KR20210005474A - Refrigerator and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof. The refrigerator comprises an ice maker which includes: a first tray which forms a part of an ice chamber; a second tray which forms another part of the ice chamber; and temperature sensors which are placed in the first tray and the second tray. The control method of the refrigerator comprises: a step of, after water is completely supplied into the ice chamber, starting to make ice; a step of, after the ice is completely made in the ice chamber, turning on a first heater and a second heater, which transfer heat to the first tray and the second tray for moving the ice; a step of determining if the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors have reached a first set temperature within a preset time or not; a step of, when the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors have failed to reach the first set temperature within the preset time, turning off the second heater; and a step of, after turning off the second heater, determining if the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors have reached a second set temperature or not. The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof, which are able to smoothly move ice after the ice is completely made.

Description

Refrigerator and method for controlling the same}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof.

In general, refrigerators are home appliances that allow low-temperature storage of food in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door.

The refrigerator uses cold air to cool the inside of the storage space, so that stored foods can be stored in a refrigerated or frozen state.

Usually, an ice maker for making ice is provided in the refrigerator.

The ice maker generates ice by cooling water after receiving water supplied from a water supply source or a water tank in a tray.

In addition, the ice maker may ice the ice, which has been de-icing, in the ice maker using a heating method or a twisting method.

In this way, the ice maker, which is automatically watered and iced, is formed to open upwards and pumps the ice formed.

At least one side of ice made in an ice maker having such a structure has a flat surface such as a crescent shape or a cubic shape.

On the other hand, when the shape of the ice is formed into a spherical shape, it may be more convenient to use ice, and it is possible to provide a different feeling to the user. In addition, even when the ice is stored, agglomeration of ice can be minimized by minimizing the area in contact with each other.

An ice maker is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1850918 (hereinafter referred to as "priority document"), which is a prior document.

In the ice maker of the prior literature, a plurality of hemispherical upper cells are arranged, an upper tray including a pair of link guides extending upward from both ends, and a plurality of hemispherical lower cells are arranged, and the upper tray A lower tray rotatably connected to the lower tray, a rotation shaft connected to the rear end of the lower tray and the upper tray so that the lower tray rotates with respect to the upper tray, one end connected to the lower tray, and the other end A pair of links connected to the link guide unit; And an upper ejecting pin assembly connected to the pair of links, respectively, while both ends are fitted to the link guide part, and moving up and down together with the link.

In the case of the prior literature, an upper heater (a heater for ice breaking) that heats an upper cell for ice breaking after completion of ice making is further included, but a method of detecting a failure due to a disconnection of the upper heater is not disclosed.

When a failure of the upper heater is not detected, the ice breaking process may be performed without heating the upper cell, so that the ice breaking may not be smooth.

In detail, when ice-breaking proceeds without heating the upper cell due to the failure of the upper heater, the adhesive force between the upper and lower trays and the ice made ice is relatively strong, resulting in a problem that the iced ice is not smoothly separated from the upper and lower trays. do.

In addition, when the ice-made ice is not separated from the upper tray, the load of the mechanism including the tray increases, and thus, failure of other additional components may occur.

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of determining a failure of an upper heater and a control method thereof.

In detail, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of determining whether an upper heater has failed by determining whether a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature within a predetermined time, and a control method thereof.

In addition, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof for determining whether or not a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature in a state in which the lower heater is turned off when the upper heater is broken.

Specifically, a refrigerator and a control method therefor are provided in which when the temperature sensed by a temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature in a state in which the lower heater is turned off, it is determined that a failure of the upper heater is temporary and executes an ice break process.

An embodiment of the present invention includes an upper heater (first heater) for ice breaking that is in contact with the upper tray and located at the top of the ice chamber, and determines whether the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature within a set time. Therefore, there is an effect of determining whether or not the upper heater is broken.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that the upper heater is broken, the ice-breaking process is not performed, so that excessive load is applied to other parts due to the adhesion between the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray and the generated ice. There is an effect that can prevent it.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, after it is determined as a failure of the upper heater, it is determined whether or not the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the predetermined temperature, and it is determined whether the failure of the upper heater is a temporary case, When the failure of the upper heater is solved, there is an effect of allowing eave to proceed without a time delay.

A method of controlling a refrigerator according to an aspect includes: a first tray forming a part of an ice chamber, a second tray forming another part of the ice chamber, and a temperature sensor located inside the first and second trays. A method for controlling a refrigerator including an ice maker, comprising: starting ice making after completion of water supply in the ice chamber; After the ice making in the ice chamber is completed, turning on the first heater and the second heater to transfer heat to the first tray and the second tray for ice breaking; Determining whether a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a first set temperature within a set time; Turning off the second heater when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor does not reach the first set temperature within the set time; And after turning off the second heater, determining whether a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a second set temperature.

The control method of a refrigerator having a value of 0 degrees or more of the first set temperature.

Maintaining the first and second heaters turned on when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the first set temperature within the set time period; And turning off the first heater and the second heater when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the off reference temperature.

The off reference temperature may be greater than or equal to the first set temperature.

The second tray may further include rotating the second tray in a forward direction so that the second tray is spaced apart from the first tray.

If the first set temperature is not reached within the set time, the step of outputting failure information of the first heater to an output unit may be further included.

When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor does not reach the second set temperature, maintaining the second heater is turned off, and determining again whether the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature It may further include a step.

When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature, the step of turning on the second heater may be further included.

After the second heater is turned on, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches an off reference temperature, turning off the first heater and the second heater may be further included.

After the first heater and the second heater are turned off, the step of rotating the second tray in a forward direction may be further included.

The second set temperature may have a value of 0 degrees or more than 0 degrees, and the off reference temperature may be greater than or equal to the second set temperature.

The second tray may be located under the first tray, the first heater may be an upper heater in contact with the first tray, and the second heater may be a lower heater in contact with the second tray.

If the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor does not reach the first set temperature within the set time, the first tray and the second tray may maintain a contact state.

According to the proposed embodiment, there is an advantage of providing an upper heater that transfers heat to the upper tray to melt the surface of ice bound to the upper tray, thereby facilitating ice-making after completion of ice making.

In addition, in the case of the present invention, it is possible to determine a failure of the upper heater that facilitates ice breaking, and in the case of the failure of the upper heater, it is possible to prevent excessive load from being applied to the driving part of the ice maker by not proceeding the ice breaking process. .

In addition, by judging whether the upper heater is operated while the lower heater is turned off, it is possible to proceed without a time delay when the temporary failure of the upper heater is resolved by judging whether the upper heater is operated or not. have.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 being opened.
3 and 4 are perspective views of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a bottom perspective view of an upper case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a top perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is an enlarged view of a heater coupling part in the upper case of FIG. 6.
9 is a view showing a state in which a heater is coupled to the upper case of FIG. 6.
10 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled state of the upper assembly.
11 is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a perspective view as viewed from the lower side of the lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a top perspective view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a bottom perspective view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a plan view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a lower heater is coupled to the lower supporter of FIG. 15.
17 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA of FIG. 3.
18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which ice generation is completed in the drawing of FIG. 17.
19 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 and 21 are views for explaining a process of generating ice in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a view for explaining the determination of a failure of a lower heater in the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in a water supply state.
24 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in an ice making state.
25 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in a state in which ice making is completed.
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in an initial state of eaves.
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in a state in which eaves are completed.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to elements of each drawing, it should be noted that the same elements are assigned the same numerals as possible even if they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing an embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the constituent elements of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, order, 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 another component between each component It should be understood that may be “connected”, “coupled” 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 a door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 being opened.

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

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

A storage member such as a drawer, a shelf, and a basket may be provided inside the refrigerating chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 4.

