KR20230031262A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator. According to the present invention, the refrigerator comprises: a first tray assembly forming a portion of an ice-making cell; and a second tray assembly forming the other portion of the ice-making cell. The refrigerator additionally comprises: a first edge having a surface compressing one between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly; a bar extended from the first edge; and a pusher having a second edge positioned in an end of the bar. A relative position of the pusher and the second tray assembly can be changed by moving at least one between the pusher and the second tray assembly.

Description

Refrigerator {Refrigerator}

This specification relates to a refrigerator.

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 in a refrigerator.

The ice maker generates ice by accommodating water supplied from a water supply source or a water tank in a tray and then cooling the water.

In addition, the ice maker may 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 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Document 1"), which is a prior document, discloses an ice maker.

The ice maker of Prior Document 1 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, and a plurality of hemispherical lower cells are arranged, and the upper tray is arranged. A lower tray rotatably connected to the tray, a rotational shaft connected to the rear ends of the lower tray and the upper tray to rotate the lower tray with respect to the upper tray, one end connected to the lower tray, and the other end connected to the upper tray. A pair of links connected to the link guide unit; and an upper ejecting pin assembly connected to the pair of links in a state in which both ends are inserted into the link guide part, and moves up and down together with the links.

In the case of Prior Art 1, spherical ice can be generated by the hemispherical upper cell and the hemispherical lower cell, but since the ice is simultaneously generated in the upper and lower cells, the bubbles contained in the water are completely discharged. However, there is a disadvantage in that the ice produced by the bubbles being dispersed in the water is opaque.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-269172 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Document 2"), which is a prior document, discloses an ice maker.

The ice-making apparatus of Prior Art 2 includes an ice-making dish and a heater for heating a bottom of water supplied to the ice-making dish.

In the case of the ice making apparatus of Prior Document 2, water on one side and bottom of the ice making block is heated by a heater during the ice making process. Therefore, solidification proceeds on the surface side and convection occurs in the water, so that transparent ice can be created.

As the growth of transparent ice proceeds and the volume of water in the ice-making block decreases, the solidification rate gradually increases, and sufficient convection suitable for the solidification rate cannot be generated.

Therefore, in the case of Prior Document 2, when approximately 2/3 of the water is solidified, the heating amount of the heater is increased to suppress the increase in the solidification rate.

However, according to Prior Document 2, simply increasing the heating amount of the heater when the volume of water is reduced is disclosed, and the structure and heater control logic for generating ice with high transparency while reducing the ice-making speed are not disclosed. can not do it.

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of producing ice with uniform transparency by reducing the transfer of heat transferred to an adjacent tray by a heater operating in the ice making process to an ice cell formed by another tray.

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator having uniform transparency for each unit height of ice while forming transparent ice.

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator in which ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly during the ice shaving process.

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator in which an ice maker is compact while increasing a moving distance of a pusher for smooth ice removal.

A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a first tray assembly forming part of an ice-making cell, and a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell.

A pusher may be disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second tray assemblies. An ice-leaving heater may be provided adjacent to at least one of the first and second tray assemblies. The control unit may control the ice shaving heater to be turned on so that the ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly before the second tray assembly moves in the forward direction to the ice shaving position. The tray assembly may be defined as a tray. The tray assembly may be defined as a tray and a tray case surrounding the tray. Any one of the first and second tray assemblies may be closer to the ice heater than the other tray assembly. The ice heater may be disposed in any one of the tray assemblies.

When the ice-making process is completed, the degree of adhesion between the ice of the ice-making cell and the tray may be greater in one tray than in the other tray. It may be advantageous to place the pusher on a tray having a high degree of adhesion between the ice and the tray. The high degree of adhesion may be defined as a high coupling angle between the ice of the ice-making cell and the tray. The coupling angle may be a material characteristic of the tray. A degree of adhesion between the ice of the ice-making cell and the tray may be less than a degree of adhesion between the ice of the ice-making cell and the tray case. This configuration can reduce adhesion of ice in the ice making cell to the tray during the ice making process. A degree of adhesion between the ice of the ice-making cell and the tray case may be less than a degree of adhesion between the ice of the ice-making cell and the case of the refrigerator. In general, the case of the refrigerator may be made of a metal material including iron. The metal material may be advantageous in terms of heat transfer, but may be disadvantageous in terms of adhesion to ice. The greater the degree of adhesion may be defined as the greater the time during which the ice of the ice-making cell and the tray are coupled. For example, if ice is generated in the ice-making cell of the first tray in the direction of the ice-making cell of the second tray during the ice-making process, the degree of adhesion between the ice and the first tray is may be greater than adhesion.

The refrigerator may further include a driving unit. The position of the second tray can be controlled to be determined according to the motion position (linear/rotational motion) of the drive unit. After the water supply is completed, the control unit may control the second tray to be moved to the ice-making position by changing a movement position of the drive unit in a reverse direction. The control unit may control a movement position of the drive unit to be additionally changed in a reverse direction so as to increase a coupling force between the first and second trays at the ice making position. A refrigerator provided with such a configuration may advantageously include the pusher. This is because the adhesion between the ice and the tray may increase as the bonding force between the first and second trays increases.

The pusher may be disposed on a tray having a high degree of adhesion to ice among the first and second trays. The pusher may include a first edge formed with a surface for pressing the ice or the tray to easily separate the ice from the tray, and a second edge extending from the first edge and positioned at an end of the bar. The control unit may control a position of the pusher to be changed by moving at least one of the pusher and the second tray. The control unit may control the ice heater to be turned on before at least one of the pusher and the second tray is moved. In this case, damage to the pusher or the second tray can be reduced. The controller may control a position of at least one of the pusher and the second tray to be changed after the ice break heater is turned off. In this case, it is possible to reduce the risk due to a short circuit of the wire supplying electricity to the ice heater. A section in which at least one of the pusher and the second tray is moved may overlap a section in which the ice break heater is turned on. The control unit may control a position of at least one of the pusher and the second tray to be changed after the ice heater is turned on and before the heater is turned off.

Meanwhile, the pusher includes a first pusher disposed closer to one of the first and second trays and a second pusher disposed closer to the other one of the first and second trays. May include a pusher.

The control unit may control a first edge of the first pusher to pass through a through hole formed in any one of the trays at a first point outside the ice making cell. The controller may control the first edge of the second pusher to come into contact with at least a portion of the other tray at a first point outside the ice-making cell. A minimum distance between a first edge of the first pusher and a horizontal plane passing through a center of the ice-making cell may be smaller than a minimum distance between a first edge of the second pusher and a horizontal plane passing through a center of the ice-making cell. In this case, it may be advantageous that the first pusher is disposed on a tray having a high degree of adhesion to ice among the first and second trays. A distance between the first edge of the second pusher and a horizontal plane passing through the center of the ice-making cell may be greater than 0 and less than 1/2 of a radius of the ice-making cell.

On the other hand, in the refrigerator, at least a part of the cooler supplies cold so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move toward liquid water in an ice-producing area to generate transparent ice. A heater turned on in the section may be further included. The heater may be a transparent ice heater. When the first pusher is disposed more adjacent to one of the first and second trays, the transparent ice heater may be disposed more adjacent to the other one of the first and second trays. For example, when the transparent ice heater is disposed closer to the second tray, ice may be generated in a direction from the ice-making cell of the first tray to the ice-making cell of the second tray. In this case, the degree of adhesion between the ice and the first tray may be greater than the degree of adhesion between the ice and the second tray. Accordingly, it may be advantageous that the first pusher is disposed more adjacent to the first tray on which the transparent ice heater is not disposed.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include an accommodation chamber providing a space accommodating at least a portion of the pusher whose position is changed. The accommodating chamber may include a first accommodating chamber providing a space in which the second edge is located during the divination process. The accommodation chamber may further include a third accommodation chamber located outside the second edge and providing a space in which the second edge is located at the water supply position or the ice making position. The third accommodation chamber may be inclined with respect to the first accommodation chamber.

The controller may control the first edge to be at different positions at the water supply position and the ice making position. In this case, water supplied to the ice-making cell at the water supply position may be attached to the pusher to reduce freezing during the ice-making process. For example, the control unit may control the first edge to move in a first direction while moving from the ice-watering position to the water supplying position, and during moving from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position, the first edge can be controlled to additionally move in the first direction. In another example, the control unit controls the first edge to move in a first direction while moving from the ice-watering position to the water supplying position, and in moving from the water supplying position to the ice-making position, the first edge The edge may be controlled to move in a second direction different from the first direction. Here, the movement of the first edge in the second direction may include rotational movement. The motion of the first edge in the second direction may include motion at an angle different from that of the first direction.

The control unit may control the position of the first edge to be determined by the movement of the driving unit. The control unit may control the drive unit to additionally move after the first edge reaches the ice-making position. In this case, water supplied to the ice-making cell at the water supply position may be attached to the pusher to reduce freezing during the ice-making process.

The control unit may control the driving unit to additionally move after the first edge reaches the moving position. In this case, the pressing force applied to the ice by the first edge at the ice breaking position may be increased. The tray may have a smaller deformation resistance and a higher recovery rate than metal. The tray may have a smaller degree of resistance to deformation and a greater degree of recovery than the tray case.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a bracket including a surface on which the second tray is supported. The refrigerator may include a first part forming a surface supported by the bracket. The refrigerator may further include a cover member having a third portion forming a surface supported with the storage compartment.

The control unit may control the second edge to be positioned between a surface of the second tray supported by the bracket and a surface of the bracket supported by the first portion of the cover member in the moving position. The control unit may control the second edge to be located between a surface on which the bracket is supported by the cover member and a surface where the third portion of the cover member is supported on the storage compartment at the water supply position. With this configuration, the space of the storage compartment in which the first and second tray assemblies are disposed can be widely used. That is, as the first and second tray assemblies are compactly arranged, the remaining space of the storage compartment can be widely used.

The control unit may control the first edge to move in a direction away from the through hole provided in the water supply unit while the second tray moves from the tearing position to the water supply position. For example, the control unit may control the first edge to move higher than the through hole. As another example, the control unit may control the rotational movement of the first edge in a direction away from the through hole. This configuration can reduce freezing of the first edge. The through hole may be formed in a direction in which the water supply unit looks toward the ice making cell.

The controller may control the second edge to be additionally moved while the second tray is moved from the water supply position to the ice making position. The controller may control the driving unit to additionally rotate at the ice-making position. This configuration can increase the bonding force between the first and second tray assemblies.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes a storage compartment in which food is stored; a cooler for supplying cold to the storage compartment; a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the storage compartment; a first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space in which water is phase-changed into ice by the cold; a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell, contacting the first tray assembly during an ice-making process, and connected to a driving unit so as to be separated from the first tray assembly during an ice-making process; a water supply unit supplying water to the ice-making cell; a second temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell; a heater positioned adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly; and a control unit controlling the heater and the driving unit.

The control unit may control the cooler to supply cold to the ice-making cell after moving the second tray assembly to an ice-making position after water supply to the ice-making cell is completed.

The control unit may control the second tray assembly to move in a forward direction to an ice-breaking position and then move in a reverse direction in order to take out ice from the ice-making cell after ice is completely produced in the ice-making cell.

The control unit may start water supply after moving the second tray assembly to a water supply position in a reverse direction after the ice-leaving is completed.

The refrigerator may include a first edge formed with a surface for pressing ice or at least one of the first and second tray assemblies so that the ice is easily separated from the tray assemblies, a bar extending from the first edge, and a bar of the bar. A pusher having a second edge located at an end may be further included.

The controller may move at least one of the pusher and the second tray assembly to control relative positions of the pusher and the second tray assembly to be changed.

The refrigerator may further include a bracket including a surface on which the second tray assembly is supported.

A cover member having a first part forming a surface supported by the bracket, a third part forming a surface spaced apart from the first part, and a second part connecting the first part and the third part. can include more.

The control unit may control the position of the second edge to be located between the first portion and a surface on which the second tray assembly is supported by the bracket in the moving position.

The controller may control the position of the second edge to be located between the first and third parts of the cover member at the water supply position.

The control unit may control the position of the first edge to move in a direction away from the through hole provided in the water supply unit while the second tray assembly is moved from the tearing position to the water supply position.

The through hole may be formed in a portion where the water supply unit faces the ice making cell.

The control unit may control the position of the first edge to move upward from a point of the through hole at the water supply position.

The control unit may control a position of the second tray assembly so that the first edge rotates in a direction away from the through hole while the second tray assembly moves from the tearing position to the water supplying position.

The control unit may control the position of the second tray assembly so that the second edge is additionally moved while the second tray assembly is moved from the tearing position to the water supplying position.

The control unit may control the drive unit to additionally rotate at the ice making position of the second tray assembly.

The control unit may control the position of the first edge such that it is at different positions at the water supply position and the ice making position.

The first tray assembly may further include an auxiliary storage chamber for guiding water from the water supply unit to the ice-making cell.

The water supply unit may be supported by the auxiliary storage compartment. A lowermost end of the water supply unit may be positioned lower than an upper end of the auxiliary storage compartment.

The lowermost end of the water supply unit may be located in the auxiliary storage compartment. The pusher may pass through the auxiliary storage chamber and be drawn into the ice-making cell during the ice-leaving process.

The refrigerator may further include an additional heater to easily separate ice from the first tray assembly. The controller may control the additional heater to be turned on before controlling the position of the pusher to change.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes a storage compartment in which food is stored; a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the storage compartment; a first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water is phase-changed into ice by cold; a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell; a water supply unit supplying water to the ice-making cell; a heater positioned adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly; a pusher adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly; And it may include a control unit.

The first tray assembly may include a first tray, and the second tray assembly may include a second tray.

The heater may include an ice-leaving heater provided to supply heat to the first tray, transfer the heat supplied to the first tray to the ice-making cell, and disposed adjacent to the first tray.

The control unit may control the ice heater to be turned on before at least one of the pusher and the second tray is moved.

The ice heater may be a wire type heater or may be provided to be bent.

The ice-making cells may be provided in plurality, and the ice-making heaters may be disposed to surround the circumferences of the plurality of ice-making cells so that heat from the ice-making heaters may be evenly transferred to each of the plurality of ice-making cells.

It may further include a first heater case provided to install and fix the ice heater.

The first heater case may include a first heater accommodating part accommodating the leaving heater; and a through-opening into which a portion of the first tray is inserted, and the first heater accommodating portion may include a curved portion and a straight portion.

A second temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell may be further included. The first tray may further include a sensor accommodating portion in which the second temperature sensor is accommodated.

The second temperature sensor may be provided to be spaced apart from the ice heater while being accommodated in the sensor accommodating part of the first tray.

The plurality of ice-making cells may include two adjacent ice-making cells, and the sensor receiving portion of the first tray may be located between the two adjacent ice-making cells.

The first heater case may include a temperature sensor accommodating portion in which an interference preventing portion is formed to prevent interference with the first tray.

The first tray may further include an auxiliary storage chamber communicating with the ice-making cell.

The auxiliary storage chamber may be provided to store water overflowing from the ice-making cell or to place ice that expands during a phase change of supplied water.

An upper end of at least one of the ice heater and the second temperature sensor may be positioned lower than an upper end of the auxiliary storage compartment.

The first tray may further include a heater accommodating portion in which the ice-leaving heater is accommodated. The ice heater may contact a bottom surface of the heater accommodating portion of the first tray.

A plurality of detachment prevention protrusions may be provided on the curved portion and the straight portion of the first heater accommodating portion to prevent detachment when the leaving heater is accommodated.

The departure prevention protrusion may extend to a lower portion of the first heater case and have an end portion bent in a horizontal direction.

The departure prevention protrusion may include a first protrusion extending vertically from a lower portion of the first heater accommodating portion and a second protrusion extending horizontally from the first protrusion.

Since the ice-leaving heater is in contact with the upper surface of the second protrusion in the separation prevention protrusion, the ice-leaving heater can be separated from the second temperature sensor by the second protrusion.

The second protrusion of the departure prevention protrusion may extend toward the central portion of the first heater case.

A plurality of departure prevention grooves formed to correspond to the departure prevention protrusions may be provided in the first heater accommodating portion.

The separation preventing groove can prevent the ice breaking heater from being separated or disconnected by the separation preventing protrusion as a part of the ice breaking heater can be inserted therein.

A first tray case provided to be in contact with the first tray to support at least a portion of the first tray may be further included.

The first tray case may include the first tray supporter; and a first tray cover provided with an opening through which a portion of the pusher passes.

The first tray cover may be integrally formed with the first heater case.

According to the proposed invention, since the heater is turned on in at least a partial section while the cooler is supplying cold, the ice making speed is slowed down by the heat of the heater, so that bubbles dissolved in water inside the ice making cell generate ice. It can move towards the liquid water in the liquid state and produce transparent ice.

In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, at least one of the cooling capacity of the cooler and the heating amount of the heater is varied according to the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell, so that ice having uniform transparency as a whole regardless of the shape of the ice-making cell can create

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater and/or the cooling power of the cooler are varied in response to changes in the amount of heat transfer between the water in the ice-making cell and the cold in the storage compartment, thereby generating ice having uniform transparency as a whole. can do.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the pressure applied by the movable pusher to the ice is increased, the ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly during the ice shaving process.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the second edge of the movable pusher is positioned within the space formed by the cover member, the moving distance of the pusher is increased while the ice maker is compact.

1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a front view of the ice maker of FIG. 2;
4 is a perspective view of the ice maker in a state in which the bracket is removed from FIG. 3;
5 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 and 7 are perspective views of a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a perspective view of the first tray viewed from above;
9 is a perspective view of the first tray viewed from the lower side;
Fig. 10 is a plan view of the first tray;
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along FIG. 11 of FIG. 8;
12 is a bottom view of the first tray of FIG. 9;
13 is a cross-sectional view taken along 13-13 of FIG. 11;
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along 14-14 of FIG. 11;
15 is a cross-sectional view taken along 15-15 of FIG. 8;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the first tray cover;
17 is a lower perspective view of the first tray cover;
Fig. 18 is a plan view of the first tray cover;
Fig. 19 is a side view of the first tray case;
Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the first heater case;
21 is a lower perspective view of the first heater case;
22 is a partially enlarged view of the first heater case;
23 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling relationship between a first heater case and a first tray;
Fig. 24 is a plan view of the first tray supporter;
25 is a perspective view of a second tray viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention;
26 is a perspective view of the second tray viewed from the lower side;
Fig. 27 is a bottom view of the second tray;
Fig. 28 is a plan view of the second tray;
29 is a cross-sectional view taken along 29-29 of FIG. 25;
30 is a cross-sectional view taken along 30-30 of FIG. 25;
31 is a cross-sectional view taken along 31-31 of FIG. 25;
32 is a cross-sectional view taken along 32-32 of FIG. 28;
33 is a cross-sectional view taken along 33-33 of FIG. 29;
Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the second tray cover;
Fig. 35 is a plan view of the second tray cover;
Fig. 36 is an upper perspective view of the second tray supporter;
Fig. 37 is a lower perspective view of the second tray supporter;
38 is a cross-sectional view taken along 38-38 of FIG. 36;
Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a second heater case;
40 is a view in which a transparent ice heater is coupled to a second heater case;
41 is a cross-sectional view taken along 41-41 of FIG. 40;
Fig. 42 is a partially enlarged view of the second heater case;
43 is a view showing a first pusher of the present invention;
44 is a view showing a state in which the first pusher is connected to the second tray assembly by a link;
45 is a perspective view of a second pusher according to an embodiment of the present invention;
46 to 48 are views showing the assembly process of the ice maker of the present invention.
49 is a cross-sectional view taken along 49-49 in FIG. 2;
50 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
51 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating ice in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;
52 is a view for explaining a height standard according to a relative position of a transparent ice heater with respect to an ice-making cell;
53 is a view for explaining the output of the transparent ice heater per unit height of water in the ice-making cell;
54 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly in a water supply position;
55 is a view showing a state in which water supply is completed in FIG. 54;
56 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly in an ice-making position;
57 is a view showing a state in which the pressing part of the second tray is deformed in an ice-making completed state;
Fig. 58 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly in the tearing process;
Fig. 59 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly in the tearing position;
60 is a view showing the operation of the pusher link when the second tray assembly moves from the ice-making position to the ice-making position;
61 is a view showing the position of the first pusher at the water supply position in a state where the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator;
62 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher at the water supply position in a state where the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator;
63 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher at the ice shaving position in a state where the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator;
Fig. 64 is a view showing the positional relationship between the through hole of the bracket and the cold air duct;
65 is a view for explaining a control method of a refrigerator when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water is varied in an ice making process;

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 an embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function hinders understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Also, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe components of an embodiment of the present invention. 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".

The refrigerator of the present invention includes a tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water is phase-changed into ice, a cooler for supplying cold to the ice-making cell, and a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making cell. And it may include a control unit. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may further include a heater positioned adjacent to the tray assembly. The refrigerator may further include a driving unit capable of moving the tray assembly. The refrigerator may further include a storage compartment in which food is stored in addition to the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may further include a cooler for supplying cold to the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the storage compartment. The controller may control at least one of the water supply unit and the cooler. The control unit may control at least one of the heater and the driving unit.

The controller may control the cooler to supply cold to the ice-making cell after moving the tray assembly to an ice-making position. The control unit may control the tray assembly to move in a forward direction to an ice shaving position in order to take out ice from the ice making cell after ice is completely produced in the ice making cell. The control unit may control to start water supply after moving the tray assembly to a water supply position in a reverse direction after the ice-leaving is completed. The control unit may control the tray assembly to be moved to the ice-making position after the water supply is completed.

In the present invention, the storage compartment may be defined as a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by a cooler. The outer case may be defined as a wall partitioning the storage compartment and an outer space of the storage compartment (ie, a space outside the refrigerator). A heat insulating material may be positioned between the outer case and the storage compartment. An inner case may be positioned between the insulator and the storage compartment.

In the present invention, the ice-making cell is located inside the storage chamber and may be defined as a space in which water is phase-changed into ice. The circumference of the ice-making cell refers to the outer surface of the ice-making cell, regardless of the shape of the ice-making cell. In another aspect, the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell may refer to an inner surface of a wall forming the ice-making cell. The center of the ice-making cell means a center of gravity or a center of volume of the ice-making cell. The center may pass through the line of symmetry of the ice making cell.

In the present invention, the tray may be defined as a wall partitioning the ice-making cell and the inside of the storage compartment. The tray may be defined as a wall forming at least a part of the ice-making cell. The tray may be configured to surround all or only a portion of the ice-making cells. The tray may include a first portion forming at least a portion of the ice-making cell and a second portion extending from a predetermined point of the first portion. A plurality of the trays may exist. The plurality of trays may be in contact with each other. For example, the tray disposed below may include a plurality of trays. The upper tray may include a plurality of trays. The refrigerator may include at least one tray disposed under the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may further include a tray positioned above the ice-making cell. The first part and the second part are heat transfer of the tray, cold transfer of the tray, deformation resistance of the tray, recovery of the tray, supercooling degree of the tray, solidification in the tray and the inside of the tray, which will be described later. It may be a structure that considers the degree of adhesion between the formed ices and the bonding force between one and the other in a plurality of trays.

In the present invention, the tray case may be located between the tray and the storage compartment. That is, at least a portion of the tray case may be disposed to surround the tray. The tray case may exist in plurality. The plurality of tray cases may be in contact with each other. The tray case may contact the tray to support at least a portion of the tray. The tray case may be configured to connect components other than the tray (eg, a heater, a sensor, a power transmission member, etc.). The tray case may be directly coupled to the component or coupled to the component through an intermediary between the component and the component. For example, if a wall forming an ice-making cell is formed of a thin film and there is a structure surrounding the thin film, the thin film is defined as a tray and the structure is defined as a tray case. As another example, if a part of the wall forming the ice-making cell is formed of a thin film, and the structure includes a first part forming another part of the wall forming the ice-making cell and a second part surrounding the thin film, The first part of the structure with the membrane is defined as a tray, and the second part of the structure is defined as a tray case.

In the present invention, a tray assembly may be defined as including at least the tray. In the present invention, the tray assembly may further include the tray case.

In the present invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly configured to be movable by being connected to the driving unit. The driving unit is configured to move the tray assembly in at least one axial direction of X, Y, and Z axes or to rotate about at least one of X, Y, and Z axes. The present invention may include a refrigerator having components other than the drive unit and a power transmission member connecting the drive unit and the tray assembly in the contents described in the detailed description. In the present invention, the tray assembly may be moved in a first direction.

In the present invention, the cooler may be defined as a means for cooling the storage compartment including at least one of an evaporator and a thermoelectric element.

In the present invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly in which the heater is disposed. The heater may be disposed near the tray assembly to heat an ice-making cell formed by the tray assembly in which the heater is disposed. The heater is operated in at least a partial section while the cooler supplies cold so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move toward liquid water in an ice-making portion to generate transparent ice. A heater controlled to be turned on (hereinafter referred to as “transparent ice heater”) may be included. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter referred to as “ice-leaving heater”) that is controlled to be turned on in at least a partial section after ice making is completed so that the ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include a plurality of transparent ice heaters. The refrigerator may include a plurality of ice heaters. The refrigerator may include a transparent ice heater and an ice ice heater. In this case, the control unit may control the heating amount of the ice melting heater to be greater than the heating amount of the transparent ice heater.

In the present invention, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming an outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell. The tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of the ice-making cell and a second portion extending from a predetermined point of the first portion.

For example, the first area may be formed in a first part of the tray assembly. The first and second areas may be formed on a first part of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be part of the one tray assembly. The first and second regions may be disposed to contact each other. The first region may be a lower portion of an ice-making cell formed by the tray assembly. The second region may be an upper portion of an ice-making cell formed by the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include an additional tray assembly. Any one of the first and second regions may include a region in contact with the additional tray assembly. When the additional tray assembly is located below the first area, the additional tray assembly may contact the lower portion of the first area. When the additional tray assembly is located above the second area, the additional tray assembly and the top of the second area may contact each other.

