KR20230026373A - Ice maker and refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet; and an ice maker which is arranged at the cabinet to generate ice. The ice maker comprises: a first tray made of an elastic material, and defining a plurality of first chambers; a second tray made of an elastic material, and forming a plurality of second chambers; a first rib formed at the edge of the plurality of first chambers; and a second rib formed in a shape corresponding to the first rib at the edge of the plurality of second chambers. The second rib comprises: an inner rib arranged to be adjacent to the second chamber; and an outer rib located on the outside of the inner rib. At the closed location, the first rib is inserted between the inner rib and the outer rib. Therefore, the airtightness of the upper tray and the lower tray may be increased.

Description

Ice maker and refrigerator {Ice maker and refrigerator}

The present invention relates to ice makers and refrigerators.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows low-temperature storage of food in an internal storage space shielded by a door.

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

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

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

In addition, the ice maker is configured to separate the ice that has been made from the ice tray in a heating method or a twisting method.

In this way, the ice maker that automatically supplies and separates water is formed to open upward and scoops up the molded ice.

Ice made in the ice maker having such a structure has at least one flat surface, such as a crescent shape or a cubic shape.

On the other hand, when the ice is formed in a spherical shape, it may be more convenient to use the ice, and a different feeling of use may be provided to the user. In addition, even when storing the ice that has been made, it is possible to minimize the sticking of the ice by minimizing the area where the ice is in contact with each other.

Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1850918, which is a prior document, has an ice maker.

The ice maker of the prior literature includes an upper tray in which a plurality of hemispherical upper cells are arranged and a pair of link guides extending upward from both side ends, a plurality of hemispherical lower cells are arranged, and the upper tray A lower tray rotatably connected to the lower tray, a rotational shaft connected to the rear ends of the lower tray and the upper tray and allowing the lower tray to rotate 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 ejecting pin assemblies connected to the pair of links in a state in which both ends are inserted into the link guide part and moving up and down together with the links.

In the case of the prior literature, although spherical ice can be generated by a hemispherical upper cell and a hemispherical lower cell, the gap between the upper tray and the lower tray may widen in the process of water changing into ice and expanding. As a result, there is a problem in that a band is formed around the spherical ice or not formed in a spherical shape.

In addition, when the upper and lower trays are frozen apart, there is a problem of being connected to the ice of the neighboring cell. there is

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator in which a gap between an upper tray and a lower tray is not generated when spherical ice is made.

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator in which burrs are prevented from being generated around spherical ice by maintaining airtightness between an upper tray and a lower tray during ice making.

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator that prevent the upper and lower trays from being less closed while improving the airtightness of the upper and lower trays.

The refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a cabinet in which a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber are formed; and an ice maker provided in the freezing compartment, the ice maker comprising: an upper tray made of an elastic material and having a hemispherical upper chamber; a lower tray made of an elastic material and having a lower chamber formed in close contact with the upper tray by rotation to form a spherical ice chamber; a drive unit which rotates the lower tray to open and close the upper and lower trays; And it may include a rib extending along the circumference of the upper chamber or the lower chamber.

The rib may be formed to have a height corresponding to a distance between the upper chamber and the lower chamber generated by the lower chamber being rotated when water inside the ice chamber is phase-changed into ice.

The rib may be formed to be higher as the distance from the rotational axis of the lower tray increases.

The rib may be formed at a position separated from one end of the ice chamber adjacent to the rotation axis of the lower tray by 1/5 of a diameter of the ice chamber.

The ribs may be formed to gradually rise from one side away from one end adjacent to the rotation axis of the lower tray.

The plurality of ice chambers may be spaced apart in a row, and the ribs may be formed to connect circumferences of the plurality of ice chambers.

A lower surface of the upper tray forming a circumference of the upper chamber and an upper surface of the lower tray forming a circumference of the lower chamber may be formed in a planar shape and may be in surface contact with each other.

The ribs may be formed on a lower surface of the upper tray.

The ribs may include upper ribs formed on a lower surface of the upper tray and lower ribs formed on an upper surface of the lower tray.

The upper rib and the lower rib may be disposed to cross each other.

The lower rib may extend upward from an upper end of the lower chamber while forming the same plane as an inner surface of the lower chamber.

The lower rib may include an inner rib and an outer rib spaced apart from each other at the predetermined interval, and the upper rib may be inserted between the inner rib and the outer rib when the lower tray is rotated.

The upper tray and the lower tray may be formed of a silicon material, and the lower tray may have a lower hardness than the upper tray.

While the upper tray and the lower tray are in contact with each other, the lower tray may be further rotated so that the lower tray and the upper tray are compressed and deformed so as to be airtight.

A convex portion rounded to the inside of the lower chamber is formed at a lower end of the lower tray, and the convex portion may be deformed outward when water in the ice chamber expands while phase changing into ice.

An ice maker according to the present embodiment includes an upper tray made of an elastic material and having a plurality of upper chambers; an upper tray made of an elastic material and having a plurality of lower chambers contacting the upper chamber to form a spherical ice chamber; connection openings formed in the upper tray and opening to respective upper chambers; an upper ejector disposed above the upper tray and ejecting ice from the upper chamber through the connection opening; a water supply guide formed at any one of the plurality of connection openings to guide water injection; and a driving unit for rotating the lower tray, wherein a circumferential wall extending upward along a circumference of the lower chamber is formed outside the upper end of the lower chamber, and a circumferential wall is formed outside the lower end of the upper chamber. A chamber wall extending downward along the lower tray and inserted into the circumferential wall in a state in which the lower tray is closed is formed, and may include a rib extending downward along an upper circumference of the upper chamber.

The chamber wall and the circumferential wall may have the same shape and be spaced apart from each other.

The rib may partition between the ice chamber and a space between the chamber wall and the circumferential wall.

The ribs may be formed to gradually increase as the distance from the rotational axis of the lower tray increases.

The rib may be formed at a position away from an end close to a rotation axis of the lower tray among the entire circumferences of the upper chamber or the lower chamber.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet and an ice maker disposed in the cabinet to make ice.

The ice maker includes: a first tray made of an elastic material and defining a plurality of first chambers; a second tray made of an elastic material and defining a plurality of second chambers; A first rib is formed, and a second rib is formed at an edge of the plurality of second chambers in a shape corresponding to the first rib, wherein the first tray and the second tray are in contact with each other in a closed position to form ice. In the open position, the plurality of first chambers and the plurality of second chambers form a plurality of ice chambers, and the second rib separates the ice from each other in the open position. 2 includes an inner rib disposed adjacent to the chamber and an outer rib positioned outside the inner rib, wherein in the closed position, the first rib may be inserted between the inner rib and the outer rib.

Ice makers and refrigerators according to embodiments of the present invention have the following effects.

According to the present embodiment, the cold air flowing into the ice maker through the cold air hole passes through the upper part of the ice chamber by the cold air guide, so that the speed of formation between the plurality of ices becomes uniform, so that the ice shape maintains a spherical shape. There are advantages that can be

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the speed of ice formation is delayed by the lower heater supplying heat to the ice chamber, so that bubbles can move from the ice-generating portion toward the water, thereby producing transparent ice.

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

In addition, according to the present embodiment, upper ribs extend downward on the lower surface of the upper tray, and the upper and lower trays are deformed when they are closed, so that the upper and lower trays can be airtight. At this time, the upper rib corresponds to the gap between the upper tray and the lower tray, which is opened when the water is expanded as the phase changes to ice, so that even if the lower tray is opened, a gap between the upper and lower trays is not generated. It is possible to prevent burrs from being generated around the spherical ice.

In addition, upper ribs are formed on the lower surface of the upper tray and lower ribs are formed on the upper surface of the lower tray at the same time, so that the gap between the upper tray and the lower tray can be more effectively closed even if the lower tray is widened due to the expansion of ice during the ice making process. you can block it

In addition, the height of the upper rib or the lower rib increases as the distance from the direction of the rotation axis increases, so that an upper tray and a lower tray having different heights can be effectively shielded due to structural characteristics of the rotating lower tray.

In particular, by lowering the height of the upper rib and/or the lower rib at a position adjacent to the rotation axis, interference between the upper rib and/or the lower rib when the lower tray is closed may be minimized.

In addition, the upper rib and/or lower rib are not formed around the entire circumference of the upper chamber and the lower chamber, but are formed from a position separated by a set distance from the lower rotation shaft so that when the lower tray is closed, the upper rib and/or lower rib There are advantages to not being interfered with.

That is, there is an advantage in that the gap can be effectively blocked by the upper and lower ribs when the lower tray is slightly opened while minimizing interference when the upper and lower trays are closed.

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

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components have the same numerals as much as possible even if they are displayed on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of a related known configuration or function thereof will be omitted if it is determined that it is obvious to those skilled in the art.

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

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

For the convenience of explanation and understanding, we want to define the direction. Hereinafter, based on the floor where the refrigerator 1 is installed, a direction toward the bottom surface may be referred to as a downward direction, and a direction toward a high surface of the cabinet 2 opposite to the bottom surface may be referred to as an upward direction. Further, a direction toward the door 5 may be referred to as a forward direction, and a direction toward the inside of the cabinet 2 based on the door 5 may be referred to as a rear direction. And when you want to talk about an undefined direction, you can define and explain the direction based on each drawing.

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

In detail, the cabinet 2 may form a storage space partitioned vertically by barriers, a refrigerating compartment 3 may be formed at an upper portion, and a freezing compartment 4 may be formed at a lower portion.

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

The door may include a refrigerating compartment door 5 for shielding the refrigerating compartment 3 and a freezing compartment door 6 for shielding the freezing compartment 4 .

The refrigerating compartment door 5 is composed of a pair of left and right doors, and can be opened and closed by rotation. And, the freezer compartment door 6 may be configured to be drawn in and out 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 chamber 4 and the refrigerating chamber 3 are disposed left and right, but the freezing chamber 4 may be positioned above the refrigerating chamber 3 .

Meanwhile, an ice making chamber 8 accommodating the main ice maker 81 may be formed in one of the refrigerator compartment doors 5 on both sides. The ice-making compartment 8 receives cold air from an evaporator (not shown) provided in the cabinet 2 and can make ice in the main ice maker 81, and is insulated from the refrigerating compartment 3. space can be created. Of course, depending on the structure of the refrigerator, the ice making compartment may be provided inside the refrigerating compartment 3 instead of the refrigerating compartment door 5, and the main ice maker 81 may be provided inside the ice making compartment.

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

Meanwhile, an ice maker 100 may be provided in the freezing chamber 4 . The ice maker 100 can make spherical ice by making ice from supplied water. The ice maker 100 may be referred to as an auxiliary ice maker because the ice maker 100 usually has a smaller amount of ice or less frequent use than the main ice maker 81 .

A duct 44 for supplying cold air to the freezing chamber 100 may be provided in the freezing chamber 4 . Accordingly, some of the cold air generated by the evaporator and supplied to the freezing chamber 4 flows toward the ice maker 100 to make ice by indirect cooling.

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

Accordingly, the ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102 can be viewed while at least partially accommodated in the freezer drawer 41, and the ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102 can be seen from the outside. Most of it can be hidden. In addition, the ice stored in the ice bin 102 can be easily taken out by pulling in and out of the freezer drawer 41 .

