KR20210057319A - Controlling method of ice maker - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, a control method of an ice maker having a first tray and a second tray forming an ice chamber comprises: a step of selecting one between a first mode and a second mode where transparency of ice are different; a step of moving the second tray to a water supply position; a step of starting water supply to the ice chamber by a control unit; and a step of starting ice making by movement of the second tray to an ice making position after the water supply to the ice chamber is complete; a step of operating a first heater in a first state for providing heat to the ice chamber in an ice making process when the first mode is selected; and a step of operating the first heater in a second state when the second mode is selected.

Description

Controlling method of ice maker

The present specification relates to a control method of the ice maker.

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 cools the inside of the storage space using cold air, 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 which has been de-iced in the ice tray by a heating method or a twisting method.

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 rotation shaft connected to the rear end of the lower tray and the upper tray to rotate the lower tray with respect 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 upper ejecting pin assembly connected to the pair of links, respectively, with both ends of which are fitted to the link guide, and moving up and down together with the link.

In the case of the prior literature, since the purpose of generating transparent ice is not disclosed, there is a problem in that ice is formed opaque, and a control method capable of generating transparent/opaque ice according to a user's selection is not disclosed.

The present invention provides a control method of an ice maker including means for generating transparent spherical ice.

In addition, the present invention provides a control method of an ice maker capable of generating transparent or opaque spherical ice according to a user's selection.

In addition, the present invention provides a control method of an ice maker capable of accurately determining an ice-making completion time by separately performing an ice-making completion determination according to a user's selection mode.

In addition, the present invention provides a control method of an ice maker capable of generating spherical ice irrespective of the selection mode by separately setting a water supply amount according to a user's selection mode.

An ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a heater that applies heat to a lower side of an ice chamber during an ice making process in order to generate transparent ice, and an on time of the heater and a tray by a temperature sensor to control the heater. The temperature can be detected.

In addition, a mode for generating transparent ice or opaque ice may be selected according to the user's selection.

A method of controlling an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: selecting one of a first mode and a second mode having different transparency of ice; Moving the second tray to a water supply position; Starting water supply to the ice chamber by a control unit; And after the water supply to the ice chamber is completed, the second tray is moved to an ice making position to start ice making.

In addition, when the first mode is selected, the step of operating a first heater for providing heat to the ice chamber in a first state during the ice making process; may further include.

When the second mode is selected, operating the first heater in a second state; may further include.

The first state may be a state in which the first heater is turned on in at least some section during the ice making process.

The second state may be a state in which the first heater is turned off.

The output of the first heater in the first state may be greater than the output of the first heater in the second state.

In addition, when the first mode is selected, a first water supply amount may be supplied to the ice chamber, and when the second mode is selected, a second water supply amount smaller than the first water supply amount may be supplied to the ice chamber.

Turning on the first heater when the on condition of the first heater is satisfied after ice making starts when the first mode is selected; After the first heater is turned on, turning off the first heater when an off criterion of the first heater is satisfied; And determining whether ice making is completed after the first heater is turned off.

The on condition of the first heater may be determined according to one or more of a time when the ice making started and a temperature detected by a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the ice chamber.

When the off criterion of the first heater is satisfied, the off-reference time elapses after the first heater is turned on, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the ice chamber reaches the off-reference temperature. have.

When the ice making is completed, a first reference time may pass after the first heater is turned off, and a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor may reach a first reference temperature.

The off reference temperature may be higher than the first reference temperature.

The off reference time may be greater than the first reference time.

After the first heater is turned on, the control unit may vary the output of the first heater.

When the second mode is selected, after the first heater is operated in a second state to proceed with ice making, determining whether to complete the ice making may be further included.

When the ice making is completed, a second reference time has elapsed after the ice making has started, and a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the ice chamber may reach a second reference temperature.

An ice maker control method according to another embodiment of the present invention is a control method of an ice maker including a first tray and a second tray forming an ice chamber, wherein the first mode and the second mode have different transparency of ice from each other. Selecting one of the modes; Moving the second tray to a water supply position; Starting water supply to the ice chamber by the amount of water corresponding to the mode by the control unit; And after the water supply to the ice chamber is completed, the second tray is moved to an ice making position to start ice making.

The water supply amount corresponding to the first mode may be greater than the water supply amount corresponding to the second mode.

If the first mode is selected, supplying heat from a first heater for providing heat to the ice chamber to the ice chamber in at least some section of the ice making process; further comprising, when the second mode is selected It may further include a step of performing ice making in a state in which the first heater is turned off.