As another example, the tray assembly may be composed of a plurality of pieces that may come into contact with each other. The first area may be located in a first tray assembly among the plurality of tray assemblies, and the second area may be located in a second tray assembly. The first region may be the first tray assembly. The second area may be the second tray assembly. The first and second regions may be disposed to contact each other. At least a portion of the first tray assembly may be positioned below an ice-making cell formed by the first and second tray assemblies. At least a portion of the second tray assembly may be positioned above an ice-making cell formed by the first and second tray assemblies.

Meanwhile, the first area may be an area closer to the heater than the second area. The first area may be an area where a heater is disposed. The second region may be a region closer to the heat absorbing part of the cooler (that is, the refrigerant pipe or the heat absorbing part of the thermoelectric module) than the first region. The second area may be an area closer to a through hole through which the cooler supplies cold air to the ice-making cell than the first area. In order for the cooler to supply cool air through the through hole, an additional through hole may be formed in another part. The second area may be an area closer to the additional through hole than the first area. The heater may be a transparent ice heater. The thermal insulation degree of the second region with respect to the cold may be smaller than the thermal insulation degree of the first region.

Meanwhile, a heater may be disposed in any one of the first and second tray assemblies of the refrigerator. For example, when the heater is not disposed in the other one, the controller may control the heater to be turned on in at least a part of a section while the cooler supplies cold. As another example, when an additional heater is disposed in the other one, the control unit may control the heating amount of the heater to be greater than the heating amount of the additional heater in at least a partial section while the cooler supplies cold. there is. The heater may be a transparent ice heater.

The present invention may include a refrigerator having a configuration except for the transparent ice heater in the contents described in the detailed description.

The present invention may include a pusher having a first edge formed with a surface that presses at least one surface of the ice or the tray assembly to easily separate the ice from the tray assembly. The pusher may include a bar extending from the first edge and a second edge positioned at an end of the bar. The controller may control a position of the pusher to be changed by moving at least one of the pusher and the tray assembly. Depending on the point of view, the pusher may be defined as a penetration type pusher, a non-through type pusher, a movable type pusher, or a fixed type pusher.

A through hole through which the pusher moves may be formed in the tray assembly, and the pusher may be configured to directly apply pressure to the ice inside the tray assembly. The pusher may be defined as a through-type pusher.

A pressing portion applied by the pusher may be formed in the tray assembly, and the pusher may be configured to apply pressure to one surface of the tray assembly. The pusher may be defined as a non-penetrating pusher.

The controller may control the pusher to move so that the first edge of the pusher is located between a first point outside the ice-making cell and a second point inside the ice-making cell.

The pusher may be defined as a movable pusher. The pusher may be connected to a driving unit, a rotating shaft of the driving unit, or a movable tray assembly connected to the driving unit.

The control unit may control to move at least one of the tray assemblies so that the first edge of the pusher is located between a first point outside the ice-making cell and a second point inside the ice-making cell. . The controller may control at least one of the tray assemblies to move toward the pusher. Alternatively, the control unit may control relative positions of the pusher and the tray assembly to further press the pressing unit after the pusher contacts the pressing unit at a first point outside the ice-making cell. The pusher may be coupled to a fixed end. The pusher may be defined as a fixed type pusher.

In the present invention, the ice-making cell may be cooled by the cooler that cools the storage compartment. For example, a storage compartment in which the ice-making cell is located is a freezing compartment that can be controlled at a temperature lower than 0 degrees, and the ice-making cell may be cooled by a cooler that cools the freezing compartment.

The freezing chamber may be divided into a plurality of areas, and the ice making cell may be located in one of the plurality of areas.

In the present invention, the ice-making cell may be cooled by a cooler other than the cooler that cools the storage compartment. For example, the storage compartment where the ice-making cell is located is a refrigerating compartment that can be controlled at a temperature higher than 0 degrees, and the ice-making cell may be cooled by a cooler other than a cooler that cools the refrigerating compartment. That is, the refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, and the ice-making cell is located inside the refrigerating compartment and the ice-making cell may be cooled by a cooler that cools the freezing compartment.

The ice-making cell may be located at a door that opens and closes the storage compartment.

In the present invention, the ice-making cell is not located inside the storage compartment and may be cooled by a cooler. For example, the entire storage compartment formed inside the outer case may be the ice-making cell.

In the present invention, the degree of heat transfer indicates the degree of heat transfer from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature object, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc. do. From the viewpoint of the material of the object, high thermal conductivity of the object may mean that the thermal conductivity of the object is high. The thermal conductivity may be a unique material characteristic of an object. Even when the material of the object is the same, the degree of heat transfer may vary depending on the shape of the object.

The heat transfer rate may vary according to the shape of the object. The degree of heat transfer from point A to point B may be affected by the length of a path through which heat is transferred from point A to point B (hereinafter referred to as “heat transfer path”). As the heat transfer path from the point A to the point B increases, the heat transfer rate from the point A to the point B may decrease. The shorter the heat transfer path from the point A to the point B, the higher the heat transfer rate from the point A to the point B.

Meanwhile, the degree of heat transfer from point A to point B may be affected by the thickness of a path through which heat is transferred from point A to point B. As the thickness in the path direction in which heat is transferred from the point A to the point B is reduced, the heat transfer rate from the point A to the point B may decrease. As the thickness in the path direction in which heat is transferred from the point A to the point B increases, the heat transfer rate from the point A to the point B may increase.

In the present invention, the degree of cold transfer indicates the degree of transfer of cold from a low-temperature object to a high-temperature object, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc. do. The cold transfer rate is a term defined in consideration of the direction in which cold flows, and can be regarded as the same concept as the heat transfer rate. A description of the same concept as the heat transfer rate will be omitted.

In the present invention, the degree of supercooling is the degree to which a liquid is supercooled, and the material of the liquid, the material or shape of the container for accommodating the liquid, and the external influence applied to the liquid during the solidification process of the liquid It can be defined as a value determined by factors, etc. An increase in the frequency of supercooling of the liquid can be regarded as an increase in the degree of supercooling. A decrease in the temperature at which the liquid is maintained in a supercooled state may be regarded as an increase in the degree of supercooling. Here, supercooling means a state in which the liquid does not solidify even at a temperature below the freezing point of the liquid and exists in a liquid phase. The supercooled liquid is characterized in that solidification occurs rapidly from the point of time when the supercooling is terminated. When it is desired to maintain the rate at which the liquid solidifies within a predetermined range, it would be advantageous to design the supercooling phenomenon to be reduced.

In the present invention, the degree of deformation resistance indicates the degree of resistance of an object to deformation caused by an external force applied to the object, and is a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc. is defined For example, the external force may include pressure applied to the tray assembly while water in the ice-making cell is solidified and expanded. As another example, the external force may include pressure applied to ice or a portion of the tray assembly by a pusher for separating the ice from the tray assembly. As another example, when the tray assemblies are coupled, pressure applied by the coupling may be included.

Meanwhile, from the viewpoint of the material of the object, a high degree of deformation resistance of the object may mean that the object has high rigidity. The thermal conductivity may be a unique material characteristic of an object. Even when the material of the object is the same, the strain resistance may vary depending on the shape of the object. The strain resistance may be influenced by a strain resistance reinforcement part extending in a direction in which the external force is applied. As the stiffness of the strain-resistant reinforcing portion increases, the strain resistance may increase. As the height of the extended strain-resistant reinforcing portion increases, the strain resistance may increase.

In the present invention, the degree of restoration indicates the degree to which an object deformed by an external force is restored to the shape of the object before the external force is applied after the external force is removed, and the shape including the thickness of the object, the shape of the object It is defined as a value determined by the material, etc. For example, the external force may include pressure applied to the tray assembly while water in the ice-making cell is solidified and expanded. As another example, the external force may include pressure applied to ice or a portion of the tray assembly by a pusher for separating the ice from the tray assembly. As another example, when the tray assemblies are coupled, pressure applied by the coupling force may be included.

On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the material of the object, a high degree of restoration of the object may mean that the elastic modulus of the object is high. The modulus of elasticity may be a unique material characteristic of an object. Even when the material of the object is the same, the degree of restoration may vary depending on the shape of the object. The degree of restoration may be affected by an elastic reinforcing portion extending in a direction in which the external force is applied. As the modulus of elasticity of the elastic reinforcing part increases, the degree of restoration may increase.

In the present invention, the bonding force indicates the degree of coupling between a plurality of tray assemblies, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the tray assembly, the material of the tray assembly, and the magnitude of the force combining the trays. .

In the present invention, the degree of adhesion indicates the degree of adhesion between the ice and the container in the process of the water contained in the container becoming ice, such as the shape including the thickness of the container, the material of the container, the time elapsed after becoming ice in the container, etc. It is defined as a value determined by

The refrigerator of the present invention includes a first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space in which water is phase-changed into ice by the cold, a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell, and the ice-making A cooler for supplying cold to the cell, a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making cell, and a control unit may be included. The refrigerator may further include a storage compartment in addition to the ice-making cell. The storage compartment may include a space for storing food. The ice-making cell may be disposed inside the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a second temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell. The second tray assembly may come into contact with the first tray assembly during an ice making process, and may be connected to a driving unit so as to be separated from the first tray assembly during an ice breaking process. The refrigerator may further include a heater positioned adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

The control unit may control at least one of the heater and the driving unit. The control unit may control the cooler to supply cold to the ice-making cell after the second tray assembly is moved to an ice-making position after water supply to the ice-making cell is completed. The control unit may control the second tray assembly to move in a forward direction to an ice-breaking position and then move in a reverse direction in order to take out ice from the ice-making cell after ice is completely produced in the ice-making cell. The control unit may control to start water supply after moving the second tray assembly to a water supply position in a reverse direction after the ice-leaving is completed.

It is explained in relation to transparent ice. Bubbles are dissolved in water, and the ice solidified while containing the bubbles may have low transparency due to the bubbles. Therefore, in the process of solidifying the water, if the bubbles are induced to move from a first frozen portion to another unfrozen portion in the ice making cell, the transparency of the ice may be increased.

Through-holes formed in the tray assembly may have an effect on generating transparent ice. Through-holes that may be formed on one side of the tray assembly may have an effect on generating transparent ice. Transparency of the ice may be increased by inducing the air bubbles to move out of the ice-making cell in the first frozen portion of the ice-making cell during the ice-making process. A through hole may be disposed at one side of the tray assembly to guide the bubbles to move out of the ice-making cell. Since the bubble has a lower density than the liquid, a through-hole (hereinafter referred to as an “air vent hole”) through which the bubble escapes to the outside of the ice-making cell may be disposed on the upper side of the tray assembly.

The location of coolers and heaters can affect the production of clear ice. Positions of the cooler and the heater may affect an ice-making direction, which is a direction in which ice is generated inside the ice-making cell.

During the ice-making process, if bubbles are induced to move or be collected from an area where water is first solidified in an ice-making cell to another constant area in a liquid state, the transparency of the ice to be created may be increased. A direction in which the air bubbles move or are collected may be similar to an ice making direction. The predetermined area may be an area to induce slow solidification of water in the ice-making cell.

The predetermined area may be an area in which cold supplied by the cooler to the ice-making cell arrives late. For example, in order to move or collect the air bubbles to the lower part of the ice-making cell during the ice-making process, the through-hole through which the cooler supplies cold air to the ice-making cell may be disposed closer to the upper portion than the lower portion of the ice-making cell. As another example, the heat absorbing part of the cooler (that is, the refrigerant pipe of the evaporator or the heat absorbing part of the thermoelectric element) may be disposed closer to the upper portion of the ice-making cell than to the lower portion. In the present invention, the upper and lower portions of the ice-making cell may be defined as an upper region and a lower region based on the height of the ice-making cell.

The predetermined area may be an area where a heater is disposed. For example, during the ice-making process, in order to move or collect air bubbles in water to the lower part of the ice-making cell, the heater may be disposed closer to the lower part than the upper part of the ice-making cell.

The predetermined area may be an area closer to the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell than the center of the ice-making cell. However, the vicinity of the center is not excluded. When the predetermined area is near the center of the ice-making cell, an opaque portion due to bubbles moving or collected near the center can be easily seen by a user, and the opaque portion can remain until most of the ice is melted. there is. In addition, it may be difficult to place the heater inside an ice-making cell filled with water. On the other hand, when the predetermined area is located on or near the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell, water can be solidified from one side of the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell to the other side of the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell, thereby solving the above problem. . The transparent ice heater may be disposed on or near an outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell. The heater may be disposed on or near the tray assembly.

The predetermined area may be closer to a lower portion of the ice-making cell than an upper portion of the ice-making cell. However, the upper part is not excluded either. During the ice-making process, since liquid water having a higher density than ice descends, it may be advantageous for the predetermined area to be located below the ice-making cell.

At least one of the deformation resistance and stability of the tray assembly and the bonding force between the plurality of tray assemblies may affect the generation of transparent ice. At least one of the deformation resistance and stability of the tray assembly and the bonding force between the plurality of tray assemblies may affect an ice-making direction, which is a direction in which ice is generated inside the ice-making cell. As described above, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming outer circumferential surfaces of the ice-making cell. For example, the first and second regions may be part of one tray assembly. As another example, the first area may be a first tray assembly. The second region may be a second tray assembly.

In order to generate transparent ice, it may be advantageous for the refrigerator to be configured such that the direction in which ice is generated in the ice-making cell is constant. This is because, as the ice-making direction becomes constant, it may mean that bubbles in the water are moved or collected in a certain area within the ice-making cell. In order to induce ice formation in one part of the tray assembly in the direction of another part, it may be advantageous that the strain resistance of the part is greater than the strain resistance of the other part. Ice tends to grow as it expands toward a portion having a smaller strain resistance. Meanwhile, in order to start making ice again after removing the ice, ice having the same shape can be repeatedly created only when the deformed portion is restored. Accordingly, it may be advantageous that the portion having the low strain resistance has a greater degree of restoration than the portion having the large deformation resistance.

The deformation resistance of the tray to an external force may be smaller than the deformation resistance of the tray case to the external force, or the rigidity of the tray may be smaller than the rigidity of the tray case. The tray assembly may be configured such that deformation of the tray case surrounding the tray is reduced while allowing the tray to be deformed by the external force. For example, the tray assembly may be configured such that the tray case surrounds at least a portion of the tray. In this case, when pressure is applied to the tray assembly in the process of solidifying and expanding the water inside the ice-making cell, at least a portion of the tray is allowed to deform, and another portion of the tray is supported by the tray case. It can be configured to limit deformation. In addition, when the external force is removed, the degree of recovery of the tray may be greater than that of the tray case, or the modulus of elasticity of the tray may be greater than the modulus of elasticity of the tray case. This configuration can be configured so that the deformed tray can be easily restored.

The strain resistance of the tray against external force may be greater than the deformation resistance of the refrigerator gasket against the external force, or the rigidity of the tray may be greater than that of the gasket. When the strain resistance of the tray is low, the tray may be excessively deformed as water in the ice-making cell formed by the tray solidifies and expands. Deformation of the tray may make it difficult to produce ice of a desired shape. Also, when the external force is removed, the degree of restoration of the tray may be smaller than that of the refrigerator gasket against the external force, or the elastic modulus of the tray may be smaller than the elastic modulus of the gasket.

The strain resistance of the tray case to an external force may be smaller than the strain resistance of the refrigerator case to the external force, or the rigidity of the tray case may be smaller than that of the refrigerator case. In general, a case of a refrigerator may be formed of a metal material including steel. Also, when the external force is removed, the degree of restoration of the tray case may be greater than that of the refrigerator case against the external force, or the modulus of elasticity of the tray case may be greater than the modulus of elasticity of the refrigerator case.

The relationship between transparent ice and strain resistance is as follows.

The second region may have different strain resistance in a direction along an outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell. The strain resistance of any one of the second regions may be greater than the strain resistance of the other of the second regions. With this configuration, it is possible to induce ice to be generated in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region in the ice-making cell formed by the second region.

Meanwhile, the first and second regions disposed to contact each other may have different strain resistance in a direction along an outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell. The strain resistance of any one of the second regions may be higher than the strain resistance of any one of the first regions. With this configuration, it is possible to help induce ice to be generated in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region in the ice-making cell formed by the second region.

In this case, the water expands in volume while being solidified, so that pressure may be applied to the tray assembly, and ice may be formed in another direction of the second area or in one direction of the first area. The degree of strain resistance may be a degree of resistance to deformation due to an external force. The external force may be a pressure applied to the tray assembly while water in the ice-making cell is solidified and expanded. The external force may be a force in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) among the pressures. The external force may be a force acting in a direction from an ice-making cell formed by the second region to an ice-making cell formed by the first region.

For example, in the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making cell to the outer circumferential direction of the ice-making cell, one of the second regions may be thicker than the other of the second regions or may be thicker than any one of the first regions. . Any one of the second regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray case. Another part of the second area may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. Any one of the first regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray case. One of the second regions may be a portion forming an uppermost part of the ice making cell among the second regions. The second region may include a tray and a tray case locally surrounding the tray. In this way, if at least a portion of the second region is configured to be thicker than other portions, the deformation resistance of the second region against an external force can be improved. The minimum thickness of any one of the second regions may be thicker than the minimum thickness of the other of the second regions or may be thicker than any one minimum value of the first region. The maximum value of any one thickness of the second region may be thicker than the maximum value of the other thickness of the second region or may be thicker than any one maximum value of the first region. When the through hole is formed in the area, the minimum value means the minimum value among the remaining areas excluding the portion where the through hole is formed. An average value of any one thickness of the second region may be greater than an average value of another thickness of the second region or may be greater than an average value of any one thickness of the first region. The uniformity of any one thickness of the second region may be smaller than the uniformity of the other thickness of the second region or may be smaller than the uniformity of any one thickness of the first region.

As another example, one of the second regions extends from a first surface forming part of the ice-making cell and a vertical direction away from the ice-making cell formed by the other second region from the first surface. A deformable reinforcing portion may be included. Meanwhile, one of the second regions includes a first surface forming part of the ice-making cell and a deformation-resistant reinforcing portion extending from the first surface in a vertical direction away from the ice-making cell formed by the first region. can do. In this way, when at least a part of the second region includes the strain-resistant reinforcing portion, the deformation resistance of the second region against an external force may be improved.

As another example, one of the second regions is located at a fixed end (eg, a bracket, a wall of a storage compartment, etc.) of a refrigerator located in a direction away from the ice-making cell formed by the other second region from the first surface. A connected support surface may be further included. One of the second regions further includes a support surface connected to a fixed end (eg, a bracket, a wall of a storage compartment, etc.) of the refrigerator located in a direction away from the ice-making cell formed by the first region from the first surface. can do. In this way, when at least a part of the second region includes a support surface connected to the fixing end, deformation resistance of the second region against an external force may be improved.

As another example, the tray assembly may include a first part forming at least a part of the ice-making cell and a second part extending from a certain point of the first part. At least a portion of the second portion may extend in a direction away from an ice-making cell formed by the first region. At least a portion of the second portion may include an additional strain-resistant reinforcing portion. At least a portion of the second part may further include a support surface connected to the fixing end. In this way, if at least a portion of the second region further includes the second portion, it may be advantageous to improve strain resistance of the second region against the external force. This is because an additional strain-resistant reinforcing part may be formed on the second part or the second part may be additionally supported by the fixing end.

As another example, one of the second regions may include a first through hole. When the first through-hole is formed as described above, the ice solidified in the ice-making cell of the second area expands to the outside of the ice-making cell through the first through-hole, and thus the pressure applied to the second area can be reduced. . In particular, when excessive water is supplied to the ice-making cell, the first through-hole may contribute to reducing deformation of the second region in the process of solidifying the water.

Meanwhile, one of the second regions may include a second through hole for providing a path through which air bubbles contained in water in the ice-making cell of the second region move or escape. When the second through hole is formed in this way, the transparency of the solidified ice can be improved.

Meanwhile, a third through-hole may be formed in one of the second regions so that the through-type pusher may press. This is because it may be difficult for the non-perforated pusher to press the surface of the tray assembly to remove ice when the deformation resistance of the second region is increased. The first, second and third through holes may overlap. The first, second and third through holes may be formed in one through hole.

Meanwhile, one of the second regions may include a mounting portion where the leaving heater is located. The fact that ice is induced to be generated in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region in the ice-making cell formed by the second region may mean that the ice is first formed in the second region. In this case, the time for which the ice is attached to the second region may be prolonged, and an ice breaking heater may be required to separate the ice from the second region. A portion of the second area where the ice-leaving heater is mounted may have a thickness of the tray assembly in a direction from the center of the ice-making cell to the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell is thinner than the other portion of the second area. This is because the amount of heat supplied by the evaporating heater to the ice-making cell may be increased. The fixed end may be a bracket or part of the wall forming the storage compartment.

The relationship between the binding force of the transparent ice and the tray assembly is as follows.

In order to induce ice to be generated in the ice-making cell formed by the second region in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region, it may be advantageous to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions disposed to contact each other. there is. In the process of water solidification, when the pressure applied to the tray assembly while expanding is greater than the bonding force between the first and second regions, ice may be formed in a direction in which the first and second regions are separated. In addition, when the pressure applied to the tray assembly while expanding in the process of water solidification is small in the bonding force between the first and second regions, the direction of the ice-making cell of the region having the smallest deformation resistance among the first and second regions It also has the advantage of being able to induce ice to be created.

There may be various examples of how to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions. For example, after the water supply is completed, the control unit changes the motion position of the drive unit in a first direction to control one of the first and second areas to move in the first direction, and then controls the first and second areas to move in the first direction. A movement position of the drive unit may be controlled to further change in the first direction so as to increase coupling force between regions. As another example, in the driving unit, by increasing the coupling force between the first and second regions, the change in the shape of the ice-making cell due to the expanding ice after the ice-making process starts (or after the heater is turned on) can be reduced. The first and second regions may have different degrees of resistance to deformation or stability to the transmitted force. As another example, the first area may include a first surface facing the second area. The second area may include a second surface facing the first area. The first and second surfaces may be disposed to contact each other. The first and second surfaces may be disposed to face each other. The first and second surfaces may be arranged to be separated and combined. In this case, the area of the first surface and the area of the second surface may be configured to be different from each other. In this configuration, it is possible to increase the bonding strength of the first and second regions while reducing damage to the portion where the first and second regions contact each other. In addition, there is an advantage of reducing leakage of water supplied between the first and second regions.

The relationship between transparent ice and restoration is as follows.

The tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of the ice-making cell and a second portion extending from a predetermined point of the first portion. The second part is configured to be deformed by expansion of the ice and restored after the ice is removed. The second portion may include a horizontal extension portion provided to increase a degree of stability against a vertical external force of the expanding ice. The second part may include a vertical extension portion provided to increase a degree of stability against an external force of expanding ice in a horizontal direction. Such a configuration may help induce ice to be generated in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region in the ice-making cell formed by the second region.

The first region may have different degrees of restoration in a direction along an outer circumferential surface of the ice making cell. Also, the first region may have different strain resistance in a direction along an outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell. A degree of reconstruction of any one of the first regions may be higher than that of another one of the first regions. Also, the strain resistance of any one may be lower than the other strain resistance. This configuration may help induce ice to be generated in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region in the ice-making cell formed by the second region.

Meanwhile, the first and second regions disposed to contact each other may have different degrees of restoration in a direction along an outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell. Also, the first and second regions may have different strain resistance in a direction along an outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell. A degree of reconstruction of any one of the first regions may be higher than a degree of reconstruction of any one of the second regions. Also, the strain resistance of any one of the first regions may be lower than the strain resistance of any one of the second regions. This configuration may help induce ice to be generated in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region in the ice-making cell formed by the second region.

In this case, the water expands in volume while being solidified, so that pressure may be applied to the tray assembly, and ice may be induced to be formed in one direction of the first region having a small degree of deformation or a large degree of restoration. . Here, the degree of restoration may be a degree of restoration after the external force is removed. The external force may be a pressure applied to the tray assembly while water in the ice-making cell is solidified and expanded. The external force may be a force in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) among the pressures. The external force may be a force in a direction from an ice-making cell formed by the second area to an ice-making cell formed by the first area.

For example, a thickness of the tray assembly in a direction from the center of the ice-making cell to the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell may be thinner than any one of the first regions or thinner than any other of the second regions. Any one of the first regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray case. Another part of the first area may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. Any one of the second regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. One of the first regions may be a portion forming a lowermost part of the ice-making cell in the first region. The first region may include a tray and a tray case locally surrounding the tray.

A minimum thickness of any one of the first regions may be thinner than a minimum thickness of another of the first regions or may be thinner than a minimum thickness of any one of the second regions. The maximum value of any one thickness of the first region may be thinner than the maximum value of the other thickness of the first region or may be thinner than the maximum value of any one thickness of the second region. When the through hole is formed in the area, the minimum value means the minimum value among the remaining areas excluding the portion where the through hole is formed. An average value of any one thickness of the first region may be thinner than an average value of another thickness of the first region or may be thinner than an average value of any one thickness of the second region. The uniformity of any one thickness of the first region may be greater than the uniformity of another thickness of the first region or greater than the uniformity of any one thickness of the second region.

As another example, one shape of the first region may be different from another shape of the first region or different from any one shape of the second region. A curvature of any one of the first regions may be different from another curvature of the first region or a curvature of any one of the second regions. Any one curvature of the first region may be smaller than the other curvature of the first region or smaller than any one curvature of the second region. Any one of the first regions may include a flat surface. Another one of the first regions may include a curved surface. One of the second regions may include a curved surface. One of the first regions may include a shape in which the ice is depressed in a direction opposite to an expanding direction. One of the first regions may include a shape that is depressed in a direction opposite to a direction in which the ice is induced to be formed. During the ice making process, one of the first regions may be deformed in a direction in which the ice expands or in a direction inducing formation of the ice. During the ice-making process, a deformation amount in a direction from the center of the ice-making cell to an outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell may be greater in one of the first regions than in another one of the first regions. During the ice-making process, a deformation amount in a direction from the center of the ice-making cell to an outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell may be greater in one of the first regions than in any one of the second regions.

As another example, in order to induce ice to be generated in the ice-making cell formed by the second region in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region, one of the first region may form a part of the ice-making cell. It may include a first surface and a second surface extending from the first surface and supported by the other surface of the first region. Except for the second surface, the first region may be configured not to be directly supported by other parts. The other part may be a fixed end of the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, a pressing surface may be formed in one of the first regions so that the non-penetrating pusher may press. This is because difficulty in removing ice by pressing the surface of the tray assembly by the non-penetrating type pusher may be reduced when the deformation resistance of the first region is low or the stability is high.

