MXPA96006123A - Apparatus for the automatic production of hi - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a method thereof is described, comprising an ice removal motor rotation function, an ice removal motor protection function, an alarm function / supply indication water, a water supply status control function and a water supply motor control function. To perform the above functions, the ice maker comprises an ice removal motor rotation controller to control a rotation operation of an ice removal motor, a rotation controller of the water supply motor to control an rotation operation of a water motor, a water supply status controller to control the supply of water pumped by the water supply motor, to the apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a dispenser, a water detector for detect the water level in the water supply tank, an alarm generator to generate an alarm in response to the water level detected by the water level detector, and a microcomputer to control the entire operation of the apparatus for automatic production of hie

Description

APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC ICE PRODUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a method for the same, and more particularly, to an apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a method for the same, to prevent a tray being deformed by performing alternately a normal / reverse rotation operation of the tray, and when an ice production operation has been completed. 2. Description of the Previous Technique Generally, an automatic ice production represents a step, where water is automatically applied to a tray and then it is required that an ice production operation has been completed, and it is determined that the ice production operation has been completed. Ice produced is automatically removed from the tray and then stored in an ice bin inside a freezer compartment of a refrigerator. Therefore, ice production can be conveniently carried out without the separate operation of a usury. Recently, in this regard, automatic ice production has been essential in the refrigerator along with a dispenser to allow the user to have drinking water without opening the refrigerator door. The apparatus for the automatic production of ice, conventional, will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 1, is shown schematically, in block form, the construction of an apparatus for the automatic production of ice, conventional. As shown in this drawing, the conventional automatic ice making apparatus comprises an energy supply unit 1 for supplying energy to the automatic ice making apparatus, a tray position discriminator 2 for discriminating a tumbled position of a tray (not shown), a function selector 3 for allowing the user to select an automatic ice production function, a motor removal controller 5 for controlling a rotation operation of a motor 4 for removing ice, a water supply motor rotating controller 7 for controlling a water supply motor 6, which supplies water to the tray, an ice removal discriminator 8 provided under the tray, for inspecting the state of ice removal, and a microcomputer 9 for controlling the aforementioned components in the apparatus for the automatic production of ice. The operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice, conventional, with the aforementioned construction, will be described below. When an automatic ice production function key in the function selector 3 is operated by the user to select the automatic ice production function, the corresponding signal is supplied to the microcomputer 9, which is also supplied with a voltage of drive from the power supply unit 1. Upon receipt of the automatic ice production function key signal of the selector function selector 3, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the rotation controller 7 water supply motor for boosting the water supply 6. As the water supply motor 6 is driven, water from a water supply tank is euminietrated to the tray. At this time, the tray remains in its horizontal state. Then, the ice removal discriminator 8 verifies if an ice production operation has been completed. If it is verified that the ice production operation has been completed, the ice removal discriminator 8 outputs a control signal to the microcomputer 9 to inform it of said situation. In respueeta to eeñal control diecriminador removal ice 8, the microcomputer 9 gives ealida a eeñal control to the controller 5 of rotation of motor ice removal to rotate the motor ice removal 4 in a direction deserved As the ice removal motor 4 turns, the tray was turned towards an ice container. At this time, the tray is held, on one side, by a stop, while it is continuously applied on the other side with a rotation force of the ice removal motor 4. As a result, the tray is deformed. As the tray deforms, the ice produced from it and contained in the ice container is removed. Then, the ice removal discriminator 8 verifies whether the ice removal operation has been completed. If it is verified that the ice removal operation has been completed, the ice removal discriminator 8 outputs a control signal to the microcomputer 9 to inform it of said situation. In response to the ice removal discrimination control signal 8, the microcomputer 9 controls the ice removal motor rotation controller 5 to rotate the ice removal motor 4 in the reverse direction. As a result, the tray is returned to its initial state. Then, the tray position discriminator 2 verifies whether the tray has been regreeed to its horizontal state. If it is verified that the tray has been returned to its horizontal state, the tray position discriminator 2 outputs a control signal to the microcomputer 9 to inform it of said situation. In response to the control signal of the tray position discriminator 2, the microcomputer 9 repeats the previous ice production operation. In the case, where a total ice switch (not shown) remains in an on state even in the horizontal state of the tray because the ice container is filled with the ice produced, the microcomputer 9 stops the entire operation of the apparatus of the automatic production of ice. However, the conventional automatic ice production apparatus mentioned above has the following disadvantages. First, as the tray is turned only in one direction to perform the ice removal operation, it is continuously deformed in the same direction. For this reason, it is difficult for the tray to retain its original shape. This results in a reduction in the life of the tray. Second, since the tray is deformed when performing the ice removal operation, an overload is applied to the ice removal motor, resulting in a reduction in the life of the ice removal motor and frequent failure. Third, there is no function to indicate that the water level in the water supply tank is below a predetermined value. As a result, the user must personally verify the water level in the water supply tank. This is inconvenient for the user. Fourth, when the automatic ice production function and the dispeneator are operated simultaneously in a refrigerator, these are simultaneously with water pumped by the water supply motor. As a result, the amount of water discharged from the dispeneator is reduced. For this reason, the user must operate the dispeneator for a long time to obtain a desired amount from it. Fifth, the water remaining in the water supply hose to the tray can freeze due to the temperature of a refrigerator freezer compartment. In this case, water from the water supply tank can not be supplied to the tray. Another conventional ice production apparatus is described in JP, A, 92-111384. This conventional apparatus comprises: an ice production chamber installed in a cooling device, from which cold air is supplied; an ice production tray, which is separable; an ice production machine, which has an imputer device for rotating the ice production tray; verification means to verify if an ice production operation has been completed; discrimination means for discriminating an inverted position of the ice production tray; detecting means for detecting the amount of ice, which is contained in an ice container below the ice production tray; control means for controlling the infusion device by means of the verification means, the means of discrimination and the means of detectors; a connector for connecting signal lines of the control means with the verification means, means of discrimination, and detecting means; and determining means for determining whether the ice making machine is separated with the ice producing chamber, when all the signal lines of the control means are open. According to the prior art described, an apparatus for ice production is provided, where an ice production operation can be performed determining whether an ice production machine has been separated by an ice production chamber. This apparatus presents the same advantages, in that the tray is deformed in an individual direction during the ice removal operation, thus reducing the life of the tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a method therefor, which has a function of rotation control of ice removal motor to control an operation of rotating an ice removal motor so that it can alternately perform a normal ice removal operation and an ice reverse operation. It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a method therefor, which has an ice removal motor protection function to detect a charged amount applied to an ice removal motor when An ice removal operation is performed and the ice removal motor is protected from an overload protection state according to the detected result. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a method therefor, which has an alarm function / indication of water supply to detect the water level in a water supply tank and, if the detected water level is below a predetermined value, generate an alarm to automatically indicate at the appropriate time in which the water supply tank must be filled with water. A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a method therefor, which has a function of controlling the state of supply of water for, when the production of automatic ice is simultaneously operated with a dispenser, stop the automatic production of ice and preferentially supply water to the dispenser. It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a method for the honeycomb, which has a function of controlling the water supply motor to prevent the freezing of the remaining water in a water supply hose. to the tray, by rotating a water supply motor in the reverse direction to feed the remaining water in the water supply hose back to a water supply tank. According to the present invention, the above objects and other objects can be achieved by the provision of an apparatus for the automatic production of ice comprising an energy supply unit for supplying power to an automatic ice maker, an engine for ice removal to flip a tray in a desired direction to perform an ice removal operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice, a water supply motor for pumping water from a water supply tank, a water position discriminator, tray to discriminate an inverted position of the tray, a function selector to allow the user to select various functions of automatic ice production, a dispeneator to supply drinkable water to the user and an ice removal discriminator to verify a production stage of ice, wherein the improvement comprises means of control of rotation mo ice removal to control an operation of the ice removal motor; means for controlling the rotation of the water supply motor to control a rotation operation of the water supply motor; water supply control means for controlling the supply of water pumped by the water supply motor to the tray and the dispenser; water level sensing means for detecting the water level in the water supply tank; alarm generation means for generating an alarm in response to the water level detected by the water level sensing means; and system control means for controlling the entire operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice. The ice removal motor rotation control means include normal direction and reverse direction switch means for switching a drive voltage from the power supply unit to the ice removal motor to control a rotation direction of the motor. ice removal; and switch control means for controlling the on / off states of the normal direction and steering direction interruption means under the control of the seventh control means. The normal direction interruption means includes a first interrupting transient to switch the impuleion voltage of the power supply unit to an ice removal motor terminal; and a second interrupting transistor for switching a voltage to ground to the other terminal of the ice removal motor.

