ice chambers 111 are arranged in a row, when the amount of cold air below the horizontal plate 121 is equal to or greater than the amount of cold air above the horizontal plate 121, In the plurality of ice chambers 111, the heat transfer amount between the ice chambers 111 at both ends and the cold air is greater than the heat transfer amount between the ice chamber 111 and the cold air at the central portion. This is because the cold air first transfers heat and cold air in the ice chamber 111 at both ends and then flows toward the central portion.

In this case, the speed of ice production in the ice chambers 111 located at both ends of the plurality of ice chambers 111 becomes faster.

Water expands during the phase change into ice. If the speed of ice formation at both ends of the plurality of ice chambers 111 is high, the expansion force of the water acts toward the ice chamber 111 at the center.

Then, water from the ice chambers at both ends moves to the ice chamber at the center between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, so that the shape of the ice produced in the plurality of ice chambers 111 is not uniform, There is a disadvantage that the completed ice is connected to each other.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the lower heater 296 may be disposed so that the ice production rate in the plurality of ice chambers 111 is substantially the same.

As an example, the amount of heat provided by the lower heater provided to the ice chamber located at both ends of the plurality of ice chambers 111 is set to be greater than the amount of heat provided to the lower heater provided to the ice chamber located between the ice chambers at both ends. The ice making speed in the ice chamber 111 can be made to be substantially the same.

As an example, the vertical overlap area of each ice chamber located at both ends of the plurality of ice chambers 111 and the lower heater 296 is the area of each ice chamber located between the ice chambers at both ends and the lower heater 296. ) may be larger than the vertical overlap area of ).

The contact area between each lower chamber wall 252d located at both ends of the plurality of lower chamber walls 252d and the lower heater 296 is the difference between each lower chamber wall 252d located between the lower chamber walls at both ends and the lower heater 296. It may be larger than the contact area of the lower heater 296.

For example, among the lower round parts 296a, the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2 may include extension parts 296e and 296f that are convex outward in the radial direction.

The extension parts 296e and 296f may have a convex shape in the first direction (direction of arrow A).

To accommodate the extension parts 296e and 296f, the heater receiving groove 291 may further include an extension receiving groove 292.

The extension receiving groove 292 may extend convexly outward from the portion of the heater receiving groove 291 where the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2 are accommodated.

The extension receiving groove 292 extends outward from the portion where the first round parts 296a1 and 296a2 are accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, is bent, and then connected to the heater receiving groove 291 again. It can be arranged in any form.

If the extension parts 296e and 296f are additionally accommodated in the extension receiving groove 292, the contact area between the lower chamber wall located at both ends of the lower tray 250 and the lower heater 296 can be increased. there is.

Accordingly, the chamber receiving portions 272 at both ends may be additionally provided with protrusions 292a and 292b for fixing the position of the lower heater 296 accommodated in the extension portion receiving groove 292.

The extension receiving groove 292 may be arranged to surround the protrusions 292a and 292b.

The bottom of the extension receiving groove 292 may be positioned at the same level as the bottom of the heater receiving groove 291 or may be positioned higher.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 29, when the lower assembly 200 is coupled to the upper case 120 of the upper assembly 110, the wire 298 drawn out to the outside of the lower supporter 270 is It may pass through the wire penetration slot 138 formed in the upper case 120 and extend upward to the upper case 120.

The wire penetration slot 138 may be provided with a limiting guide 139 to limit the movement of the wire 298 passing through the wire penetration slot 138. The limiting guide 139 is formed in a shape that is bent multiple times, and the wire 298 can be located in the area where the limiting guide is formed.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3, and FIG. 32 is a view showing a state in which ice creation is completed in the drawing of FIG. 31.

Figure 31 shows a state in which the upper tray and the lower tray are in contact.

First, referring to FIG. 31, as the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 contact in the vertical direction, the ice chamber 111 is completed.

The lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151 is in contact with the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251.

At this time, while the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151, the elastic force of the elastic member 360 is applied to the lower supporter 270. all.

The elastic force of the elastic member 360 is applied to the lower tray 250 by the lower supporter 270, so that the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 is lowered to the lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151. ) is pressurized.

Accordingly, when the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151, the respective surfaces are pressed against each other, thereby improving adhesion.

