KR20210005495A - Ice maker and refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator comprises: a cabinet having a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber; and an ice maker provided to the freezing chamber. The ice maker comprises: a cold air hole where cold air is introduced; an upper tray made of an elastic material and exposed on a path of the cold air moved by the cold air hole; a lower tray made of the elastic material and coupled to the upper tray to have a plurality of spherical ice chambers; a driving unit rotating the lower tray to open and close the upper tray and the lower tray; and an insulation unit formed on an upper surface of the upper tray corresponding to a portion among the ice chambers and blocking transmission of cold air to the ice chamber.

Description

Ice maker and refrigerator}

The present invention relates to an ice maker and a refrigerator.

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 inside a refrigerator.

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

In addition, the ice maker is configured to ice-ice the ice-made ice in the ice tray by 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.

Ice made in an ice maker with 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 in a spherical shape, it may be more convenient to use ice, and a different feeling of use may be provided to the user. In addition, it is possible to minimize the sticking of ice by minimizing the area in contact with each other even when the ice is stored.

An ice maker is provided in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1850918, 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 sides, and a plurality of hemispherical lower cells are arranged, and the upper tray A lower tray rotatably connected to the lower tray, a rotating shaft connected to the rear end of the lower tray and the upper tray to rotate the lower tray relative to the upper tray, one end connected to the lower tray, and the other end connected to the link A pair of links connected to the guide unit; And an ejecting pin assembly each connected to the pair of links while both ends are fitted to the link guide portion, and elevating and descending together with the link.

In the case of the prior literature, it is possible to generate spherical ice by the hemispherical upper cell and the hemispherical lower cell, but since the ice is simultaneously generated in the upper and lower cells, air bubbles contained in water are not completely discharged. There is a disadvantage that the ice generated by the air bubbles dispersed inside the water is opaque.

In addition, since a plurality of cells are arranged in a row, the heat transfer amount of the cells located at both ends of the plurality of cells and the cold air is maximized. In this case, since the ice formation rate of the ice of the cells located at both ends of the plurality of cells is fast, the expansion force when the water of the cells at both ends is changed to ice causes the water to move to the cells located between both ends. As a result, there is a problem that the shape of the ice is deformed from the spherical shape.

In addition, when cold air is provided in one direction, the inflow of cold air may be sequentially frozen from the end-side cell where the cold air is introduced, and in this case, the amount of water becomes excessively larger than the set amount in the last freezing cell. There is a problem that ice with a large difference in shape is generated.

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator capable of guiding cold air to pass above a plurality of ice chambers so that spherical ice is generated at a uniform speed regardless of the shape and installation location of the refrigerator. do.

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator in which the ice making speed of a plurality of spherical ice chambers is uniform even in a structure in which cold air is supplied from one side.

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator in which an insulating structure is added to a spherical ice chamber in which cold air is concentrated so that freezing occurs at a uniform rate in the entire chamber.

In this embodiment, the freezing of the spherical ice chamber close to the side where the cold air is introduced is delayed so that freezing occurs first in the chamber disposed therebetween, so that the water is dispersed into the chambers on both sides to create an even spherical ice. It aims to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator.

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator that prevents the upper tray from being deformed during the ice-breaking process, thereby preventing jamming between the upper tray and other components.

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator that prevents cool air from flowing into a space between an upper tray and a shielding portion and deteriorating thermal insulation performance.

The ice maker and refrigerator according to the present embodiment include an upper tray, a lower tray rotatingly coupled to the upper tray to form a spherical ice chamber, a cold air hole for discharging cold air through the upper tray, and the cold air hole It may include a heat insulating portion formed on one side of the upper tray corresponding to the adjacent ice chamber to block the transmission of cold air.

The ice maker and refrigerator according to the present embodiment are exposed to a cold air flow space of a cold air hole, an upper tray and a lower tray in which a plurality of ice chambers in which a plurality of spherical ice is formed, and an ice chamber located close to the cold air hole It may include; a heat insulating portion formed in the portion.

A shielding part may be formed above the heat insulating part to shield the heat insulating part from above.

The ice maker and refrigerator according to the present embodiment are formed at a location corresponding to a cold air guide for guiding cold air, an ice chamber continuously disposed along an outlet of the cold air guide, and an ice chamber closest to the cold air outlet among the ice chambers. And, it may include a heat insulating portion for delaying the ice-making speed by blocking cold air.

The ice maker and refrigerator according to the present embodiment include an upper tray and a lower tray forming a spherical ice chamber, an insulating part provided in a part of the upper tray to block cold air, and an upper ejector for moving ice through the inlet opening. A rib connecting the inlet openings adjacent to each other, and a shielding part shielding the heat insulating part from above; It may include a cutout portion is cut from the shield member to accommodate the rib.

A refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a cabinet in which a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber are formed; And an ice maker provided in the freezing chamber, wherein the ice maker includes: a cold air hole through which cold air is introduced; An upper tray made of an elastic material and exposed on a path of cold air flowing through the cold air hole; A lower tray made of an elastic material and coupled to the upper tray to form a plurality of spherical ice chambers; A driving unit for opening and closing the upper tray and the lower tray by rotating the lower tray; And a heat insulating part formed on an upper surface of the upper tray corresponding to a portion of the plurality of ice chambers, and blocking transmission of cold air to the ice chamber.

The heat insulating part is formed on the upper tray, and may be formed to have a thickness thicker than that of ice chambers in which the heat insulating part is not formed.

The heat insulating part may be formed to protrude upward in the area of the ice chamber exposed upward.

The heat insulating portion is formed in one ice chamber, is formed in an area exposed to the top of the ice chamber, and may be formed to be thicker than the remaining areas of the ice chamber that are not exposed.

The plurality of ice chambers are arranged in a straight line, and the heat insulating portion may be formed at a position corresponding to the ice chamber closest to the cold air hole.

An opening through which cold air is discharged is formed in a direction opposite to the cold air hole, and the plurality of ice chambers may be arranged in a row between the cold air hole and the opening.

The heat insulating part may be formed at a position corresponding to the ice chamber closest to the cold air hole.

A cold air guide for guiding the flow of the cold air is further provided, and the plurality of ice chambers are continuously arranged from the outlet of the cold air guide, and the heat insulating portion corresponds to the ice chamber at a position closest to the outlet of the cold air guide Can be formed in

A shielding part may be provided above the heat insulating part to further block cold air transmission by shielding the heat insulating part.

An air layer may be formed by being spaced apart between the heat insulating part and the shielding part.

The ice maker according to the present embodiment includes an upper tray formed of an elastic material; Inlet openings opening on upper surfaces of the plurality of upper chambers; An upper case provided above the upper tray and having a tray opening through which an upper surface of the upper tray including the inflow opening is exposed; A lower tray formed of an elastic material and having a plurality of spherical ice chambers formed when combined with the upper tray; A lower supporter on which the lower tray is mounted; A driving unit connected to the lower supporter to rotate the lower supporter to open and close the upper tray and the lower tray; An upper ejector provided above the upper tray and passing through the inlet opening to evict ice made; And a heat insulating part formed on the upper tray exposed through the tray opening and formed along a circumference of the inlet opening, and the heat insulating part may be formed at a position corresponding to some of the plurality of ice chambers.

The heat insulating part may protrude from the inside of the tray opening to increase the thickness.

The upper surface of one side of the upper tray corresponding to the ice chamber in which the heat insulating part is formed may be formed thicker than the upper surface of the other side of the upper tray corresponding to the ice chamber in which the heat insulating part is not formed.

A cold air guide for guiding the flow of cold air is formed in the upper case, and the plurality of ice chambers may be continuously disposed along an outlet of the cold air guide.

The heat insulating part may be formed above the ice chamber at one side closest to the cold air guide outlet.

A cold air hole that is opened at one side of the upper case and into which cold air is introduced; And a through opening that is opened at one side away from the cold air hole and through which cold air is discharged, wherein the plurality of ice chambers are disposed along the cold air hole and the through opening, and the heat insulating portion is formed at a position closest to the cold air hole. It may be formed above the chamber.

A shielding portion extending from the periphery of the inlet opening to the inlet opening to shield the heat insulating portion may be further formed above the heat insulating portion.

The inlet opening may be formed at an upper end of each ice chamber, and an inlet wall extending upwardly along a circumference of the inlet opening may be further formed.

A connection rib may be formed in the inlet wall to be connected to the inlet wall of the adjacent inlet opening, and a cutout portion may be formed in the shielding portion to pass the connection rib.

The cutout portion may be narrower from the bottom to the top, and the width of the upper end of the cutout may be formed to correspond to the width of the connection rib.

An additional connection rib may be formed in the upper case adjacent to both ends of the cutout portion, and contacting an outer surface of the entrance wall, an outer surface of the upper tray, and an inner surface of the shielding portion.

It is disposed along the circumference of the inlet wall, and a connecting rib connecting the outer surface of the inlet wall and the outer surface of the upper tray may be formed.

A rib groove for accommodating at least a portion of the connection rib may be formed in the shielding portion.

An air layer may be formed by being spaced apart between the single layer and the shielding part.

The heat insulating part may be integrally formed when the upper tray is formed.

The ice maker and refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention have the following effects.

According to this embodiment, the cold air flowing into the ice maker through the cold air hole passes through the upper part of the ice chamber by the cold air guide, so that the rate of formation between the plurality of ice becomes uniform, and the shape of the ice maintains the spherical shape. There is an advantage to be able to.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the rate of ice generation is delayed by the lower heater supplying heat to the ice chamber, so that bubbles can move from the portion where ice is generated to the water, thereby making it possible to manufacture transparent ice.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, regardless of the type of refrigerator in which the ice maker is installed, since the cold air that has passed through the cold air hole flows along the cold air guide, the flow pattern of the cold air becomes almost the same. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the transparency of ice can be uniform regardless of the type of refrigerator.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, a cold air hole to which cold air is supplied is disposed on one side, so that the cold air flowing by the cold air guide passes through a specific chamber first and the cold air is concentrated, but the upper surface of the chamber has a thicker thickness. Since the heat insulation is formed, excessively fast freezing can be prevented in a specific chamber, and there is an advantage that the rate at which ice is made can be uniform in the entire chamber.

Particularly, there is an advantage of minimizing an additional configuration and making the ice-making speed between a plurality of chambers uniform by adjusting the thickness of the upper tray.

In addition, when the rate at which ice is made in each chamber is uniform due to the insulation, ice is first made in a specific chamber, and the supplied water is moved to store an excessive amount of water in a specific chamber, resulting in non-spherical ice. It has the advantage of being able to prevent it from being made.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the cold air is supplied from one side by the cold air guide and at the same time, the ice is prevented from first freezing in the chamber near the cold air guide by the heat insulation unit, so that freezing occurs in the middle chamber first. You can induce. Therefore, if freezing occurs first in the chamber located in the middle, it is possible to prevent water in both chambers from moving during the freezing process, and there is an advantage of ensuring that spherical ice is made by maintaining an appropriate water level.

In addition, a shielding portion may be provided above the heat insulating portion to further block transmission of flowing cold air. Accordingly, the heat insulation performance in a specific chamber may be further improved, and it is possible to adjust the ice making speed in each ice chamber even in a state where the supply of cold air is concentrated.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, deformation of the upper tray is prevented by the ribs formed along the periphery of the inlet opening, and thus, interference with the upper ejector during the moving process can be prevented.

In addition, a rib groove corresponding to the rib is formed in the shielding portion to prevent interference with the rib, and there is an advantage of preventing the rib from being deformed due to interference with the shielding portion. That is, by maintaining the shape of the upper portion of the upper tray, there is an advantage of preventing interference with the ejector and ensuring that spherical ice is formed.

In addition, a cutout through which connection ribs connecting neighboring entrance walls may pass may be formed in the shielding portion. The cutout portion may become wider downward, and an upper end may be formed to correspond to the thickness of the connection rib. Therefore, even if the upper chamber is deformed during the ejecting process, the connecting rib can be guided to the wide inlet of the incision, and the movement is guided along both ends of the inclined incision to return to the original state. That is, the possibility of ice making failure due to deformation of the upper tray can be significantly reduced.

In addition, an additional rib in contact with the circumference of the inlet wall and the outer surface of the upper tray and the lower surface of the shielding portion is further provided to prevent the introduction of cold air through the gap of the cutout portion having a wide entrance, thereby further insulating the ice chamber. There is an advantage.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator in which the door is opened.
3 is a partially enlarged view of a state in which an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted.
4 is a partial perspective view showing the inside of a freezing chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is an exploded perspective view of a grill pan and an ice duct according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a side cross-sectional view of the freezing compartment in a state in which a freezer drawer and an ice bin are inserted according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a cut-away perspective view of the freezing compartment from which the freezing compartment drawer and the ice bin are drawn out.
8 is a perspective view of the ice maker as viewed from above.
9 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the ice maker as viewed from one side.
10 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker.
11 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling structure of the ice maker and the cover plate.
12 is a perspective view of an upper case viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a perspective view of the upper case viewed from below.
14 is a side view of the upper case.
15 is a partial plan view of the ice maker as viewed from above.
16 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 15.
17 is a view showing the flow of cold air on the upper surface of the ice maker.
18 is a perspective cut-away view of 18-18' of FIG. 16.
19 is a perspective view of an upper tray viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a perspective view of the upper tray viewed from below.
21 is a side view of the upper tray.
22 is a perspective view of an upper supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.
23 is a perspective view of the upper supporter viewed from below.
24 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of an upper assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
25 is a perspective view of an upper tray viewed from above according to another embodiment of the present invention.
26 is a cross-sectional view 26-26' of FIG. 25;
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view 27-27' of FIG. 25.
28 is a partially cut-away perspective view showing a structure of a shielding part of an upper case according to another embodiment of the present invention.
29 is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
30 is an exploded perspective view of the lower assembly as viewed from above.
31 is an exploded perspective view of the lower assembly as viewed from below.
32 is a partial perspective view showing a protrusion restraint part of a lower case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
33 is a partial perspective view showing a coupling protrusion of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
34 is a cross-sectional view of the lower assembly.
FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of 35-35' of FIG. 27;
36 is a plan view of the lower tray.
37 is a perspective view of a lower tray according to another embodiment of the present invention.
38 is a cross-sectional view sequentially showing a rotation state of the lower tray.
39 is a cross-sectional view showing states of the upper tray and the lower tray immediately before or at the beginning of ice making.
40 is a view showing states of the upper tray and the lower tray when ice making is completed.
41 is a perspective view showing an upper assembly and a lower assembly in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention.
42 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of a connection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
43 is a side view showing the arrangement of the connection unit.
44 is a cross-sectional view of 44-44' of FIG. 41;
45 is a cross-sectional view of 45-45' of FIG. 41;
46 is a perspective view illustrating an open state of the upper assembly and the lower assembly.
47 is a cross-sectional view 47-47' of FIG. 46;
48 is a side view of the state of FIG. 41 as viewed from one side.
49 is a side view of the state of FIG. 41 as viewed from another side.
50 is a front view of the ice maker viewed from the front.
51 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of the upper ejector.
52 is an exploded perspective view of a driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
53 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the driving unit is moved to temporarily fix the driving unit.
54 is a partial perspective view of a state in which the drive unit is temporarily fixed.
55 is a partial perspective view for showing restraint and coupling of the drive unit.
56 is a side view of the ice detection lever in the uppermost position of the initial position according to an embodiment of the present invention.
57 is a side view in which the ice detection lever is located at the lowermost position of the sensing position.
58 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure between an upper case and the lower ejector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
59 is a partial perspective view showing a detailed structure of the lower ejector.
60 is a view showing a deformed state of the lower tray when the lower assembly is completely rotated.
61 is a view showing a state just before the lower ejector passes through the lower tray.
62 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8.
63 is a diagram illustrating a state in which ice generation is completed in the diagram of FIG. 62.
FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in a water supply state.
65 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in an ice-making state.
66 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in a state in which ice making is completed.
67 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in an initial state of eaves.
FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 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, a detailed description of known configurations or functions thereof will be omitted when it is determined that it is obvious to those skilled in the art.

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 for distinguishing 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”.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator door is opened. And, Figure 3 is a partially enlarged view of the state in which the ice maker according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

For the convenience of explanation and understanding, the direction is defined. Hereinafter, a direction toward the floor surface on which the refrigerator 1 is installed may be referred to as downward, and a direction toward a higher surface of the cabinet 2 opposite thereto may be referred to as upward. In addition, a direction toward the door 5 may be referred to as a front and a direction toward the inside of the cabinet 2 based on the door 5 may be referred to as a rear. And, when talking about an undefined direction, the direction can be defined and described based on each drawing.

1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 2 forming a storage space and a door opening and closing the storage space.

In detail, the cabinet 2 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. And, 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.

Meanwhile, an ice-making compartment 8 in which the main ice maker 81 is accommodated may be formed in one of the refrigerating compartment doors 5 on both sides of the refrigerating compartment door 5. The ice-making compartment 8 may receive cold air from an evaporator (not shown) provided in the cabinet 2 so that ice-making may be performed in the main ice maker 81, and insulated from the refrigerating compartment 3 Space can be formed. Of course, depending on the structure of the refrigerator, the ice-making compartment may be provided inside the refrigerating compartment 3 instead of the refrigerating compartment door 5, and a main ice maker 81 may be provided inside the ice-making compartment.

A dispenser 7 may be provided at one side of the refrigerating compartment door 5 corresponding to the location of the ice making compartment 8. The dispenser 7 may take out water or ice, and may have a structure communicating with the ice making chamber 8 so that ice made in the ice maker 81 may be taken out.

Meanwhile, 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. The ice maker 100 may generally be referred to as an auxiliary ice maker because the amount of ice making or the frequency of use is smaller than that of the main ice maker 81.

The freezing chamber 4 may be provided with a duct 44 for supplying cool air to the freezing chamber 100. Accordingly, some of the cold air generated by the evaporator and supplied to the freezing chamber 4 may flow toward the ice maker 100 to make ice through an indirect cooling method.

In addition, an ice bin 102 may be further provided below the ice maker 100 to store ice after being iced from the ice maker 100. In addition, the ice bin 102 may be provided in a freezer drawer 41 that is drawn out from the inside of the freezing compartment 4 and is drawn in and out together with the freezer drawer 41 to allow a user to take out the stored ice.

Accordingly, the ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102 can be viewed in a state in which at least a portion of the ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102 are accommodated in the freezer drawer 41, and when viewed from the outside, the ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102 You can make the most of it obscured. In addition, the ice stored in the ice bin 102 can be easily taken out by the drawer 41 of the freezing compartment.

As another example, ice made by the ice maker 100 or ice stored in the ice bin 102 may be transferred to the dispenser 7 by a transfer means, and ice may be taken out through the dispenser 7.

On the other hand, as another example, the refrigerator 1 may not be provided with the dispenser 7 and the main ice maker 81, but may be configured solely with the ice maker 100, and the main ice maker 81 Instead, the ice maker 100 may be provided inside the ice making room 8.

Hereinafter, the mounting structure of the ice maker 100 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

4 is a partial perspective view showing the inside of a freezing chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a grill pan and an ice duct according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the storage space inside the cabinet 2 may be formed by the inner case 21. In addition, the inner case 21 forms a storage space divided upward and downward, that is, the refrigerating chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 4.

A portion of the upper surface of the freezing compartment 4 may be opened, and a mounting cover 43 may be formed on an upper body corresponding to a position where the ice maker 100 is mounted. The mounting cover 43 may be coupled to and fixed with the inner case 21, and forms a space recessed more upward than the upper surface of the freezing compartment 4 to secure a space for the ice maker 100 To be able to do it. In addition, a structure for fixing the ice maker 100 may be provided on the mounting cover 43.

In addition, a cover depression 431 may be further formed in the mounting cover 43 to be further recessed upward to accommodate an upper ejector 300 to be described below. Since the upper ejector 300 has a structure protruding upward from the upper surface of the ice maker 100, the upper ejector 300 is accommodated in the cover depression 431 by the ice maker 100. The lost space can be minimized.