According to the proposed invention, there is an advantage that transparent spherical ice can be generated by controlling the lower heater located in the lower tray.

In addition, in the case of the present invention, it is possible to generate transparent or opaque spherical ice according to the user's selection, and there is an advantage in that it is possible to accurately determine the ice-making completion time by separately determining the completion of ice making according to the user's selection mode. .

In addition, the present invention has the advantage that a spherical ice can be generated regardless of the selection mode by separately setting the water supply amount according to the user's selection mode.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 being opened.
3A and 3B are perspective views of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a bottom perspective view of an upper case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a top perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is an enlarged view of a heater coupling part in the upper case of FIG. 5.
8 is a view showing a state in which a heater is coupled to the upper case of FIG. 5.
9 is a view showing the arrangement of the electric wire connected to the heater in the upper case.
10 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper assembly is assembled.
11 is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a top perspective view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a bottom perspective view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a plan view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lower heater is coupled to the lower supporter of FIG. 14.
16 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a state in which ice generation is completed in the diagram of FIG. 16.
18 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
19 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating ice in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20A is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating ice when an ice maker sets a transparent ice mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20B is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating ice when an ice maker sets an opaque ice mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3A in a water supply state.
22 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3A in an ice-making state.
23 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3A in a state in which ice making is completed.
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3A in an initial state of eaves.
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3A in a state in which the 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, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with an understanding of an embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the constituent elements of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are for distinguishing the constituent element from other constituent elements, and the nature, order, or order of the constituent element is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but another component between each component It should be understood that may be “connected”, “coupled” or “connected”.

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

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

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

A storage member, such as a drawer, a shelf, and a basket, may be provided in 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. In addition, the freezing compartment door 6 may be configured to be able to be withdrawn in a drawer type.

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

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

In addition, an ice bin 102 stored below the ice maker 100 may be further provided in which ice is iced from the ice maker 100 and then stored.

The ice maker 100 and the ice bank 102 may be mounted in the freezing chamber 4 in a state accommodated in a separate housing 101.

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

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

In addition, ice generated by the ice maker 100 or ice generated by the ice maker 100 and stored in the ice bin 102 is transferred to the dispenser 7 by a transfer means, and the ice is removed from the dispenser 7. User can acquire.

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

3A and 3B are perspective views of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3A to 4, the ice maker 100 may include an upper assembly 110 and a lower assembly 200.

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

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

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

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 a 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, spherical ice formed between the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 may be separated from the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200.

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

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

The driving motor may be a motor capable of rotating in both directions. Accordingly, the lower assembly 200 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 cause 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 a plurality of upper ejecting pins 320 extending in a direction crossing from the ejector body 310.

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

Separation prevention protrusions 312 may be provided at both ends of the ejector body 310 to prevent separation from the connection unit 350 in a state of being coupled to the connection unit 350 to be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For example, when the lower assembly 200 rotates in one direction, the upper ejector 300 may descend by the connection unit 350 and the upper ejecting pin 320 may pressurize ice.

On the other hand, when the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the other 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 120 will be described in more detail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ice maker 100 may further include a temperature sensor 500 for sensing the temperature of the upper tray 150.

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

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

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 at least partially covering the upper side of the lower tray 250. have.

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

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

That is, when the switch 600 is turned on, 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, ice generation is impossible through the ice maker 100. The switch 600 may be provided in the upper case 120 as an example.

<Upper case>

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

Referring to FIG. 5, the upper case 120 may be fixed to the housing 101 in the freezing chamber 4 while the upper tray 150 is fixed.

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

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

The upper case 120 may be provided with a heater coupling part 124 for coupling an upper heater (refer to 148 of FIG. 8) for heating the upper tray 150 for ice-breaking.

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

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

The pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 are arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 5. The pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 are disposed to face each other, and the temperature sensor 500 may be positioned between the pair of installation ribs 128 and 129.

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

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

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 positioned opposite the first upper slot 131 with respect to the opening 123 can do.

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

The first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 may be spaced apart in a direction of arrow B in FIG. 5.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The plurality of hinge supporters 135 and 136 may be disposed to be spaced apart in a direction of an arrow A with reference to FIG. 5. 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 extend downward from the upper plate 121, for example.

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

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

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

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

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

<Upper tray>

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

Referring to FIG. 6, the upper tray 150 may be formed of a soft material that can be deformed by an external force and then returned to its original shape.

