KR20240115557A - Refrigerator, ice provision apparatus, and ice provision method - Google Patents

Abstract

The refrigerator of the embodiment may include an ice nugget ice maker that divides ice cubes of a predetermined shape into small pieces to make at least two ice cubes, agglomerates the at least two ice cubes to make ice nuggets, and a dispenser that dispenses the ice nuggets. there is.

Description

Refrigerator, ice maker, and ice making method {Refrigerator, ice provision apparatus, and ice provision method}

The present invention relates to refrigerators, ice makers, and ice making methods. The present invention relates to a refrigerator, an ice maker, and an ice making method capable of providing ice nuggets.

Refrigerators have become an indispensable product in daily life. Refrigerators can provide sub-zero temperature environments. Refrigerators can manufacture and supply ice cubes in sub-zero temperature environments. The ice cubes can be manufactured by storing water in a storage container of a predetermined shape. The ice cube may refer to ice provided in chunks of a predetermined size.

Users can chew the ice cubes directly and eat them on hot days. In this case, it may be hard on the user's teeth. One technology that takes this problem into account is the embankment technology that provides chewing ice.

For example, there is CN201910438990 'Ice making device, method of making chewing ice, and refrigerator'. The technique involves spraying water into a cylinder, freezing the sprayed water thinly, and scraping the frozen ice to provide chewable ice. In addition, there is a known technology for providing chewable ice by pouring water on a cooling plate and scraping frozen thin ice from the spilled water.

These technologies have the problem of requiring a separate ice maker for chewing ice to be installed in the refrigerator. These technologies have the problem of encroaching on the space inside the refrigerator. The chewable ice provided by these technologies is so wet that it is uncomfortable to consume.

CN201910438990 Ice making device, method of making chewing ice, and refrigerator

The present invention is proposed against the above background.

The present invention proposes a technology to improve the inconvenience of having to provide a separate device for chewing ice.

The present invention proposes a technology to increase the utilization of the internal space of a refrigerator.

The present invention proposes a technology for maintaining chewing ice in a solid state.

The present invention proposes a technology for providing high quality chewable ice.

The present invention proposes an ice-making technology that satisfies consumers' tastes.

Other problems of the present invention can also be described in [specific details for carrying out the invention].

The refrigerator of the embodiment may include an ice nugget ice maker that divides ice cubes of a predetermined shape into small pieces to make at least two ice cubes, agglomerates the at least two ice cubes to make ice nuggets, and a dispenser that dispenses the ice nuggets. there is.

Optionally, the refrigerator may include an ice cube maker that stores water to make the ice cubes. Ice cubes can be made larger than a certain size. Users can also consume ice cubes directly. The user can also take out the ice cubes right away.

Optionally, it may include an ice cube bin for storing ice cubes made by the ice cube ice maker.

Optionally, the ice nugget ice maker may receive the ice cubes from at least one of the ice cube ice maker and the ice cube bin.

Optionally, the cube ice maker may be placed above the ice nugget ice maker. Accordingly, the ice cube can be transported under its own weight.

Optionally, it may include an ice nugget bin for storing the ice nuggets.

Optionally, the dispenser may be connected to at least one of the ice nugget bin and the ice cube bin. Accordingly, the ice nuggets and the ice cubes can be selectively withdrawn.

Optionally, the nugget ice maker can be placed on the door of the refrigerator.

Optionally, the ice nugget may be manufactured by melting ice at a contact portion of the at least two ice cubes and then re-solidifying it. Here, the ice in the contact portion may be melted by at least one of heat and pressure. Preferably, pressure may be applied to increase thermal efficiency.

Optionally, the ice nugget ice maker may include a crushing unit that crushes the ice cubes to provide the at least two ice cubes; And it may include an ice making unit for making ice nuggets by clumping the at least two pieces of ice together.

Optionally, the crushing unit may be located above the ice making unit. The ice cubes can be conveniently moved by their own weight.

Optionally, it may include a driving unit that operates the crushing unit and the ice making unit.

Optionally, the drive unit may include a motor that provides rotational force; And it may have a shaft rotated by the motor. Optionally, it may include a conversion unit that converts the rotational motion of the shaft into a reciprocating motion and transmits the reciprocating motion to at least one of the crushing unit and the ice making unit.

Optionally, the drive unit may include a linear actuator that reciprocates and whose output side is connected to at least one of the crushing unit and the ice-making unit.

Optionally, the drive unit may include a motor that provides rotational force and whose output side is connected to at least one of the crushing unit and the ice-making unit.