The reverse direction interrupting means includes a third interrupting transistor for switching the drive voltage of the power supply unit to the other terminal of the ice removal motor; and a fourth interruption transistor for switching the ground voltage to an ice removal motor terminal. The interruption control means includes a first control transistor for controlling the on / off settings of the normal direction interrupting means, in response to a first control signal of the control means of the seventh; and a second control transistor for controlling the on / off states of the reverse direction interrupting means in response to a second control signal of the system control means. The water supply motor rotation control means include normal direction and reverse direction interrupting means for switching a drive voltage of the power supply unit to the water supply motor to control a direction of rotation of the water supply motor. water supply engine; and interruption control means for controlling the on / off settings of the normal direction and reverse direction interrupting means under the control of the system control means.

The normal direction interrupting means includes a first interrupting transistor for switching the drive voltage of the power supply unit to a terminal of the water supply motor; and a second interrupting transistor for switching a voltage to ground to the other terminal of the water supply motor. The reverse direction interrupting means includes a third interrupter transient to switch the drive voltage of the power supply unit to the other terminal of the water supply motor; and a fourth interruption transistor for switching the voltage to ground to a terminal of the water supply motor. The interruption control means includes a first control transistor for controlling the on / off state of the normal address interruption means in response to a first control signal of the system control means; and a second control transient for controlling the on / off setting of the address interruption means in reappeeta to a second control signal of the system control means. The water supply status control means includes a dispensing switch disposed in a desired position outside of a refrigerator, such that it can be operated by the user; means for opening / closing being driven in response to a driving voltage of the unit of the power supply unit to control the water supply to the apparatus of automatic ice production; interruption means for switching a voltage to ground to the means for opening / closing to control the on / off states of the means for opening / closing; and interruption control means for controlling the interrupting operation of the interrupting means in accordance with the on / off settings of the dispensing switch. The means for opening / closing are ignited in response to the interrupting means that is on, to open a water path between the water supply tank and the dispeneator to euminietrate the water pumped by the water supply motor to the dispenser and are turned off in response to the shutdown means which are turned off, to open a water path between the water supply tank and the automatic ice making apparatus to supply the water pumped by the water supply engine to the apparatus for the automatic production of ice. The interruption control means turn on the interrupting means in response to the dispensing switch that is turned on, to open a water path between the water supply tank and the dispenser and turn off the interruption means in response to the dispensing switch that is turned off, to open a water path between the water supply tank and the apparatus for the automatic production of ice. The water level sensing means includes a defined chamber in a given pore inside a compartment for fresh food from a refrigerator, to receive the water supply tank; a water level sensor mounted fixedly to the lower center of the chamber, the water level sensor is axially grooved thereby forming a lateral axial channel by opposite side walls; sensor receiving means vertically formed in the lower center of the water supply tank, to allow the water supply tank to slide smoothly into the chamber, the sensor receiving means including a pair of parallel slots, which axially they extend over the bottom of the water supply tank and slidably receive the opposite side walls of the water level sensor, respectively; transparent windows provided, respectively, on the opposite side walls of the grooves; and optical transmission / reception means arranged in the water level sensor, for transmitting and receiving an optical signal.

The optical transmission / reception means include a photodiode provided in one of the opposite side walls of the water level sensor, for transmitting the optical signal; and a phototransistor provided on the other side walls opposite the water level sensor, to receive the optical signal of the photodiode. The alarm generating means includes a light emitting diode for generating an optical signal, the light emitting diode having its cathode terminal for inputting a driving voltage from the power supply unit and the anode terminal. to give entry to a control signal from the systems control means. The apparatus for automatic ice production also comprises ice removal protection means for detecting an amount of load applied to the ice removal motor and protecting the ice removal motor from an overload condition according to the detected result. The ice removal motor protection means include voltage sensing means connected to the ice removal motor to detect voltages applied to the ice removal motor, when the ice removal motor is rotated in the normal and inverse directions; a pair of voltage division resistors for dividing a driven voltage from the power supply unit at a desired speed; and a comparator having a non-inverted input terminal to input a voltage divided by the voltage divider retractors and an inverted input terminal to input a voltage detected by the voltage detecting means, the comparator comparing the two input voltages between them and outputting the compared result to the system control means for controlling the operation of the ice removal motor. The voltage sensing means includes a first voltage detecting resistor connected to an ice removal terminal, to detect the voltage applied to the ice removal motor when the ice removal motor is rotated in the normal direction; and a second voltage sensing resistor connected to the other terminal of the ice removal motor, to detect the voltage applied to the ice removal motor when the ice removal motor is rotated in the reverse direction. The system control means is programmed to perform an ice removal motor rotation control step to alternately perform a normal direction ice removal operation and an inverse direction ice removal operation; an ice removal protection step for controlling the operation of the ice removal engine in response to a control signal of the ice removal motor protection means; an alarm step / water supply indication for controlling the water level detection means for detecting the water level in the water supply tank and, if the detected water level is below a predetermined value, for generate the alarm; a water supply status control step for, when the automatic ice production and the dispenser are operated simultaneously, stop the operation of automatic ice production and preferentially supply water to the dispenser; and a water supply motor control passage for turning the water supply motor in the reverse direction towards the feed water that remains in a water supply hose back to the water supply tank, thus preventing freezing of the remaining water in the water supply hose. The ice removal engine rotation control step includes the step of initializing an account, if an automatic ice production function is selected, by the user, checking if the account is an even number or a non number, performing alternately the normal direction ice removal operation and the reverse direction ice removal operation according to the verified result, so that the tray can rotate repeatedly in the normal direction and in the reverse direction. The step of protecting the ice removal motor includes the step of, if the control signal of the ice removal motor protection means has a first logical state, a normal state of charge, turning on the rotation control means of ice removal to operate the ice removal motor normally and, if the control signal of the ice removal motor protection means have a second logical state, an overload state, turn off the rotation control means of Ice removal motor to stop the operation of ice removal motor. The water supply alarm / indication step includes the step of calculating the capacity of the water supply tank, accumulating a quantity of water supply, calculating a difference between the calculated capacity of the water supply tank and the amount of supply of accumulated water to obtain the amount of water that remains in the water supply tank and, if the amount of water obtained is below a predetermined level, control the means of generating the alarm to generate the alarm. The accumulation of the water supply quantity is done by multiplying a water supply performance of the water supply motor by the cumulative used time, wherein the water supply performance of the water supply motor is an amount of water pumped per second. The water supply alarm / indication step includes the steps of starting a counting operation if the water supply alarm / indication mode is in the initial state where the water supply tank is filled with water by the user; operate the water supply motor and start the counting operation; stopping the water supply motor and the counting operation when a predetermined period has elapsed and multiplying a water supply performance of the water supply motor by the time used to calculate the amount of water supply; calculate the difference between the capacity of the water supply tank and the amount of water supply calculated to obtain the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank; and verifying whether the amount of water obtained is below the predetermined level and, if the amount of water obtained is below the predetermined level, controlling the means of generating the alarm to generate the alarm. The alarm / water supply indication step includes the step of detecting the initial temperature of the tray after the ice removal operation has been completed, detecting the present temperature of the tray after the water has been supplied, from the water supply tank, to the apparatus for the automatic production of ice, calculating a difference between the initial and present detected temperatures of the tray and, if the calculated difference is below a predetermined value, control the generating means alarm to generate the alarm. The water supply alarm / indication step includes the steps of detecting the initial temperature of the tray in the initial state in which the ice removal operation is completed; controlling the rotation control means of the water supply motor to drive the water supply motor for a predetermined time and after detecting the present temperature of the tray; and calculating the difference between the detected initial and present temperatures of the tray and, if the calculated difference is below the predetermined value, control the alarm means to generate the alarm. The water supply status control step includes the steps of verifying whether a dispensing switch disposed in a desired position outside a refrigerator has been turned on by the user; turning on a solenoid valve if it is verified that the dispensing switch has been switched on by the user and operating the water supply motor to supply water to the dispenser; check if automatic production for ice is in a water supply mode, if the dispenser switch is off; and turning off the solenoid valve if it is verified that the automatic ice production is in the water supply mode and operating the water supply motor to supply water to the tray for a predetermined period. The control of water euminietro control includes the paeos of supplying water to the tray if the automatic production of ice is in a mode of water supply and after controlling the means of rotation control of water supply motor to rotate the water supply motor in the reverse direction for a predetermined period; and controlling the rotation control means of the water supply motor to stop the water supply motor, when the predetermined period has elapsed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above objects and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the construction of a conventional apparatus for the automatic production of ice; Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the construction of an apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a detailed circuit diagram of an ice removal motor rotation controller and an ice removal protection unit in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a detailed circuit diagram of a water supply motor rotation controller in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a detailed circuit diagram of a water supply status controller in Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a detailed circuit diagram of an alarm generator in Fig. 2; Fig. 7A to C are detailed diagrams illustrating the construction of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention; Figs. 8A to 8G are views illustrating the operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention; Fig. 9A and 9B are flow diagrams illustrating the operation of a microcomputer in Fig. 2, which performs a normal direction ice removal function and an inverse direction ice function of the method for the automatic production of ice. ice according to the present invention; Fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the microcomputer in Fig. 2, which performs a first mode of a water level detection function of the water supply tank of the method for automatic production of ice according to the present invention; Fig. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the microcomputer of Fig. 2, which performs a second mode of the water level detection function of the water supply tank of the method for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention; Fig. 12A and 12B are partial perspective views illustrating a diepoeition for performing a third mode of the water level detection function of the water supply tank of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention; Fig. 13 is a detailed circuit diagram of a water level sensor in Fig. 12A and 12B; and Fig. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the microcomputer in Fig. 2, which performs a function of controlling the water euminietro state of the method for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention. .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Next, an embodiment of an apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a method thereof in accordance with the present invention will be described in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With reference to Fig. 2, the construction of an apparatus for the automatic production of ice is shown schematically in block form. Some parts in this drawing are equal to those in Fig. 1. Therefore, equal reference numbers designate equal parts. As shown in Fig. 2, the apparatus for the automatic production of ice comprises an energy supply unit 1 for supplying power to the apparatus for the automatic production of ice, a tray position discriminator 2 for discriminating a tumbled position of a tray, a function selector 3 for enabling the user to select a function for the automatic production of ice, an ice removal motor rotation controller 5 for controlling a rotation operation of an ice removal motor 4, a water supply motor rotation controller 7 for controlling a rotation operation of a water euminium motor 6, which supplies water to the tray, and an ice removal discriminator 8 provided below the tray, to verify a state of ice removal. The apparatus for automatic ice production further comprises an ice removal motor protection unit 10 for detecting an amount of load applied to the ice removal motor 4 and protecting the ice removal motor 4 from an overload condition according to the detected result, a water supply status controller 11 for controlling the supply of water to the tray and a dispeneator, a level 12 water detector for detecting the water level in a tank of water euminietro, an alarm generator 13 for generating an alarm when the water level detected by the water level detector 12 is below a predetermined value, and a microcomputer 9 for controlling the aforementioned components in the apparatus for the automatic production of ice .