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

Meanwhile, as another example, the refrigerator 1 may be configured with only the ice maker 100 without the dispenser 7 and the main ice maker 81, and the main ice maker 81 Instead, the ice maker 100 may be provided inside the ice making compartment 8 .

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

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

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

A portion of the upper surface of the freezing compartment 4 may be opened, and a mounting cover 43 may be formed at a position corresponding to a position where the ice maker 100 is mounted. The mounting cover 43 may be coupled to and fixed to the inner case 21 and form a space that is recessed upward more than the upper surface of the freezing chamber 4 to secure a space for placing the ice maker 100 therein. make it possible Also, a structure for fixing the ice maker 100 may be provided on the mounting cover 43 .

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

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

The rear wall of the freezing chamber 4 may be formed by a grill pan 42 . The grill fan 42 may divide the space of the inner case 21 in the front and rear directions, and accommodates an evaporator (not shown) generating cool air and a blowing fan (not shown) circulating the cool air of the evaporator. A space may be formed at the rear of the freezing compartment.

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

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

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

The cold air duct 44 may be disposed at one end of the upper discharge part 421 that is formed long in the horizontal direction. That is, the cold air discharged from the upper discharge part 421 is discharged into the freezing chamber 4, and the cold air discharged from one side close to the cold air duct 44 passes through the cold air duct 44 to the ice maker. It can be guided to 100.

Accordingly, the rear end of the cold air duct 44 may be recessed to accommodate one end of the upper discharge part 421 . In addition, the circumference of the open rear surface of the cold air duct 44 is formed in a shape corresponding to that of the grill fan 42 so that it can be closely attached to the grill fan 42 so that cold air does not leak. Further, a duct fastening part 444 may be formed at a rear end of the cold air duct 44, and may be fixedly mounted on the front surface of the grill fan 42 by screws.

The cold air duct 44 may be formed such that its cross-section becomes narrower toward the front, and the duct outlet 446 on the front side of the cold air duct 44 is inserted into the cold air hole 134 to supply cold air to the ice maker ( 100) It can supply intensively to the inside.

Meanwhile, the cold air duct 44 may be composed of an upper duct 443 forming an upper shape of the cold air duct 44 and a lower duct 442 forming a lower shape of the cold air duct 44, By combining the upper part 443 of the duct and the lower part 442 of the duct, an entire cold air flow passage may be formed. Also, the upper duct 443 and the lower duct 442 may be coupled to each other by a duct coupling part 443 . The duct coupling part 443 may be formed in the upper part of the duct 443 and the lower part of the duct 442 in a structure that is caught and constrained like a hook.

6 is a cross-sectional side view of the freezing chamber in a state in which a freezing chamber drawer and an ice bin are retracted according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a cutaway perspective view of the freezer compartment from which the freezer compartment drawer and the ice bin are drawn out.

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

Meanwhile, the refrigerator 1 is installed with the front end of the cabinet 2 tilted slightly higher than the rear end so that the door 6 can be closed by its own weight when the door 6 is opened and closed. Accordingly, the upper surface of the freezing compartment 4 may also be tilted relative to the ground where the refrigerator 1 is installed, like the tilt of the cabinet 2 .

At this time, when the ice maker 100 is mounted horizontally with the upper surface of the freezing chamber 4, the water surface supplied to the inside of the ice maker 100 also tilts, and as a result, the size of ice made in each chamber is different. problems can arise. In particular, in the case of the ice maker 100 according to the present embodiment for making spherical ice, when the water surface is tilted, the amount of water accommodated in each chamber is different, so that uniform spherical ice cannot be made. .

In order to prevent such a problem, the ice maker 100 may be mounted inclined relative to the upper surface of the freezing chamber 4, that is, the upper and lower surfaces of the cabinet 2. In detail, when the ice maker 100 is mounted, the upper surface of the upper case 120 relative to the upper surface of the freezing chamber 4 or the upper surface of the mounting cover 43 is rotated counterclockwise by a set angle α (see FIG. 6 ). When viewed from), it can be placed in a rotated state. At this time, the set angle α may be the same as the inclination of the cabinet 2 and may be approximately 0.7˚ to 0.8˚. In addition, the front end of the upper case 120 may be formed lower than the rear end by approximately 3 mm to 5 mm.

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

Also, in a state in which the ice maker 100 is mounted, the cold air hole 134 at the rear end of the upper case 120 and the upper duct 44 may be connected by the cold air duct 44, thus making ice. The ice-making efficiency may be increased by intensively supplying cold air to the inner upper portion of the upper case 120 .

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

As shown in FIG. 6 , the lower end of the ice maker 100 may be accommodated inside the ice bin 102 in a state where the freezer compartment drawer 41 is retracted. That is, the lower end of the ice maker 100 may be located in an inner region of the ice bin 102 and the freezer compartment drawer 41 . Accordingly, the ice released from the ice maker 100 may fall and be stored in the ice bin 102 . In addition, by minimizing the space between the ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102, volume loss in the freezing chamber 4 due to the arrangement of the ice maker 100 and the ice bin 102 can be minimized. . Of course, the lower end of the ice maker 100 and the lower surface of the ice bin 102 may be separated by an appropriate distance to secure a distance in which an appropriate amount of ice can be stored.

Meanwhile, in a state where the ice maker 100 is mounted, the drawer 41 of the freezer compartment may be drawn in and out as shown in FIG. 7 . At this time, in order to prevent interference with the ice maker 100, at least a portion of the rear surface of the ice bin 102 and the freezer compartment drawer 41 may be opened.

In detail, a drawer opening 412 and an empty opening 102a may be formed on the rear surface of the freezer compartment drawer 41 and the ice bin 102 corresponding to the location of the ice maker 100 . The drawer opening 412 and the empty opening 102a may be formed at positions facing each other. Further, the drawer opening 412 and the empty opening 102a may be formed to open from the top of the freezer drawer 41 and the top of the ice bin 102 to a position lower than the bottom of the ice maker 100. can

Therefore, even if the freezer drawer 41 is pulled out while the ice maker 100 is mounted, the ice maker 100 can be prevented from interfering with the ice bin 102 and the freezer drawer 41.

In particular, even when the lower assembly 200 is rotated as the ice maker 100 moves apart or the full ice detection lever 700 is rotated to detect full ice, the freezer drawer 41 or the ice bin 102 The drawer opening 412 and the empty opening 102a may be formed to be recessed downward more than the lower end of the ice maker 100 so as not to interfere with the ice maker 100 .

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

In addition, an empty opening guide 102b extending rearward along the circumference of the empty opening 102a may be included. Cool air flowing downward from the upper discharge part 421 may be introduced into the ice bin 102 through the empty guide 102b.

Meanwhile, a plate-shaped cover plate 130 may be provided on a rear surface of the upper case 120 of the ice maker 100 . The cover plate 130 may cover at least a portion of the ice bin opening 102a to prevent ice inside the ice bin 102 from falling downward through the empty opening 102a and the drawer opening 412. can be formed

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

In addition, a plurality of openings may be formed in the cover plate 130 to allow cold air to pass through. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6 , in a closed state of the freezer compartment drawer 41 , cold air may be introduced into the ice bin 102 through the cover plate 130 .

The cover plate 130 may be formed in a size that does not interfere with the drawer opening 412 and the empty opening 102a, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, when the freezer drawer 41 is pulled out, the freezer drawer ( 41) or the ice bin 102.

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

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

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

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

One end of the lower assembly 200 may be rotatably mounted on the upper assembly 110, and an inner space formed by the lower assembly 200 and the upper assembly 110 may be opened and closed by rotation. there is.

In detail, when the lower assembly 200 comes into contact with the upper assembly 110 and is closed to each other, spherical ice may be formed 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, the formation of three ice chambers 111 by the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 will be described as an example, and the number of ice chambers 111 is not limited.

In a state where the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 form the ice chamber 111 , water may be supplied to the ice chamber 111 through the water supply unit 190 . The water supply part 190 is coupled to the upper assembly 110 and guides water supplied from the outside to the ice chamber 111 .

After ice is formed, the lower assembly 200 may be rotated in a forward direction. Then, the spherical ice formed between the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 may be separated from the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 and fall into the ice bin 102. can

Meanwhile, the ice maker 100 may further include a driving unit 180 to allow the lower assembly 200 to rotate relative to the upper assembly 110 .

The driving unit 180 may include a driving motor and a power transmitter for transmitting power of the driving motor to the lower assembly 200 . The power transmission unit may include one or more gears, and a combination of a plurality of gears may provide appropriate torque for rotation of the lower assembly 200 . Also, the full ice detection lever 700 may be connected to the driving unit 180, and the full ice detection lever 700 may be rotated by the power transmission unit.

The driving motor may be a motor capable of rotating in both directions. Accordingly, bi-directional rotation of the lower assembly 200 and the full ice detection lever 700 is possible.

To separate ice from the upper assembly 110, the ice maker 100 may further include an upper ejector 300. The upper ejector 300 may separate the ice adhering to the upper assembly 110 from the upper assembly 110 .

The upper ejector 300 may include an ejector body 310 and one or more ejection pins 320 extending in a direction crossing the ejector body 310 . The ejecting pins 320 may be provided in the same number as the ice chambers 111 , and ice generated in each ice chamber 111 may be ejected.

While the ejecting pin 320 passes through the upper assembly 110 and is introduced into the ice chamber 111 , ice in the ice chamber 111 may be pressurized. The ice pressed by the 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 adhered to the lower assembly 200 can be separated. The lower ejector 400 may pressurize the lower assembly 200 so that ice adhered to the lower assembly 200 is separated from the lower assembly 200 .

An end of the lower ejector 400 may be located within a rotational range of the lower assembly 200, and during rotation of the lower assembly 200, the ice chamber 111 may be pressed against the outside of the ice chamber 111 to release the ice. . The lower ejector 400 may be fixedly mounted on the upper case 120 .

Meanwhile, during rotation of the lower assembly 200 for tearing, rotational force of the lower assembly 200 may be transmitted to the upper ejector 300 . To this end, the ice maker 100 may further include a connection unit 350 connecting the lower assembly 200 and the upper ejector 300 . The connection unit 350 may include one or more links.

For example, the connection unit 350 may include rotating arms 351 and 352 and a link 356 . The rotating arms 351 and 352 may be connected to the driving unit 180 together with the lower supporter 270 to rotate together. In addition, the ends of the rotating arms 351 and 352 are connected to the lower supporter 270 by an elastic member 360 so that the lower assembly 200 is in close contact with the upper assembly 110 in a closed state. there is.

The link 356 may connect the lower supporter 270 and the upper ejector 300 to transfer the rotational force of the lower supporter 270 to the upper ejector 300 when the lower supporter 270 rotates. let it be The upper ejector 300 may move up and down in association with the rotation of the lower supporter 270 by the link 356 .

For example, when the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the forward direction, the upper ejector 300 is lowered by the connection unit 350 so that the ejecting pin 320 presses the ice. On the other hand, when the lower assembly 200 rotates in the reverse direction, the upper ejector 300 may be raised by the connection unit 350 and returned to its original position.