Optionally, the driving unit may have a single driver operating the pulverizing unit and the ice making unit together.

Optionally, the drive unit may have different drivers independently operate the crushing unit and the ice making unit.

Optionally, it may include a transfer unit that transfers the at least two pieces of ice from the crushing unit to the ice making unit. Ice nuggets can be provided even when the crushing unit and the ice-making unit are not adjacent to each other.

The ice maker of the embodiment includes a crushing unit that crushes ice cubes to provide at least two ice cubes; And it may include an ice making unit for making ice nuggets by clumping the at least two pieces of ice together. By using ice cubes, ice nuggets can be produced in low moisture conditions.

Optionally, the at least two ice cubes can be compacted by pressure.

The ice making method of the embodiment includes making ice cubes; Providing cubed ice by dividing the ice cube into small pieces; And it may include collecting the ice cubes and providing ice nuggets.

Because the present invention provides ice nuggets from ice cubes, additional equipment can be reduced.

Since the present invention provides an ice nugget maker, it is possible to secure a large storage space in the refrigerator.

In the present invention, since ice nuggets are provided only with ice rather than water, the problem of ice nuggets sticking to each other in the ice nugget bin can be prevented.

The present invention can provide ice nuggets only in a solid state. Accordingly, it is possible to satisfy consumers' tastes.

The present invention can store a large amount of solid ice nuggets in a bin.

Other effects of the present invention can also be described in [specific details for carrying out the invention].

1 is a diagram showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of an ice nugget ice maker according to an embodiment. .
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the crushing unit. Figure 4(a) is a diagram illustrating a case in which the first rod reciprocates, and Figure 4(b) is a diagram illustrating a case in which the first rod rotates. An explanatory drawing.
Figure 5 is a diagram explaining the ice-making operation, and Figures 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) are diagrams sequentially showing the ice-making operation.
Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the interaction between the crushing unit and the ice making unit, and Figures 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), and 6(d) are diagrams of the first and second rods. A drawing showing one cycle of strokes in sequence.
7 is a flowchart illustrating an ice-making method according to an embodiment.
Figure 8 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process of ice cubes in detail.
FIG. 9 is a diagram briefly showing the configuration of the ice nugget ice maker of FIG. 3.
Figures 10 to 13 are diagrams explaining the configuration of an ice nugget ice maker according to another embodiment compared with Figure 9.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention can easily make other embodiments included within the scope of the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, and adding components, etc. However, this may also be included within the scope of the present invention.

In the description of the drawings, identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof may be omitted.

In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions may be omitted.

The attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and all changes, equivalents, and changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are not limited. It should be understood to include water or substitutes.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. It should be. On the other hand, when expressions such as "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component are mentioned, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Singular expressions may include plural expressions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this document, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that it does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In this document, at least part of the description of one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment. Through this, other embodiments are possible and this can also be an embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a diagram showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1(a), the refrigerator (R) of the embodiment may include a water supplier (a) that supplies water. Water can be supplied to the water supplier through an external water supply pipe. The water supplier may include a water purifier that removes impurities.

The water supplier may supply water to the ice cube maker (b). The ice cube maker may have a storage container of a predetermined shape containing water. The storage container can store water using gravity. The storage container may have a groove having the outer shape of an ice cube. Cold air may be supplied to the ice cube maker. Cold can freeze water. The water in the storage container may freeze and become an ice cube. After freezing, the ice cubes can be transferred from the ice cube ice maker.

The ice cubes can be stored in an ice cube bin (c1). The ice cube bin can store at least one ice cube. The ice cube bin can supply cubed ice when needed.

At least one of the ice cubes accommodated in the ice cube bin (c1) and the ice cubes manufactured in the ice cube ice maker (b) can be supplied to the ice nugget ice maker (1). The ice nugget ice maker 1 can produce ice nuggets from the ice cubes. The ice nugget ice maker 1 can divide ice cubes into small pieces. The ice nugget ice maker 1 can produce ice nuggets by dividing ice cubes into small pieces to make ice cubes, and by clumping the ice cubes together to create ice nuggets. The ice nugget may refer to pieces of ice clumped together. The ice nugget may refer to ice having multiple voids within the ice. The ice nugget may refer to ice that breaks easily. The ice nugget may refer to ice that breaks easily when a user chews it, thereby preventing tooth damage. Since the ice nugget is ice, the device that produces the ice nugget may be referred to as an ice nugget ice maker.