Referring to Fig. 3, a detailed circuit diagram of the ice removal motor rotation controller 5 and the ice removal motor protection unit 10 in Fig. 2 is shown. As seen in this drawing , the ice removal motor rotation controller 5 includes a plurality of interruption transistors 14-17 for switching a drive voltage V2 of the power supply unit 1 to the ice removal motor 4 to control a direction of rotation of the ice removal motor 4, and a pair of control transistors 18 and 19 being switched under the control of the microcomputer 9 to control the interruption operations of the interruption transistors 14-17. The interrupt transistors 15 and 17 are adapted to switch a voltage to ground to the ice removal motor 4 and the interruption transistors 14 and 16 are adapted to switch the drive voltage V2 of the power supply unit 1 to the motor ice removal 4. Also, interrupt transistors 15 and 16 are additionally driven in response to the on and off states of the control transistor 18 and the interruption transistors 14 and 17 are additionally driven in response to the on and off states. switching off the control transistor 19.

Also as shown in FIG. 3, the ice removal motor protection unit 10 includes a voltage sensing resistor 20 connected to a terminating terminal of the switch transistor 17 in the ice removal motor rotation controller. 5, to detect a voltage applied to the ice removal motor 4 when the ice removal motor 4 is rotated in the normal direction, a voltage sensing resistor 21 connected to a transmitting terminal of the interruption transistor 15 in the controller of ice removal motor rotation 5, to detect a voltage applied to the ice removal motor 4 when the ice removal motor 4 is rotated in the reverse direction, a pair of voltage division resistors 22 and 23 for dividing a driving voltage VI of the power supply unit 1 to a desired ratio, and a comparator 24 for inputting the voltage detected by the voltage detecting resistor 20 or 21 in the inverted input terminal (-), and a voltage divided by the voltage division resistors 22 and 23 in the non-inverted input terminal (+), comparing the input voltage between them and outputting the compared result with the microcomputer 9. Referring to Fig. 4, a detailed circuit diagram of the water supply rotation controller 7 is shown in Fig. 2. As shown in this drawing, the supply motor rotation controller of water 7 includes a plurality of interruption transistor 25-28 for switching the impuleion voltage 2 V2 of the power supply unit 1 to the water supply motor 6 to control a direction of rotation of the water supply motor 6 and a pair of control transistors 29 and 30 which are switched under the control of the microcomputer 9 to control the switching operations of the interruption transistors 25-28. The interruption transistors 26 and 28 are adapted to switch the voltage to ground to the water supply motor 6 and the interruption transistors 25 and 27 which are adapted to switch the drive voltage V2 of the power supply unit 1 to the motor water supply 6. Also, the interrupt transistors 26 and 27 are supplementally driven in response to the on and off states of the control transistor 29 and the interruption transients 25 and 28 are additionally driven in response to the ignition state and off of the control 30 transistor.

Referring to Figure 5, a detailed circuit diagram of the water supply status controller 11 in Figure 2 is shown. As shown in this drawing, the water state controller 11 includes a dispenser switch 31 arranged in a desired position outside the refrigerator, such that it can be operated by the user, a solenoid valve 32 being driven in response to the voltage of the driver V2 of the unit supplying power 1 for controlling the euminietro of water to the tray, an interrupting transistor 33 for switching the voltage to ground towards 1 solenoid valve 32 for controlling the ON / OFF states of the solenoid valve 32, and a control transistor 34 which is switched under the control of the microcomputer 9 based on the ON / OFF states of the dispensing switch 31 to control the interruption operation of the interruption transients 33. Referring to FIG. 6, a detailed circuit diagram of the alarm generator 13 in Figure 2. As shown in this drawing, alarm generator 13 includes an emitting diode r of light 35 which is driven in response to the driving voltage VI of the power supply unit 1 to generate an optical signal under the control of the microcomputer 9. Figure 7 is a detailed diagram illustrating the construction of the apparatus for production automatic ice according to the present invention. As shown in this drawing, the ice removal motor 4 is provided in a desired poem in a housing 36 of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice. The ice removal motor 4 has its arrow, to which a helical gear 37 is fixedly mounted. One to three gears 38-40 are sequentially coupled with the helical gear 37, so that they can sequentially receive a rotational force of the helical gear 37. A cam gear 41 is coupled to the third gear 40 so that it can be driven in response to the rotational force of the third gear 40. A tray 42 is coupled to an arrow 41a of the cam gear 41 to rotate together with the cam gear 41. A part of the closure 60 is formed on the periphery of the cam gear 41 so that, if the tray 42 is in the horizontal state, a horizontal stop support 61 can stop the rotation by contacting the closing part 60, if the cam gear 41 is overextected in the ice removal operation, an eobre-rotation prevention device 62 can stop the rotation by putting in with the closing part 70 is touched. A concave part 60A is formed on the closing part 60 to reinforce the paper of the closing part 60. A horizontal switch 43 is disposed below the cam gear 41 to perceive the horizontal state of the tray 42. A horizontal switch adjustment rib 44 is mounted to the cam gear 41 for switching the horizontal switch 43. A total ice switch 45 is disposed adjacent the horizontal switch 43. When a plate connector 47 is pushed by a total ice lever adjustment rib 46 mounted to the cam gear 41, overturns a total ice lever 48 integral therewith, thereby causing the total ice switch 45 to be ignited. An ice removal sensor (e.g., a transmitter) 49 is disposed in a desired position under the tray 42 to sense the temperature variation of the tray 42 to verify the ice production and the states of movement. The ice removal sensor 49 is also mounted to the ice removal discriminator 8 to verify the voltage variation based on the temperature variation of the tray 42 and to provide the verified result to the ice removal discriminator 8, thus allowing that the ice discriminator 8 recognizes the states of production and movement of ice. The operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice with the aforementioned construction according to the present invention, will now be described in detail.