The ice-making speed, which is the speed at which ice is formed inside the ice-making cell, may affect the generation of transparent ice. The ice-making speed may affect the transparency of ice to be produced. A factor affecting the ice-making speed may be a cooling amount and/or a heating amount supplied to the ice-making cell. The amount of cooling and/or heating may affect the generation of transparent ice. The amount of cooling and/or heating may affect the transparency of ice.

In the process of generating the transparent ice, the transparency of the ice may decrease as the ice-making speed is greater than the speed at which air bubbles in the ice-making cell move or are collected. On the other hand, if the ice-making speed is slower than the speed at which the air bubbles move or are collected, the transparency of the ice may be increased. However, as the ice-making speed is lower, the time required to generate transparent ice becomes excessive. In addition, as the ice-making speed is maintained within a uniform range, the transparency of the ice may be uniform.

In order to uniformly maintain the ice-making speed within a predetermined range, the amount of cold and heat supplied to the ice-making cell should be uniform. However, in actual conditions of use of the refrigerator, a case in which cold is variable occurs, and accordingly, it is necessary to vary the supply amount of heat. For example, when the temperature of the storage compartment reaches a satisfactory range from a dissatisfied area, when a defrosting operation is performed for the cooler in the storage compartment, when the door of the storage compartment is opened, and the like. In addition, when the amount of water per unit height of the ice-making cell is different, when the same cold and heat are supplied per unit height, transparency per unit height may vary.

In order to solve this problem, the control unit controls the cold air for cooling the ice-making cell and When the heat transfer amount between water in the ice-making cell increases, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater is increased, and when the heat transfer amount between the cold air for cooling the ice-making cell and the water in the ice-making cell decreases, the transparent ice heater The amount of heating can be controlled to decrease.

The controller may control one or more of a cold supply amount of the cooler and a heat supply amount of the heater to be varied according to the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell. In this case, transparent ice may be provided according to the shape change of the ice-making cell.

The refrigerator further includes a sensor for measuring information on the mass of water per unit height of the ice-making cell, and the controller determines the amount of cold supply of the cooler and the amount of heat supplied by the heater based on the information input from the sensor. One or more can be controlled to be variable.

The refrigerator may include a storage unit in which driving information of a predetermined cooler is recorded based on information on the mass per unit height of an ice-making cell, and the control unit may control the cold supply amount of the cooler to be variable based on the information. there is.

The refrigerator includes a storage unit in which driving information of a predetermined heater is recorded based on information on the mass per unit height of the ice-making cell, and the control unit controls the heat supply amount of the heater to be variable based on the information. there is. For example, the control unit may control at least one of a cold supply amount of a cooler and a heat supply amount of a heater to be varied according to a predetermined time based on information about a mass per unit height of an ice making cell. . The time may be a time when the cooler is operated to generate ice or a time when the heater is operated. As another example, the controller may control at least one of the cold supply amount of the cooler and the heat supply amount of the heater to be variable according to a predetermined temperature based on information about the mass per unit height of the ice making cell. The temperature may be a temperature of the ice-making cell or a temperature of a tray assembly forming the ice-making cell.

On the other hand, if a sensor for measuring the mass of water per unit height of the ice-making cell malfunctions or if the water supplied to the ice-making cell is insufficient or excessive, the shape of the water to be made is changed, so that the transparency of the ice produced may be reduced. there is. In order to solve this problem, a water supply method for precisely controlling the amount of water supplied to the ice-making cell is required. Also, in order to reduce leakage of water from the ice-making cell at the water supply position or the ice-making position, the tray assembly may include a structure for reducing leakage. In addition, it is necessary to increase the bonding force between the first and second tray assemblies forming the ice-making cell to reduce the change in shape of the ice-making cell due to the expansive force of the ice during the ice-making process. In addition, the precise water supply method, the water leakage reducing structure of the tray assembly, and the increasing bonding force between the first and second tray assemblies are also required to generate ice close to the shape of the tray.

The degree of supercooling of water inside the ice-making cell may affect the generation of transparent ice. The degree of supercooling of the water may affect the transparency of the resulting ice.

In order to produce transparent ice, it would be desirable to design the degree of supercooling to be low so as to maintain the temperature inside the ice-making cell within a predetermined range. This is because the supercooled liquid has a characteristic in which solidification occurs rapidly from the point at which supercooling is terminated. In this case, the transparency of the ice may decrease.

In the process of solidifying the liquid, the control unit of the refrigerator reduces the degree of supercooling of the liquid when the time required from the temperature of the liquid to the freezing point to the specific temperature below the freezing point is less than a reference value In order to do so, the supercooling release means may be controlled to operate. After reaching the freezing point, it can be seen that the temperature of the liquid is quickly cooled below the freezing point as supercooling occurs and no solidification occurs.

An example of the supercooling canceling unit may include an electrical spark generating unit. When the spark is supplied to the liquid, the degree of supercooling of the liquid can be reduced. As another example of the supercooling canceling means, a driving means for applying an external force to move the liquid may be included. The driving means may cause the container to move in at least one direction among the X, Y, and Z axes, or rotate around at least one axis among the X, Y, and Z axes. When kinetic energy is supplied to the liquid, the degree of supercooling of the liquid can be reduced. As another example of the supercooling canceling means, a means for supplying the liquid to the container may be included. The control unit of the refrigerator, after supplying a first volume of liquid smaller than the volume of the container, when a predetermined time elapses or when the temperature of the liquid reaches a predetermined temperature equal to or less than the freezing point, puts the first volume of liquid into the container. It can be controlled to additionally supply a large second volume of liquid. In this way, when the liquid is divided and supplied to the container, the liquid supplied first may solidify and act as an ice block, so that the degree of supercooling of the additionally supplied liquid can be reduced.

The degree of supercooling of the liquid may increase as the heat transfer rate of the container accommodating the liquid increases. The degree of supercooling of the liquid may decrease as the heat transfer rate of the container accommodating the liquid decreases.

The structure and method of heating the ice-making cell, including the thermal conductivity of the tray assembly, can affect the production of transparent ice. As described above, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming outer circumferential surfaces of the ice-making cell. For example, the first and second regions may be part of one tray assembly. As another example, the first area may be a first tray assembly. The second region may be a second tray assembly.

Cold supplied by the cooler to the ice-making cell and heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making cell have opposite properties. In order to increase the ice-making speed and/or improve the transparency of ice, the design of the structure and control of the cooler and the heater, the relationship between the cooler and the tray assembly, and the relationship between the heater and the tray assembly are very important. can do.

For a constant amount of cooling supplied by the cooler and a constant amount of heat supplied by the heater, in order to increase the ice-making speed of the refrigerator and/or increase the transparency of the ice, it may be advantageous for the heater to be arranged to locally heat the ice-making cell. As heat supplied to the ice-making cell by the heater is reduced from being transferred to an area other than the area where the heater is located, the ice-making speed may be improved. As the heater strongly heats only a portion of the ice-making cell, bubbles may be moved or collected from the ice-making cell to an area adjacent to the heater, thereby increasing the transparency of ice.

When the amount of heat supplied to the ice-making cell by the heater is large, bubbles in the water may be moved or collected in the heat-receiving portion, and thus the transparency of the generated ice may be increased. However, if heat is uniformly supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell, the ice-making speed at which ice is formed may decrease. Accordingly, as the heater locally heats a portion of the ice-making cell, the transparency of the ice to be generated may be increased and a decrease in ice-making speed may be minimized.

The heater may be disposed to contact one side of the tray assembly. The heater may be disposed between the tray and the tray case. Heat transfer by conduction may be advantageous for locally heating the ice making cell.

At least a part of the other side of the heater not in contact with the tray may be sealed with an insulating material. This configuration can reduce the transfer of heat supplied by the heater toward the storage compartment.

The tray assembly may be configured such that heat transfer from the heater to the center of the ice-making cell is greater than heat transfer from the heater to the circumference of the ice-making cell.

The heat transfer rate of the tray from the tray to the center of the ice-making cell may be greater than the heat transfer rate from the tray case to the storage compartment, or the thermal conductivity of the tray may be greater than that of the tray case. Such a configuration may lead to an increase in transfer of heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making cell via the tray. In addition, transfer of heat from the heater to the storage compartment via the tray case may be reduced.

The heat transfer rate of the tray from the tray to the center of the ice-making cell is less than the heat transfer rate of the refrigerator case from the outside of the refrigerator case (for example, the inner case or the outer case) to the storage compartment, or the heat conductivity of the tray is less than the heat conductivity of the refrigerator case. It can be configured to be smaller than This is because the degree of supercooling of water accommodated in the tray may increase as the heat transfer rate or thermal conductivity of the tray increases. As the degree of supercooling of the water increases, the water may be solidified more rapidly at the time point when the supercooling is terminated. In this case, a problem in which the transparency of the ice is not uniform or the transparency is lowered may occur. In general, a case of a refrigerator may be formed of a metal material including steel.

The heat transfer rate of the tray case from the storage compartment to the tray case is greater than the heat transfer rate of the insulation wall from the outer space of the refrigerator to the storage compartment direction, or the thermal conductivity of the tray case is greater than the heat transfer rate of the insulation wall (for example, between the inner/outer case of the refrigerator) It can be configured to be greater than the thermal conductivity of the insulation). Here, the heat insulating wall may refer to a heat insulating wall partitioning the external space and the storage compartment. This is because when the heat transfer rate of the tray case is equal to or greater than the heat transfer rate of the insulating wall, the cooling rate of the ice-making cell may be excessively reduced.

The first region may have different heat transfer rates in a direction along the outer circumferential surface. The heat transfer rate of any one of the first regions may be lower than that of the other one of the first regions. Such a configuration may help reduce heat transfer through the tray assembly from the first region to the second region in a direction along the outer circumferential surface.

Meanwhile, the first and second regions disposed to contact each other may have different heat transfer rates in a direction along the outer circumferential surface. The heat transfer rate of any one of the first regions may be lower than that of any one of the second regions. Such a configuration may help reduce heat transfer through the tray assembly from the first region to the second region in a direction along the outer circumferential surface. In another aspect, it may be advantageous to reduce transfer of heat transferred from the heater to one of the first regions to an ice-making cell formed in the second region. As heat transferred to the second region is reduced, the heater can locally heat one of the first regions. Through this, it is possible to reduce the decrease in the ice-making speed due to the heating of the heater. In another aspect, the heater may move or collect air bubbles in a locally heated area, thereby improving the transparency of the ice. The heater may be a transparent ice heater.

For example, a length of a heat transfer path from the first region to the second region may be greater than a length from the first region to the second region in an outer circumferential direction. As another example, a thickness of the tray assembly in the direction from the center of the ice-making cell to the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell may be thinner than any one of the first regions or thinner than any other of the second regions. Any one of the first regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray case. Another part of the first area may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. Any one of the second regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. One of the first regions may be a portion forming a lowermost part of the ice-making cell in the first region. The first region may include a tray and a tray case locally surrounding the tray.

In this way, when the thickness of the first region is formed thin, heat transfer toward the center of the ice-making cell may be increased while reducing heat transfer toward the outer circumference of the ice-making cell. Accordingly, the ice-making cell formed in the first region may be locally heated.

A minimum thickness of any one of the first regions may be thinner than a minimum thickness of another of the first regions or may be thinner than a minimum thickness of any one of the second regions. The maximum value of any one thickness of the first region may be thinner than the maximum value of the other thickness of the first region or may be thinner than the maximum value of any one thickness of the second region. When the through hole is formed in the area, the minimum value means the minimum value among the remaining areas excluding the portion where the through hole is formed. An average value of any one thickness of the first region may be thinner than an average value of another thickness of the first region or may be thinner than an average value of any one thickness of the second region. The uniformity of any one thickness of the first region may be greater than the uniformity of another thickness of the first region or greater than the uniformity of any one thickness of the second region.

As another example, the tray assembly may include a first part forming at least a part of the ice-making cell and a second part extending from a certain point of the first part. The first area may be disposed in the first portion. The second area may be disposed on an additional tray assembly contactable to the first portion. At least a portion of the second portion may extend in a direction away from an ice-making cell formed by the second region. In this case, heat transferred from the heater to the first area may be reduced from being transferred to the second area.

The structure and method of cooling the ice-making cell, including the cold conductivity of the tray assembly, can affect the production of transparent ice. As described above, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming outer circumferential surfaces of the ice-making cell. For example, the first and second regions may be part of one tray assembly. As another example, the first area may be a first tray assembly. The second region may be a second tray assembly.

For a constant amount of cooling supplied by the cooler and a constant amount of heat supplied by the heater, it would be advantageous to configure the cooler to more intensively cool a part of the ice-making cell in order to increase the ice-making speed of the refrigerator and/or increase the transparency of the ice. can The ice-making speed may increase as the amount of cold supplied by the cooler to the ice-making cell increases. However, as cold is uniformly supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell, the transparency of the generated ice may decrease. Therefore, as the cooler more intensively cools a portion of the ice-making cell, bubbles may be moved to or collected in other areas of the ice-making cell, thereby increasing the transparency of ice and minimizing a decrease in ice-making speed. can

The cooler may be configured such that the amount of cold supplied to the second region is different from the amount of cold supplied to the first region so that the cooler can more intensively cool a portion of the ice-making cell. can The cooler may be configured such that the amount of cold supplied to the second region is greater than the amount of cold supplied to the first region.

For example, the second region may be formed of a metal material having a high cold conductivity, and the first region may be formed of a material having a lower cold conductivity than the metal.

As another example, in order to increase the cold transfer rate transmitted through the tray assembly toward the center of the ice-making cell in the storage chamber, the second region may be configured such that the cold transfer rate is different in the center direction. A cold conductivity of any one of the second regions may be greater than a cold conductivity of another of the second regions. A through hole may be formed in any one of the second regions. At least a portion of a heat absorbing surface of the cooler may be disposed in the through hole. A passage through which cool air supplied from the cooler passes may be disposed in the through hole. Any one of the above may be a portion not surrounded by the tray case. The other one may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. Any one of the above may be a part forming an uppermost part of the ice making cell in the second region. The second region may include a tray and a tray case locally surrounding the tray. In this way, when a part of the tray assembly is configured to have a high degree of cold transfer, supercooling may occur in the tray assembly having a high degree of cold transfer. As mentioned above, design to reduce the degree of supercooling may be necessary.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 14 including a storage compartment and a door that opens and closes the storage compartment.

The storage compartment may include a refrigerating compartment 18 and a freezing compartment 32 . The refrigerating compartment 14 is disposed on the upper side and the freezing compartment 32 is disposed on the lower side, so that each storage compartment can be opened and closed individually by each door.

As another example, it is also possible that the freezing chamber is disposed on the upper side and the refrigerating chamber is disposed on the lower side. Alternatively, the freezing chamber may be disposed on one side of the left and right sides, and the refrigerating chamber may be disposed on the other side.

An upper space and a lower space of the freezing chamber 32 may be divided from each other, and a drawer 40 capable of being drawn in and out from the lower space may be provided in the lower space.

The door may include a plurality of doors 10 , 20 , and 30 that open and close the refrigerating compartment 18 and the freezing compartment 32 .

The plurality of doors 10, 20, and 30 may include some or all of the doors 10, 20 that open and close the storage compartment in a rotational manner and the doors 30 that open and close the storage compartment in a sliding manner.

Even if the freezing compartment 32 can be opened and closed by one door 30, it may be provided to be separated into two spaces.

In this embodiment, the freezing compartment 32 may be referred to as a first storage compartment, and the refrigerating compartment 18 may be referred to as a second storage compartment.

An ice maker 200 capable of making ice may be provided in the freezing chamber 32 . For example, the ice maker 200 may be located in an upper space of the freezing compartment 32 .

An ice bin 600 in which ice produced in the ice maker 200 is dropped and stored may be disposed below the ice maker 200 . The user may take the ice bin 600 out of the freezing compartment 32 and use the ice stored in the ice bin 600 .

The ice bin 600 may be mounted on an upper side of a horizontal wall partitioning an upper space and a lower space of the freezing chamber 32 .

Although not shown, a duct for supplying cold air to the ice maker 200 is provided in the cabinet 14 (not shown). The duct guides cold air heat-exchanged with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator toward the ice maker 200 .

For example, the duct may be disposed at the rear of the cabinet 14 and discharge cold air toward the front of the cabinet 14 . The ice maker 200 may be located in front of the duct.

Although not limited, the outlet of the duct may be provided on at least one of a rear wall and an upper wall of the freezing chamber 32 .

Although it has been described above that the ice maker 200 is provided in the freezing chamber 32, the space in which the ice maker 200 can be located is not limited to the freezing chamber 32, and as long as cold air can be supplied, various The ice maker 200 may be positioned in the space.

Therefore, hereinafter, the ice maker 200 will be described as being located in the storage compartment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the ice maker of FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ice maker in a state in which the bracket is removed from FIG. 3 , and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 to 5 , each component of the ice maker 200 may be provided inside or outside the bracket 220, so that the ice maker 200 may constitute one assembly.

The ice maker 200 may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly.

The first tray assembly may include the first tray 320 , the first tray case, or the first tray 320 and the second tray case.

The second tray assembly may include the second tray 380 , the second tray case, or the second tray 380 and the second tray case.

The bracket 220 may define at least a portion of a space accommodating the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

The bracket 220 may be installed, for example, on an upper wall of the freezing chamber 32 . A water supply unit 240 may be installed in the bracket 220. The water supply unit 240 may guide water supplied from an upper side to a lower side of the water supply unit 240 . A water supply pipe (not shown) through which water is supplied may be installed above the water supply unit 240 .

Water supplied to the water supply unit 240 may move downward. The water supply unit 240 prevents water discharged from the water supply pipe from falling from a high position, thereby preventing splashing of water.

Since the water supply unit 240 is disposed below the water supply pipe, water is guided downward without splashing to the water supply unit 240, and even if it moves downward due to the lowered height, the amount of water splashing can be reduced.

The ice maker 200 may include an ice making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ), which is a space in which water is phase-changed into ice by cold air.

The first tray 320 may form at least a part of the ice making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ). The second tray 380 may include a second tray 380 forming another part of the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ).

The second tray 380 may be disposed to be relatively movable with respect to the first tray 320 . The second tray 380 may be linearly or rotationally moved.

Hereinafter, rotation of the second tray 380 will be described as an example.

For example, during the ice making process, the second tray 380 may move relative to the first tray 320, and the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may contact each other.

When the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 contact each other, the complete ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ) may be defined.

On the other hand, the second tray 380 may move with respect to the first tray 320 during the ice-breaking process after completion of ice making, so that the second tray 380 may be spaced apart from the first tray 320 .

In this embodiment, the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be arranged in a vertical direction in a state in which the ice making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ) is formed.

Accordingly, the first tray 320 may be referred to as an upper tray, and the second tray 380 may be referred to as a lower tray.

A plurality of ice making cells (see 320a in FIG. 49 ) may be defined by the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 . Hereinafter, it is illustrated that three ice-making cells (see 320a in FIG. 49) are formed as an example in the drawing.

When water is cooled by cold air while water is supplied to the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 49 ), ice having the same or similar shape as that of the ice-making cell (see 320a of FIG. 49 ) may be generated.

In this embodiment, for example, the ice making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ) may be formed in a sphere shape or a shape similar to a sphere shape.

Of course, the ice making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ) may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a polygonal shape.

The first tray case may include, for example, the first tray supporter 340 and the first tray cover 320 .

The first tray supporter 340 and the first tray cover 320 may be integrally formed or may be manufactured as separate components and then combined.

For example, at least a portion of the first tray cover 300 may be positioned above the first tray 320 . At least a portion of the first tray supporter 340 may be positioned below the first tray 320 .

The first tray cover 300 may be manufactured as a product separate from the bracket 220 and may be coupled to the bracket 220 or integrally formed with the bracket 220 . That is, the first tray case may include the bracket 220 .

The ice maker 200 may further include a first heater case 280 . An ice break heater (see 290 in FIG. 21 ) may be installed in the first heater case 280 . The heater case 280 may be integrally formed with the first tray cover 300 or formed separately.

The ice heater (see 290 in FIG. 21 ) may be disposed adjacent to the first tray 320 . The ice break heater (see 290 in FIG. 21 ) may be, for example, a wire type heater.

For example, the ice heater (see 290 in FIG. 21 ) may be installed to contact the first tray 320 or may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first tray 320 by a predetermined distance.

In any case, the ice heater (see 290 in FIG. 21 ) may supply heat to the first tray 320 , and the heat supplied to the first tray 320 is the ice making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ). ) can be transmitted.

The first tray cover 300 is formed to correspond to the shape of the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ) of the first tray 320 and can contact the lower side of the first tray 320 .

The ice maker 200 may include a first pusher 260 for separating ice in the ice shaving process. The first pusher 260 may receive power from a driving unit 480 to be described later.

A guide slot 302 for guiding movement of the first pusher 260 may be provided in the first tray cover 300 . The guide slot 302 may be provided in an upwardly extending portion of the first tray cover 300 .

A guide connection part of a first pusher 260 to be described later may be inserted into the guide slot 302 . Accordingly, the guide connecting portion may be guided along the guide slot 302 .

The first pusher 260 may include at least one pushing bar 264 . For example, the first pusher 260 may include the same number of pushing bars 264 as the number of ice-making cells (see 320a in FIG. 49 ), but is not limited thereto.

The pushing bar 264 may push the ice located in the ice making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ) during the ice breaking process. For example, the pushing bar 264 may pass through the first tray cover 300 and be inserted into the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ).

Accordingly, an opening 304 (or a through hole) through which a portion of the first pusher 260 passes may be provided in the first tray cover 300 .

The first pusher 260 may be coupled to the pusher link 500 . At this time, the first pusher 260 may be rotatably coupled to the pusher link 500 . Accordingly, when the pusher link 500 moves, the first pusher 260 may also move along the guide slot 302 .

The second tray case may include, for example, a second tray cover 360 and a second tray supporter 400 .

The second tray cover 360 and the second tray supporter 400 may be integrally formed or may be manufactured as separate components and then combined.

For example, at least a portion of the second tray cover 360 may be positioned above the second tray 380 . At least a portion of the second tray supporter 400 may be positioned below the second tray 380 .

The second tray supporter 400 may support the second tray 380 at a lower side of the second tray 380 .

For example, at least a portion of a wall forming the second cell 320c of the second tray 380 may be supported by the second tray supporter 400 .

A spring 402 may be connected to one side of the second tray supporter 400 . The spring 402 may provide elastic force to the second tray supporter 400 so that the second tray 380 may maintain contact with the first tray 320 .

The second tray 380 may include a circumferential wall 387 surrounding a portion of the first tray 320 while in contact with the first tray 320 . The second tray cover 360 may cover at least a portion of the circumferential wall 387 .

The ice maker 200 may further include a second heater case 420 . A transparent ice heater 430 to be described later may be installed in the second heater case 420 .

The second heater case 420 may be integrally formed with the second tray supporter 400 or formed separately and combined with the second tray supporter 400 .

The ice maker 200 may further include a driving unit 480 providing a driving force. The second tray 380 may relatively move with respect to the first tray 320 by receiving the driving force of the driving unit 480 . The first pusher 260 may move by receiving the driving force of the driving force 480 .

A through hole 282 may be formed in the extension part 281 extending downward at one side of the first tray cover 300 .

A through hole 404 may be formed in the extension part 403 extending to one side of the second tray supporter 400 .

The ice maker 200 may further include a shaft 440 (or a rotating shaft) passing through the through holes 282 and 404 together.

Rotation arms 460 may be provided at both ends of the shaft 440, respectively. The shaft 440 may be rotated by receiving rotational force from the driving unit 480 .

One end of the rotary arm 460 may be connected to one end of the spring 402 so that the position of the rotary arm 460 may be moved to an initial value by a restoring force when the spring 402 is tensioned.

The driving unit 480 may include a motor and a plurality of gears.

A full ice detection lever 520 may be connected to the driving unit 480 . The full ice detecting lever 520 may also be rotated by the rotational force provided by the drive unit 480 .

The full ice detection lever 520 may have a 'c' shape as a whole. For example, the full ice detection lever 520 includes a first lever 521 and a pair of second levers 522 extending from both ends of the first lever 521 in a direction crossing the first lever 521. ) may be included.

One of the pair of second levers 522 may be coupled to the driving unit 480 and the other may be coupled to the bracket 220 or the first tray cover 300 .

The full ice detecting lever 520 may detect ice stored in the ice bin 600 while being rotated.

The driving unit 480 may further include a cam that rotates by receiving rotational power of the motor.

The ice maker 200 may further include a sensor that detects rotation of the cam.

For example, the cam may include a magnet, and the sensor may be a Hall sensor for sensing magnetism of the magnet during rotation of the cam. Depending on whether the sensor detects a magnet, the 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 control unit 800, which will be described later, can determine the position of the second tray 380 (or the second tray assembly) based on the type and pattern of the signal output from the sensor. That is, since the second tray 380 and the cam are rotated by the motor, the position of the second tray 380 can be indirectly determined based on a detection signal of a magnet provided in the cam.

For example, based on the signal output from the sensor, a water supply position, an ice making position, and an ice shaving position to be described later may be distinguished and determined.

The ice maker 200 may further include a second pusher 540 . The second pusher 540 may be installed on the bracket 220, for example.

The second pusher 540 may include at least one pushing bar 544 . For example, the second pusher 540 may include the same number of pushing bars 544 as the number of ice-making cells (see 320a in FIG. 49 ), but is not limited thereto.

The pushing bar 544 may push the ice located in the ice making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ). For example, the pushing bar 544 may pass through the second tray supporter 400 and come into contact with the second tray 380 forming the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ). The second tray 380 may be pressed.

The first tray cover 300 may be rotatably coupled to each other with respect to the second tray supporter 400 and the shaft 440 so that an angle may be changed around the shaft 440 .

In this embodiment, the second tray 380 may be formed of a non-metallic material.

For example, when the second tray 380 is pressed by the second pusher 540, the shape may be formed of a flexible or soft material that can be deformed.