The door may include a refrigerating compartment door 5 that shields the refrigerating compartment 3 and a freezing compartment door 6 that shields the freezing compartment 4.

The refrigerating compartment door 5 is composed of a pair of left and right doors, and can be opened and closed by rotation. The freezing compartment door 6 may be configured to be able to withdraw in a drawer type.

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

An ice maker 100 may be provided in the freezing chamber 4. The ice maker 100 may generate ice in a spherical shape by deicing water to be supplied. Of course, the ice maker 100 may be provided in the freezing compartment door 6, the refrigerating compartment 3 or the refrigerating compartment door 5.

An ice bin 102 may be further provided below the ice maker 100 to store ice after being iced from the ice maker 100.

The ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102 may be mounted inside the freezing chamber 4 while being accommodated in a separate housing 101.

The freezing chamber 4 may be provided with a duct (not shown) for supplying cold air to the freezing chamber 100. The air discharged from the duct may flow to the freezing chamber 4 after flowing through the ice maker 100.

The user can obtain ice by opening the freezing compartment door 6 to access the ice bin 102.

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

Ice generated by the ice maker 100 or ice generated by the ice maker 100 and stored in the ice bin 102 is transferred to the dispenser 7 by a transfer means, and the ice is transferred from the dispenser 7 to the user. Can be obtained.

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

3 and 4 are perspective views of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 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 and a lower assembly 200.

The upper assembly 110 may be referred to as a first tray assembly, and the lower assembly 200 may be referred to as a second tray assembly.

The lower assembly 200 may be rotated with respect 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 generated 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. Of course, it is also possible for the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 to generate ice of various shapes other than a spherical shape.

In the present invention, it should be noted that the "spherical shape or hemisphere shape" is a concept including a geometrically complete sphere or hemisphere shape as well as a geometrically complete sphere or hemisphere-like shape.

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

Hereinafter, it will be described for example that three ice chambers 111 are formed by the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200, and 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 the ice is generated, the lower assembly 200 may be rotated in a 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 is rotatable 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, it is possible to rotate the lower assembly 200 in both directions.

The ice maker 100 may further include an upper ejector 300 so that ice can be separated from the upper assembly 110.

The upper ejector 300 may allow ice in close contact with the upper assembly 110 to be separated from the upper assembly 110.

The upper ejector 300 may include an ejector body 310 and one or more upper ejecting pins 320 extending in a direction intersecting from the ejector body 310. For example, the upper ejecting pins 320 may be provided in the same number as the ice chamber 111, but are not limited thereto.

The upper ejector 300 may further include a separation preventing protrusion 312 provided at both ends of the ejector body 310. The separation preventing protrusion 312 may prevent the ejector body 310 from being separated from the connection unit 350 in a state in which the ejector body 310 and the connection unit 350 to be described later are coupled.

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

Ice in the ice chamber 111 may be pressurized while the upper ejecting pin 320 passes through the upper assembly 110 and is introduced into the ice chamber 111.

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

In addition, the ice maker 100 may further include a lower ejector 400 so that ice in close contact with the lower assembly 200 may be separated.

The lower ejector 400 may press the lower assembly 200 so that ice in close contact with the lower assembly 200 is separated from the lower assembly 200. The lower ejector 400 may be fixed to the upper assembly 110 for example.

The lower ejector 400 may include an ejector body 410 and one or more lower ejecting pins 420 protruding from the ejector body 410. For example, the lower ejecting pins 420 may be provided in the same number as the ice chamber 111.

The rotational force of the lower assembly 200 may be transmitted to the upper ejector 300 during the rotation of the lower assembly 200 for eaves.

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, the connection unit 350 is connected to the first link 352 for rotating the lower supporter 270 and the lower supporter 270 to rotate the lower supporter 270 when the lower supporter 270 is rotated. It may include a second link 356 for transmitting the rotational force of 270 to the upper ejector 300.

When the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the forward direction, the upper ejector 300 is lowered by the connection unit 350 so that the upper ejecting pins 320 may pressurize the ice.

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

Hereinafter, the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 will be described in more detail.

The upper assembly 110 may include an upper tray 150 forming a part of the ice chamber 111 for forming ice. In one way, the upper tray 150 defines an upper portion of the ice chamber 111. The upper tray 150 may be referred to as a first tray.

The upper assembly 110 may further include an upper case 120 and an upper supporter 170 for fixing the position of the upper tray 150.

The upper tray 150 may be located under the upper case 120. A part of the upper supporter 170 may be located under the upper tray 150.

The upper case 120, the upper tray 150, and the upper supporter 170 aligned in the vertical direction may be fastened by a fastening member.

That is, the upper tray 150 may be fixed to the upper case 120 through fastening of the fastening member.

The upper supporter 170 may support the lower side of the upper tray 150 to limit downward movement.

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 sensing the temperature of water or ice in the ice chamber 111. The temperature sensor 500 may indirectly detect the temperature of water or ice in the ice chamber 111 by sensing the temperature of the upper tray 150, for example.

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 forming another part of the ice chamber 111 for forming ice. For example, the lower tray 250 defines a lower portion of the ice chamber 111.

The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower supporter 270 supporting the lower side of the lower tray 250 and a lower case 210 at least partially covering the upper side of the lower tray 250. have.

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

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

That is, when the switch 600 is turned on, a water supply process in which water is supplied to the ice maker 100, an ice making process in which ice is generated by cold air, and the lower assembly 200 are rotated to ice ice. The eaves process may be repeatedly performed.

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

In addition, the ice maker 100 may further include a full ice detection lever (not shown) that detects whether the ice bin 102 is full.

6 is a bottom perspective view of an upper case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, 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 is formed by an upper plate 121 for fixing the upper tray 150, a protruding wall 122 protruding downward from the upper plate 121, and the protruding wall 122 The case opening 123 may be further included.

The case openings 123 may be formed in a number corresponding to the upper openings 154 to be described later. For example, three case openings 123 may be formed in the upper plate 121.

In addition, three protruding walls 122 may be provided to surround the three case openings 123.

The upper tray 150 may be fixed to the upper plate 121 in a state in which a part of the upper tray 150 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper plate 121.

The upper case 120 may be provided with a heater coupling portion 124 for coupling an upper heater (refer to 148 of FIG. 9) for heating the upper tray 150 for ice-breaking.

The heater coupling part 124 may be provided on the upper plate 121 as an example. The heater coupling part 124 may be located under the protruding wall 122.

For example, the heater coupling part 124 may be located at the lower end of the protruding wall 122.

The upper case 120 may further include a pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 for installing the temperature sensor 500. The installation ribs 128 and 129 may be positioned between a plurality of adjacent protruding walls 122 among the protruding walls 122, for example.

The pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 are arranged spaced apart in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 6. The pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 are disposed 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 pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 may be provided to protrude downward from the upper plate 121.

In a state in which the upper tray 150 is fixed to the upper case 120, the protruding wall 122 may be accommodated in a first receiving portion 160 to be described later, and the installation ribs 128 and 129 and the temperature The sensor 500 may be accommodated in a second accommodating portion 161 to be described later.

In the upper plate 121, a plurality of slots 131 and 132 for coupling with the upper tray 150 may be formed. A part of the upper tray 150 may be inserted into the plurality of slots 131 and 132.

The plurality of slots 131 and 132 may be disposed to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 6.

In detail, the plurality of slots 131 and 132 include a first upper slot 131 and a second upper slot 132 located opposite the first upper slot 131 with respect to the case opening 123. Can include.

In other words, the case opening 123 may be positioned between the first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132.

A plurality of the first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 may be formed.

The plurality of first upper slots 131 may be arranged to be spaced apart in a direction A perpendicular to a direction B in FIG. 6.

The plurality of second upper slots 132 may be arranged to be spaced apart in a direction A perpendicular to a direction B in FIG. 6.