In addition, a water supply hole 432 for water supply to the ice maker 100 may be formed in the mounting cover 43. Although not shown, a pipe for water supply to the ice maker 100 may pass through the water supply hole 432. In addition, an electric wire connected to the ice maker 100 may be in and out of the mounting cover 43, and the ice maker 100 may be electrically connected by a connector connected to the electric wire so that power can be supplied. have.

The rear wall surface of the freezing chamber 4 may be formed by a grill pan 42. The grill fan 42 may divide the space of the inner case 21 in a front-rear direction, and accommodate an evaporator (not shown) for generating cool air and a blower fan (not shown) for circulating cool air of the evaporator. A space may be formed behind the freezing chamber.

Cold air discharge parts 421 and 422 and cold air suction parts 423 may be formed in the grill fan 42. Accordingly, air circulation between the freezing chamber 4 and the space in which the evaporator is disposed through the cold air discharge portions 421 and 422 and the cold air suction portion 423 is possible, and the freezing chamber 4 can be cooled. The cold air discharge parts 421 and 422 may be formed in a grill shape, and the cool air may be evenly discharged into the freezing chamber 4 through the upper discharge part 421 and the lower discharge part 422.

In particular, the upper discharge part 421 may be provided at the upper end of the freezing compartment 4, and the ice maker 100 disposed above the freezing compartment 4 using cold air discharged from the upper discharge part 421 And it is possible to cool the ice bin 102. In particular, a cold air duct 44 for supplying cold air to the ice maker 100 may be provided in the upper discharge part 421.

The cold air duct 44 may connect the upper discharge part 421 and the cold air hole 134 of the ice maker 100. That is, the cold air duct 44 connects between the upper discharge part 421 located in the middle of the horizontal direction of the freezing compartment 4 and the ice maker 100 provided at the upper one end of the freezing compartment 4 , Some of the cold air discharged from the upper discharge part 421 may be directly supplied to the inside of the ice maker 100.

The cold air duct 44 may be disposed at one end of the upper discharge part 421 that is formed to be elongated in a horizontal direction. That is, the cold air discharged from the upper discharge part 421 is discharged to the freezing compartment 4, of which the cold air discharged from one side close to the cold air duct 44 is the ice maker through the cold air duct 44. You can claim to be guided to (100).

Accordingly, the rear end of the cold air duct 44 may be recessed to accommodate one end of the upper discharge part 421. In addition, the circumference of the opened rear surface of the cooling air duct 44 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the grill fan 42 to be in close contact with the grill fan 42 so as not to leak cool air. In addition, a duct fastening part 444 may be formed at a rear end of the cold air duct 44, and may be fixedly mounted to the front of the grill fan 42 by screws.

The cold air duct 44 may be formed such that a cross-sectional area becomes narrower toward the front, and the duct discharge port 446 in front of the cold air duct 44 is inserted into the inside of the cold air hole 134 to provide cold air to the ice maker ( 100) Can supply concentrated inside.

On the other hand, the cold air duct 44 may include an upper duct 443 forming an upper shape of the cold air duct 44 and a lower duct 442 forming a lower shape of the cold air duct 44, The combination of the upper duct 443 and the lower duct 442 may form an overall flow passage for cold air. In addition, the upper duct 443 and the lower duct 442 may be coupled to each other by a duct coupling portion 443. The duct coupling portion 443 may be formed in the upper duct 443 and the lower duct 442 in a structure that is engaged and constrained like a hook.

6 is a side cross-sectional view of the freezing compartment in a state in which a freezer drawer and an ice bin are inserted according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 7 is a cut-away perspective view of the freezing compartment from which the freezing compartment drawer and the ice bin are drawn out.

As shown in the drawing, the ice maker 100 may be mounted on the upper surface of the freezing chamber 4. That is, the upper case 120 forming the outer shape of the ice maker 100 may be mounted on the mounting cover 43.

On the other hand, the refrigerator 1 is installed in a state in which the front end of the cabinet 2 is inclined slightly higher than the rear end so that the door 6 can be closed by its own weight when the door 6 is opened and closed. Accordingly, the top surface of the freezing compartment 4 may also be in an inclined state with respect to the ground on which the refrigerator 1 is installed, such as the inclination of the cabinet 2.

At this time, when the ice maker 100 is mounted horizontally with the upper surface of the freezing chamber 4, the water surface of the water supplied to the ice maker 100 is also inclined, resulting in different sizes of ice made in each chamber. Problems can arise. In particular, in the case of the ice maker 100 according to the present embodiment for making spherical ice, when the water surface is inclined, the amount of water accommodated in each chamber may be different, resulting in a problem that it is impossible to make a uniform spherical ice. .

In order to prevent such a problem, the ice maker 100 may be mounted so as to be inclined with respect to the upper surface of the freezing chamber 4, that is, the upper surface and the lower surface of the cabinet 2. In detail, when the ice maker 100 is mounted, the upper surface of the upper case 120 is counterclockwise by a set angle α relative to the upper surface of the freezing compartment 4 or the mounting cover 43 (Fig. 6). Can be placed in a rotated state. In this case, the set angle α may be the same as the inclination of the cabinet 2 and may be approximately 0.7° to 0.8°. In addition, the front end of the upper case 120 may be formed to be approximately 3mm ~ 5mm lower than the rear end.

The ice maker 100 may be inclined by the set angle α when mounted in the freezing compartment 4 to be in a horizontal state with the ground on which the refrigerator 1 is installed. Accordingly, the level of water supplied to the inside of the ice maker 100 is level with the ground, and the same amount of water is accommodated in a plurality of chambers, so that ice of a uniform size can be made.

In addition, when the ice maker 100 is mounted, the cold air hole 134 at the rear end of the upper case 120 and the upper duct 44 may be connected by the cold air duct 44, thus preventing ice making. The ice-making efficiency can be improved by intensively supplying cold air for the upper case 120 to the inner and upper portions of the upper case 120.

Meanwhile, the ice bin 102 may be mounted inside the freezer drawer 41. The ice bin 102 is accurately positioned below the ice maker 100 in a state in which the freezer drawer 41 is retracted. To this end, a bin mounting guide 411 for guiding a mounting position of the ice bin 102 may be formed in the freezing compartment drawer 41. The bin mounting guide 411 protrudes upward from a position corresponding to the four corners of the lower surface of the ice bin 102 and may be disposed to surround the four corners of the lower surface of the ice bin 102. Accordingly, the ice bin 102 can be maintained in its position while being mounted on the freezing compartment drawer 41, and is positioned vertically below the ice maker 100 when the freezing compartment drawer 41 is retracted. Can be.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lower end of the ice maker 100 may be accommodated inside the ice bin 102 in a state in which the freezing compartment drawer 41 is retracted. That is, the lower end of the ice maker 100 may be located in an inner region of the ice bin 102 and the freezer drawer 41. Accordingly, ice iced in the ice maker 100 may fall and be stored in the ice bin 102. And, by minimizing the space between the ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102, it is possible to minimize the volume loss in the freezing compartment 4 due to the arrangement of the ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102. . Of course, the lower end of the ice maker 100 and the lower surface of the ice bin 102 are spaced apart by an appropriate distance to secure a distance for storing an appropriate amount of ice.

On the other hand, in a state in which the ice maker 100 is mounted, the freezing compartment drawer 41 may be pulled in and out as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, in order to prevent interference with the ice maker 100, at least part of the rear surfaces of the ice bin 102 and the freezing compartment drawer 41 may be opened.

In detail, a drawer opening 412 and a bin opening 102a may be formed at rear surfaces of the freezing compartment drawer 41 and the ice bin 102 corresponding to the location of the ice maker 100. The drawer opening 412 and the empty opening 102a may be formed at positions facing each other. In addition, the drawer opening 412 and the empty opening 102a are formed to be opened from the upper end of the freezer drawer 41 and the upper end of the ice bin 102 to a position lower than the lower end of the ice maker 100. I can.

Accordingly, even if the freezing compartment drawer 41 is pulled out while the ice maker 100 is mounted, the ice maker 100 may not interfere with the ice bin 102 and the freezing compartment drawer 41.

In particular, the freezing compartment drawer 41 or the ice bin 102 is in a state in which the lower assembly 200 is rotated as the ice maker 100 is ice-moving, or the ice detection lever 700 is rotated to detect full ice. In order not to interfere with, the drawer opening 412 and the empty opening 102a may be formed in a shape that is recessed further downward than the lower end of the ice maker 100.

A drawer opening guide 412a extending rearwardly along the circumference of the drawer opening 412 may be formed. The drawer opening guide 412a may extend rearward and guide cold air flowing downward from the upper discharge part 421 to flow into the freezing compartment drawer 41.

Further, it may include an empty opening guide 102b extending rearward along the circumference of the empty opening 102a. The cold air flowing downward from the upper discharge part 421 may flow into the ice bin 102 through the empty opening guide 102b.

Meanwhile, a plate-shaped cover plate 130 may be provided on the rear surface of the upper case 120 of the ice maker 100. The cover plate 130 may cover at least a portion of the ice bin opening 102a so that the ice inside the ice bin 102 does not fall downward through the bin opening 102a and the drawer opening 412. Can be formed.

The cover plate 130 extends downward from the rear surface of the upper case 120 of the ice maker 100 and may extend inside the empty opening 102a. As shown in FIG. 6, in a state in which the freezer drawer 41 is retracted, the cover plate 130 is positioned inside the empty opening 102a to cover at least a part of the empty opening 102a. Therefore, even if ice is moved backward by inertia at the moment when the drawer 41 of the freezing compartment is pulled out or inserted, it is blocked by the cover plate 130 to prevent the ice from falling outside the ice bin 102. I can.

In addition, a plurality of openings may be formed in the cover plate 130 to allow cold air to pass. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the freezing compartment drawer 41 is closed, cold air may pass through the cover plate 130 and flow into the ice bin 102.

The cover plate 130 may be formed to have a size that does not interfere with the drawer opening 412 and the empty opening 102a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, when the freezing compartment drawer 41 is withdrawn, the freezing compartment drawer ( 41) or ice bin 102.

The cover plate 130 may be separately molded and coupled to the upper case 120 of the ice maker 100, or may be formed so that the rear surface of the upper case 120 further protrudes downward.

Hereinafter, the ice maker 100 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

8 is a perspective view of the ice maker as viewed from above. And, Figure 9 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the ice maker viewed from one side. And, Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker.

8 to 10, the ice maker 100 may include an upper assembly 110 and a lower assembly 200.

One end of the lower assembly 200 may be rotatably mounted to the upper assembly 110, and the inner space formed by the lower assembly 200 and the upper assembly 110 may be opened and closed by rotation. have.

In detail, when the lower assembly 200 is in contact with the upper assembly 110 and is closed to each other, a sphere-shaped 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. 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 can be separated from the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200, and will fall into the ice bin 102. I can.

Meanwhile, 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, and an appropriate torque for rotation of the lower assembly 200 may be provided by a combination of a plurality of gears. In addition, the ice detection lever 700 may be connected to the driving unit 180, and the ice detection lever 700 may be rotated by the power transmission unit.

The driving motor may be a motor capable of rotating in both directions. Accordingly, the lower assembly 200 and the ice detection lever 700 can be rotated 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 ejecting pins 320 extending in a direction intersecting from the ejector body 310. The ejecting pins 320 may be provided in the same number as the ice chambers 111, and ice generated in each ice chamber 111 may be iced.

Ice in the ice chamber 111 may be pressurized while the ejecting pin 320 passes through the upper assembly 110 and is introduced into the ice chamber 111. Ice pressed by the ejecting pins 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 can 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 end of the lower ejector 400 may be located within a rotation range of the lower assembly 200, and ice may be iced by pressing the outside of the ice chamber 111 during the rotation of the lower assembly 200. . The lower ejector 400 may be fixedly mounted on the upper case 120.

Meanwhile, 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 may include rotating arms 351 and 352 and a link 356. The rotating arms 351 and 352 may be connected to the driving unit 180 together with the lower supporter 270 to rotate together. In addition, the ends of the rotating arms 351 and 352 are connected by the lower supporter 270 and the elastic member 360 so as to be more closely contacted with the upper assembly 110 when the lower assembly 200 is closed. have.

The link 356 connects the lower supporter 270 and the upper ejector 300 to transmit the rotational force of the lower supporter 270 to the upper ejector 300 when the lower supporter 270 rotates. To be. The upper ejector 300 may be moved up and down in association with the rotation of the lower supporter 270 by the link 356.

For example, when the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the forward direction, the upper ejector 300 may be lowered by the connection unit 350 and the ejecting pin 320 may press 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 an upper portion of the ice chamber 111 for forming ice. In addition, 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 positioned under the upper case 120, and an upper supporter 170 may be positioned under the upper tray 150. As such, the upper case 120, the upper tray 150, and the upper supporter 170 are sequentially arranged in the vertical direction, and may be fastened by a fastening member to form a single assembly. That is, through fastening of the fastening member, the upper tray 150 may be fixedly mounted between the upper case 120 and the upper supporter 170. Accordingly, the upper tray 150 may maintain the mounting position and may be prevented from being deformed or separated from the upper assembly 110.

Meanwhile, a water supply unit 190 may be provided above the upper case 120. The water supply unit 190 supplies water to the ice chamber 111 and may be disposed above the upper case 120 toward the ice chamber 111.

In addition, 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.

The temperature sensor 500 may be mounted on the upper case 120. In addition, at least a portion of the temperature sensor 500 may be exposed through an opened side of the upper case 120.

Meanwhile, the lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250 forming a lower portion of the ice chamber 111 for forming ice. In addition, the lower assembly 200 may further include a lower supporter 270 supporting a lower side of the lower tray 250 and a lower case 210 covering an upper side of the lower tray 250.

The lower case 210, the lower tray 250, and the lower supporter 270 may be arranged vertically, and a fastening member may be fastened to form one assembly.

Meanwhile, the ice maker 100 may further include a switch 600 for on/off of the ice maker 100. The switch 600 may be provided on the front surface of the upper case 120. In addition, 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, the operation of the components for ice making including the ice maker 100 may be started. That is, when the switch 600 is turned on, the ice making process in which water is supplied to the ice maker 100 and ice is generated by the cold air, and the ice making process in which the lower assembly 200 is rotated to ice ice are performed. It can be performed repeatedly.

On the other hand, when the switch 600 is operated in an off state, the ice maker 100 and other components for ice making remain in a stopped state in which they are not operated, and thus ice cannot be generated through the ice maker 100 Is done.

In addition, the ice maker 100 may further include a full ice detection lever 700. The full ice detection lever 700 may detect whether the ice bin 102 is full while rotating by receiving the power of the driving unit 180.

One side of the ice detection lever 700 is connected to the driving unit 180, and the other side of the ice detection lever 700 is rotatably connected to the upper case 120 to operate the driving unit 180 Accordingly, the ice detection lever 700 may be rotated.

The ice detection lever 700 may be positioned below a rotation axis of the lower assembly 200 so as not to interfere with rotation of the lower assembly 200. In addition, the ice detection lever 700 may be formed such that both ends are bent multiple times. The ice detection lever 700 may be rotated by the driving unit 180, and detect whether the space below the lower assembly 200, that is, the space inside the ice bin 102 is full.

On the other hand, the internal structure of the driving unit 180 is not shown in detail, but will be briefly described for the operation of the ice detection lever 700. The driving unit 180 may further include a cam rotated by receiving the rotational power of the motor, and a moving lever moving along the cam surface. The magnet may be provided on the moving lever. The driving unit 180 may further include a Hall sensor capable of detecting the magnet while the moving lever moves.

Among the plurality of gears of the driving unit 180, a first gear to which the ice detection lever 720 is coupled may be selectively coupled to or released from a second gear meshed with the first gear. For example, since the first gear is elastically supported by an elastic member, it may mesh with the second gear when no external force is applied.

On the other hand, when a resistance greater than the elastic force of the elastic member acts on the first gear, the first gear may be spaced apart from the second gear.

When a resistance greater than the elastic force of the elastic member acts on the first gear, for example, the ice detection lever 700 is caught in ice during the ice breaking process (in case of full ice). In this case, the first gear may be spaced apart from the second gear, so that damage to the gears may be prevented.

Due to the plurality of gears and cams, the ice detection lever 700 may be rotated together by interlocking when the lower assembly 200 is rotated. In this case, the cam may be connected to the second gear or may be interlocked with the second gear.

Depending on whether the Hall sensor detects a magnet, the Hall sensor may output a first signal and a second signal that are different outputs. One of the first signal and the second signal may be a high signal, and the other may be a low signal.

The full ice detection lever 700 may be rotated from a standby position to a full ice detection position in order to detect full ice. In the process of rotation, while passing through a partial area inside the ice bin 102, it may be checked whether the ice bin 102 is filled with more than a set amount.

Hereinafter, the full ice detection lever 700 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 10.

The filling detection lever 700 may be a wire-shaped lever. That is, the full ice detection lever 700 may be formed by bending a wire having a predetermined diameter a plurality of times.

The ice sensing lever 700 may include a sensing body 710. The sensing body 710 may pass a set height inside the ice bin 102 during the rotation operation of the ice detection lever 700 and may substantially become the lowest side of the ice detection lever 700. .

In addition, in the process of rotating the lower assembly 200, the full ice detection lever 700 is configured to prevent interference between the lower assembly 220 and the sensing body 710 so that the entire sensing body 710 is It can be located below 200.

The sensing body 710 may contact ice in the ice bin 102 when the ice bin 102 is in full ice. The ice sensing lever 700 may include a sensing body 710. The sensing body 710 may extend in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the connection shaft 370. The sensing body 710 may be positioned lower than the lowest point of the lower assembly 200 regardless of its position.

In addition, the ice detection lever 700 may include a pair of extension portions 720 and 730 extending upward from both ends of the sensing body 710. The pair of extension parts 720 and 730 may extend substantially in parallel.

The distance between the pair of extension parts 720 and 730, that is, the length of the sensing body 710 may be longer than the horizontal length of the lower assembly 200. Therefore, in the rotation process of the ice detection lever 700 and the rotation process of the lower assembly 200, the pair of extension parts 720 and 730 and the detection body 710 interfere with the lower assembly 200. Can be prevented.

Each of the pair of extensions 720 and 730 extends to the lever coupling portion 187 of the driving unit 180 and the lever hole 120a of the upper case 120. It may include a second extension portion 710 extending. The pair of extension parts 720 and 730 may be formed to be bent at least one or more times so that the ice detection lever 700 is not deformed even in repeated contact with ice, and maintains a more reliable detection state. .

For example, the extension parts 720 and 730 may include a first bent part 721 extending from both ends of the sensing body 710 and the driving unit 180 at an end of the first bent part 721. It may include a second bent portion 722 extending to. Further, the first bent portion 721 and the second bent portion 722 may be bent at a predetermined angle. The first bent portion 721 and the second bent portion 722 may be formed to cross each other at an angle of approximately 140° to 150°. In addition, the length of the first bent portion 721 may be longer than the length of the second bent portion 722. Due to such a structure, the ice detection lever 700 can reduce the rotation radius and detect ice inside the ice bin 102 while minimizing interference with other components.

In addition, a pair of coupling portions 740 and 750 that are bent outward may be formed at upper ends of the pair of extension portions 720 and 730, respectively. The pair of coupling portions 740 and 750 are bent at the end of the first extension portion 720 and inserted into the lever coupling portion 187, the first coupling portion 740, and the second extension portion 710 ) May include a second coupling portion 750 that is bent at the end and inserted into the lever hole 120a. The first coupling portion 740 and the second coupling portion 750 may be coupled to the lever coupling portion 187 and the lever hole 120a, respectively, and may be formed to be inserted in a rotatable state.

That is, the first coupling part 740 may be coupled to the driving unit 180 and rotated in the driving unit 180, and the second coupling part 750 rotates in the lever hole 120a. It can be combined as much as possible. Accordingly, the ice detection lever 700 is rotated according to the operation of the driving unit 180, and it is possible to detect whether the ice bin 102 is in a full ice state.