In this way, when the adhesion between the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 and the lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151 is increased, there is no gap between the two surfaces, so that the spherical ice is formed after ice making is completed. The formation of thin strip-shaped ice along the perimeter can be prevented.

The first extension 253 of the lower tray 250 is seated on the upper surface 271a of the supporter body 271 of the lower supporter 270. The second extension wall 286 of the lower supporter 270 contacts the side of the first extension 253 of the lower tray 250.

The second extension portion 254 of the lower tray 250 may be seated on the second extension wall 286 of the lower supporter 270.

With the lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151 seated on the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251, the upper tray body 151 is positioned on the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250. can be accommodated in the internal space of

At this time, the vertical wall 153a of the upper tray body 151 is disposed to face the vertical wall 260a of the lower tray 250, and the curved wall 153b of the upper tray body 151 is positioned against the lower tray 250. It is arranged to face the curved wall 260b of the tray 250.

The outer surface of the upper chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250. That is, a space is formed between the outer surface of the upper chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 and the inner surface of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250.

The water supplied through the water supply unit 180 is accommodated in the ice chamber 111. When an amount of water larger than the volume of the ice chamber 111 is supplied, it cannot be accommodated in the ice chamber 111. Water is located in the space between the outer surface of the upper chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 and the inner surface of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if a larger amount of water is supplied than the volume of the ice chamber 111, water can be prevented from overflowing from the ice maker 100.

Meanwhile, the lower tray body 251 may be further provided with a heater contact portion 251a to increase the contact area with the lower heater 296.

The heater contact portion 251a may protrude from the lower surface of the lower tray body 251. For example, the heater contact portion 251a may be formed in a ring shape on the lower surface of the lower tray body 251. The lower surface of the heater contact portion 251a may be flat.

The heater contact portion 251a may be formed at a position corresponding to the heater receiving groove 291.

The lower tray body 251 may further include a convex portion 251b whose lower portion is formed to be convex upward. That is, the convex portion 251b may be arranged to be convex toward the inside of the ice chamber 111.

A depression 251c is formed on the lower side of the convex part 251b so that the thickness of the convex part 251b is substantially the same as the thickness of other parts of the lower tray body 251.

In this specification, “substantially the same” is a concept that includes things that are completely the same and things that are not the same but are similar enough to have little difference.

The convex portion 251b may be arranged to face the lower opening 274 of the lower supporter 270 in the vertical direction.

The lower opening 274 may be located vertically below the lower chamber 252. That is, the lower opening 274 may be located vertically below the convex portion 251b.

The diameter D1 of the convex portion 251b may be smaller than the diameter D2 of the lower opening 274.

When cold air is supplied to the ice chamber 111 while water is supplied to the ice chamber 111, liquid water is phase changed into solid ice. At this time, the water expands during the phase change process into ice, and the expansion force of the water is transmitted to each of the upper tray body 151 and the lower tray body 251.

In the case of this embodiment, the other part of the lower tray body 251 is surrounded by the supporter body 271, but the part corresponding to the lower opening 274 of the support body 271 (hereinafter referred to as the “corresponding part”) ) is not surrounded.

If the lower tray body 251 is formed in a complete hemispherical shape, and the expansion force of the water is applied to the corresponding portion of the lower tray body 251 corresponding to the lower opening 274, the lower tray body The corresponding portion of 251 is deformed towards the lower opening 274.

In this case, before ice is created, the water supplied to the ice chamber 111 exists in a spherical shape, but after ice creation is completed, the water supplied to the ice chamber 111 is transformed into a spherical shape by deforming the corresponding part of the lower tray body 251. Additional ice in the form of protrusions is created as much as the space created by the deformation of the corresponding part of the ice.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a convex portion 251b was formed on the lower tray body 251 in consideration of deformation of the lower tray body 251 so as to get as close as possible to the perfect spherical shape of ice after ice making.

In this embodiment, the water supplied to the ice chamber 111 does not have a spherical shape before ice is created, but after the ice is created, the convex portion 251b of the lower tray body 251 is formed. Since it is deformed toward the lower opening 274, spherical ice may be generated.