Ice nuggets manufactured in the ice nugget ice maker (1) can be stored in the ice nugget bin (c2). The ice nugget bin can store at least one ice nugget. The at least one ice nugget may all be in a solid state. The at least one ice nugget may not adhere to each other inside the ice nugget bin.

Upon the user's request, at least one of the ice cubes and the ice nuggets may be retrieved. It may include a dispenser (d) that dispenses at least one of the ice cubes and the ice nuggets. The dispenser may be connected to at least one of the ice cube bin (c1) and the ice nugget bin (c2). At least one of the dispenser (d) and the ice cube bin (c1) and between the dispenser (d) and the ice nugget bin (c2) may be connected by a chute.

The refrigerator can provide ice cubes and ice nuggets using water supplied from outside. The ice nuggets can be manufactured using cubed ice from the ice cube maker (b). Since there is no need for a separate ice making device for ice nuggets, the product storage space of the refrigerator can be designed to be larger. Compare and explain. Comparing the first case in which an ice maker for ice nuggets and an ice maker for ice cubes are separately provided with the second case in which only an ice cube maker is provided as in the embodiment, the ice maker in the first case saves more space inside the refrigerator. You can sleep widely. Accordingly, in the second case, it is possible to secure a wider space for storing items in the refrigerator.

FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1(b), the refrigerator R may include an ice nugget ice maker 1. The ice nugget ice maker can produce ice nuggets using ice cubes. Ice nuggets manufactured in the ice nugget ice maker (1) can be stored in the ice nugget bin (c2). The ice nugget bin can store at least one ice nugget. The ice nugget can be withdrawn upon the user's request. It may include a dispenser (d) that dispenses the ice nugget. The dispenser (d) and the ice nugget bin (c2) can be connected through a chute.

Cubed ice can be placed in the ice nugget ice maker (1). The ice nugget ice maker 1 can divide the ice cubes into small pieces. You can make ice nuggets by combining finely divided ice cubes. The refrigerator can accommodate a storage container capable of producing ice cubes. The user can put the ice cubes manufactured in the storage container into the ice nugget ice maker (1). This embodiment can be provided at a lower cost than the embodiment of FIG. 1(a).

FIG. 1(c) is a diagram showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1(c), the refrigerator R may include an ice nugget ice maker 1. The ice nugget ice maker can produce ice nuggets using ice cubes. Upon a user's request, the ice nugget ice maker can make ice nuggets. The ice nugget can be withdrawn upon the user's request. It may include a dispenser (d) that dispenses the ice nugget. The dispenser (d) and the ice nugget ice maker (1) can be connected through a chute.

Cubed ice can be placed in the ice nugget ice maker (1). The refrigerator can accommodate a storage container capable of producing ice cubes. The user can put ice cubes into the ice nugget ice maker (1). The ice nugget ice maker 1 can produce ice nuggets by dividing ice cubes into small pieces. The ice nugget ice maker may not require a dedicated ice making device for manufacturing ice cubes for ice nuggets. Accordingly, ice nuggets can be quickly made by adding ice cubes. The refrigerator of the embodiment may not have a separate ice nugget bin (d). This embodiment can be provided at a lower cost than the embodiment of FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b).

Figure 2 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 2, the refrigerator (R) may have a main body (B) having a receiving space for accommodating items. The refrigerator (R) may have a door (D) that opens and closes the opening of the main body. The door (D) may have the ice cube maker (b). The ice cube maker (b) may be placed on top of the door (D). The ice cube maker (b) may be placed at the top of the door (D).

The cube ice maker (b) may be placed above the ice nugget ice maker (1). The ice cube bin (c1) may be placed above the ice nugget ice maker (1). The ice nugget ice maker (1) may be placed above the ice nugget bin (c2). The ice nugget ice maker 1 may be placed below the ice cube transfer path (e). According to this configuration, ice cubes can be supplied to the ice nugget ice maker 1 under their own weight.

In the refrigerator of the embodiment, an ice cube ice maker (b), an ice cube bin (c1), an ice nugget ice maker (1), and an ice nugget bin (c2) are placed on the door. As another embodiment, at least one of the ice cube ice maker (b), the ice cube bin (c1), the ice nugget ice maker (1), and the ice nugget bin (c2) may be placed in the main body. The ice cube ice maker (b), ice cube bin (c1), ice nugget ice maker (1), and ice nugget bin (c2) can be cooled by cold air from the refrigerator.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an ice nugget ice maker according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 3, ice cubes (C) can be supplied to the ice nugget ice maker (1). The ice nugget ice maker 1 may include a crushing unit 10 that crushes ice cubes into ice cubes. The ice nugget ice maker 1 may include a transfer unit 40 that transfers the ice cubes. The ice nugget ice maker 1 may have an ice making unit 20 that makes ice cubes into ice nuggets. The crushing unit may be placed above the ice making unit. Ice cubes can fall under their own weight. The ice nugget ice maker 1 may include a driving unit 30 that drives at least one of the crushing unit 10, the transfer unit 40, and the ice making unit 20.