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

The upper assembly 110 may include an upper tray 150 forming an upper portion of the ice chamber 111 for forming ice. The upper assembly 110 may further include an upper case 120 and an upper supporter 170 for fixing the position of the upper tray 150 .

The upper tray 150 may be positioned below the upper case 120 , and the upper supporter 170 may be positioned below the upper tray 150 . In this way, the upper case 120, the upper tray 150, and the upper supporter 170 are sequentially disposed in the vertical direction, and may be fastened by a fastening member to form a single assembly. That is, the upper tray 150 may be fixedly mounted between the upper case 120 and the upper supporter 170 through the fastening of the fastening member. Accordingly, the upper tray 150 can maintain its mounting position and can be prevented from being deformed or separated from the upper assembly 110 .

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

The ice maker 100 may further include a temperature sensor 500 for sensing the temperature of water or ice in the ice chamber 111 . The temperature sensor 500 may indirectly sense the temperature of water or ice in the ice chamber 111 by sensing the temperature of the upper tray 150 .

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

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

The lower case 210 , the lower tray 250 , and the lower supporter 270 may be arranged in a vertical order, and fastening members may be fastened to form one assembly.

Meanwhile, the ice maker 100 may further include a switch 600 for turning on/off the ice maker 100. The switch 600 may be provided on the front surface of the upper case 120 . In addition, when the user operates the switch 600 in an on state, ice can be made through the ice maker 100 . That is, when the switch 600 is turned on, operations of components for making ice including the ice maker 100 may be started. That is, when the switch 600 is turned on, an ice making process in which water is supplied to the ice maker 100 and ice is produced by cold air and an ice shaving process in which the lower assembly 200 is rotated to break ice can be performed repeatedly.

On the other hand, when the switch 600 is operated in an off state, components for making ice including the ice maker 100 remain in a non-operated, stopped state, and thus making ice through the ice maker 100 is impossible. will do

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

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

The full ice detection lever 700 may be positioned below the rotation axis of the lower assembly 200 so as not to interfere even when the lower assembly 200 rotates. Also, both ends of the full ice detection lever 700 may be bent multiple times. The full ice detection lever 700 may be rotated by the driving unit 180 and may detect whether the space below the lower assembly 200, that is, the space inside the ice bin 102 is full of ice.

Meanwhile, although the internal structure of the driving unit 180 is not shown in detail, it will be briefly described for the operation of the full ice detecting lever 700. The driving unit 180 may further include a cam that rotates by receiving rotational power of the motor and a moving lever that moves along the cam surface. The magnet may be provided on the moving lever. The driving unit 180 may further include a hall sensor capable of detecting the magnet while the moving lever moves.

Among the plurality of gears of the driving unit 180, a first gear coupled to the full ice detection lever 720 may be selectively engaged or disengaged from a second gear meshed with the first gear. For example, since the first gear is elastically supported by an elastic member, it can be engaged with the second gear in a state where no external force is applied.

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

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

By means of the plurality of gears and cams, the full ice detection lever 700 may be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the lower assembly 200 . At this time, the cam may be connected to the second gear or interlock with the second gear.

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

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

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

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

The full ice detection lever 700 may include a detection body 710 . The detecting body 710 may pass a set height inside the ice bin 102 during the rotating operation of the full ice detecting lever 700, and may be substantially the lowermost side of the full ice detecting lever 700. .

In addition, the full ice detecting lever 700 is configured so that the entire detecting body 710 prevents interference between the lower assembly 220 and the detecting body 710 during the rotation of the lower assembly 200. It may be located below 200.

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

The full ice detection lever 700 may include a pair of extensions 720 and 730 extending upward from both ends of the detection body 710 . The pair of extensions 720 and 730 may extend substantially parallel to each other.

The distance between the pair of extensions 720 and 730, that is, the length of the sensing body 710 may be longer than the horizontal length of the lower assembly 200. Therefore, during the rotation of the full ice detection lever 700 and the rotation of the lower assembly 200, the pair of extensions 720 and 730 and the detection body 710 interfere with the lower assembly 200. becoming can be prevented.

The pair of extension parts 720 and 730 extend to the first extension part 720 extending to the lever coupling part 187 of the driving unit 180 and to the lever hole 120a of the upper case 120, respectively. An extended second extension part 710 may be included. The pair of extensions 720 and 730 may be formed to be bent at least once so as to prevent the full ice detection lever 700 from being deformed even in repeated contact with ice and to maintain a more reliable sensing state. .

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

Also, a pair of coupling parts 740 and 750 bent outward may be formed at an upper end of the pair of extension parts 720 and 730, respectively. The pair of coupling portions 740 and 750 include a first coupling portion 740 bent at an end of the first extension portion 720 and inserted into the lever coupling portion 187, and the second extension portion 710 ) may include a second coupling part 750 bent at an end of the lever hole 120a and inserted into the lever hole 120a. The first coupling portion 740 and the second coupling portion 750 may be coupled to the lever coupling portion 187 and the lever hole 120a, respectively, and may be inserted in a rotatable state.

That is, the first coupling part 740 is coupled to the driving unit 180 and can be rotated by the driving unit 180, and the second coupling part 750 is rotated by the lever hole 120a. can possibly be combined. Accordingly, the full ice detection lever 700 is rotated according to the operation of the driving unit 180, and whether or not the ice bin 102 is full of ice can be detected.

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

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

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

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

The cover plate 130 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and may be formed to have a width corresponding to that of the upper case 120 . In addition, the cover plate 130 extends downward from the lower end of the upper case 120 and can extend to cover most of the empty opening 102a when the freezer drawer 41 is closed. there is.

The cover plate 130 has a plate bending portion 130d formed at an upper end thereof, and the plate bending portion 130d may be seated on the plate seating portion 120c. An exposure opening 130c through which the lever hole 120a and the second coupling portion 750 are exposed may be formed in the cover plate 130 . Due to the exposure opening 130c, even when the full ice detection lever 700 rotates, the second coupling part 750 does not interfere, and the operation of the full ice detection lever 700 is ensured.

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

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

Also, a plate rib 130e may be formed on the cover plate 130 . The plate rib 130e is to reinforce the strength of the cover plate 130 and may be formed along the circumference of the cover plate 130 . Also, the plate rib 130e may be formed to cross the cover plate 130 or may be formed between the ventilation holes 130a.

Sufficient strength of the cover plate 130 may be guaranteed by the plate rib 130e. Therefore, when the freezer drawer 41 is drawn in and out for opening and closing, the ice inside the ice bin 102 can be rolled and prevented from passing through the empty opening 102a. may not be damaged.

The ice made in this embodiment inevitably rolls or moves inside the ice bin 102 in a substantially spherical or near-spherical shape. Accordingly, the structure of the cover plate 130 prevents spherical ice from falling to the outside of the ice bin 102 . Also, the cover plate 130 is formed not to block the flow of cold air supplied into the ice bin 102 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, the upper case 120 may further include a pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 for installing the temperature sensor 500 thereon. The pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 may be spaced apart from each other, and the temperature sensor 500 may be positioned between the pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 . The pair of installation ribs 128 and 129 may be provided on the upper plate 121 .

A plurality of slots 131 and 132 for coupling with the upper tray 150 may be formed in the upper plate 121 . A portion of the upper tray 150 may be inserted into the plurality of slots 131 and 132 . The plurality of slots 131 and 132 include a first upper slot 131 and a second upper slot 132 located on the opposite side of the first upper slot 131 based on the tray opening 123. can include

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

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

The first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 133 may be formed in a curved shape. Thus, the first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 may be formed along the circumferential area of the ice chamber 111 . Due to this structure, the upper tray 150 can be more firmly fixed to the upper case 120 . In particular, by fixing the circumferential portion of the ice chamber 111 of the upper tray 150, deformation or detachment of the upper tray 150 can be prevented.

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

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

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

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

The upper case 120 may further include a plurality of hinge supporters 135 and 136 to enable rotation of the lower assembly 200 . A first hinge hole 137 may be formed in each of the hinge supporters 135 and 136 . The plurality of hinge supporters 135 and 136 may be spaced apart from each other so that both ends of the lower assembly 200 are rotatably coupled.

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

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

A hooking part 138 for fixing the upper case 120 to the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43 and a screw fastening part 142a may be formed in the horizontal extension part 142 . .

The hooking parts 138 may be formed on both sides of the rear end of the horizontal extension part 142 and may be formed to be hooked and constrained to the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43 . In detail, the hooking part 138 includes a vertical hooking part 138b protruding upward from the horizontal extension part 142 and a horizontal hooking part 138a extending backward from an end of the vertical hooking part 138b. can be formed Accordingly, the hooking part 138 may be formed in a ring shape as a whole, and the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43 is a space between the vertical hooking part 138b and the horizontal hooking part 138a. ) One side of the ear can be inserted and interlocked with each other.

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

In addition, an inclined portion 138d inclined upward may be formed at an extended end of the horizontal hooking part 138a, so that the hooking part 138 can be more easily installed when the ice maker 100 is mounted. It can be guided to a restraining position. In addition, at least one protrusion 138c may be formed on the upper surface of the horizontal hanging part 138a. The protrusion 138c may come into contact with the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43, thereby preventing a vertical gap of the ice maker 100 and making the ice maker 100 more firmly mounted. state can be maintained.

Meanwhile, screw fastening parts 142a may be formed at both sides of the front end of the horizontal extension part 142 . The screw fastening part 142a protrudes downward, and a screw for fixing the upper case 120 may be engaged with the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43 .

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

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

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

The edge rib 121a may come into close contact with the outer surface of the inner case 21 or the mounting cover 43 when the ice maker 100 is mounted, and the ice maker 100 may be in close contact with the refrigerator 1. It can be mounted horizontally with the ground on which it is installed.

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

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

With this arrangement, even if the cabinet 2 is tilted, the surface of the water supplied to the inside of the ice maker 100 may be in a horizontal state, and the same amount of water may be supplied to the plurality of ice chambers 111. It is accommodated and it becomes possible to make ice with a sphere having the same size.

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

The upper case 120 may further include a side circumferential portion 143 . The side circumferential portion 143 may extend downward from the horizontal extension portion 142 . The side circumference 143 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the circumference of the lower assembly 200 . That is, the side circumference 143 serves to prevent the lower assembly 200 from being exposed to the outside.

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

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

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

In the first sidewall 143a, the cold air hole 134 may be formed long in a left-right direction. The cold air hole 134 may be formed in a size corresponding to the front end of the cold air duct 44 to be inserted. Therefore, all of the cool air supplied through the cool air duct 44 may flow into the upper case 120 through the cool air hole 134 .

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

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

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

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

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

Between the two adjacent first ribs 148a and 148b among the plurality of first ribs 148a and 148b, a wire guide part 148c for guiding wires connected to the upper heater 148 or the lower heater 296 is provided. It can be.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When there is no cold air guide in the upper case 120, the cold air introduced from the cold air hole 134 passes through the ice chamber 111 and the tray opening 123 or only partially passes through the ice chamber 111 and the tray opening 123, thereby improving cooling efficiency. can fall

However, in this embodiment, the cold air introduced into the cold air hole 134 by the cold air guide 145 may be induced to sequentially pass through the upper side of the ice chamber 111 and the tray opening 123 . Accordingly, it is possible to effectively make ice in the ice chamber 111 and to make the ice making speed in the plurality of ice chambers 111 the same or similar.