In this embodiment, the diameter D1 of the convex portion 251b is smaller than the diameter D2 of the lower opening 274, so the convex portion 251b is deformed and is located inside the lower opening 274. can be located

Meanwhile, in FIG. 31, a line passing through the center of the ice chamber 111 in the vertical direction may be referred to as a vertical center line C3. For example, the vertical center line C3 may pass through the upper opening 154 and the lower opening 274.

In addition, in the ice chamber 111, the line passing through the contact surface between the lower surface 151a of the upper tray 151 and the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 is referenced to the height of the ice chamber 111. It can be defined as a horizontal center line.

In this embodiment, at least a portion of the lower heater 296 may be arranged to surround the vertical center line C3 to prevent the lower heater 296 from interfering with the lower ejector 400 during the moving process. .

The distance D4 between two points located on opposite sides of the vertical center line C3 among the lower round parts 296a of the lower heater 296 or the diameter of the lower round part 296a is determined by the lower opening 274 ) can be formed larger than the diameter (D2).

The distance D4 between two points located on opposite sides of the vertical center line C3 among the lower round parts 296a of the lower heater 296 is smaller than the diameter D7 of the ice chamber 111. You can.

In this embodiment, the lower heater 296 should be located close to the lowermost side of the lower tray 250 so that the ice freezes most slowly on the lower side of the lower chamber 252 and the bubbles form the lowest side of the lower chamber 252. can gather at

Accordingly, the lower heater 296 may be located closer to the lower opening 274 than the horizontal center line or the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251.

Additionally, the lower heater 296 may be located closer to the vertical center line C3 than the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251.

For example, the inner wall 291a of the heater coupling portion 290 may be formed along the circumference of the lower opening 274.

Accordingly, the lower heater 296 may be spaced apart from the lower opening 274 in the horizontal direction by the thickness of the inner wall 291a.

The center of the ice chamber 111 may be disposed at a position equal to or close to the intersection point of the horizontal center line and the vertical center line C3.

The angle formed between the connection line connecting the center of the ice chamber 111 and the lower heater 296 and the vertical center line C3 may be 45 degrees or less. Preferably, the angle between the connection line and the vertical center line C3 may be 30 degrees or less.

The distance D4 between two points located on opposite sides of the vertical center line C3 among the lower round parts 296a of the lower heater 296 is smaller than the diameter D7 of the ice chamber 111. You can.

In the de-icing position, at least a portion of the lower heater 296 may be located closer to the vertical center line C3 than the upper heater 148.

In order to minimize the area deformed in the lower tray 250 during the ice making process, the diameter of the lower opening 274 may be formed to be smaller than the radius of the ice chamber 274.

For example, the area of the part of the supporter body 271 that is in contact with the lower chamber wall 272d is larger than the area of the part that is not in contact with the lower chamber wall 272d.

In the case of this embodiment, as the contact area between the lower tray 250 and the supporter body 271 increases, most of the lower tray 250 exists in a rigid state with limited deformation during the ice-making process. As a result, spherical ice can be created. On the other hand, during the moving process, the shape is deformed by the pressure of the lower ejector 400, so the ice can be easily separated from the lower tray 250.

When the lower tray 250 is pressurized by the lower ejector 400, the lower tray 250 is deformed and the lower tray 250 is spaced apart from the lower heater 296.

When the pressing force applied to the lower tray 250 is removed, the lower tray 250 is made of a soft material, so it can return to its original form. In this case, the lower tray 250 is again connected to the lower heater. (296) comes into contact.

The lower round part 296a of the lower heater 296 may be arranged to surround the lower opening 274 on the radial outer side of the lower opening 274.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B of FIG. 3 in a water supply state, and FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B of FIG. 3 in an ice-making state.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B of FIG. 3 in a state of complete de-icing, FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B of FIG. 3 in an initial state of moving, and FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B of FIG. 3 in a complete state of ice-making. This is a cross-sectional view.

33 to 37, first, the lower assembly 200 is rotated to the water supply position.

At the water supply position of the lower assembly 200, the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 is spaced apart from the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150.

Although not limited, the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150 may be positioned at the same or similar height as the rotation center C2 of the lower assembly 200.

In this embodiment, the direction in which the lower assembly 200 is rotated for moving (counterclockwise based on the drawing) is referred to as the forward direction, and the opposite direction (clockwise) is referred to as the reverse direction.

Although not limited, the angle formed between the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150 at the water supply position of the lower assembly 200 may be approximately 8 degrees.