The crushing unit 10 and the ice making unit 20 may be operated by the driving unit 30. The crushing unit 10 and the ice making unit 20 may operate together by one driving unit 30. The crushing action of the crushing unit 10 and the ice making action of the ice making unit 20 may operate in time series. For example, ice making may be performed after pulverization is completed. For example, after the cycle for grinding has started, the cycle for ice making can begin. For example, after the crushing operation for ice cubes, the compression operation for ice making may be performed.

Each configuration of the ice nugget ice maker 1 will be described in detail.

The crushing unit 10 can crush the ice cubes (C) into pieces of ice. The crushing unit 10 may have a bin 12 that accommodates ice cubes. The bin 12 can move the ice cube. The bin 12 can push and pull ice cubes. The bin may have a support 13 in contact with the ice cube. The grinding unit 10 may have a first rod 11 that reciprocates the bin 12. The crushing unit 10 may have a first supporter 36 that guides the reciprocating movement of the first rod. The first rod 11 may be fastened to the first switching unit 34.

The first rod 11 can move. Here, the movement may be a reciprocating movement. The first rod can move with the bin 12. The bin can move while containing ice cubes. The support 13 can push and pull the ice cube. While the ice cube is moving, the ice cube can be crushed into ice cubes. Protrusions may be provided to crush the ice cubes. The protrusions may perform at least one of the following functions: scraping the ice cubes, cutting the ice cubes into pieces, dividing the ice cubes into smaller pieces, and cutting the ice cubes. The protrusion may operate in a direction different from that of the ice cube. The protrusions may not move while the ice cube is moving. The protrusion may be inclined in either direction. The protrusions can produce ice cubes only when the ice cubes move in one direction. The protrusion can produce an ice cube when the ice cube moves to the left based on the drawing. The protrusion may not produce the ice cube when the ice cube moves to the right based on the drawing.

Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the crushing unit. Figure 4(a) is a diagram illustrating a case in which the first rod reciprocates, and Figure 4(b) is a diagram illustrating a case in which the first rod rotates. This is an explanatory drawing.

Referring to FIG. 4(a), the first rod 11 and the bin 12 may be fastened to each other. The support 13 may form one body with the bin 12. The support can push and pull the ice cube (C). The first rod, the bin, the support, and the ice cube may reciprocate together. If the support moves to the left, the ice cube C may become caught on the protrusion 14 and be broken into pieces. The protrusion may be provided on a plate 16 different from the bin. With respect to the plate, the bin can move relative to the plate. The plate may be placed on the underside of the bin. The plate may not move. An opening 15 may be formed in the plate adjacent to the protrusion. Ice cubes broken into pieces may fall through the opening (15). When the support moves to the right, the ice cube (C) can pass through the protrusion (14) without being caught. The protrusion may be inclined in one direction. In the drawing, the protrusion is shown inclined to the right. The protrusion 14 may be placed on the left side of the opening 15. The support is shown as being placed on one side of the bin, but may not be limited thereto. The support may be placed anywhere on the front, back, left, right, top and bottom of the bin. The number of supports can be provided to fix and move the ice cubes.

FIG. 4(a) can be preferably applied to the embodiment of FIG. 2. This embodiment can be preferably applied to an ice nugget ice maker having a first conversion unit 34 that converts rotary motion into reciprocating motion.

Referring to FIG. 4(b), the first rod 11 can rotate. The first load may be connected to the drive shaft of the motor (M). The first load may be connected directly or indirectly to the motor. The first rod 11 can rotate. The first rod may be fastened to the support 13. The support 13 can press the ice cube C with a predetermined force. The support can move integrally with the ice cube. The first rod, the support, and the ice cube can rotate. The support 13 may provide part of the bin 12 . The rotational movement of the motor M may be converted into the rotational movement of the ice cube. The ice cube may be divided into small pieces by the protrusions 14 during rotation. Ice cubes may be withdrawn through the opening 15.