Here, the A direction may be understood as the same direction as the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice chambers 111.

The first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 may be formed in a curved shape, for example. Accordingly, the areas of the first and second upper slots 131 and 132 may be increased than when the first and second upper slots 131 and 132 are formed in a straight line.

When the area of the first and second upper slots 131 and 132 is increased, the area in which upper protrusions to be described later are inserted into the first and second upper slots 131 and 132 is increased, so that the upper case 120 and the upper tray 150 ) Can be increased.

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

The plurality of hinge supporters 135 and 136 may be disposed to be spaced apart in a direction of an arrow A with reference to FIG. 6. The plurality of hinge supporters 135 and 136 may be positioned outside the protruding wall 122 and the case opening 123.

A first hinge hole 137 may be formed in each of the hinge supporters 135 and 136.

The plurality of hinge supporters 135 and 136 may extend downwardly from the upper plate 121, for example.

The upper case 120 may further include a horizontal extension part 142 extending horizontally outward.

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

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

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

In the above, it has been described that the upper case 120 is fastened to a separate housing 101 in the freezing compartment 4, but unlike this, the upper case 120 is directly fastened to the wall forming the freezing compartment 4 It is also possible.

7 is a top perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the upper tray 150 may be formed of a soft material that can be deformed by an external force and then returned to its original shape.

For example, the upper tray 150 may be formed of a silicon material. When the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material as in the present embodiment, the upper tray 150 returns to its original shape even if the shape of the upper tray 150 is deformed due to external force during the ice breaking process, In spite of repeated ice formation, it is possible to generate spherical ice.

If the upper tray 150 is formed of a metal material, when an external force is applied to the upper tray 150 and the upper tray 150 itself is deformed, the upper tray 150 is no longer in its original shape. Cannot be restored.

In this case, after the shape of the upper tray 150 is deformed, spherical ice cannot be generated. In other words, it is impossible to repeatedly generate spherical ice.

On the other hand, if the upper tray 150 has a flexible or soft material capable of returning to its original shape as in the present embodiment, this problem can be solved.

In addition, when the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material, the upper tray 150 may be prevented from being melted or thermally deformed by heat provided from an upper heater to be described later.

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

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

The plurality of upper chambers 152 may be arranged in a line.

For example, the plurality of upper chambers 152 may define a first upper chamber, a second upper chamber, and a third upper chamber arranged in a direction of an arrow A based on FIG. 7.

The upper tray body 151 may include three chamber walls 153 forming the three independent upper chambers 152. The three chamber bags 153 may be formed as one body and connected to each other.

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 through which water flows into the upper chamber 152 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 to the ice chamber 111 through the upper opening 154.

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

The upper tray 150 has an inlet wall 155 so that the deformation of the upper tray 150 toward the upper opening 154 is minimized while the upper ejector 300 is inserted through the upper opening 154. Can be provided.

The inlet wall 155 is disposed along the circumference 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 pass through 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 connection rib 155a may connect the inlet wall 155 and the upper tray body 151. For example, the first connection rib 155a may be integrally formed with the circumference of the inlet wall 155 and the outer surface of the upper tray body 151.

Although not limited, a plurality of first connection ribs 155a may be disposed along the circumference of the inlet wall 155.

A water supply guide 156 may be provided at the inlet wall 155 corresponding to any one of the plurality of upper chambers 152.

The upper tray 150 may further include a first accommodating part 160. The protruding wall 122 of the upper case 120 may be accommodated in the first accommodating part 160.

Since a heater coupling part 124 is provided under the recessed wall 122 and an upper heater (refer to 148 of FIG. 9) is provided in the heater coupling part 124, the first receiving part 160 It can be understood that the upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 9) and the heater coupling portion 124 are accommodated.

The first accommodating part 160 may be arranged to surround the upper chamber 152. The first accommodating part 160 may be formed as the upper surface of the upper tray body 151 is recessed downward.

The upper tray 150 may further include a second accommodating portion 161 (or a sensor accommodating portion) in which the temperature sensor 500 and the plurality of installation ribs 128 and 129 are accommodated.

For example, the second accommodating part 161 may be provided in the upper tray body 151. Although not limited, the second accommodating portion 161 may be formed by being recessed downward from the bottom of the first accommodating portion 160. In detail, the second accommodating part 161 may be formed by being recessed into a shape corresponding to the temperature sensor 500 and the plurality of installation ribs 128 and 129.

The second accommodating part 161 may be located between two adjacent upper chambers. For example, the second accommodating part 161 may be positioned between two adjacent upper chambers 152 among the plurality of upper chambers 152.

Accordingly, interference between the upper heater (refer to 148 of FIG. 9) and the temperature sensor 500 accommodated in the first accommodating part 160 may be prevented.

In a state in which the temperature sensor 500 is accommodated in the second accommodating part 161, the temperature sensor 500 may contact the outer surface of the upper tray body 151.

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

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

As an example, the lower surface (or "first surface") of the horizontal extension part 164 may be in contact with the upper supporter 170, and the upper surface (or "first surface") of the horizontal extension part 164 2 sides") may be in contact with the upper case 120.

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

The horizontal extension part 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 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the horizontal extension part 164.

The plurality of upper protrusions 165 and 166 may include a first upper protrusion 165 and a second upper protrusion 166 positioned opposite the first upper protrusion 165 based on the upper opening 154 It 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 be spaced apart in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 7. The arrow B direction of FIG. 7 is the same direction as the arrow B direction of FIG. 6.

A plurality of the first upper protrusions 165 and the second upper protrusions 166 may be formed.

The plurality of first upper protrusions 165 may be arranged to be spaced apart in a direction A perpendicular to a direction B in FIG. 7.

The plurality of second upper protrusions 166 may be arranged to be spaced apart in a direction A perpendicular to a direction B in FIG. 7.

The plurality of upper protrusions 165 and 166 may be formed in a curved shape to correspond to the shape of the first and second upper slots 131 and 132, 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 the horizontal extension part 164 is deformed during an ice making process or ice ice process. Prevent it.

At this time, when the upper protrusions 165 and 165 are formed in a curved shape, the horizontal extension part 164 is formed at the same or substantially similar distance with the upper chamber 152 in the longitudinal direction of the upper protrusions 165 and 165. ) Can be effectively prevented.

For example, deformation of the horizontal extension part 164 in the horizontal direction may be minimized, so that the horizontal extension part 164 may be prevented from being stretched and plastically deformed. If the horizontal extension part 164 is plastically deformed, since the upper tray body cannot be positioned in the correct position during ice making, the ice is not close to the spherical shape.

That is, by preventing plastic deformation of the horizontal extension part 164 by the curved shape of the upper protrusions 165 and 166, it is possible to prevent ice from being different from the spherical shape.

The horizontal extension part 164 may further include a plurality of lower protrusions (refer to FIG. 10, 167, 168). The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 may be inserted into lower slots (see FIG. 10, 176 and 177) formed in the upper supporter 170.

The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 may be formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the horizontal extension part 164, and may be formed in a curved shape like the plurality of upper protrusions 165 and 166.

In addition, the horizontal extension part 164 may be provided with a through hole 169 through which the fastening boss of the upper supporter 170 passes.

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

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a heater coupling part in the upper case of FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which the heater is coupled to the upper case of FIG. 6.

8 and 9, the heater coupling part 124 may include a heater receiving groove 124a for accommodating the upper heater 148. In this embodiment, the upper heater 148 may be referred to as a first heater or a heater for eaves.

The heater receiving groove 124a may be formed, for example, by partially recessing the lower surface of the recessed wall 122 of the upper case 120.

The heater receiving groove 124a may extend along the periphery of the case opening 123.