Although not limited, the second tray 380 may be formed of, for example, silicon.

Therefore, while the second tray 380 is being pressed by the second pusher 540, the second tray 380 is deformed, and the pressing force of the second pusher 540 can be transmitted to the ice. Ice may be separated from the second tray 380 by the pressing force of the second pusher 540 .

When the second tray 380 is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or soft material, the bonding force or adhesion between the ice and the second tray 380 may decrease, so that the ice can be easily separated from the second tray 380. there is.

In addition, when the second tray 380 is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or soft material, after the shape of the second tray 380 is deformed by the second pusher 540, the second pusher 540 ), the second tray 380 can be easily restored to its original shape.

As another example, the first tray 320 may be formed of a metal material. In this case, since the bonding force or adhesion between the first tray 320 and the ice is strong, the ice maker 200 according to the present embodiment includes at least one of the ice-breaking heater (see 290 in FIG. 21 ) and the first pusher 260. can include

As another example, the first tray 320 may be formed of a non-metallic material. When the first tray 320 is made of a non-metallic material, the ice maker 200 may include only one of the ice-leaving heater 290 and the first pusher 260 .

Alternatively, the ice maker 200 may not include the ice shaving heater 290 and the first pusher 260 .

Although not limited, the first tray 320 may be formed of, for example, silicon.

That is, the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be formed of the same material.

When the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 are made of the same material, the sealing performance is maintained at the contact area between the first tray 320 and the second tray 380. The hardness of the first tray 320 and the hardness of the second tray 380 may be different.

In the case of the present embodiment, since the second tray 380 is pressed by the second pusher 540 and deformed, the second tray 380 can be easily deformed. The hardness of may be lower than that of the first tray 320 .

<bracket>

6 and 7 are perspective views of brackets according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 and 7 , the bracket 220 may be fixed to at least one surface of the storage compartment or to a cover member (to be described later) fixed to the storage compartment.

The bracket 220 may include a first wall 221 in which a through hole 221a is formed. At least a portion of the first wall 221 may extend in a horizontal direction.

The first wall 221 may include a first fixing wall 221b fixed to one surface of the storage compartment or to the cover member. At least a portion of the first fixing wall 221b may extend in a horizontal direction. The first fixing wall 221b may also be referred to as a horizontal fixing wall.

One or more fixing protrusions 221c may be provided on the first fixing wall 221b. To firmly fix the bracket 220, a plurality of fixing protrusions 221c may be provided on the first fixing wall 221b.

The first wall 221 may further include a second fixing wall 221e fixed to one surface of the storage compartment or to the cover member. At least a portion of the second fixing wall 221e may extend in a vertical direction. The second fixed wall 221e may also be referred to as a vertical fixed wall.

For example, the second fixing wall 221e may extend upward from the first fixing wall 221b. The second fixing wall 221e may include a fixing rib 221e1 and/or a hook 221e2.

In this embodiment, the first wall 221 may include at least one of the first fixing wall 221b and the second fixing wall 221e to fix the bracket 220 .

The first wall 221 may be formed in a form in which a plurality of walls are stepped in the vertical direction. For example, a plurality of walls may be disposed with a height difference in a horizontal direction, and the plurality of walls may be connected by a vertical connection wall.

The first wall 221 may further include a support wall 221d supporting the first tray assembly. At least a portion of the support wall 221d may extend in a horizontal direction.

The support wall 221d may be located at the same height as the first fixed wall 221b or may be disposed at a different height. 6 shows, for example, that the support wall 221d is positioned lower than the first fixing wall 221b.

The bracket 220 may further include a second wall 222 having a through hole 222a through which cool air generated by the cooling means passes.

The second wall 222 may extend from the first wall 221 . At least a portion of the second wall 222 may extend in a vertical direction. At least a portion of the through hole 222a may be positioned higher than the support wall 221d. FIG. 6 shows, for example, that the lowermost end of the through hole 222a is positioned higher than the support wall 221d.

The bracket 220 may further include a third wall 223 on which the driving unit 480 is installed. The third wall 223 may extend from the first wall 221 . At least a portion of the third wall 223 may extend in a vertical direction.

At least a portion of the third wall 223 may be disposed to face the second wall 222 while being spaced apart from the second wall 222 . At least a portion of the ice making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49 ) may be positioned between the second wall 222 and the second wall 223 .

The driving unit 480 may be installed on the third wall 223 between the second wall 222 and the third wall 223 . Alternatively, the driving unit 480 may be installed on the third wall 223 such that the third wall 223 is positioned between the second wall 222 and the driving unit 480 .

In this case, a shaft hole 223a through which a shaft of a motor constituting the driving unit 480 passes may be formed in the third wall 223 . 7 shows that the shaft hole 223a is formed in the third wall 223.

The bracket 220 may further include a fourth wall 224 to which the second pusher 540 is fixed.

The fourth wall 224 may extend from the first wall 221 . The fourth wall 224 may connect the second wall 222 and the third wall 223 .

The fourth wall 224 may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to horizontal and vertical lines. For example, the fourth wall 224 may be inclined in a direction away from the shaft hole 223a from an upper side to a lower side.

A seating groove 224a for seating the second pusher 540 may be provided on the fourth wall 224 . A coupling hole 224b through which a coupling member to be coupled to the second pusher 540 passes may be formed in the seating groove 224a.

When the second tray assembly is rotated while the second pusher 540 is fixed to the fourth wall 224, the second tray 380 and the second pusher 540 may contact each other. . Ice may be separated from the second tray 380 while the second pusher 540 presses the second tray 380 .

When the second pusher 540 presses the second tray 380, the ice also presses the second pusher 540 before the ice is separated from the second tray 380. A force pressing the second pusher 540 may be transmitted to the fourth wall 224 . Since the fourth wall 224 is formed in a thin plate shape, a strength reinforcing member 224c may be provided on the fourth wall 224 to prevent deformation or breakage of the fourth wall 224 .

For example, the strength reinforcing member 224c may include ribs arranged in a lattice shape. That is, the strength reinforcing member 224c may include a first rib extending in a first direction and a second rib extending in a second direction crossing the first direction.

In this embodiment, two or more of the first to fourth walls 221 to 224 may define a space in which the first and second tray assemblies are located.

<First tray>

8 is a perspective view of the first tray viewed from above, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first tray viewed from below. 10 is a plan view of the first tray. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along FIG. 11 of FIG. 8 .

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10 , the first tray 320 may define first cells 321a that are part of the ice-making cells 320a.

The first tray 320 may include a first tray wall 321 forming a part of the ice-making cell 320a.

For example, the first tray 320 may define a plurality of first cells 321a. The plurality of first cells 321a may be arranged in a line, for example. Referring to FIG. 9 , the plurality of first cells 321a may be arranged in the X-axis direction.

For example, the first tray wall 321 may define the plurality of first cells 321a.

The first tray wall 321 is a plurality of first cell walls 3211 for forming each of the plurality of first cells 321a and a connection wall connecting the plurality of first cell walls 3211 ( 3212) may be included. The first tray wall 321 may be a wall extending in a vertical direction.

The first tray 320 may include an opening 324 . The opening 324 may communicate with the first cell 321a.

The opening 324 may allow cool air to be supplied to the first cell 321a. The opening 324 may supply water for making ice to the first cell 321a.

The opening 234 may provide a passage through which a portion of the first pusher 260 passes. For example, during the icing process, a portion of the first pusher 260 may pass through the opening 234 and be introduced into the ice-making cell 320a.

The first tray 320 may include a plurality of openings 324 corresponding to the plurality of first cells 321a. One of the plurality of openings 324 324a may provide a passage for cold air, a passage for water, and a passage for the first pusher 260 .

During the ice making process, air bubbles may escape through the opening 324 .

The first tray 320 may include a case accommodating part 321b. The case accommodating portion 321b may be formed as, for example, a portion of the first tray wall 321 is depressed downward.

At least a portion of the case accommodating portion 321b may be disposed to surround the opening 324 . A bottom surface of the case accommodating part 321b may be positioned lower than the opening 324 .

The first tray 320 may further include an auxiliary storage chamber 325 communicating with the ice-making cell 320a. The auxiliary storage chamber 325 may store, for example, water overflowing from the ice-making cell 320a.

In the auxiliary storage chamber 325 , ice that expands during a phase change process of supplied water may be placed. That is, expanded ice may pass through the opening 304 and be placed in the auxiliary storage chamber 325 .

The auxiliary storage compartment 325 may be formed by the storage compartment wall 325a. The storage compartment wall 325a may extend upward from the circumference of the opening 324 .

The storage compartment wall 325a may be formed in a cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.

In practice, the first pusher 260 may pass through the opening 324 after passing through the storage compartment wall 325a.

The storage compartment wall 325a not only forms the auxiliary storage compartment 325, but also prevents deformation around the opening 324 during the process of the first pusher 260 passing through the opening 324 during the separation process. can be reduced

When the first tray 320 defines a plurality of first cells 321a, at least one 325b of the plurality of storage compartment walls 325a may support the water supply unit 240 .

The storage compartment wall 325b supporting the water supply unit 240 may be formed in a polygonal shape. For example, the storage compartment wall 325b may include a round portion that is rounded in a horizontal direction and a plurality of straight portions.

For example, the storage compartment wall 325b includes a round wall 325b1, a pair of straight walls 325b2 and 325b3 extending in parallel from both ends of the round wall 325b, and a pair of straight walls 325b2. , 325b3) may include a connection wall 325b4 connecting them. The connection wall 325b4 may be a round wall or a straight wall.

An upper end of the connection wall 325b4 may be positioned lower than upper ends of the other walls 325b1, 325b2, and 325b3. The connection wall 325b4 may support the water supply unit 240 . An opening 324a corresponding to the storage compartment wall 325b supporting the water supply unit 240 may also be formed in the same shape as the storage compartment wall 325b.

The first tray 320 may further include a heater accommodating part 321c. The ice heater 290 may be accommodated in the heater accommodating part 321c. The ice heater 290 may contact the bottom surface of the heater accommodating part 321c.

The heater accommodating part 321c may be provided on the first tray wall 321, for example. The heater accommodating portion 321c may be recessed downward in the case accommodating portion 321b. The heater accommodating part 321c may be disposed to surround the periphery of the first cell 321a. For example, at least a portion of the heater accommodating portion 321c may be rounded in a horizontal direction.

A bottom surface of the heater accommodating part 321c may be positioned lower than the opening 324 .

The first tray 320 may include a first contact surface 322c contacting the second tray 380 . A bottom surface of the heater accommodating part 321c may be positioned between the opening 324 and the first contact surface 322c.

At least a portion of the heater accommodating portion 321c may be disposed to overlap with the ice-making cell 320a (or the first cell 321a) in a vertical direction.

The first tray 320 may further include a first extension wall 327 extending horizontally from the first tray wall 321 . For example, the first extension wall 327 may extend in a horizontal direction around an upper end of the first extension wall 327 .

One or more first fastening holes 327a may be provided in the first extension wall 327 . Although not limited, the plurality of first fastening holes 327a may be arranged along one or more axes of the X axis and the Y axis.

The upper end of the storage compartment wall 325b may be located at the same level as or higher than the upper surface of the first extension wall 327 .

Referring to FIG. 10, the first extension wall 327 has a first border line 327b spaced apart in the Y direction with respect to the center line C1 (or the center line in the vertical direction) of the Z-axis direction in the ice-making cell 320a. ) and a second edge line 327c. In this specification, regardless of the axial direction, the “center line” is a line passing through the center of volume of the ice-making cell 320a or the center of gravity of water or ice in the ice-making cell 320a.

The first edge line 327b and the second edge line 327c may be parallel.

A distance L1 from the center line C1 to the first edge line 327b is longer than a distance L2 from the center line C1 to the first border line 327b.

The first extension wall 327 may include a third border line 327d and a fourth edge line 327e spaced apart in the X direction with respect to the center line C1 in the ice making cell 320a. The third edge line 327d and the fourth edge line 327e may be parallel.

Lengths of the third edge line 327d and the fourth edge line 327e may be shorter than those of the first edge line 327b and the second edge line 327c.

The length of the first tray 320 in the X-axis direction is referred to as the length of the first tray, the length of the first tray 320 in the Y-axis direction is referred to as the width of the first tray, and the first tray The length in the Z-axis direction at 320 may be referred to as the height of the first tray.

In this embodiment, the X-Y axis cutting plane may be a horizontal plane.

When the first tray 320 includes a plurality of first cells 321a, the length of the first tray 320 may be long, but the width of the first tray 320 is the first tray ( 320), the bulkiness of the first tray 320 can be prevented.

12 is a bottom view of the first tray of FIG. 9 , FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along 13-13 of FIG. 11 , and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along 14-14 of FIG. 11 .

11 to 14 , the first tray 320 may include a first portion 322 defining a portion of the ice-making cell 320a. The first portion 322 may be, for example, a portion of the first tray wall 321 .

The first portion 322 may include a first cell surface 322b (or an outer circumferential surface) forming the first cell 321a.

The first cell 321 may be divided into a first area located close to the transparent ice heater 430 in the Z-axis direction and a second area located far from the transparent ice heater 430 .

The first area may include the first contact surface 322c, and the second area may include the opening 324.

The first part 322 may be defined as an area between two dotted lines in FIG. 11 .

The first part 322 may include the opening 324 . Also, the first part 322 may include the heater accommodating part 321c.

In terms of strain resistance from the center to the circumferential direction of the ice-making cell 320a, at least a portion of the upper portion of the first portion 322 is greater than at least a portion of the lower portion of the first portion 322 . The deformation resistance of at least a part of the upper part of the first part 322 is greater than that of the lowermost part of the first part 322 .

Upper and lower portions of the first portion 322 may be divided based on an extending direction of the center line C1.

The lowermost end of the first part 322 is the first contact surface 322c contacting the second tray 380 .

The first tray 320 may further include a second part 323 extending from a certain point of the first part 322 . A certain point of the first part 322 may be one end of the first part 322 . Alternatively, a certain point of the first part 322 may be a point of the first contact surface 322c.

A portion of the second portion 323 may be formed by the first tray wall 321 and another portion may be formed by the first extension wall 327 .

At least a portion of the second part 323 may extend in a direction away from the transparent ice heater 430 . At least a portion of the second portion 323 may extend upward from the first contact surface 322c.

At least a portion of the second portion 323 may extend in a direction away from the center line C1. For example, the second part 323 may extend in both directions from the center line C1 along the Y axis.

The second portion 323 may be positioned equal to or higher than the top of the ice-making cell 320a. The top of the ice-making cell 320a is a portion where the opening 324 is formed.

The second part 323 may include a first extension part 323a and a second extension part 323b extending in different directions with respect to the center line C1 .

The first tray wall 321 may include a part of the second extension part 323b of the first part 322 and the second part 323 .

The first extension wall 327 may include another part of the first extension part 323a and the second extension part 323b.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the first extension part 323a may be located on the left side with respect to the center line C1, and the second extension part 323b may be located on the right side with respect to the center line C1. .

The first extension 323a and the second extension 323b may have different shapes based on the center line C1. The first extension part 323a and the second extension part 323b may be formed in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center line C1.

The length of the second extension part 323b in the Y-axis direction may be longer than that of the first extension part 323a. Accordingly, while ice is generated and grown from the upper side during the ice making process, the deformation resistance of the second extension portion 323b may be increased.

The first extension portion 323a is larger than the second extension portion 323a to the portion of the second wall 222 or the third wall 223 of the bracket 220 to which the fourth wall 224 is connected. It may be located closer to the oppositely located edge portion.

The second extension part 323b may be located closer to the shaft 440 providing the center of rotation of the second tray assembly than the first extension part 323a.

In the case of this embodiment, since the length of the second extension part 323b in the Y-axis direction is formed longer than the length of the first extension part 323a, the second tray contacting the first tray 320 ( 380) also increases the rotation radius of the second tray assembly.

When the radius of rotation of the second tray assembly is increased, the centrifugal force of the second tray assembly is increased, and thus the ice breaking force for separating ice from the second tray assembly during the ice breaking process can be increased, resulting in ice separation performance. this can be improved.

11 to 14 , the thickness of the first tray wall 321 is minimal at the side of the first contact surface 322c.

At least a portion of the first tray wall 321 may increase in thickness from the first contact surface 322c upward.

13 shows the thickness of the first tray wall 321 at a first height H1 from the first contact surface 322c, and FIG. 14 shows the thickness of the first tray wall 321 at a second height H2 from the first contact surface 322c. Shows the thickness of the first tray wall 321 at .

The thicknesses t2 and t3 of the first tray wall 321 at the first height H1 from the first contact surface 322c are It may be greater than the thickness t1.

The thicknesses t2 and t3 of the first tray wall 321 at the first height H1 from the first contact surface 322c may not be constant in the circumferential direction.

At a first height H1 from the first contact surface 322c, since the first tray wall 321 further includes a portion of the second portion 323, the second tray wall 321 has a second portion 323 based on the center line C1. A thickness t3 of the portion where the extension 323b is positioned may be greater than a thickness t2 of an opposite side of the second extension 323b.

The thicknesses t4 and t5 of the first tray wall 321 at the second height H2 from the first contact surface 322c are It may be greater than the thicknesses t2 and t3 of the first tray wall 321 .

The thicknesses t4 and t5 of the first tray wall 321 at the second height H2 from the first contact surface 322c may not be constant in the circumferential direction.

At the second height H2 from the first contact surface 322c, since the first tray wall 321 further includes a portion of the second portion 323, the second tray wall 321 has a second height relative to the center line C1. A thickness t5 of the portion where the extension part 323b is positioned may be greater than a thickness t4 of the opposite side of the second extension part 323b.

The curvature of at least a part of the outer line based on the X-Y axis cut plane of the first tray wall 321 is not 0, and the curvature may be variable.

In this embodiment, a line curvature of 0 means a straight line. A curvature greater than 0 means a curve.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a circumference of an outer line at the first contact surface 322c among the first tray walls 321 may have a constant curvature. That is, the curvature variation around the outer line of the first tray wall 321 at the first contact surface 322c may be zero.

Referring to FIG. 13 , at a first height H1 from the first contact surface 322c, a curvature change of at least a part of the outer line of the first tray wall 321 may be greater than zero. That is, at the first height H1 from the first contact surface 322c, the curvature of at least a portion of the outer line of the first tray wall 321 may vary in the circumferential direction.

For example, at a first height H1 from the first contact surface 322c, the curvature of the outer line 323b1 of the second part 323 may be greater than the curvature of the outer line of the first part 322. .

Referring to FIG. 14 , at a second height H2 from the first contact surface 322c, the curvature change amount of the outer line of the first tray wall 321 may be greater than zero. That is, at the second height H2 from the first contact surface 322c, the curvature of the outer line of the first tray wall 321 may vary in the circumferential direction.

For example, at the second height H2 from the first contact surface 322c, the curvature of the outer line 323b2 of the second part 323 may be greater than the curvature of the outer line of the first part 322. .

The curvature of at least a part of the outer line 323b2 of the second part 323 at the second height H2 from the first contact surface 322c is the curvature at the first height H1 from the first contact surface 322c. The curvature of at least a portion of the outer line 323b1 of the second portion 323 may be greater.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the curvature of the outer line 322e at the side of the first extension part 323a in the first part 322 in the Y-Z axis cut plane based on the center line C1 may be zero.

In the Y-Z axis cut plane based on the center line C1, the curvature of the outer line 323d of the second extension 323b of the second portion 323 may be greater than zero.

For example, the outer line 323d of the second extension 323b has the shaft 440 as a center of curvature.

15 is a cross-sectional view taken along 15-15 of FIG. 8;

Referring to FIGS. 8, 10 and 15 , the first tray 320 may further include a sensor accommodating part 321e in which the second temperature sensor 700 (or tray temperature sensor) is accommodated.

The second temperature sensor 700 may detect the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell 320a.

The second temperature sensor 700 is disposed adjacent to the first tray 320 and senses the temperature of the first tray 320, thereby indirectly determining the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell 320a. can detect In this embodiment, the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell 320a may be referred to as the internal temperature of the ice-making cell 320a.

The sensor accommodating portion 321e may be formed by being depressed downward in the case accommodating portion 321b.

At this time, in a state where the second temperature sensor 700 is accommodated in the sensor accommodating part 321e, the sensor accommodating part 321e is prevented from interfering with the ice heater 290. ) may be located lower than the bottom surface of the heater accommodating part 321c.

The bottom surface of the sensor accommodating part 321e may be located closer to the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 than the bottom surface of the heater accommodating part 321c.

The sensor accommodating part 321e may be located between two adjacent ice-making cells 320a. For example, the sensor accommodating part 321e may be located between two adjacent first cells 321a.

When the sensor accommodating part 321e is positioned between the two ice-making cells 320a, the second temperature sensor 700 can be easily installed without increasing the volume of the second tray 250. In addition, when the sensor accommodating part 321e is positioned between the two ice-making cells 320a, it may be affected by the temperature of at least two ice-making cells 320a, so that the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is the ice-making cell 320a. It may be positioned as close as possible to the actual temperature of the inside of the cell 320a.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the sensor accommodating part 321e may be positioned between two adjacent first cells 321a among three first cells 321a arranged in the X-axis direction.

Among the three first cells 321a, the sensor accommodating part 321e may be positioned between the first cell on the right side and the first cell in the center of both left and right sides.

At this time, the first cell on the right side and the first cell on the center side of the first contact surface 322c are secured so that a space in which the sensor accommodating part 321e is located is secured between the first cell on the right side and the first cell on the center side. The distance D2 between the first cells may be greater than the distance D1 between the first cell in the center and the first cell on the left.

A plurality of connection walls 3212 may be provided to improve uniformity in the ice-making direction among the plurality of ice-making cells 320a.

For example, the connection wall 3212 may include a first connection wall 3212a and a second connection wall 3212b. The second connection wall 3212b may be located farther from the through hole 222a of the bracket 220 than the first connection wall 3212a.

The first connection wall 3212a may include a first area and a second area having a cross section thicker than the first area. Ice may be formed in a direction from the ice-making cell 320a formed by the first area to the ice-making cell 320a formed by the second area.

The second connection wall 3212b may include a first area and a second area including a sensor accommodating part 321e in which the second temperature sensor 700 is located.

<First Tray Cover>

16 is a perspective view of the first tray cover, FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the first tray cover, FIG. 18 is a plan view of the first tray cover, and FIG. 19 is a side view of the first tray case.

Referring to FIGS. 16 to 19 , the first tray cover 300 may include an upper plate 301 in contact with the first tray 320 .

The lower surface of the upper plate 301 may contact and be coupled to the upper surface of the first tray 320 . For example, the upper plate 301 may contact one or more of upper surfaces of the first part 322 and the second part 323 of the first tray 320 .

A plate opening 304 (or a through hole) may be formed in the upper plate 301 . The plate opening 304 may include a straight portion and a curved portion.

Water may be supplied from the water supply unit 240 to the first tray 320 through the plate opening 304 . In addition, the extension 264 of the first pusher 260 may pass through the plate opening 304 to separate ice from the first tray 320 . In addition, cold air may pass through the plate opening 304 and contact the first tray 320 .

In the upper plate 301 , a first case coupling portion 301b extending upward may be formed on a straight side of the plate opening 304 .

The first case coupling part 301b may be coupled to first fastening parts 285 and 286 of the first heater case 280 to be described later (refer to FIG. 20 ).

The first tray cover 300 may further include a circumferential wall 303 extending upward from the edge of the upper plate 301 .

The circumferential wall 303 may include two pairs of walls facing each other. For example, one pair of walls may be disposed apart from each other in the X-axis direction, and the other pair of walls may be disposed apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

The circumferential walls 303 spaced apart and facing each other in the Y-axis direction of FIG. 16 may include an extension wall 302e extending upward.

The extension wall 302e may extend upward from an upper surface of the circumferential wall 303 .

The first tray cover 300 may include a pair of guide slots 302 for guiding the movement of the first pusher 260 .

A part of the guide slot 302 may be formed on the extension wall 302e, and another part may be formed on the circumferential wall 303 positioned below the extension wall 302e. A lower portion of the guide slot 302 may be formed on the circumferential wall 303 .

The guide slot 302 may extend in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 16 .

The guide slot 302 may flow into which the first pusher 260 is inserted. Also, the first pusher 260 may move up and down along the guide slot 302 .

The guide slot 302 includes a first slot 302a extending vertically with respect to the upper plate 301 and a second slot 302b extending by bending at an angle from an upper end of the first slot 302a. can include Alternatively, it is also possible that the guide slot 302 includes only the first slot 302a extending in the vertical direction.

The lower end 302d of the first slot 302a may be positioned lower than the upper end of the circumferential wall 303 . Also, an upper end 302c of the first slot 302a may be positioned higher than an upper end of the circumferential wall 303 .

A portion bent from the first slot 302a to the second slot 302b may be formed at a higher position than the circumferential wall 303 .

The length of the first slot 302a may be longer than that of the second slot 302b. The second slot 302b may be bent toward the horizontal extension part 305 .

When the first pusher 260 moves upward along the guide slot 302, the first pusher 260 is rotated or tilted at a predetermined angle at a portion moving along the second slot 302b.

When the first pusher 260 rotates, the pushing bar 264 of the first pusher 260 rotates so that the pushing bar 264 is spaced vertically above the opening 324 of the first tray 320. move to location

When the first pusher 260 moves along the bent and extended second slot 302b, the end of the pushing bar 264 may be spaced apart so that it does not come into contact with the water supplied during water supply. A problem that the pushing bar 264 is not inserted into the opening 324 of the first tray 320 can be solved by cooling the water at the end of the 264 .

The first tray cover 300 may include a plurality of fastening parts 301a for coupling with the first tray 320 and the first tray supporter 340 (refer to FIG. 24 ) to be described later.

The plurality of fastening parts 301a may be formed on the upper plate 301 .

The plurality of fastening parts 301a may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis and/or Y-axis directions. The fastening part 301a may protrude upward from the upper surface of the upper plate 301 .

For example, some of the plurality of fastening parts 301a may be connected to the circumferential wall 303 .

The fastening part 301a may fix the first tray 320 by being coupled with a fastening member.