Meanwhile, the cover plate 130 may be mounted on the ice maker 100.

Hereinafter, the structure of the cover plate 130 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

11 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling structure of the ice maker and the cover plate.

6, 7 and 11, the lever hole 120a may be formed on one surface of the upper case 120, and a pair of bosses 120b may protrude on both left and right sides of the lever hole 120a. . In addition, a stepped plate seating portion 120c may be formed above the pair of bosses 120b. At this time, one surface of the upper case 120 on which the lever hole 120a and the plate seating portion 120c are formed is a rear surface of the freezing compartment 4, that is, the grill pan, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. It is a surface adjacent to 42 and the cover plate 130 may be coupled.

The cover plate 130 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and may be formed to have a width corresponding to the width of the upper case 120. Further, the cover plate 130 extends further downward than the lower end of the upper case 120, and may be extended to cover most of the empty opening 102a when the freezer drawer 41 is closed. have.

The cover plate 130 has a plate bent portion 130d formed on an upper portion thereof, and the plate bent portion 130d may be seated on the plate seating portion 120c. In addition, an exposure opening 130c through which the lever hole 120a and the second coupling portion 750 are exposed may be formed in the cover plate 130. Even when the ice detection lever 700 is rotated by the exposure opening 130c, the second coupling portion 750 is not interfered, and the operation of the ice detection lever 700 is guaranteed.

Further, plate coupling portions 130b may protrude on both left and right sides of the exposed opening 130c. The plate coupling portion 130b is formed to accommodate the pair of bosses 120b protruding from the upper case 120. Further, the plate coupling part 130b and the boss 120b are coupled to each other by a fastening member such as a screw fastened to the plate coupling part 130b, and the cover plate 130 may be fixedly mounted.

Meanwhile, a plurality of vents 130a may be formed under the cover plate 130. A plurality of vents 130a may be continuously formed, and a lower portion of the cover plate 130 may be formed in a shape such as a grill. The vent 130a may be formed to be long vertically, and may extend from the lower end of the upper case 120 to the lower end of the cover plate 130. Accordingly, the cool air may be smoothly introduced into the ice bin 102 by the ventilation hole 130a.

In addition, a plate rib 130e may be formed on the cover plate 130. The plate rib 130e is for reinforcing the strength of the cover plate 130 and may be formed along the circumference of the cover plate 130. Further, the plate rib 130e may be formed to cross the cover plate 130 or may be formed between the vents 130a.

The cover plate 130 may have sufficient strength by the plate rib 130e. Therefore, when the freezer drawer 41 is pulled out for opening and closing, the ice inside the ice bin 102 may be prevented from passing through the bin opening 102a while rolling, and at this time, it is deformed from the impact of colliding with the ice May not be damaged.

The ice made in this embodiment is inevitably rolled or moved inside the ice bin 102 in a substantially spherical or near-spherical shape. Therefore, by the structure of the cover plate 130, it is possible to prevent the spherical ice from falling to the outside of the ice bin 102. In addition, the cover plate 130 is formed so as not to block the flow of cold air supplied into the ice bin 102.

Meanwhile, the cover plate 130 may be separately molded and mounted on the upper case 120. Of course, if necessary, one side of the upper case 120 may be extended to have a shape corresponding to the cover plate 130.

Hereinafter, the structure of the upper case 120 constituting the ice maker 100 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

12 is a perspective view of an upper case viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 13 is a perspective view of the upper case viewed from below. And, Figure 14 is a side view of the upper case.

12 to 14, the upper case 120 may be fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the freezing chamber 4 while the upper tray 150 is fixed.

The upper case 120 may include an upper plate 121 for fixing the upper tray 150. The upper tray 150 may be disposed on a lower surface of the upper plate 121, and the upper tray 150 may be fixed to the upper plate 121.

A tray opening 123 through which a portion of the upper tray 150 passes may be provided in the upper plate 121. In addition, a part of the upper surface of the upper tray 150 may pass through the tray opening 123 to expose a part of the upper surface of the upper tray 150. The tray opening 123 may be formed along the arrangement of the plurality of ice chambers 111.

The upper plate 121 may include a recess 122 formed by being recessed downward. The tray opening 123 may be formed in the bottom 122a of the depression 122.

When the upper tray 150 is mounted on the upper plate 121, a portion of the upper surface of the upper tray 150 may be located inside the space in which the depression 122 is formed, and the tray opening 123 It can protrude upwards through through.

The upper case 120 may be provided with a heater coupling part 124 in which an upper heater 148 for heating the upper tray 150 is mounted for eaves. The heater coupling part may be formed at the lower end of the recessed part 122.

In addition, the upper case 120 may further include a pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 for installing the temperature sensor 500. The pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 may be spaced apart from 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.

A plurality of slots 131 and 132 for coupling with the upper tray 150 may be formed in the upper plate 121. 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 include a first upper slot 131 and a second upper slot 132 located opposite the first upper slot 131 with respect to the tray opening 123. Can include.

The first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 are disposed to face each other, and the tray opening 123 is disposed between the first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132. Can be located.

The first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 may be spaced apart from each other with the tray opening 123 therebetween. In addition, the plurality of first upper slots 131 and the second upper slots 132 may be spaced apart from each other along the continuous arrangement direction of the ice chamber 111.

The first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 133 may be formed in a curved shape. Accordingly, the first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 may be formed along the circumferential region of the ice chamber 111. Due to this structure, the upper tray 150 may be more rigidly fixed to the upper case 120. In particular, by fixing the circumferential portion of the ice chamber 111 of the upper tray 150, it is possible to prevent deformation or dropping of the upper tray 150.

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

The upper plate 121 may further include a sleeve 133 into which the fastening boss 175 of the upper supporter 170 to be described later is inserted. The sleeve 133 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and may extend upward from the upper plate 121.

For example, a plurality of sleeves 133 may be provided on the upper plate 121. The plurality of sleeves 133 may be continuously disposed in the extending direction of the tray opening, and may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals.

Some of the plurality of sleeves 133 may be positioned between two adjacent first upper slots 131. The other of the plurality of sleeves 133 may be disposed between two adjacent second upper slots 132 or may be disposed so as to face an area between the two second upper slots 132. Due to this structure, the coupling between the first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 and the protrusion of the upper tray 150 can be maintained very firmly.

The upper case 120 may further include a plurality of hinge supporters 135 and 136 to enable rotation of the lower assembly 200. In addition, 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 be spaced apart from each other so that both ends of the lower assembly 200 may be rotatably coupled.

The upper case 120 may include through openings 139b and 139c through which a part of the connection unit 350 passes. For example, links 356 positioned on both sides of the lower assembly 200 may pass through the through openings 139b and 139c.

Meanwhile, the upper case 120 may have a horizontal extension part 142 and a vertical extension part 140. The horizontal extension part 142 may form an upper surface of the upper case 120, and may contact the upper surface of the freezing chamber 4, that is, the inner case 21. Of course, the horizontal extension part 142 may contact the mounting cover 43 instead of the inner case 21.

The horizontal extension part 142 may be provided with a locking part 138 and a screw fastening part 142a for fixedly mounting the upper case 120 to the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43. .

The locking parts 138 may be formed on both sides of the rear end of the horizontal extension part 142, and may be formed to be locked and restrained by the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43. In detail, the locking part 138 includes a vertical locking part 138b protruding upward from the horizontal extension part 142 and a horizontal locking part 138a extending rearward from the end of the vertical locking part 138b. Can be formed. Accordingly, the locking portion 138 may be formed in a ring shape as a whole, and the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43 is a space formed between the vertical locking portion 138b and the horizontal locking portion 138a. ) One side of the tooth may be inserted and constrained to each other.

Meanwhile, the locking part 138 may protrude from the outer surface of the vertical extension part 140. That is, the side end of the locking part 138 may be connected to the vertical extension part 140 to be integrally formed, and thus, the locking part 138 will sufficiently satisfy the strength required to support the ice maker 100. I can. In addition, during the detachment process of the ice maker 100, the locking portion 138 is not damaged.

Further, an inclined portion 138d inclined upward may be formed at the extended end of the horizontal locking portion 138a, and thus, the locking portion 138 is more easily installed when the ice maker 100 is mounted. It can be guided to a restraint position. In addition, at least one protrusion 138c may be formed on an upper surface of the horizontal locking portion 138a. The protrusion 138c may come into contact with the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43, thus preventing the upper and lower clearance of the ice maker 100, and the ice maker 100 is mounted more firmly. You can keep it in state.

Meanwhile, screw fastening portions 142a may be formed on both sides of the front end portion of the horizontal extension portion 142. The screw fastening part 142a protrudes downward, and a screw for fixing the upper case 120 is fastened to be coupled to the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43.

Accordingly, in order to mount the ice maker 100, the ice maker 100 in a modular state is placed inside the freezing compartment 4, and then, the locking part 138 is first attached to the inner case 21 or the mounting cover. After being caught and restrained by (43), the ice maker 100 is brought into close contact with the upper side. At this time, the coupling hook 140a on the vertical extension part 140 may be combined with the mounting cover 43 to become an additional temporary fixing state, and the screw is fastened to the screw fastening part 142a in this state. Thus, the front end of the upper case 120 may be coupled to the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43 to complete the mounting of the ice maker 100.

That is, the ice maker 100 can be mounted by locking and restraining the rear end of the ice maker 100 without a complicated structure or configuration for mounting the ice maker 100 and fixing the front end with a screw. The ice maker 100 may be easily removed in the reverse order.

Meanwhile, a rim rib 121a may be formed around the horizontal extension part 142. The rim rib 121a protrudes vertically upward from the horizontal extension part 142 and may be formed along the remaining ends except for the rear end of the horizontal extension part 142.

The rim rib 121a may be in close contact with the outer surface of the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43 when the ice maker 100 is mounted, and the ice maker 100 It can be mounted horizontally with the ground to be installed.

To this end, the rim rib 121a may be formed to decrease from the front end toward the rear end. In detail, the edge rib 121a formed along the front end of the horizontal extension part 142 has the highest height and is formed to have the same height. In addition, the edge ribs 121a formed along both side surfaces of the horizontal extension part 142 may have the highest front end height, and may be formed to gradually decrease from the front to the rear.

The height of the highest front end of the rim rib 121a may be approximately 3mm to 5mm. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal extension part 142 forming the upper surface of the ice maker 100 is substantially downward based on the outer surface of the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43. It can be arranged to have an inclination of about 7˚ to 8˚.

Even if the cabinet 2 is arranged to be inclined by such an arrangement, the water surface of the water supplied to the inside of the ice maker 100 may be in a horizontal state, and the same amount of water is supplied to the plurality of ice chambers 111. It becomes possible to ice a sphere of the same size by being accommodated.

Meanwhile, the vertical extension part 140 may be formed inside the horizontal extension part 142 and may extend vertically upward along the circumference of the upper plate 121. The vertical extension part 140 may include one or more coupling hooks 140a. The upper case 120 may be hooked to the mounting cover 43 by the coupling hook 140a. In addition, the water supply unit 190 may be coupled to the vertical extension unit 140.

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 circumference 143 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the circumference of the lower assembly 200. That is, the side circumferential portion 143 serves to prevent the lower assembly 200 from being exposed to the outside.

The side circumferential portion 143 may include a first side wall 143a in which a cold air hole 134 is formed, and a second side wall 143b disposed to face the first side wall 143a. have. When the ice maker 100 is mounted on the freezing chamber 4, the first side wall 143a may face one of the rear walls or both side walls of the freezing chamber 4.

The lower assembly 200 may be positioned between the first side wall 143a and the second side wall 143b. Further, since the full ice detection lever 700 rotates, an interference prevention groove 148 may be provided in the side circumference 143 to prevent interference in the rotational operation of the ice detection lever 700.

The through openings 139b and 139c include a first through opening 139b positioned adjacent to the first side wall 143a, and a second through opening 139c positioned adjacent to the second side wall 143b. ) Can be included. In addition, the tray opening 123 may be disposed between the through openings 139b and 139c.

In the first side wall 143a, the cold air hole 134 may be formed long in the left and right direction. The cold air hole 134 may have a corresponding size so that the front end of the cold air duct 44 can be inserted. Accordingly, all of the cold air supplied through the cold air duct 44 may flow into the inner side of the upper case 120 through the cold air hole 134.

A cold air guide 145 is formed between both side ends of the cold air hole 134, and the cold air flowing into the cold air hole 134 by the cold air guide 145 may be guided toward the tray opening 123. I can. In addition, a portion of the upper tray 150 exposed through the tray opening 123 may be directly cooled by being exposed to the flowing cold air.

Meanwhile, in the ice detection lever 700, the first coupling part 740 is connected to the driving unit 180, and the second coupling part 750 is connected to the first side wall 143a.

The driving unit 180 is coupled to the second side wall 143a. The lower assembly 200 is rotated by the driving unit 180 during the ice breaking process, and the lower tray 250 is pressed by the lower ejector 400. In this case, while the lower tray 250 is pressed by the lower ejector 400, a relative movement between the driving unit 180 and the lower assembly 200 may occur.

The pressing force that the lower ejector 400 presses the lower tray 250 may be transmitted to the entire lower assembly 200 and may also be transmitted to the driving unit 180. For example, a torsional force acts on the driving unit 180. Then, the force acting as the driving unit 180 also acts as the second side wall 134b. If the second side wall 134b is deformed by the force acting on the second side wall 134b, the driving unit 180 installed on the second side wall 134b and the connection unit 350 are The relative position can be changed. In this case, there is a possibility that the shaft of the driving unit 180 and the connection unit 350 are separated.

Accordingly, a structure for minimizing deformation of the second side wall 134b may be additionally provided on the upper case 120. For example, the upper case 120 may further include one or more first ribs 148a connecting the upper plate 121 and the vertical extension part 140, and a plurality of first ribs 148a and 148b ) Can be spaced apart from each other.

An electric wire guide part 148c for guiding an electric wire connected to the upper heater 148 or the lower heater 296 is provided between the adjacent two first ribs 148a and 148b among the plurality of first ribs 148a and 148b Can be.

The upper plate 121 may include at least two portions having a stepped shape. For example, the upper plate 121 may include a first plate portion 121a, the first plate portion 121a, and a second plate portion 121b positioned high.

In this case, the tray opening 123 may be formed in the first plate portion 121a.

The first plate portion 121a and the second plate portion 121b may be connected by a connection wall 121c. The upper plate 121 may further include one or more second ribs 148d connecting the first plate portion 121a, the second plate portion 121b, and the connection wall 121a.

The upper plate 121 may further include a wire guide hook 147 for guiding an electric wire connected to the upper heater 148 or the lower heater 296. For example, the wire guide hook 147 may be provided to the first plate portion 121a in an elastically deformable form.

Hereinafter, a cold air guide structure of the upper case 120 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

15 is a partial plan view of the ice maker as viewed from above. And, FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 15. And, Figure 1 is a view showing the flow of cold air on the upper surface of the ice maker. And, Figure 18 is a perspective view cut 18-18' of Figure 16.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, the cold air hole 134 is not located on the same extension line as the ice chamber 111 and the tray opening 123. Accordingly, the cold air guide 145 may be formed to guide cold air introduced from the cold air hole 134 toward the ice chamber 111 and the tray opening 123.

When there is no cold air guide in the upper case 120, the cold air introduced from the cold air hole 134 does not pass through the ice chamber 111 and the tray opening 123, or passes only a small portion, so that cooling efficiency is reduced. It can fall.

However, in the present embodiment, the cold air introduced into the cold air hole 134 by the cold air guide 145 may be guided to pass above the ice chamber 111 and through the tray opening 123 in sequence. Accordingly, effective ice making can be made in the ice chamber 111, and ice making speeds in the plurality of ice chambers 111 can be the same or similar.

The cold air guide 145 may include a horizontal guide 145a for guiding the cold air passing through the cold air hole 134 and a plurality of vertical guides 145b and 145c.

The horizontal guide 145a may guide cold air upward from the upper plate 121 in which the tray opening 123 is formed at a position equal to or lower than the lowest point of the cold air hole 134. In addition, the horizontal guide 145a may connect the first side wall 143a and the upper plate 121. The horizontal guide 145a may substantially form a part of the bottom surface of the upper plate 121.

The plurality of vertical guides 145b and 145c may be disposed to intersect with the horizontal guide 145a or vertically. The plurality of vertical guides 145b and 145c may include a first vertical guide 145b and a second vertical guide 145c spaced apart from the first vertical guide 145b.

In addition, ends of the first vertical guide 145b and the second vertical guide 145c may extend toward the ice chamber 111 at one side closest to the cold air hole 134 among the plurality of ice chambers 111. have.

The plurality of ice chambers 111 may include a first ice chamber 111a, a second ice chamber 111b, and a third ice chamber 111c sequentially disposed in a direction away from the cold air hole 134. have. That is, the first ice chamber 111a may be located closest to the cold air hole 134 and the third ice chamber 111c may be located farthest from the cold air hole 134. It should be noted that the number of ice chambers 111 may be three or more, and if three or more are formed, the number is not limited.

The first vertical guide 145b may extend from one end of the cold air hole 134 to ends of the first ice chamber 111a and the second ice chamber 111b. In this case, the first vertical guide 145b may have a predetermined curvature or a bent shape so that the cold air flowing from the cold air hole 134 may be directed toward the first ice chamber 111a.

In addition, the extended end of the first vertical guide 145b may be bent toward the second ice chamber 111b. Accordingly, a part of the cold air discharged by the first vertical guide 145b may pass through the end of the first ice chamber 111a and face the second ice chamber 111b.

In addition, the first vertical guide 145b does not extend to the second ice chamber 111b, and is formed in a bent or rounded shape to prevent interference with wires provided on the upper plate 121. can do.

The second vertical guide 145c may extend toward the first ice chamber 111a from the other end of the cold air hole 134 facing the end where the first vertical guide 145b extends. . The second vertical guide 145c may be spaced apart from the extended end of the first vertical guide 145b, and the first ice between the end of the first vertical guide 145b and the second vertical guide 145c. The chamber 111a is positioned so that the cold air discharged by the cold air guide 145 may be directed toward the first ice chamber 111a.

On the other hand, the second vertical guide 145c forms a part of the circumference of the first through opening 139b, so that the cold air flowing along the cold air guide 145 is directly directed to the first through opening 139b. It prevents inflow.

The cold air guided by the cold air guide 145 is directed toward the first ice chamber 111a, and the discharged cold air may sequentially pass through the plurality of ice chambers 111, and finally, the third It passes through the second through opening 139c located at the side of the ice chamber 111c.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the cold air that has passed through the cold air hole 134 by the cold air guide 145 can be concentrated above the upper plate 121, and the upper plate 121 flows. One cold air passes through the first and second through openings 139b and 139c.

In addition, the cold air supplied by the cold air guide 145 may be supplied to pass sequentially along the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice chambers 111, and the cold air is evenly supplied to the entire ice chamber 111 to prevent ice making. It can be done effectively. In addition, the ice making speed between the plurality of ice chambers 111 may be uniform.

Meanwhile, it can be seen that the cold air supplied by the cold air guide 145 is concentrated in the first ice chamber 111a due to the arrangement structure of the ice chamber 111 as illustrated in FIG. 17. Therefore, it will be apparent that the freezing speed of the first ice chamber 111a in which the intensive supply of cold air is performed in the initial stage of ice making will be fast.

In detail, ice in the ice chamber 111 may be made by an indirect cooling method. In particular, the supply of cold air is concentrated on the upper tray 150 side, and the lower tray 250 is naturally cooled by the cold air in the chamber. In particular, in this embodiment, the lower tray 250 is periodically heated by the lower heater 296 provided in the lower tray 250 to make a transparent spherical ice, and the upper portion of the ice chamber 111 Freezing starts from the ice cream, and the ice gradually progresses downward. Accordingly, bubbles generated during freezing inside the ice chamber 111 can be concentrated below the lower tray 250, and the remaining portions except for the lower portion of the ice where the bubbles are concentrated can be made of transparent ice. To be.