The embodiment of Figure 4(b) may be suitable for crushing ice cubes. In detail, it may be desirable for the ice making unit 20 to operate slowly to compress ice cubes. It may be desirable for the crushing unit 10 to operate quickly in order to crush the ice cubes into pieces. In this embodiment, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4(a), ice cubes can be rotated. According to this, the grinding unit can be operated at high speed. This is because there may be no change of direction for reciprocating motion. According to this, the crushing unit can be operated at a different speed from the ice making unit. Accordingly, the crushing action of ice cubes can be performed reliably.

Each embodiment of FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) is described in more detail in FIGS. 9 to 13.

Description will be made again with reference to FIG. 2 .

The ice cubes can be transported through the transport unit 40. The transfer unit 40 can transfer ice cubes from the crushing unit 10 to the ice making unit 20. The ice cubes may move downward along the transfer unit due to their own weight. The transfer unit may have a path extending in the direction of gravity. The lower part of the transfer unit may be narrower than the upper part. The transfer unit 40 may be connected to the opening 15. The transfer unit may be connected to the opening of the ice making unit 20.

The plate 16 may partition the crushing unit 10 and the ice making unit 20. The plate 16 and the transfer unit 40 may be fastened to each other.

The ice making unit 20 is capable of compressing at least two pieces of ice that are not combined with each other. The ice making unit 20 may be a compression unit that compresses at least two pieces of ice. The ice cubes may be broken by the compression force of the compression unit and separated into at least two ice cubes. Accordingly, smaller ice cubes can be obtained. Smaller ice cubes can increase the user's appetite. At least two pieces of ice can be pressed against each other by the compression force of the compression unit. At the contact point of at least two ice cubes, the surface of the ice cubes may melt and become water. It can be understood that ice melts due to pressure. The water on the adhesive surface may solidify again into ice due to the cold air of the ice cubes and/or the cold air of the refrigerator. The at least two ice cubes may be combined with each other by the re-solidified surface ice. The place where the at least two ice cubes are bonded to each other may be weaker than the inside of the ice cubes. This is because the area where the at least two ice cubes are fastened is narrower than the interior of the ice cubes. Since the at least two pieces of ice are weakly combined, it can be convenient for the user to eat right away. When users chew ice nuggets, their teeth can be protected. At least two pieces of ice can be aggregated through the compression action, the melting action, and the solidification action. The ice nuggets can be provided by clumping together more than a predetermined number of ice cubes.

The ice making unit 20 may have a compression container 23 that compresses at least two pieces of ice. The compression vessel may have an empty space inside it. The piston 22 may reciprocate within the compression vessel 23. The piston 22 may be connected to the second rod 21. The ice making unit 20 may have a second supporter 37 that guides the reciprocating movement of the second rod. The second rod 21 may be fastened to the second switching unit 35. The second conversion unit 35 can convert rotational motion into reciprocating motion. The compression container 23 may have a pre-compression container 24 that accommodates pre-compression ice cubes. The compression container 23 may have a post-compression container 25 for receiving compressed ice cubes. The pre-compression receptor 24 and the post-compression receptor 25 may be connected to each other. The pre-compression receptor 24 may have the same cross-sectional area in the longitudinal direction. After the compression, the receiver 25 may have a shape tapered in the longitudinal direction. After the compression, the receiver 25 may be narrowed toward the outlet. With this structure, the compressive force between at least two ice cubes can be increased. The piston may reciprocate within the pre-compression receptor 24. The piston 22 can push at least two ice cubes. The pushing force of the piston may act as a compressive force that compresses the contact portion of the at least two ice cubes.

The second rod 21 may reciprocate. The piston can reciprocate. The piston can compress the ice cubes inside the pre-compression receptor 24. At least two ice cubes can be joined together by compression force. At least two pieces of ice can be combined to produce an ice nugget (N). The ice nugget may be extruded by the piston. One ice nugget can be iced by one stroke of the piston. At least one ice nugget can be made into ice by one crushing action of the ice cubes by the crushing unit 10, one transfer of the ice cubes by the transfer unit, and one compression action of the ice making unit 20. there is. The stroking can be repeated until all ice cubes are gone.

Figure 5 is a diagram explaining the ice-making operation, and Figures 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) are diagrams sequentially showing the ice-making operation.

Referring to FIG. 5, crushed ice (S) can be accommodated in the compression container (23). A cover 26 may be provided at the outlet end of the compression vessel 23. The cover may be provided to apply pressure to the contact portion of the ice cubes. The cover 26 may be provided in an open and closed structure.