The fastening member fastened to the fastening part 301a may be, for example, a bolt. The fastening member passes through the fastening hole 341a of the first tray supporter 340 and the first fastening hole 327a of the first tray 320 on the lower surface of the first tray supporter 340 to form the fastening part 301a. ) can be combined.

A horizontal extension 305 extending horizontally from the circumferential wall 303 to the outside may be formed on one circumferential wall 303 of the circumferential walls 303 spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction of FIG. 16 and facing each other.

The horizontal extension part 305 may extend from the circumferential wall 303 in a direction away from the plate opening 304 so as to be supported by the support wall 221d of the bracket 220 .

A plurality of vertical fastening parts 303a to be coupled with the bracket 220 may be provided on the other circumferential wall 303 of the circumferential walls 303 spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction and facing each other.

The vertical fastening part 303a may be coupled to the first wall 221 of the bracket 220 . The vertical coupling parts 303a may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

The upper plate 301 may include a lower protrusion 306 protruding downward.

The lower protrusion 306 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the upper plate 301 and may be located around one of the circumferential walls 303 spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

In addition, a step 306a may be formed in the lower protrusion 306 . The step 306a may be formed between a pair of extension portions 281 to be described later. Through this, when the second tray 380 rotates, the second tray 380 and the first tray cover 300 may not interfere.

The first tray cover 300 may further include a plurality of hooks 307 coupled to the first wall 221 of the bracket 220 . The hook 307 may be provided on the horizontal protrusion 306, for example.

The plurality of hooks 307 may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. Also, the plurality of hooks 307 may be positioned between the pair of extension parts 281 .

The hook 307 is a first part 307a extending horizontally from the circumferential wall 303 in the opposite direction to the upper plate 301 and bent at the end of the first part 307a to extend vertically downward. A second portion 307b may be included.

The first tray cover 300 may further include a pair of extension parts 281 to which the shaft 440 is coupled.

The pair of extensions 281 may extend downward from the lower protrusion 306 , for example.

The pair of extensions 281 may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

The extension part 281 may include a through hole 282 through which the shaft 440 passes.

The first tray cover 300 may further include an upper electric wire guide part 310 for guiding electric wires connected to the icing heater 290 (see FIG. 21 ) to be described later.

The upper wire guide part 310 may extend upward of the upper plate 301, for example. The upper wire guide part 310 may include a first guide 312 and a second guide 314 spaced apart from each other.

For example, the first guide 312 and the second guide 314 may extend vertically upward from the upper plate 310 .

The first guide 312 includes a first part 312a extending in the Y-axis direction from one side of the plate opening 304 and a second part 312b bent and extending from the first part 312a. , a third portion 312c bent from the second portion 312b and extending in the X-axis direction. The third portion 312c may be connected to one circumferential wall 303 .

A first protrusion 313 may be formed at an upper end of the second part 312b to prevent the electric wire from being separated.

The second guide 314 is bent and extended from a first extension 314a arranged to face the second part 312b of the first guide 312, and the first extension 314a. A second extension portion 314b disposed to face the third portion 312c may be included.

The second part 312b of the first guide 312 and the first extension part 314a of the second guide 314 and the third part 312c of the first guide 312 and the second guide 314 The second extensions 314b of ) may be parallel to each other.

A second protrusion 315 may be formed at an upper end of the first extension part 314a to prevent the electric wire from being separated.

Corresponding to the first protrusion 313 and the second protrusion 315, wire guide slots 313a and 315a may be formed in the upper plate 310, and a part of the wire guide slots 313a and 315a ) to prevent the wire from leaving.

<Relationship between heater, heater case and 1st tray>

20 is a perspective view of the first heater case, FIG. 21 is a lower perspective view of the first heater case, FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a part of the first heater case, and FIG. 23 is a coupling relationship between the first heater case and the first tray. is a cross-sectional view showing

20 to 23 , an ice-making heater 290 for providing heat to the ice-making cell 320a may be fixed to the first heater case 280 .

The ice-leaving heater 290 may be, for example, a wire-type heater. Therefore, the ice break heater 290 may be bendable.

The ice leaving heater 290 may be disposed to surround the circumferences of the plurality of ice making cells 320a so that the heat of the ice shaving heater 290 can be evenly transferred to each of the plurality of ice making cells 320a. For example, the ice heater 290 may be disposed to surround the first cell 321a.

The first heater case 280 may be coupled to the first tray cover 300 at an upper end of the first tray 320 . Alternatively, the first heater case 280 may be integrally formed with the first tray cover 300 .

The first heater case 280 may include a first heater accommodating part 283 accommodating the ice breaking heater 290 .

The first heater accommodating part 283 may include a curved part 283a and a straight part 283b.

The ice break heater 290 may be accommodated in the first heater accommodating part 283 at a lower side of the first heater accommodating part 283 .

The first heater accommodating part 283 is formed between the plurality of curved parts 283a corresponding to the upper part of the first tray 320 forming the plurality of ice-making cells 320a and the plurality of curved parts 283a. It may include a straight line portion 283b positioned thereon.

The curved portion 283a and the straight portion 283b may be provided with a plurality of separation preventing protrusions 283c to prevent separation when the ice heater 290 is accommodated.

The first heater accommodating part 283 may be provided with a plurality of separation preventing grooves 283d formed to correspond to the separation preventing protrusions 283c.

The separation prevention protrusion 238c may extend to a lower portion of the first heater case 280 and may have an end bent in a horizontal direction.

For example, the departure prevention protrusion 283c may include a first protrusion extending vertically from the lower portion of the first heater accommodating part 283 and a second protrusion extending horizontally from the first protrusion. can

The second protrusion of the separation prevention protrusion 283c may extend toward the central portion of the first heater case 280 .

For example, the separation prevention groove 283d may be formed in the curved portion 283a and/or the straight portion 283b to correspond to the size of the separation prevention protrusion 283c.

As another example, the separation prevention groove 283d may be formed in a size corresponding to the plurality of separation prevention protrusions 283c.

Part of the ice-leaving heater 290 can be inserted into the separation prevention groove 283d so that the ice-leaving heater 290 is separated or by the separation-prevention protrusion 283c for preventing the separation of the ice-leaving heater 290. (290) can be prevented from being disconnected.

A plurality of first fastening parts 285 and 286 coupled to the first tray cover 300 may be provided on the straight part 283b.

The first fastening parts 285 and 286 may extend vertically upward from the straight part 283b.

The plurality of first coupling parts 285 and 286 may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction and face each other.

The first fastening parts 285 and 286 include first protrusions 285a and 286a protruding outward of the first heater case 280 and protruding with a smaller radius than the first protrusions 285a and 286a. 2 protrusions 285b and 286b may be included.

For example, the second protrusions 285b and 286b may be coupled to the first case coupling part 301b of the first tray cover 300 .

A portion of the first heater case 280 may be inserted into the plate opening 304 of the first tray cover 300, and a portion of the first fastening parts 285 and 586 may be inserted into the plate opening 304. It protrudes upward and can be combined with the first case coupling part 301b of the first tray cover 300 .

A temperature sensor accommodating part 284 for accommodating the second temperature sensor 700 may be provided between the pair of first heater fastening parts 285 among the first fastening parts 285 and 286 .

In detail, the temperature sensor accommodating part 284 may be accommodated below the heater case 280 so as to contact the first tray 320 without contacting the ice heater 290 .

The temperature sensor accommodating part 284 may include a temperature sensor accommodation space at the lower side to prevent contact with the ice heater 290 and to secure a space in which the second temperature sensor 700 can be accommodated.

An interference preventing portion 284a may be formed in the temperature sensor accommodating portion 284 to prevent interference with the first tray 320 .

Since the temperature sensor accommodating part 284 protrudes more upward, the first case fastening part 285 connected to the temperature sensor accommodating part 284 has a vertical upward direction compared to other first fastening parts 286. The extended length may be shorter.

Referring to FIG. 23 , a portion of the first tray 320 is inserted into the through opening 288 of the first heater case 280, and the ice heater 290 accommodated in the first heater case 280 is Heat may be applied to the first tray 320 by being in contact with the first tray 320 .

The second temperature sensor 700 may be accommodated in the sensor accommodating portion 321e of the first tray 320 . In a state in which the second temperature sensor 700 is accommodated in the sensor accommodating part 321e, the second temperature sensor 700 is spaced apart from the ice heater 290 .

For example, since the leaching heater 290 is in contact with the upper surface of the second protrusion of the separation prevention protrusion 283a, the leaving heater 290 is moved to the second temperature sensor 700 by the second protrusion. can be separated from

An upper end of at least one of the ice heater 290 and the second temperature sensor 700 may be positioned lower than the support wall 221d of the bracket 220 .

Also, an upper end of at least one of the ice heater 290 and the second temperature sensor 700 may be positioned lower than the upper end of the auxiliary storage compartment 325 .

<First Tray Supporter>

Fig. 24 is a plan view of the first tray supporter.

Referring to FIG. 24 , the first tray supporter 340 may be coupled to the first tray cover 300 to support the first tray 320 .

In detail, the first tray supporter 340 has a horizontal portion 341 in contact with the bottom surface of the top of the first tray 320 and the lower portion of the first tray 320 is inserted in the center of the horizontal portion 341 It includes an insertion opening 342 .

The horizontal portion 341 may have a size corresponding to the upper plate 301 of the first tray cover 300 .

In addition, the horizontal part 341 may have a plurality of fastening holes 341a coupled to the fastening part 301a of the first tray cover 300 .

The plurality of fastening holes 341a may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis and/or Y-axis directions of FIG. 24 to correspond to the fastening portion 301a of the first tray cover 300 .

When the first tray cover 300, the first tray 320, and the first tray supporter 340 are coupled, the upper plate 301 of the first tray cover 300 and the first tray 320 The first extension wall 327 and the horizontal portion 341 of the first tray supporter 340 may sequentially come into contact with each other.

In detail, the lower surface of the upper plate 301 of the first tray cover 300 is in contact with the upper surface of the first extension wall 327 of the first tray 320, and the first A lower surface of the extension wall 327 and an upper surface of the horizontal portion 341 of the first tray supporter 340 may contact each other.

<Second Tray>

25 is a perspective view of the second tray viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the second tray seen from below.

Fig. 27 is a bottom view of the second tray, and Fig. 28 is a plan view of the second tray.

25 to 28 , the second tray 380 may define a second cell 381a that is another part of the ice-making cell 320a.

The second tray 380 may include a second tray wall 381 forming a part of the ice-making cell 320a.

For example, the second tray 380 may define a plurality of second cells 381a. The plurality of second cells 381a may be arranged in a line, for example. Referring to FIG. 28 , the plurality of second cells 381a may be arranged in the X-axis direction.

For example, the second tray wall 381 may define the plurality of second cells 381a.

The third tray wall 381 may include a plurality of second cell walls 3811 for forming each of a plurality of second cells 381a. Two adjacent second cell walls 3811 may be interconnected.

The second tray 380 may include a circumferential wall 387 extending along the circumference of the upper end of the second tray wall 381 .

For example, the circumferential wall 387 may be integrally formed with the second tray wall 381 and extend from an upper end of the second tray wall 381 .

As another example, the circumferential wall 387 may be formed separately from the second tray wall 381 and positioned around an upper end of the second tray wall 381 . In this case, the circumferential wall 387 may be in contact with the second tray wall 381 or may be spaced apart from the third tray wall 381 .

In any case, the circumferential wall 387 may surround at least a portion of the first tray 320 .

If the second tray 380 includes the circumferential wall 387 , the second tray 380 may surround the first tray 320 .

When the second tray 380 and the circumferential wall 387 are formed separately, the circumferential wall 387 may be integrally formed with the second tray case or coupled to the second tray case.

For example, one second tray wall may define a plurality of second cells 381a, and one continuous circumferential wall 387 may surround the first tray 250.

The circumferential wall 387 may include a first extension wall 387b extending in a horizontal direction and a second extension wall 387c extending in a vertical direction.

One or more second fastening holes 387a for fastening with the second tray case may be provided in the first extension wall 387b. The plurality of second fastening holes 387a may be arranged along one or more axes of the X axis and the Y axis.

The second tray 380 may include a second contact surface 382c contacting the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 .

The first contact surface 322c and the second contact surface 382c may be horizontal surfaces. The first contact surface 322c and the second contact surface 382c may be formed in a ring shape. When the ice-making cell 320a has a spherical shape, the first contact surface 322c and the second contact surface 382c may be formed in a circular ring shape.

29 is a cross-sectional view taken along 29-29 in FIG. 25, FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along 30-30 in FIG. 25, FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along 31-31 in FIG. 25, FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along 32-32 of FIG. 28, and FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along 33-33 of FIG.

29 shows a Y-Z section through the center line C1.

29 to 33 , the second tray 380 may include a first portion 382 defining at least a portion of the ice-making cell 320a. The first portion 382 may be part or all of the second tray wall 381, for example.

In this specification, the first part 322 of the first tray 320 may be termed a third part in order to be distinguished from the first part 382 of the second tray 380 . Also, the second part 323 of the first tray 320 may be referred to as a fourth part in order to be distinguished from the second part 383 of the second tray 380 in terminology.

The first portion 382 may include a second cell surface 382b (or an outer circumferential surface) forming the second cell 381a of the ice-making cells 320a.

The first part 382 may be defined as an area between two dotted lines in FIG. 29 .

The uppermost part of the first portion 382 is the second contact surface 382c contacting the first tray 320 .

The second tray 380 may further include a second portion 383. The second portion 383 may reduce heat transferred from the transparent ice heater 430 to the second tray 380 to the ice-making cell 320a formed by the first tray 320. there is. That is, the second part 383 serves to keep the heat conduction path away from the first cell 321a.

The second portion 383 may be part or all of the circumferential wall 387 .

The second part 383 may extend from a certain point of the first part 382 . Hereinafter, an example in which the second part 383 is connected to the first part 382 will be described as an example.

A certain point of the first part 382 may be one end of the first part 382 . Alternatively, a certain point of the first part 382 may be a point of the second contact surface 382c.

The second part 383 may include one end contacting a certain point of the first part 382 and the other end not contacting. The other end of the second part 383 may be located farther from the first cell 321a than one end of the second part 383 .

At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend in a direction away from the first cell 321a. At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend in a direction away from the second cell 381a.

At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend upward from the second contact surface 382c. At least a portion of the second portion 383 may horizontally extend in a direction away from the center line C1.

The center of curvature of at least part of the second part 383 may coincide with the center of rotation of the shaft 440 that is connected to the drive unit 480 and rotates.

The second part 383 may include a first part 384a extending from one point of the first part 382 .

The second part 383 may further include a second part 384b extending in the same direction as the extending direction of the first part 384a. Alternatively, the second part 383 may further include a third part 384b extending in a direction different from the extending direction of the first part 384a.

Alternatively, the second part 383 may further include a second part 384b and a third part 384c branched from the first part 384a.

Illustratively, the first part 384a may extend in a horizontal direction from the first part 382 . A portion of the first part 384a may be positioned higher than the second contact surface 382c. That is, the first part 384a may include a horizontal extension part and a vertical extension part. The first part 384a may further include a portion extending in a vertical direction from the predetermined point.

For example, the length of the third part 384c may be longer than that of the second part 384b.

An extension direction of at least a portion of the first part 384a may be the same as an extension direction of the second part 384b. Extension directions of the second part 384b and the third part 384c may be different. An extension direction of the third part 384c may be different from an extension direction of the first part 384a.

The third part 384a may have a constant curvature based on the Y-Z cut plane. That is, the third part 384a may have the same radius of curvature in the longitudinal direction.

The curvature of the second part 384b may be zero. When the second part 384b is not a straight line, the curvature of the second part 384b may be smaller than that of the third part 384a. A radius of curvature of the second part 384b may be greater than a radius of curvature of the third part 384a.

At least a portion of the second portion 383 may be positioned equal to or higher than the top of the ice-making cell 320a. In this case, the transfer of heat to the ice-making cell 320a may be reduced because the heat conduction path formed by the second part 383 is long.

The length of the second part 383 may be greater than the radius of the ice making cell 320a. The second part 383 may extend to a point higher than the rotational center C4 of the shaft 440 . For example, the second part 383 may extend to a point higher than the uppermost end of the shaft 440 .

The second part 383 is the part of the first part 382 to reduce the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater 430 to the ice making cell 320a formed by the first tray 320. A first extension portion 383a extending from one point and a second extension portion 383b extending from a second location of the first portion 382 may be included.

For example, the first extension part 383a and the second extension part 383b may extend in different directions with respect to the center line C1.

Referring to FIG. 29 , the first extension part 383a may be located on the left side with respect to the center line C1, and the second extension part 383b may be located on the right side with respect to the center line C1. .

The first extension 383a and the second extension 383b may have different shapes based on the center line C1. The first extension part 383a and the second extension part 383b may be formed in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center line C1.

The length (horizontal length) of the second extension part 383b in the Y-axis direction may be longer than the length (horizontal length) of the first extension part 383a.

The first extension part 383a is larger than the second extension part 383b in the portion of the second wall 222 or the third wall 223 of the bracket 220 to which the fourth wall 224 is connected. It may be located closer to the oppositely located edge portion.

The second extension part 383b may be located closer to the shaft 440 providing the center of rotation of the second tray assembly than the first extension part 383a.

In this embodiment, the length of the second extension part 383b in the Y-axis direction may be longer than the length of the first extension part 383a. In this case, the heat conduction path may be increased while reducing the width of the bracket 220 compared to the space where the ice maker 200 is installed.

When the length of the second extension part 383b in the Y-axis direction is formed longer than the length of the first extension part 383a, having a second tray 380 in contact with the first tray 320 The rotation radius of the second tray assembly is increased.

When the radius of rotation of the second tray assembly is increased, the centrifugal force of the second tray assembly is increased so that the ice breaking force for separating ice from the second tray assembly during the ice breaking process can be increased, and the ice separation performance is improved. can be improved

The center of curvature of at least part of the second extension part 383b may be the center of curvature of the shaft 440 that is connected to the drive unit 480 and rotates.

Based on the Y-Z cut plane passing through the center line C1, the distance between the lower part of the first extension part 383a and the lower part of the second extension part 383b is greater than the distance between the upper part of the first extension part 383a and the lower part of the second extension part 383b. A distance between the upper portions of the second extension portion 383b may be large.

For example, the distance between the first extension 383a and the second extension 383b may increase upward.

Each of the first extension 383a and the third extension 383b may include the first to third parts 384a, 384b, and 384c.

In another aspect, the third part 384c may also be described as including a first extension part 383a and a second extension part 383b extending in different directions with respect to the center line C1. there is.

At least a portion of the X-Y cut surface of the second extension 383b has a curvature greater than 0, and the curvature may be variable.

Among the curvature of the first horizontal region 386a including the point where the first extension line C2 in the Y-axis direction passing through the center line C1 and the second extension portion 383b meet, and the third part 383b The curvature of the second horizontal area 386b spaced apart from the first horizontal area 386a may be different.

For example, the curvature of the first horizontal region 386a may be greater than the curvature of the second horizontal region 386b.

The curvature of the first horizontal region 386a may be maximum in the third part 383b.

The curvature of the third horizontal region 386c including the point where the third part 384c meets the second extension line C3 in the X-axis direction passing through the center line C1 and the distance from the third part 384c The curvature of the second horizontal region 386b may be different.

The curvature of the second horizontal area 386b may be greater than the curvature of the third horizontal area 386c.

In the third part 383b, the curvature of the third horizontal region 386c may be minimal.

The second extension part 383b may include an inner line 383b1 and an outer line 383b2.

Based on the X-Y cut plane, the curvature of the inner line 383b1 may be greater than zero. The curvature of the outer line 383b2 may be greater than or equal to 0.

The second extension part 383b may be divided into an upper part and a lower part in the height direction.

Based on the X-Y cut plane, the amount of change in curvature of the inner line 383b1 of the upper side of the second extension 383b may be greater than zero. A curvature variation of the inner line 383b1 of the lower portion of the second extension 383b may be greater than zero.

The maximum curvature change of the inner line 383b1 of the upper side of the second extension 383b may be greater than the maximum curvature change of the inner line 383b1 of the lower side of the second extension 383b.

Based on the X-Y cut plane, the amount of change in curvature of the outer line 383b2 of the upper side of the second extension 383b may be greater than zero. A curvature variation of the outer line 383b2 of the lower portion of the second extension 383b may be greater than zero.

The minimum curvature change of the outer line 383b2 of the upper side of the second extension 383b may be greater than the minimum curvature change of the outer line 383b2 of the lower side of the second extension 383b.

An outer line of the lower portion of the second extension portion 383b may include a straight portion 383b3.

The third part 384c may include a plurality of first extension parts 383a and a plurality of second extension parts 383b corresponding to the plurality of ice making cells 320a.

The third part 384c may include a first connection part 385a connecting two adjacent first extension parts 383a. The third part 384c may include a second connection part 385b connecting two adjacent second extension parts 383b.

In this embodiment, when the ice maker includes three ice making cells 320a, the third part 384c may include two first connection parts 385a.

As described above, corresponding to the formation of the sensor accommodating portion 321e, the width (length in the X-axis direction) W1 of the two first connection portions 385a may be different from each other.

For example, the second connection portion 385b may include an inner line 385b1 and an outer line 385b2.

In this embodiment, when the ice maker includes three ice-making cells 320a, the third part 384c may include two second connection parts 385b.

As described above, corresponding to the formation of the sensor accommodating portion 321e, the width (length in the X-axis direction) W2 of the two second connection portions 385b may be different from each other.

In this case, among the two second connection parts 385b, the width of the second connection part 385b located close to the second temperature sensor 700 may be greater than the width of the remaining second connection parts 385b.

The width W1 of the first connection part 385a may be greater than the width W3 of the connection part of two adjacent ice making cells 320a.

The width W2 of the second connection part 385b may be greater than the width W3 of the connection part of two adjacent ice making cells 320a.

The first portion 382 may have a variable radius in the Y-axis direction.

The first portion 382 may include a first area 382d (refer to area A in FIG. 29 ) and a second area 382e.

A curvature of at least a portion of the first region 382d may be different from a curvature of at least a portion of the second region 382e.

The first region 382d may include a lowermost portion of the ice-making cell 320a.

The second region 382e may have a larger diameter than the first region 382d.

The first area 382d and the second area 382e may be divided in a vertical direction.

The transparent ice heater 430 may be in contact with the first region 382d. The first area 382d may include a heater contact surface 382g to which the transparent ice heater 430 is in contact.

The heater contact surface 382g may be, for example, a horizontal surface. The heater contact surface 382g may be positioned higher than a lowermost end of the first part 382 .

The second region 382e may include the second contact surface 382c.

The first region 382d may have a shape that is depressed in a direction opposite to a direction in which ice expands in the ice-making cell 320a.

A distance from the center of the ice-making cell 320a to a portion where the depression in the first region 382d is located may be shorter than a distance from the center of the ice-making cell 320a to the second region 382e. there is.

For example, the first region 382d may include a pressing portion 382f that is pressed by the second pusher 540 during the separation process. When the pressing force of the second pusher 540 is applied to the pressing portion 382f, the pressing portion 382f is deformed and the ice is separated from the first portion 382. When the pressing force applied to the pressing portion 382f is removed, the pressing portion 382f may return to its original shape.

The center line C1 may pass through the first region 382d. For example, the center line C1 may pass through the pressing portion 382f.

The heater contact surface 382g may be disposed to surround the pressing part 382f.

The heater contact surface 382g may be located higher than the lowermost end of the pressing part 382f.

At least a portion of the heater contact surface 382g may be disposed to surround the center line C1. Accordingly, at least a portion of the transparent ice heater 430 in contact with the heater contact surface 382g may also be disposed to surround the center line C1.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the transparent ice heater 430 from interfering with the second pusher 540 while the second pusher 540 presses the pressing portion 382f.

A distance from the center of the ice-making cell 320a to the pressing portion 382f may be different from a distance from the center of the ice-making cell 320a to the second area 382e.

<Second Tray Cover>

34 is a perspective view of the second tray cover, and FIG. 35 is a plan view of the second tray cover.

Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35 , the second tray cover 360 includes an opening 362 (or a through hole) into which a part of the second tray 380 is inserted.

For example, when the second tray 380 is inserted from the lower side of the second tray cover 360, a portion of the second tray 380 passes through the opening 362 to the second tray cover 360. can protrude upward.

The second tray cover 360 may include a vertical wall 361 and a curved wall 363 surrounding the opening 362 .

In detail, the vertical wall 361 may form three surfaces of the second tray cover 360 , and the curved wall 363 may form the other surface of the second tray cover 360 .

The vertical wall 361 may be a wall extending vertically upward, and the curved wall 363 may be a wall that is rounded away from the opening 362 in an upward direction.

A plurality of fastening parts 361a, 361c, and 363a for coupling with the second tray 380 and the second tray case 400 may be provided on the vertical wall 361 and the curved wall 363.

The vertical wall 361 and the curved wall 363 may further include a plurality of fastening grooves 361b, 361d, and 363b corresponding to the plurality of fastening parts 361a, 361c, and 363a.

Fastening members may be inserted into the plurality of fastening parts 361a, 361c, and 363a, pass through the second tray 380, and be coupled to the coupling parts 401a, 401b, and 401c of the second tray supporter 400.

At this time, it is possible to prevent the fastening member from protruding upward from the vertical wall 361 and the curved wall 363 through the plurality of fastening grooves 361b, 361d, and 363b and interfering with other components.

A plurality of first fastening parts 361a may be provided on a wall of the vertical wall 361 facing the curved wall 363 .

In detail, the plurality of first coupling parts 361a may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction of FIG. 34 .

In addition, a first fastening groove 361b corresponding to each of the first fastening parts 361a may be included.

For example, the first coupling groove 361b may be formed by recessing the vertical wall 361, and the first coupling portion 361a may be provided in a recessed portion of the first coupling groove 361b. can

In addition, the vertical wall 361 may further include a plurality of second fastening parts 361c.

The plurality of second fastening parts 361c may be provided on vertical walls 361 that are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction and face each other.

In detail, the plurality of second fastening parts 361c may be positioned closer to the first fastening part 361a compared to the third fastening part 363a, which will be described later, which is the second tray supporter 400 to be described later. This is to prevent interference with the extension part 403 of the second tray supporter 400 when combined with.