Due to the characteristic of such a cooling method, freezing occurs first in the upper tray 150, and cold air is concentrated in the first ice chamber 111a, so that the first ice chamber 111a may quickly freeze. In addition, due to the sequential flow of cold air, upper portions of the second ice chamber 111b and the third ice chamber 111c sequentially begin to freeze.

Water expands in the process of phase change into ice. If the rate of ice formation in the plurality of first ice chambers 111a is high, the expansion force of water increases toward the second ice chamber 111b and the third ice chamber 111c. Applied. Then, the water in the first ice chamber 111a moves to the second ice chamber 111b between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, and the water in the second ice chamber 111b in a chain It moves to the third ice chamber 111c. As a result, more water is supplied to the inside of the third ice chamber 111c than the set amount of water, and the ice generated in the third ice chamber 111c does not have a relatively complete spherical shape, and its size is A problem that is different from ice made in other ice chambers 111a and 111b may occur.

In order to prevent such a problem, it is necessary to prevent the freezing in the first ice chamber 111a from being relatively faster, and preferably, the freezing speed between the ice chambers 111 must be uniform. . In addition, the second ice chamber 111b may be frozen first rather than the first ice chamber 111a so that water does not flow into one of the ice chambers 111.

To this end, a shielding part 125 is formed in the tray opening 123 corresponding to the first ice chamber 111a to reduce the exposure of the upper tray 150 corresponding to the first ice chamber 111a. Can be minimized.

In detail, the shielding part 125 may be formed in the recessed part 122 corresponding to the first ice chamber 111a, and the bottom of the recessed part 122 forming the tray opening 123 is a center It can be formed to extend. That is, the portion of the tray opening 123 corresponding to the first ice chamber 111a has a significantly smaller size, and corresponds to the remaining second ice chamber 111b and the third ice chamber 111c. The part has a larger sized open area.

Accordingly, as in the state of FIG. 15 in which the upper tray 150 is coupled to the upper case 120, the upper surface of the upper tray 150 in which the first ice chamber 111a is formed is the shielding part 125 Can be further shielded by

The shielding part 125 may be formed to be rounded or inclined in a shape corresponding to an upper portion of an outer surface of a portion of the upper tray 150 corresponding to the first ice chamber 111a. The shielding part 125 extends from the bottom of the recessed part 122 toward the center, and may extend upwardly round or obliquely. In addition, an extended end of the shielding part 125 may form a shielding part opening 125a. The shield opening 125a may have a size corresponding to the inlet opening 154 communicating with the first ice chamber 111a. Accordingly, in a state in which the upper case 120 and the upper tray 150 are coupled, only the inlet opening 154 may be exposed to a portion of the tray opening 123 corresponding to the first ice chamber 111a. .

Due to this structure, even if cold air supplied through the upper plate 121 by the cold air guide 145 is intensively supplied to the first ice chamber 111a, the shielding portion 125 It is possible to reduce the delivery of cold air into the first ice chamber 111a. That is, it is possible to reduce cold air transmitted to the first ice chamber 111a due to the heat insulation effect by the shielding part 125. As a result, it is possible to delay the freezing of ice in the first ice chamber 111a, and freezing does not proceed earlier than the other ice chambers 111b and 111c.

In addition, a rib groove 125c recessed in a radial direction may be formed in the shield opening 125a. The rib groove 125c may accommodate a portion of the first connection rib 155a radially disposed in the inflow opening 154. To this end, the rib groove 125c may be recessed around the shield opening 125a at a position corresponding to the first connection rib 155a. A portion of the upper end of the first connection rib 155a is accommodated in the rib groove 125c, so that the upper surface of the rounded upper tray 150 can be effectively wrapped.

In addition, a portion of the upper end of the first connection rib 155a is accommodated in the rib groove 125c, so that the upper portion of the upper tray 150 can be maintained in its original position without leaving the shielding portion 125. In addition, by preventing deformation of the upper tray 150 and maintaining the fixed shape of the upper tray 150, it is possible to ensure that the ice generated in the first ice chamber 111a always maintains a spherical shape. There will be.

Meanwhile, a shield cutout 125b may be formed on one side of the shielding part 125. The shield cut-out portion 125b may be cut and formed at a position corresponding to the second connection rib 162 to be described below, and may be formed to accommodate the second connection rib 162.

The shielding part 125 may be cut in a direction toward the second ice chamber 111b, and an inlet opening communicating with the portion where the second connection rib 162 is formed and the first ice chamber 111a Except for the (154) part, the rest of the area is shielded.

The shielding part 125 is not completely in close contact with the upper surface of the upper tray 150 and may be spaced apart by a predetermined interval. Due to this structure, an air layer may be formed between the shielding part 125 and the upper tray 150, and thus, insulation between the first ice chamber 111a and the corresponding part may be further increased. have.

Meanwhile, the first through opening 139b and the second through opening 139c may be formed at both sides of the tray opening 123. The first link 356 that moves in the vertical direction along the unit guides 181 and 182 to be described below through the first through opening 139b and the second through opening 139c and the unit guides 181 and 182 ) Can be penetrated.

In particular, a flow preventing portion in contact with the unit guides 181 and 182 protrudes upward in the first through opening 139b and the second through opening 139c to constrain the left-right direction of the unit guides 181 and 182 can do.

In detail, a first flow preventing portion 139ba and a second flow preventing portion 189bb may protrude from the first through opening 139b. The first flow prevention part 139ba and the second flow prevention part 189bb are spaced apart from each other, and support the first unit guide 181 from both sides. In this case, the second flow preventing part 189bb may be formed by bending an end of the second vertical guide 145c.

In addition, a third flow preventing portion 189ca and a fourth flow preventing portion 189cb may protrude from the second through opening 139c. The third flow prevention part 189ca and the fourth flow prevention part 189cb are spaced apart from each other, and support the second unit guide 182 from both sides.

Due to such a structure, the left and right flow of the unit guides 181 and 182 can be prevented at the source, and therefore, the upper ejector 300 moving along the unit guides 181 and 182 can also be prevented from flowing. do. When the upper ejector 300 moves up and down, there is a problem in that the upper tray 150 can be deformed or removed by pressing the upper tray 150, so it must be moved up and down in a fixed position. do. Accordingly, the upper ejector 300 does not interfere with the upper tray 150 during the vertical movement process by the flow preventing unit.

Meanwhile, the fourth flow prevention part 189cb among the flow prevention parts may have a height slightly lower than that of the other flow prevention parts 139ba, 139bb, and 139ca. This is to ensure that the cold air flowing along the upper tray 150 passes through the fourth flow prevention part 189cb and is smoothly discharged through the second through opening 139c.

Hereinafter, the upper tray 150 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

19 is a perspective view of an upper tray viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the upper tray viewed from below. And, Figure 21 is a side view of the upper tray.

19 to 21, the upper tray 150 may be formed of a flexible or 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.

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 the upper heater 148 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. A plurality of upper chambers 152 may be continuously formed in the upper tray body 151. The plurality of upper chambers 152 may be arranged in a row on the upper tray body 151 as a first upper chamber 152a, a second upper chamber 152b, and a third upper chamber 152c.

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

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

An inlet opening 154 through which the upper ejector 300 can enter and exit for evacuation may be formed on the upper side of the upper tray body 151. The inlet opening 154 may be formed at an upper end of each upper chamber 152. Therefore, ice provided in the ice chambers 111 can be independently pushed by each of the upper ejectors 300 to be iced. Of course, the inlet opening 154 may have a diameter enough to allow the upper ejector 300 to enter and exit the cold air moving along the upper plate 121.

On the other hand, the upper tray 150 is provided with an inlet wall to minimize the deformation of the upper tray 150 toward the inlet opening 154 while the upper ejector 300 is introduced through the inlet opening 154. 155) may be provided. The inlet wall 155 is disposed along the circumference of the inlet opening 154 and may extend upward from the upper tray body 151.

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

The inlet wall serves as a guide through which the upper ejector 300 can be moved, and may also form an extra space to prevent overflow of water contained in the ice chamber 111. Accordingly, the space inside the inlet wall 155, that is, the space in which the inlet opening 154 is formed may be referred to as a buffer.

As the buffer is formed, even if more than a set amount of water flows into the ice chamber 111, it does not overflow. If the water inside the ice chamber 111 overflows, ice between adjacent ice chambers 111 is connected to each other, so that ice is not easily separated from the upper tray 150 and may be bound. In addition, when the water inside the ice chamber overflows the upper tray 150, it may cause a serious problem, such as causing binding between the ice inside the ice bin 102.

In this embodiment, the buffer is formed by the inlet wall 155 to prevent overflow of water in the ice chamber 111. When the inlet wall 155 becomes excessively high for the formation of the buffer, it may interfere with the flow of cold air passing through the upper plate 121, thereby inhibiting smooth flow of cold air. On the contrary, when the inlet wall 155 is excessively lowered, the role of the buffer may not be expected, and it may be difficult to guide the movement of the upper ejector 300.

For example, the preferred height of the buffer may be a height corresponding to the horizontal extension part 142 of the upper tray 150. In addition, the capacity of the buffer may be set based on an inflow amount of ice debris that may be attached around the upper tray body 151. Therefore, and, it is preferable that the internal volume of the buffer is formed to have a capacity of 2 to 4% based on the volume of the ice chamber 111.

When the inner diameter of the buffer is excessively large, the top of the finished ice may have an excessively wide flat shape, and the image of the spherical ice cannot be provided to the user. Therefore, the buffer must be formed to have an appropriate inner diameter.

The inner diameter of the buffer is formed larger than the diameter of the upper ejector 300 so that the upper ejector 300 can enter and exit smoothly, and may be determined in a line that satisfies the water storage capacity and height of the buffer.

Meanwhile, a first connection rib 155a connecting a side surface of the entrance wall 155 and an upper surface of the upper tray body 151 may be provided around the entrance wall 155. A plurality of the first connection ribs 155a may be formed at regular intervals along the circumference of the inlet wall 155. Accordingly, the inlet wall 155 may be supported so as not to be easily deformed by the first connection rib 155a. Even if the upper ejector 300 is brought into contact with the inlet opening 154, the inlet wall 155 is not deformed and the shape and position can be maintained.

The first connection rib 155a may be formed in both the first upper chamber 152a, the second upper chamber 152b, and the third upper chamber 152c.

Meanwhile, the two inlet walls 155 corresponding to the second upper chamber 152b and the third upper chamber 152c may be connected by a second connection rib 162. The second connection rib 162 may further prevent deformation of the inlet wall 155 by connecting between the second upper chamber 152b and the third upper chamber 152c, and at the same time, the second connection rib 162 Even the shape of the upper surface of the upper chamber 152b and the third upper chamber 152c can be prevented from being deformed.

For example, the second connection rib 152 is provided between the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b to connect the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b. However, since the second receiving portion 161 in which the temperature sensor 500 is disposed is formed between the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b, it may be omitted.

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

Although not limited, the water supply guide 156 may be formed on the inlet wall 155 corresponding to the second upper chamber 152b. The water supply guide 156 may be inclined in a direction away from the second upper chamber 152b as it goes upward from the inlet wall 155. Even if only one water supply guide is formed in the upper chamber 152, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are not closed during water supply, so that water can be uniformly filled in all the ice chambers 111.

The upper tray 150 may further include a first accommodating part 160. The recessed part 122 of the upper case 120 may be accommodated in the first receiving part 160. Since the heater coupling portion 124 is provided in the recessed portion 122 and the upper heater 148 is provided in the heater coupling portion 124, the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the first receiving portion 160 It can be understood as being.

The first accommodating part 160 may be disposed to surround the upper chambers 152a, 152b, and 152c. The first accommodating part 160 may be formed as the upper surface of the upper tray body 151 is recessed downward.

The temperature sensor 500 may be accommodated in the second accommodating part 161, and the temperature sensor 500 contacts the outer surface of the upper tray body 151 while the temperature sensor 500 is mounted. can do.

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

The curved wall 153b may be rounded in a direction away from the upper chamber 152 as it goes upward. In this regard, the curvature of the curved wall 153b may be formed equal to the curvature of the curved wall 260b of the lower tray 250 to be described below. Accordingly, when the lower tray 250 is rotated, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 do not interfere with each other.

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. A lower surface 164b of the horizontal extension part 164 may contact the upper supporter 170, and an upper surface 164a of the horizontal extension part 164 may contact the upper case 120. Accordingly, at least a portion of the horizontal extension part 164 may be fixedly mounted 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 include a first upper protrusion 165 and a second upper protrusion 166 positioned opposite the first upper protrusion 165 based on the inlet opening 154. ) Can be included.

The first upper protrusion 165 is inserted into the first upper slot 131, and the second upper protrusion 166 is formed in a shape corresponding to each other so that it can be inserted into the second upper slot 132. In addition, the horizontal extension part 164 may protrude upward from the upper surface 164a.

The first upper protrusion 165 may be formed in a curved shape, for example. In addition, the second upper protrusion 166 may be formed in a curved shape, for example. In addition, the first upper protrusion 165 and the second upper protrusion 166 are disposed to face each other with the ice chamber 111 interposed therebetween, so that the circumference of the ice chamber 111 can be maintained in a solid coupled state. can do.

The horizontal extension part 164 may further include a plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168. The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 may be inserted into the lower slots 176 and 177 of the upper supporter 170 to be described later.

The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 includes a first lower protrusion 167 and a second lower protrusion 168 positioned opposite the first lower protrusion 167 with respect to the upper chamber 152 can do.

The first lower protrusion 167 and the second lower protrusion 168 may protrude downward from the lower surface 164b of the horizontal extension part 164. The first lower protrusion 167 and the second lower protrusion 168 may have the same shape as the first upper protrusion 165 and the second upper protrusion 166, and may protrude in opposite directions. .

Accordingly, the upper tray 150 is coupled between the upper case 120 and the upper supporter by the respective upper protrusions 165 and 166 and the lower protrusions 167 and 168, as well as the ice making process or ice breaking process. In the process, the ice chamber 111 or the horizontal extension part 264 adjacent to the ice chamber 111 is prevented from being deformed.

The horizontal extension part 164 may be provided with a through hole 169 through which the fastening boss of the upper supporter 170 to be described later passes. Some of the through-holes 169 may be positioned between two adjacent first upper protrusions 165 or two adjacent first lower protrusions 167. The other of the plurality of through holes 169 may be disposed between two adjacent second lower protrusions 168 or may be disposed so as to face a region between the two second lower protrusions 168.

Meanwhile, an upper rib 153d may be formed on the lower surface 153c of the upper tray body 151. The upper rib 153d is for sealing the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, and may be formed along each of the ice chambers 111.

In the structure in which the ice chamber 111 is formed by the combination of the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray are initially formed due to a volume expansion phenomenon that occurs when water is phase-changed into ice. Even though the 250 are kept in close contact with each other, the gap between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 is widened in the process of turning into ice. When freezing occurs while the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are open, there is a problem that a burr protruding in the shape of an ice band along the circumference of the completed spherical ice occurs. Such burr generation causes the problem of poor shape of the spherical ice itself. In particular, when connected to ice chips formed in the circumferential space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, the shape of the spherical ice may become worse.

In order to solve this problem, in the present embodiment, an upper rib 153d may be formed at the lower end of the upper tray 150. The upper rib 153d prevents the occurrence of burrs along the circumference of the completed spherical ice by shielding the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 even when the volume expands due to the phase change of water. have.

In detail, the upper ribs 153d may be formed along the circumference of each of the upper chambers 152, and may be formed to protrude downward in a rib shape having a thin thickness. Accordingly, in a situation in which the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are completely closed, the deformation of the upper rib 153d does not interfere with the airtightness of the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250.

Accordingly, the upper rib 153d cannot be formed excessively long, and it is preferable that the upper rib 153d is formed to be high enough to cover a gap when the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are opened. For example, when ice is formed, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may have a gap of approximately 0.5 mm to 1 mm, and the upper rib 153d may also have a height of approximately 0.8 mm ( h1).

Meanwhile, the lower tray 250 may be rotated in a state in which the rotation shaft is positioned outside the curved wall 153b (on the right as viewed in FIG. 21 ). In this structure, when the lower tray 250 is closed by rotation, the portion close to the rotation shaft begins to contact first, and the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are compressed, so that the portion far from the rotation shaft is sequentially Contacted.

Therefore, when the upper rib 153d is formed entirely along the lower circumference of the upper chamber 152, interference of the upper rib 153d may occur at a position adjacent to the rotation axis, and thus the upper tray There may be a problem that the 150 and the lower tray 250 are not completely closed. In particular, there is a problem that the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are not closed at a position far from the rotation axis.

In order to prevent such a problem, the upper rib 153d may be formed to be inclined along the circumference of the upper chamber 152. The upper rib 153d may be formed to increase in height as it approaches the vertical wall 153a and decrease in height toward the curved wall 153b. One end of the upper rib 153d close to the vertical wall 153b may have a maximum height h1, and the other end of the upper rib 153d close to the curved wall 153b may have a minimum height, The minimum height may be 0.

In addition, the upper rib 153d may not be formed in the entire upper chamber 152 but may be formed in the remaining portions except for a portion adjacent to the curved wall 153b. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the upper rib 153d is 1/5 length from the formed end of the curved wall 153b based on the length L of the entire width of the lower end of the upper tray 150 It starts to protrude from a point separated by (L1), and may be formed to the end where the vertical wall 153b is formed. Accordingly, the width of the upper rib 153d may be formed to be 4/5 length (L2) based on the length (L) of the entire width of the lower end of the upper tray 150. For example, when the width of the lower end of the upper tray 150 is 50 mm, the upper rib 153d extends downward from a position 10 mm apart from the end of the curved wall 153b, and the vertical wall 153a ) And may extend to the adjacent end. In this case, the width of the upper rib 153d may be 40 mm.

Of course, there may be some differences in the point at which the upper rib 153d starts to protrude, but while minimizing the interference when the lower tray 250 is closed, the upper tray 150 and the upper tray 150 which are opened while ice is made It may protrude from one side away from the curved wall 153b so as to cover the gap of the lower tray 250.

In addition, the upper rib 153d may have a higher height from the curved wall 153b side toward the vertical wall 153a side. Accordingly, when the lower tray 250 is opened by freezing, it is possible to effectively cover the gap between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 having different heights.

Hereinafter, the upper supporter 170 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

22 is a perspective view of an upper supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. And, FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the upper supporter viewed from below. And, Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of the upper assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

22 to 24, the upper supporter 170 may include a plate-shaped supporter plate 171 supporting the upper tray 150 from below. In addition, the upper surface of the supporter plate 171 may contact the lower surface 164b of the horizontal extension part 164 of the upper tray 150.

The supporter plate 171 may be provided with a plate opening 172 through which the upper tray body 151 passes. A circumferential wall 174 formed by bending upward may be provided at an edge of the supporter plate 171. The circumferential wall 174 may contact the circumference of a side surface of the horizontal extension part 164 to constrain the upper tray 150.

The supporter plate 171 may include a plurality of lower slots 176 and 177. The plurality of lower slots 176 and 177 include a first lower slot 176 into which the first lower protrusion 167 is inserted and a second lower slot 177 into which the second lower protrusion 168 is inserted. Can include.

The plurality of first lower slots 176 and the second lower slots 177 are formed in shapes corresponding to positions corresponding to the first lower protrusions 167 and the second lower protrusions 168, respectively, and are formed to be inserted into each other. Can be.

The supporter plate 171 may further include a plurality of fastening bosses 175. The plurality of fastening bosses 175 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the supporter plate 171. Each of the fastening bosses 175 may pass through the through hole 169 of the horizontal extension part 164 and be introduced into the sleeve 133 of the upper case 120.

In a state in which the fastening boss 175 is inserted into the sleeve 133, an upper surface of the fastening boss 175 may be positioned at the same height as or lower than the upper surface of the sleeve 133. A fastening member such as a bolt fastened to the fastening boss 175 is fastened to complete the assembly of the upper assembly 110, and the upper case 120, the upper tray 150, and the upper supporter 170 are They can be rigidly bonded together.