In this embodiment, the water supply position may also be referred to as an open position.

In this state, water supplied from the outside is guided by the water supply unit 190 and supplied to the ice chamber 111.

At this time, water is supplied to the ice chamber 111 through one upper opening among the plurality of upper openings 154 of the upper tray 150.

When water supply is completed, part of the supplied water may fill the lower chamber 252, and the other part may fill the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250.

For example, the volume of the upper chamber 152 and the volume of the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may be the same. Then, the water between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may completely fill the upper tray 150. Of course, the volume of the upper chamber 152 may be larger than the volume of the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250.

In this embodiment, there is no channel for mutual communication between the three lower chambers 252 in the lower tray 250.

In this way, even if there is no channel for water movement in the lower tray 250, the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 is spaced apart from the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150, so a specific water supply process is used. When the lower chamber is filled with water, water may flow to another lower chamber along the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250.

Accordingly, each of the plurality of lower chambers 252 of the lower tray 250 may be filled with water.

In addition, in the case of this embodiment, since there is no channel for communication between the lower chambers 252 in the lower tray 250, the presence of additional ice in the form of protrusions around the ice after ice creation is completed can be prevented. .

In a state where water supply is completed, the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the reverse direction as shown in FIG. 34. When the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the reverse direction, the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 becomes closer to the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150.

Then, the water between the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150 is divided and distributed into each of the plurality of upper chambers 152.

When the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150 come into complete contact, the upper chamber 152 is filled with water.

The position of the lower assembly 200 when the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150 are in contact may be referred to as the ice-making position.

In this embodiment, the ice making position may also be referred to as a closed position.

Ice making begins with the lower assembly 200 moved to the ice making position.

During ice making, the pressing force of the water is less than the force to deform the convex portion 251b of the lower tray 250, so the convex portion 251b is not deformed and maintains its original shape.

When ice making starts, the lower heater 296 is turned on. When the lower heater 296 is turned on, heat from the lower heater 296 is transferred to the lower tray 250.

Accordingly, when ice making is performed with the lower heater 296 turned on, ice is generated from the uppermost side within the ice chamber 111.

That is, water is changed into ice within the ice chamber 111 from the upper opening 154 side. Since ice is created from the top within the ice chamber 111, air bubbles within the ice chamber 111 move downward.

In this embodiment, the output of the lower heater 296 may vary depending on the mass per unit height of water in the ice chamber 111.

If the heating amount of the lower heater 296 is the same, the mass of water per unit height in the ice chamber 111 is different, so the speed at which ice is generated per unit height may be different.

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

If the speed at which ice is created per unit height of water is not constant, the transparency of ice may vary depending on the unit height. In particular, when the speed of ice formation is high, air bubbles cannot move from the ice to the water, so the ice may contain air bubbles and have low transparency.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the output of the lower heater 296 can be controlled to vary depending on the mass per unit height of water in the ice chamber 111.

When the ice chamber 111 is formed in a spherical shape, the mass of water per unit height increases from the top to the bottom, reaches a maximum at the boundary between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, and decreases again to the bottom. .

Therefore, in this embodiment, the output of the lower heater 296 may decrease from the initial output and then increase again.

In the process of creating ice from the top to the bottom in the ice chamber 111, the ice comes into contact with the upper surface of the block portion 251b of the lower tray 250.

If ice is continuously generated in this state, the block portion 251b is pressed and deformed as shown in FIG. 36, and spherical ice may be generated when ice making is completed.

The control unit (not shown) may determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 500.

The lower heater 296 may be turned off when ice making is completed or before ice making is completed.

When ice making is completed, the upper heater 148 is first turned on to transfer the ice. When the upper heater 148 is turned on, the heat of the upper heater 148 is transferred to the upper tray 150 so that ice can be separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150.

When the upper heater 148 is operated for a set time, the upper heater 148 is turned off, and the driving unit 180 is operated to rotate the lower assembly 200 in the forward direction.

As shown in FIG. 36, when the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the forward direction, the lower tray 250 is spaced apart from the upper tray 150.

The rotational force of the lower assembly 200 is transmitted to the upper ejector 300 by the connection unit 350. Then, the upper ejector 300 is lowered by the unit guides 181 and 182, and the upper ejecting pin 320 is introduced into the upper chamber 152 through the upper opening 154.