For example, the vertical wall 361 where the plurality of second fastening parts 361c are located may further include second fastening grooves 361d formed by spaced apart from each other except for the second fastening parts 361c. there is.

A plurality of third fastening parts 363a for coupling with the second tray 380 and the second tray supporter 400 may be provided on the curved wall 363 .

For example, the plurality of third coupling parts 363a may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction of FIG. 34 .

The curved wall 363 may be provided with third fastening grooves 363b corresponding to each of the third fastening parts 363a.

For example, the third fastening groove 363b may be formed by vertically recessing the curved wall 363, and the third fastening part 363a may be formed in a recessed portion of the third fastening groove 363b. may be provided.

36 is an upper perspective view of the second tray supporter, and FIG. 37 is a lower perspective view of the second tray supporter. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along 38-38 of FIG. 36;

Referring to FIGS. 36 to 38 , the second tray supporter 400 may include a supporter body 407 on which a lower portion of the second tray 380 is seated.

The supporter body 407 may include an accommodation space 406a in which a portion of the second tray 380 may be accommodated.

The accommodating space 406a may be formed to correspond to the first part 382 of the second tray 380, and there may be a plurality of them.

The supporter body 407 may include a lower opening 406b (or a through hole) through which a part of the second pusher 540 passes during the separation process.

For example, three lower openings 406b may be provided in the supporter body 407 to correspond to the three chamber accommodating spaces 406a.

In addition, a lower portion of the second tray 380 may be exposed through the lower opening 406b. At least a part of the second tray 380 may be positioned in the lower opening 406b.

An upper surface 407a of the supporter body 407 may extend in a horizontal direction.

The second tray supporter 400 may include an upper surface 407a of the supporter body 407 and a stepped lower plate 401 .

The lower plate 401 may be positioned higher than the upper surface 407a of the supporter body 407 .

The lower plate 401 may include a plurality of coupling parts 401a, 401b, and 401c for coupling with the second tray cover 360.

A second tray 380 may be inserted and coupled between the second tray cover 360 and the second tray supporter 400 .

For example, the second tray 380 may be positioned below the second tray cover 360 and the second tray 380 may be accommodated above the second tray supporter 400 .

In addition, the first extension wall 387b of the second tray 380 is coupled to the fastening portions 361a, 361b, and 361c of the second tray cover 360 and the coupling portion 401a of the second tray supporter 400. , 401b, 401c).

The plurality of first coupling parts 401a may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction of FIG. 36 . In addition, the first coupling portion 401a and the second and third coupling portions 401b and 401c may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

The third coupling portion 401c may be disposed farther from the first coupling portion 401a than the second coupling portion 401b.

The second tray supporter 400 may further include a vertical extension wall 405 extending vertically downward from the edge of the lower plate 401 .

A pair of extensions 403 coupled to the shaft 440 to rotate the second tray 380 may be provided on one surface of the vertical extension wall 405 .

The pair of extensions 403 may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction of FIG. 36 . In addition, each extension part 403 may further include a through hole 404 .

The shaft 440 may pass through the through hole 404 , and the extension part 281 of the first tray cover 300 may be disposed inside the pair of extension parts 403 .

In addition, the through hole 404 may further include a central portion 404a and an extension hole 404b extending symmetrically from the central portion 404a.

The second tray supporter 400 may further include a spring coupling portion 402a to which the spring 402 is coupled.

The spring coupling part 402a may form a ring so that the lower end of the spring 402 is caught.

In addition, a guide hole 408 for guiding a transparent ice heater 430 to be described later or an electric wire connected to the transparent ice heater 430 to the outside is provided in one of the walls facing each other and spaced apart in the X-axis direction of the vertically extending wall 405. ) may be provided.

The second tray supporter 400 may further include a link connection portion 405a to which the pusher link 500 is coupled. For example, the link connecting portion 405a may protrude from the vertical extension wall 405 in the X-axis direction.

The link connecting portion 405a may be located in a region between the center line CL1 and the through hole 404 based on FIG. 38 .

In addition, a plurality of second heater coupling parts 409 coupled to a second heater case 420 (see FIG. 39 ) to be described below may be further provided on the lower surface of the lower plate 401 .

The plurality of second heater coupling parts 409 may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction and/or the Y-axis direction.

Referring to FIG. 38 , the second tray supporter 400 may include a first part 411 supporting the second tray 380 forming at least a part of the ice-making cell 320a. In FIG. 38 , the first portion 411 may be an area between two dotted lines. For example, the supporter body 407 may form the first part 411 .

The second tray supporter 400 may further include a second part 413 extending from a certain point of the first part 411 .

The second portion 413 reduces heat transferred from the transparent ice heater 430 to the second tray supporter 400 to the ice-making cell 320a formed by the first tray 320. can do.

At least a portion of the second portion 413 may extend in a direction away from the first cell 321a formed by the first tray 320 .

The distance from the second portion 413 may be in a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making cell 320a.

The direction of the second portion 413 may be in a downward direction based on a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making cell 320a.

The second part 413 may include a first part 414a extending in a horizontal direction from the predetermined point and a second part 414b extending in the same direction as the first part 414a.

The second part 413 may include a first part 414a extending in a horizontal direction from the predetermined point and a third part 414c extending in a direction different from the first part 414a.

The second part 413 includes a first part 414a extending in a horizontal direction from the certain point, and a second part 414b and a third part 414c formed to be branched from the first part 414a. can include

For example, the upper surface 407a of the supporter body 407 may form the first part 414a.

The first part 414a may further include a fourth part 414d extending in a vertical direction. For example, the lower plate 401 may form the fourth part 414d.

For example, the vertically extending wall 405 may form the third part 414c.

The length of the third part 414c may be longer than that of the second part 414b.

The second part 414b may extend in the same direction as the first part 414a. The third part 414c may extend in a direction different from that of the first part 414a.

The second part 413 may be located at the same height as the lowermost end of the first cell 321a or may extend to a low point.

The second part 413 includes a first extension part 413a and a second extension part 413b positioned opposite to each other based on the center line CL1 corresponding to the center line C1 of the ice making cell 320a. can include

Referring to FIG. 38 , the first extension part 413a may be located on the left side with respect to the center line CL1, and the second extension part 413b may be located on the right side with respect to the center line CL1. .

The first extension part 413a and the second extension part 413b may have different shapes based on the center line CL1. The first extension part 413a and the second extension part 413b may be formed in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center line CL1.

The second extension 413b may be longer than the first extension 413a in the horizontal direction. That is, the heat conduction length of the second extension part 413b is longer than the heat conduction length of the first extension part 413a.

The first extension portion 413a is larger than the second extension portion 413b to which the fourth wall 224 is connected among the second wall 222 or the third wall 223 of the bracket 220. It may be located closer to the oppositely located edge portion.

The second extension part 413b may be located closer to the shaft 440 providing the center of rotation of the second tray assembly than the first extension part 413a.

In the case of this embodiment, since the length of the second extension part 413b in the Y-axis direction is formed longer than the length of the first extension part 413a, the second tray in contact with the first tray 320 ( 380) also increases the rotation radius of the second tray assembly.

The center of curvature of at least a portion of the second extension part 413a may coincide with the center of rotation of the shaft 440 connected to the driving part 480 and rotating.

The first extension part 413a may include a part 414e extending upward with respect to the horizontal line. For example, the portion 414e may surround a portion of the second tray 380 .

On the other hand, the second tray supporter 400 includes a first region 415a including the lower opening 406b and a corresponding ice-making cell 320a to support the second tray 380. It may include a second region 415b having a shape.

For example, the first area 415a and the second area 415b may be divided in a vertical direction. In FIG. 38 , for example, it is shown that the first area 415a and the second area 415b are separated by a one-dot chain line.

The first region 415a may support the second tray 380 .

The controller controls the second pusher 540 to move from a first point outside the ice making cell 320a to a second point inside the second tray supporter 400 via the lower opening 406b. (200) can be controlled.

The deformation resistance of the second tray supporter 400 may be greater than the deformation resistance of the second tray 380 .

The degree of restoration of the second tray supporter 400 may be smaller than that of the second tray 380 .

In another aspect, the second tray supporter 400 has a first area 415a including a lower opening 406b and the transparent ice heater 430 compared to the first area 415a. It can be described as including a second region 415b located farther away.

<Second Heater Case>

39 is a perspective view of the second heater case, FIG. 40 is a view in which a transparent ice heater is coupled to the second heater case, FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along 41-41 of FIG. 40, and FIG. 42 is a second heater case. This is an enlarged view of part of the case.

The ice maker of this embodiment may further include a transparent ice heater 430 for applying heat to the second tray 380 during the ice making process.

38 to 42, the second heater case 420 includes a second heater accommodating part 425 accommodating a transparent ice heater 430 for transferring heat from the lower side of the second tray 380. can do.

The second heater case 420 may be integrally formed with the second tray supporter 400 or formed separately and coupled to the second tray supporter 400 .

The second heater case 420 includes a second heater plate 421 where the second heater accommodating part 425 is formed and a number of second heaters extending vertically upward from the edge of the second heater plate 421. It may further include a straight wall 424 .

The second heater accommodating part 425 includes a plurality of curved parts 425a contacting the lower end of the second tray 380 and a plurality of straight parts 425b connecting the plurality of curved parts 425a. can do.

An opening 422 into which a lower portion of the second tray 380 is inserted may be provided at the center of the plurality of curved portions 425a.

An inner side of the plurality of curved portions 425a surrounding the opening 422 may be formed to correspond to a shape of a lower end of the second tray 380 .

For example, an inner side of the curved portion 425a may be lower than an outer side of the curved portion 425a, and an inner side of the curved portion 425a may be inclined.

A heater support wall 425c may be formed from the bottom of the heater plate 421 along the circumference of the second heater accommodating part 425 . The heater supporting wall 425c may prevent the transparent ice heater 430 accommodated in the second heater accommodating part 425 from being separated from the second heater accommodating part 425 .

In addition, separation prevention protrusions 425c1 for preventing separation of the transparent ice heater 430 may be provided at both ends of the plurality of curved portions 425a in the X-axis direction of FIG. 38 .

A guide groove 425d through which the transparent ice heater 430 is guided outward may be provided at one of both ends of the plurality of curved portions 425a.

In addition, a guide wall 423 extending vertically may be formed on the second heater plate 421 in a direction in which the guide groove 425d is formed.

The guide wall 423 may guide the transparent ice heater 430 or the wire connected to the transparent ice heater 430 guided along the guide groove 425d to the outside of the second heater case 420. there is.

The guide wall 423 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the adjacent curved portion 425a.

The guide wall 423 may be formed in plural and spaced apart from each other about the guide groove 425d.

A plurality of separation prevention protrusions 426c may be formed on the plurality of straight portions 425b.

In addition, the second heater plate 421 may include a plurality of second heater fastening parts 421a for coupling with the second heater fastening parts 409 of the second tray supporter 400 .

The plurality of second heater fastening parts 421a may be spaced apart from each other in a direction of arrow A and/or direction of arrow B in FIG. 38 .

A fastening member is coupled at the lower side of the second heater case 420 and can be coupled through the second heater fastening part 421a and the second heater fastening part 409 .

A cutout 424a may be provided on a part of one of the four surfaces of the second heater vertical wall 424 .

For example, the transparent ice heater 430 guided through the guide wall 423 or an electric wire connected to the transparent ice heater 430 passes through a cutout 424a to the outside of the second heater case 420. can be connected

The cutout 424a may be positioned to correspond to the guide hole 408 of the second tray supporter 400 .

The transparent ice heater 430 will be described in detail.

The controller 800 of the present embodiment controls the transparent ice heater 430 to supply heat to the ice-making cell 320a in at least a partial section while cool air is being supplied to the ice-making cell 320a so that transparent ice can be produced. can be controlled so that

The ice making machine ( In 200), transparent ice may be generated. That is, bubbles dissolved in water may be induced to escape to the outside of the ice-making cell 320a or be collected in a certain position within the ice-making cell 320a.

Meanwhile, when the cold air supply unit 900 to be described later supplies cold air to the ice-making cell 320a, if the speed at which ice is produced is high, bubbles dissolved in water inside the ice-making cell 320a are formed at the portion where ice is generated. Transparency of ice produced by freezing without moving toward liquid water may be low.

On the other hand, when the cold air supply means 900 supplies cold air to the ice making cell 320a, if the speed at which ice is produced is slow, the above problem is solved and the transparency of the ice may be increased, but it takes a long time to make ice. problems can arise.

Therefore, the transparent ice heater 430 can locally supply heat to the ice-making cell 320a to increase the transparency of ice, while reducing the ice-making time delay. Can be placed on one side.

Meanwhile, when the transparent ice heater 430 is disposed on one side of the ice-making cell 320a, it is possible to reduce the easy transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater 430 to the other side of the ice-making cell 320a. At least one of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be made of a material having lower thermal conductivity than metal.

Alternatively, at least one of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be made of a resin including plastic so that the ice attached to the trays 320 and 380 is well separated during the icing process.

Meanwhile, at least one of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be made of a flexible or soft material so that the tray deformed by the pushers 260 and 540 in the tearing process can be easily restored to its original shape. there is.

The transparent ice heater 430 may be disposed adjacent to the second tray 380 . The transparent ice heater 430 may be, for example, a wire type heater.

For example, the transparent ice heater 430 may be installed to contact the second tray 380 or may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the second tray 380 by a predetermined distance.

As another example, it is also possible that the second heater case 420 is not separately provided, and the tomingbing heater 430 is installed in the second tray supporter 400 .

In any case, the transparent ice heater 430 may supply heat to the second tray 380, and the heat supplied to the second tray 380 may be transferred to the ice-making cell 320a.

<First pusher>

Figure 43 is a view showing a first pusher of the present invention, Figure 43 (a) is a perspective view of the first pusher, Figure 43 (b) is a side view of the first pusher.

Referring to FIG. 43 , the first pusher 260 may include a pushing bar 264. The pushing bar 264 may include a first edge 264a on which a pressing surface for pressing the ice or the tray is formed during the ice breaking process, and a second edge 264b positioned opposite the first edge 264a. can

The pressing surface may be flat or curved, for example.

The pushing bar 264 may extend in a vertical direction, and may be formed in a straight line shape or a curved shape in which at least a portion thereof is rounded.

The diameter of the pushing bar 264 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 324 of the first tray 320 . Thus, the pushing bar 264 may pass through the opening 324 and be inserted into the ice-making cell 320a. Accordingly, the first pusher 260 may be referred to as a through-type pusher penetrating the ice-making cell 320a.

When the ice maker includes a plurality of ice making cells 320a, the first pusher 260 may include a plurality of pushing bars 264. Two adjacent pushing bars 264 may be connected by a connection part 263 .

The connection part 263 may connect upper ends of the pushing bar 264 to each other. Accordingly, interference between the second edge 264a and the connection portion 263 with the first tray 320 may be prevented while the pushing bar 264 is inserted into the ice-making cell 320a.

The first pusher 260 may include a guide connecting portion 265 penetrating the guide slot 302 . For example, the guide connection part 265 may be provided on both sides of the first pusher 260 . A vertical cross section of the guide connecting portion 265 may be formed in a circular, elliptical or polygonal shape.

The guide connection part 265 may be located in the guide slot 302 . The guide connection part 265 may be moved in the longitudinal direction along the guide slot 302 while being positioned in the guide slot 302 . For example, the guide connection part 265 may be moved in a vertical direction.

Although the guide slot 302 has been described as being formed on the first tray cover 300, it is also possible to be formed on the wall forming the bracket 220 or the storage compartment.

The guide connection part 265 may further include a link connection part 266 to be coupled with the pusher link 500 . The link connection part 266 may be located lower than the second edge 264b.

The link connecting portion 266 may be formed in a cylindrical shape so that relative rotation is possible in a state in which the link connecting portion 266 is coupled with the pusher link 500 .

<Connection relationship between the first pusher and the pusher link>

44 is a view showing a state in which the first pusher is connected to the second tray assembly by a link.

Referring to FIG. 44 , the pusher link 500 may connect the first pusher 500 and the second tray assembly. For example, the pusher link 500 may be connected to the first pusher 260 and the second tray case.

The pusher link 500 may include a link body 502 . The link body 502 may have a rounded shape. As the link body 502 is formed in a rounded shape, the pusher link 500 can rotate while the second tray assembly rotates while the pusher link 500 moves the first pusher 260. can be moved up and down.

The pusher link 500 may include a first connection part 504 provided at one end of the link body 502 and a second connection part 506 provided at the other end of the link body 502 .

The first connection part 504 may include a first coupling hole 504a through which the link connection part 266 is coupled. The link connection part 266 may be connected to the first connection part 504 after passing through the guide slot 302 .

The second connection part 506 may be coupled to the second tray supporter 400 . The upper second connection part 506 may include a second coupling hole 506a through which the link connection part 405a provided in the second tray supporter 400 is coupled.

The second connection part 504 may be connected to the second tray supporter 400 at a position spaced apart from the center of rotation C4 of the shaft 440 or the center of rotation C4 of the second tray assembly.

Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, the pusher link 500 connected to the second tray assembly rotates together with the rotation of the second tray assembly. During the rotation of the pusher link 500 , the first pusher 260 connected to the pusher link 500 moves up and down along the guide slot 302 .

The pusher link 502 may serve to convert the rotational force of the second tray assembly into the vertical movement force of the first pusher 260 .

Accordingly, the first pusher 260 may also be referred to as a movable pusher.

<2nd pusher>

45 is a perspective view of a second pusher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 45 , the second pusher 540 according to the present embodiment may include a pushing bar 544 . The pushing bar 544 has a first edge 544a on which a pressing surface for pressing the second tray 380 is formed during the separation process, and a second edge 544b positioned opposite the first edge 544a. ) may be included.

The pushing bar 544 may be formed in a curved shape so that the time for pressing the second tray 380 increases without interfering with the second tray 380 rotating during the separation process.

The first edge 544a may be a flat surface and may include a vertical surface or an inclined surface.

The second edge 544b is coupled to the fourth wall 224 of the bracket 220, or the second edge 544b is coupled to the fourth wall 224 of the bracket 220 by a coupling plate 542. ) can be combined.

The coupling plate 542 may be seated in the seating groove 224a formed in the fourth wall 224 of the bracket 220 .

When the ice maker 200 includes a plurality of ice making cells 320a, the second pusher 540 may include a plurality of pushing bars 544. The plurality of pushing bars 544 may be connected to the coupling plate 542 while being spaced apart in a horizontal direction.

The plurality of pushing bars 544 may be integrally formed with the coupling plate 542 or coupled to the coupling plate 542 .

The first edge 544a may be inclined with respect to the center line C1 of the ice-making cell 320a.

The first edge 544a may be inclined in a direction away from the center line C1 of the ice-making cell 320a from top to bottom.

An angle of an inclined surface formed by the first edge 544a with respect to a vertical line may be smaller than an angle of an inclined surface formed by the second edge 544b.

A direction in which the pushing bar 544 extends from the center of the first edge 544a toward the center of the second edge 544a may include at least two directions.

For example, the pushing bar 544 may include a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a direction different from the second portion.

At least a part of a line connecting the center of the second edge 544a to the center of the first edge 544a along the pushing bar 544 may be a curve.

The first edge 544a and the second edge 544b may have different heights. The first edge 544a may be inclined with respect to the second edge 544b.

<Assembly process>

46 to 48 are views showing the assembly process of the ice maker according to the present invention.

46 to 48 do not sequentially show the assembly process, but show how each part is combined.

First, the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly may be assembled.

For assembling the first tray assembly, the ice heater 290 may be coupled to the first heater case 280 and the first heater case 280 may be assembled to the first tray case. For example, the first heater case may be assembled to the first tray cover 300 .

Of course, when the first heater case 280 is integrally formed with the first tray cover 300, the ice heater 290 may be coupled to the first tray cover 300.

The first tray 320 and the first tray case may be coupled. For example, after positioning the first tray cover 300 on the upper side of the first tray 320 and positioning the first tray supporter 340 on the lower side of the first tray 320, using a fastening member to The first tray cover 300 , the first tray 320 and the first tray supporter 340 may be combined.

To assemble the second tray assembly, the transparent ice heater 430 and the second heater case 420 may be coupled.

The second heater case 420 may be coupled to the second tray case. For example, the second heater case 420 may be coupled to the second tray supporter 400 .

Of course, when the second heater case 420 is integrally formed with the second tray supporter 400, the transparent ice heater 430 may be coupled to the second tray supporter 400.

The second tray 380 and the second tray case may be coupled. For example, after positioning the second tray cover 360 on the upper side of the second tray 380 and positioning the second tray supporter 400 on the lower side of the second tray 380, using a fastening member to The two-tray cover 360, the second tray 380, and the second tray supporter 400 may be coupled.

The assembled first tray assembly and the second tray assembly may be aligned while being in contact with each other.

A power transmission unit connected to the driving unit 480 may be coupled to the second tray assembly. For example, the shaft 440 may pass through a pair of extension parts 403 of the second tray assembly.

The shaft 440 may also pass through the extension part 281 of the first tray assembly. That is, the shaft 440 may pass through the extension part 281 of the first tray assembly and the extension part 403 of the second tray assembly at the same time.

In this case, the pair of extensions 281 of the first tray assembly may be positioned between the pair of extensions 403 of the second tray assembly.

The rotary arm 460 may be connected to the shaft 440 .

The spring may be connected to the rotary arm 460 and the second tray assembly.

The first pusher 260 may be connected to the second tray assembly by the pusher link 500 . The first pusher 260 may be connected to the pusher link 500 while being movably disposed on the first tray assembly.

One end of the pusher link 500 may be connected to the first pusher 260 and the other end may be connected to the second tray assembly. The first pusher 260 may be disposed to contact the first tray case.

The assembled first tray assembly may be installed on the bracket 220 . For example, the first tray assembly may be coupled to the bracket 220 while being positioned in the through hole 221a of the first wall 221 . As another example, it is also possible that the bracket 220 and the first tray cover are integrally formed.

Then, the first tray assembly may be assembled by combining the bracket 220 integrally formed with the first tray cover, the first tray 320, and the first tray supporter.

A water supply unit 240 may be coupled to the bracket 220 . For example, the water supply unit 240 may be coupled to the first wall 221 .

The driving unit 480 may be mounted on the bracket 220 . For example, it may be mounted on the third wall 223.

49 is a cross-sectional view taken along 49-49 in FIG. 3;

Referring to FIG. 49 , the ice maker 200 may include a first tray assembly 201 and a second tray assembly 211 connected to each other.

The second tray assembly 211 includes a first part 212 forming at least a part of the ice-making cell 320a and a second part 213 extending from a certain point of the first part 212. can include

The second portion 213 may reduce the transfer of ice from the transparent ice heater 430 to the ice making cell 320a formed by the first tray assembly 201 .

The first part 212 may be an area located between two dotted lines in FIG. 49 .

A certain point of the first part 212 may be an end of the first part 212 or a point where the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 meet.

At least a portion of the first portion 212 may extend in a direction away from the ice-making cell 320a formed by the first tray assembly 201 .

A part of the second part 213 may be branched into at least two branches in order to reduce heat transfer in a direction extending to the second part 213 .

A part of the second part 213 may extend in a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice making cell 320a. A portion of the second part 213 may extend upward with respect to a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making chamber 320a.

The second part 213 includes a first part 213c extending in a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making cell 320a and an upward extension based on a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making cell 320a. It may include a second part 213d and a third part 213e extending downward.

The first part 212 reduces heat transferred from the transparent ice heater 430 to the second tray assembly 211 to the ice-making cell 320a formed by the first tray assembly 201. ) may have different heat transfer rates in a direction along the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell 320a.

The transparent ice heater 430 may be disposed to heat both sides of the first part 212 with the lowermost part as the center.

The first part 212 may include a first area 214a and a second area 214b. 49 shows that the first area 214a and the second area 214b are divided by a dashed-dot line. The second area 214b may be an area located above the first area 214a.

The heat transfer rate of the second region 214b may be greater than that of the first region 214a.

The first region 214a may include a portion where the transparent ice heater 430 is positioned. That is, the transparent ice heater 430 may be positioned in the first region 214a.

A lowermost portion 214a1 forming the ice-making cell 320a in the first region 214a may have a lower heat transfer rate than other portions of the first region 214a.

The second area 214b may include a portion where the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 come into contact.

The first region 214a may form a part of the ice-making cell 320a. The second region 214b may form another part of the ice-making cell 320a.

The second area 214b may be located farther from the transparent ice heater 430 than the first area 214a.

Part of the first area 214a to reduce heat transferred from the transparent ice heater 430 to the first area 214a to the ice-making cell 320a formed by the second area 214b. may have a lower heat transfer rate than other parts of the first region 214a.

In order to generate ice from the ice-making cell 320a formed by the second region 214b toward the ice-making cell 320a formed by the first region 214a, a portion of the first region 214a is The deformation resistance may be smaller than other portions of the first region 214a and the restoration degree may be greater.

A portion of the first region 214a may be thinner than another portion of the first region 214a in a thickness from the center of the ice-making cell 320a to an outer circumferential direction of the ice-making cell 320a.

The first region 214a may include, for example, at least a portion of the second tray 380 and a second tray case surrounding at least a portion of the second tray 380 .

Based on the Y-Z cut plane, the average cross-sectional area or average thickness of the first tray assembly 201 may be greater than the average cross-sectional area or average thickness of the second tray assembly 211 .

Based on the Y-Z cut plane, the maximum cross-sectional area or maximum thickness of the first tray assembly 201 may be greater than the maximum cross-sectional area or maximum thickness of the second tray assembly 211 .

Based on the Y-Z cut plane, the minimum cross-sectional area or minimum thickness of the first tray assembly 201 may be greater than the minimum cross-sectional area or minimum thickness of the second tray assembly 211 .

Based on the Y-Z cut plane, uniformity of the minimum cross-sectional area or uniformity of the minimum thickness of the first tray assembly 201 may be greater than uniformity of the minimum cross-sectional area or uniformity of the minimum thickness of the second tray assembly 211.

Meanwhile, the rotation center C4 may be eccentric based on a line that halves the length of the bracket 220 in the Y-axis direction.

In addition, the ice-making cell 320a may be eccentric based on a line that halves the length of the bracket 200 in the Y-axis direction.