The upper heater 148 may be, for example, a wire type heater. Accordingly, the upper heater 148 may be bent, and the upper heater 148 may 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 receiving DC power. The upper heater 148 may be turned on for eaves.

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

If the upper tray 150 is formed of a metal material and the heat of the upper heater 148 is stronger, the upper heater 148 is heated by the upper heater 148 in ice after the upper heater 148 is turned off. A phenomenon of becoming opaque occurs because the portion that has been formed adheres to the surface of the upper tray 150 again. That is, an opaque band in a shape corresponding to the upper heater is formed around the ice.

However, in the case of the present embodiment, since a DC heater having a low output itself is used, and the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material, the amount of heat transferred to the upper tray 150 is reduced, and the upper tray 150 itself The thermal conductivity of is also lowered.

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

The upper heater 148 surrounds the plurality of upper chambers 152 so that heat from 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 contact the circumferences of each of the plurality of chamber walls 153 respectively forming the plurality of upper chambers 152. In this case, the upper heater 148 may be positioned lower than the upper opening 154.

Since the heater receiving groove 124a is recessed upward from the bottom surface of the recessed wall 122, the heater receiving groove 124a may be defined by an outer wall 124b and an inner wall 124c.

In a state in which the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a, the upper heater 148 has a diameter of the upper heater 148 so that the upper heater 148 can protrude to the outside of the heater coupling part 124. It may be formed larger than the depth of the heater receiving groove (124a).

In a state in which the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a, a part of the upper heater 148 protrudes outward of the heater receiving groove 124a, so that the upper heater 148 is 150 can be contacted.

In order 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 has a separation preventing protrusion 124d It can be provided.

In FIG. 8, as an example, it is shown that a plurality of separation preventing protrusions 124d are provided on the inner wall 124d.

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

At this time, so that the upper heater 148 is prevented from being easily removed from the heater receiving groove 124a while the upper heater 148 is not prevented from being inserted by the separation prevention protrusion 124d, the separation prevention protrusion ( The protruding length of 124d) may be formed to be less than 1/2 of the interval between the outer wall 124b and the inner wall 124c.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a, the upper heater 148 may be divided into a round portion 148a and a straight portion 148b.

That is, the heater receiving groove 124a includes a round portion and a straight portion, and the upper heater 148 corresponds to the round portion and the straight portion of the heater receiving groove 124a. 148b).

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

The straight portion 148b is a portion connecting the round portions 148a corresponding to each of the upper chambers 152.

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

Among the upper heaters 148, there is a high possibility that the round portion 148a may fall out of the heater receiving groove 124a, and thus the departure preventing protrusion 124d may be disposed to contact the round portion 148a.

A through opening 124e may be provided on the bottom surface 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. For example, the through opening 124e may be positioned at a portion facing the departure preventing protrusion 124d.

When the upper heater 148 is bent so as to be horizontally rounded, the tension of the upper heater 148 is increased and there is a fear of disconnection, and there is a high possibility that the upper heater 148 may 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 ( It is possible to reduce the tension of the 148 and prevent the upper heater from being removed from the heater receiving groove 124a.

10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled state of the upper assembly.

Referring to FIG. 10, in a state in which the upper heater 148 is coupled to the heater coupling portion 124 of the upper case 120, the upper case 120, the upper tray 150, and the upper supporter 170 are Can be combined with each other.

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

In a state in which the heater coupling part 124 is accommodated in the first accommodation part 160, the upper heater 148 contacts the bottom surface 160a of the first accommodation part 160.

As in the present embodiment, when the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the recessed heater coupling portion 124 and contacts the upper tray body 151, the heat of the upper heater 148 is transferred to the upper tray body. Transmission to other parts than (151) can be minimized.

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

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

That is, the maximum distance between two points of the round portion 148a positioned opposite the upper chamber 152 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the upper chamber 152.

In addition, when the upper assembly 110 is assembled, the first upper protrusion 165 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the first upper slot 131 of the upper case 120, and the upper tray 150 The second upper protrusion 166 of is inserted into the second upper slot 132 of the upper case 120.

Similarly, the lower protrusions 167 and 168 of the upper tray 150 are inserted into the lower slots 176 and 177 of the upper supporter.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below.

11 and 12, the lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250 and a lower supporter 270.

For example, the lower tray 250 defines a lower portion of the ice chamber 111. The lower tray 250 may be referred to as a second tray.

The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower case 210.

The lower case 210 may wrap a part of the circumference of 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 the first link 352 for rotating the lower supporter 270 by receiving power from the driving unit 180 and the lower supporter 270 to be connected to the lower supporter 270. It may include a second link 356 for transmitting the rotational force of the lower supporter 270 to the upper ejector 300 during rotation.

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

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

The elastic member 360 provides elastic force to the lower supporter 270 so that the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are in contact with each other.

In this embodiment, a first link 352 and a second link 356 may be positioned 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 connection shaft 370.

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

The lower tray 250 may be formed of a flexible material or a soft material that can be deformed by an external force and then returned to its original shape.

For example, the lower tray 250 may be formed of a silicon material. When the lower tray 250 is formed of a silicon material as in the present embodiment, even if an external force is applied to the lower tray 250 during the ice breaking process and the shape of the lower tray 250 is deformed, the lower tray 250 is again It can return to its original form. Therefore, it is possible to generate ice in a spherical shape despite repeated ice generation.

If the lower tray 250 is formed of a metal material, when an external force is applied to the lower tray 250 and the lower tray 250 itself is deformed, the lower tray 250 is no longer in its original shape. Cannot be restored.

In this case, after the shape of the lower tray 250 is deformed, the spherical ice cannot be generated. In other words, it is impossible to repeatedly generate spherical ice.

On the other hand, when the lower tray 250 has a soft material capable of returning to its original shape as in the present embodiment, this problem can be solved.

In addition, when the lower tray 250 is formed of a silicon material, the lower tray 250 may be prevented from being melted or thermally deformed by heat provided from a lower heater to be described later.

The lower tray 250 may include a lower tray body 251 forming a lower chamber 252 that is a 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 be formed of three.

The three lower chambers 252 may be formed independently of each other.

The lower tray body 251 may include three chamber walls 253 forming the three lower chambers 252, and the three chamber walls 253 are formed as one body, so that the lower tray body ( 251) can be formed.

The three lower chambers 252 may be arranged in a line. For example, the three lower chambers 252 may be arranged in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 12.

The lower chamber 252 may be formed in a hemispherical shape. That is, the lower portion of the spherical ice may be formed by the lower chamber 252.

The lower tray 250 may further include a first extension part 254 extending in a horizontal direction from an upper edge of the lower tray body 251. The first extension part 254 may be continuously formed along the circumference of the lower tray body 251.

The lower tray 250 may further include a peripheral wall 260 extending upward from an upper surface of the first extension part 254.

A lower surface of the upper tray body 151 may be in contact with an upper surface of the lower tray body 251. The peripheral wall 260 may surround the upper tray body 151 seated on the upper surface of the lower tray body 251.

The lower tray 250 may further include a second extension part 255 extending in a horizontal direction from the peripheral wall 260.

The second extension part 255 may be positioned higher than the first extension part 254. Accordingly, the first extension portion 254 and the second extension portion 255 form a step difference.

The second extension part 255 may include an upper protrusion 256 to be inserted into the lower case 210.

The second extension part 254 may further include a lower protrusion 257 to be inserted into a lower supporter 270 to be described later.

The circumferential wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may include a coupling protrusion 262 for coupling with the lower case 210. The coupling protrusion 262 may protrude from the peripheral wall 260 in a horizontal direction.

The lower tray body 251 may further include a convex portion 251a in which a portion of the lower side is convex upward. That is, the convex portion 251a may be disposed to be convex toward the inside of the ice chamber 111.