The upper supporter 170 may further include a plurality of unit guides 181 and 182 for guiding the connection unit 350 connected to the upper ejector 300. The plurality of unit guides 181 and 182 may be spaced apart from each other, and may be formed at positions facing each other.

The unit guides 181 and 182 may extend upward from both side ends of the supporter plate 171. In addition, a guide slot 183 extending in a vertical direction may be formed in each of the unit guides 181 and 182.

The connection unit 350 is connected to the ejector body 310 with both ends of the ejector body 310 of the upper ejector 300 passing through the guide slot 183. Therefore, when the rotational force is transmitted to the ejector body 310 by the connection unit 350 during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, the ejector body 310 may move up and down along the guide slot 183. I can.

Meanwhile, a plate wire guide 178 extending downward may be provided on one side of the supporter plate 171. The plate wire guide 178 is for guiding the wire connected to the lower heater 296 and may be formed in a ring shape extending downward. The plate wire guide 178 is provided at the edge of the supporter plate 171 to minimize interference between the wires with other components.

In addition, a wire opening 178a may be formed in the supporter plate 171 corresponding to the plate wire guide 178. The electric wire opening 178a may guide the electric wire guided by the plate electric wire guide 178 to pass through the supporter plate 171 and toward the upper case 120.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 24, a heater coupling part 124 may be formed in the upper case 120. The heater coupling part 124 may be formed at the lower end of the recessed part 122 formed along the tray opening 123, and includes a heater receiving groove 124a for receiving the upper heater 148. I can.

The upper heater 148 may be a wire type heater. Accordingly, the upper heater 148 may be inserted into the heater receiving groove 124a, and may be disposed along the circumference of the tray opening 123 having a curved shape. The upper heater 148 is in contact with the upper tray 150 by assembling the upper assembly 110 to enable heat transfer to the upper tray 150.

In addition, the upper heater 148 may be a DC heater receiving DC power. When the upper heater 148 is operated to remove the ice, the heat of the upper heater 148 is transferred to the upper tray 150 so that the ice is separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150. I can.

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 this embodiment, a DC heater having a low output itself is used, and as 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 Its own thermal conductivity is also lowered.

Therefore, since heat is not concentrated on a local part 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 150. have.

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.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 24, 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 The upper assembly may be assembled by combining 170 with each other.

At this time, 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 second upper protrusion 166 of the upper tray 150 is It may be inserted into the second upper slot 132 of the upper case 120.

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

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

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.

On the other hand, the present invention will be possible other examples of other ice makers. In another embodiment of the present invention, only the structure of the upper tray 150 and the structure of the shielding part 125 of the upper case 120 are different, but the other configurations will be the same. Detailed description and illustration thereof are omitted for the same configuration, and will be described using the same reference numerals.

Hereinafter, a structure of an upper tray and a shield according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

25 is a perspective view of an upper tray viewed from above according to another embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view 26-26' of FIG. 25. And, FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of 27-27' of FIG. 25. And, Figure 28 is a partial cut-away perspective view showing the shielding portion structure of the upper case according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 25 to 28, the upper tray 150' according to another embodiment of the present invention has only the upper surface structure of the upper chamber 152 connected to the entrance wall 155 and the entrance wall 155. There are differences, but all other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

The upper tray 150' includes a horizontal extension part 142, and the horizontal extension part 142 includes a first upper protrusion 165, a second upper protrusion 166, and a first lower protrusion 167 The second lower protrusion 168 may be formed, and the through hole 169 may be formed.

In addition, an upper chamber 152 may be formed in the upper tray body 151 extending downward from the horizontal extension part 142. In the upper chamber 152, a first upper chamber 152a, a second upper chamber 152b, and a third upper chamber 152c may be continuously disposed from a side close to the cold air guide 145.

Inlet walls 155 in which the inlet openings 154 are formed may be formed in the upper chambers 152, respectively. In addition, a water supply guide 156 may be formed on the inlet wall 155 of the second upper chamber 152b. Meanwhile, a plurality of ribs connecting the outer surface of the inlet wall 155 and the upper surface of the upper chamber 152 may be disposed on the inlet wall 155 of the upper chamber 152.

In detail, a plurality of first connecting ribs 155a arranged radially may be formed in the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b. Deformation of the inlet wall 155 can be prevented by the first connection rib 155a. In addition, the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b may be connected by a second connection rib 162, and the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b and the It is possible to further prevent the deformation of the entrance wall 155.

On the other hand, the third upper chamber 152c may be disposed apart for mounting the temperature sensor 500. Accordingly, a third connection rib 155c may be formed to prevent deformation of the inlet wall 155 above the third upper chamber 152c. The third connection rib 155c is formed in the same shape as the first connection rib 155a, and may be arranged at a narrower interval than the first upper chamber 152a or the second upper chamber 152b. That is, the third upper chamber 152c has a greater number of ribs than the other chambers 152a and 152b. Therefore, even if the third upper chamber 152c is disposed in a separate state, it can maintain its shape and prevent it from being easily deformed.

Meanwhile, a heat insulating part 152e may be formed on the upper surface of the first upper chamber 152a. The heat insulating part 152e is for blocking cold air passing through the upper tray 150 ′ and the upper case 120 and has a structure protruding further along the circumference of the first upper chamber 152a. The heat insulating part 152e is an upper surface of the first upper chamber 152a, that is, a surface exposed upward of the upper tray 150 ′, and is formed around the lower end of the inlet wall 155.

In detail, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the thickness D1 of the upper surface of the first upper chamber 152a by the heat insulating part 152e is the second upper chamber 152b and the third upper chamber It may be formed to be thicker than the upper surface thickness D2 of 152c.

When the thickness of the first upper chamber 152a is increased by the heat insulating part 152e, the cold air supplied by the cold air guide 145 is concentrated on the first upper chamber 152a. It is possible to reduce the amount of cold air delivered to the first upper chamber 152a. As a result, it is possible to delay the freezing rate in the first upper chamber 152a by the heat insulating part 152e, and freezing of the second upper chamber 152b occurs first, or the upper chamber 152 It is possible to freeze at a uniform rate in the field.

Meanwhile, a shielding part 126 extending from the recessed part 122 of the upper case 120 may be formed above the first upper chamber 152a. The shielding part 126 protrudes upward to audit the upper surface of the first upper chamber 152a, and may be formed to be round or inclined.

A shielding part opening 126a is formed at an upper end of the shielding part 126, and the shielding part opening 126a is in contact with the upper end of the inflow opening 154. Accordingly, when the upper tray 150 ′ is viewed from above, the rest of the first upper chamber 152a except for the inlet opening 154 is covered by the shield 126. That is, the area of the heat insulating part 152e is covered by the shielding part 126.

In addition, a rib groove 126c inserted into an upper end of the first connection rib 155a is formed around the shield opening 126a, and the upper end of the first upper chamber 152a and the inlet wall 155 are formed. The position of can be maintained in the correct position.

With such a structure, the first upper chamber 152a can be further insulated, and the freezing rate in the first upper chamber 152a can be delayed even with the cold air intensively supplied by the cold air guide 145. have.

Meanwhile, a cutout 126e may be formed in the shielding part 126 corresponding to the second connection rib 162. The cut-out part 126e is formed by cutting a part of the shield part 125, and may be opened so that the second connection rib 162 can pass completely.

When the cut-out part 126e is formed too narrow, the second connection rib 162 closes the cut-out part 126e while the upper tray 150 ′ is deformed during the ice breaking process by the upper ejector 300. You can get away from it. In this case, the second connection rib 162 becomes impossible to return to the initial position after ice breaking, and thus, there is a problem that a defect occurs during ice making. Conversely, when the cutout 126e is formed too wide, the inflow of cold air The insulation effect can be significantly reduced.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the cutout portion 126e may be formed to become narrower from the bottom to the top. That is, since both ends 126b of the cutout 126e are formed in an inclined or round shape, the lower end of the cutout 126e may be widest and the upper end of the cutout 126e may be narrowest. In addition, between the upper ends of the cutout portion 126e may correspond to the thickness of the second connection rib 162 or may be formed somewhat larger.

Therefore, when the upper tray 150 ′ is deformed and then restored during eaves by the upper ejector 300, the second connection rib 162 can easily enter the inside of the cut-out part 126e. , It is moved along both ends of the cutout portion 126e to be restored at the correct position.

On the other hand, when the opening at the lower end of the cutout 126e becomes large, cold air may flow into the lower end of the cutout 126e. To prevent this, a fourth connection rib 155b may be formed around the first upper chamber 152a.

The fourth connection rib 155b is formed to connect the outer surface of the inlet wall 155 and the upper surface of the first upper chamber 152a, like the first connection rib 155a, and the outer end is inclined. Can be formed. In addition, the fourth connection rib 155b is formed lower than the first connection rib 155a so that it does not interfere with the upper end of the shielding part 126 and may contact the lower surface of the shielding part.

The fourth connection ribs 155b may be positioned on both left and right sides with respect to the second connection rib 162. In addition, the fourth connection rib 155b may be located at a position corresponding to both ends of the cutout part 126e or somewhat outside the cutout part 126e. The fourth connection rib 155b may be in close contact with the inner surface of the shielding part 126, and thus the shielding part 126 and the first upper chamber are prevented from entering cold air through the cutout part 126e. The space between the upper surfaces of (152a) is shielded.

The shielding part 126 and the upper surface of the first upper chamber 152a may be slightly spaced apart, and an air layer may be formed. In the air layer, the inflow of cold air may be blocked by the fourth connection rib 155b, and therefore, the upper surface of the first upper chamber 152a is further insulated to prevent ice inside the first upper chamber 152a. This can further delay the freezing rate.

Hereinafter, the lower assembly 200 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

29 is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the lower assembly as viewed from above. And, FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the lower assembly viewed from below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 29 to 31, the lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250, a lower supporter 270, and 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. In addition, the connection units 350 may be coupled to both sides of the lower supporter 270.

The lower case 210 may include a lower plate 211 for fixing the lower tray 250. A portion of the lower tray 250 may be fixed to a lower surface of the lower plate 211 in a contacted state. The lower plate 211 may be provided with an opening 212 through which a portion of the lower tray 250 passes.

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

The lower case 210 may further include a peripheral wall 214 surrounding the lower tray 250 passing through the lower plate 211. The circumferential wall 214 may include a vertical portion 214a and a curved portion 215.

The vertical portion 214a is a wall extending vertically upward from the lower plate 211. The curved portion 215 is a wall that is rounded so as to move away from the opening 212 as it goes upward from the lower plate 211.

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

The curved portion 215 may include a second coupling slit 215a to be coupled to the lower tray 250. The second coupling slit 215a may be formed as the upper end of the curved portion 215 is recessed downward. The second coupling slit 215a may restrain the lower portion of the second coupling protrusion 261 protruding from the lower tray 250.

In addition, a protrusion restraining portion 213 protruding upward may be formed on the rear surface of the curved portion 215. The protrusion restraining part 213 is formed at a position corresponding to the second coupling slit 215a, and protrudes outward from the surface on which the second coupling slit 215a is formed, so that the second coupling protrusion 261 is Can restrain the upper part.

That is, both the upper and lower ends of the second coupling protrusion 261 can be constrained by the second coupling slit 215a and the protrusion restraining part 213. Therefore, the lower tray 250 may be further firmly fixed to the lower case 210.

The structure of the second coupling protrusion 261, the second coupling slit 215a, and the protrusion restraining part 213 will be described in more detail below.

Meanwhile, the lower case 210 may further include a first fastening boss 216 and a second fastening boss 217. The first fastening boss 216 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the lower plate 211. For example, a plurality of first fastening bosses 216 may protrude downward from the lower plate 211.

The second fastening boss 217 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the lower plate 211. For example, a plurality of second fastening bosses 217 may protrude from the lower plate 211.

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

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

In the process of fastening the first fastening member to the first fastening boss 216, the curved part 215 has a groove for movement of the fastening member so that the first fastening member does not interfere with the curved part 215. 215b) is provided.

The lower case 210 may further include a slot 218 for coupling with the lower tray 250. A part of the lower tray 250 may be inserted into the slot 218. The slot 218 may be positioned adjacent to the vertical portion 214a.

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

The lower case 210 may further include an extension wall 219 in contact with a portion of the circumference of the side surface of the lower plate 212 while being coupled to the lower tray 250.

Meanwhile, the lower tray 250 may be formed of a flexible material or a soft material capable of being deformed by an external force and then returning 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.

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.

Meanwhile, the lower tray 250 may be formed of the same material as the upper tray 150, and may be formed of a slightly softer material than the upper tray 150. That is, when the lower tray 250 and the upper tray 150 come into contact with each other for ice making, the hardness of the lower tray 250 is lower and the upper end of the lower tray 250 is deformed, and the upper tray 150 ) And the lower tray 250 may be pressurized and sealed to each other.

In addition, since the lower tray 250 has a structure that is repeatedly deformed by direct contact with the lower ejector 400, it may be formed of a material having a low hardness to facilitate deformation.

However, if the hardness of the lower tray 250 is too low, it may be deformed to parts other than the lower chamber 252, so it is preferable that the lower tray 250 is formed to have an appropriate hardness to maintain its shape. will be.

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 include a first lower chamber 252a, a second lower chamber 252b, and a third lower chamber 252c.

The lower tray body 251 may include three chamber walls 252d forming three independent lower chambers 252a, 252b, 252c, and the three chamber walls 252d are formed in one body to The tray body 251 may be formed. In addition, the first lower chamber 252a, the second lower chamber 252b, and the third lower chamber 152c may be continuously arranged in a line.

The lower chamber 252 may be formed in a hemispherical shape or a shape similar to a hemisphere. That is, the lower portion of the spherical ice may be formed by the lower chamber 252. In the present specification, a shape similar to a hemisphere refers to a shape that is not a complete hemisphere, but close to a hemisphere.

The lower tray 250 may further include a lower tray seating surface 253 extending in a horizontal direction from an upper edge of the lower tray body 251. The lower tray mounting surface 253 may be continuously formed along the upper circumference of the lower tray body 251. In addition, when combined with the upper tray 150, it may be in close contact with the upper surface 153c of the upper tray 150.

The lower tray 250 may further include a peripheral wall 260 extending upward from an outer end of the lower tray seating surface 253. In addition, the circumferential wall 260 may surround the upper tray body 151 seated on the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 in a state in which the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are coupled to each other. have.

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

The first wall 260a is a vertical wall extending vertically from the upper surface of the lower tray mounting surface 253. The second wall 260b is a curved wall formed in a shape corresponding to the upper tray body 151. That is, the second wall 260b may be rounded in a direction away from the lower chamber 252 as it goes upward from the lower tray seating surface 253. In addition, the second wall 206b is formed to have a curvature corresponding to the curved wall 153b of the upper tray body 151 so that the upper assembly 110 and the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 are rotated. It can be formed to maintain a set interval and not interfere with each other.

The lower tray 250 may further include a tray horizontal extension 254 extending in a horizontal direction from the peripheral wall 260. The tray horizontal extension part 254 may be positioned higher than the lower tray seating surface 253. Thus, the lower tray seating surface 253 and the horizontal tray extension 254 form a step.

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

For example, the first upper protrusion 255 may protrude upward from an upper surface of the horizontal tray extension 254 at a position adjacent to the first wall 260a. The plurality of first upper protrusions 255 may be spaced apart. The first upper protrusion 255 may extend in a curved shape, for example.

The tray horizontal extension part 254 may further include a first lower protrusion 257 to be inserted into a protrusion groove of the lower supporter 270 to be described later. The first lower protrusion 257 may protrude downward from a lower surface of the tray horizontal extension part 254. The plurality of first lower protrusions 257 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other.

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

Meanwhile, a plurality of through holes 256 may be formed in the tray horizontal extension part 254. The plurality of through holes 256 include a first through hole 256a through which the first fastening boss 216 of the lower case 210 passes, and a second fastening boss 217 of the lower case 210. It may include a second through hole (256b) for penetrating.

The plurality of first through holes 256a and the plurality of second through holes 256b may be located opposite to each other with respect to the lower chamber 252. Some of the plurality of second through holes 256b may be positioned between two adjacent first upper protrusions 255. In addition, some of the plurality of second through holes 256b may be positioned between the two first lower protrusions 257.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may further include a second coupling protrusion 261. The second coupling protrusion 261 may be coupled to the lower case 210.

The second coupling protrusion 261 may protrude from the second wall 260b of the peripheral wall 260 and may be provided in a direction facing the first coupling protrusion 262. In addition, the first coupling protrusion 262 and the second coupling protrusion 261 may be disposed to face each other with respect to the center of the lower chamber 252. Accordingly, the lower tray 250 may be firmly fixed to the lower case 210, and in particular, separation and deformation of the lower chamber 252 may be prevented.

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

The second lower protrusion 266 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the tray horizontal extension part 254. For example, the second lower protrusion 266 may extend in a straight line. Some of the plurality of first through holes 256a may be positioned between the second lower protrusion 266 and the lower chamber 252. The second lower protrusion 266 may be accommodated in a guide groove formed in the lower supporter 270 to be described later.

The tray horizontal extension part 254 may further include a side limiting part 264. The side limiting part 264 restricts the movement of the lower tray 250 in a horizontal direction in a state in which the lower tray 250 is coupled with the lower case 210 and the lower supporter 270.

The side limiting part 264 protrudes laterally from the tray horizontal extension part 254, and the vertical length of the side limiting part 264 is formed larger than the thickness of the tray horizontal extension part 254. For example, a portion of the side limiting portion 264 is positioned higher than the upper surface of the tray horizontal extension portion 254, and other portions are positioned lower than the lower surface of the tray horizontal extension portion 254.

Accordingly, a part of the side limiting part 264 may contact the side surface of the lower case 210, and another part may contact the side surface of the lower supporter 270. The lower tray body 251 may further include a convex portion 251b in which a portion of the lower side is convex upward. That is, the convex portion 251b may be disposed to be convex toward the inside of the ice chamber 111.

Meanwhile, the lower supporter 270 may include a supporter body 271 supporting the lower tray 250.

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

The supporter body 271 may include a lower opening 274 through which the lower ejector 400 passes during 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. Reinforcing ribs 275 for reinforcing steel beams may be provided along the circumference of the lower opening 274.

A lower supporter step portion 271a supporting the lower tray seating surface 253 may be formed on an upper end of the supporter body 271. In addition, the lower supporter stepped portion 271a may be formed to be stepped downward from the lower supporter upper surface 286. In addition, the lower supporter stepped portion 271a may be formed in a shape corresponding to the lower tray seating surface 253 and may be formed along the upper circumference of the chamber receiving portion 272.

The lower tray seating surface 253 of the lower tray 250 may be seated on the lower supporter step portion 271a of the supporter body 271, and the upper surface 286 of the lower supporter is It may surround the side of the lower tray seating surface 253. In this case, a connection surface between the upper surface of the lower supporter 286 and the stepped portion 271a of the lower supporter may contact a side surface of the lower tray seating surface 253 of the lower tray 250.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a protrusion groove 287 for receiving the first lower protrusion 257 of the lower tray 250. The protruding groove 287 may extend in a curved shape. The protrusion groove 287 may be formed on the upper surface 286 of the lower supporter, for example.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a first fastening groove 286a through which the first fastening member B1 passing through the first fastening boss 216 of the upper case 210 is fastened. The first fastening groove 286a may be provided on the upper surface 286 of the lower supporter, for example. Some of the plurality of first fastening grooves 286a may be located between two adjacent protruding grooves 287 of the first fastening groove 286a.

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 an edge of the upper surface 286 of the lower supporter, 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 from each other. Since the hinge bodies 281 and 282 have the same structure and shape as only the difference in the mounting position, only the hinge body 282 on one side will be described.

Each of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may further include a second hinge hole 282a. Shaft connection portions 352b of the rotating arms 351 and 352 may pass through the second hinge hole 282a. The connection shaft 370 may be connected to the shaft connection part 352b.

In addition, a pair of hinge ribs 282b protruding along the circumference of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be formed on the hinge bodies 281 and 282. Strength of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be reinforced by the hinge ribs 282b, and damage to the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be prevented.

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

In addition, 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 284a 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.