The cover 26 may be provided in a structure in which the internal space is narrowed, like the compressed container 25. The ice cubes may have both fluid properties and powder properties. The ice cubes may not easily flow out of the receiver 25 after compression. The ice cubes can be compressed by the receiver 25 after compression. High pressure may be applied to the contact area between the at least two pieces of ice.

The piston 22 can push the received ice cubes (S). Compressive force may be applied to the ice cubes. A large amount of pressure may be applied to the contact area of the ice cubes. The cover 26 may be closed to apply high pressure to the contact area of the ice cubes. Pressure can be applied for a predetermined period of time while the cover 26 is closed. Pressure may be applied to the contact area between the at least two ice cubes. Ice nuggets can be iced by melting ice and re-solidifying water at the contact area of the ice cubes. The piston 22 can be pushed further while the cover 26 is open. The piston may extrude the ice nugget. When the cover 26 is the post-compression container 25, a pressure of a predetermined value or higher can be applied. The ice nugget can be extracted by extruding a narrow outlet end using the pressure.

Description will be made again with reference to FIG. 2 .

The driving unit 30 may include a motor 31. The motor 31 can rotate the shaft 32. The axis may be a crankshaft. One side of the crankshaft 32 may be supported by the motor 31. The other side of the crankshaft 32 may be supported on the shaft 33. The conversion unit that converts the rotational movement of the shaft into the reciprocating movement of the rod may be fastened to the shaft. The conversion unit may be a connecting rod. One end of the switching unit can rotate. The other end of the switching unit may reciprocate. The conversion unit may include a first conversion unit 34 that provides reciprocating power to the grinding unit 10. The conversion unit may include a second conversion unit 35 that provides reciprocating power to the ice making unit 20. First and second loads 11 and 12 may be connected to the first and second switching units 34 and 35. The first and second rods may reciprocate by the switching unit. The first and second switching units 34 and 35 may be connected to different positions on the shaft 32. The strokes of the other reciprocating ends of the first and second switching units 34 and 35 may have different phases.

When the motor 31 rotates, the shaft 32 may rotate. The rotation angle of the shaft 32 and the respective stroke positions of the switching units 34 and 35 may correspond to each other. For example, when the axis 32 is at 0 degrees, the stroke position of the first switching unit 34 may be 0 degrees. When the axis 32 is at 0 degrees, the stroke position of the second switching unit 35 may be 90 degrees. The phases of the first and second switching units 34 and 35 may be different from each other. The phases of the first and second switching units 34 and 35 may be the same as the stroke phases of the first and second rods 11 and 12.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the interaction between the crushing unit and the ice making unit, and Figures 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), and 6(d) are diagrams of the first and second rods. This is a drawing showing one cycle of strokes in sequence.

Referring to Figure 6(a), the piston 22 can move slowly. The position of the piston 22 is adjacent to top dead center and the stroke direction may be switching. Ice cubes can be placed in front of the piston. Bean (12) can move quickly to the right. Here, the speed of the bin moving quickly and the speed of the piston moving slowly may be relative concepts. In other words, the relative speed can be expressed as the speed of the reciprocating motion changes as the rotational motion is converted into a reciprocating motion. The same applies to the description below. While the bin is moving to the right, the ice cubes may not be crushed. The protrusion 14 may be inclined in one direction to the right.

Referring to Figure 6(b), the bin 21 can move slowly. The position of the bin 21 is adjacent to the bottom dead center and the stroke direction may be switching. Ice cubes can be compressed by a piston. The piston (22) can move quickly to the right. Here, the speeds of the bin and the piston may be relative concepts.

Referring to Figure 6(c), the piston 22 can move slowly. The position of the piston 22 is adjacent to the bottom dead center and the stroke direction may be switching. Ice cubes can be completely compressed by a piston. The compressed ice cubes may have reached the state of ice nuggets. Any one of the stacked ice nuggets can be pushed and extruded. Bean (12) can move quickly to the left. Here, the speeds of the bin and the piston may be relative concepts. As the bin moves to the left, it can crush ice cubes.

Referring to Figure 6(d), the bin 12 can move slowly. The position of bin 12 is adjacent to top dead center and the stroke direction may be switching. The piston (22) can move quickly to the left. Here, the speeds of the bin and the piston may be relative concepts. As the piston moves to the left, ice cubes can be introduced into the compression container (23).

By going through the above-mentioned process, one cycle of providing ice nuggets can be completed.