Meanwhile, 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 an external force during the eaves process, Despite the repetitive ice formation, it is possible to create a sphere-shaped ice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For example, the plurality of upper chambers 152 may define a first upper chamber, a second upper chamber, and a third upper chamber arranged in a direction of an arrow A with reference to FIG. 6.

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 for introducing water into the upper chamber 152 may be formed on the upper side of the upper tray body 151. For example, three inlet openings 154 may be formed in the upper tray body 151. Cold air may be guided to the ice chamber 111 through the inlet opening 154.

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

The upper tray 150 includes an inlet wall 155 so that the deformation of the upper tray 150 toward the inlet opening 154 is minimized while the upper ejector 300 is introduced through the inlet opening 154. Can 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. Accordingly, the upper ejector 300 may pass through the inner space of the inlet wall 155 and pass through the inlet opening 154.

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

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

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

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

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

Since a heater coupling portion 124 is provided in the recessed portion 122 and an upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 8) is provided in the heater coupling portion 124, the upper heater ( 148 of FIG. 8) may be understood to be accepted.

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

A heater coupling part 124 to which the upper heater (refer to 148 of FIG. 8) is coupled may be accommodated in the first accommodation part 160.

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

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

In addition, the second accommodating part 161 may be located between two adjacent upper chambers.

Accordingly, interference between the upper heater (refer to 148 of FIG. 8) and the temperature sensor 500 accommodated in the first accommodating part 160 can be prevented.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The plurality of upper protrusions 165 and 166 may include a first upper protrusion 165 and a second upper protrusion 166 positioned opposite the first upper protrusion 165 with respect to the inlet opening 154. ) Can be included.

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

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

The first upper protrusion 165 and the second upper protrusion 166 may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 6. The arrow B direction of FIG. 6 is the same direction as the arrow B direction of FIG. 5.

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

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

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 this embodiment, each of the upper protrusions 165 and 166 not only allows the upper tray 150 and the upper case 120 to be coupled, but also the horizontal extension part 264 is deformed during the ice making process or the ice ice process. Prevent it.

In this case, when the upper protrusions 165 and 165 are formed in a curved shape, the horizontal extension part 264 is the same as or substantially similar to the distance with the upper chamber 152 in the longitudinal direction of the upper protrusions 165 and 165. ) Can be effectively prevented.

For example, deformation of the horizontal extension part 264 in the horizontal direction may be minimized, so that the horizontal extension part 264 may be prevented from being stretched and plastically deformed. If the horizontal extension part 264 is plastically deformed, since the upper tray body cannot be positioned in the correct position during ice making, the ice is not close to the spherical shape.

The horizontal extension part 164 may further include a plurality of lower protrusions to be inserted into a lower slot of the upper supporter 170 to be described later.

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

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

<Upper heater combination structure>

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a heater coupling part in the upper case of FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which the heater is coupled to the upper case of FIG. 5, and FIG. It is a drawing showing.

7 to 9, the heater coupling part 124 may include a heater receiving groove 124a for accommodating the upper heater 148.

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

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

The upper heater 148 may be, for example, a wire type heater. Accordingly, the upper heater 148 may be bent, and the upper heater 148 may be accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a by bending it according to the shape of the heater receiving groove 124a.

The upper heater 148 may be a DC heater receiving DC power. The upper heater 148 may be turned on for eaves.

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

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

That is, an opaque band in a shape corresponding to the upper heater is formed around the ice.

However, in the case of the present embodiment, 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.

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

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

In addition, the upper heater 148 may contact the circumferences of each of the plurality of chamber walls 153 respectively forming the plurality of upper chambers 152. In this case, the upper heater 148 may be positioned lower than the inlet opening 154.

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

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

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

At least one of the outer wall 124b and the inner wall 124c is provided with a separation preventing protrusion 124d so that the upper heater 148 accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a is prevented from falling out of the heater receiving groove 124a. Can be.

In FIG. 7, for example, it is shown that a plurality of separation prevention protrusions 124d are provided on the inner wall 124c.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 8, when the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a, the upper heater 148 may be divided into a round portion 148c and a straight portion 148d.

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

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

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

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

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

A through opening 124e may be provided on the bottom surface of the heater receiving groove 124a. When the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 124a, a part of the upper heater 148 may be located in the through opening 124e. For example, the through opening 124e may be positioned at a portion facing the departure preventing protrusion 124d.

When the upper heater 148 is bent so as to be horizontally rounded, the tension of the upper heater 148 is increased and there is a fear of disconnection, and there is a high possibility that the upper heater 148 may fall out of the heater receiving groove 124a.