In addition, the elastic member coupling portion 284 may include a locking portion 284a for engaging the lower end of the elastic member 370. In addition, the elastic member coupling portion 284 may include an elastic member shielding portion 284c that covers the elastic member 360 to prevent penetration of the foreign material or the elastic member 360 from falling off.

Meanwhile, a link shaft 288 to which one end of the link 356 is rotatably coupled may be protruded between the elastic member coupling portion 284 and the hinge bodies 281 and 282. The link shaft 288 may be provided in front and below the rotation center of the hinge bodies 281 and 282, and through this arrangement, the vertical stroke of the upper ejector 300 is secured, and other configurations and the link (356) can be prevented from being interfered.

Hereinafter, a coupling structure between the lower tray 250 and the lower case 210 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

32 is a partial perspective view showing a protrusion restraint part of a lower case according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 33 is a partial perspective view showing the coupling protrusion of the lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the lower assembly. And, FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of 35-35' of FIG. 27.

32 to 35, the protrusion restraining part 213 may protrude from the curved wall 215 of the upper case 120. The protrusion restraining part 213 may be formed at a position corresponding to the second coupling slit 215a and the second coupling protrusion 261.

In detail, the protrusion restraining portion 213 may include a pair of side portions 213b and a connection portion 213c connecting an upper end of the side portion 213b. The pair of side portions 213b may be positioned on both sides of the second coupling slit 215a. Accordingly, the second coupling slit 215a may be located in an inner region of the insertion space 213a formed by the pair of side portions 213b and the connection portion 213c. In addition, the second coupling protrusion 261 may be inserted into the insertion space 213a. Accordingly, the lower portion of the second coupling protrusion 261 may be press-fitted to the second coupling slit 215a.

The pair of side portions 213b may extend to a height corresponding to an upper end of the second coupling protrusion 261. Further, a constraining rib 213d extending downward may be formed inside the connection part 213c.

The restraining rib 213d may be inserted into the protrusion groove 261d formed on the upper end of the second coupling protrusion 261, and restrain the second coupling protrusion 261 so that it does not come off. As such, both the upper and lower portions of the second coupling protrusion 261 may be fixed, and the lower tray 250 may be rigidly fixed to the lower case 210.

The second coupling protrusion 261 protrudes outward from the second wall 260b, and may be formed thicker as it goes upward. That is, the second wall 260b is not rolled or deformed inward by the self-weight of the second coupling protrusion 261 and serves to pull the upper end of the second wall 260b toward the outside. .

Accordingly, the second coupling protrusion 261 is deformed when the end of the second wall 260b of the lower tray 250 contacts the upper tray 150 while the lower tray 250 rotates in the reverse direction. Serves to prevent being.

If the end of the second wall 260b of the lower tray 250 is deformed in contact with the upper tray 150, the lower tray is inserted into the upper chamber 152 of the upper tray 150 250) may be moved to the water supply position. If ice making is completed after water supply is performed in this state, ice is not formed in a spherical shape.

Accordingly, when the second coupling protrusion 261 protrudes from the second wall 260a, deformation of the second wall 260a may be prevented. Accordingly, the second coupling protrusion 261 may be referred to as a deformation preventing protrusion.

The second coupling protrusion 261 may protrude from the second wall 260a in a horizontal direction. The second coupling protrusion may extend upward from a lower outer surface of the second wall 260b, and the upper end of the second coupling protrusion 261 extends to the same height as the upper end of the second wall 260a. Can be.

Further, the second coupling protrusion 261 may include a protrusion lower portion 261a forming a lower shape and a protrusion upper portion 261b forming the upper shape.

The lower protrusion 261a may be formed to have a width corresponding to be inserted into the second coupling slit 215a. Accordingly, when the second coupling protrusion 261 is inserted into the insertion space of the protrusion restraining part 213, the lower protrusion 261a may be press-fit into the second coupling slit 215a.

The upper protrusion 261b extends upward from the upper end of the lower protrusion 261a. The upper protrusion 261b may extend upward from the upper end of the second coupling slit 215a, and may extend to the connection part 213c. In this case, the upper protrusion 261b may protrude more rearward than the lower protrusion 261a, and the width may also be wider. Accordingly, the second wall 260b can be further directed outward by the weight of the upper portion 261b of the protrusion. That is, the upper protrusion 261b may pull the upper end of the second wall 260b outward so that the outer surface of the second wall 260b and the curved wall 153b remain in close contact with each other. .

In addition, a protrusion groove 261d may be formed on an upper surface of the upper protrusion 261b, that is, an upper surface of the second coupling protrusion 261. The protruding groove 261d is formed so that the constraining rib 213d extending downward from the connection part 213c can be inserted.

Accordingly, the second coupling protrusion 261 is pressed into the second coupling slit 215a while the lower end of the second coupling protrusion 261 is received inside the insertion space 213a, and the upper end thereof is the connection part 213c and the restraining rib 213d ), so that the lower tray 250 does not come into contact with the upper tray 150 during the rotation process of the lower tray 250, the lower case 210 may be completely fixed and fixed.

A round surface 260e is formed on the upper end of the second coupling protrusion 261 to prevent the second coupling protrusion 261 from interfering with the upper tray 150 during the rotation of the lower tray 250. I can.

The lower portion 260d of the second coupling protrusion 261 is the lower tray 250 so that the lower portion 260d of the second coupling protrusion 261 can be inserted into the second coupling slit 215a. It may be spaced apart from the tray horizontal extension 254.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 35, the lower supporter 270 may further include a boss through hole 286b through which the second fastening boss 217 of the upper case 210 passes. The boss through hole 286b may be provided on the upper surface 286 of the lower supporter, for example. A sleeve 286c surrounding the second fastening boss 217 penetrating through the boss through hole 286b may be provided on the upper surface 286 of the lower supporter. The sleeve 286c may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open lower portion.

The first fastening member B1 may be fastened to the first fastening groove 286a after passing through the first fastening boss 216 from the upper side of the lower case 210. In addition, the second fastening member B2 may be fastened to the second fastening boss 217 under the lower supporter 270.

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

Therefore, in the process of fastening the second fastening member B2, the head of the second fastening member B2 is in contact with the lower surface of the second fastening boss 217 and the sleeve 286c, or the sleeve 286c is It can come into contact with the lower surface.

By fastening the second fastening member B2 and the third fastening member B2, the lower case 210 and the lower supporter 270 may be firmly coupled to each other. In addition, the lower tray 250 may be fixed between the lower case 210 and the lower supporter 270.

Meanwhile, the lower tray 250 comes into contact with the upper tray 150 by rotation, and the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray may always be in an airtight state during ice making. Hereinafter, an airtight structure according to the rotation of the lower tray 250 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

36 is a plan view of the lower tray. And, Figure 37 is a perspective view of a lower tray according to another embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view sequentially showing the rotation state of the lower tray. 39 is a cross-sectional view showing states of the upper tray and the lower tray immediately before or at the beginning of ice making. In addition, FIG. 40 is a view showing states of the upper tray and the lower tray when ice making is completed.

36 to 40, the lower chamber 252 opened upward is formed in the lower tray 250. In addition, the lower chamber 252 may include the first lower chamber 252a, the second lower chamber 252b, and the third lower chamber 252c that are continuously arranged in a row. In addition, the circumferential wall 260 may extend upward along the circumference of the lower chamber 252.

Meanwhile, a lower tray seating portion 253 may be formed around an upper end of the lower chamber 252. When the lower tray 250 is rotated and closed, the lower tray seating portion 253 forms a surface in contact with the lower surface 153c of the upper tray 150.

The lower tray mounting portion 253 may be formed in a planar shape, and may be formed to connect the upper ends of the lower chambers 252. In addition, the circumferential wall 260 may extend upwardly along an outer end of the lower tray mounting portion 253.

A lower rib 253a may be formed in the lower tray mounting portion 253. The lower rib 253a is for sealing the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, and may extend upward along the circumference of the lower chamber 252.

The lower ribs 253a may be formed along each circumference of the lower chambers 252. In addition, the lower rib 253a may be formed at a position facing the upper rib 153d vertically.

In addition, the lower rib 253a may be formed in a shape corresponding to the upper rib 153d. That is, the lower ribs 253a may extend from a position separated by a predetermined distance from one end of the lower chamber 252 close to the rotation axis of the lower tray 250. In addition, the lower tray 250 may be formed to have a higher height as the distance from the rotation axis of the lower tray 250 increases.

The lower rib 253a may be in close contact with the inner surface of the upper tray 150 when the lower tray 250 is completely closed. To this end, the lower rib 253a protrudes upward from the upper end of the lower chamber 252 and may form the same surface as the inner surface of the lower chamber 252. Therefore, when the lower tray 250 is closed, the outer surface of the lower rib 253a may come into contact with the inner surface of the upper rib 153d, as shown in FIG. 39, and the upper tray 150 and It is possible to completely airtight between the lower tray 250.

At this time, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 may be further rotated by the driving of the driving unit 180, and the lower tray 250 is stretched while the elastic member 360 is stretched. ) Can be pressed to the upper tray side 150.

When the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are further closed by the pressing of the elastic member 360, the upper rib 153d and the lower rib 253a are bent inward and the upper tray 150 ) And the lower tray 250 may be made more airtight.

Meanwhile, when the lower tray 250 is filled with water before ice making, and the lower tray 250 is closed as shown in FIG. 39, the upper rib 153d and the lower rib 253a may overlap, thereby making it airtight. . At this time, the upper end of the lower rib 253a may come into contact with the inner surface of the lower end of the upper chamber 152 of the upper tray 150, and therefore, the inner side of the ice chamber 111 minimizes the step of the coupling portion You can make ice.

In order to fill all of the water in the plurality of ice chambers 111, water is supplied with the lower tray 250 slightly open. When the water supply is completed, the lower tray 250 rotates as shown in FIG. Closed. Accordingly, water can flow into the spaces G1 and G2 formed between the peripheral wall 260 and the chamber wall 153 as much as the water level of the ice chamber 111. In addition, water in the spaces G1 and G2 between the peripheral wall 260 and the chamber wall 153 may freeze during the ice making operation.

However, the ice chamber 111 and the spaces G1 and G2 may be completely separated by the upper rib 153d and the lower rib 253a, and the upper rib 153d and the upper rib 153d are The separated state is maintained by the lower rib 253a. Accordingly, ice made in the ice chamber 111 may be iced in a state completely separated from ice debris in the spaces G1 and G2 without forming an ice band.

Looking at a state in which ice is made in the ice chamber 111 is completed through FIG. 40, the lower tray 250 is inevitably opened by a certain angle due to expansion due to a phase change of water. However, the upper ribs 153d and the lower ribs 253a can be kept in contact with each other, and therefore, the ice inside the ice chamber 111 is not exposed to the inside of the space. That is, even if the lower tray 250 is gradually opened during the ice making process, the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 is maintained in a shielded state by the upper ribs 153d and the lower ribs 253a. You can make spherical ice.

Meanwhile, when ice making is completed and the lower tray 250 is opened at a maximum angle as shown in FIG. 40, the distance between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may be approximately 0.5 mm to 1 mm. Therefore, it is preferable that the length of the lower rib 253a is approximately 0.3mm. Of course, the height of the lower rib (253a) is only an example, the length of the upper rib (153d) and the lower rib (253a) can be appropriately selected according to the distance between the lower tray (250) and the lower tray (250). I can.

In addition, when the area of the lower tray seating portion 253 is sufficiently large, a pair of lower ribs 253a and 253b may be formed in the lower tray seating portion 253. The pair of lower ribs 253a and 253b are formed in the same shape as the lower rib 253a, but an inner rib 253b disposed close to the lower chamber 252 and an outer rib outside the inner rib 253b It can be composed of (253a). The inner rib 253b and the outer rib 253a are spaced apart from each other to form a groove therebetween. Accordingly, when the lower tray 250 is rotated and closed, the upper rib 153d may be inserted into a groove between the inner rib 253b and the outer rib 253a.

Due to such a double rib structure, the upper rib 153d and the lower ribs 253a and 253b have the advantage of being further airtight. However, such a structure may be applied when a sufficient space for the inner rib 253b and the outer rib 253a is provided in the lower tray mounting portion 253.

On the other hand, the lower tray 250 may be rotated about the rotating bodies 281 and 282, and even when ice is disposed in the lower chamber 252, the lower tray 250 is rotated by an angle of approximately 140° to enable ice breaking. Can be. As shown in FIG. 38, the lower tray 250 may be rotated, and even during such rotation, the peripheral wall 260 and the chamber wall 153 should not interfere with each other.

Looking at this in more detail, water can only be supplied with the lower tray 250 slightly open to supply water to the plurality of lower chambers 252, and even if water is supplied in such a state, the lower The circumferential wall 260 of the tray 250 may extend upwardly higher than the water level in the ice chamber 111.

In addition, since the lower tray 250 opens and closes the ice chamber 111 by rotation, spaces G1 and G2 are inevitably formed between the peripheral wall 260 and the chamber wall 153. If the spaces G1 and G2 between the peripheral wall 260 and the chamber wall 153 are too narrow, there is a problem that interference with the upper tray 150 may occur during the rotation process of the lower tray 250. . In addition, if the spaces G1 and G2 between the peripheral wall 260 and the chamber wall 153 become too wide, water that is introduced into the spaces G1 and G2 when water is supplied to the lower chamber 252 and is lost. This is excessively generated, and there is a problem in that ice crumbs are excessively generated due to this. Accordingly, the spaces G1 and G2 between the peripheral wall 260 and the chamber wall 153 may be formed to be approximately 0.5 mm or less.

Meanwhile, among the circumferential wall 260 and the chamber wall 153, the curved wall 153b of the upper tray 150 and the curved wall 260b of the lower tray 250 may be formed to have the same curvature. Accordingly, the curved wall 153b of the upper tray 150 and the curved wall 260b of the lower tray 250 do not interfere with each other in the entire area in which the lower tray 250 is rotated as shown in FIG. 38.

At this time, the radius R2 of the curved wall 153b of the upper tray 150 is slightly larger than the radius R1 of the curved wall 260b of the lower tray 250, and thus the upper tray 150 The and the lower tray 250 may have a structure capable of water supply without interfering with each other during rotation.

On the other hand, the rotation center (C) of the rotation body (281, 282) that is the rotation axis of the lower tray (250) is less than the upper surface (286) of the upper lower supporter (270) or the lower tray seat (253). It can be located somewhat downwards. The lower surface 153c of the upper tray 150 and the lower tray seating part 253 contact each other when the lower tray 250 is rotated and closed.

The lower tray 250 may have a structure in which the upper tray 150 is pressed in close contact in the process of being closed. Accordingly, when the lower tray 250 is rotated and closed, a portion of the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may be engaged with each other at a position close to the rotation axis of the lower tray 250. In such a situation, even if the lower tray 250 is rotated so that it is completely closed, due to interference of the first engaged portion, the upper tray 150 at a point far from the rotation axis and the end of the lower tray 250 may be widened. there is a problem.

In order to solve this problem, the rotation center C1 of the hinge bodies 281 and 282, which is the rotation axis of the lower tray 250, is slightly moved downward. For example, the rotation center C1 of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be located 0.3 mm below the upper surface of the lower supporter 270.

Therefore, when the lower tray 250 is closed, the ends of the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 close to the rotation axis do not first engage, and the lower tray seating portion 253 and the upper tray 150 The entire lower surface 153c may be in close contact.

Particularly, since the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are elastic materials, tolerances may arise during assembly, or the coupling state may become loose or fine deformation may occur during use, but due to this structure, the upper tray ( 150) and the end of the lower tray 250 may first engage with each other may solve the problem.

Meanwhile, the rotation axis of the lower tray 250 is substantially the same as the rotation axis of the lower supporter 270, and the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may also be formed on the lower supporter 270.

Hereinafter, the upper ejector 300 and the connection unit 350 connected to the upper ejector 300 will be described with reference to the drawings.

41 is a perspective view showing an upper assembly and a lower assembly in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the connection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 43 is a side view showing the arrangement of the connection unit. And, FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of 44-44' of FIG. 41.

41 to 44, when the lower assembly 200 and the upper assembly 110 are completely closed, the upper ejector 300 is positioned at the top. In addition, the connection unit 350 is maintained in a stopped state.

The connection unit 350 may be rotated by the driving unit 180, and the connection unit 350 may be connected to the upper ejector 300 and the lower supporter 270 mounted on the upper supporter 170. I can.

Accordingly, when the lower assembly 200 is opened, the upper ejector 300 may be moved downward by the connection unit 350 and ice in the upper chamber 152 may be moved.

The connection unit 350 is connected to a rotating arm 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. ) May include a link 356 that transmits the rotational force of the lower supporter 270 to the upper ejector 300 when rotated.

In detail, a pair of rotating arms 351 and 352 may be provided on both sides of the lower supporter 270. Of the pair of rotating arms 351 and 352, a second rotating arm 352 may be connected to the driving unit 180, and a first rotating arm 351 opposite to the second rotating arm 352 Can be provided. In addition, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 may be connected to both ends of the connection shaft 370 passing through the hinge bodies 281 and 282 on both sides, respectively. Accordingly, when the driving unit 180 is operated, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 may rotate together.

To this end, a shaft connection part 352b may protrude inside the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352. In addition, the shaft connection part 352b may be coupled to the second hinge hole 282a of the hinge body 282 on both sides. The second hinge hole 282a and the shaft connection part 352b may be formed in a structure that is coupled to enable transmission of power.

For example, the second hinge hole 282a and the shaft connection part 352b may have shapes corresponding to each other, but may be formed to have a predetermined clearance (FIG. 44) in the rotation direction. Accordingly, when the lower assembly 200 is closed, while the lower tray 250 is in contact with the upper tray 150, the driving unit 180 is further rotated by a set angle, and the rotating arm 351 , 352 may be further rotated, and the lower tray 250 may be further pressed toward the upper tray 150 by the elastic force of the elastic member 360 generated at this time.

Meanwhile, a power connection part 352ac coupled to the rotation shaft of the driving unit 180 may be formed on an outer surface of the second rotating arm 352. The power connection part 352a may be formed as a polygonal hole, and a rotation shaft of the driving unit 180 formed in a corresponding shape is inserted to enable power transmission.

Meanwhile, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 may extend upwards of the elastic member coupling portion 284. Further, elastic member connection portions 351c and 352c may be formed at extended ends of the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352. One end of the elastic member 360 may be connected to the elastic member connecting portions 351c and 352c. The elastic member 360 may be, for example, a coil spring.

The elastic member 360 is located inside the elastic member coupling portion 284, and the other end of the elastic member 360 may be fixed to the locking portion 284a of the lower supporter 270. The elastic member 360 provides elastic force to the lower supporter 270 so as to be kept in contact with the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 in a pressed state.

The elastic member 360 may provide an elastic force capable of being brought into close contact with the upper assembly 110 when the lower assembly 200 is closed. That is, when the lower assembly 200 is rotated to close, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 are also rotated together to close the lower assembly 200 as shown in FIG. Until it rotates.

And, in a state in which the lower assembly 200 is rotated to a set angle and in contact with each other, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 are further formed by rotation of the driving unit 180. Can be rotated. The elastic member 360 may be stretched by rotation of the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352, and the lower assembly 200 may be applied by an elastic force provided by the elastic member 360. ) Can be further rotated in the closing direction.

If the elastic member 360 is not provided and the lower assembly 200 is further rotated by the driving unit 180 to press and close the lower assembly to the upper assembly 110, the driving unit 180 ), and when the water is expanded as the phase changes and rotates in the direction in which the lower tray 250 is opened, a reverse force is applied to the gear of the drive unit 180 and the drive The unit 180 may be damaged. In addition, when the power of the driving unit 180 is turned off, there may be a problem in that the lower tray 250 sags due to the clearance of the gears. However, when the lower assembly 200 is pulled in close contact with the lower assembly 200 by the elastic force provided by the elastic member 360, all of these problems can be solved.

That is, the lower assembly 200 may receive an elastic force through the elastic member 360 in a tensioned state without additional power provided by the driving unit 180, and the lower assembly 200 The upper assembly 110 can be brought closer to the side.

