US20090255279A1 - Refrigerator and ice maker thereof - Google Patents
Refrigerator and ice maker thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090255279A1 US20090255279A1 US12/423,118 US42311809A US2009255279A1 US 20090255279 A1 US20090255279 A1 US 20090255279A1 US 42311809 A US42311809 A US 42311809A US 2009255279 A1 US2009255279 A1 US 2009255279A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ice
- heater
- ice maker
- receiver
- maker
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C1/00—Producing ice
- F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
- F25C1/24—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds for refrigerators, e.g. freezing trays
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
- F25C5/18—Storing ice
- F25C5/182—Ice bins therefor
- F25C5/187—Ice bins therefor with ice level sensing means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
- F25C5/18—Storing ice
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
- F25C5/02—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice
- F25C5/04—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws
- F25C5/08—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws by heating bodies in contact with the ice
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
- F25D21/04—Preventing the formation of frost or condensate
Definitions
- the patent disclosure relates to a refrigerator.
- a refrigerator refrigerates or freezes food items or the like to keep them fresh in storage.
- the refrigerator includes an ice maker for making ice and an ice container to receive ice made by the ice maker.
- a full ice detection lever a mechanical device, coupled to a controller detects whether or not the ice container is full of ice.
- the full ice detection lever is positioned at a lower side and rises as high as the ice is accumulated in the ice container.
- the controller determines that the ice container is full.
- An ice detecting apparatus of an ice maker disposed to make ice in a refrigerator includes an ice maker and an ice detecting sensor to detect an ice-full state of ice storage container.
- the ice detecting sensor may be disposed at the ice maker.
- the ice detecting sensor may also be heated by a heater.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator employing an ice detecting apparatus of an ice maker according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ice maker for the refrigerator employing the ice detecting apparatus according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the ice maker for the refrigerator employing the ice detecting apparatus according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion ‘A’ in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing that the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator detects a state before full ice according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing that the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator detects an ice-full state according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of the configuration of an ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing a portion of the configuration of the ice-full state detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator according to the second embodiment
- FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing a refrigerator ice maker employing an ice detecting apparatus according to a third embodiment
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a portion ‘B’ in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a side view showing a combined portion in the configuration of the ice detecting apparatus of an ice maker for a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment
- FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the ice detecting apparatus in FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing that the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator detects a state before full ice according to a fifth embodiment
- FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the ice detecting apparatus in FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an ice detecting apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing that the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator detects a state before full ice according to a seventh embodiment
- FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the ice detecting apparatus in FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of an ice detecting apparatus according to an eighth embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator employing an ice-full state detecting apparatus of an ice maker according to a first embodiment.
- a refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerating chamber 11 for keeping food or storable items in storage in a cool state at an above-zero temperature, and a freezing chamber 12 for keeping food or storable items such as ice at a near or below-zero temperature.
- An ice maker 100 is provided in the freezing chamber 12 and an ice storage container or storage bin 180 stores ice made by the ice maker 100 .
- a dispenser 190 supplies ice kept in the ice container 180 upon user demand.
- the refrigerator 10 includes various components such as a compressor, a condenser, an expander, an evaporator, and the like, to form a refrigerating cycle.
- the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 are accessed using a refrigerating chamber door 13 and a freezing chamber door 14 , rotatably attached to the housing.
- the ice maker 100 After a prescribed amount of water is supplied to the ice maker 100 , ice is made by the supplied cooling air in the ice maker 100 , and the ice is separated from the ice maker 100 according to a self-operation of the ice maker 100 .
- the ice falls into the ice container 180 so as to be collected therein.
- the ice collected in the ice container 180 is supplied to the user by a desired amount through the dispenser 190 .
- the ice maker 100 may be installed inside the freezing chamber 12 rather than on the door 14 .
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ice maker for the refrigerator employing the ice detecting apparatus according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the ice maker for the refrigerator employing the ice detecting apparatus according to the first embodiment, and
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion ‘A’ in FIG. 3 .