13 is a top perspective view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a lower perspective view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

13 and 14, 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 a chamber wall (not shown) forming the lower chamber 252 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 an eaves process. For example, three lower openings 274 may be provided in the supporter body 271 so as to correspond to the three chamber receiving portions 272.

In addition, two adjacent chamber walls among the chamber walls may be connected by connection ribs 273. The connection rib 273 may reinforce the strength of the chamber wall.

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

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

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

A first extension part 254 of the lower tray 250 may be seated on an upper surface 271a of the supporter body 271, and the second extension wall 286 is a first extension of the lower tray 250. It may surround the side of the extension 254. In this case, the second extension wall 286 may contact a side surface of the first extension part 254 of the lower tray 250.

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

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

The lower supporter 270 may further include an outer wall 280 disposed to surround the lower tray body 251 in a state spaced apart from the outer side of the lower tray body 251.

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

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

The plurality of hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be disposed to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 13. Each of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may further include a second hinge hole 281a.

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

The distance between the plurality of hinge bodies 281 and 282 is smaller than the distance between the plurality of hinge supporters 135 and 136. Accordingly, the plurality of hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be positioned between the plurality of hinge supporters 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 283 may be provided on both surfaces 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 part 284 may form a space in which a part 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 may 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.

15 is a plan view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a lower heater is coupled to the lower supporter of FIG. 15.

15 and 16, the ice maker 100 of the present embodiment may further include a lower heater 296 for applying heat to the lower tray 250 during an ice making process. In the present embodiment, the lower heater 296 may be referred to as a second heater or a heater for generating transparent ice.

The lower heater 296 provides heat to the lower chamber 252 during the ice making process, so that the ice starts to freeze from the upper side in the ice chamber 111.

In addition, as the lower heater 296 heats up during the ice making process, the bubbles in the ice chamber 111 move downward during the ice making process, so that when ice making is completed, the rest of the spherical ice except for the lowermost part may become transparent. have. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate a substantially transparent spherical ice.

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

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

For example, the lower heater 296 may be disposed to surround the three chamber walls 253 of the lower tray body 251.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a heater receiving groove 291 through which the lower heater 296 is coupled. The heater receiving groove 291 may be recessed downward from the chamber receiving portion 272 of the lower tray body 251.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a heater coupling part 290 to which the lower heater 296 is coupled. The heater receiving groove 291 may be formed in the heater coupling part 290.

The inner wall 291a may be formed in a ring shape, for example, and the outer wall 291b may be disposed to surround the inner wall 291a.

When the lower heater 296 is received 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 a region formed by the inner wall 291a. Accordingly, when the chamber wall 253 of the lower tray 250 is accommodated in the chamber receiving part 272, the chamber wall 253 may contact the upper surface of the inner wall 291a. The upper surface of the inner wall 291a is a rounded surface corresponding to the hemispherical chamber wall 253.

In a state in which the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, a part of the lower heater 296 protrudes to the outside of the heater receiving groove 291, so that the diameter of the lower heater 296 is It may be formed larger than the depression depth of the heater receiving groove (291).

In order 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 has a separation preventing protrusion 291c. May be provided.

15, it is shown that the separation preventing 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, the lower heater 296 moves along the surface of the chamber receiving part 272 during the assembly process of the lower heater 296. While being accommodated in the heater receiving groove (291).

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 16, when the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, the lower heater 296 may be divided into a round portion 296a and a straight portion 296b.

That is, the heater receiving groove 291 includes a round portion and a straight portion, and the lower heater 296 corresponds to the round portion and the straight portion of the heater receiving groove 296, and the lower heater 296 is connected to the round portion 296a and the straight portion. It can be classified as (296b).

The round portion 296a is a portion disposed along the circumference of the lower chamber 252 and is a portion bent so as to be rounded in a horizontal direction.

The straight portion 296b is a portion connecting the round portion 296a corresponding to each lower chamber 252.

Among the lower heaters 296, there is a high possibility that the round portion 296a may fall out of the heater receiving groove 291, and thus the departure preventing protrusion 291c may be disposed to contact the round portion 296a.

A through opening 291d may be provided on a bottom surface 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 positioned at a portion positioned with the departure preventing protrusion 291c.

When the lower heater 296 is bent so as to be rounded in the horizontal direction, there is a fear of disconnection due to an increase in the tension of the upper heater 296, and there is a high possibility that the lower heater 296 may fall out of the heater receiving groove 291 .

However, when the 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 ( It is possible to reduce the tension of the 296 and 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 the first guide for guiding a power input terminal 296c and a power output terminal 296d of the lower heater 296 accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291. A second guide groove 294 extending in a direction crossing the groove 293 may be included.

The first guide groove 293 may, for example, extend in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 16 from the heater receiving groove 291.

The second guide groove 294 may extend from an end of the first guide groove 293 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 16. In this embodiment, the arrow A direction is parallel to the extension direction of the rotational central axis C1 of the lower assembly 200.

Referring to FIG. 16, the first guide groove 293 may extend from one of the left and right chamber receiving portions 272 except for the central portion of the three chamber receiving portions 272.

As an example, in FIG. 16, it is shown that the first guide groove 293 extends from the chamber receiving portion 272 located on the left of the three chamber receiving portions 272.

As shown in FIG. 16, a power input terminal 296c and a power output terminal 296d of the lower heater 296 may be accommodated in the first guide groove 293 in a state in which they are 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 corresponding to the power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d are connected may be connected to the first connector 297a.

In the present embodiment, the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are accommodated in the second guide groove 294 while the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are connected. .

In detail, the first connector 297a is located at one side of the second guide groove 294 close to the first guide groove 293, and the second connector 297b is connected to the first connector 297a. While being connected, the second guide groove 294 may be located on the other side far from the first guide groove 293.

The wire 298 connected to the second connector 297b is drawn out of the lower supporter 270 through a lead-out slot 295 formed in the lower supporter 270 at the end of the second guide groove 294 do.

According to the present embodiment, since the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are accommodated in the second guide groove 294, when the lower assembly 200 is assembled, the first connector 297a ) And the second connector 297b are not exposed to the outside.

As described above, 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 are rotated during the rotation of the lower assembly 200. Interference with surrounding structures may be prevented, and separation of the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b may be prevented.

In addition, since the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are accommodated in the second guide groove 294, a part of the wire 298 is located in the second guide groove 294, Another 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 wire 298 is also in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis C1. Is extended.

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

According to the arrangement of the electric wire 298, a tensile force hardly acts on the electric wire 298 during the rotation of the lower assembly 200 and a torsion force acts.

It is very unlikely that the wire 298 is disconnected when the torsion force is applied compared to the case where the tension force is applied to the wire 298.

In this embodiment, the lower heater 296 maintains a fixed position during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, and a torsional force acts on the wire 298, so that the lower heater 296 Damage may be prevented, and disconnection of the electric wire 298 may 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 for preventing the lower heater 296 or the electric wire 298 accommodated therein from being removed. have.

In the first guide groove 293, a power input terminal 296c and a power output terminal 296d of the lower heater 296 are positioned. At this time, since heat is also generated from the power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d, the heat provided to the chamber receiving part on the left side of the first guide groove 293 is greater than the heat provided to the other chamber receiving part.

In this case, if the size of the heat provided to each chamber receiving part is different, the transparency of the spherical ice that is completed after the ice making and ice breaking is completed may vary for each ice.

Therefore, in order to minimize the increase in transparency for each ice, a bypass receiving groove (for example, a chamber receiving portion located farthest from the first guide groove 293) among the three chamber receiving portions ( 292) may be further provided.

For example, the bypass receiving groove 292 may be disposed in a form connected to the heater receiving groove 291 again after being extended and bent from the heater receiving groove 291.