However, when the through opening 124e is formed in the heater receiving groove 124a as in the present embodiment, a part of the upper heater 148 may be located in the through opening 124e, so that the upper heater ( It is possible to reduce the tension of 148 and prevent the upper heater from being removed from the heater receiving groove 124a.

As shown in FIG. 9, the power input terminal 148a and the power output terminal 148b of the upper heater 148 may pass through a heater passage hole 125 formed in the upper case 120 in a state in which they are arranged side by side. .

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

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

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

The upper plate 121 of the upper case 120 includes a first guide part 126 for guiding the upper heater 148, the first connector 129a, the second connector 129c, and the wire 129d. It can be provided.

In FIG. 9, for example, the first guide part 126 guides the first connector 129a.

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

Accordingly, the upper bent portion of the first guide portion 126 restricts the movement of the first connector 126 in the upward direction.

After the electric wire 129d is bent in a shape such as “U” to prevent interference with surrounding structures, it may be drawn out of the upper case 120.

Since the wire 129d extends in a state that is bent one or more times, the upper case 120 may further include wire guides 127 and 128 for fixing the position of the wire 129d.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then, 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 It is inserted into the second lower slot 177 of the upper supporter 170.

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

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

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

In the process of assembling the upper assembly 110, the plurality of unit guides 181 and 182 of the upper supporter 170 are through through openings located on both sides of the upper plate 121 in the upper case 120. It protrudes upward from the upper plate 121.

In this way, the upper ejector 300 passes through the guide slots 183 of the unit guides 181 and 182 protruding upward of the upper plate 121.

Accordingly, the upper ejector 300 is drawn into the upper chamber 152 while descending from the upper side of the upper plate 121 so that the ice in the upper chamber 152 is transferred to the upper tray 150 Separate from.

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

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

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

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

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

<lower case>

11 is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250, a lower supporter 270, and a lower case 210.

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

In addition, the connection unit 350 may be coupled to the lower supporter 270.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, one of the two first links 352 is connected to the driving unit 180 to receive rotational force from the driving unit 180.

The two first links 352 may be connected by a connecting shaft (370 in FIG. 4 ).

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

The lower 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.

<Lower tray>

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

For example, the 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 be restored to its original form. Therefore, it is possible to generate ice in a spherical shape despite repeated ice generation.

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

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

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

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

<Lower supporter>

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

12 to 13, 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 part 272 may be formed in a hemispherical shape.

The supporter body 271 may include a lower opening 274 through which the lower ejector 400 penetrates during an eaves process. For example, three lower openings 274 may be provided in the supporter body 271 to correspond to the three chamber receiving portions 272.

A reinforcing rib 275 for reinforcing steel beams may be provided along the periphery of the lower opening 274.

In addition, two chamber walls 252d adjacent to the three chamber walls 252d may be connected by a connecting rib 273. The connection rib 273 may reinforce the strength of the chamber wall 252d.

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

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

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

The first extension part 253 of the lower tray 250 may be seated on the upper surface 271a of the supporter body 271, and the second extension wall 286 is a first extension of the lower tray 250. It may surround the side surface of the extension part 253. In this case, the second extension wall 286 may contact a side surface of the first extension part 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 in the second extension wall 286, for example.

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

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

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

The plurality of hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be disposed to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 12. Each of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may further include a second hinge hole 281a.

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

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

The lower supporter 270 may further include a coupling shaft 283 to which the second link 356 is rotatably connected. The coupling shaft 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 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.

<Combination structure of lower heater>

14 is a plan view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a lower heater is coupled to the lower supporter of FIG. 14.

14 to 15, the ice maker 100 according to the present embodiment may further include a lower heater 296 for applying heat to the lower tray 250 during the ice making process.

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

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

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

The lower heater 296 may be installed on the lower supporter 270. 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. In addition, the lower heater 296 may be disposed to surround the three chamber walls 252d of the lower tray body 251.

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

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

The heater coupling part 290 may include an inner wall 291a and an outer wall 291b due to the depression of the heater receiving groove 291.

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

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

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

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

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

In FIG. 14, it is shown that the separation preventing protrusion 291c is provided on the inner wall 291a.

Since the diameter of the inner wall 291a is smaller than the diameter of the chamber receiving part 272, the lower heater 196 moves along the surface of the chamber receiving part 272 during the assembly process of the lower heater 196. While being accommodated in the heater receiving groove (291).