- a water supply unit 107 of an ice maker 100 receives water provided from the exterior, and ice is made in an ice making chamber 104 of an ice maker 100 .
- An ejector 105 of an ice maker 100 separates ice made in the ice making chamber 104 , and an ice maker body 101 of an ice maker 100 includes a plurality of components for rotating the ejector 105 .
- a rotational shaft extends out of the ice maker body 101 .
- the ejector 105 has portions (or arms) extending outwardly (or radially) from the shaft and rotates according to a rotational movement of the shaft in order to pick up ice.
- a mounting unit or plate 102 is formed behind the ice making chamber 104 to mount the ice maker 100 within the refrigerator. Holes 103 , into which a combining protrusion is inserted, allow the mounting unit 102 to be mounted on the door or within the freezing chamber.
- a separator 106 is formed at an upper portion of the ice making chamber 104 to allow ice to be picked up by the ejector 105 to be guided and fall into the ice container 180 .
- a heater 140 is installed at a lower portion of the ice making chamber 104 in order to apply heat to allow the interfaces of ice and an inner surface of the ice making chamber 104 to be separated from each other.
- the heater 104 may be electrically connected to an external power source, which may be provided within the ice maker body 101 .
- a heater support 130 may be formed at a lower portion of the ice making heater 140 .
- the heater support 130 may be connected with the ice maker body 101 , or the heater support 130 may be molded together with the ice maker body 101 .
- a sensor housing 110 extends with a certain length in a downward direction from the ice maker body 101 .
- a portion of the heater support 130 extends up to a position corresponding to the sensor housing 110 .
- a transmitting unit or module 121 is installed in the sensor housing 110 , and a receiving unit or module 123 is installed at a portion extending from the heater support 130 to correspond to the sensor housing 110 or the transmitting unit 120 .
- a transmitter 122 and a receiver 124 for transmitting and receiving signals are installed in the transmitting unit 121 and the receiving unit 123 , respectively, to face each other. Based on the transmitting and received signals, the transmitting unit 121 and the receiving unit 123 are used to detect an ice-full state of the ice container 180 .
- An ice detecting sensor 120 comprises at least one of the transmitter 122 and the receiver 124 , transmitting and receiving units 121 , 123 , or sensor housing, and is used to determine or detect ice full state of the ice container 180 .
- the ice detecting sensor 120 may be disposed in or near the top, above or below the top of the ice container 180 at a position corresponding to the height at which ice is fully accumulated or collected.
- the transmitter and/or receiver may be optical devices to transmit or receive IR light.
- the transmitter or emitter may be an IR photo diode and the receiver may be a photo transistor.
- the structure of the optical emitter or receiver is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,910, whose entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.
- the transmitting unit 121 of the ice detecting sensor 120 extends in a downward direction down to the interior of the ice storage container 180 .
- the transmitter 122 is installed or positioned at a lower portion of the transmitting unit 121 .
- the transmitter is disposed at a position corresponding to the height of the ice-full state of the ice container 180 .
- a detection height of the ice detecting sensor 120 may have a certain height difference (h) from an upper end or top ridgeline 181 of the ice container 180 .
- the transmitting unit 121 and the receiving unit 123 of the ice detecting sensor 120 are located at both sides of an ice discharging outlet, a passage through which ice is discharged from the ice maker body 101 .
- the receiver 124 receives infrared rays transmitted from the transmitter 122 , traversing the ice discharging outlet, and provide corresponding signals for determining whether the ice container 180 is substantially full of ice to detect the ice-full state.
- the location of the transmitting module and the receiving module may be reversed, i.e., receiver on the left and emitter on the right.
- the transmitter module and the receiver module are separated by a prescribed distance which is less than a width of the storage bin. Such lesser distance to the width allows the modules to be placed within the storage bin. In an alternative embodiment, the distance may be greater than the width such that the modules may be located outside the storage bin.
- a transfer unit 150 is installed at a lower portion of the ice container 180 .
- the transfer unit 150 transfers ice stored in the ice container 180 (crushes the ice into an appropriate size, if desired) through an outlet 160 and a guide path 170 to a dispenser 190 .