The rotation center C4 may be located closer to the second pusher 540 than to the ice making cell 320a.

The second part 213 may include a first extension part 213a and a second extension part 213b positioned opposite each other with respect to the center line C1.

The first extension part 213a may be positioned on the left side of the center line C1 with reference to FIG. 49 , and the second extension part 213b may be positioned on the right side of the center line C1 .

The water supply part 240 may be located close to the first extension part 213a. The first tray assembly 301 may include a pair of guide slots 302 , and the water supply unit 240 may be positioned in an area between the pair of guide slots 302 .

The length of the guide slot 320 may be greater than the sum of the radius of the ice-making cell 320a and the height of the auxiliary storage chamber 325 .

11, 29 and 49, the first part 322 of the first tray 320 has a first contact surface 322c contacting the first part 382 of the second tray 380. (or the first side). The first portion 382 of the second tray 380 may include a second surface facing the first contact surface 322c.

The second surface may be an upper surface of the first part 382 . The second surface includes a second contact surface 382c that contacts the first contact surface 322c and a non-contact surface that does not contact the first contact surface 322c.

The non-contact surface may be located outside the second contact surface 382c.

The non-contact surface may be located farther from a vertical center line passing through the center of the ice-making cell 320a than the second contact surface 382c.

The non-contact surface may be disposed to face a space between the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 and the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 .

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

Referring to FIG. 50 , the refrigerator of this embodiment may include a cooler for supplying cold to the freezing compartment 32 (or ice making cell).

50 illustrates that the cooler includes a cold air supply means 900 as an example.

The cold air supply unit 900 may supply cold air to the freezing compartment 32 using a refrigerant cycle.

For example, the cold air supply means 900 may include a compressor for compressing the refrigerant. The temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezing compartment 32 may vary according to the output (or frequency) of the compressor.

Alternatively, the cold air supply means 900 may include a fan for blowing air to the evaporator. The amount of cool air supplied to the freezing compartment 32 may vary according to the output (or rotational speed) of the fan.

Alternatively, the cold air supply means 900 may include a refrigerant valve for adjusting the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant cycle.

The amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle is varied by adjusting the opening of the refrigerant valve, and accordingly, the temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezing chamber 32 may be varied.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the cold air supply unit 900 may include one or more of the compressor, fan, and refrigerant valve.

The cold air supply unit 900 may further include an evaporator for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the air. Cool air that has exchanged heat with the evaporator may be supplied to the ice maker 200 .

The refrigerator of this embodiment may further include a controller 800 that controls the cold air supply means 900 .

In addition, the refrigerator may further include a water supply valve 242 for controlling the amount of water supplied through the water supply unit 240 .

The controller 800 may control some or all of the ice heater 290, the transparent ice heater 430, the drive unit 480, the cold air supply unit 900, and the water supply valve 242.

In this embodiment, when the ice maker 200 includes both the ice removal heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430, the output of the ice removal heater 290 and the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be different.

When the outputs of the ice-leaving heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 are different, the output terminal of the ice-leaving heater 290 and the output terminal of the transparent ice heater 430 may be formed in different shapes. Misconnection of the output terminal can be prevented.

Although not limited, the output of the ice shaving heater 290 may be set higher than that of the transparent ice heater 430 . Accordingly, the ice may be quickly separated from the first tray 320 by the ice shaving heater 290 .

In the present embodiment, when the ice shaving heater 290 is not provided, the transparent ice heater 430 is disposed adjacent to the second tray 380 described above, or adjacent to the first tray 320. position can be placed.

The refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor 33 (or an internal temperature sensor) for sensing the temperature of the freezing compartment 32 .

The controller 800 may control the cold air supply unit 900 based on the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 33 .

Also, the controller 800 may determine whether ice making is completed based on the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 .

51 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating ice in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining height standards according to relative positions of the transparent ice heater with respect to the ice-making cell, and FIG. 53 is a diagram for explaining the output of the transparent ice heater per unit height of water in the ice-making cell.

54 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly in a water supply position;

55 is a view showing a state in which water supply is completed in FIG. 54;

56 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly in the ice making position, and FIG. 57 is a view showing a deformed state of the pressing portion of the second tray in an ice making completed state.

58 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly in the tearing process, and FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly in the tearing position.

51 to 59 , in order to make ice in the ice maker 200, the controller 800 moves the second tray assembly 211 to a water supply position (S1).

In this specification, the direction in which the second tray assembly 211 moves from the ice making position of FIG. 56 to the ice making position of FIG. 59 may be referred to as forward movement (or forward rotation).

On the other hand, the direction of movement from the ice breaking position of FIG. 56 to the water supply position of FIG. 54 may be referred to as reverse movement (or reverse rotation).

The movement of the water supply position of the second tray assembly 211 is detected by a sensor, and when the movement of the second tray assembly 211 to the water supply position is detected, the control unit 800 stops the driving unit 480. let it

At the water supply position of the second tray assembly 211 , at least a part of the second tray 380 may be spaced apart from the first tray 320 .

At the water supply position of the second tray assembly 211, the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 form a first angle θ1 with respect to the rotation center C4. That is, the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 form a first angle.

Water supply starts in a state where the second tray 380 is moved to the water supply position (S2).

To supply water, the control unit 800 turns on the water supply valve 242, and when it is determined that a set amount of water has been supplied, the control unit 800 can turn off the water supply valve 242.

For example, in the process of supplying water, a pulse is output from a flow sensor (not shown), and when the output pulse reaches a reference pulse, it may be determined that a set amount of water is supplied.

In the water supply position, the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 may surround the first tray 320 . For example, the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 may surround the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 .

Therefore, while the second tray 380 moves from the water supplying position to the ice-making position, leakage of water supplied to the ice-making cell 320a between the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 is reduced. can do. In addition, it is possible to reduce water that expands during the ice making process from leaking between the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 and being frozen.

After water supply is completed, the control unit 800 controls the driving unit 480 to move the second tray assembly 211 to an ice making position (S3).

For example, the control unit 800 may control the driving unit 480 to move the second tray assembly 211 in a reverse direction from the water supply position.

When the second tray assembly 211 moves in the reverse direction, the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 comes closer to the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 .

Then, the water between the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 is divided and distributed into each of the plurality of second cells 381a. do.

When the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 are in complete contact, the first cell 321a is filled with water.

In this way, when the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 come into close contact, water leakage from the ice-making cell 320a can be reduced. there is.

The movement of the ice making position of the second tray assembly 211 is detected by a sensor, and when the movement of the second tray assembly 211 to the ice making position is detected, the controller 800 stops the driving part 480. let it

Ice making starts with the second tray assembly 211 moved to the ice making position (S4).

In the ice making position of the second tray assembly 211 , the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 may face the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 .

At least a portion of each of the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 and the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 may extend in a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making cell 320a. there is.

At least a portion of each of the second part 383 of the second tray 380 and the second part 323 of the first tray 320 is located at the same height as or higher than the top of the ice-making cell 320a. It can be.

At least a portion of each of the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 and the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 may be located lower than the top of the auxiliary storage compartment 325 .

In the ice making position of the second tray assembly 211, the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 may be spaced apart from the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 to form a space. there is.

The space may have the same height as the top of the ice-making cell 320a formed by the first part 322 of the first tray 320 or may extend to a higher point. The space may extend to a point lower than the top of the auxiliary storage compartment 325 .

The ice heater 290 provides heat to reduce water freezing in the space between the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 and the second portion 323 of the first tray 320. can do.

As described above, the second part 383 of the second tray 380 serves as a water leakage preventing part. It is advantageous that the water leakage preventing portion is formed as long as possible.

This is because the amount of water leaking between the first and second tray assemblies can be reduced as the length of the leak prevention portion increases.

The length of the leak prevention part formed by the second part 383 may be greater than the distance from the center of the ice-making cell 320a to the outer circumferential surface of the ice-making cell 320a.

The area of the first surface facing the first part 382 of the second tray 380 in the first part 322 of the first tray 320 is greater than the area of the first part of the second tray 380 ( 382) is greater than the area of the second surface facing the first portion 322 of the first tray 320. Coupling force between the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 may be increased due to the area difference.

Ice making may start when the second tray 380 reaches the ice making position. Alternatively, when the second tray 380 reaches the ice-making position and the water supply time elapses, ice-making may start.

When ice making starts, the controller 800 may control the cold air supply means 900 to supply cold air to the ice making cell 320a.

After ice making starts, the control unit 800 may control the transparent ice heater 430 to be turned on in at least a partial section while the cold air supply unit 900 supplies cold air to the ice making cell 320a. there is.

When the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on, heat from the transparent ice heater 430 is transferred to the ice-making cell 320a, and thus the speed of ice production in the ice-making cell 320a may be delayed.

As in the present embodiment, by the heat of the transparent ice heater 430, the speed of ice formation is reduced so that the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell 320a can move from the ice-generating part to the liquid state water. By delaying, transparent ice may be produced in the ice maker 200 .

During the ice making process, the controller 800 may determine whether the on condition of the transparent ice heater 430 is satisfied (S5).

In this embodiment, the transparent ice heater 430 does not turn on immediately after ice making starts, and the transparent ice heater 430 can be turned on only when the on condition of the transparent ice heater 430 is satisfied (S6).

In general, the water supplied to the ice-making cell 320a may be room temperature water or water at a temperature lower than room temperature. The temperature of the water supplied in this way is higher than the freezing point of water.

Therefore, after supplying the water, the temperature of the water is lowered by the cold air, and when the freezing point of the water is reached, the water is changed into ice.

In this embodiment, the transparent ice heater 430 may not be turned on before water is phase-changed into ice.

If the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on before the temperature of the water supplied to the ice-making cell 320a reaches the freezing point, the speed at which the water temperature reaches the freezing point is slowed down by the heat of the transparent ice heater 430. As a result, the onset of ice formation is delayed.

The transparency of the ice may vary depending on the presence or absence of air bubbles in the portion where the ice is generated after the ice starts to be formed. It can be seen that the transparent ice heater 430 is operating.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on after the on condition of the transparent ice heater 430 is satisfied, power is consumed due to unnecessary operation of the transparent ice heater 430. can prevent it from happening.

Of course, since the transparency is not affected even if the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on immediately after ice making starts, it is also possible to turn on the transparent ice heater 430 after ice making starts.

In this embodiment, the controller 800 may determine that the on condition of the transparent ice heater 430 is satisfied when a predetermined time elapses from a set specific time point. The specific time point may be set to at least one of time points before the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on.

For example, the specific point in time may be set to a point in time when the cold air supply unit 900 starts supplying cooling power for ice making, a point in time when the second tray assembly 211 reaches an ice making position, a point in time when supply of water is completed, and the like. there is.

Alternatively, the controller 800 may determine that the turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater 430 is satisfied when the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches the turn-on reference temperature.

For example, the on-reference temperature may be a temperature for determining that water has started to freeze at the top side (opening 324 side) of the ice-making cell 320a.

When some of the water in the ice-making cell 320a is frozen, the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell 320a is below zero.

The temperature of the first tray 320 may be higher than the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell 320a.

Of course, although water exists in the ice-making cell 320a, the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 700 may be below zero after ice starts to be formed in the ice-making cell 320a.

Therefore, in order to determine that ice has started to be formed in the ice making cell 320a based on the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700, the on-reference temperature may be set to a temperature below zero. .

That is, when the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches the on-reference temperature, since the on-reference temperature is a sub-zero temperature, the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell 320a is a sub-zero temperature and is set to the on-reference temperature. will be lower than Accordingly, it may be indirectly determined that ice is generated in the ice-making cell 320a.

As such, when the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on, the heat of the transparent ice heater 430 is transferred into the ice making cell 320a.

As in the present embodiment, when the second tray 380 is positioned below the first tray 320 and the transparent ice heater 430 is arranged to supply heat to the second tray 380 Ice may start to be generated from the upper side of the ice-making cell 320a.

In this embodiment, since ice is generated from the upper side in the ice-making cell 320a, bubbles move downward toward the liquid water at the portion where the ice is generated in the ice-making cell 320a.

Since the density of water is greater than that of ice, water or air bubbles may convect in the ice-making cell 320a, and air bubbles may move toward the transparent ice heater 430.

In this embodiment, the mass (or volume) per unit height of water in the ice-making cell 320a may be the same or different depending on the shape of the ice-making cell 320a.

For example, when the ice-making cell 320a is a rectangular parallelepiped, the mass (or volume) per unit height of water in the ice-making cell 320a is the same.

On the other hand, when the ice-making cell 320a 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 it is assumed that the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 is constant and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 is the same, the mass per unit height of water in the ice making cell 320a is different, so ice per unit height The rate at which this is produced 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.

That is, the smaller the deviation of the rate at which ice is generated per unit height of water, the smaller the deviation in transparency per unit height of the generated ice.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 800 controls the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 and/or the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 according to the mass per unit height of the water in the ice making cell 320a. can be controlled to be variable.

In this specification, the variable cooling power of the cold air supply means 900 may include one or more of variable output of the compressor, variable output of the fan, and variable opening of the refrigerant valve.

Also, in the present specification, varying the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 may mean varying the output of the transparent ice heater 430 or varying the duty of the transparent ice heater 430. .

In this case, the duty of the transparent ice heater 430 means the ratio of the on time to the on time and off time of the transparent ice heater 430 in one cycle, or the on time ratio of the transparent ice heater 430 in one cycle. It may mean the ratio of off time to time and off time.

In the present specification, the unit height of water in the ice-making cell 320a may be different depending on the relative positions of the ice-making cell 320a and the transparent ice heater 430 .

For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 52 , the heights of the transparent ice heaters 430 at the bottom of the ice-making cell 320a may be the same.

In this case, the line connecting the transparent ice heaters 430 is a horizontal line, and a line extending in a vertical direction from the horizontal line serves as a standard for the water unit height of the ice-making cell 320a.

In the case of (a) of FIG. 52 , ice is generated and grown from the uppermost side to the lower side of the ice-making cell 320a.

On the other hand, as shown in (b) of FIG. 52, the heights of the transparent ice heaters 430 at the bottom of the ice-making cell 320a may be different.

In this case, since heat is supplied to the ice-making cell 320a at different heights of the ice-making cell 320a, ice is generated in a pattern different from that of FIG. 52(a).

For example, in the case of (b) of FIG. 52 , ice is generated at a position spaced apart from the top to the left in the ice-making cell 320a, and the ice can grow to the lower right side where the transparent ice heater 430 is located.

Accordingly, in the case of (b) of FIG. 52 , a line (reference line) perpendicular to the line connecting two points of the transparent ice heater 430 becomes a standard for the water unit height of the ice-making cell 320a. The reference line in (b) of FIG. 52 is inclined at a predetermined angle from the vertical line.

FIG. 53 shows the unit height division of water and the output amount of the transparent ice heater per unit height when the transparent ice heater is disposed as shown in (a) of FIG. 52 .

Hereinafter, controlling the output of the transparent ice heater so that the ice production rate is constant for each unit height of water will be described as an example.

Referring to FIG. 53 , when the ice-making cell 320a is formed in a spherical shape, for example, the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell 320a increases from top to bottom, reaches a maximum, and then decreases again. .

As an example, water (or the ice-making cell itself) in a spherical ice-making cell 320a having a diameter of 50 mm is divided into 9 sections (section A to section I) with a height of 6 mm (unit height). At this time, it should be noted that there is no limit to the size of the unit height and the number of divided sections.

When the water in the ice-making cell 320a is divided into unit heights, the height of each divided section is the same in sections A to H, and section I is lower than the other sections. Of course, according to the diameter of the ice-making cell 320a and the number of divided sections, unit heights of all divided sections may be the same.

Among a plurality of sections, section E is the section in which the mass per unit height of water is the largest. For example, in the section where the mass of water per unit height is the maximum, when the ice-making cell 320a has a spherical shape, the diameter of the ice-making cell 320a, the horizontal cross-sectional area, or the circumference of the ice-making cell 320a is the maximum. It may contain a phosphorus part.

As described above, assuming that the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 is constant and the output of the transparent ice heater 430 is constant, the ice production speed is the slowest in section E, and in section A and I The speed of ice generation in the section is the fastest.

In this case, the ice generation rate varies for each unit height, and the ice transparency varies for each unit height. In a specific section, the ice generation rate is too fast, and the transparency is reduced due to bubbles.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 is such that the speed at which ice is produced for each unit height is the same or similar, while allowing bubbles to move toward the water side in the ice-generating part during the ice-generating process. can control.

Specifically, since section E has the largest mass, the output W5 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section E may be set to a minimum.

Since the mass of section D is smaller than the mass of section E, the ice generation speed increases as the mass decreases, so it is necessary to delay the ice formation speed.

Therefore, the output W4 of the ice cube heater 430 in section D may be set higher than the output W5 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section E.

For the same reason, since the mass of section C is smaller than that of section D, the output W3 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section C will be set higher than the output W4 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section D. can

Also, since the mass of section B is smaller than that of section C, the output W2 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section B may be set higher than the output W3 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section C. .

Also, since the mass of section A is smaller than that of section B, the output W1 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section A may be set higher than the output W2 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section B. .

For the same reason, since the mass per unit height decreases toward the lower side in section E, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may increase toward the lower side in section E (see W6, W7, W8, and W9). .

Therefore, looking at the output change pattern of the transparent ice heater 430, after the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may gradually decrease from the first section to the middle section.

The output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be at a minimum in an intermediate section, which is a section where the mass of water per unit height is minimum.

From the next section of the middle section, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be increased step by step again.

It is also possible to set the output of the transparent ice heater 430 to be the same in two adjacent sections according to the shape or mass of ice to be generated. For example, it is also possible that the outputs of section C and section D are the same. That is, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be the same in at least two sections.

Alternatively, it is also possible to set the output of the transparent ice heater 430 to a minimum in a section other than the section having the smallest mass per unit height.

For example, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be minimum in section D or section F. The output of the transparent ice heater 430 in section E may be equal to or greater than the minimum output.

In summary, in this embodiment, the initial output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be maximum. During the ice making process, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be reduced to a minimum output.

The output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be gradually decreased in each section, or the output may be maintained in at least two sections.

The output of the transparent ice heater 430 may increase from the minimum output to the end output. The end output may be the same as or different from the initial output.

In addition, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be gradually increased in each section from the minimum output to the end output, or the output may be maintained in at least two sections.

Alternatively, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be the end output in a section before the last section among a plurality of sections. In this case, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be maintained as an end output in the last section. That is, after the output of the transparent ice heater 430 becomes the end output, the end output may be maintained until the last section.

As ice making is performed, the amount of ice present in the ice making cell 320a decreases. Therefore, when the output of the transparent ice heater 430 continues to increase until the last section, the heat supplied to the ice making cell 320a is reduced. Water may be present in the ice-making cell 320a even after the end of the last section.

Therefore, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may be maintained at the end output in at least two sections including the final angle section.

By controlling the output of the transparent ice heater 430, the transparency of the ice becomes uniform for each unit height, and bubbles are collected in the lowermost section. Therefore, when looking at the ice as a whole, bubbles may gather in local portions and other portions may become totally transparent.

As described above, even if the ice-making cell 320a is not spherical, when the output of the transparent ice heater 430 is varied according to the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell 320a, transparent ice is generated. can do.

The heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 when the mass per unit height of water is large is smaller than that of the transparent ice heater 430 when the mass per unit height of water is small.

For example, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 may be varied in inverse proportion to the mass per unit height of water while maintaining the same cooling power of the cold air supply means 900 .

In addition, transparent ice can be created by varying the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 according to the mass of water per unit height.

For example, when the mass per unit height of water is large, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means 900 may be increased, and when the mass per unit height of water is small, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means 900 may be decreased.

For example, the cooling power of the cold air supply means 900 may be varied in proportion to the mass per unit height of water while maintaining the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 constant.

Looking at the variable cooling power pattern of the cold air supply means 900 when spherical ice is produced, the cooling power of the cold air supply means 900 can be increased from the first section to the middle section during the ice making process.

The cooling capacity of the cold air supply means 900 may be maximized in the middle section, which is the section where the mass of water per unit height is minimum.

The cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 may be reduced again from the next section of the middle section.

Alternatively, transparent ice may be created by varying the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 according to the mass of water per unit height.

For example, the cooling power of the cold air supply means 900 may be varied in proportion to the mass per unit height of water, and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 may be varied in inverse proportion to the mass per unit height of water.

As in the present embodiment, when at least one of the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 is controlled according to the mass per unit height of water, the ice generation rate per unit height of water is substantially increased. It can be the same as or maintained within a predetermined range.

As shown in FIG. 57 , during the ice making process, the convex portion 382f may be pressed by ice and deformed in a direction away from the center of the ice making cell 320a. The lower portion of the ice may form a spherical shape due to the deformation of the convex portion 382f.

Meanwhile, the controller 800 may determine whether ice making is completed based on the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 (S8).

When it is determined that ice making is completed, the controller 800 can turn off the transparent ice heater 430 (S9).

For example, when the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches the first reference temperature, the controller 800 may determine that ice making is completed and turn off the transparent ice heater 430 .

In this case, in the present embodiment, since the distance between the second temperature sensor 700 and each ice-making cell 320a is different, the control unit 800 determines that ice production is completed in all ice-making cells 320a. may start ice-making after a predetermined time elapses from the time when it is determined that ice-making is completed or when the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches a second reference temperature lower than the first reference temperature.

When the ice making is completed, the controller 800 operates at least one of the ice breaking heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 to break the ice (S10).

When at least one of the ice melting heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on, heat from the heater is transferred to at least one of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 to make ice. It may be separated from at least one surface (inner surface) of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 .

In addition, the heat of the heaters 290 and 430 is transferred to the contact surface of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380, and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 and the second The separation is possible between the second contact surfaces 382c of the tray 380 .

When at least one of the ice heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 is operated for a set time or when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 700 is equal to or higher than the off reference temperature, the control unit 800 turns on. The heaters 290 and 430 are turned off (S10).

Although not limited, the off reference temperature may be set to the temperature of the video.

The control unit 800 operates the driving unit 480 to move the second tray assembly 211 in the forward direction (S11).

As shown in FIG. 58 , when the second tray 380 is moved in the forward direction, the second tray 380 is separated from the first tray 320 .

Meanwhile, the moving force of the second tray 380 is transmitted to the first pusher 260 by the pusher link 500 . Then, the first pusher 260 descends along the guide slot 302 so that the extension part 264 passes through the opening 324 and presses the ice in the ice making cell 320a. .

In the present embodiment, during the icing process, the ice may be separated from the first tray 320 before the extension part 264 presses the ice. That is, ice may be separated from the surface of the first tray 320 by the heat of the turned-on heater.

In this case, the ice may move along with the second tray 380 while being supported by the second tray 380 .

As another example, there may be cases in which ice is not separated from the surface of the first tray 320 even when heat from the heater is applied to the first tray 320 .

Therefore, when the second tray assembly 211 moves in the forward direction, there is a possibility that the ice may be separated from the second tray 380 while being in close contact with the first tray 320 .

In this state, during the movement of the second tray 380, the extension part 264 passing through the opening 324 presses the ice that is in close contact with the first tray 320, so that the ice is stored in the first tray 320. 1 can be separated from the tray 320.

The ice separated from the first tray 320 may be supported by the second tray 380 again.

When ice is moved along with the second tray 380 in a state supported by the second tray 380, even if no external force is applied to the second tray 380, the ice is moved to the second tray 380 by its own weight. It can be separated from the tray 250 .

In the process of moving the second tray 380, even if ice does not fall from the second tray 380 due to its own weight, the second pusher 540 moves the second tray 380 as shown in FIGS. 58 and 59. ) and pressurizes the second tray 380, the ice may be separated from the second tray 380 and fall downward.

For example, as shown in FIG. 54 , while the second tray assembly 311 moves in the forward direction, the second tray 380 comes into contact with the extension 544 of the second pusher 540 .

58 , when the second tray 380 comes into contact with the second pusher 540, the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 with respect to the center of rotation C4 as a reference point. ) forms the second angle θ2. That is, the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 form a second angle. The second angle is greater than the first angle and may be close to 90 degrees.

When the second tray assembly 211 continues to move in the forward direction, the extension part 544 presses the second tray 380 so that the second tray 380 is deformed, and the extension part 544 presses the second tray 380. The pressing force of 544 is transmitted to the ice, so that the ice may be separated from the surface of the second tray 380 .

The ice separated from the surface of the second tray 380 may fall downward and be stored in the ice bin 600 .

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 59 , a position where the second tray 380 is deformed by being pressed by the second pusher 540 may be referred to as an ebbing position.

As shown in FIG. 59 , in the moving position of the second tray assembly 211, the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 have a third angle θ3 with respect to the center of rotation C4. make up That is, the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 form a third angle θ3. The third angle θ3 is greater than the second angle θ2. For example, the third angle θ3 is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

To increase the pressing force of the second pusher 540, in the separating position, between the first edge 544a of the second pusher 540 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 The distance may be shorter than the distance between the first edge 544a of the second pusher 540 and the lower opening 406b of the second tray supporter 400 .

The adhesion between the first tray 320 and ice is greater than the adhesion between the second tray 380 and ice. Therefore, the minimum distance between the first edge 264a of the first pusher 260 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 in the moving position is the second edge 544a of the second pusher 540 ) and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 may be greater than the minimum distance.

In the ice-ice position, the distance between the first edge 264a of the first pusher 260 and the line passing through the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 is greater than 0, and the radius of the ice-making cell 320a may be less than 1/2 of Therefore, since the first edge 264a of the first pusher 260 moves to a position close to the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320, the ice is easily separated from the first tray 320. It can be.

Meanwhile, whether the ice bin 600 is full of ice may be detected while the second tray assembly 211 moves from an ice making position to an ice making position.

For example, the full ice detection lever 520 rotates together with the second tray assembly 211, and rotation of the full ice detection lever 520 is interfered with by ice during the rotation of the full ice detection lever 520. , it may be determined that the ice bin 600 is in a full ice state. On the other hand, if the rotation of the full ice detection lever 520 is not interfered with by ice during the rotation of the full ice detection lever 520, it may be determined that the ice bin 600 is not in a full ice state.