During the moving process, ice may be separated from the upper tray 250 before the upper ejecting pin 320 pressurizes the ice. That is, ice may be separated from the surface of the upper tray 150 by the heat of the upper heater 148.

In this case, the ice may be rotated together with the lower assembly 200 while being supported by the lower tray 250.

Alternatively, there may be cases where ice is not separated from the surface of the upper tray 150 even when heat from the upper heater 148 is applied to the upper tray 150.

Accordingly, when the lower assembly 200 rotates in the forward direction, the ice may be separated from the lower tray 250 while being in close contact with the upper tray 150 .

In this state, during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, the upper ejecting pin 320 that passes through the upper opening 154 presses the ice in close contact with the upper tray 150, causing the ice to fall into the upper tray 150. It can be separated from the upper tray 150. Ice separated from the upper tray 150 may be supported by the lower tray 250 again.

When ice is supported by the lower tray 250 and rotates together with the lower assembly 200, the ice moves to the lower tray 250 by its own weight even if no external force is applied to the lower tray 250. can be separated from

During the rotation of the lower assembly 200, even if the ice is not separated from the lower tray 250 by its own weight, if the lower tray 250 is pressed by the lower ejector 400 as shown in FIG. 37, the ice It can be separated from the lower tray 250.

Specifically, in the process of rotating the lower assembly 200, the lower tray 250 comes into contact with the lower ejecting pin 420.

When the lower assembly 200 continues to rotate in the forward direction, the lower ejecting pin 420 presses the lower tray 250, so that the lower tray 250 is deformed, and the lower ejecting pin ( The pressing force of 420) is transmitted to the ice, so that the ice may be separated from the surface of the lower tray 250. Ice separated from the surface of the lower tray 250 may fall downward and be stored in the ice bin 102.

After the ice is separated from the lower tray 250, the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the reverse direction again by the driving unit 180.

If the lower ejecting pin 420 is separated from the lower tray 250 while the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the reverse direction, the deformed lower tray may be restored to its original shape.

During the reverse rotation of the lower assembly 200, rotational force is transmitted to the upper ejector 300 by the connection unit 350, so that the upper ejector 300 rises, and the upper ejecting pin 320 It falls out of the upper chamber 152.

When the lower assembly 200 reaches the water supply position, the driving unit 180 is stopped and water supply starts again.

100: ice maker 110: upper assembly
120: upper case 150: upper tray
170: upper supporter 200: lower assembly
210: lower case 250: lower tray
270: Lower supporter

Claims (22)