- the transfer unit or assembly 150 includes a fixed blade 155 fixed in the ice container 180 , a rotatable blade 151 relatively rotating with respect to the fixed blade 155 , a rotational shaft 153 to which the rotational blade 151 is connected, a motor 154 connected to the rotational shaft 153 , and a transfer blade 152 to allow the transfer of ice.
- the rotatable blade 151 is formed at one side of the rotational shaft 153
- the transfer blade 152 is formed at the other side of the rotational shaft.
- a spiral auger may be used as the transfer blade 152 .
- Water is guided by a water supply pipe of a certain shape so as to be supplied to the water supply unit 107 .
- the supplied water is introduced into the ice making chamber 104 , and below-zero or near zero cold air is provided in the ice making chamber to freeze water received in the ice making chamber 104 .
- heat is applied toward the ice making chamber 104 by the heater 140 to allow the ice and the contact surface of the ice making chamber 104 to be separated from each other.
- the ejector 105 operates by a certain driving mechanism installed in the ice maker body 101 to pick up the ice. After the ice is picked up by the ejector 105 , it is guided by the separator 106 and then falls into the ice container 180 for storage. This operation is repeated, and when the ice container 180 is near full or full of ice, the ice detecting sensor 120 detects the ice-full state, and the operation of the ice maker 100 is stopped.
- the motor 154 When ice supply to the user via the dispenser 190 is requested, the motor 154 is driven and the rotational shaft 153 connected to the motor 154 is rotated. Then, the rotational blade 151 and the transfer blade 152 are rotated in conjunction. As the transfer blade 152 is rotated, ice in a lower portion of the ice container 180 is transferred toward the rotational blade 151 . When the ice guided toward the rotational blade 151 is caught between the rotational blade 151 and the fixed blade 155 , it is crushed according to a pushing operation of the rotational blade 151 . The crushed ice is dispensed through the outlet 160 formed at a lower side of the fixed blade 155 . The dispensed ice falls through the guide path 170 .
- the fallen ice is then supplied to the user via the dispenser 190 .
- various components described above are controlled by at least one controller provided in the ice maker and/or the refrigerator, including making a determination of a full-state based on at least one signal received from the receiver.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing that the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator detects a state before full ice according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing that the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator detects an ice-full state according to the first embodiment.
- Ice made by the ice maker 100 is discharged and falls into the ice storage container 180 .
- the fallen ice is collected and stored within the ice storage container 180 .
- infrared rays transmitted from the transmitter 122 reach the receiver 124 , and the controller determines whether the ice container 180 is full of ice based on signals received from or detected by the receiver.
- infrared rays transmitted from the transmitter 122 is interrupted by the ice, e.g., the optical path between the optical emitter and receiver is blocked, failing to reach the receiver 124 , and the controller determines that the ice container 180 is full or near full of ice.
- the ice detecting sensor 120 is disposed at the ice maker body 101 and detects full or near full ice collected within the ice container 180 . Because the ice detecting sensor 120 can detect a level of ice stored in the ice container 180 , the related art problem(s) of a mechanical ice detecting lever (or the like) can be avoided. The ice filled state of the ice container 180 can be more accurately and stably detected.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of the configuration of an ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing a portion of the configuration of the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator according to the second embodiment.
- a heat bridge 300 is attached to the heater 140 of the ice maker 100 for transferring heat to the ice detecting sensor 120 .
- the heat bridge 300 is shown to be connected with the transmitter 122 (alternatively, the transmitter module) of the ice-full detecting sensor 120 , but of course, another heat bridge 300 may be connected with the receiver 124 (alternatively, the receiver module) of the ice detecting sensor 120 in the same or similar manner.
- the heater 140 may include linear portions or rods 141 and 143 and a bent/curved portion or rod 142 and a connection plate 144 connecting or integrated with the linear portions 141 and 143 .
- the heat bridge 300 has a step like shape and includes a connection/inclined portion or plate 301 , a heater connection portion or plate 302 and a transmitter connection portion or plate 303 .