That is, the lower heater 196 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291 from the upper side of the outer wall 291a toward the inner wall 291a. Therefore, in a process in which the lower heater 196 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, the departure preventing protrusion 291c is formed on the inner wall 291a so as not to interfere with the departure preventing protrusion 291c. desirable.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 15, in a state in which the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, the lower heater 296 may be divided into a round portion 296a and a straight portion 296b.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, the second guide groove 294 may extend in a direction of an arrow A from an end portion of the first guide groove 293. In this embodiment, the arrow A direction is parallel to the extension direction of the rotation center axis C1 of the lower assembly 200.

Referring to FIG. 15, the first guide groove 293 may extend from one of the left and right chamber receiving portions excluding the central portion of the three chamber receiving portions.

As an example, in FIG. 15, it is shown that the first guide groove 293 extends from the chamber receiving portion located on the left of the three chamber receiving portions.

As shown in FIG. 15, a power input terminal 296c and a power output terminal 296d of the lower heater 296 may be accommodated in the first guide groove 293 in a state in which they are arranged side by side.

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

In addition, a second connector 297b to which two wires 298 connected to correspond to the power input terminal 296a and the power output terminal 296b may be connected to the first connector 297a.

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

In addition, the wire 298 connected to the second connector 297b is external to the lower supporter 270 through a lead-out slot 295 formed in the lower supporter 270 at the end of the second guide groove 294. Is withdrawn.

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

As described above, when the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are not exposed to the outside, the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are rotated during the rotation of the lower assembly 200. Interference with surrounding structures may be prevented, and separation of the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b may be prevented.

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

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

In addition, another part of the electric wire 298 extends in a direction crossing the rotation center axis C1 from the outside of the lower supporter 270.

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

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

In the present embodiment, the lower heater 296 maintains a fixed position during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, and a torsional force acts on the wire 298, so that the lower heater 296 is Damage may be prevented, and disconnection of the electric wire 298 may be prevented.

At least one of the first guide groove 293 and the second guide groove 294 may be provided with a separation preventing protrusion 293a for preventing the lower heater 291 or the electric wire 298 accommodated therein from being removed. have.

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

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

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

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

When the lower heater 291 is additionally accommodated in the bypass receiving groove 292, a contact area between the chamber wall accommodated in the right chamber receiving portion 272 and the lower heater 296 may be increased.

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

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3A, and FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which ice generation is completed in the view of FIG. 16.

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

First, referring to FIG. 16, as the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 contact in the vertical direction, the ice chamber 111 is completed.

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

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

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

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

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

The first extension part 253 of the lower tray 250 is seated on the upper surface 271a of the supporter body 271 of the lower supporter 270. In addition, the second extension wall 286 of the lower supporter 270 comes into contact with the side surface of the first extension part 253 of the lower tray 250.

A second extension part 254 of the lower tray 250 may be mounted on the second extension wall 286 of the lower supporter 270.

In a state in which the lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151 is seated on the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251, the upper tray body 151 is a peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250 Can be accommodated in the interior space of the.

In this case, the vertical wall 153a of the upper tray body 151 is disposed to face the vertical wall 260a of the lower tray 250, and the curved wall 153b of the upper tray body 151 is It is disposed to face the curved wall 260b of the tray 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 is formed between the outer surface of the chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 and the inner surface of the circumferential wall 260 of the lower tray 250.

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

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

When the upper surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151, the upper surface of the peripheral wall 260 is the inlet opening 154 of the upper tray 150. ) Or may be positioned higher than the upper chamber 152.

Meanwhile, a heater contact portion 251a for increasing a contact area with the lower heater 296 may be further provided on the lower tray body 251.

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

Although not limited, the lower heater 296 may be positioned lower than a midpoint of the height of the lower chamber 252 in a state in which the lower heater 296 is in contact with the heater contact portion 251a.

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 that 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.

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

When cold air is supplied to the ice chamber 111 while water is supplied to the ice chamber 111, 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 the water is transmitted to the upper tray body 151 and the lower tray body 251, respectively.

In the present embodiment, the other part of the lower tray body 251 is surrounded by the supporter body 271, but a part 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 protrusion 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 a complete sphere of ice that has been de-icing.

In this embodiment, the water supplied to the ice chamber 111 does not become a spherical shape before ice is generated, but after the ice is generated, the 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 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.

<Control method>

18 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating ice in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20A is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating ice when the ice maker sets the transparent ice mode according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20B is This is a flow chart for explaining the process of creation.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 3A in a water supply state, and FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 3A in an ice making state.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3A in an ice-making complete state, FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB in FIG. 3A in an initial ice-breaking state, and FIG. 25 is a cut along BB in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view.