a chamber wall formed of a flexible material and defining a plurality of ice chambers arranged on an inner surface in a first direction; and
an ice-making heater provided on an outer surface of the chamber wall and supplying heat to the interior of the plurality of ice chambers during an ice-making process;
The ice making heater includes a plurality of contact parts in contact with the chamber wall and a plurality of connection parts extending in the first direction to connect the plurality of contact parts,
The plurality of ice chambers may include a first ice chamber disposed at the outermost portion of one side in the first direction, a third ice chamber disposed at an outermost portion of the other side of the first direction, the first ice chamber, and the a second ice chamber disposed between the third ice chambers;
The plurality of contact parts include a first contact part in contact with the first ice chamber and a second contact part in contact with the second ice chamber,
An ice maker in which the area of the first contact part is larger than the area of the second contact part.
The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of connections are
An ice maker comprising a pair of straight parts spaced apart from each other in parallel at both ends of the first contact part and connected to one end of the second contact part.
The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ice chambers
An ice maker formed by contacting a first chamber and a second chamber.
The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of contact portions
It includes a round portion rounded along the periphery of the outer surface of the chamber wall,
The plurality of connection parts are connected to both ends of the round part and include a pair of straight parts spaced apart from each other in parallel.
According to paragraph 4,
An ice maker where the distance between the pair of straight parts is less than twice the radius of curvature of the round part.
According to paragraph 4,
An ice maker where the distance between the pair of straight parts is equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the round part.
According to paragraph 1,
An ice maker in which, during the ice making process, ice production rates in the first ice chamber, the second ice chamber, and the third ice chamber are substantially the same.
The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of contact portions
An ice maker that is in contact with a protruding portion of the chamber wall, and the protruding portion of the chamber wall includes a flat surface.
a first tray including a chamber wall defining a plurality of first chambers;
a second tray that, when in contact with the first tray, forms a plurality of second chambers that abut the plurality of first chambers to form a plurality of ice chambers; and
In the ice making process, it includes an ice making heater that heats the first tray,
The ice making heater includes a plurality of contact parts in contact along a circumference of an outer surface of the chamber wall and a plurality of connection parts connecting the plurality of contact parts,
The plurality of ice chambers are
Arranged in a row, a first ice chamber is disposed at the outermost portion of one side, a third ice chamber is disposed at an outermost portion of the other side, and a second ice chamber is disposed between the first ice chamber and the third ice chamber. Including,
The plurality of contact portions include a first contact portion in contact with the first ice chamber and a second contact portion in contact with the second ice chamber,
An ice maker in which the area of the first contact part is larger than the area of the second contact part.
delete The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of connections are
An ice maker comprising a pair of straight parts spaced apart from each other in parallel at both ends of the first contact part and each connected to one end of the second contact part.
According to clause 11,
An ice maker wherein the distance between the pair of straight parts is less than twice the radius of curvature of the contact part.
According to clause 11,
An ice maker wherein the distance between the pair of straight portions is equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the contact portion.
The method of claim 9, wherein the first tray is
An ice maker that moves relative to the second tray between a closed position where the first tray and the second tray contact each other and an open position where the first tray and the second tray are spaced apart from each other.
cabinets forming storage space; and
Including an ice maker disposed in the storage space,
The ice maker is
a chamber wall formed of a flexible material and defining a plurality of ice chambers arranged on an inner surface in a first direction; and
an ice-making heater provided on an outer surface of the chamber wall and supplying heat to the interior of the plurality of ice chambers during an ice-making process;
The ice making heater includes a plurality of contact parts in contact with the chamber wall and a plurality of connection parts extending in the first direction to connect the plurality of contact parts,
The plurality of ice chambers may include a first ice chamber disposed at the outermost portion of one side in the first direction, a third ice chamber disposed at an outermost portion of the other side of the first direction, the first ice chamber, and the a second ice chamber disposed between the third ice chambers;
The plurality of contact parts include a first contact part in contact with the first ice chamber and a second contact part in contact with the second ice chamber,
A refrigerator in which an area of the first contact portion is larger than an area of the second contact portion.
The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of connections are
A refrigerator comprising a pair of straight parts spaced apart from each other in parallel at both ends of the first contact part and connected to one end of the second contact part.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of ice chambers
A refrigerator formed by contacting a first chamber and a second chamber.
According to clause 15,
A refrigerator in which, during an ice making process, ice production rates in the first ice chamber, the second ice chamber, and the third ice chamber are substantially the same.
cabinets forming storage space; and
Including an ice maker disposed in the storage space,
The ice maker is
a first tray including a chamber wall defining a plurality of first chambers;
a second tray that, when in contact with the first tray, forms a plurality of second chambers that abut the plurality of first chambers to form a plurality of ice chambers; and
In the ice making process, it includes an ice making heater that heats the first tray,
The ice making heater includes a plurality of contact parts in contact along a circumference of an outer surface of the chamber wall and a plurality of connection parts connecting the plurality of contact parts,
The plurality of ice chambers are
Arranged in a row, a first ice chamber is disposed at the outermost portion of one side, a third ice chamber is disposed at an outermost portion of the other side, and a second ice chamber is disposed between the first ice chamber and the third ice chamber. Including,
The plurality of contact portions include a first contact portion in contact with the first ice chamber and a second contact portion in contact with the second ice chamber,
A refrigerator in which an area of the first contact portion is larger than an area of the second contact portion.
The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of connections are
A refrigerator comprising a pair of straight parts spaced apart from each other in parallel at both ends of the first contact part and each connected to one end of the second contact part.
According to clause 20,
A refrigerator wherein the distance between the pair of straight parts is less than twice the radius of curvature of the contact part and is equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the contact part.
The method of claim 19, wherein the first tray is
A refrigerator that moves relative to the second tray between a closed position where the first tray and the second tray are in contact with each other and an open position where the first tray and the second tray are spaced apart from each other.