- the heater connection plate 302 allows heat at the linear portion 141 to pass therethrough, and surrounds the linear portion 141 .
- the transmitter connection plate 303 allows transfer of heat to the transmitter 122 and surrounds the transmitter 122 .
- the inclined plate 301 connects the heater connection plate 302 and the transmitter connection plate 303 .
- the angle of inclination ⁇ of the inclined plate may be varied depending upon h desired as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the heat bridge 300 is made of a heat conductive material, e.g., a metal material. As can be appreciated, the thermal conductivity of the materials for the heater 140 and the heat bridge may be the same or different.
- Heat generated by the heater 140 can be partially transferred to the transmitter 122 via the heat bridge 300 .
- the surface of the transmitter 122 can be heated by heat delivered from the heater 140 , defrosting or preventing frost from forming on the surface of the transmitter 122 and/or receiver 124 (alternatively, transmitter module and/or receiver module).
- the formation of frost on the transmitter 122 and/or receiver 124 hampers the transmission and/or detection of light from the transmitter or the receiver.
- the heater 140 may be continuously heated while the ice maker 100 is making and discharging ice, and the heat of the heater 140 can be continuously transferred to the ice detecting sensor 120 via the heat bridge 300 .
- the ice maker 100 stops making and discharging ice, and the operation of the ice making heater 140 may be also stopped. In such an instance, there is a possibility that the receiver and transmitter of the ice detecting sensor 120 may become frosted.
- the controller may operate the heater 140 at certain time intervals to transfer heat to the ice detecting sensor 120 via the heat bridge 300 . Accordingly, the ice-full state detecting sensor 140 may be defrosted while minimizing energy consumption by the heater 140 , thus preventing degradation of a detecting capability of the ice detecting sensor 120 .
- FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing a refrigerator ice maker employing an ice detecting apparatus according to a third embodiment
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a portion ‘B’ in FIG. 9
- An ice detecting sensor 220 includes a transmitting unit 221 (oriented vertically) extending to allow a transmitter 222 to be positioned at or near the height of an ice-full state within the ice storage container 180 .
- a receiving unit of the ice detecting sensor 220 may extend into the ice storage container 180 in the same or similar manner.
- the ice detecting sensor 220 can detect the distance between the ice maker body 101 , and the ice cubes collected in the ice storage container 180 , thereby recognizing whether the ice storage container 180 is full of ice.
- the distance detected by the ice detecting sensor 220 would be detected to be farther than the distance detected when the ice storage container 180 is installed. Thus, whether or not the ice storage container 180 is detached may be also detected according to a change in the detected distance. If the ice storage container 180 is detected to have been released, discharging ice from the ice maker 100 is also stopped to prevent ice from pouring down onto the floor of the refrigerator or kitchen.
- FIG. 11 is a side view showing a configuration of the transmitter and/or receiver according to a fourth embodiment
- FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 11
- a transmitter 422 is provided on a printed circuit board (PCB) 425
- a plate heater 450 is attached to the transmitter 422 such that the plate heater 450 can transfer heat via a heat bridge 400 .
- description for the transmitter 422 is provided, but the description is readily applicable to the receiver in the same or similar manner.
- the plate heater 450 is made of a material that can generate heat when power or current is applied thereto, and has a plate form with a predefined prescribed) thickness. Alternatively, the plate heater may be a resistive element/heater or resistor. One end of the plate heater 450 may be electrically coupled to the PCB 425 .
- the heat bridge 400 includes a connection plate or portion 403 coupled to the PCB 425 and a bent plate or portion 401 bent downwardly, namely, toward the transmitter 422 from the connection plate 403 . The heat bridge 400 with such configuration transfers heat generated from the plate heater 450 to the transmitter 422 .
- the bent plate 401 includes a hole or an opening 402 allowing the transmitter 422 to pass therethrough.