When the lower heater 296 is additionally accommodated in the bypass receiving groove 292, the contact area between the chamber wall 253 accommodated in the chamber receiving part 272 on the right side and the lower heater 296 may be increased. have.

Accordingly, a protrusion 292a for fixing the position of the lower heater accommodated in the bypass receiving groove 292 may be additionally provided in the chamber receiving portion 272 on the right.

17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which ice generation is completed in the view of FIG. 17.

17 and 18, as the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 contact in the vertical direction, the ice chamber 111 is completed.

In a state in which the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper tray body 151, the elastic force of the elastic member 360 is applied to the lower supporter 270.

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 of the lower tray body 251 presses the lower surface of the upper tray body 151.

Accordingly, in a state in which the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper tray body 151, the respective surfaces are mutually pressed to improve adhesion.

In this way, when the adhesion between the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 and the lower surface of the upper tray body 151 is increased, there is no gap between the two surfaces, so after the completion of ice making, a thin strip is formed along the circumference of the spherical ice. Of ice can be prevented from forming.

When the lower surface of the upper tray body 151 is seated on the upper surface of the lower tray body 251, the upper tray body 151 may be accommodated in the inner space of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250. I can.

In this case, the chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 and the circumferential wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may be disposed to face each other.

The outer surface of the chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the circumferential wall 260 of the lower tray 250. That is, a space is formed between the outer surface of the 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 190 is accommodated in the ice chamber 111, and when a larger amount of water is supplied than the volume of the ice chamber 111, it cannot be accommodated in the ice chamber 111. Water is located in a space between the outer surface of the chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 and the inner surface of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250.

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

In a state in which the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper tray body 151, the upper surface of the peripheral wall 260 is the upper opening 154 of the upper tray 150 or the upper chamber ( 152) can be positioned higher.

Further, a depression 251b is formed under the convex portion 251a so that the thickness of the convex portion 251a is substantially the same as the thickness of the other portion of the lower tray body 251.

In the present specification, "substantially identical" is a concept including completely identical and non-identical but similar to the extent that there is little difference.

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

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

The diameter D1 of the convex portion 251a 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, the liquid water is converted into solid ice. In this case, water is expanded in the process of phase change of water into ice, and the expansion force of water is transmitted to the upper tray body 151 and the lower tray body 251, respectively.

In this embodiment, the other portion of the lower tray body 251 is surrounded by the supporter body 271, but a portion corresponding to the lower opening 274 of the supporter body 271 (hereinafter referred to as "corresponding part" Ham) is not surrounded.

If the lower tray body 251 is formed in a complete hemispherical shape, when the expansion force of the water is applied to a 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 toward the lower opening 274.

In this case, before ice is generated, the water supplied to the ice chamber 111 exists in a spherical shape, but after the ice is generated, spherical ice is formed by deformation of the corresponding portion of the lower tray body 251. In, as much as the space created by the deformation of the corresponding part, additional ice in the shape of a projection is generated.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 251a is formed in the lower tray body 251 in consideration of the deformation of the lower tray body 251 so as to be as close as possible to the complete sphere of ice that has been de-icing.

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

In this embodiment, since the diameter (D1) of the convex portion 251a is formed smaller than the diameter (D2) of the lower opening 274, the convex portion 251a is deformed to be inside the lower opening 274 Can be located.

19 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19, the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment may further include a controller 700 that controls the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296.

In addition, the refrigerator 1 may further include an input unit 720 capable of setting and changing a target temperature of the storage room 3 in which the ice maker 100 is provided.

For example, target temperatures of the refrigerating compartment 3 and the freezing compartment 4 may be set and changed through the input unit 720. Alternatively, information may be output through the input unit 720.

The controller 700 may control on/off of the upper heater 148 and/or the lower heater 296 according to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500.

In addition, the control unit 700 may adjust the output of the lower heater 296 during the ice making process.

In addition, when defrosting starts, door opening/closing is detected, or target temperature change is detected during the ice making process, the current output of the lower heater may be maintained or changed in response thereto.

In addition, the control unit 700 may rotate the lower assembly 200 by controlling the driving unit 180. The upper ejector 300 connected to the lower assembly 200 is lowered by the rotation of the lower assembly 200 to separate the ice from the upper assembly 110.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a process of generating ice in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a view for explaining determination of an upper heater failure in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention , FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in a water supply state, and FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in an ice-making state.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in an ice-making complete state, FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB in FIG. 3 in an initial ice-breaking state, and FIG. 26 is a cut along BB in FIG. It is a cross section.

20 to 26, in order to generate ice in the ice maker 100, the control unit 700 moves the lower tray 250 to a water supply position (S1).

Hereinafter, it is assumed that ice is generated in the ice maker 100 in a state in which ice does not exist in the ice bin 102.

When it is sensed that the lower tray 250 is moved to the water supply position, the control unit 700 stops the driving unit 180.

At the water supply position of the lower tray 250, the upper surface of the lower tray 250 is spaced apart from the lower surface of the upper tray 150.

Although not limited, the lower surface of the upper tray 150 may be positioned at the same or similar height as the center of rotation of the lower tray 250 (see FIG. 17, C2).

In the present specification, a direction in which the lower tray 250 moves from the ice making position of FIG. 23 to the ice making position of FIG. 26 may be referred to as forward movement (or forward rotation).

On the other hand, the direction of movement from the eaves position of FIG. 26 to the water supply position of FIG. 22 may be referred to as a reverse movement (or reverse rotation).

Although not limited, an angle formed between the upper surface of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface of the lower tray 150 at the water supply position of the lower tray 250 may be about 8 degrees.

As described above, the position of the lower tray 250 in a state where the upper surface of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface of the upper tray 150 are spaced apart may be referred to as a “water supply position”.

In this way, water supply is started while the lower tray 250 is moved to the water supply position (S2).

The control unit 700 may turn on a water supply valve (not shown) so that water is supplied through the water supply unit 190.

For example, water flows through the water supply unit 190 through a water supply pipe connected to an external water supply source of the refrigerator 1 or a water tank provided therein, and is supplied to the ice chamber 111.

In this case, water is supplied to the ice chamber 111 through one of the plurality of upper openings 154 of the upper tray 150.

When the water supply is completed, a part of the water supplied may be filled in the lower chamber 252, and another part of the water supplied may be filled in 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 provided in the lower tray 250.

In this way, even if the lower tray 250 is not provided with a channel for moving water, the upper surface of the lower tray 250 is spaced apart from the lower surface of the upper tray 150, so that the specific lower chamber 252 When water is full, water may flow to the other lower chamber 252 along the upper surface of the lower tray 250.

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

In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, since a channel for communication between the three lower chambers 252 is not provided in the lower tray 250, additional ice in the shape of a protrusion along the circumference of the ice is generated after the ice generation is completed. Can be prevented.

After the water supply is completed, the control unit 700 controls the driving unit 180 to move the lower tray 250 to the ice making position (S3).

For example, the control unit 700 may control the driving unit 180 so that the lower tray 250 moves in a reverse direction from the water supply position.

When the lower tray 250 is moved in the reverse direction, the upper surface of the lower tray 250 becomes close to the lower surface of the upper tray 150. For example, in the ice making position, the lower surface of the upper tray 150 and the upper surface of the lower tray 250 may contact each other.

Then, the water between the upper surface of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface of the upper tray 150 is divided into the three lower chambers 252 and distributed.

When the upper surface of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface of the upper tray 150 are completely in close contact with each other, the upper chamber 152 is filled with water.

The position of the lower tray 250 in a state in which the upper surface of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface of the upper tray 150 are in close contact may be referred to as an “ice making position”.

When it is detected that the lower tray 250 has moved to the ice making position, the controller 700 stops the driving unit 180.

Ice-making starts while the lower tray 250 is moved to the ice-making position (S4).