First, a normal direction ice removal function and an inverse direction ice removal function of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice in accordance with the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8A to 9B. Figures 8A to 8G are views illustrating the operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice in accordance with the present invention, and Figures 9A and 9B are flow charts illustrating the operation of the microcomputer 9 in Figure 2, which performs the normal direction ice removal function and the reverse direction ice removal function of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention. First, in Figure 9A, the microcomputer 9 inspects in step SI whether the function for the automatic production of ice has been selected by the user. If the function for the automatic production of ice has not been selected by the user in step SI, the closing part 60 of the cam gear 41 contacts the horizontal stop support 61, and the horizontal switch 43 is placed in a concave position of the adjustment rib of the horizontal switch 44 mounted to the cam gear 41, as shown in Figure 8A. As a result, the horizontal switch 43 remains in its off state. Also as shown in Figure 8A, the lever connector 47 is not pushed but placed in a concave position in the total ice lever adjustment rib 46 mounted to the cam gear 41. As a result, the total ice lever 48 is not flipped and the total ice switch 45 remains in its off state. In the case where it is verified in step SI that the function for the automatic production of ice has been selected by the user, the microcomputer 9 initializes an account (ie C = 0) in step S2 and outputs a signal control to the ice discriminator 8 in step S3 to verify if the operation for ice production has been completed. If it is verified in step S3 that the operation for ice production has not been completed, the microcomputer 9 returns to the previous step S2 to continue the verification that if the ice production operation has been completed. When it is verified, in step S3, that the ice production operation has been completed, the microcomputer 9 verifies, in step S4, whether the account is in an even number. If it is verified in step S4 that the count is in the even number, the microcomputer 9 controls the rotation controller of the ice removal motor 5 in step S5 to flip the tray 42 in the normal direction. Otherwise, if verified in step S4, that the count is an odd number, the microcomputer 9 controls the ice removal motor rotation controller 5 in step S6 to flip the tray 42 in the reverse direction. In other words, the microcomputer 9 outputs a low logic control signal at its first output terminal 0UT1 and a high logic control signal at its second output terminal 0UT2. In the ice removal motor rotation controller 5, the control transient 18 inputs the low logic control signal from the first output signal OUT1 of the microcomputer 9 in the baee terminal and the control transistor 19. it inputs the high logic control signal of the second output terminal OUT2 of the microcomputer 9 at its terminal base. Preferably, the control transistors 18 and 19 are of the NPN type. As a result, the control transistor 18 is turned off in response to the low logic control signal of the first output terminal OUT1 of the microcomputer 9 and the control traneer 19 is turned on in response to the high logic control signal of the second output terminal OUT2 of the microcomputer 9. As the control transistor 18 is turned off, interrupt transistors 15 and 16 are turned off. As the control transistor 19 is turned on, it transfers the driving voltage VI from the power supply unit 1 to a base terminal of the interruption transient 17, thereby causing the interruption transient 17 to be turned on. As the interruption transistor 17 is turned on, the ground voltage is transferred to a collector terminal of the interruption transistor 17 and a low logic signal is thus applied to a baee terminal of the interruption traneer 14. Preferably, the interruption traneIerator 14 is of the PNP type. As a result, the interrupt transient 14 is turned on in response to the low logic signal. The ignition of the interruption transient 14 forms a loop of power supply unit 1, interruption transistor 14 ice removal motor 4, interruption transistor 17 and terminal to ground. With the loop formed, the driving voltage V2 of the power supply unit 1 is supplied to the ice removal motor 4 to rotate in the clockwise direction. As the ice removal motor 4 rotates, the cam gear 41 is rotated to overturn the tray 42 mounted therein. On the other hand, if the microcomputer 9 outputs a high logic control signal at its first output terminal OUT1 and a low logic control signal at its second output terminal OUT2, the high logic control signal from the first output terminal output 0UT1 is applied to the base terminal of the control transistor 18 and the low logic control signal of the second output terminal 0UT2 is applied to the base terminal of the control transistor 19. Since the control transistors 18 and 19 eon of the NPN type, the control transistor 18 is turned on in response to the high logic control signal of the first output terminal 0UT1 of the microcomputer 9 and the control transistor 19 is turned off in response to the low logic control signal of the second output terminal 0UT2 of the microcomputer 9. As the control transistor 19 is turned off, the interruption transistors 14 and 17 are turned off. As the control transistor 18 is turned on, it transfers the drive voltage VI from the power supply unit 1 to a base terminal of the interruption transient 15, thereby causing the interruption transistor 15 to turn on. As the interruption transistor 15 is turned on, the ground voltage is transferred to a collector terminal of the interrupter transmitter 15 and a low logic signal is thus applied to a base terminal of the interruption transistor 16. Preferably, the transistor of interrupt 16 is of the PNP type. As a result, the interruption transistor 16 is turned on in response to the low logic signal. The ignition of the interruption transistor 16 forms a loop of power supply unit 1, interruption transistor 16, ice removal motor 4, interruption transistor 15, terminal to ground.

With the loop formed, the impingement voltage V2 of the power supply unit 1 is supplied to the ice removal motor 4 so that it turns counterclockwise. As the ice removal motor 4 is rotated, the cam gear 41 is rotated to overturn the tray 42 coupled to an arrow 41A of the cam gear 41. As previously stated, as the tray 42 Turns, the horizontal interruption adjustment rib 44 mounted on the cam gear 41 is turned in such a way that a convex portion thereof can urge the horizontal switch 43 to turn it on. Also, the lever connector 47 is urged by a convex portion of the total ice lever adjustment rib 46 mounted to the cam gear 41, in order to flip the total ice lever 48. Also, the total ice switch 45 is turned on by the plate connector 47. At this time, the microcomputer 9 verifies, in step S7, that the horizontal switch 43 and the total ice switch 45 are in their on state and thus determine that the apparatus for automatic ice production it has been set to a state ready for ice removal (see Figures 8B and 8E). Then, as the tray 42 is further overturned from the ready state to remove the ice, the horizontal breaker clamp 44 mounted to the cam gear 41 is turned in such a way that the concave portion thereof can receive the horizontal switch 43. As a result, the horizontal switch 43 is changed from its on state to its off state. The lever connector 47 is still pushed by the convex position of the total ice lever adjustment rib 46 mounted to the cam gear 41, thereby allowing the total ice lever 48 to remain in its on state. Also, the total ice switch 45 remains in its on state. At this time, the microcomputer 9 verifies, in step S8, that the horizontal switch 43 is in its off state and the total ice switch 45 is in its on state and thus determines that the apparatus for automatic production of ice has been set in the ice removal state (see figures 8C and 8F). Therefore, the microcomputer 9 controls the ice removal motor rotation controller 5 in step S9 to stop the ice removal motor 4. If the ice removal motor 4 has been overdrawn, the part of the closure 60 is brought into contact with the support to prevent overrotation 62, so that the cam gear 41 and the tray 42 can not continue to rotate.

Afterwards, in the SIO, the microcomputer 9 has a predetermined period until the produced ice is removed from the tray 42. When the predetermined period has elapsed, the microcomputer 9 controls the ice removal motor controller 5 in the step Sil , to flip the tray 42 in the opposite direction to the direction of ice removal. As the tray 42 is turned over, the horizontal switch adjusting rib 44 mounted to the cam gear 41, is turned in such a way that the convex portion thereof can push the horizontal switch 43 to turn it on. The lever connector 47 is still pushed by the convex portion of the ice total lever adjustment rib 46 mounted to the cam gear 41, thereby allowing the total ice lever 48 to remain in its overturned state. As a result, the total ice switch 45 remains in its on state. At this time, the microcomputer 9 verifies, in the step S12, that the horizontal switch 43 and the total ice breaker 45 are in their ignition stage and this way determines that the apparatus for the automatic ice production has been set in your state of return. Then, as the tray 42 is continuously rotated, the horizontal switch 43 is placed in the concave position of the horizontal switch adjusting rib 44 and the lever connector 47 is placed in the concave position of the adjusting rib of the total ice lever 46. As a result, the switch horizontal 43 and the total ice switch 45 are switched from ignition sleep to their shutdown states. At this time, the microcomputer 9 verifies, in step S13, that the horizontal switch 43 is in its off state and in this way determines that the apparatus for the automatic production of ice has been returned to its initial state (see figures 8D). and 8G). In this way, the microcomputer 9 controls the rotation controller of the ice removal motor 5, in step S14, to stop the ice removal motor 4. Notably, as the ice container is filled with the ice produced , the total ice lever 48 is raised, caused so that the total ice switch 45 is turned on. In this connection, it is preferred that, if the horizontal switch 43 is turned off, the microcomputer 9 determines without considering the ON / OFF states of the total ice switch 45 that the tray 42 has been returned to its horizontal state. Then, the microcomputer 9 verifies, in step S15, whether the function for the automatic production of ice has been stopped by the user. If it verifies, in step S15, that the function for automatic ice production has not been stopped by the user, the microcomputer increments the count by 1 (ie, C = C + 1) in step S16, and returns to step S3 above to repeat it and the subsequent steps. Otherwise, in the case where it verifies, in step S15, that the function for the automatic production of ice has been stopped by the user, the microcomputer 9 ends the total operation. In the case where the function for the automatic production of ice is continuously performed, the count is changed from an odd number to an even number and vice versa, in step S4, since this is incremented by 1, giving as a result a change in the direction of rotation of the tray 42. Therefore, the tray 42 can alternatively perform the normal direction ice removal operation and the reverse direction ice removal operation so that it can be prevented from being deformed or damaged . In the second place, an ice protection motor protection function of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention, will be described below. According to the present invention, the ice removal motor protection function is adapted to detect a quantity of load applied to the ice removal motor 4 and to protect the ice removal motor 4 from an overload condition in accordance with the detected result.