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

The horizontal guide 145a may guide the cold air upward of the upper plate 121 having the tray opening 123 at a position equal to or lower than the lowest point of the cold air hole 134 . Also, the horizontal guide 145a may connect the first sidewall 143a and the upper plate 121 . The horizontal guide 145a may substantially form a part of the bottom surface of the upper plate 121 .

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

Also, ends of the first vertical guide 145b and the second vertical guide 145c may extend toward the ice chamber 111 closest to the cold air hole 134 among the plurality of ice chambers 111 . there is.

The plurality of ice chambers 111 may include a first ice chamber 111a, a second ice chamber 111b, and a third ice chamber 111c sequentially disposed in a direction away from the cold air hole 134. there is. That is, the first ice chamber 111a may be positioned closest to the cold air hole 134 and the third ice chamber 111c may be positioned farthest from the cold air hole 134 . The number of ice chambers 111 may be 3 or more, and when 3 or more are formed, it should be noted that the number is not limited.

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

Also, an extended end of the first vertical guide 145b may be bent toward the second ice chamber 111b. Accordingly, a portion of the cold air discharged by the first vertical guide 145b may pass through the end of the first ice chamber 111a and be directed toward the second ice chamber 111b.

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

The second vertical guide 145c may extend toward the first ice chamber 111a from the other end of the cold air hole 134 facing the end to which the first vertical guide 145b extends. . The second vertical guide 145c may be spaced apart from an extended end of the first vertical guide 145b, and between the ends of the first vertical guide 145b and the second vertical guide 145c, the first ice cube may be formed. The chamber 111a may be positioned such that the cold air discharged by the cold air guide 145 may be directed toward the first ice chamber 111a.

Meanwhile, the second vertical guide 145c forms a part of the circumference of the first through opening 139b, and thus the cold air flowing along the cold air guide 145 directly into the first through opening 139b. prevent ingress.

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

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17 , the cold air passing through the cold air hole 134 by the cold air guide 145 can be concentrated on the upper side of the upper plate 121 and flows through the upper plate 121 . A cold air passes through the first and second through openings 139b and 139c.

In addition, the cold air supplied by the cold air guide 145 may be supplied to pass sequentially along the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice chambers 111, and the cold air is evenly supplied to all the ice chambers 111 so as to make ice. can be done effectively. Also, an ice making speed between the plurality of ice chambers 111 may be uniform.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 17 , the cold air supplied by the cold air guide 145 is concentrated in the first ice chamber 111a due to the arrangement structure of the ice chamber 111 . Accordingly, it will be apparent that the freezing speed of the first ice chamber 111a where cold air is intensively supplied in the initial stage of ice making is high.

In detail, ice inside the ice chamber 111 may be made by an indirect cooling method. In particular, the supply of cold air is concentrated on the upper tray 150, and the lower tray 250 is naturally cooled by the cold air in the refrigerator. In particular, in this embodiment, in order to make transparent spherical ice, the lower tray 250 is periodically heated by the lower heater 296 provided on the lower tray 250, so that the upper portion of the ice chamber 111 Freezing starts from the top and gradually proceeds downward. Therefore, bubbles generated during freezing in the ice chamber 111 can be concentrated on the lower side of the lower tray 250, and ice can be made that is transparent except for a lower portion of the ice where bubbles are concentrated. let it be

Due to the nature of this cooling method, freezing occurs first in the upper tray 150, and cold air is concentrated in the first ice chamber 111a, so that the first ice chamber 111a can be quickly frozen. In addition, due to the sequential flow characteristics of cold air, the upper portions of the second ice chamber 111b and the third ice chamber 111c are sequentially frozen.

Water expands in the process of phase change into ice. If the ice formation rate in the plurality of first ice chambers 111a is high, the expansive force of water is directed toward the second ice chamber 111b and the third ice chamber 111c. is inflicted Then, between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, the water in the first ice chamber 111a moves toward the second ice chamber 111b, and the water in the second ice chamber 111b is sequentially discharged. It is moved to the third ice chamber 111c. As a result, more water than the set amount of water is supplied to the inside of the third ice chamber 111c, and the ice generated in the third ice chamber 111c not only does not have a relatively perfect spherical shape, but also has a relatively large size. A problem that is different from ice made in the other ice chambers 111a and 111b may occur.

In order to prevent this problem, it is necessary to be able to prevent the formation of icing in the first ice chamber 111a relatively quickly, and preferably, to make the icing speed uniform among the ice chambers 111. . In addition, the second ice chamber 111b may be frozen earlier than the first ice chamber 111a so that water does not flow into one ice chamber 111 .

To this end, a shield 125 is formed in the tray opening 123 corresponding to the first ice chamber 111a to expose the upper tray 150 corresponding to the first ice chamber 111a. can be minimized.

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

Therefore, as in the state of FIG. 15 in which the upper tray 150 is coupled to the upper case 120, the upper surface of the upper tray 150 on which the first ice chamber 111a is formed is the shield 125. can be further shielded by

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

Due to this structure, even if the cold air supplied by the cold air guide 145 passing through the upper plate 121 is intensively supplied to the first ice chamber 111a, the shield 125 Transfer of cold air into the first ice chamber 111a can be reduced. That is, the cold air delivered to the first ice chamber 111a can be reduced due to the insulation effect of the shielding part 125 . As a result, freezing of ice in the first ice chamber 111a can be delayed, and freezing does not proceed earlier than in the other ice chambers 111b and 111c.

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

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

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

The shielding portion 125 may be cut in a direction toward the second ice chamber 111b, and a portion where the second connection rib 162 is formed communicates with the first ice chamber 111a through an inflow opening. (154) to shield the remaining parts.

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

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

In particular, the flow prevention parts contacting the unit guides 181 and 182 protrude upward from the first through opening 139b and the second through opening 139c to restrain the flow of the unit guides 181 and 182 in the left and right directions. can do.

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

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

Due to this structure, the left and right flow of the unit guides 181 and 182 can be fundamentally prevented, and therefore, the upper ejector 300 moving along the unit guides 181 and 182 can also prevent the flow. do. The upper ejector 300 has a problem of deforming or removing the upper tray 150 by pressing the upper tray 150 when flow occurs during vertical movement, so it must be vertically movable from a fixed position. do. Therefore, the upper ejector 300 does not interfere with the upper tray 150 during the vertical movement process by the flow preventing part.

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

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

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

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21 , the upper tray 150 may be formed of a flexible or soft material that can return to its original shape after being deformed by an external force.

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

In addition, when the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material, melting or thermal deformation of the upper tray 150 due to heat provided from an upper heater 148 to be described later can be prevented.

The upper tray 150 may include an upper tray body 151 forming an upper chamber 152 that is a part of the ice chamber 111 . A plurality of upper chambers 152 may be continuously formed in the upper tray body 151 . The plurality of upper chambers 152, a first upper chamber 152a, a second upper chamber 152b, and a third upper chamber 152c may be continuously arranged in a line on the upper tray body 151.

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

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

An inlet opening 154 through which the upper ejector 300 can come in and out for separation may be formed on the upper side of the upper tray body 151 . The inlet opening 154 may be formed at an upper end of each upper chamber 152 . Accordingly, the ice provided in the ice chambers 111 is independently pushed and separated by each upper ejector 300 . Of course, cold air moving along the upper plate 121 may flow in and out as long as the inlet opening 154 has a diameter sufficient to allow the upper ejector 300 to enter and exit.

Meanwhile, the upper tray 150 has an inlet wall ( 155) may be provided. The inlet wall 155 is disposed along the circumference of the inlet opening 154 and may extend upward from the upper tray body 151 .

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

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

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

In this embodiment, the buffer is formed by the inlet wall 155 to prevent water inside the ice chamber 111 from overflowing. If the inlet wall 155 is excessively high to form the buffer, it may interfere with the flow of cool air passing through the upper plate 121 and hinder smooth flow of cool air. Conversely, if the inlet wall 155 is excessively lowered, the role of the buffer cannot be expected and it may be difficult to guide the movement of the upper ejector 300 .

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

If the inner diameter of the buffer is excessively large, the top of the finished ice may have an excessively wide flat shape, and it is impossible to provide a user with an image of spherical ice. Therefore, the buffer should be formed to have an appropriate inner diameter.

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the two inlet walls 155 corresponding to the second upper chamber 152b and the third upper chamber 152c may be connected by a second connecting rib 162 . The second connection rib 162 connects the second upper chamber 152b and the third upper chamber 152c to further prevent deformation of the inlet wall 155, and at the same time, the second Deformation of upper chamber 152b and upper surface shapes of the third upper chamber 152c can also be prevented.

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

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

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

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 the heater coupling portion 124 is provided in the recessed portion 122 and the upper heater 148 is provided in the heater coupling portion 124, the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 160. can be understood as being

The first accommodating part 160 may be disposed in a form surrounding the upper chambers 152a, 152b, and 152c. The first accommodating part 160 may be formed as the upper surface of the upper tray body 151 is depressed downward.

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

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

The curved wall 153b may be rounded in a direction away from the upper chamber 152 as it goes upward. Here, the curvature of the curved wall 153b may be the same as that of the curved wall 260b of the lower tray 250 to be described below. Therefore, when the lower tray 250 rotates, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 do not interfere with each other.

The upper tray 150 may further include a horizontal extension part 164 extending in a horizontal direction around the upper tray body 151 . 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 . The lower surface 164b of the horizontal extension 164 may contact the upper supporter 170 , and the upper surface 164a of the horizontal extension 164 may contact the upper case 120 . Accordingly, at least a portion of the horizontal extension part 164 may be fixedly mounted between the upper case 120 and the upper supporter 170 .

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

The plurality of upper protrusions 165 and 166 include a first upper protrusion 165 and a second upper protrusion 166 located on the opposite side of the first upper protrusion 165 based on the inlet opening 154. ) may be included.

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

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

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

The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 include a first lower protrusion 167 and a second lower protrusion 168 located on the opposite side of the first lower protrusion 167 based on the upper chamber 152. can do.

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

Therefore, the upper tray 150 is not only coupled between the upper case 120 and the upper supporter by the upper protrusions 165 and 166 and the lower protrusions 167 and 168, but also during the ice making process or the icing process. In the process, the ice chamber 111 or the horizontal extension 264 adjacent to the ice chamber 111 is prevented from being deformed.

A through hole 169 through which a fastening boss of the upper supporter 170 to be described later passes may be provided in the horizontal extension part 164 . Some of the plurality of through holes 169 may be located between two adjacent first upper projections 165 or two adjacent first lower projections 167 . Among the plurality of through holes 169 , another through hole may be disposed between two adjacent second lower protrusions 168 or may be disposed to face an area between the two second lower protrusions 168 .

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

In the structure in which the ice chamber 111 is formed by combining the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray are initially formed due to a volume expansion phenomenon that occurs when water is phase-changed into ice. Even if the 250 are kept in close contact with each other, the gap between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 widens in the process of changing into ice. When ice is formed in a state where the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are spread apart, there is a problem in that burrs protrude in the shape of an ice strip along the circumference of the completed spherical ice. Due to the occurrence of such burrs, the shape of the spherical ice itself is not good. In particular, when connected to ice crumbs formed in the circumferential space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, a problem in that the shape of the spherical ice may be further deteriorated may occur.