For example, when the lower tray 250 reaches the ice-making position, ice-making may start. Alternatively, when the lower tray 250 reaches the ice-making position and a set water supply time elapses, ice-making may start.

During ice making, since the pressing force of water (or the expansion force of water) is less than the force required to deform the convex portion 251a of the lower tray 250, the convex portion 251a is not deformed and maintains the original convex shape. .

After the ice making starts, the control unit 700 turns on the lower heater 296 (S5).

For example, when ice making starts and the lower heater 296 is not turned on immediately, and the on condition of the lower heater 296 is satisfied, the lower heater 296 may be turned on.

Specifically, the on-reference temperature that satisfies the on condition of the lower heater 296 may be a temperature for determining that water has started to freeze at the top (top opening side) of the ice chamber 111.

In general, the water supplied to the ice chamber 111 may be water having a temperature higher than the freezing point of water, and after the water supply, when the temperature of the water decreases due to cold air and reaches the freezing point of water, the water may change into ice.

If the lower heater 296 is turned on before reaching the freezing point of water, the rate of ice generation may be slowed. As a result, the lower heater 296 may be turned on after a certain period of time when the water temperature decreases.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the on condition of the lower heater 296 is satisfied, the lower heater 296 is turned on, and thus power consumption due to unnecessary operation of the lower heater 296 can be prevented. .

In this embodiment, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches the on reference temperature, the controller 700 determines that the on condition of the lower heater 296 is satisfied.

In the present embodiment, the ice chamber 111 is blocked by the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 except for the upper opening 154, and thus the ice chamber 111 is formed through the upper opening 154. Since the water of 111) directly contacts the cold air, ice starts to be generated from the top of the ice chamber 111 where the upper opening 154 is located.

When water is frozen in the ice chamber 111, the temperature of the ice in the ice chamber 111 is sub-zero.

In addition, the temperature of the upper tray 150 is higher than the temperature of ice in the ice chamber 111.

In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 500 does not directly detect the temperature of ice, and the temperature sensor 500 contacts the upper tray 150 to sense the temperature of the upper tray 150.

By this structural arrangement, in order to determine that ice has started to be generated in the ice chamber 111 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500, the ON reference temperature will be set to a sub-zero temperature. I can.

That is, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches the on reference temperature, since the on reference temperature is a sub-zero temperature, the temperature of the ice in the ice chamber 111 is below zero and is lower than the on reference temperature. Therefore, it can be indirectly determined that ice is generated in the ice chamber 111.

When the lower heater 296 is turned on, heat from the lower heater 296 is transferred into the ice chamber 111 through the lower tray 250.

Therefore, when ice making is performed while the lower heater 296 is turned on, heat is supplied to the water accommodated in the lower chamber 252 in the ice chamber 111, so that the ice in the ice chamber 111 Is created.

In this embodiment, since ice is generated in the ice chamber 111 from the top, the bubbles in the ice chamber 111 move downward. Since the density of water is greater than that of ice, bubbles in the water can easily move downwards and collect downwards.

Since the ice chamber 111 is formed in a spherical shape, the horizontal cross-sectional area differs according to the height of the ice chamber 111.

Assuming that the same amount of cool air is supplied to the ice chamber 111, if the output of the lower heater 296 is the same, the horizontal cross-sectional area is different for each height of the ice chamber 111, so the rate at which ice is generated for each height May be different. In other words, the height at which ice is generated per unit time is not uniform.

In this case, bubbles in the water are included in the ice without moving downward, and the ice becomes opaque.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the controller 700 may vary and control the output of the lower heater 296 according to the height at which ice is generated in the ice chamber 111.

Ice is brought into contact with the upper surface of the convex portion 251a of the lower tray 250 in the process of generating ice from the top to the bottom in the ice chamber 111.

In this state, when ice is continuously generated, the convex portion 251a is pressed and deformed as shown in FIG. 24, and when ice making is completed, ice in a spherical shape may be generated.

The controller 700 may determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 (S6).

When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches a reference temperature for completion of ice making, the controller 700 may determine that the ice making has been completed. For example, the reference temperature for completion of ice making may be about -9°C.

When it is determined that the ice making is completed, the control unit 700 may turn off the lower heater 296 (S7).

At this time, in the case of the present embodiment, since the distance between the temperature sensor 500 and each ice chamber 111 is different, in order to complete the generation of ice in all the ice chambers 111, the controller 700 Eave can start after a certain period of time has elapsed from the time it is determined that it is completed. For example, the predetermined time may be about 30 minutes.

When the ice making is completed, the controller 700 operates the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 to remove ice (S8).

In detail, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the point when it is determined that the ice making is completed, the controller 700 may turn on the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296.

When the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 are turned on, heat from the heater is transferred to the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 so that ice is transferred to the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250. It may be separated from one or more of the surfaces (inner surfaces).

In addition, heat from the heater is transferred to a contact surface between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 so that the lower surface of the upper tray 150 and the upper surface of the lower tray 250 are separated.

The controller 700 may turn off the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 (S11).

In detail, the controller 700 may turn off the turned on heaters 148 and 296 when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches an OFF reference temperature or higher. Alternatively, even when at least one of the heaters 148 and 296 is operated for a set time, the turned on heaters 148 and 296 may be turned off. Alternatively, when the turned-on heaters 148 and 296 reach the off-reference temperature or higher within the set time, the turned-on heaters 148 and 296 may be turned off.

The off reference temperature may be a temperature at which it is determined that the ice is detachable from one or more surfaces (inner surfaces) of the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250.

Although not limited, the off reference temperature may be set as the temperature of the image. For example, the off reference temperature may be about 4°C.

Although not limited, the eave setting time may be about 15 minutes.

For eaves, the control unit 700 operates the driving unit 180 so that the lower tray 250 moves in the forward direction (S12).

However, when the upper heater 148 fails due to contact failure or disconnection, there may be a case in which sufficient heat is not transferred to the upper tray 150.

At this time, if sufficient heat cannot be transferred to the upper tray 150 and the ice cannot be separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150 and remains attached, the ice may not be smoothly performed. .

In detail, ice is attached to the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150 and an excessive load may be applied to the upper tray 150, the lower tray 250, and the driving unit 180.

In addition, ice may not be separated from the upper tray 150 even by the upper ejector 300 lowered by the rotation of the lower tray 250, and an excessive load may be applied to the upper ejector 300.

The controller 700 may determine whether the upper heater 148 operates normally based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 500 (S9).

In other words, the control unit 700 may determine whether the upper heater 148 has failed.

In detail, the controller 700 may determine whether the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches a first set temperature (t1°C) within a set time T (S91).

Here, the first set temperature (t1°C) may be a temperature for determining whether the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 operate normally. That is, the first set temperature (t1°C) may be understood as a reference temperature for operating the first heater.

For example, the first set temperature (t1°C) may be approximately 0°C or higher or 0°C or higher.

In detail, the control unit 700 may accumulate an operation time that has elapsed from a point in time when the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 are turned on. The set time T may be a time accumulated from a time point when the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 are turned on to a point in time.

The set time T may be understood as a time when the heaters 148 and 296 are exceeded in an on-state state, and the upper portion of the generated ice melts and the quality of the ice deteriorates. For example, the set time T is not limited, but may be about 15 minutes.

When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches a first set temperature (t1°C) within a set time T, the control unit 700 includes the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 It can be determined that the operation of is normal (S92).

When it is determined that the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 operate normally, the control unit 700 controls the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 500. ) Can be turned off (S11).

On the other hand, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 does not reach the first set temperature (t1°C) within a set time T, it may be determined that the upper heater 148 has failed (S101). ).

When it is determined that the upper heater 148 has failed, the control unit 700 may control the output unit to display failure information of the upper heater 148 (S102).