In the case where the ice removal motor 4 is rotated in the normal direction, particularly, the interruption transistors 14 and 17 are turned on, a driving current proportional to the driving voltage V2 of the power supply unit 1 flows towards the ice removal motor 4. The driving current is - converted to a voltage by the voltage detecting resistor 20 and then applied to an inverted input terminal (-) of the comparator 24. Also, the driving voltage VI of the The power supply unit 1 is divided to the desired ratio by the two voltage division resistors 22 and 23 and then applied to the non-inverted input terminal (+) of the comparator 24. On the other hand, in the case where the ice removal motor 4 is rotated in the reverse direction, particularly, the interruption transistors 15 and 16 are turned on, a driving current proportional to the driving voltage V2 of the unit d The power supply 1 flows to the ice removal motor 4. The driving current is converted to a voltage by the voltage detecting resistor 21 and then applied to the inverted input terminal (-) of the comparator 24. Also, the drive voltage VI of the power supply unit 1 is divided to the desired ratio by the two voltage division resistors 22 and 23 then applied to the non-inverted input terminal (+) of the comparator 24. The comparator 24 compares the voltage detected in the inverted input terminal (-) with the voltage divided into its non-inverted input terminal (+), which is a reference voltage. The comparator 24 then outputs the result compared to a first input terminal INI of the microcomputer 9. As long as the ice removal motor 4 is not in an overload state, the current flowing thereto will be maintained at the desired level. In this case, the voltages detected by the voltage detection resistors 20 and 21 are lower than the reference voltage. As a result, the comparator 24 outputs a high logic control signal to the first input terminal INI of the microcomputer 9. In response to the high logic control signal of the comparator 24, the microcomputer 9, normally drives the removal motor of ice 4 as mentioned above. However, in the case where an overload is applied to the ice removal motor 4, because the tray 42 is deformed for a long time, the current flowing to the ice removal motor 4 increases above the ice removal motor 4. In this case, the voltages detected by the voltage sensing resistor 20 and 21 become larger than the reference voltage. As a result, the comparator 24 outputs a low logic control signal to the first INI input terminal of the microcomputer 9. In response to the high logic control signal of the comparator 24, the microcomputer 9 outputs logic control signals lowers in its first and second output units OUT1 and OUT2 to compulsorily stop the ice removal motor 4. Therefore, the ice removal motor 4 is automatically stopped in the overload condition, so that it can be prevented that be damaged or break due to overload. Third, an alarm function / indication of the water supply of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention will now be described in detail. In accordance with the present invention, the alarm function / water supply indication is adapted to detect the water level in the water supply tank and generate an alarm and the detected water level is below a predetermined value. To automatically indicate the appropriate time when the water supply tank should be filled with water. First, a first mode of the water level detection function in the water supply tank of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 10. In the first modality, the water supply performance of the water supply motor 6 and the capacity of the water supply tank are calculated. The water supply motor 6 is adapted to supply water to the apparatus for automatic production of ice and to the dispenser. Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the microcomputer 9 in Figure 2, which performs the first mode of the water level detection function of the water supply tank of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention. First, the microcomputer 9 verifies, in step S17, whether the water level detection function has been set in its initial state. Here, the initial state of the water detection function means the state in which the water supply tank is filled with water by the user. If it is verified, in step S17, that the water level detection function has not been set in its initial state, the microcomputer 9 returns to the previous step S17 to continue the verification that if the water level detection function has been fixed in its initial state. In the case where it is verified, in step S17, that the water level detection function has been set in its initial state, the microcomputer 9 refits a time controller (not shown) in step S18 and verifies, in step S19, if the water supply motor has been imputed. Notably, the water supply motor 6 is operated when the apparatus for automatic ice production or the dispeneator is operated by the user. At this time, the microcomputer 9 recognizes that the water supply motor 6 has been driven. If the water supply motor 6 is driven, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the time controller in step S20 to start its counting operation. Then, the microcomputer 9 checks in step S21, if the water supply motor 6 has been stopped. If verified in step S21, that the water supply motor 6 has been stopped, the microcomputer 9 stops the counting operation in the time controller in step S22 and calculates a quantity of water supply in step S23. Here, the amount of water supply can be obtained by multiplying the water supply performance of the water supply motor 6 by the accumulated used time, wherein the water supply performance of the water supply motor 6 is an amount of water. water pumped per second and the accumulated time used is the total time that the water supply motor 6 has been driven.

Also, the microcomputer 9 calculates the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank in step S24. Here, the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank can be obtained by removing the amount of water supply calculated in the previous step S23 from the capacity of the water supply tank. Then, the microcomputer 9 verifies in step S25 whether the amount of water remaining calculated in the previous step S24 is smaller than a prermined value. If it is verified in step S25, that the amount of water remaining calculated in the previous step S24 is not smaller than the prermined value, the microcomputer 9 recognizes that sufficient water remains in the water supply tank and thus changes its second input terminal IN2 to a high logical state. Then, the microcomputer 9 returns to the previous step S19 to repeat it and the subsequent steps. If the second input terminal IN2 of the microcomputer 9 is switched to the high logic state, no voltage difference is generated between the anode and cathode terminals of the light emitting diode 35 in the alarm generator 13. As a result, the emitting diode of light 35 is not activated. On the other hand, in the case where it is verified in step S25, that the amount of remaining water calculated in step S24 is smaller than the prermined value, the microcomputer 9 recognizes that very little water remains in the supply tank of water and thus changes its second input terminal IN2 to a low logic state. Then, the microcomputer 9 ends the total operation. If in the second input terminal IN2 of the microcomputer 9 is changed to the low logic state, a voltage difference is generated between the anode and cathode terminals of light emitting diode 35 in the alarm generator 13, thus causing the diode light emitter 35 is actuated. As a result, the user can take the appropriate time in which the water supply tank will be filled with water. After a second mode of the water level ction function of the water supply tank of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention will be described in il with reference to Figure 11. In the second embodiment, the ice removal sensor 49 mounted to the ice removal discriminator 8 is used to sense a temperature variation of the tray 42. Figure 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the microcomputer 9 in Figure 2, which performs the second mode of the water level ction function of the water supply tank of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention. Generally, the temperature of a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator is maintained within the range of approximately 3 to 7 ° C above zero and the temperature of a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator is maintained within the range of approximately 12 ° to 20 ° C below zero. In this regard, for convenience of description, the reference temperature of the fresh food compartment is set at 4 ° C above zero and the reference temperature of the freezer compartment is set at 18 ° C below zero. First, the microcomputer 9 verifies in step S27, whether the apparatus for the automatic production of ice has been fixed in its initial state after completing the ice removal operation. Here, the initial state of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice means that the tray 42 has been returned to its horizontal state. If it is verified in step S27, that the apparatus for the automatic production of ice has not been fixed in its initial state, the microcomputer 9 returns to the previous step S27 to continue the verification that if the apparatus for the automatic production of ice has been fixed in its initial state.