In addition, even if the lower tray 250 is stopped by the driving unit 180 before it is completely pressed against the upper tray 150, the lower tray 250 is further formed by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 360. It is rotated so that it can be completely in close contact with the upper tray 150. In particular, the lower tray 250 may be in close contact with the upper tray 150 as a whole without a gap due to the elastic members 360 disposed on both sides.

The elastic member 360 continuously provides elastic force to the lower assembly 200, and therefore, the lower assembly 200 is excessive even when the ice expands as ice is made in the ice chamber 111. Elastic force is applied so that it does not open properly.

Meanwhile, the link 356 may connect the lower tray 250 and the upper ejector 300. The link 356 is formed in a bent shape so that the link 356 does not interfere with the hinge bodies 281 and 282 during the rotation process of the lower tray 250.

A tray connecting portion 356a is formed at a lower end of the link 356, and the link shaft 288 may pass through the tray connecting portion 356a. Accordingly, the lower end of the link 356 may be rotatably connected to the lower supporter 270, and may be rotated together when the lower supporter 270 is rotated.

The link shaft 288 may be positioned between the hinge bodies 281 and 282 and the elastic member coupling portion 284. In addition, the link shaft 288 may be positioned further below the rotation center of the hinge bodies 281 and 282. Accordingly, the upper ejector 300 is positioned close to the vertical movement path of the upper ejector 300, so that the upper ejector 300 can be moved up and down more effectively. In addition, the upper ejector 300 may be lowered to a required position, and at the same time, the upper ejector 300 may not be moved excessively high when the upper ejector 300 is moved upward. Therefore, by lowering the height of the upper ejector 300 and the unit guides 181 and 182 protruding upwards of the ice maker 100, loss when the ice maker 100 is installed in the freezing compartment 4 It is possible to minimize the space above that.

The link shaft 288 protrudes vertically outward from the outer surface of the lower supporter 270. At this time, the link shaft 288 extends through the tray connecting portion 356a, but may be covered by the rotating arms 351 and 352. The rotating arms 351 and 352 are very close to the link and the link shaft 288. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the link 356 from being separated from the link shaft 288 by the rotating arms 351 and 352. The rotating arms 351 and 352 may shield the link shaft 288 at any position in the rotating path, and thus the rotating arms 351 and 352 have a width of a size capable of covering the link shaft 288. Can be formed to

An end portion of the ejector body 310, that is, an ejector connecting portion 356b through which the separation preventing protrusion 312 passes may be formed at an upper end of the link 356. The ejector connection part 356b may also be rotatably mounted with an end portion of the ejector body 310. Accordingly, when the lower supporter 270 is rotated, the upper ejector 300 may move together in the vertical direction.

Hereinafter, the states of the upper ejector 300 and the connection unit 350 according to the operation of the lower assembly 200 will be described with reference to the drawings.

45 is a cross-sectional view of 45-45' of FIG. 41; And, FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing an open state of the upper assembly and the lower assembly. And, FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view 47-47' of FIG. 46.

As shown in FIGS. 41 and 45, when the ice maker 100 is making ice, the lower assembly 200 may be in a closed state.

In this state, the upper ejector 300 may be located at the uppermost position, and the ejecting pin 320 may be located outside the ice chamber 111. In addition, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may be completely in close contact with each other by the rotating arms 351 and 352 and the elastic member 360 and are made to be airtight with each other.

In such a state, freezing may proceed inside the ice chamber 111. During the ice making operation, the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 are periodically operated so that freezing proceeds from the upper side of the ice chamber 111 so that transparent spherical ice can be made. In addition, when freezing is completed in the ice chamber 111, the driving unit 180 is operated to rotate the lower assembly 200.

46 and 47, the lower assembly 200 may be in an open state when the ice maker 100 is eaves. The lower assembly 200 can be completely opened by the operation of the driving unit 180.

When the lower assembly 200 is opened in the open direction, the lower end of the link 356 rotates together with the lower tray 250. And, the upper end of the link 356 is moved downward. The upper end of the link 356 is connected to the ejector body 310 to move the upper ejector 300 downward. At this time, the upper end of the link 356 is not flowed by the guide of the unit guides 181 and 182, but is moved downward. I can.

When the lower assembly 200 is completely rotated, the ejecting pin 320 of the upper ejector 300 passes through the inlet opening 154 and moves downward to the lower end of the upper chamber 152 or a position adjacent thereto. It is moved so that ice can be released from the upper chamber 152. At this time, the link 356 is also rotated at a maximum angle, but the link 356 has a bent shape, and at the same time, the link shaft 288 is located in front and below the hinge bodies 281 and 282. Interference between the link 356 and other components may be prevented.

Meanwhile, when the lower assembly 200 is closed, the lower assembly 200 may partially sag. In detail, in this embodiment, the drive unit 180 has a structure connected to the second rotating arm 352 of the rotating arms 351 and 352 on both sides, and the second rotating arm 352 is the connection shaft It will have a structure connected by 370. Accordingly, a rotational force is transmitted to the first rotating arm 351 through the connection shaft 370, so that the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 may rotate simultaneously.

However, the first rotating arm 351 has a structure that is connected to the connection shaft 370, and a tolerance inevitably occurs at the connection portion for connection operation. Due to such a tolerance, slip may occur when the connection shaft 370 rotates.

In addition, since the lower assembly 200 has a structure in which the lower assembly 200 extends in the direction of power transmission, the portion of the first rotating arm 351 located at a relatively far side may sag, and transmission of torque is 100%. It may not be done.

Due to this structure, when the first rotating arm 351 rotates less than the second rotating arm 352, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are completely in close contact and not airtight. There is an area in which the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 close to the first rotating arm 351 is partially opened. Accordingly, when the lower tray 250 is sagging or inclined and the water surface inside the ice chamber 111 is inclined due to this, a problem in that spherical ice having a uniform size and shape cannot be generated may occur. And, a more serious problem may occur when water leaks through the open part.

To prevent this problem, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 may have different heights of the extended upper end.

48 and 29, the height h2 from the bottom surface of the lower assembly 200 to the elastic member connecting portion 351c of the first rotating arm 351 is the lower assembly 200 It may be formed higher than the height h3 from the bottom surface of the second rotating arm 352 to the elastic member connection portion 352c.

Accordingly, when the lower assembly 200 is rotated to close, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 are rotated together. And, since the height of the first rotating arm is high, the elastic member 360 connected to the first rotating arm 351 when the lower tray 250 and the upper tray 150 start contacting is further It is tensioned.

That is, when the lower tray 250 is completely in close contact with the upper tray 150, the elastic force of the elastic member 360 of the first rotating arm 351 becomes larger, and thus the first rotating arm The sag of the lower tray 250 at 351 is compensated. Accordingly, the entire upper surface of the lower tray 250 is in close contact with the lower surface of the upper tray 150 to maintain an airtight state.

Particularly, in a structure in which the drive unit 180 is located on one side of the lower tray 250 and is directly connected only to the second rotating arm 352, the tolerance due to the assembly of the connection shaft 370 1 There may be a problem that the rotating arm 351 is less rotated, but as in the embodiment of the present invention, the first rotating arm 351 uses a greater force than the second rotating arm 352. The lower tray 250 is rotated to prevent sagging or less rotation of the lower tray 250.

On the other hand, as another example, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 are rotationally coupled to each other by a set angle on the axis of the connecting shaft 370 at both ends of the connecting shaft 370. , The upper end of the first rotating arm 351 may be positioned at a higher position than the upper end of the second rotating arm 352.

And as another example, the first rotating arm 351 extends longer than the second rotating arm 352 so that a point connected to the elastic member 360 is formed higher. It may be possible to make the shape of the 351 and the second rotating arm 352 different.

In addition, as another example, the elastic modulus of the elastic member 360 connected to the first rotating arm 351 may be formed to be larger than the elastic modulus connected to the second rotating arm 352.

In the closed state of the lower assembly 200, as shown in FIG. 50, the upper end of the lower case 210 and the lower end of the upper supporter 170 may be separated from each other by a predetermined distance h4. In addition, a part of the upper tray 150 may be exposed through spaced apart spaces. In this case, a spaced apart space is formed between the lower case 210 and the upper supporter 170, but the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are kept in close contact with each other.

That is, even when the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are completely in close contact with each other and are airtight, the upper end of the lower case 210 and the lower end of the upper supporter 170 may be spaced apart from each other.

When the upper end of the lower case 210 and the lower end of the upper supporter 170 are in contact with each other, the driving unit 180 may be overwhelmed by an impact, resulting in a damage problem. have.

In addition, when the upper end of the lower case 210 and the lower end of the upper supporter 170 are spaced apart from each other, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may provide a free space capable of compressing and deforming each other. There will be. Therefore, in order to ensure close contact between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 even in various situations such as assembly tolerance or deformation in use, the upper end of the lower case 210 and the lower end of the upper supporter 170 are separated from each other. It should be. To this end, the circumferential wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may extend higher than the upper end of the upper case 120.

Hereinafter, the structure of the upper ejector 300 will be described with reference to the drawings.

50 is a front view of the ice maker viewed from the front. And, Figure 51 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of the upper ejector.

50 and 51, the ejector body 310 has body penetrating portions 311 formed at both ends, and the body penetrating portion 311 is the guide slot 183 and the ejector connecting portion 356b ) Can penetrate. In addition, a pair of separation preventing protrusions 312 may protrude in opposite directions to an end portion of the ejector body 310, that is, an end portion of the body through part 311. Accordingly, both ends of the ejector body 310 can prevent separation from the ejector connection part 356b. In addition, the separation prevention protrusion 312 contacts the outer surface of the link 356 and extends in a vertical direction to prevent a gap with the link 356 from occurring.

In addition, a body protrusion 313 may be further formed on the ejector body 310. The body protrusion 313 protrudes downward from a position spaced apart from the separation prevention protrusion 312 and may extend to contact the inner surface of the link 356. The body protrusion 313 may be inserted into the guide slot 183 and protrude to a predetermined length so as to contact the inner surface of the link 356.

In this case, the separation prevention protrusion 312 and the body protrusion 313 come into contact with both side surfaces of the link 356 and may be disposed to face each other. Accordingly, both sides of the link may be supported by the separation prevention protrusion 312 and the body protrusion 313, and the flow of the link 356 may be effectively prevented.

When the ejector body 310 flows left and right, the position of the ejecting pin 320 may flow left and right, and thus the process of passing the ejecting pin 320 through the inlet opening 154 The upper tray 150 may be deformed or removed by pressing the upper tray 150. In addition, there may be a problem in that the ejecting pins 320 are caught in the upper tray 150 and cannot be moved.

Therefore, in order to ensure that the ejecting pin 320 does not flow and passes through the center of the inflow opening 154 accurately, the link 356 has the structure of the separation prevention protrusion 312 and the body protrusion 313 The ejecting pin 320 may be moved up and down at a set position by preventing it from flowing.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, the first through opening 139b of the upper case 120 through which the pair of unit guides 181 and 182 passes is provided with a first flow prevention part 139ba and a second flow. A prevention part (189bb) is provided, and a third flow prevention part (189ca) and a fourth flow prevention part (189cb) are provided in the second through opening (139c) to guide the vertical movement of the ejector body (310). It is also possible to prevent the flow of the unit guides (181, 182).

Therefore, the present embodiment has a structure that prevents the flow of the unit guides 181 and 182 as well as the ejector body 310, and the ejecting pins 320 moving up and down a relatively long distance flow. It is possible to completely prevent contact or interference with the upper tray 150 by entering and exiting the inflow opening 154 along a set path.

Hereinafter, a mounting structure of the driving unit 180 will be described with reference to the drawings.

52 is an exploded perspective view of a driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 53 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the drive unit is moved to temporarily fix the drive unit. And, Figure 54 is a partial perspective view of a state in which the drive unit is temporarily fixed. And, FIG. 55 is a partial perspective view for showing restraint and coupling of the drive unit.

52 to 55, the driving unit 180 may be mounted on an inner side surface of the upper case 120. The driving unit 180 may be disposed adjacent to the side circumferential portion 143 on the far side from the cold air hole 134, that is, the second sidewall surface 143a.

Meanwhile, the driving unit 180 may have a pair of driving unit fixing protrusions 185a protruding from the upper surface. The driving unit fixing protrusion 185a may be formed in a plate shape. The driving unit fixing protrusion 185a may extend from an upper surface of the driving unit case 185 in the arrangement direction of the cold air hole 134.

In addition, the rotation shaft 186 of the driving unit 180 may protrude in a direction in which the driving unit fixing protrusion 185a protrudes. In addition, a lever connection part 187 to which the ice detection lever 700 is mounted may be formed on one side away from the rotation shaft 186. A case fastening portion 185b through which a screw B3 for fixing the driving unit 180 passes may be further formed on the upper surface of the driving unit case 185.

A fastening part opening 149c may be formed on a lower surface of the upper plate 121 of the upper case 120 on which the driving unit 180 is mounted. The fastening part opening 149c is formed so that the case fastening part 185b can pass. In addition, a screw groove 149d may be formed at one side of the fastening part opening 149c.

Further, a driving unit mounting portion 149a on which the driving unit 180 is mounted may be formed on a lower surface of the upper plate 121. The driving unit seating portion 149a is positioned toward the cold air hole 134 more than the fastening portion opening 149c, and the electric wire connected to the driving unit 180 enters and exits the driving unit seating portion 149a. The entrance 149e may be further formed.

Further, a fixing protrusion restraining portion 149b into which the driving unit fixing protrusion 185a is inserted may be formed on a lower surface of the upper plate 121. The fixing protrusion restraining part 149b is positioned toward the cold air hole 134 more than the driving unit seating part 149a. In addition, an insertion hole may be formed in the fixing protrusion restraining part 149b in a corresponding shape so that the driving unit fixing protrusion 185a may be inserted.

Hereinafter, the mounting process of the driving unit 180 having the above structure will be described.

As shown in FIG. 52, the operator makes the upper surface of the driving unit 180 face the inside of the upper case 120, and inserts the driving unit 180 into a position to be mounted.

Next, as shown in FIG. 53, in a state in which the driving unit fixing protrusion 185a is in close contact with the driving unit seating portion 149a, the driving unit 180 is horizontally moved toward the cold air hole 134. do. With this moving operation, the driving unit fixing protrusion 185a is inserted into the fixing protrusion restraining part 149b.

When the driving unit fixing protrusion 185a is completely inserted, as shown in FIG. 54, the driving unit fixing protrusion 185a is fixed inside the fixing protrusion restraining part 149b. In addition, the upper surface of the driving unit case 185 may be mounted on the driving unit mounting portion 149a.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 55, the case fastening part 185b protrudes upward through the fastening part opening 149c to be exposed. In addition, the screw B3 is inserted into the case fastening part 185b through the screw groove 149d to be fastened. The driving unit 180 can be fixed to the upper case 120 by fastening the screw B3.

Meanwhile, the screw groove 149d is formed at the end of the upper plate 121 corresponding to the case fastening part 185b, so that it is easy to fasten and separate the screw 83 to the case fastening part 185b. Can be done.

Hereinafter, the full ice detection lever 700 will be described with reference to the drawings.

56 is a side view of the ice detection lever in the uppermost position of the initial position according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 57 is a side view of the ice detection lever positioned at the lowermost position.

As shown in FIGS. 56 and 57, the ice detection lever 700 is connected to the driving unit 180 and may be rotated by the driving unit 180. In addition, the ice detection lever 700 may be rotated together when the lower assembly 200 is rotated for ice ice to detect whether the ice bin 102 is filled with ice. Of course, the ice detection lever 700 may be operated independently of the lower assembly 200 if necessary.

The ice detection lever 700 has a shape bent to one side (left in FIG. 56) by the first bent portion 721 and the second bent portion 722. Therefore, even when the full ice detection lever 700 is rotated as shown in FIG. 57 for detection of full ice, the ice stored in the ice bin 102 does not interfere with other components and the ice stored in the ice bin 102 reaches a set height. It can effectively detect whether it has been reached. The lower assembly 200 and the ice detection lever 700 may be rotated more counterclockwise than in FIG. 57, and may preferably be rotated about 140° for effective ice breaking.

Looking at the length (L1) of the ice detection lever 700, the length (L1) of the ice detection lever 700 is a vertical distance from the rotation axis of the ice detection lever 700 to the sensing body 710 Can be defined. In addition, the ice detection lever 700 may be formed to be at least longer than the distance L2 of the lower branches of the lower assembly 200. When the length L1 of the full ice detection lever 700 is shorter than the distance L2 of the end branches of the lower assembly 200, the process of rotating the full ice detection lever 700 and the lower assembly 200 Interference with each other may occur in

On the other hand, when the length of the ice detection lever 700 is too long and extends to the position of the ice I disposed on the bottom of the ice bin 102, the possibility of false detection is high. The ice made in this embodiment is spherical ice and may be rolled and moved inside the ice bin. Therefore, if the length of the full ice detection lever 700 is long enough to detect the ice positioned at the bottom of the ice bin 102, the ice is not actually full due to the detection of the ice that has been rolled and moved. There is a possibility to detect.

Therefore, it is preferable that the ice detection lever 700 extends to a position higher by the diameter of the ice so as to have a length that does not detect at least the ice laid on the bottom of the ice bin 102 as a first layer. . As an example, the full ice detection lever 700 may extend to reach a position higher than a height L5 equal to the diameter of the ice I from the bottom of the ice bin 102 upon sensing full ice.

That is, the ice may be stored on the bottom surface of the ice bin 102, and until the ice I of the first floor is completely filled, the full ice detection lever 700 does not detect the full ice even if it rotates. When the ice making and ice making operation is continued, due to the characteristic of the spherical ice iced to the ice bin, it does not accumulate on the bottom surface of the ice bin 102 and spreads widely, thereby filling the bottom of the ice bin 102 in order. In addition, during the rotation of the lower assembly 200 or the movement of the freezer drawer 41, the first-floor ice I in the ice bin 102 rolls to fill the empty space.

When the bottom of the ice bin 102 is all filled, ice to be iced may be stacked on the ice I of the first layer. In this case, the height of the ice of the second layer may be the height of the ice of the second layer not being twice as large as the diameter of the ice, but by adding a height of approximately 1/2 to 3/4 to the diameter of one ice. This is because the ice of the second layer is settled in the valley formed between the ice of the first layer.

On the other hand, in the case where the ice detection lever 700 detects the portion immediately above the height L5 of the ice I on the first floor, it may be erroneously sensed when the height of the ice on the first floor is increased due to ice debris. Therefore, it would be desirable to be configured to sense a higher position.

Therefore, the full ice detection lever 700 is formed to extend to an arbitrary point higher than the height L5 equal to the diameter of the ice and lower than the height L6 plus 1/2 to 4/3 of the diameter of the ice. I can.

As an example, the full ice detection lever 700 is easy to secure the amount of ice making as long as it does not interfere with the lower tray 250, and to prevent false detection due to the height difference due to the remaining ice debris. , The full ice detection lever 700 may have a length extending to the upper end of L6, that is, a length extending to the upper end of L6, which is a height obtained by adding one height of ice and 1/2 to 3/4 diameter of the ice. .

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, it is described as an example that ice detects ice on the second floor, but in the case of a refrigerator storing a large amount of spherical ice in the ice bin 102, the ice on the third floor is detected or It can also be made to detect the ice in the layer. In this case, the full ice detection lever 700 may be extended to a height of n pieces of ice plus a diameter of 1/2 to 3/4 of the ice.

Hereinafter, the lower ejector 400 will be described with reference to the drawings.

58 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure between an upper case and the lower ejector according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 59 is a partial perspective view showing a detailed structure of the lower ejector. And, FIG. 60 is a view showing a state of deformation of the lower tray when the lower assembly is completely rotated. Also, FIG. 61 is a view showing a state just before the lower ejector passes through the lower tray.