18 to 25, the refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a controller 700 that controls the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296.

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

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

Also, the transparency of ice may be changed through the input unit 720, and for example, a user may select a transparent ice mode or an opaque ice mode.

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

In addition, when the lower tray reaches the water supply position, the control unit 700 may control a water supply unit that supplies water into the ice chamber 111 to control the water supply amount. The water supply unit may include a water supply valve.

In addition, the control unit 700 may adjust the water supply amount by sensing the water supply amount through the flow sensor.

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

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

In addition, the control unit 700 may rotate the lower assembly 200 by controlling the driving unit 180. As the lower assembly 200 rotates, the upper ejector 300 connected to the lower assembly 200 may descend to separate ice from the upper assembly 110.

In addition, the control unit 700 controls the operation of the ice maker according to the user's selection mode, or determines or determines whether the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 has reached a certain temperature to control the operation of the ice maker. Can be controlled.

The user's selection mode may be, for example, one of a transparent ice mode and an opaque ice mode.

The transparent ice mode may be referred to as a first mode, and the opaque ice mode may be referred to as a second mode.

In addition, the user's selection mode may include a plurality of modes in which the transparency of ice is different from each other.

Users can choose to create transparent ice to entertain guests or to enhance aesthetics.

However, since the lower heater 296 is operated in the process of generating transparent ice, there is a disadvantage that it takes longer than the situation in which opaque ice is generated.

Accordingly, the user may select an opaque ice generation mode in order to quickly generate ice regardless of the aesthetic sense, and may select a transparent ice generation mode if transparent ice is desired even if it takes a little longer.

In order to generate ice in the ice maker 100, first, the user may set whether to make the ice state transparent or opaque (S1).

When the user selects the transparent ice mode to obtain transparent ice, in order to generate transparent ice in the ice maker 100, first, the lower assembly 200 is moved to a water supply position (S110).

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.

For example, in a state in which the lower assembly 200 has been moved to a position to be described later, the control unit 700 rotates the lower assembly 200 in a reverse direction to move the driving unit 180 to the water supply position. Can be controlled.

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

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

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 degrees.

When the lower tray 250 reaches the water supply position, water supply starts (S120).

For example, water flows to the water supply unit 190 through a water supply pipe connected to an external water supply source of the refrigerator 1 or a water tank provided therein. Then, water 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.

Whether proper water supply to the ice chamber 111 is in progress can be detected through the flow sensor, and when it is determined that an appropriate amount of water has been supplied, water supply can be stopped.

In addition, as another example, whether or not an appropriate water supply amount has been reached may be determined based on a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500.

The appropriate water supply amount refers to a water supply amount at which spherical ice is completed in the ice chamber 111 when ice making is completed. In addition, the appropriate water supply amount may be referred to as the first water supply amount.

In a state in which 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.

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

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

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

In addition, in the 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 shape of a protrusion around the circumference of the ice after ice generation is completed. .

When the water supply is completed, the lower assembly 200 is moved to the ice making position (S130).

For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the control unit 700 may control the driving unit 180 so that the lower assembly 200 rotates in a reverse direction.

When the lower assembly 200 is rotated 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, the water between the upper surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the lower surface 151e of the upper tray 150 is divided and distributed into each of the plurality of upper chambers 152.

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, the upper chamber 152 is filled with water.

A 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 close contact may be referred to as an ice making position.

When the lower assembly 200 is moved to the ice making position, ice making starts (S140).

During ice making, since the pressing force of water (or the expansion 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 control unit 700 may operate the lower heater 296 in different states according to the mode selected by the user.

For example, when the user selects the transparent ice mode, the lower heater 296 may be operated in the first state, and when the user selects the opaque ice mode, the lower heater 296 may be operated in the second state. .

The output of the lower heater 296 in the first state may be greater than the output of the lower heater 296 in the second state.

For example, the lower heater 296 in the first state may vary output to provide heat to the ice chamber 111, and the lower heater 296 in the second state may be deicing in an off state. have.

The following is a concrete ice maker control method when the user selects the transparent ice mode.

After the start of ice making, the controller 700 determines whether the on condition of the lower heater 296 is satisfied (S150).

As an example, the ON condition of the lower heater 296 may be determined according to one or more of a time when the lower tray 250 moves to the ice making position and ice making starts and a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500.