In the case where it is verified in step S27 that the apparatus for the automatic production of ice has been set in its initial state, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the ice removal discriminator 8 in step S28 to detect the initial temperature TI of the tray 42 of the ice removal sensor 49. Due to the reference temperature of the freezer compartment which was initially set at 18 ° C below zero, the initial temperature TI of the tray 42 is at 18 ° C below zero on the condition that no water is supplied to the tray 42. The microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the rotation controller 7 of the water supply motor in step S29, to drive the motor water supply 6 for a predetermined period and then stop it. The construction and operation of the rotation controller 7 of the water supply motor are the same as those of the rotation controller 5 of the ice removal motor and the description thereof will be omitted. If the water supply motor 6 is stopped, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the ice removal discriminator 8 in step S30 to detect the present temperature T2 of the tray 42 of the ice removal sensor 49 Since the reference temperature of the cold food compartment was initially set at 4 ° C above zero, the temperature of the water stored in the water supply tank is kept at 4 ° C above zero. As a result, under the condition that the supply of water to the tray 42 is complete, the pre-set temperature T2 of the tray 42 rapidly increases from 18 ° C below zero to a scale within 4 ° C above zero to 18. ° C below zero. In step S31 the microcomputer 9 calculates a difference of | T1 - T2-] between the initial temperatures TI and T2 of the tray 42 and verifies the calculated temperature difference | T1 -T21 ee greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If it is verified in step S31 that in the calculated temperature difference | T1 - T2 | is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the microcomputer 9 recognizes that the supply of water to the tray 42 is normal and thus controls the apparatus for the automatic production of ice in step S32 to perform the ice production mode. Then, the microcomputer 9 returns to the previous step S27 to repeat it and to the subsequent steps. On the other hand, in the case where it is verified in step S31 that the calculated temperature difference | TI - T2 | is smaller than the predetermined value, the microcomputer 9 recognizes that no water is supplied in the tray 42 and that very little water remains in the water supply tank and in this way it changes its second water terminal UN2 to the low logic state in step S33 to allow the alarm generator 13 to generate the alarm. Then, the microcomputer 9 ends the entire operation. If the second input terminal IN2 of the microcomputer 9 is changed to the low logic state, a difference of voltages is generated between the anode and cathode terminals of the light emitting diode 35 in the alarm generator 13, thus causing the emitting diode of light 35 is activated. As a result, the user can control the appropriate time in which the water supply tank is going to be filled with water. Now, a third embodiment of the water level detection function of the water supply tank of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention will be ained in detail with reference to Figures 12A to 13. In the third embodiment, a water level sensor 51 is mounted to a water supply tank 50 to sense the level of water therein. Figures 12A and 12B are partial perspective views illustrating an arrangement for performing the third embodiment of the water level stop function of the water supply tank of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in Figure 12A, a chamber 52 is defined at a given position, within the fresh food compartment and receives the water supply tank 50 therein. In this case, the above water supply tank 50 is movably received in the chamber 52 such that the tank 50 can be removed from the chamber 52 as desired. The water level sensor 51 is fixedly mounted to the lower center of the chamber 52. The anterior sensor 51 is axially slotted and thus forms an axial channel with sides by opposite side walls. The sensor 51 in this manner has a generally U-shaped cross section. To allow the tank 50 to slide smoothly into the chamber 52 having the anterior sensor 51, the bottom of the water supply tank 50 is compressed to form the sensor receiving means 53 as shown in Figure 12B. The sensor receiving means 53 has a suitable configuration for receiving the side walls of the sensor 51. Since the bottom of the tank 50 has the configuration that matches the sensor 51 of the U-shaped cross section as described above, the tank 50 can slide smoothly into chamber 52 while moving in chamber 52. The front sensor receiving means 53 comprises a pair of parallel slots 54, the cells s extend axially over the bottom of tank 50 and slidably receive the walls laterals of the sensor 51, respectively. The opposite side walls of the anterior slots 54 are provided with transparent windows 55 capable of passing light. A photocoupler is also arranged in the water level sensor 51. The photocoupler includes a photodiode 56 and a phototransistor 57 provided respectively on the opposite side walls of the water level sensor 51. The photodiode 56 is adapted to generate an optical signal and the phototransmitter 57 is adapted to receive the optical signal of the photodiode 56. When the chamber 52 receives the water supply tank 50, the side walls of the water level sensor 51 are received by the sensor 53 receiving means of the water tank. water supply 50. Under this condition, the optical signal of the photodiode 56 mounted to the water level sensor 51 is received by the phototransistor 57 mounted on the water level sensor 51 through the transparent windows 55 provided in the slots 54 Figure 13 is a detailed circuit diagram of water level sensor 51 in Figures 12A and 12B. As shown in this drawing, the driving voltage VI of the power supply unit 1 is supplied to the photodiode 56, which then generates the optical signal. The phototransistor 57 is unmuted in response to the optical photodiode signal 56 for controlling in supply of the driving voltage VI of the power supply unit 1 to a third input terminal IN3 of the microcomputer 9. In operation, when the amount of water which remains in the water supply tank 50 is above a predetermined value, the optical signal of the photodiode 56 in the water level sensor 51 is transmitted through the transparent windows 55 in the water supply tank 55 but are reflected by the water in the water supply tank 50. As a result, the optical signal of the photodiode 56 in the water level sensor 51 does not reach the transistor photo 57 in the water supply sensor 51. Since the phototransistor 57 does not receive the optical signal from photodiode 56, it remains in its off state. The drive voltage VI of the power supply unit 1 is not supplied but is interrupted at the third input terminal and IN3 of the microcomputer 9 due to the shutdown state of the phototransistor 57. Therefore, the third input terminal IN3 of the microcomputer 9 remains in its low logical state. Then, the microcomputer 9 changes its second input signal IN2 to the high logic state to allow the alarm generator 13 not to generate any alarm.

On the other hand, in the case where the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank 50 is below the predetermined level, particularly, very little water remains in the water supply tank 50, the optical signal of the photodiode 56 in the water level sensor 51 is transmitted to the phototransistor 57 through the transparent windows 55 in the water supply tank 55. Since the phototransistor 57 receives the optical signal from the photodiode 56, it is turned on. As a result, the driving voltage VI of the power supply unit 1 is supplied to the third input terminal IN3 of the microcomputer 9 via the switched phototransistor 57, thus causing the third input terminal IN3 to be changed to its state logical high In response to the high logic state of the third input terminal IN3, the microcomputer 9 recognizes that very little water remains in the water supply tank 50 and thus changes its second input terminal IN2 to the low logic state. As a result, the alarm generator 13 is operated as mentioned above to Figure 6, so that the user can control the appropriate time in which the water supply tank 50 is going to be filled with water. Notably, the alarm generator 13 may include any visually awake device in place of the light emitting diode 35. Alternatively, the alarm generator 13 may include a second sound generation device for generating a sound signal, such as a buzzer. Fourth, a water supply status control function of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 14. In accordance with the present invention, the water supply status control function is adapted to stop the operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice and preferably to supply water to the dispenser, when the apparatus for the automatic production of ice is operated simultaneously with the dispenser. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the microcomputer 9 in Figure 2, which performs the water supply status control function of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice in accordance with the present invention. First, the microcomputer 9 verifies in step S34 whether the dispensing switch 31 is in its on state. The user turns on the switch of the dispenser 31 to use the dispenser. At that time, the microcomputer 9 perceives the on state of the dispenser switch? L and this form outputs a high logic control signal at its fifth output terminal 0UT5. The high logic control signal of the fifth output terminal 0UT5 of the microcomputer 9 is applied to a base terminal of the transistor of the control 34, thereby causing the control transistor 34 to be turned on. As the control transistor 34 is turned on, it transfers the drive voltage VI of the power supply unit 1 to a base terminal of the interruption transistor 33 to turn on the interruption transistor 33. When the switch transistor 33 is On ignition, the solenoid valve 32 receives the driving voltage V2 from the power supply unit 1 at its terminal and the ground voltage at its other terminal. As a result, the solenoid valve 32 is turned on to close a water path to the apparatus for the automatic production of ice, while opening a water path to the dispenser. Also, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the rotation controller 7 of the water supply motor to drive the water supply motor 6. As the water supply motor 6 is driven, it pumps water from the water supply tank and supplies the pumped water to the dispenser (step S35). Next, the microcomputer 9 verifies in step S36, whether the dispenser switch 31 has been turned off.

If it is verified in step S36 that the dispense switch 31 has been turned off, the microcomputer 9 returns to the previous step S35 to control the solenoid valve 32 in the water supply motor 6 to continuously carry out the water supply to the dispenser. On the other hand, in the case where it is verified in step S36 that the switch of the dispenser 31 has been turned off, the microcomputer 9 verifies in step S37 whether the apparatus for the automatic production of ice has been changed to a supply mode. of water. If it is verified in step S37 that the apparatus for the automatic production of ice has been changed to the water supply mode, the microcomputer 9 outputs a low logic control signal at its fifth output terminal 0UT5. The low logic control signal of the fifth output terminal 0UT5 of the microcomputer 9 is applied to the base terminal of the control transistor 34, thereby causing the control transistor 34 to be turned off. As the control transistor 34 is turned off, it interrupts the imputer voltage VI of the power supply unit 1 to the base terminal of the interruption transistor 33 to turn off the interruption transistor 33. When the interruption transistor 33 is off, solenoid valve 32 no longer conducts. As a result, the solenoid valve 32 is turned off to open the water path towards the sHp < time for I? Automatic production of ice, while closing the water path to the dispeneator. Also, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the rotation controller 7 of the water supply motor to drive the water supply motor 6. As the water supply motor 6 is driven, it pumps water from the water supply motor 6. water supply tank and euminietra the pumped water to the apparatus for the automatic production of ice (step S38). After, the. microcomputer 9 returns to previous step S34 to repeat it and do the subsequent steps. In the case where it is verified in step S37 that the apparatus for the automatic production of ice has not been changed to the water supply mode, the microcomputer 9 stops the water supply motor 6 in step S39 and returns to step previous S34 to repeat it and the subequeque steps. On the other hand, if it is verified that in step S34 the dispensing switch 31 is in its off state, the microcomputer 9 proceeds directly to the previous step S37 to repeat it and to the subsequent paeos. Therefore, when the automatic ice maker and the dispenser are simultaneously switched to the water supply mode, the dispenser is preferentially driven.