Figure 7 is a flowchart explaining an ice-making method according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 7, in the ice making method of the embodiment, ice cubes are first manufactured (S1). Here, the ice cube may refer to an ice block made by putting water into a predetermined mold and solidifying it. Pieces of ice can be manufactured by dividing the ice cubes into small pieces (S2). Ice cubes can be manufactured by splitting the ice cubes using a predetermined method. The ice cubes may be lumps. The ice cubes may be broken ice. Ice nuggets can be manufactured by collecting at least two pieces of ice (S3).

The at least two ice cubes can be compacted by applying pressure. The pressure applied to the at least two ice cubes can dissolve the contact area between the ice cubes with water. The amount dissolved here may be a very small amount. When the pressure is removed, the water may re-solidify and cause the at least two ice cubes to adhere. The at least two ice cubes can be combined by applying heat. The heat applied to the at least two ice cubes may dissolve the contact area between the ice cubes with water. Here, there may be only a very small amount of ice melting. When the heat is removed, the water can re-solidify and cause the at least two ice cubes to adhere.

The amount of ice melted at the contact portion of the at least two ice cubes may be very small. Even with a very small amount of ice, it may be possible to stick at least two ice cubes together. Energy efficiency can be increased by melting only a small amount of ice. By re-solidifying a very small amount of ice after melting, the at least two pieces of ice can be easily separated. Through this, the user can conveniently eat the ice nugget. It can prevent damage to the user's teeth. The ice nugget ice maker and/or the ice nugget bean may be placed in a freezer. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent sticking between ice nuggets due to water.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing the ice cube manufacturing process (S1) in detail.

Referring to Figure 8, first, water can be injected into the storage container and stored (S11). Water may not move within the storage vessel. The storage container can be placed inside a freezer. Since the water does not move within the storage container, it can easily solidify into ice. Water can be contained within a storage vessel by gravity. The storage container may have a groove that is depressed along the direction of gravity. Water can be accommodated in the groove. Cold air can be supplied to the storage container (S12). The cold air supply can be performed by blowing cold air. When a predetermined time elapses, ice cubes corresponding to the shape of the container may be formed in the storage container (S13).

Ice cubes produced by the method described above may not contain liquid water. The ice cubes can be separated from each other for easy handling. Ice cubes can exist solely as solid ice. Accordingly, clumping may not occur during post-processing of the ice cubes.

FIG. 9 is a diagram briefly illustrating the configuration of the ice nugget ice maker of FIG. 3. Figures 10 to 13 are diagrams explaining the configuration of an ice nugget ice maker according to another embodiment, compared with Figure 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, the drive unit 30 can change the rotational movement of the motor 31 (M) into a reciprocating movement for the first and second rods 11 and 21. Both arrows indicate reciprocating motion. The stroke phases of the first and second rods 11 and 21 may be different from each other. The drive unit may use a crankshaft and connecting rod. Accordingly, rotational motion can be converted into reciprocating motion.

The crushing unit 10 can crush ice cubes into shattered ice by using the reciprocating motion of the first rod 11. The transfer unit 40 can transfer ice cubes to the ice making unit 20 using gravity. A one-way arrow indicates the direction of gravity. The ice making unit 20 may use the reciprocating motion of the second rod 21 to make ice cubes into ice nuggets.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment with a linear actuator.

Referring to FIG. 10, the drive unit 30 can directly induce reciprocating motion using a linear actuator (P). The linear actuator may refer to an actuator that performs reciprocating motion. As the linear actuator, various actuators such as plungers, solenoids, and pushrods can be used.

A first linear actuator (30a) can be connected to the first rod (11). A second linear actuator (30b) can be connected to the second rod (21). Each linear actuator can be connected to the first and second rods. The same linear actuator can be connected to the first and second rods. The output of one linear actuator can be switched and selectively applied to the first and second loads.

According to this embodiment, the driving unit can be simply implemented. Accordingly, the internal capacity of the refrigerator can be increased. The speeds of the pulverizing unit 10 and the ice making unit 20 may be different. For example, the crushing unit 10 can be operated quickly and the ice making unit 20 can be operated slowly. Each unit can be operated at a speed suitable for the properties of the crushing unit and the ice making unit.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which the rotational force of a motor is applied to the grinding unit.

Referring to FIG. 11, the ice nugget ice maker of this embodiment can use a crushing unit 10 similar to the crushing unit of FIG. 4(b).