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

In general, the water supplied to the ice chamber 11 may be water having a temperature higher than the freezing point of water, and after the water supply, when the temperature of the water decreases due to cold air and then reaches the freezing point of water, the water may change into ice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the ON criterion of the lower heater 296 is satisfied, the controller 700 turns on the lower heater 296 (S160).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The horizontal cross-sectional area of the ice increases from the top to the bottom, and then becomes a maximum at the boundary between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, and then decreases to the lower side. In response to the change in the horizontal cross-sectional area according to the height, the control unit 700 varies the output of the lower heater 296.

After the lower heater 296 is turned on, the control unit 700 may determine whether the lower heater 296 satisfies an off criterion (S170).

In detail, the control unit 700 may determine whether the off criterion is satisfied based on at least one of a time when the lower heater 296 is turned on and a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 after determining whether the reference water supply amount is reached. I can.

As an example, when the time when the lower heater 296 is turned on after determining whether the reference water supply amount is reached exceeds the OFF reference time, and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches the OFF reference temperature, the lower heater It may be determined that the off criterion of (296) is satisfied (S171).

The off reference time may be a time during which water in the ice chamber 111 can sufficiently freeze even when heat from the lower heater 296 is applied to the ice chamber 111.

In addition, the off reference temperature may be, for example, about 9 degrees below zero.

When it is determined that the off criterion is satisfied, the lower heater 296 may be turned off (S180).

After the lower heater 296 is turned off, it may be determined whether ice making is completed (S190).

As an example, it may be determined that the ice making is completed when the off criterion is satisfied, and the ice making completion may be determined at the same time as the lower heater 296 is turned off.

However, in this case, it may occur that water is not yet frozen at the bottom of the lower tray 250 due to heat provided by the lower heater 296. As another example, after turning off the lower heater 296, deicing It can be determined separately whether it is completed or not.

In detail, the controller 700 may determine whether the ice making is completed as at least one of an elapsed time after turning off the lower heater 296 and a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500.

As an example, whether the ice making is completed may be when the first reference time has passed after the lower heater 296 is turned off, and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches the first reference temperature ( S191).

The first reference time may be a significantly shorter time than the off reference time, and may be a time during which water under the ice chamber 111 melted by the lower heater 296 can be sufficiently frozen.

In addition, the first reference temperature may be equal to or lower than the off reference temperature.

On the other hand, when the user selects the opaque ice mode for generating opaque ice, first, the lower assembly 200 is moved to the water supply position (S210).

When the lower tray 250 reaches the water supply position, water supply starts (S220).

When a second water supply amount equal to or less than the first water supply amount is supplied to the lower assembly 200, water supply may be completed.

When the user selects the opaque ice mode, ice-making proceeds while the lower heater 296 is turned off, and at this time, freezing proceeds from the entire surface of the ice chamber 111 at a time, and is relatively resistant (pressure). As ice expands above the weakly open ice chamber 111, freezing proceeds.

For this reason, the water inside the ice chamber 111 is formed of ice having a protruding upper side, and the control unit 700 uses a second amount less than the first water supply amount when the user selects the opaque ice mode. You can water the water supply.

For example, the second water supply amount may be an amount reduced by about 10% from the first water supply amount.

When the water supply is completed, after the lower tray 250 is moved to the ice making position, ice making may start (S230 and S240).

When ice making is performed while the opaque ice mode is selected and the lower heater 296 is turned off, it may be determined whether the ice making is completed differently from when the transparent ice mode is selected (S250).

In detail, the controller 700 may determine whether the ice making is completed as at least one of a time elapsed after the ice making started and a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500.

For example, when the second reference time passes after the start of ice making, and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches the second reference temperature, it may be determined that the ice making has been completed (S251, S252).

The second reference temperature may be a temperature when it is determined that the water inside the ice chamber 111 is sufficiently frozen, and for example, may be around -10°C.

In addition, the second reference time may be an average time required for determining that the water inside the ice chamber 111 is sufficiently frozen. For example, the second reference time may be about 8 hours.

When the ice making is completed, the controller 700 operates the upper heater 148 to remove ice.

When the upper heater 148 is turned on, heat from 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.

In addition, the heat of the upper heater 148 is transferred to the contact surface between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, so that the lower surface 151a of the upper tray 150 and the upper surface of the lower tray 250 ( 251e) can be separated.

The controller 700 may turn off the upper heater 148 and rotate the lower assembly 200 for eaves when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 is equal to or higher than the eaves reference temperature for eaves. (S2).

As shown in Fig. 24 When the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the forward direction, the lower tray 250 is separated from and spaced apart from the upper tray 150.