- the diameter of the hole 422 is substantially the same as an outer diameter as that of the transmitter 422 , so that when the transmitter 422 is inserted into the hole 402 , an outer circumferential surface of the transmitter 422 and an inner circumferential surface of the hole 402 are substantially in contact or near contact with each other to allow transmission of heat to the transmitter 422 via the heat bridge 400 after being generated from the plate heater 450 .
- a thermal grease 460 may be provided between the plate heater 450 and the connection plate 403 of the heat bridge 400 if a gap exists therebetween to allow the plate heater 450 and the heat bridge 400 to be thermally coupled with each other.
- the thermal grease or dielectric should have relatively good thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the efficiency of transmission of heat to the heat bridge 400 via the thermal grease 460 after being generated from the plate heater 450 may be improved.
- the plate heater 450 and the heat bridge 400 are provided, formation of frost can be prevented on the transmitter and/or receiver.
- the surface of the ice detecting sensor can be defrosted. The device prevents frost or moisture formation or defrosting operation can be simplified.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment
- FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the transmitter and/or receiver shown in FIG. 13
- FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the transmitter and/or receiver in an alternative arrangement according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- a transmitting unit or transmitter module 521 of an ice-full state detecting apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters. For sake of explanation, two transmitters are shown. As can be appreciated, a plurality of receivers may be used or a single receiver may be used.
- the two transmitters are disposed in a vertical direction relative to each other, e.g., in the direction of the ice storage container 180 at the ice maker 100 , and FIG. 15 shows two transmitters disposed in a horizontal direction, namely, in a horizontal direction of the ice maker 100 .
- each transmitter may be also located diagonally from each other.
- the transmitters 522 a and 522 b are coupled to a PCB 525 , in the vertical direction, and a plate heater 550 is connected with the transmitters 522 a and 522 b such that it can transfer heat via the heat bridge 500 .
- the plate heater 550 is made of a material that can generate heat when power is applied thereto, and has a plate form with a predefined prescribed) thickness.
- One end of the plate heater 550 is located with the PCB 525 and may be electrically connected with the PCB 525 .
- the heat bridge 500 includes a connection plate or portion 503 coupled to the PCB 525 and a bent plate or portion 501 bent downwardly, namely, toward the transmitters 522 a and 522 b from the connection plate 503 .
- the heat bridge 500 with such configuration allows transfer of heat generated from the plate heater 550 to the transmitters 522 a and 522 b.
- the bent plate 501 includes holes or openings 502 a and 502 b allowing the transmitters 522 a and 522 b to pass therethrough.
- the diameters of the transmitters 522 a and 522 b are substantially the same as the diameters of the holes 502 a and 502 b .
- outer circumferential surfaces of the transmitters 522 a and 522 b and inner circumferential surfaces of the holes 502 a and 502 b are in contact or near contact with each other.
- a thermal grease or dielectric 560 is provided between the plate heater 550 and the connection plate 503 of the heat bridge 500 , if to allow the plate heater 550 and the heat bridge 500 to be thermally coupled with each other. Accordingly, the efficiency of transmission of heat to the heat bridge 500 via the thermal grease 560 after being generated from the plate heater 550 can be improved. Because the plate heater 550 and the heat bridge 500 are provided, the formation of frost can be prevented. In an alternative embodiment, the surface of the ice detecting sensor can be defrosted and the device for performing defrosting can be simplified.
- transmitters 622 a and 622 b are coupled to a PCB 625 in a horizontal direction, and a plate heater 650 is connected with the transmitters 622 a and 622 b such that it can transfer heat via the heat bridge 600 .
- the heat bridge 600 includes a connection plate or portion 603 coupled to the PCB 625 and a bent plate or portion 601 bent downwardly, namely, toward the transmitter 622 a and 622 b from the connection plate 603 .
- the bent plate 601 includes holes or openings 602 a and 602 b to allow the transmitters 622 a and 622 b to pass therethrough. Other than the horizontal arrangement, the description of FIG. 14 applies.