The rotational force of the motor may be transmitted to the support 13. The support can rotate the ice cube. The ice cube may be crushed while rotating. In the crushing unit 10, a spring 19 may be placed between the motor 30c (M) and the support 13. The spring 19 can push the ice cube to the protrusion 14. Even if the ice cube becomes small, the ice cube can be crushed.

Since the spring 19 crushes and pushes the ice cubes, the ice cubes may also be pushed into the ice making unit 20. The ice cubes that have passed through the opening 15 may be pushed and moved into the interior of the compression container 23. Accordingly, a separate transfer unit 40 may not be needed.

Figure 12 shows an embodiment in which different powers are applied to the crushing unit and the ice making unit.

Referring to FIG. 12, the crushing unit 10 can crush ice cubes using the rotational force of the motor 30d (M). The ice making unit 20 can make ice nuggets by reciprocating motion of the linear actuator 30b (P). According to this embodiment, crushing of ice cubes can be performed at high speed. It can process ice cubes into fine and even pieces at high speed. According to this embodiment, an ice-making operation using adhesion between ice pieces can be performed at low speed. Sufficient time can be obtained for melting and solidification of the contact area of the ice cubes.

Figure 13 shows an embodiment in which the crushing unit and the ice making unit are directly operated by a motor.

Referring to Figure 13, the grinding unit is the same as the embodiment of Figure 11. The ice making unit can be operated by rotating the motor 30c2 (M2).

According to the present invention, ice nuggets can be manufactured using ice cubes.

R: refrigerator
B: body
D: door
C: Ice cube
N: Ice Nugget
S: ice cubes
1: Ice nugget ice maker
10: Grinding unit
20: Ice making unit
30: Drive unit
40: Transfer unit

Claims (20)

An ice nugget ice maker that divides ice cubes of a predetermined shape into small pieces to make at least two ice cubes, and then compacts the at least two ice cubes to make ice nuggets; and
A refrigerator including a dispenser for dispensing the ice nuggets. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator including an ice cube maker that stores water to make ice cubes. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator including an ice cube bin for storing ice cubes made by the ice cube maker. According to claim 2 or 3,
The ice nugget ice maker is a refrigerator that receives the ice cubes from at least one of the ice cube ice maker and the ice cube bin. According to claim 2,
The cube ice maker is a refrigerator placed above the ice nugget ice maker. According to claim 3,
Includes an ice nugget bin for storing the ice nuggets,
The dispenser is connected to at least one of the ice nugget bin and the ice cube bin to selectively dispense the ice nugget and the ice cube. According to claim 1,
The ice nugget ice maker is a refrigerator placed on the door of the refrigerator. According to claim 1,
The ice nugget is a refrigerator manufactured by melting ice at a contact portion of the at least two ice cubes and then re-solidifying it. According to claim 8,
A refrigerator in which the ice in the contact portion melts by at least one of heat and pressure. According to claim 1,
The ice nugget ice maker,
a crushing unit that crushes the ice cubes to provide the at least two ice cubes; and
A refrigerator including an ice-making unit that combines the at least two pieces of ice to make ice nuggets. According to claim 10,
The crushing unit is a refrigerator located above the ice making unit. According to claim 10,
A refrigerator including a driving unit that operates the crushing unit and the ice making unit. According to claim 12,
The driving unit is,
A motor that provides rotational force;
a shaft rotated by the motor; and
A refrigerator comprising a conversion unit that converts the rotational motion of the shaft into reciprocating motion and transmits the reciprocating motion to at least one of the crushing unit and the ice-making unit. According to claim 12,
The driving unit is,
A refrigerator comprising a linear actuator that reciprocates and whose output side is connected to at least one of the crushing unit and the ice-making unit. According to claim 12,
The driving unit is,
A refrigerator comprising a motor that provides rotational force and whose output side is connected to at least one of the crushing unit and the ice-making unit. According to claim 12,
The driving unit is,
A single driver operates the crushing unit and the ice making unit together, or
A refrigerator in which different drivers independently operate the crushing unit and the ice-making unit. According to claim 10,
A refrigerator comprising a transfer unit that transfers the at least two pieces of ice from the crushing unit to the ice making unit. a crushing unit that crushes the ice cubes to provide at least two ice cubes; and
An ice maker including an ice making unit that clumpes the at least two pieces of ice together to make ice nuggets. According to claim 18,
An ice maker in which the at least two pieces of ice are united by pressure. Providing cubed ice by dividing the de-glazed ice cubes into small pieces; and
An ice-making method comprising collecting the ice cubes and providing ice nuggets.

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