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

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

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

Alternatively, even if the heat of 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 rotates 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, during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, the upper 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 upper tray 150. Ice separated from the upper tray 150 may be supported by the lower tray 250 again.

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

If the lower tray 250 is pressed by the lower ejector 400 as shown in FIG. 23, even if ice is not separated from the lower tray 250 by its own weight during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, ice It may be separated from the lower tray 250.

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

And, when the lower assembly 200 is continuously rotated 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 fall downward and be stored in the ice bin 102.

After the ice is separated from the lower tray 250, the control unit 700 controls the driving unit 180 so that the lower assembly 200 rotates in the reverse direction.

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

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

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

On the other hand, the user may change the mode of ice while ice is being iced. In this case, after the series of ice making processes are finished, that is, after the lower assembly 200 rotates in the forward direction and ice is iced, the changed ice Ice making may be performed in a mode.

Of course, when the user changes the mode of ice while the ice is being generated, ice making may proceed to the changed ice mode immediately.

For example, when the user changes the ice mode from the transparent ice mode to the opaque ice mode, the lower heater 296 may be turned off as soon as the lower heater 296 is turned on.

In addition, when the user changes the ice mode from the opaque ice mode to the transparent ice mode, the lower heater 296 may change its output immediately after the lower heater 296 is turned on.

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

Claims (17)

In the control method of an ice maker comprising a first tray and a second tray forming an ice chamber,
Selecting one of a first mode and a second mode in which the transparency of the ice is different from each other;
Moving the second tray to a water supply position;
Starting water supply to the ice chamber by a control unit; And
After the water supply to the ice chamber is completed, the second tray is moved to the ice making position to start ice making; Including,
When the first mode is selected, operating a first heater for providing heat to the ice chamber in a first state during an ice making process; further comprising,
When the second mode is selected, the step of operating the first heater in a second state; Ice maker control method further comprising. The method of claim 1,
In the first state, the ice maker control method in which the first heater is turned on in at least a partial section during an ice making process. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The second state is an ice maker control method in which the first heater is turned off. The method of claim 1,
An ice maker control method in which an output of the first heater in the first state is greater than an output of the first heater in the second state. The method of claim 1,
When the first mode is selected, a first water supply amount is supplied to the ice chamber,
When the second mode is selected, the ice maker control method in which a second water supply amount less than the first water supply amount is supplied to the ice chamber. The method of claim 1,
When the first mode is selected,
Turning on the first heater when the on condition of the first heater is satisfied after the ice making starts;
After the first heater is turned on, turning off the first heater when an off criterion of the first heater is satisfied; And
After the first heater is turned off, the ice maker control method further comprising the step of determining whether the ice making is completed. The method of claim 6,
The on condition of the first heater is determined according to at least one of a time when the ice making started and a temperature detected by a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the ice chamber. The method of claim 6,
When the off criterion of the first heater is satisfied, the off reference time elapses after the first heater is turned on, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the ice chamber reaches the off reference temperature. Maker control method. The method of claim 8,
When the ice making is completed, the first reference time elapses after the first heater is turned off, and the ice maker control method in which the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches the first reference temperature. The method of claim 9,
The ice maker control method wherein the off reference temperature is higher than the first reference temperature. The method of claim 9,
The off reference time is an ice maker control method greater than the first reference time. The method of claim 6,
After the first heater is turned on, the control unit varies the output of the first heater. The method of claim 1,
When the second mode is selected, after the first heater is operated in a second state to proceed with ice making, the method of controlling an ice maker further comprises determining whether to complete the ice making. The method of claim 13,
When the ice making is completed, the second reference time has passed after the ice making has started, and the ice maker control method is a case in which the temperature detected by the temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the ice chamber reaches the second reference temperature. In the control method of an ice maker comprising a first tray and a second tray forming an ice chamber,
Selecting one of a first mode and a second mode in which the transparency of the ice is different from each other;
Moving the second tray to a water supply position;
Starting water supply to the ice chamber by a water supply amount corresponding to a mode by a control unit; And
After the water supply to the ice chamber is completed, the second tray is moved to the ice making position to start the ice maker control method comprising a. The method of claim 15,
An ice maker control method in which a water supply amount corresponding to the first mode is greater than a water supply amount corresponding to the second mode. The method of claim 16,
When the first mode is selected, supplying heat from a first heater to provide heat to the ice chamber in at least some section of the ice making process to the ice chamber; further comprising,
When the second mode is selected, ice making is performed while the first heater is turned off.

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