Finally, a control function of the water supply motor of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 4. According to the present invention, the control function of the water supply motor is adapted to prevent freezing of the water remaining in the water supply hose to the apparatus for the automatic production of ice by turning the water supply motor 6 in the reverse direction to feed the remaining water in the water supply hose back to the water supply tank. First, the microcomputer 9 outputs a low logic control signal at its third output terminal 0UT3 and a high logic control signal at its fourth output terminal 0UT4. In the rotation controller 7 of the water supply motor, the control transistor 29 inputs the low logic control signal of the third output signal 0UT3 of the microcomputer 9 at its base terminal and the control transistor 30. it inputs the high logic control signal of the fourth output terminal OUT4 of the microcomputer 9 at its base terminal. Preferably, the control transistors 29 and 30 are of the NPN type. As a result, the control transistor 29 is turned off in response to the low logic control signal of the third output terminal 0UT3 of the microcomputer 9 and the control transistor 30 is turned on in response to the high logic control signal of the fourth output terminal OUT4 of the microcomputer 9. As the control transistor 29 is turned off, the interrupt transistors 26 and 27 are turned off. As the control transistor 30 is turned on, it transfers the drive voltage VI from the power supply unit 1 to an interruption transistor base terminal 28, thereby causing the interruption transistor 28 to turn on. As the interruption transient 28 is turned on, the ground voltage is transferred to a collector terminal of the interruption transistor 28 and a low logic signal is thus applied to an interruption transistor base terminal 25. Preferably, the transient interruption 25 is of the PNP type. As a result, the interruption transistor 25 is turned on in response to the low logic signal. The interruption transistor 25 lights up a loop of power supply unit 1, interruption transistor 25, water supply motor 6, interruption transistor 28, terminal to ground. With the loop formed, the drive voltage V2 of the power supply unit 1 is supplied to the water supply motor 6 so that it rotates in a clockwise manner.

As the supply motor 6 rotates clockwise by the previous operation of the controller 7 of the water supply motor, it pumps water from the water supply tank 50 for a predetermined period to supply the pumped water to the tray 42 in the apparatus for the automatic production of ice. At this time, the water remains in the water supply hose as it fails to be supplied from the water supply water tank 50 to the tray 42 in the apparatus for the automatic production of ice. The water remaining in the water supply hose may freeze due to the very low temperature of the freezer compartment. In this case, the water from the water supply tank 50 is not normally supplied to the tray 42 in the apparatus for the automatic production of ice, resulting in a bad operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice. To overcome the problem, the water remaining in the water supply hose must be fed back into the water supply tank 50. Therefore, after the end of the predetermined period in which the water is supplied from the water supply tank 50 to the tray 42 in the apparatus for the automatic production of ice, the microcomputer 9 outputs a high logic control signal at its third output terminal 0UT3 and a low logic control signal at its fourth output terminal 0UT4. The high logic control signal of the third output terminal 0UT3 of the microcomputer 9 is applied to the base terminal of the control transistor 29 and the low logic control signal of the fourth output terminal 0UT4 of the microcomputer 9 is applied to the base terminal of the control transistor 30. Since the control transistors 29 and 30 are of the NPN type, the control transistor 29 is turned on in response to the high logic control signal of the third output terminal OUT3 of the microcomputer 9 and the control transistor 30 is turned off in response to the low logic control signal of the fourth output terminal 0UT4 of the microcomputer 9. As the control transistor 30 is turned off, the interruption transistors 25 and 28 They are turned off. As the transistor 29 is turned on, it transfers the drive voltage VI from the power supply unit 1 to a base transistor base terminal 28, thereby causing the interruption transistor 28 to turn on. As the interruption traneer 28 is turned on, the ground voltage is transferred to a collector terminal of the transmit transistor 26 and a low logic signal is thus applied to an interruption transistor base terminal 27. Preferably, the transistor interruption 27 ee of the PNP type. As a result, the switch transistor 27 is turned on in response to the low logic signal. The ignition of the transmission transistor 27 forms a loop of power supply unit 1, interruption transistor 27, water supply motor 6, interruption transistor 26, terminal to ground. With the loop formed, the drive voltage V2 of the power supply unit 1 is supplied to the water-driven motor 6 to rotate the water supply motor 6 counterclockwise. As the water supply motor 6 is rotated counterclockwise, by the above operation of the rotation controller 7 of the water supply motor, it feeds the water remaining in the water supply hose back to the water supply. water supply tank 50. Therefore, the microcomputer 9 outputs low logic control signals at its third and fourth output terminals 0UT3 and 0UT4 to stop the water supply motor 6. Therefore, the water remaining in the water supply hose it can be prevented from freezing. As is evident from part of the above description, the present invention has the following advantages.

First, the tray alternately performs the normal direction ice removal operation in the reverse direction ice removal operation, so that it can be prevented from becoming deformed or damaged. Therefore, the tray can be increased in its duration. Secondly, when an overload is applied to the ice removal motor while the ice operation is performed, it is automatically detected, causing the ice removal motor to stop. Therefore, the ice removal motor can be increased in its life of use and failure can be avoided. Third, when the water level in the water supply tank is below a predetermined value, the alarm is automatically generated, so that the user can easily take the appropriate time in which the water supply tank It is going to be filled with water. Fourth, when the automatic ice production function and the dispenser are simultaneously operated in a refrigerator with both, the operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice is stopped and the water is preferentially supplied to the dispenser. Therefore, the user does not have to operate the dispenser for a long time to obtain the desired amount of water therefrom.

And finally the water remaining in the water supply hose to the tray is fed back to the water supply tank. Therefore, the water remaining in the water supply hose can be prevented from freezing. This has the effect of stabilizing the water supply function and thus avoiding a failure in the operation of the same. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims (27)

1. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice characterized in that it comprises a power supply unit for supplying power to the apparatus for the automatic production of ice, an ice removal motor for flipping a tray in a desired direction for performing a removal operation of ice. ice of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice, a water supply motor for pumping water from a water supply tank, a tray position discriminator to discriminate an inverted position of the tray, a function selector to allow the user selects various functions of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice, a dispenser for supplying drinking water to the user and an ice removal discriminator to verify a state of ice production, wherein the improvement comprises: means of control for rotation of the ice removal motor to control a rotation operation of l ice removal motor; means for controlling the rotation of the water supply motor to control a rotation operation of the water supply motor; water supply condition control means for controlling the supply of water pumped by the water supply motor to the automatic ice maker and the dispenser; water level detection means for detecting the water level in the water supply tank; alarm generating means for generating an alarm in response to the water level detected by the water level detection means; and system control means for controlling the total operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice.

2. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 1, characterized in that the ice removal rotation control means influence: normal direction and reverse direction interrupting means for switching an actuator voltage from the unit of supply of energy to the ice removal motor to control a direction of rotation of the ice removal motor; and interruption control means for controlling the on / off states in the normal address and reverse direction interrupting means under the control of the system control means.

3. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 2, characterized in that the means of interruption of normal direction include: a first interrupting transistor for switching the driving voltage of the power supply unit to a terminal of the removal motor ice; and a second interrupting transistor for switching a voltage to ground to the other terminal of the ice removal motor.

4. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 3, characterized in that the reverse direction interrupting means include: a third interrupting transistor for switching the drive voltage of the power supply unit to another terminal of the removal motor of ice; and a fourth interruption transistor for switching the ground voltage to an ice removal motor terminal.

5. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 2, characterized in that the means of interruption control include: a first control transistor for controlling the on / off states of the means of interruption of normal direction in response to the first control signal of the system control means; and a second control transistor for controlling the on / off states of the reverse direction interrupting means in response to a second control signal of the system control means.

6. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for controlling the rotation of the water supply motor include: normal direction and reverse direction interrupting means for switching an actuating voltage of the control unit. supply of energy to the water supply motor to control a direction of rotation of the water supply motor; and interruption control means for controlling the on / off states of the normal direction and reverse direction interrupting means under the control of the system control means.

7. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 6, characterized in that the normal direction interrupting means include: a first interrupting transient to switch the actuating voltage of the power supply unit to a supply motor terminal of water; and a second interrupting transistor for switching a voltage to ground to the other water supply motor terminal.

8. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 7, characterized in that the reverse direction interrupting means include: a third interrupting transistor for switching the drive voltage of the power supply unit to the other terminal of the motor water supply; and a fourth interruption transistor for switching the voltage to ground to a terminal of the water supply motor.

9. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 6, characterized in that the interruption control means include: a first control transient to control the on / off states of the interruption means from normal direction in response to a first control signal of the system control means; and a second control transistor for controlling the on / off states of the reverse direction interrupting means in response to a second control signal of the seventh control means.

10. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 1, characterized in that the water supply condition control means include: a dispensing switch arranged in a desired position outside a refrigerator, in such a way that it can be operated by the user; opening / closing means which are driven in response to a driving voltage of the power supply unit to control the water eminence of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice; interruption means for switching a voltage to ground to the means for opening / closing to control the on / off states of the means for opening / closing; and interruption control means for controlling the interrupting operation of the interrupting means according to the on / off states of the dispensing switch.

11. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 10, characterized in that the means for opening / closing ignite in response to the interrupting means that are turned on, to open a water path between the water supply tank and the dispenser for supplying the water pumped by the water supply motor to the dispenser and shutting it down in response to the shut-off means which are turned off, to open a water path between the water supply tank and the apparatus for the production of water. automatic ice to supply the water pumped by the water supply engine to the apparatus for the automatic production of ice.

12. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 10, characterized in that the interruption control means turn on the interrupting means in response to the dispenser switch being turned on, to open a water path between the water supply tank and the dispenser and turning off the interrupting means in response to the dispensing switch that is turned off, to open a water path between the water supply tank and the apparatus for the automatic production of ice.

13. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for detecting the water level include: a chamber defined in a given position within a compartment for fresh food of a refrigerator, to receive the tank of water. water supply; a water level sensor fixedly mounted to the lower center of the chamber, the water level sensor is axially slotted and thus forming an axial channel with sides by the opposite side walls; vertically formed sensor receiving means in the lower center of the water supply tank, to allow the water supply tank to be smoothly slid into the chamber, and sensor receiving means including a pair of parallel slots, which they extend axially over the bottom of the water supply tank and slidably receive the opposite lateral walls of the water level sensor, respectively; transparent windows provided respectively on the opposite side walls of the grooves; and means for optical transmission / reception disposed in the water level sensor, for transmitting and receiving an optical signal.

14. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 13, characterized in that the optical transmission / reception means include: a photodiode provided in one of the opposite side walls of the water level sensor, for transmitting the optical signal; and a phototransmitter provided on the other side walls opposite the water level sensor, to receive the optical signal of the photodiode.

15. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for generating an alarm include a light-emitting diode for generating an optical signal, the light-emitting diode has its cathode terminal for inputting an drive voltage of the power supply unit and its anode terminal for inputting a control signal of the system control means.

16. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises motor protection means for removing ice to detect an amount of load applied to the ice removal motor and to protect the ice removal motor from an overload status according to the detected result.

17. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 16, characterized in that the means of protection of the ice removal motor include: voltage detection means connected to the ice removal motor, to detect voltages applied to the removal motor of ice, when the ice removal motor is rotated in the normal and inverse directions; a pair of voltage division resistors for dividing an actuator voltage from the power supply unit to a desired ratio; and a comparator having its non-inverted input terminal for inputting a voltage divided by the voltage division resistors and its inverted input terminal to input one of the voltages detected by the voltage detecting means, the comparator comparing the two input voltages between them and outputting the compared result to the system control means to control the operation of the ice removal motor.

18. An apparatus for the automatic production of ice according to claim 17, characterized in that the voltage detecting means includes: a first voltage sensing resistor connected to an ice removal motor terminal, to detect the voltage applied to the motor of ice removal when the ice removal motor is rotated in the normal direction; and a second voltage sensing resistor connected to the other terminal of the ice removal motor, to detect the voltage applied to the ice removal motor when the ice removal motor is rotated in the reverse direction.

19. A method for the automatic production of ice, characterized in that it comprises: a step of controlling the rotation of the ice removal engine to alternatively perform a normal ice removal operation and an ice removal operation of the reverse direction of the engine of ice removal; a step of protecting the ice removal motor to control the operation of the ice removal motor in response to a signal of an overload condition; an alarm step / water supply indication to detect the water level in the water supply tank and, if the detected water level is below a predetermined value, generate the alarm; a water supply status control step for, when the automatic ice production and the dispeneator are operated simultaneously, stop the function for the automatic production of ice and preferentially supply water to the dispenser; and a water supply control passage, to feed water that remains in a water supply hose back to the water supply tank.

20. A method for the automatic production of ice according to claim 19. characterized in that the protection step of the ice removal motor includes the passage of, if the control signal of the ice removal motor protection means are a normal state signal, turn on the ice removal motor rotation control means to normally operate the ice removal motor and, if the control signal of the ice removal motor protection means are in a signal of Overload condition, turn off rotation means of motor rotation control of ice removal to stop the operation of the ice removal motor.

21. A method for the automatic production of ice according to claim 19, characterized in that the step of alarm / indication of water supply includes the step of calculating the capacity of the water supply tank, accumulating the amount of water supply, calculating a difference between the calculated capacity of the water supply tank and the amount of water supply accumulated to obtain the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank and, if the amount of water is below a predetermined level, generate the alarm.

22. A method for the automatic production of ice according to claim 21, characterized in that the accumulation of the water supply quantity is performed by multiplying a water supply performance of the water supply motor by the accumulated elapsed time, wherein the Water supply performance of the water supply motor is a quantity of water pumped per second.

23. A method for the automatic production of ice according to claim 21, characterized in that the step of alarm / indication of water supply includes the steps of: initializing a counting operation and the alarm mode / indication of water supply is in the initial state where the water supply tank is filled with water by the user; Cumulatively count the time elapsing while the water supply motor is driven; calculate the total water supply amount cumulatively by counting the elapsed time; and a water supply performance of the water supply motor when the water supply motor is stopped; calculate the difference between the capacity of the water supply tank and the total water supply amount calculated to obtain the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank; and generate the alarm if the amount of water previously calculated is below the predetermined value.

24. A method for the automatic production of ice according to claim 19, characterized in that the water supply alarm / indication step includes the step of detecting the initial temperature of the tray after the ice removal operation has been completed. , detect the present temperature of the tray after the water is supplied to the tray, calculate a difference between the initial and present detected temperatures of the tray and, if the calculated difference is below a predetermined value, generate the alarm.

25. A method for the automatic production of ice according to claim 24, characterized in that the calculation of the total water supply quantity includes the steps of: detecting the initial temperature of the tray in the initial state wherein the operation of removing the Ice is completed; detecting the temperature present in the tray after the ice removal operation is complete, and supplying water to the tray; and calculate the difference between the initial and pre-detected temperatures of the tray and, if the calculated difference is below the predetermined value, generate the alarm.

26. A method for the automatic production of ice according to claim 19, characterized in that the step of controlling water supply status includes the steps of: verifying whether a dispeneator switch disposed in a desired position outside a refrigerator has been turned on by the user; supplying water to the dispenser if it is verified that the dispenser switch has been turned on by the user; check if automatic ice production is in the water supply mode, when the dispeneator switch is off; and supplying water to the tray if it is verified that the automatic ice production is in the water supply mode.

27. A method for the automatic production of ice according to claim 19, characterized in that the step of the water supply motor includes the steps of: supplying water to the tray if the automatic ice production is in a water supply mode and then rotating the water supply motor in the reverse direction for a predetermined period. SUMMARY An apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a method thereof is described, comprising an ice removal motor rotation function, an ice removal motor protection function, an alarm function / supply indication water, a water supply status control function and a water supply motor control function. To perform the above functions, the ice maker comprises an ice removal motor rotation controller to control a rotation operation of an ice removal motor, a rotation controller of the water supply motor to control a rotation operation of a water supply motor, a water supply status controller to control the supply of water pumped by the water supply motor, to the apparatus for the automatic production of ice and a dispenser, a detector of water to detect the water level in the water supply tank, an alarm generator to generate an alarm in response to the water level detected by the water level detector, and a microcomputer to control the entire operation of the apparatus for the automatic production of ice.