58 to 61, the lower ejector 400 may be mounted on the side circumferential portion 143. An ejector mounting portion 441 may be formed at a lower end of the side circumferential portion 143. The ejector mounting part 441 may be formed at a position facing each other when the lower assembly 200 rotates, and may be recessed into a shape corresponding to the lower ejector 400.

A pair of body fixing parts 443 may protrude from the upper surface of the ejector mounting part 441, and a hole 443a into which a screw is fastened may be formed in the body fixing part 443. In addition, side coupling portions 442 may be formed on both side surfaces of the ejector mounting portion 441. The side coupling part 442 may have grooves for accommodating both ends of the lower ejector 400 so that the lower ejector 400 can be slidably inserted.

The lower ejector 400 may include a lower ejector body 410 fixed to the ejector mounting portion 441 and a lower ejecting pin 420 protruding from the lower ejector body 410. The lower ejector body 410 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the ejector mounting part 441, and the surface on which the lower ejecting pin 420 is formed is formed to be inclined so that the lower ejecting pin 420 is When the lower assembly 200 is rotated, it may be formed to face the lower opening 274.

A body groove 413 in which the body fixing part 443 is accommodated may be formed on an upper surface of the lower ejector body 410, and a hole 412 to which a screw is fastened may be further formed in the body groove 413. I can. In addition, an inclined groove 411 is recessed in an inclined surface of the lower ejector body 410 corresponding to the hole 412 to facilitate fastening and separation of the screw.

In addition, guide ribs 414 are protruded on both side surfaces of the lower ejector body 410. When the lower ejector 400 is mounted, the guide rib 414 may be inserted and coupled to the side coupling portion 442 of the ejector mounting portion 441.

Meanwhile, the lower ejecting pin 420 may be formed on an inclined surface of the ejector body 310. The lower ejecting pins 420 are the same as the number of the lower chambers 252, and ice may be moved by pushing each of the lower chambers 252.

The lower ejecting pin 420 may include a rod part 421 and a head part 422. The rod part 421 may support the head part 422. In addition, the rod part 421 may be formed to have the predetermined length and inclined or rounded shape so that the lower ejecting pin 420 extends to the lower opening 274. The head part 422 is formed at the extended end of the rod part 421 and pushes the outer surface of the lower chamber 252 having a curved shape to move ice.

In detail, the rod part 421 is formed to have a predetermined length. For example, when the lower assembly 200 is completely rotated for eaves, the rod part 421 may extend so that the end of the head part 422 is positioned at an extension line L4 of the upper end of the lower chamber 252. I can. That is, when the head part 422 pushes the lower tray 250 to move the ice inside the lower chamber 252, the ice is pushed until it exceeds at least the area of the hemisphere. The rod part 421 may be extended to a sufficient length so that ice can be surely separated from the lower chamber 252.

If the length of the rod part 421 is longer, interference may occur between the lower opening 274 and the lobe part 421 when the lower assembly 200 is rotated. If it is too short, the lower tray Ice from 250 may not be smoothly moved.

The rod part 421 protrudes from the inclined surface of the lower ejector body 410 and is formed to have a predetermined inclination or round, and can naturally pass through the lower opening 274 when the lower assembly 200 is rotated. Can be formed to be. That is, the rod part 421 may extend along the rotation path of the lower opening 274.

Meanwhile, the head part 422 may be formed to protrude from an end of the rod part 421. The head part 422 may have a hollow 425 formed therein. Therefore, the contact area with the ice surface can be increased, and the ice can be effectively pushed.

The head portion 422 may include a head upper portion 423 and a head lower portion 424 formed along the periphery of the head portion 422. The upper head 423 may have a structure protruding more than the lower head 424. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively push the curved surface of the lower chamber 252 in which the ice is accommodated, that is, the convex portion 251b. When the head part 422 pushes the convex part 251b, both the upper head 423 and the lower head 424 come into contact, so that the ice can be pushed more stably and iced.

Thus, the spherical ice can be more effectively iced from the lower tray 250. On the other hand, when the upper head 423 of the head part 422 protrudes more than the lower head 424, the lower opening 274 and the upper head 423 may be rotated during the rotation of the lower assembly 200. The ends may interfere.

In order to prevent such a shape, the protruding length of the upper head 423 may be maintained, but the upper surface of the upper head 423 may be formed in an obliquely cut-off shape. That is, the upper portion of the head 423 may have an inclined upper surface, and may be formed to decrease toward an extended end of the upper head 423. In order to form the cut-off portion of the upper head 423, the upper surface of the upper head 423 is formed in a region where interference occurs with the lower opening, that is, a shape in which approximately C is removed.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 61, the upper head 423 may be extended to a sufficient length to effectively contact the curved surface, but may not interfere with the circumference of the lower opening 274 by the cut-off portion. . That is, the rod part 421 is made to have a sufficient length, and the head part 422 improves contact with the curved surface and at the same time prevents interference with the lower opening 274, Ice moving in the chamber 252 may be performed smoothly.

Hereinafter, the operation of the ice maker 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

62 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8. 63 is a diagram illustrating a state in which ice generation is completed in the diagram of FIG. 62.

62 and 63, a lower heater 296 may be installed on the lower supporter 270.

The lower heater 296 provides heat to the ice chamber 111 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 is periodically turned on and off during the ice making process and generates heat, the bubbles in the ice chamber 111 move downward during the ice making process, and when the ice making is completed, the lowermost end of the spherical ice Except for the other parts, it may be transparent. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate ice in a substantially transparent sphere shape. In this embodiment, the substantially transparent sphere shape is not completely transparent, but generally has a degree of transparency that can be referred to as transparent ice, and it is not a perfect sphere, but it means that it has a shape like a sphere as a whole.

The lower heater 296 may be, for example, a wire type heater. Like the upper heater 148, the upper heater 148 may be a DC heater and may be formed to have a lower output than the upper heater 148. For example, the upper heater 148 may have a heat quantity of 9.5W, and the lower heater 296 may have a heat quantity of 6.0W. Therefore, the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 can maintain a condition for making transparent ice by periodically heating the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 with a low amount of heat.

In addition, 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 contact the lower tray body 251.

Meanwhile, as the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 contact in the vertical direction, the ice chamber 111 is completed. In addition, the lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151 is in contact with the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251.

At this time, in a state in which the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 and the lower surface of the upper tray body 151 are in contact, 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 251e of the lower tray body 251 becomes the lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151. ) Is pressed. 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. It can be prevented from forming burrs. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the upper rib 153d and the lower rib 253a may prevent a gap from occurring until ice making is completed.

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

A depression 251c is formed under the convex portion 251b so that the thickness of the convex portion 251b 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 251b may be disposed to face the lower opening 274 of the lower supporter 270 in a vertical direction.

In addition, 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 251b. As illustrated in FIG. 62, the diameter D3 of the convex portion 251b may be smaller than the diameter D4 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 support 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, a convex portion 251b 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 sphere before ice is generated, but after the ice is generated, the convex portion 251b of the lower tray body 251 is Since it is deformed toward the lower opening 274, spherical ice may be generated.

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

Hereinafter, a process of making ice by an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in a water supply state. Further, FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in an ice-making state. Further, FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in a state in which ice making is completed. In addition, FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in an initial state of eaves. In addition, FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in a state in which the eaves are completed.

64 to 68, first, the lower assembly 200 is moved to the water supply position.

In the water supply position of the lower assembly 200, the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 is spaced apart from at least a portion of the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the lower assembly 200 is rotated (counterclockwise with respect to the drawing) for moving is referred to as a forward direction, and the opposite direction (clockwise) is referred to as a reverse direction.

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

At the water supply position of the lower assembly 200, the sensing body 710 is positioned below the lower assembly 200.

In this state, water supplied from the outside is guided by the water supply unit 190 and supplied to the ice chamber 111. In this case, water is supplied to the ice chamber 111 through one of the plurality of inlet 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.

For example, the volume of the upper chamber 151 and the volume of the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may be the same. Then, water between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may be completely filled in the upper tray 150. Alternatively, the volume of the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may be smaller than the volume of the upper chamber 151. In this case, water is also located in the upper chamber 151.

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

In this way, even if there is no channel for water movement in the lower tray 250, as shown in FIG. 64, since the space between the lower tray 250 and the upper tray 150 is spaced apart from each other, a specific lower When the chamber 252 is filled with water, the water flows to the adjacent lower chamber 252 to fill all the lower chambers 252. Accordingly, each of the plurality of lower chambers 252 of the lower tray 250 may be filled with water.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since there is no channel for communication between the lower chambers 252 in the lower tray 250, it can be prevented that additional ice in the form of a protrusion around the ice after completion of ice generation. .

When the water supply is completed, the lower assembly 200 moves in the reverse direction as shown in FIG. 30. When the lower assembly 200 is moved in the reverse direction, the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 becomes close to the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150.

Then, water between the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150 is divided and distributed into the interior of each of the plurality of upper chambers 152. In addition, when the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150 are completely in close contact, water is filled in the upper chamber 152.

On the other hand, when the lower assembly is closed and the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are in close contact with each other, the chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 is a peripheral wall of the lower tray 250 ( It may be accommodated in the inner space of 260).

At this time, the vertical wall 153a of the upper tray 150 is disposed to face the vertical wall 260a of the lower tray 250, and the curved wall 153b of the upper tray 150 is the lower tray ( It is disposed to face the curved wall 260b of 250).

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 (G2 in FIG. 39) 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.

Water supplied through the water supply unit 180 may be supplied in an open state by rotating the lower assembly 200 by a set angle in order to fill the entire ice chambers 111. Accordingly, water to be supplied is entirely filled in the inner space of the circumferential wall 260 as well as the lower chamber 252, so that the adjacent lower chambers 252 can be filled. In such a state, when water supply is completed by the set level, the lower assembly 200 is closed so that the water level in the ice chamber 111 becomes the set level. In this case, water is inevitably filled in the spaces G1 and G2 between the inner surfaces of the circumferential wall 260 of the lower tray 250.

On the other hand, when more than a set amount of water is supplied to the ice chamber 111 during the water supply process or the ice making process, the water of the ice chamber 111 can flow into the inlet opening 154, that is, the inside of the buffer. . Therefore, even if more than a set amount of water exists in the ice chamber 111 depending on the situation, water overflowing from the ice maker 100 may be prevented.

For this reason, when the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper tray body 151 and the lower assembly is closed, the upper end of the peripheral wall 260 is It may be positioned higher than the lower end of the inlet opening 154 or the upper end of the upper chamber 152.

The position of the lower assembly 200 in a state in which the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150 are in contact may be referred to as an ice making position. In the ice making position of the lower assembly 200, the sensing body 710 is positioned below the lower assembly 200.

Ice-making starts while the lower assembly 200 is moved to the ice-making position.

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

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

Accordingly, when ice making is performed while the lower heater 296 is turned on, ice is generated in the ice chamber 111 from the top.

In this embodiment, the mass (or volume) per unit height of water in the ice chamber 111 may be the same or different depending on the shape of the ice chamber 111.

For example, when the ice chamber 111 is a rectangular parallelepiped, the mass (or volume) per unit height of water in the ice chamber 111 is the same.

On the other hand, when the ice chamber 111 has a shape such as a spherical shape, an inverted triangle, a crescent shape, or the like, the mass (or volume) per unit height of water is different.

If, assuming that the temperature and the amount of cool air supplied to the freezing chamber 4 are constant, if the output of the lower heater 296 is the same, the mass per unit height of water in the ice chamber 111 is different, The rate at which ice is generated per unit height may vary.

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

As a result, the rate at which ice is generated per unit height of water may not be constant, so the transparency of ice may vary for each unit height. In particular, when the rate of formation of ice is high, bubbles may not move from ice to water, so that ice may contain bubbles, and thus transparency may be low.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the output of the lower heater 296 may be controlled to vary according to the mass per unit height of water in the ice chamber 111.

When the ice chamber 111 is formed in a spherical shape, for example, as in the present embodiment, the mass per unit height of water in the ice chamber 111 increases from top to bottom, then increases to a maximum, and then decreases again. .

Accordingly, the output of the lower heater 430 decreases in stages after the lower heater 296 is turned on, and the output of the lower heater 430 is minimized at the portion where the mass per unit height of water is largest. Then, the output of the lower heater 296 may be increased step by step according to a decrease in the mass per height of the water stage.

Accordingly, since ice is generated in the ice chamber 111 from the top, the bubbles in the ice chamber 111 move downward. Ice is brought into contact with the upper surface of the block portion 251b of the lower tray 250 in the process of generating ice from the top to the bottom in the ice chamber 111.

When ice is continuously generated in this state, the block portion 251b is pressed and deformed as shown in FIG. 31, and when ice making is completed, ice in a spherical shape may be generated.

A controller (not shown) may determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500.

When the ice making is completed or before the ice making is completed, the lower heater 296 may be turned off.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 66, when the lower assembly 200 is moved in the forward direction, the lower tray 250 is separated from and spaced apart from the upper tray 150.

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

During the ice breaking process, the ice may be separated from the upper tray 250 before the 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 moved together with the lower assembly 200 while being supported by the lower tray 250.

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

Accordingly, when the lower assembly 200 moves in the forward direction, ice may be separated from the lower tray 250 in a state in which ice is in close contact with the upper tray 150.

In this state, in the process of moving the lower assembly 200, the ejecting pin 320 passing through the inlet opening 154 presses the ice in close contact with the upper tray 150, so that the ice It can be separated from the tray 150. Ice separated from the upper tray 150 may be supported by the lower tray 250 again.

When ice is moved 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 no external force is applied to the lower tray 250. Can be separated from

As shown in FIG. 67, in the process of moving the lower assembly 200 in the forward direction, the full ice detection lever 700 may move to the full ice detection position. In this case, when the ice bin 102 is not full, the full ice detection lever 700 may move to the full ice detection position.

The sensing body 700 is located below the lower assembly 200 in a state in which the full ice detection lever 700 is moved to the full ice detection position.

If the lower tray 250 is pressed by the lower ejector 400 as shown in FIG. 68, even if ice is not separated from the lower tray 250 by its own weight during the movement of the lower assembly 200, ice It may be separated from the lower tray 250.

Specifically, while the lower assembly 200 is moved, the lower tray 250 comes into contact with the lower ejecting pin 420.

Further, when the lower assembly 200 is continuously moved in the forward direction, the lower ejecting pin 420 presses the lower tray 250 to deform the lower tray 250, and the lower ejecting pin 420 The pressing force of the 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 and stored in the ice bin 102.

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

When the lower ejecting pin 420 is spaced apart from the lower tray 250 while the lower assembly 200 is moved in the reverse direction, the deformed lower tray may be restored to its original shape.

In the process of moving the lower assembly 200 in the reverse direction, the moving force is transmitted to the upper ejector 300 by the connection unit 350, so that the upper ejector 300 rises, and the ejecting pin 320 ) Is removed from the upper chamber 152.

Then, when the lower assembly 200 reaches the water supply position, the drive unit 180 is stopped, and water supply is started again.

100: ice maker 110: upper assembly
120: upper case 125: shield
150: upper tray 152e: heat insulation
170: upper supporter 200: lower assembly
210: lower case 250: lower tray
270: lower supporter

Claims (25)

A cabinet in which a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber are formed;
It includes an ice maker provided in the freezer,
The ice maker,
A cold air hole through which cold air is introduced;
An upper tray made of an elastic material and exposed on a path of cold air flowing through the cold air hole;
A lower tray made of an elastic material and coupled to the upper tray to form a plurality of spherical ice chambers;
A driving unit for opening and closing the upper tray and the lower tray by rotating the lower tray; And
And a heat insulating unit formed on an upper surface of the upper tray corresponding to a portion of the plurality of ice chambers and blocking transmission of cold air to the ice chamber.
The method of claim 1,
The heat insulating part is formed on the upper tray,
A refrigerator formed to have a thickness thicker than that of ice chambers in which the heat insulating portion is not formed.
The method of claim 1,
The heat insulating portion is a refrigerator formed to protrude upward from an area of the ice chamber exposed upward.
The method of claim 1,
The insulating part is formed in one ice chamber,
It is formed in an area exposed to the top of the ice chamber,
The refrigerator is formed to be thicker than the remaining areas of the ice chamber that are not exposed.
The method of claim 1,
A plurality of the ice chambers are arranged in a straight line,
The heat insulating part is formed at a position corresponding to the ice chamber closest to the cold air hole.
The method of claim 1,
An opening through which cold air is discharged is formed in a direction opposite to the cold air hole,
The plurality of ice chambers are arranged in a line between the cold air hole and the opening.
The method of claim 6,
The heat insulating part is formed at a position corresponding to the ice chamber closest to the cold air hole.
The method of claim 1,
A cold air guide for guiding the flow of the cold air is further provided,
The plurality of ice chambers are continuously disposed from the outlet of the cold air guide,
The heat insulating part is formed at a position corresponding to the ice chamber at a position closest to the outlet of the cold air guide.
The method of claim 1,
A refrigerator provided with a shielding part above the heat insulating part to block the transmission of cold air by shielding the heat insulating part.
The method of claim 9,
A refrigerator that is spaced apart between the heat insulating part and the shielding part to form an air layer.
An upper tray formed of an elastic material;
Inlet openings opening on upper surfaces of the plurality of upper chambers;
An upper case provided above the upper tray and having a tray opening through which an upper surface of the upper tray including the inlet opening is exposed;
A lower tray formed of an elastic material and having a plurality of spherical ice chambers formed when combined with the upper tray;
A lower supporter on which the lower tray is mounted;
A driving unit connected to the lower supporter to rotate the lower supporter to open and close the upper tray and the lower tray;
An upper ejector provided above the upper tray and passing through the inlet opening to evict ice made; And
It is formed on the upper tray exposed to the tray opening, and includes a heat insulating portion formed along the circumference of the inlet opening,
An ice maker that is formed at a position corresponding to a portion of the plurality of ice chambers.
The method of claim 11,
The heat insulating part is an ice maker protruding from the inside of the tray opening to increase the thickness.
The method of claim 11,
The upper surface of one side of the upper tray corresponding to the ice chamber in which the heat insulating part is formed,
The ice maker is formed thicker than the upper surface of the other side of the upper tray corresponding to the ice chamber in which the heat insulating part is not formed.
The method of claim 11,
A cold air guide for guiding the flow of cold air is formed in the upper case,
An ice maker in which a plurality of the ice chambers are continuously disposed along the outlet of the cold air guide.
The method of claim 14,
The ice maker is formed above the ice chamber on one side closest to the cold air guide outlet.
The method of claim 11,
A cold air hole that is opened at one side of the upper case and into which cold air is introduced;
Includes; a through opening that is opened on one side away from the cold air hole through which the cold air is discharged,
The plurality of ice chambers are disposed along the cold air hole and the through opening,
The heat insulation part is formed above the ice chamber formed at a position closest to the cold air hole.
The method of claim 11,
An ice maker further formed above the heat insulating part and extending from the circumference of the inlet opening to the inlet opening to shield the heat insulating part.
The method of claim 17,
The inlet opening is formed at the top of each of the ice chambers,
An ice maker further having an inlet wall extending upwardly along the periphery of the inlet opening.
The method of claim 18,
The inlet wall is formed with a connecting rib that is connected to the inlet wall of the adjacent inlet opening,
An ice maker in which a cutout is formed in the shielding part so that the connection rib passes.
The method of claim 19,
The incision becomes narrower from the bottom to the top,
The ice maker is formed such that the width of the upper end of the cutout corresponds to the width of the connection rib.
The method of claim 21,
It is formed in the upper case adjacent to both ends of the cutout,
An ice maker having an additional connection rib in contact with the outer surface of the entrance wall, the outer surface of the upper tray, and the inner surface of the shielding part
The method of claim 18,
Disposed along the perimeter of the entrance wall,
An ice maker having a connecting rib connecting the outer surface of the inlet wall and the outer surface of the upper tray.
The method of claim 22,
An ice maker in which a rib groove for accommodating at least a portion of the connection rib is formed in the shield part.
The method of claim 17,
An ice maker in which an air layer is formed by being spaced apart between the single layer and the shield.
The method of claim 11,
The heat insulation part is an ice maker integrally formed when the upper tray is formed.

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