In addition, if it is determined that the upper heater 148 has failed, the control unit 700 may stop accumulating the operation time of the upper heater 148.

After that, in order to determine whether the upper heater 148 has a failure, the controller 700 may turn off the lower heater 296 (S102).

Here, the determination of whether the upper heater 148 has a failure is to determine whether the failure of the upper heater 148 is temporary.

In other words, it can be understood as determining whether or not the failure of the upper heater 148 is resolved.

If a temporary failure such as a contact failure occurs in the upper heater 148, since the upper heater 148 may operate normally again, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 is determined again to determine the upper heater 148. ), it can be efficient and economical to proceed with the eaves process.

When the temporary failure of the upper heater 148 is resolved, the ice breaking process can be proceeded without going through a user's part confirmation, and thus the ice can be obtained by breaking the ice without a time delay.

When the lower heater 296 is turned off, the controller 700 may determine whether the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches a second set temperature (t2°C) (S103).

Here, the second set temperature (t2°C) may be a temperature for determining whether the upper heater 148 operates normally. That is, the second set temperature (t2°C) may be understood as a reference temperature for operating the second heater.

For example, the second set temperature (t2°C) may be about 0°C or higher or 0°C or higher.

That is, after the lower heater 296 is turned off, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches 0°C, it may be determined that the failure of the upper heater 148 is temporary.

When it is determined that the failure of the upper heater 148 is temporary, the control unit 700 may turn on the lower heater 296 again (S104).

In other words, when it is determined that the failure of the upper heater 148 is temporary, the control unit 700 controls the upper heater 148 so that the ice can be separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150. And the lower heater 296 may be operated.

After turning on the lower heater 296, the controller 700 may turn off the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 500 (S11). .

In detail, the controller 700 determines whether the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches the off reference temperature, It may be determined whether the ice is in a detachable state by the heat of the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296.

When it is determined that the ice is in a detachable state by the heat of the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296, the control unit 700 turns off the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 for eaves. I can make it.

On the other hand, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 does not reach 0° C., the controller 700 may continuously control the lower heater 296 to be kept in an off state.

When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor does not reach the second set temperature, the control unit 700 maintains the second heater in an off state, and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature. It can be judged repeatedly whether or not it reaches.

In this case, the controller 700 may stop the operation of the driving unit 180 until it is determined that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature. That is, the ice maker 100 may stop the ice making cycle including the ice breaking process.

This is, when the lower tray 250 is rotated in the forward direction while the ice cannot be separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150 due to a failure of the upper heater 296, the upper tray ( 150), the lower tray 250, the drive unit 180 is to prevent irreversible that may occur in the mechanism including the.

For example, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor does not continuously reach the second set temperature, it may be determined that the upper heater 148 is disconnected.

When it is determined that the upper heater 148 is not broken, ice can be separated from the surfaces of the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 by the operation of the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 Can be.

The controller 700 may turn off the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 when it is determined that the ice is in a detachable state due to the heat of the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296. .

When it is determined that ice is separable from one or more surfaces of the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, the control unit 700 may move the lower tray 250 in a forward direction for eaves. .

As shown in FIG. 25, when the lower tray 250 is moved in the forward direction, the lower tray 250 is separated from the upper tray 150.

The moving force of the lower tray 250 may be transmitted to the upper ejector 300 by the connection unit 350. Then, the upper ejector 300 descends, and the upper ejecting pin 320 penetrates the upper opening 154 to pressurize the ice in the ice chamber 111.

During the ice breaking process, ice may be separated from the upper tray 250 before the upper ejecting pin 320 presses 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, ice may be rotated together with the lower tray 250 while being supported by the lower tray 250.

When ice is rotated together with the lower assembly 200 while being supported by the lower tray 250, the ice may be caused by its own weight even if an external force is not applied to the lower tray 250. Can be separated from

If, in the process of rotating the lower assembly 200, even if ice is not separated from the lower tray 250 by its own weight, the lower tray 250 is pressed by the lower ejector 400 so that the ice is transferred to the lower tray ( 250) can be separated.

In detail, the lower tray 250 comes into contact with the lower ejecting pins 420 while the lower tray 250 moves to the moving position.

When the lower tray 250 is continuously rotated in the forward direction while the lower tray 250 is in contact with the lower ejecting pin 420, the lower ejecting pin 420 is moved to the lower tray 250 By pressing the lower tray 250 is deformed, the pressing force of the lower ejecting pin 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 be dropped downward as shown in FIG. 26 and stored in the ice bin 102.

After the ice is separated from the lower tray 250, the controller 700 controls the driving unit 180 to rotate the lower tray 250 in the reverse direction (S12).

When the lower ejecting pin 420 is spaced apart from the lower tray 250 while the lower tray 250 is rotated in the reverse direction, the deformed lower tray 250 may be restored to its original shape.

The rotational force in the reverse rotation process of the lower assembly 200 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 is It is removed from the upper chamber 152.

When the lower tray 250 reaches the water supply standby position of FIG. 22, the driving unit 180 may be stopped and water supply may be started again.

In addition, when the fault information of the upper heater 148 is output to the output unit in step S102, the controller 700 determines whether the water supply process, the ice making process, and the ice breaking process have been normally completed after the ebbing process is completed. I can judge.

If it is determined that the water supply process, the ice making process, and the ice breaking process are completed normally, the control unit 700 may delete the failure information from the output unit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, it has been described that there are three upper chambers 152 and three lower chambers 252 for generating ice, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

100: ice maker 110: upper assembly
120: upper case 148: upper heater
150: upper tray 170: upper supporter
200: lower assembly 210: lower case
250: lower tray 270: lower supporter
296: lower heater 500: temperature sensor

Claims (12)

Control of a refrigerator including an ice maker including a first tray forming a part of the ice chamber, a second tray forming another part of the ice chamber, and a temperature sensor positioned inside the first and second trays In the way,
Starting ice making after completion of water supply in the ice chamber;
After the ice making in the ice chamber is completed, turning on the first heater and the second heater to transfer heat to the first and second trays for ice breaking;
Determining whether a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a first set temperature within a set time;
Turning off the second heater when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor does not reach the first set temperature within the set time; And
And after turning off the second heater, determining whether a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a second set temperature. The method of claim 1,
The control method of a refrigerator having a value of 0 degrees or more of the first set temperature. The method of claim 1,
Maintaining the first and second heaters turned on when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the first set temperature within the set time period; And
When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches an off reference temperature, the first heater and the second heater are turned off, further comprising:
The control method of a refrigerator, wherein the off reference temperature is equal to or higher than the first set temperature. The method of claim 3,
The control method of a refrigerator further comprising rotating the second tray in a forward direction so that the second tray is spaced apart from the first tray. The method of claim 1,
And outputting fault information of the first heater to an output unit when the first set temperature is not reached within the set time. The method of claim 1,
When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor does not reach the second set temperature, maintaining the second heater is turned off, and determining again whether the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature Control method of a refrigerator further comprising the step. The method of claim 6,
The control method of a refrigerator further comprising turning on the second heater when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature. The method of claim 7,
After the second heater is turned on, when a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches an off reference temperature, turning off the first heater and the second heater. The method of claim 8,
After the first heater and the second heater are turned off, the control method of a refrigerator further comprising rotating the second tray in a forward direction. The method of claim 1,
The second set temperature has a value of 0 degrees or more than 0 degrees,
The control method of a refrigerator, wherein the off reference temperature is equal to or higher than the second set temperature. The method of claim 1,
The second tray is located under the first tray,
The first heater is an upper heater in contact with the first tray,
The second heater is a control method of a refrigerator that is a lower heater in contact with the second tray. The method of claim 10,
When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor does not reach the first set temperature within the set time, the first tray and the second tray are in contact with each other.

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