In order to solve this problem, in the present embodiment, an upper rib 153d may be formed at the lower end of the upper tray 150 . The upper rib 153d blocks the gap between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 even when the volume expands due to the phase change of water, thereby preventing burrs from being generated along the circumference of the completed spherical ice. there is.

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

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

Meanwhile, the lower tray 250 may be rotated in a state in which the rotating shaft is positioned outside (right side as viewed in FIG. 21) the curved wall 153b. In this structure, when the lower tray 250 is closed by rotation, a portion close to the rotational axis first starts to come into contact, and as the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are compressed, the portion farther from the rotational axis sequentially. come into contact

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

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

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

Of course, the point at which the upper rib 153d starts to protrude may be slightly different, but while minimizing interference when the lower tray 250 is closed, the upper tray 150 and the upper tray 150 open while making ice. It may protrude from one side away from the curved wall 153b to cover the gap of the lower tray 250 .

Further, the upper rib 153d may increase in height from the side of the curved wall 153b to the side of the vertical wall 153a. Accordingly, when the lower tray 250 is widened due to freezing, the gap between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 having different opened heights can be effectively covered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a state in which the fastening boss 175 is drawn into the sleeve 133, the upper surface of the fastening boss 175 may be positioned at the same level as or lower than the upper surface of the sleeve 133. The assembly of the upper assembly 110 may be completed by fastening a fastening member such as a bolt fastened to the fastening boss 175, and the upper case 120, the upper tray 150, and the upper supporter 170 are They can be firmly bonded to each other.

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

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

The connection unit 350 is connected to the ejector body 310 in a state where both ends of the ejector body 310 of the upper ejector 300 pass through the guide slot 183 . Therefore, when rotational force is transferred to the ejector body 310 by the connection unit 350 during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, the ejector body 310 moves up and down along the guide slot 183. can

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

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

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

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

Also, the upper heater 148 may be a DC heater supplied with DC power. When the upper heater 148 is operated to break the ice, the heat of the upper heater 148 is transferred to the upper tray 150 so that the ice is separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150. can

If the upper tray 150 is made of a metal material and the heat of the upper heater 148 is stronger, after the upper heater 148 is turned off, it is heated by the upper heater 148 in ice. The damaged part adheres to the surface of the upper tray 150 again, resulting in opaque phenomenon.

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

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

Therefore, since heat is not concentrated on a local portion of the ice and a small amount of heat is gradually applied to the ice, the formation of an opaque band around the ice can be prevented while the ice is effectively separated from the upper tray 150. there is.

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

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 24, the upper case 120, the upper tray 150, and the upper supporter in a state in which the upper heater 148 is coupled to the heater coupling part 124 of the upper case 120 170 may be coupled to each other to assemble the upper assembly.

At this time, the first upper protrusion 165 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the first upper slot 131 of the upper case 120, and the second upper protrusion 166 of the upper tray 150 is It may be inserted into the second upper slot 132 of the upper case 120 .

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 inserted into the upper supporter 170. It may be inserted into the second lower slot 177 of (170).

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

When the upper assembly 110 is assembled, the heater coupling part 124 to which the upper heater 148 is coupled is accommodated in the first accommodating part 160 of the upper tray 150 . In a state where the heater coupling part 124 is accommodated in the first accommodating part 160 , the upper heater 148 contacts the bottom surface 160a of the first accommodating part 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 applied to the upper tray body. Transfer to parts other than (151) can be minimized.

Meanwhile, other examples of other ice makers may also be used in the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a difference only in the structure of the upper tray 150 and the structure of the shielding part 125 of the upper case 120, and other configurations will be the same. For the same components, detailed descriptions and illustrations thereof will be omitted, and description will be made using the same reference numerals.

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 25 to 28, the upper tray 150' according to another embodiment of the present invention is provided only for the upper structure of the inlet wall 155 and the upper chamber 152 connected to the inlet wall 155. Except for the difference, all other configurations are the same as those of the foregoing embodiment.

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

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

An inlet wall 155 having the inlet opening 154 formed therein may be formed in each of the upper chambers 152 . A water supply guide 156 may be formed on the inlet wall 155 of the second upper chamber 152b. Meanwhile, a plurality of ribs connecting an outer surface of the inlet wall 155 and an upper surface of the upper chamber 152 may be disposed on the inlet wall 155 of the upper chamber 152 .

In detail, a plurality of radially disposed first connecting ribs 155a may be formed in the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b. Deformation of the inlet wall 155 can be prevented by the first connection rib 155a. Also, the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b may be connected by a second connection rib 162, and the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b and the Deformation of the inlet wall 155 can be further prevented.

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

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

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

When the thickness of the first upper chamber 152a is thicker by the insulation part 152e, even in a state in which the cold air supplied by the cold air guide 145 is concentrated on the side of the first upper chamber 152a, The amount of cool air delivered to the first upper chamber 152a can be reduced. As a result, the speed of freezing in the first upper chamber 152a can be delayed by the heat insulating part 152e, and the freezing of the second upper chamber 152b occurs first, or the upper chamber 152 This allows ice to occur at a uniform rate in the field.

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

A shield opening 126a is formed at an upper end of the shield 126 , and the shield opening 126a comes into contact with the upper end of the inlet opening 154 . Accordingly, when viewing the upper tray 150' from above, the remaining portion of the first upper chamber 152a except for the inlet opening 154 is covered by the shielding portion 126. That is, the area of the heat insulating part 152e is covered by the shielding part 126 .

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

With this structure, the first upper chamber 152a can be further insulated, and the freezing speed in the first upper chamber 152a can be delayed even with the cold air intensively supplied by the cold air guide 145. there is.

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

When the cutout 126e is formed too narrow, the second connecting rib 162 cuts the cutout 126e while the upper tray 150' is deformed during the separation process by the upper ejector 300. can take away In this case, the second connection rib 162 cannot return to its initial position after being iced, resulting in defects during ice making. The insulation effect may be significantly reduced.

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

Therefore, when the upper tray 150' is deformed and then restored during separation by the upper ejector 300, the second connecting rib 162 can easily enter the inside of the cutout 126e. , It is moved along both ends of the cutout 126e so that it can be restored in an accurate position.

Meanwhile, when the opening at the lower end of the cutout 126e is enlarged, cold air may be introduced through the lower end of the cutout 126e. To prevent this, a fourth connection rib 155b may be formed around the first upper chamber 152a.

Like the first connecting rib 155a, the fourth connecting rib 155b is formed to connect the outer surface of the inlet wall 155 and the upper surface of the first upper chamber 152a, and has an inclined outer end. can be formed Also, the fourth connection rib 155b is formed lower than the first connection rib 155a, so that it does not interfere with the upper end of the shielding part 126 and can come into contact with the lower surface of the shielding part.

The fourth connection rib 155b may be located on both left and right sides of the second connection rib 162 . Also, the fourth connection rib 155b may be located at a position corresponding to both ends of the cutout 126e or located slightly outside of both ends of the cutout 126e. The fourth connection rib 155b may come into close contact with the inner surface of the shielding part 126, and thus prevent cold air from flowing in through the cutout 126e, preventing the shielding part 126 from entering the first upper chamber. The space between the upper surfaces of (152a) is shielded.

There may be a slight separation between the shielding part 126 and the upper surface of the first upper chamber 152a, and an air layer may be formed. The air layer may block the inflow of cold air by the fourth connection rib 155b, and thus further insulate the upper surface of the first upper chamber 152a to prevent ice inside the first upper chamber 152a. This freezing speed can be further delayed.

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

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

29 to 31 , the lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250, a lower supporter 270, and a lower case 210.

The lower case 210 may cover a portion of the circumference of the lower tray 250 , and the lower supporter 270 may support the lower tray 250 . Also, the connection unit 350 may be coupled to both sides of the lower supporter 270 .

The lower case 210 may include a lower plate 211 for fixing the lower tray 250 . A part of the lower tray 250 may be fixed to the lower surface of the lower plate 211 while being in contact with it. An opening 212 through which a portion of the lower tray 250 passes may be provided in the lower plate 211 .

For example, when the lower tray 250 is fixed to the lower plate 211 in a state where the lower tray 250 is positioned below the lower plate 211, a portion of the lower tray 250 is It may protrude upward from the lower plate 211 through the opening 212 .

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

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

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

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

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

That is, both the upper and lower ends of the second coupling protrusion 261 can be restricted by the second coupling slit 215a and the projection restraining portion 213 . Accordingly, the lower tray 250 may be more firmly fixed to the lower case 210 .

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

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

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

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

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

In order for the first fastening member not to interfere with the curved part 215 in the process of fastening the first fastening member to the first fastening boss 216, the curved part 215 has a groove for moving the fastening member ( 215b) is provided.

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the lower tray 250 may be formed of a flexible material or a soft material that can return to its original shape after being deformed by an external force.

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 the shape of the lower tray 250 is deformed due to an external force being applied to the lower tray 250 during the separation process, the lower tray 250 is again It can return to its original form. Accordingly, it is possible to generate ice in a spherical shape despite repetitive ice formation.

In addition, when the lower tray 250 is formed of a silicon material, melting or thermal deformation of the lower tray 250 due to heat provided from a lower heater to be described later can be prevented.

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

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

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

The lower tray 250 may include a lower tray body 251 forming a lower chamber 252 that is a part of the ice chamber 111 . The lower tray body 251 may define a plurality of lower chambers 252 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The second upper protrusion 258 may be spaced apart from the circumferential wall 260 in a horizontal direction. For example, the second upper protrusion 258 may protrude upward from an upper surface of the tray horizontally extending portion 254 at a position adjacent to the second wall 260b.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The side limiting part 264 protrudes from the tray horizontal extension part 254 to the side, and the upper and lower length of the side limiting part 264 is greater than the thickness of the tray horizontal extension part 254 . For example, a portion of the side limiting portion 264 is positioned higher than the upper surface of the tray horizontal extension portion 254, and another portion is positioned lower than the bottom surface of the tray horizontal extension portion 254.

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

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

The supporter body 271 may include three chamber accommodating parts 272 for accommodating the three chamber walls 252d of the lower tray 250 . The chamber accommodating 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 passes during the separation process. For example, three lower openings 274 may be provided in the supporter body 271 to correspond to the three chamber accommodating portions 272 . A reinforcing rib 275 for reinforcing the steel beam may be provided along the circumference of the lower opening 274.

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

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

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

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

The lower supporter 270 may further include an outer wall 280 disposed to surround the lower tray body 251 while being spaced apart from the outside of the lower tray body 251 . For example, the outer wall 280 may extend downward along an edge of the upper surface 286 of the lower supporter.

The lower supporter 270 may further include a plurality of hinge bodies 281 and 282 connected to each of the hinge supporters 135 and 136 of the upper case 210 . The plurality of hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be spaced apart from each other. Since the structure and shape of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 differ only in their mounting positions, only one hinge body 282 will be described.

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

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

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

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

Also, the elastic member coupling part 284 may include a hooking part 284a for hooking the lower end of the elastic member 370 . In addition, the elastic member coupling portion 284 may include an elastic member shielding portion 284c that covers the elastic member 360 to prevent penetration of the foreign matter or detachment of the elastic member 360 .