After the ice is separated from the second tray 380, the controller 800 controls the drive unit 480 to move the second tray assembly 211 in the opposite direction (S11).

Then, the second tray assembly 211 moves from the leaching position toward the water supplying position.

When the second tray assembly 211 moves to the water supply position in FIG. 54 , the control unit 800 stops the driving unit 480 (S1).

If the second tray 380 is spaced apart from the extension part 544 while the second tray assembly 211 moves in the reverse direction, the deformed second tray 380 will be restored to its original shape. can

During the reverse movement of the second tray assembly 211, the moving force of the second tray 380 is transmitted to the first pusher 260 by the pusher link 500, and the first pusher 260 ) rises, and the extension part 264 is removed from the ice-making cell 320a.

60 is a view showing the operation of the pusher link when the second tray assembly moves from the ice making position to the ice making position.

FIG. 60 (a) shows the ice making position, FIG. 60 (b) shows the water supply position, FIG. 60 (c) shows the position where the second tray contacts the second pusher, and FIG. 60 (d) shows the ice shaving position. .

61 is a view showing the position of the first pusher at the water supply position with the ice maker installed in the refrigerator, FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher at the water supply position with the ice maker installed in the refrigerator, and FIG. It is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher in the moving position when is installed in the refrigerator.

60 to 63 , the pushing bar 264 of the first pusher 260 may include the first edge 264a and the second edge 264b as described above.

The first pusher 260 may move by receiving power from the driving unit 480 .

The control unit 800 controls that the first edge 264a is at the water supply position so that water supplied to the ice making cell 320a at the water supply position is attached to the first pusher 260 to reduce freezing during the ice making process. The location can be controlled so that it is located at a different location from the ice making location.

In this specification, that the control unit 800 controls the position may be understood as controlling the position by the control unit 800 controlling the driving unit 480 .

The controller 800 may control the position of the first edge 264a to be positioned at different positions at the water supply position, the ice making position, and the ice shaving position.

The controller 800 moves the first edge 264a in a first direction while moving from the ice-supplying position to the ice-making position, and the first edge 264a moves from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position. 264a may be additionally controlled to move in the first direction.

Alternatively, the control unit 800 may determine that the first edge 264a moves in a first direction in the process of moving from the ice-making position to the ice-making position, and in the process of moving from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position. The first edge 264a may be controlled to move in a second direction different from the first direction.

For example, the first edge 264a can move in a first direction by the first slot 302a of the guide slots 302, and the second edge 264a by the second slot 302b. may rotate in the second direction or move in a second direction inclined with the first direction.

The first edge 264a may be positioned at a first point outside the ice-making cell 320a at the ice-making location and positioned at a second point within the ice-making cell 320a during the ice-making process.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator includes a cover member 100 including a first part 101 forming a support surface supporting the bracket 220 and a third part 103 forming an accommodation space 104. can include more. A wall 32a forming the freezing compartment 32 may be supported on an upper surface of the first part 101 .

The first part 101 and the third part 103 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and may be connected by the second part 102 .

The second part 102 and the third part 103 may form an accommodation space 104 in which at least a portion of the ice maker 200 is accommodated. At least a part of the guide slot 302 may be located in the accommodation space 104 .

For example, the upper end 302c of the guide slot 302 may be located in the accommodation space 104 . The lower end 302d of the guide slot 302 may be located outside the accommodating space 104 .

The lower end 302d of the guide slot 302 may be located higher than the support wall 221d of the bracket 220 and lower than the upper surface 303b of the circumferential wall 303 of the first tray cover 300. there is.

Accordingly, the length of the guide slot 302 may be increased without increasing the height of the ice maker 200 .

Meanwhile, the water supply unit 240 may be coupled to the bracket 220 . The water supply unit 240 may include a through hole 244 . Water passing through the through hole 244 may be supplied to the ice making cell 320a. To this end, the through hole 244 may be formed at a portion of the water supply unit 240 facing the ice-making cell 320a.

For example, the water supply unit 240 includes a first portion 241, a second portion 242 disposed to be inclined with respect to the first portion 241, and extending from both sides of the first portion 241. A third portion 243 may be included. The first part 241 may look at the ice making cell 320a. Thus, the through hole 244 may be formed in the first part 241 . Alternatively, the through hole 244 may be formed between the first part 241 and the second part 242 .

Water supplied to the water supply unit 240 may flow downward along the second part 242 and then discharged from the water supply unit 240 through the through hole 244 . Water discharged from the water supply unit 244 may be supplied to the ice-making cell 320a through the auxiliary storage compartment 325 of the first tray 320 and the opening 324 .

The through hole 244 may be positioned in a direction in which the water supply part 240 faces the ice-making cell 320a.

The lowermost end 240a of the water supply unit 240 may be located lower than the upper end of the auxiliary storage chamber 325 . The lowermost end 240a of the water supply unit 240 may be located in the auxiliary storage compartment 325 .

The control unit 800 controls the first edge in a direction away from the through hole 244 of the water supply unit 240 while the second tray assembly 211 moves from the tearing position to the water supply position. The position of 264a can be controlled to move. For example, the first edge 264a may be rotated in a direction away from the through hole 244 .

When the first edge 264a moves away from the through hole 244, contact of water to the first edge 264a in the water supply process can be reduced, and accordingly, water from the first edge 264a Freezing can be reduced.

While the second tray assembly 211 moves from the water supply position to the ice making position, the second edge 264b may additionally move in the second direction.

At the water supply position, the first edge 264a may be located outside the ice-making cell 320a. At the water supply position, the first edge 264a may be located outside the auxiliary storage chamber 325 .

At the water supply position, the first edge 264a may be positioned higher than a lower end of the through hole 224 .

At the water supply position, the maximum value of the distance between the center line C1 of the ice-making cell 320a and the first edge 264a is between the center line C1 of the ice-making cell 320a and the storage compartment wall 325a. The maximum value of the distance of can be large.

In the water supply position, the first edge 264a is higher than the upper end 325c of the auxiliary storage compartment 325 and lower than the upper end 325b of the circumferential wall 303 of the first tray cover 300. can In this case, since the first edge 264a is positioned close to the ice-making cell 320a, the first edge 264a presses the ice at the beginning of the ice-making process, so that the ice-breaking performance can be improved.

In the icing position, a length at which the first pusher 260 is inserted into the ice-making cell 320a may be longer than a length at which the second pusher 541 is inserted into the second tray supporter 400 .

At the breakaway position, the first edge 264a passes through the highest point and the lowest point of the shaft 440 and extends in the direction of the first contact surface 322c in an area between parallel lines (an area between two dotted lines in FIG. 63). can be located

Alternatively, in the moving position, the first edge 264a may be located on an extension line extending from the first contact surface 322c.

At the water supply position, the second edge 264b may be positioned lower than the third portion 103 of the cover member 100 .

In the water supplying position, the second edge 264b may be located higher than the upper end 241b of the first part 241 of the water supplying part 240 .

At the water supply position, the second edge 264b may be positioned higher than the top surface 221b1 of the first fixing wall 221b of the bracket 220 .

The controller 800 may control the position of the second edge 264b to be closer to the water supplying part 240 than the first edge 264a at the water supplying position.

In the water supply position, the second edge 264b may be positioned between the first part 101 of the cover member 100 and the third part 103 of the cover member 100 .

For example, in a water supply position, the second edge 264b may be positioned within the accommodation space 104 . Accordingly, since a portion of the ice maker 200 may be positioned in the accommodating space 104, a space for receiving food in the freezing compartment 32 may be reduced by the ice maker 200, and the first pusher ( 260) can be increased. When the moving length of the first pusher 260 is increased, the pressing force with which the first pusher 260 presses the ice may be increased during the ice-breaking process.

In the moving position, the second edge 264b may be located outside the accommodating space 104 .

In the moving position, the second edge 264b is positioned between the first portion 101 of the cover member 100 and the support surface 221d1 supporting the first tray assembly 201 on the bracket 220. can

In the moving position, the second edge 264b may be located lower than the top surface 221b1 of the first fixing wall 221b of the bracket 220 .

In the ice-making position, the second edge 264b may be located outside the ice-making cell 320a. In the splitting position, the second edge 264b may be located outside the auxiliary storage compartment 325 .

In the moving position, the second edge 264b may be positioned higher than the support surface 221d1 of the support wall 221d. In the drifting position, the second edge 264b may be positioned higher than the through hole 241 of the water supply part 240 .

In the drifting position, the second edge 264b may be located higher than the lower end 241a of the first part 241 of the water supply part 240 .

The first portion 241 of the water supply unit 240 may extend vertically as a whole, or a portion may extend vertically and another portion may extend in a direction away from the first pusher 260 . Alternatively, the first part 241 of the water supply part 240 may be formed so as to be farther away from the first pusher 260 from the lower end 241a to the upper end 241a.

The distance between the second edge 264b and the first part 241 of the water supply part 240 at the water supply position is the distance between the second edge 264b and the first part 241 of the water supply part 240 at the ice making position. ) can be greater than the distance between them.

In the water supply position, the distance between the second edge 264b and the part where the first part 241 of the water supply part 240 faces the first pusher 260 is equal to the distance between the second edge 264b and the The distance between the first portion 241 of the water supply unit 240 and the portion facing the first pusher 260 may be greater.

Meanwhile, corresponding to the position control of the first pusher 260, the position of the guide connection part 265 may be controlled in the same or similar manner.

For example, the guide connection part 265 may be controlled to be positioned at different positions in a water supply position and an ice making position.

The guide connection unit 265 may be controlled to move in a first direction while moving from the ice-leaving position to the water supply position, and additionally move in the first direction while moving from the water supply position to the ice-making position.

Alternatively, in the process of moving from the ice-making position to the water supply position, the guide connection part 265 moves in the first direction, and in the process of moving from the water supply position to the ice-making position, the guide connection part 265 moves in the first direction. It can be controlled to move in a second direction different from the direction.

For example, the guide connection part 265 can move in a first direction by the first slot 302a of the guide slots 302, and the guide connection part 265 can move in the first direction by the second slot 302b. It can rotate in two directions or move in a second direction inclined with the first direction.

After the guide connection part 265 reaches the ice-making position, the water supplied to the ice-making cell 320a at the water supply position is attached to the first pusher 260 to reduce freezing during the ice-making process. , the driving unit 480 may be controlled to additionally move.

Alternatively, after the guide connection part 265 reaches the ice-ice position, the drive unit ( 480) can be controlled to further move.

In the moving position, the guide connection part 265 may be located between the first part 101 of the cover member 100 and the third part 103 of the cover member 100 .

At the water supply position, the guide connection part 265 may be located between the first portion of the cover member 100 and the support surface 221d1 supporting the first tray assembly 201 in the bracket 220 .

In addition, since the pusher link 500 is connected to the link connection part 266 of the first pusher 260, the position control of the first pusher 260 is the same as or similar to the pusher link 500. can be applied

For example, the first connection part 504 of the pusher link 500 reduces freezing of the water supplied to the ice-making cell 320a at the water supply position by attaching to the first pusher 260 during the ice-making process. may be controlled to be located at different positions in the water supply position and the ice making position.

The first connector 504 may be controlled to move in a first direction while moving from the ice-leaving position to the water supply position, and additionally move in the first direction while moving from the water supply position to the ice-making position.

Alternatively, in the process of moving from the ice-making position to the water-supplying position, the first connection part 504 moves in a first direction, and in the process of moving from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position, the first connection part 504 It can be controlled to move in a second direction different from the first direction.

For example, the first connector 504 may move in a first direction by a first slot 302a of the guide slots 302 . The first connection part 504 or the first pusher 260 connected to the first connection part 504 by the second slot 302b can rotate in a second direction or move in a second direction inclined with the first direction. .

After the first connector 504 reaches the ice-making position, the water supplied to the ice-making cell 320a at the water supply position is attached to the first pusher 260 to reduce freezing during the ice-making process. In this case, the drive unit 480 may be controlled to additionally move.

Alternatively, after the first connection part 504 reaches the ice-ice position, the drive unit 504 can increase the pressing force of the first edge 264a of the first pusher 260 to apply ice at the ice-ice position. 480 can be controlled to further move.

In at least a part of the section where the first connection part 504 linearly moves, the second connection part 506 may rotate.

To increase the rotational angle of the second connection part 506 while reducing the moving distance of the first connection part, the link body 502 is moved in a direction away from the central axis of rotation of the second connection part 506 at one point. can be inclined

In the moving position, the first connection part 504 may be located between the first part 101 of the cover member 100 and the third part 103 of the cover member 100 .

In the water supply position, the first connection part 504 may be located between a support surface 221d1 supporting the first tray assembly 201 in the bracket 220 and the first part of the cover member 100. there is.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the link connection portion 405a of the second tray supporter 400 may be referred to as a first coupling portion of the second tray assembly 211 . The first coupling part may be connected to the first pusher 260 . The first coupling part may be connected to the first pusher 260 by the pusher link 500 .

A part of the extension part 403 of the second tray supporter 400 may be referred to as a second coupling part of the second tray assembly 211 . The second coupling part may be connected to the driving part 480 through the shaft 440 .

The first coupling part may be positioned away from a reference line (for example, a horizontal line) passing through the center of the second coupling part and the ice-making cell 320a in the direction of the ice-making cell of the second tray assembly 211 .

The ice-making cell (second cell) of the second tray assembly 211 is positioned lower than the ice-making cell (first cell) of the first tray assembly 201 . The first coupling part may be located on the lower side with respect to the reference line. The first coupling part may be located on the lower side of the second tray assembly 211 .

The control unit causes the first coupling part to be positioned between the ice making cell 320a and the inside of the second coupling unit at the water supply position or the ice making position, and at the ice-making position, the first coupling unit is located outside the second coupling unit. It is possible to rotate and move the first coupling part around the second coupling unit so as to be positioned at .

The second tray assembly 211 includes an extension part 403 having the second coupling part, and the extension part 403 extends from the lower part to the upper part of the ice-making cell formed by the second tray assembly 211. direction can be extended.

The first coupling part may be connected to the second connection part 506 of the pusher link 500 .

The control unit may control the first coupler to be at different positions at the water supply position and the ice making position.

In the process of moving from the ice-leaving position to the water-supplying position, the first coupling part moves in a first direction, and in the process of moving from the water-supplying position to the ice-making position, the first engaging part additionally moves in the first direction. You can exercise.

The control unit may control the first pusher 260 to be additionally moved while the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 are in contact and the additional movement of the first coupler is restricted. .

The position of the first coupling part may be determined by the movement of the driving part 480 .

After the first coupler reaches the ice-making position, the control unit reduces the water supplied to the ice-making cell 320a from the water supply position to the first pusher 260 to reduce freezing during the ice-making process. In this case, the driving unit 480 can be controlled to additionally move.

In order to increase the pressing force applied to the ice by the first edge 264a at the ice breaking position, the controller controls the drive unit 480 to additionally move after the first coupling part reaches the ice breaking position. can do.

As another embodiment, in the ice maker 220, the first pusher 260 is disposed to directly contact cold air, but, unlike this, the ice maker 220 includes a pusher receiving chamber surrounding the first pusher 260. It may further include a receiving chamber wall that does.

Of course, the receiving chamber wall may be formed in a structure that does not interfere with the moving first pusher 260 . For example, the receiving chamber wall may be formed in a form connecting the extension wall 302e in which a pair of guide slots are formed.

Accordingly, the receiving chamber wall may be formed in a shape corresponding to the guide slot 302 to guide the movement of the first pusher 260 .

For example, the pusher accommodating chamber may include a first accommodating chamber providing a space in which the second edge 264b of the first pusher 260 is located during the separation process.

The pusher accommodation chamber is located outside the first edge 264a to provide a space in which the second edge 264b is not located and only the first edge 264a is located during the leaving process. may further include. The water supply unit 240 may be positioned in the second accommodating chamber.

The pusher accommodating chamber may include a third accommodating chamber positioned outside the second edge 264b to provide a space in which the second edge 264b is positioned at the water supply position or the ice making position.

The third accommodation chamber may be disposed to be inclined with respect to the first accommodation chamber.

The first accommodating chamber may be located above the second accommodating chamber. The third accommodation chamber may be located above the second accommodation chamber.

The volume of the first accommodating chamber may be greater than that of the third accommodating chamber. The height of the first accommodation chamber may be higher than that of the third accommodation chamber.

A width of the first storage compartment may be smaller than a width of the second storage compartment. A width of the third storage compartment may be smaller than that of the second storage compartment.

The pusher accommodation chamber may have a height greater than a width. The pusher accommodating chambers may be provided in the same number as the ice-making cells 320a. The number of pusher accommodating chambers may be the same as the number of pushing bars 264 of the first pusher 260 .

The receiving chamber wall may be a wall of the first tray assembly or the second tray assembly. Alternatively, the receiving chamber wall may be a part of the wall of the freezing chamber 32 .

64 is a view showing the positional relationship between the through hole of the bracket and the cold air duct.

Referring to FIG. 64 , the refrigerator may further include a cold air duct 120 for guiding cold air of the cold air supply unit 900 .

The outlet 121 of the cold air duct 120 may be aligned with the through hole 222a of the bracket 220 .

The outlet 121 of the cold air duct 120 may be arranged so as not to face at least the guide slot 302 . When the cold air directly flows into the guide slot 302 , ice may occur in the guide slot 302 and the first pusher 260 may not move smoothly.

At least a portion of the outlet 121 of the cold air duct 120 may be positioned higher than an upper end of the circumferential wall 303 of the first tray cover 300 .

For example, the outlet 121 of the cold air duct 120 may be positioned higher than the opening 324 of the first tray 320 . Thus, cold air may flow from the upper side of the ice-making cell 320a toward the opening 324 . An area of the outlet 121 of the cold air duct 120 that does not overlap with the first tray cover 300 is larger than an area that overlaps with the first tray cover 300 . Therefore, the cold air does not interfere with the first tray cover 300 and flows above the ice-making cell 320a to cool the water or ice in the ice-making cell 320a.

That is, the cold air supply means 900 (or cooler) is arranged so that the amount of cold air (or cold) supplied to the first tray assembly is greater than that of the second tray assembly where the transparent ice heater 430 is located. It can be.

In addition, the cold air supply unit 900 (or cooler) is configured such that the amount of cold air (or cold) supplied from the first cell 321a to a region farther from the transparent ice heater 430 is greater than that of the region close to the transparent ice heater 430 can be placed.

For example, the distance between the cooler and the area close to the transparent ice heater 430 in the first cell 321a is the distance between the cooler and the area located far from the transparent ice heater 430 in the first cell 321a. It can be longer than the distance between them.

A distance between the cooler and the second cell 381a may be longer than a distance between the cooler and the first cell 321a.

65 is a diagram for explaining a control method of a refrigerator when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water is varied during an ice making process.

Referring to FIGS. 50 and 65 , the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 may be determined in correspondence to the target temperature of the freezing compartment 32 . The cold air generated by the cold air supply unit 900 may be supplied to the freezing compartment 32 .

The water in the ice-making cell 320a may be phase-changed into ice by heat transfer between the cold air supplied to the freezing chamber 32 and the water in the ice-making cell 320a.

In this embodiment, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 per unit height of water may be determined in consideration of the predetermined cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 .

In this embodiment, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 determined in consideration of the predetermined cooling power of the cold air supply means 900 is referred to as a reference heating amount. The magnitude of the standard heating amount per unit height of water is different.

However, when the amount of heat transfer between the cold air in the freezing compartment 32 and the water in the ice-making cell 320a changes, if the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 is not adjusted to reflect this, the transparency of ice per unit height There is a matter of change.

In the present embodiment, when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water is increased, for example, when the cooling power of the cold air supply means 900 is increased, or air having a temperature lower than the temperature of the cold air in the freezing chamber 32 is transmitted to the freezing chamber 32 . may be supplied.

On the other hand, when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water is reduced, for example, when the cooling power of the cold air supply means 900 is reduced, or air having a temperature higher than that of the cold air in the freezing compartment 32 is supplied to the freezing compartment 32. may be the case.

For example, the target temperature of the freezing chamber 32 is lowered, the operation mode of the freezing chamber 32 is changed from the normal mode to the rapid cooling mode, the output of one or more of the compressor and the fan is increased, or the refrigerant valve When the opening degree is increased, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 may be increased.

On the other hand, when the target temperature of the freezing chamber 32 is increased, the operation mode of the freezing chamber 32 is changed from the rapid cooling mode to the normal mode, the output of one or more of the compressor and the fan is reduced, or the opening of the refrigerant valve is changed. When reduced, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 may be reduced.

When the cooling power of the cold air supply means 900 is increased, the temperature of the cold air around the ice maker 200 is lowered, so that the ice production rate is increased.

On the other hand, when the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 is reduced, the temperature of the cold air around the ice maker 200 rises, so that the ice production rate slows down and the ice making time increases.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the heat transfer amount between cold air and water is increased so that the ice-making speed can be maintained within a predetermined range lower than the ice-making speed when the ice-making is performed with the transparent ice heater 430 turned off, the transparent ice-making speed is increased. The heating amount of the heater 430 can be controlled to increase.

On the other hand, when the amount of heat transfer between the cold air and water is reduced, the amount of heating of the transparent ice heater 430 may be controlled to decrease.

In this embodiment, when the ice-making speed is maintained within the predetermined range, the ice-making speed is slower than the speed at which bubbles move in the ice-producing portion of the ice-making cell 320a, so that no bubbles exist in the ice-producing portion. will not be

When the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 is increased, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 may be increased. On the other hand, when the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 is reduced, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 may be reduced.

Hereinafter, a case in which the target temperature of the freezing compartment 32 is varied will be described as an example.

The controller 800 may control the output of the transparent ice heater 430 so that the ice making speed may be maintained within a predetermined range regardless of the change in the target temperature of the freezing compartment 32 .

For example, ice making starts (S4), and a change in heat transfer amount between cold air and water may be detected (S31).

For example, a change in the target temperature of the freezing compartment 32 may be sensed through an input unit (not shown).

The control unit 800 may determine whether the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water is increased (S32). For example, the controller 800 may determine whether the target temperature is increased.

As a result of determination in step S32, if the target temperature is increased, the control unit 800 may decrease the predetermined standard heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 in each of the current section and remaining sections.

Until ice making is completed, variable control of the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 for each section may be normally performed (S35).

On the other hand, if the target temperature is decreased, the controller 800 may increase the predetermined reference heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 in each of the current section and remaining sections. Until ice making is completed, variable control of the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 for each section may be normally performed (S35).

In this embodiment, the standard heating amount to be increased or decreased may be determined in advance and stored in a memory.

According to this embodiment, the ice making speed can be maintained within a predetermined range by increasing or decreasing the reference heating amount for each section of the transparent ice heater in response to the change in the heat transfer amount between cold air and water, so that the ice making speed can be maintained for each unit height of ice. It has the advantage of uniform transparency.

Claims (15)

storage rooms where food is stored;
a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the storage compartment;
a first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water is phase-changed into ice by cold;
a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell;
a water supply unit supplying water to the ice-making cell;
a heater positioned adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly;
a pusher adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly; and
including a control unit;
The first tray assembly includes a first tray, the second tray assembly includes a second tray,
The heater includes an ice-breaking heater provided to supply heat to the first tray, transfer the heat supplied to the first tray to the ice-making cell, and disposed adjacent to the first tray;
The controller controls the ice heater to be turned on before at least one of the pusher and the second tray is moved;
The ice heater is a wire-type heater or provided to be bendable,
The ice-making cells are provided in plurality, and the ice-making heaters are arranged to surround the circumferences of the plurality of ice-making cells so that the heat of the ice-making heaters can be evenly transferred to each of the plurality of ice-making cells,
Further comprising a first heater case provided to install and fix the ice heater,
The first heater case may include a first heater accommodating part accommodating the leaching heater; and a through-opening through which a portion of the first tray is inserted, wherein the first heater accommodating portion includes a curved portion and a straight portion. According to claim 1,
A second temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell;
The first tray further includes a sensor accommodating portion in which the second temperature sensor is accommodated. According to claim 2,
The second temperature sensor is provided to be spaced apart from the ice heater in a state accommodated in the sensor accommodating part of the first tray. According to claim 2,
The plurality of ice-making cells include two adjacent ice-making cells, and the sensor receiving portion of the first tray is positioned between the two adjacent ice-making cells. According to claim 1,
The first heater case includes a temperature sensor accommodating portion in which an interference preventing portion is formed to prevent interference with the first tray. According to claim 1,
The first tray further includes an auxiliary storage compartment communicating with the ice-making cell,
The auxiliary storage compartment is provided to store water overflowing from the ice-making cell or to place ice that expands during a phase change of supplied water,
A refrigerator wherein an upper end of at least one of the ice heater and the second temperature sensor is located lower than an upper end of the auxiliary storage compartment. According to claim 1,
The first tray further includes a heater accommodating portion in which the leaving heater is accommodated,
The ice heater is in contact with the bottom surface of the heater receiving portion of the first tray. According to claim 1,
The refrigerator is provided with a plurality of separation prevention protrusions for preventing separation when the ice heater is accommodated in the curved portion and the straight portion of the first heater accommodating portion. According to claim 8,
The separation prevention protrusion extends to the lower portion of the first heater case and has an end portion bent in a horizontal direction. According to claim 8,
The separation prevention protrusion includes a first protrusion extending vertically from a lower portion of the first heater accommodating part and a second protrusion extending horizontally from the first protrusion. According to claim 10,
Since the ice-leaving heater is in contact with the upper surface of the second protrusion in the separation prevention protrusion, the ice-leaving heater is spaced apart from the second temperature sensor by the second protrusion. According to claim 10,
The second protrusion of the departure prevention protrusion extends toward the central portion of the first heater case. According to claim 8,
The first heater accommodating portion is provided with a plurality of separation prevention grooves formed to correspond to the separation prevention protrusions. According to claim 13,
The separation preventing groove is a refrigerator in which a part of the ice breaking heater can be retracted to prevent the ice breaking heater from being separated or the ice melting heater being disconnected by the separation preventing protrusion. According to claim 1,
Further comprising a first tray case provided to be in contact with the first tray to support at least a portion of the first tray,
The first tray case may include the first tray supporter; and
A first tray cover provided with an opening through which a portion of the pusher passes;
The first tray cover is integrally formed with the first heater case.

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