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

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

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

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

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

The pair of side parts 213b may extend to a height corresponding to an upper end of the second coupling protrusion 261 . Further, a restraining rib 213d extending downward may be formed inside the connecting portion 213c.

The restraining rib 213d may be inserted into the protruding groove 261d formed at the upper end of the second coupling protrusion 261 and restrain the second coupling protrusion 261 so that it does not fall out. In this way, both upper and lower portions of the second coupling protrusion 261 may be fixed, and the lower tray 250 may be firmly fixed to the lower case 210 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, a protruding groove 261d may be formed on an upper surface of the upper protrusion 261b, that is, an upper surface of the second coupling protrusion 261. The protruding groove 261d is formed so that the restraining rib 213d extending downward from the connecting portion 213c can be inserted.

Therefore, the lower end of the second coupling protrusion 261 is press-fitted into the second coupling slit 215a in a state of being accommodated inside the insertion space 213a, and the upper end is pressed into the connection portion 213c and the restraining rib 213d. Since it can be constrained by ), it can be fixed in a state of being completely closely and fixed to the lower case 210 so as not to come into contact with the upper tray 150 during the rotation process of the lower tray 250.

A round surface 260e may be formed at an upper end of the second coupling protrusion 261 to prevent the second coupling protrusion 261 from interfering with the upper tray 150 during the rotation of the lower tray 250. can

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

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

The first fastening member B1 may be fastened to the first fastening groove 286a after penetrating the first fastening boss 216 from above the lower case 210 . Also, the second fastening member B2 may be fastened to the second fastening boss 217 below the lower supporter 270 .

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

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

The lower case 210 and the lower supporter 270 may be firmly coupled to each other by the fastening of the second fastening member B2 and the third fastening member B2. Also, the lower tray 250 may be fixed between the lower case 210 and the lower supporter 270 .

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

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

Referring to FIGS. 36 to 40 , the lower chamber 252 opening upward is formed in the lower tray 250 . Also, the lower chamber 252 may include the first lower chamber 252a, the second lower chamber 252b, and the third lower chamber 252c continuously disposed in a line. In addition, a circumferential wall 260 may extend upward along the circumference of the lower chamber 252 .

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

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

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

The lower rib 253a may be formed along the circumference of each of the lower chambers 252 . Also, the lower rib 253a may be formed at a position facing up and down the upper rib 153d.

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

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

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

When the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are further closed by the pressure of the elastic member 360, the upper rib 153d and the lower rib 253a are bent inwardly and the upper tray 150 ) and the lower tray 250 can be further airtight.

Meanwhile, when the lower tray 250 is filled with water before ice making and the lower tray 250 is closed as shown in FIG. 39 , the upper rib 153d and the lower rib 253a overlap each other so that airtightness can be achieved. . At this time, the upper end of the lower rib 253a may come into contact with the inner surface of the lower end of the upper chamber 152 of the upper tray 150, and thus the inside of the ice chamber 111 minimizes the step difference between the coupling parts. can make ice.

In order to fill all the ice chambers 111 with water, water is supplied while the lower tray 250 is slightly opened. When the water supply is completed, the lower tray 250 rotates as shown in FIG. 39 . It will be closed. Accordingly, water may be introduced into the spaces G1 and G2 formed between the circumferential wall 260 and the chamber wall 153 as much as the water level of the ice chamber 111 . Also, water in the spaces G1 and G2 between the circumferential wall 260 and the chamber wall 153 may be frozen during the ice making operation.

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

40, the lower tray 250 cannot but be opened at a certain angle due to expansion due to a phase change of water. However, the upper rib 153d and the lower rib 253a can maintain contact with each other, and thus the ice inside the ice chamber 111 is not exposed to the inside of the space. That is, even if the lower tray 250 is gradually opened during the ice making process, the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 is maintained in a shielded state by the upper rib 153d and the lower rib 253a. Allows you to create spherical ice.

Meanwhile, when ice making is completed and the lower tray 250 opens at the maximum angle as shown in FIG. 40 , the distance between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may fall by approximately 0.5 mm to 1 mm. Accordingly, it is preferable that the length of the lower rib 253a is approximately 0.3 mm. Of course, the height of the lower rib 253a is just one example, and the lengths of the upper rib 153d and the lower rib 253a may be appropriately selected according to the distance between the lower tray 250 and the lower tray 250. can

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

Due to such a double rib structure, the upper rib 153d and the lower ribs 253a and 253b have the advantage of being more airtight. However, this structure can be applied when sufficient space is provided in the lower tray receiving part 253 to form the inner ribs 253b and the outer ribs 253a.

Meanwhile, the lower tray 250 can be rotated around the rotating bodies 281 and 282, and is rotated by an angle of about 140 degrees so that ice can be separated even when ice is placed in the lower chamber 252. It can be. As shown in FIG. 38 , the lower tray 250 may be rotated, and even during this rotation, the circumferential wall 260 and the chamber wall 153 should not interfere with each other.

Looking at this in more detail, in order to supply water to the plurality of lower chambers 252, water must be supplied with the lower tray 250 somewhat open, and even if water is supplied in this state, the lower tray 250 does not leak. A circumferential wall 260 of the tray 250 may extend upwardly higher than the water supply level in the ice chamber 111 .

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the center of rotation (C) of the rotation bodies 281 and 282 serving as the rotation axis of the lower tray 250 is higher than the upper surface 286 of the upper and lower supporters 270 or the lower tray mounting portion 253. It may be located slightly lower. The lower surface 153c of the upper tray 150 and the lower tray mounting portion 253 contact each other when the lower tray 250 is rotated and closed.

The lower tray 250 may have a structure in which it presses and adheres to the upper tray 150 while being closed. Accordingly, when the lower tray 250 rotates and closes, the upper tray 150 and a part of the lower tray 250 may be engaged with each other at a position close to the rotation axis of the lower tray 250 . In this situation, even if the lower tray 250 is rotated to be completely closed, the upper tray 150 at a point far from the rotation axis and the end of the lower tray 250 may widen due to interference of the first engaged part there is a problem.

To solve this problem, the center of rotation C1 of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 serving as the rotational axis of the lower tray 250 is moved slightly downward. For example, the rotation centers C1 of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may be located 0.3 mm below the upper surface of the lower supporter 270 .

Therefore, when the lower tray 250 is closed, the upper tray 150 and the end of the lower tray 250, which are close to the rotating shaft, do not engage first, and the lower tray mounting portion 253 and the upper tray 150 do not engage. The entire lower surface 153c may be in close contact.

In particular, since the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are materials having elasticity, tolerances may occur during assembly, or the coupling state may be loosened or fine deformation may occur during use. However, due to such a structure, the upper tray ( 150) and the end of the lower tray 250 may be first engaged.

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

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 41 to 44 , when the lower assembly 200 and the upper assembly 110 are completely closed, the upper ejector 300 is positioned at the top. And, the connection unit 350 maintains a stopped state.

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

Accordingly, when the lower assembly 200 rotates to open, the upper ejector 300 may be moved downward by the connection unit 350 and ice inside the upper chamber 152 may be flaked off.

The connecting unit 350 is connected to a rotating arm 352 for rotating the lower supporter 270 by receiving power from the driving unit 180 and the lower supporter 270 to rotate the lower supporter 270. ) may include a link 356 that transmits rotational force of the lower supporter 270 to the upper ejector 300 when the rotation of the supporter 270 is performed.

In detail, a pair of rotating arms 351 and 352 may be provided on both sides of the lower supporter 270 . Among the pair of rotating arms 351 and 352, the second rotating arm 352 may be connected to the driving unit 180, and the first rotating arm 351 opposite the second rotating arm 352 may be provided. Also, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 may be connected to both ends of the connection shaft 370 penetrating the hinge bodies 281 and 282 on both sides, respectively. Therefore, when the driving unit 180 operates, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 can rotate together.

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

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

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

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

The elastic member 360 may be located inside the elastic member coupling part 284, and the other end of the elastic member 360 may be fixed to the hooking part 284a of 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 kept in contact with each other in a pressurized state.

The elastic member 360 may provide an elastic force to bring the lower assembly 200 into close contact with the upper assembly 110 in a closed state. That is, when the lower assembly 200 rotates to close, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 also rotate together, so that the lower assembly 200 closes as shown in FIG. rotate until

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

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

That is, the lower assembly 200 may be provided with an elastic force through the elastic member 360 in a tensioned state without a separate power supply by the driving unit 180, and the lower assembly 200 may be provided with the elastic force. It makes it more closely adhered to the upper assembly 110 side.

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

The elastic member 360 continuously provides an elastic force to the lower assembly 200, so that even when the ice is expanded as ice is made in the ice chamber 111, the lower assembly 200 is not excessively An elastic force is applied to prevent it from opening.

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

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

The link shaft 288 may be positioned between the hinge bodies 281 and 282 and the elastic member coupling part 284 . Also, the link shaft 288 may be located lower than the center of rotation of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 . Therefore, it is positioned close to the path of the upward and downward movement of the upper ejector 300, so that the upper ejector 300 can be moved upward and downward more effectively. In addition, while allowing the upper ejector 300 to descend to a desired position, it is possible to prevent the upper ejector 300 from moving excessively high during upward movement. Therefore, by lowering the heights of the upper ejector 300 and unit guides 181 and 182 protruding upward from the ice maker 100, when the ice maker 100 is installed in the freezing chamber 4, loss The space above can be minimized.

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

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

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

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

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

In this state, the upper ejector 300 may be positioned at the top, and the ejecting pin 320 may be positioned outside the ice chamber 111 . Also, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 can be completely brought into close contact with each other by the rotating arms 351 and 352 and the elastic member 360, and can be airtight to each other.

In this state, freezing may proceed in the ice chamber 111 . During the ice making operation, the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 are periodically operated so that the ice is formed from above the ice chamber 111 so that transparent spherical ice can be made. When freezing is completed in the ice chamber 111 , the driving unit 180 is operated to rotate the lower assembly 200 .

As shown in FIGS. 46 and 47 , when the ice maker 100 is moved away, the lower assembly 200 may be in an open state. The operation of the driving unit 180 allows the lower assembly 200 to be completely opened.

When the lower assembly 200 is opened in the opening direction, the lower end of the link 356 rotates together with the lower tray 250 . And, the upper end of the link 356 moves downward. The upper end of the link 356 is connected to the ejector body 310 to move the upper ejector 300 downward, and at this time, it will move downward without being moved by the guidance of the unit guides 181 and 182. can

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

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

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

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

Due to this structure, if the first rotating arm 351 rotates less than the second rotating arm 352, the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are not completely in close contact with each other and are not airtight. A partially open area exists between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 close to the first rotating arm 351 . Therefore, if the lower tray 250 is sagging or tilted and the water surface inside the ice chamber 111 is tilted as a result, spherical ice having a uniform size and shape may not be produced. In addition, when water leakage occurs through an open part, a more serious problem may occur.

In order to prevent this problem, the heights of the extended upper ends of the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 may be different.

Referring to FIGS. 48, 29 and 50 , the height h2 from the bottom surface of the lower assembly 200 to the elastic member connecting portion 351c of the first rotating arm 351 is the lower assembly 200 It may be formed higher than the height h3 from the bottom surface of the second rotating arm 352 to the elastic member connecting portion 352c.

Accordingly, when the lower assembly 200 rotates to close, the first rotating arm 351 and the second rotating arm 352 rotate together. Also, since the height of the first rotating arm is high, when the lower tray 250 and the upper tray 150 start contacting each other, the elastic member 360 connected to the first rotating arm 351 is further is tensioned

That is, in a state in which the lower tray 250 is completely in close contact with the upper tray 150, the elastic force of the elastic member 360 of the first rotating arm 351 is greater, and thus the first rotating arm The deflection of the lower tray 250 at 351 is compensated for. Accordingly, the entire upper surface of the lower tray 250 adheres to the lower surface of the upper tray 150 to maintain an airtight state.

In particular, in the structure in which the driving unit 180 is located on one side of the lower tray 250 and is directly connected only to the second rotating arm 352, due to tolerances due to the assembly of the connecting shaft 370, the Although there may be a problem that the first rotating arm 351 rotates less, as in the embodiment of the present invention, the first rotating arm 351 has a greater force than the second rotating arm 352 By rotating the lower tray 250, the lower tray 250 is prevented from sagging or less rotated.

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

And as another example, the first rotating arm 351 extends longer than the second rotating arm 352 so that a point connected to the elastic member 360 is formed higher ( 351) and the second rotating arm 352 may have different shapes.

And, as another example, it may be possible that the elastic modulus of the elastic member 360 connected to the first rotating arm 351 is greater than that of the elastic member 360 connected to the second rotating arm 352 .

When the lower assembly 200 is closed, as shown in FIG. 50 , the upper end of the lower case 210 and the lower end of the upper supporter 170 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance h4. And, a part of the upper tray 150 may be exposed between the spaced apart spaces. At this time, a spaced apart space is formed between the lower case 210 and the upper supporter 170, but the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 maintain close contact with each other.

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

When the upper end of the lower case 210, which is an injection-molded structure, and the lower end of the upper supporter 170 come into contact with each other, the drive unit 180 may be overburdened by impact, which may cause damage. there is.

In addition, when the upper end of the lower case 210 and the lower end of the upper supporter 170 are spaced apart from each other, a free space in which the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 can be compressed and deformed may be provided. there will be Therefore, in order to ensure close contact between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 in various situations such as assembly tolerances or deformation in use, the upper end of the lower case 210 and the lower end of the upper supporter 170 are spaced apart from each other. It has to be. To this end, the circumferential wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may extend higher than the upper end of the upper case 120 .

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, the ejector body 310 has body penetrating parts 311 formed at both ends, and the body penetrating part 311 is formed between the guide slot 183 and the ejector connection part 356b. ) can penetrate. Also, a pair of separation prevention protrusions 312 may protrude in opposite directions from an end of the ejector body 310, that is, an end of the body penetrating portion 311. Thus, both ends of the ejector body 310 can be prevented from being separated from the ejector connector 356b. In addition, the separation prevention protrusion 312 is in contact with the outer surface of the link 356 and extends in the vertical direction to prevent a gap with the link 356 from occurring.

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

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

When the ejector body 310 moves left and right, the position of the ejecting pin 320 may move left and right, whereby the ejecting pin 320 passes through the inlet opening 154. A problem of deforming or detaching the upper tray 150 by pressing the upper tray 150 may occur. Also, the ejecting pin 320 may be caught on the upper tray 150 and not move.

Therefore, in order for the ejecting pin 320 to pass through the center of the inlet opening 154 accurately without moving, the link 356 is formed by the structure of the separation prevention protrusion 312 and the body protrusion 313. It is possible to move the ejecting pin 320 up and down at a set position so as not to flow.

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

Therefore, the present embodiment has a structure that prevents the movement of the unit guides 181 and 182 as well as the ejector body 310, and the ejecting pin 320 moving a relatively long distance up and down flows. It is possible to completely prevent contact or interference with the upper tray 150 by going in and out of the inlet opening 154 along a set path without being set.

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

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

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

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

Also, the rotational shaft 186 of the driving unit 180 may protrude in a direction in which the driving unit fixing protrusion 185a protrudes. Also, a lever connection part 187 to which the full ice detecting lever 700 is mounted may be formed at one side away from the rotating shaft 186 . A case fastening part 185b through which a screw B3 for fixing the driving unit 180 passes may be further formed on an upper surface of the driving unit case 185 .

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

Also, a driving unit seating portion 149a on which the driving unit 180 is seated may be formed on a lower surface of the upper plate 121 . The drive unit seating portion 149a is positioned closer to the cold air hole 134 than the fastening portion opening 149c, and an electric wire connected to the driving unit 180 enters and exits the drive unit seating portion 149a. An entrance 149e may be further formed.

Also, a fixing protrusion restraining portion 149b into which the drive unit fixing protrusion 185a is inserted may be formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 121 . The fixing protrusion restraining portion 149b is positioned closer to the cold air hole 134 than the driving unit mounting portion 149a. Also, an insertion hole opening in a corresponding shape into which the driving unit fixing protrusion 185a can be inserted may be formed in the fixing protrusion restraining portion 149b.

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

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

Next, as shown in FIG. 53, the drive unit 180 is horizontally moved toward the cold air hole 134 while the drive unit fixing protrusion 185a is in close contact with the drive unit mounting portion 149a. do. Through this moving operation, the drive unit fixing protrusion 185a is inserted into the fixing protrusion restraining portion 149b.

When the drive unit fixing protrusion 185a is completely inserted, as shown in FIG. 54 , the drive unit fixing protrusion 185a is fixed inside the fixing protrusion restraining portion 149b. Also, the upper surface of the driving unit case 185 can be seated on the driving unit mounting portion 149a.

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

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

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

56 is a side view of a full ice detection lever positioned at an uppermost position, which is an initial position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 57 is a side view where the full ice detection lever is located at the lowest position where it is detected.

As shown in FIGS. 56 and 57 , the full ice detection lever 700 is connected to the driving unit 180 and can be rotated by the driving unit 180 . Also, the full ice detection lever 700 rotates together when the lower assembly 200 rotates for ice removal, so that it can detect whether or not the ice bin 102 is full of ice. Of course, the full ice detection lever 700 may be operated independently of the lower assembly 200 if necessary.

The full ice detection lever 700 has a shape bent to one side (left side in FIG. 56 ) by the first bent part 721 and the second bent part 722 . Therefore, even when the full ice detecting lever 700 is rotated as shown in FIG. 57 to detect full ice, the full ice detecting lever 700 does not interfere with other components and the ice stored in the ice bin 102 reaches a set height. reach can be effectively detected. The lower assembly 200 and the full ice detection lever 700 may be rotated more counterclockwise than in FIG. 57, and may be rotated approximately 140 degrees for effective ice removal.

Regarding the length L1 of the full ice detection lever 700, the length L1 of the full ice detection lever 700 is the vertical distance from the rotating shaft of the full ice detection lever 700 to the detection body 710. can be defined Also, the full ice detection lever 700 may be formed longer than at least the distance L2 of the lower branch of the lower assembly 200 . Process of rotating the full ice detection lever 700 and the lower assembly 200 when the length L1 of the full ice detection lever 700 is shorter than the distance L2 of the end branch of the lower assembly 200 may interfere with each other.

On the other hand, when the length of the full ice detection lever 700 is too long and extends to the position of the ice I disposed on the bottom of the ice bin 102, the possibility of false detection is high. The ice made in this embodiment is spherical ice and may roll and move inside the ice bin. Therefore, if the length of the full ice detecting lever 700 is long enough to detect the ice located at the bottom of the ice bin 102, it will be returned to the full ice state even though it is not actually full ice due to the detection of the rolled ice. There is a possibility of detection.

Therefore, it is preferable that the full ice detecting lever 700 extends to a higher position by the diameter of the ice and has a length that does not detect at least one layer of ice on the bottom of the ice bin 102. . For example, the full ice detecting lever 700 may extend from the bottom of the ice bin 102 to a position higher than the height L5 equal to the diameter of the ice I when detecting full ice.

That is, the ice may be stored on the bottom surface of the ice bin 102, and until the first layer of ice I is completely filled, the full ice detection lever 700 does not detect full ice even though it is rotated. When the ice making and ice removal operation is continued, due to the nature of the spherical ice that is leached into the ice bin, it does not accumulate on the bottom surface of the ice bin 102 and spreads widely, filling the bottom of the ice bin 102 sequentially. Also, during the rotation of the lower assembly 200 or the movement of the freezer drawer 41, the first layer of ice I inside the ice bin 102 rolls to fill the empty space.

When the bottom of the ice bin 102 is completely filled, the ice to be released may be stacked on top of the ice I of the first layer. In this case, the height of the second layer of ice may not be twice the diameter of the ice, but a height obtained by adding approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of the diameter of ice to one ice diameter. This is because the ice of the second layer settles in the valley formed between the ices of the first layer.

Meanwhile, in the case where the full ice detection lever 700 detects the portion directly above the height L5 of the ice I on the first floor, false detection may be made when the ice height on the first floor increases due to ice crumbs or the like. Therefore, it would be desirable to be formed to sense a higher position.

Accordingly, the full ice detecting lever 700 may be formed to extend to an arbitrary point higher than the height L5 equal to the diameter of the ice and lower than the height L6 obtained by adding 1/2 to 4/3 of the diameter of the ice. can

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the lower ejecting pin 420 may be formed on an inclined surface of the ejector body 310 . The number of lower ejecting pins 420 is equal to the number of lower chambers 252 , and ice may be separated by pushing each lower chamber 252 .

The lower ejecting pin 420 may include a rod part 421 and a head part 422 . The rod part 421 may support the head part 422 . Also, the rod part 421 may be formed to have the predetermined length and slope or round so that the lower ejecting pin 420 extends to the lower opening 274 . The head part 422 is formed at an extended end of the rod part 421 and pushes the outer surface of the curved lower chamber 252 to release ice.

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

If the length of the rod part 421 is longer, interference may occur between the lower opening 274 and the lobe part 421 when the lower assembly 200 rotates. Ice may not be smoothly separated from (250).

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

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

The head part 422 may include an upper head part 423 and a lower part 424 formed along the circumference of the head part 422 . The upper part of the head 423 may have a structure that protrudes more than the lower part of the head 424 . Accordingly, the curved surface of the lower chamber 252, that is, the convex portion 251b, in which the ice is accommodated, can be effectively pushed. When the head part 422 pushes the convex part 251b, both the upper part of the head 423 and the lower part of the head 424 come into contact with each other so that the ice can be more stably pushed and separated.

Accordingly, the spherical ice can be more effectively separated from the lower tray 250 . Meanwhile, when the upper part of the head 423 of the head part 422 protrudes more than the lower part of the head 424, the lower opening 274 and the upper part of the head 423 are formed during rotation of the lower assembly 200. The ends may interfere.

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

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

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

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

Referring to FIGS. 62 and 63 , a lower heater 296 may be installed in the lower supporter 270 .

The lower heater 296 provides heat to the ice chamber 111 during the ice making process, so that ice within the ice chamber 111 starts to freeze from the upper side. In addition, as the lower heater 296 periodically turns on and off during the ice-making process and generates heat, bubbles in the ice chamber 111 move downward during the ice-making process, and when ice-making is completed, the lowermost part of the spherical ice is removed. Except for the remaining parts may be transparent. That is, according to the present embodiment, substantially transparent spherical ice may be generated. In this embodiment, the substantially transparent spherical shape means that it is not completely transparent, but has a degree of transparency that can be commonly called transparent ice, and has a spherical shape as a whole, although not completely spherical.

The lower heater 296 may be, for example, a wire type heater. The upper heater 148 may be a DC heater like the upper heater 148 and may have a lower output than the upper heater 148 . For example, the upper heater 148 may have a heat quantity of 9.5W and the lower heater 296 may have a heat quantity of 6.0W. Accordingly, the upper heater 148 and the lower heater 296 periodically heat the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 with a low amount of heat, thereby maintaining conditions for making transparent ice.

The lower heater 296 may contact the lower tray 250 to provide heat to the lower chamber 252 . For example, the lower heater 296 may contact the lower tray body 251 .

Meanwhile, as the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 contact each other 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, the elastic force of the elastic member 360 is applied to the lower supporter 270 while the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 and the lower surface of the upper tray body 151 are in contact with each other. 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 has a lower surface 151a of the upper tray body 151. ) is pressurized. Accordingly, in a state in which the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper tray body 151, the respective surfaces are pressed against each other to improve adhesion.

In this way, when the adhesion between the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 and the lower surface of the upper tray body 151 is increased, there is no gap between the two surfaces, and thus a thin strip shape along the circumference of the spherical ice after ice making is completed. The formation of burrs can be prevented. Also, as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the upper rib 153d and the lower rib 253a can prevent a gap from being generated until ice making is completed.

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

A recessed portion 251c is formed below the convex portion 251b such that the thickness of the convex portion 251b is substantially the same as that of other portions of the lower tray body 251 .

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

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

Also, the lower opening 274 may be positioned vertically below the lower chamber 252 . That is, the lower opening 274 may be positioned vertically below the convex portion 251b. As shown in FIG. 62 , the diameter D3 of the convex portion 251b may be smaller than the diameter D4 of the lower opening 274 .

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

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

If the lower tray body 251 is formed in a perfect hemispherical shape, when the expansive 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 A corresponding portion of 251 is deformed toward the lower opening 274 side.

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

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 251b is formed on the lower tray body 251 in consideration of the deformation of the lower tray body 251 so as to approximate the perfect spherical shape of ice that has been made.

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

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 the inside of 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.

64 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in a water supply state; 65 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in an ice making state. Also, FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in an ice-making completed state. And, FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in an initial state of separation. And, FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view taken along 62-62' of FIG. 8 in a state that the separation is completed.

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

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

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

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

In this state, water supplied from the outside is guided by the water supply unit 190 and supplied to the ice chamber 111 . At this time, water is supplied to the ice chamber 111 through one inlet opening among the plurality of inlet openings 154 of the upper tray 150 .

In a state in which water is supplied, a portion of the supplied water may fill the lower chamber 252, and another portion of the supplied water may fill a 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 completely fill the upper tray 150 . Alternatively, the volume of the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may be smaller than the volume of the upper chamber 151 . In this case, water is located in the upper chamber 151 as well.

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

As such, even if there is no channel for water movement in the lower tray 250, as shown in FIG. When the chamber 252 is filled with water, the water flows to the neighboring lower chamber 252 to fill all the lower chambers 252 . Accordingly, each of the plurality of lower chambers 252 of the lower tray 250 may be filled with water.

In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, since there is no channel in the lower tray 250 for communication between the lower chambers 252, it is possible to prevent additional ice in the form of a protrusion from being present around the ice after the completion of ice generation. .

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

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

Meanwhile, when the lower assembly is closed and the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 are in close contact with each other, the chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 is the circumferential wall of the lower tray 250 ( 260) can be accommodated in the inner space.

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

The outer surface of the chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the circumferential wall 260 of the lower tray 250 . That is, a space (G2 in FIG. 39) is formed between the outer surface of the chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 and the inner surface of the circumferential wall 260 of the lower tray 250.

Water supplied through the water supply unit 180 may be supplied while the lower assembly 200 is rotated by a set angle and opened to fill all the ice chambers 111 . Accordingly, the water to be supplied fills not only the lower chamber 252 but also the inner space of the circumferential wall 260 as a whole, so that the neighboring lower chambers 252 can be filled. In this state, when water is supplied to the set water level, the lower assembly 200 is closed so that the water level in the ice chamber 111 reaches the set water level. At this time, water is inevitably filled in the spaces G1 and G2 between the inner surfaces of the circumferential walls 260 of the lower tray 250 .

Meanwhile, when more than a set amount of water is supplied to the ice chamber 111 during the water supply or ice making process, the water in the ice chamber 111 can flow into the inflow opening 154, that is, into the buffer. . Accordingly, even if a predetermined amount or more of water is present in the ice chamber 111 according to circumstances, water may be prevented from overflowing from the ice maker 100 .

For this reason, when the upper surface of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper tray body 151 and the lower assembly is closed, the upper end of the circumferential wall 260 of the upper tray 150 It may be located higher than the bottom of the inlet opening 154 or the top of the upper chamber 152 .

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 contact with each other may be referred to as an ice making position. In the ice-making position of the lower assembly 200 , the sensing body 710 is positioned below the lower assembly 200 .

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

During ice making, since the pressing force of water is smaller than the force for deforming the convex portion 251b of the lower tray 250, the convex portion 251b maintains its original shape without being deformed.

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

Accordingly, when ice making is performed while the lower heater 296 is turned on, ice is formed from the uppermost side in the ice chamber 111 .

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

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

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

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

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

As a result, since the speed at which ice is generated per unit height of water is not constant, the transparency of ice may vary according to unit height. In particular, when the ice generation rate is high, bubbles may not move from the ice to the water side, and the ice may contain bubbles, resulting in low transparency.

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

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

Accordingly, after the lower heater 296 is turned on, the output of the lower heater 430 is gradually reduced, and then the output becomes the minimum at the part where the mass per unit height of water is the largest. Then, the output of the lower heater 296 may be increased in stages according to the decrease in mass per height of the water stage.

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

If ice is continuously produced in this state, the block portion 251b is pressurized and deformed as shown in FIG. 31 , and when ice making is completed, spherical ice may be formed.

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

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

When the ice making is completed, the upper heater 148 may first be turned on to remove the 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 .

When the upper heater 148 is operated for a set time, the upper heater 148 is turned off and the driving unit 180 is operated so that the lower assembly 200 can be moved in a forward direction.

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

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

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

In this case, ice may be moved along with the lower assembly 200 in a state supported by the lower tray 250 .

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

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

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

When ice is moved along with the lower assembly 200 in a state supported by the lower tray 250, even if no external force is applied to the lower tray 250, the ice moves along the lower tray 250 due to its own weight. can be separated from

As shown in FIG. 67 , the full ice detecting lever 700 may move to a full ice detecting position during forward movement of the lower assembly 200 . In this case, when the ice bin 102 is not full of ice, the full ice detecting lever 700 may move to a full ice detecting position.

When the full ice detection lever 700 is moved to the full ice detection position, the detection body 700 is positioned below the lower assembly 200 .

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

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

Also, when the lower assembly 200 is continuously moved in the forward direction, the lower ejecting pin 420 presses the lower tray 250 so that the lower tray 250 is deformed and the lower ejecting pin 420 presses the lower tray 250. The pressing force of the pins 420 is transmitted to the ice, so that the ice may be separated from the surface of the lower tray 250 . The 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 driving unit 180 moves the lower assembly 200 in the reverse direction.

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

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

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

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

Claims (20)

cabinet; and
An ice maker disposed in the cabinet to make ice;
The ice maker,
A first tray formed of an elastic material and defining a plurality of first chambers;
a second tray made of an elastic material and forming a plurality of second chambers;
first ribs formed at edges of the plurality of first chambers; and
And a second rib formed in a shape corresponding to the first rib at the edge of the plurality of second chambers,
The first tray and the second tray are in contact with each other in a closed position to generate ice, and are spaced apart from each other in an open position to separate ice;
in the closed position, the plurality of first chambers and the plurality of second chambers form a plurality of ice chambers;
The second rib includes an inner rib disposed adjacent to the second chamber and an outer rib positioned outside the inner rib,
In the closed position, the first rib is inserted between the inner rib and the outer rib.
According to claim 1,
Further comprising a driving unit for moving the second tray to the first tray,
The second tray moves between the closed position and the open position.
According to claim 1,
At least one of the first rib and the second rib has a height corresponding to an expansion gap corresponding to a distance between the first tray and the second tray when ice is formed in the plurality of ice chambers. eggplant refrigerator.
The method of claim 1, wherein the second rib
A refrigerator formed at a position facing the first rib.
The method of claim 1, wherein the inner rib
In the closed position, the refrigerator is in close contact with the inner surface of the first tray.
The method of claim 1, wherein the second rib
A refrigerator protruding from the second tray toward the first tray.
The method of claim 6, wherein the inner rib
Refrigerator forming the same plane as the inner surface of the plurality of second chambers.
According to claim 1,
In the closed position, the outer surface of the inner rib is in contact with the inner surface of the first rib.
According to claim 1,
When the second tray is further moved toward the first tray in a state in which the first tray and the second tray are in contact with each other and the second tray is pressed toward the first tray, the first rib and the second rib is bent toward the inside of the plurality of ice chambers.
According to claim 1,
In the closed state, the first rib and the second rib are overlapped and sealed, and upper portions of the inner ribs contact inner surfaces of the plurality of first chambers.
According to claim 1,
The height of the first rib and the second rib corresponds to a distance between the first tray and the second tray.
According to claim 1,
The first tray includes a first seating surface of a planar shape,
The second tray includes a planar second seating surface contacting the first seating surface in a closed state,
The first rib is formed on the first seating surface,
The second rib is formed on the second seating surface of the refrigerator.
According to claim 1,
The inner rib and the outer rib are spaced apart from each other to form a groove therebetween;
The first rib is inserted into the groove.
The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ice chambers
Refrigerators arranged in a row spaced apart from each other.
The method of claim 1, wherein the second tray
Refrigerator, characterized in that the hardness is lower than the first tray.
The method of claim 1, wherein the second tray
and a deformable part that is deformed into a convex shape outside the plurality of ice chambers according to volume expansion generated when water is phase-changed into ice inside the plurality of ice chambers during ice making.
According to claim 1,
The refrigerator further comprises a heater for heating the plurality of ice chambers for ice thawing.
According to claim 1,
the first tray includes chamber walls defining the plurality of first chambers;
the second tray includes a circumferential wall extending toward the plurality of first chambers along a circumference of the plurality of second chambers;
The chamber wall is characterized in that the second tray is inserted into the circumferential wall when the second tray is moved towards the first tray.
The refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein the chamber wall and the circumferential wall have shapes corresponding to each other and are spaced apart from each other in the closed position.
According to claim 19,
The first rib and the second rib partition an inner space of each of the plurality of ice chambers and a space between the chamber wall and the circumferential wall.

Images