- FIGS. 13 to 15 when the two transmitters are disposed, because the transmission area is increased, the detection performance of the ice detecting apparatus may be improved. Of course, three or more transmitters may be disposed, and in this case, the transmission are may be further increased. In FIGS. 13 to 15 , a single receiver is shown, but multiple receivers may be used.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing that the ice detecting apparatus of the ice maker for the refrigerator according to a seventh embodiment
- FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the receiver in FIG. 16
- FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the receiver according to an eighth embodiment.
- a receiving unit or a receiver module of an ice detecting apparatus includes a plurality of receivers.
- the receiving unit is illustrated with two receivers.
- the common description of the transmitter of above is readily applicable.
- the receivers 724 a and 724 b are coupled to a PCB 725 in a vertical direction, and a plate heater 750 is connected with the receivers 724 a and 724 b such that it can transfer heat via the heat bridge 700 .
- the heat bridge 700 includes a connection plate or portion 703 coupled to the PCB 725 and a bent plate or portion 701 bent downwardly, toward the receivers 724 a and 724 b from the connection plate 703 .
- the bent plate 701 includes holes or openings 702 a and 702 b allowing the receivers 724 a and 724 b to pass therethrough.
- the receivers 724 a and 724 b When the receivers 724 a and 724 b are provided in the vertical direction, they can detect to which degree ice is full as well as an ice-full state upon detecting a signal transmitted from the transmitter. For example, if the receiver 724 b does not detect a signal while the receiver 724 a detects a signal, it can be determined that ice is filled up to the height of the receiver 724 b.
- receivers 824 a and 824 b are coupled to a PCB 825 , in a horizontal direction, and a plate heater 850 is connected with the receivers 824 a and 824 b such that it can transfer heat via a heat bridge 800 .
- the heat bridge 800 includes a connection plate or portion 803 coupled to the PCB 825 and a bent plate or portion 801 bent downwardly, toward the receivers 824 a and 824 b from the connection plate 803 .
- the bent plate 801 includes holes or openings 802 a and 802 b allowing the receivers 824 a and 824 b to pass therethrough.
- the receivers 824 a and 824 b When the receivers 824 a and 824 b are provided in the horizontal direction, they can detect whether there is an error in detecting whether or not ice is completely full as well as an ice-full state upon detecting a signal transmitted from the transmitter. For example, if the receiver 824 b has received a signal transmitted from the transmitter while the receiver 824 a has not, an error regarding an ice-full state can be detected based on the signal received or detected by the receiver 824 b . In FIG. 16 , a single transmitter is shown, but as described above, multiple transmitters are readily applicable.
- any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc. means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention.
- the appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Production, Working, Storing, Or Distribution Of Ice (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
- Defrosting Systems (AREA)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/708,073 US20100139299A1 (en) | 2008-04-15 | 2010-02-18 | Refrigerator and full ice level sensing apparatus thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020080034854A KR101535481B1 (ko) | 2008-04-15 | 2008-04-15 | 냉장고 제빙기의 만빙 감지 장치 |
KR10-2008-0034854 | 2008-04-15 |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/423,170 Continuation-In-Part US9097450B2 (en) | 2008-04-15 | 2009-04-14 | Refrigerator and ice maker with optical sensor to detect ice level |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/708,073 Continuation-In-Part US20100139299A1 (en) | 2008-04-15 | 2010-02-18 | Refrigerator and full ice level sensing apparatus thereof |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090255279A1 true US20090255279A1 (en) | 2009-10-15 |
Family
ID=41162855
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/423,118 Abandoned US20090255279A1 (en) | 2008-04-15 | 2009-04-14 | Refrigerator and ice maker thereof |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090255279A1 (de) |
EP (1) | EP2297532B1 (de) |
KR (1) | KR101535481B1 (de) |
WO (1) | WO2009128614A2 (de) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100126202A1 (en) * | 2008-11-25 | 2010-05-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice bin storage window |
US20110162406A1 (en) * | 2010-01-04 | 2011-07-07 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator having ice making compartment with refrigerant pipe support structure |
US20110214442A1 (en) * | 2010-03-08 | 2011-09-08 | Whirlpool Corporation | Door mounted ice level detection device |
US10890365B2 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2021-01-12 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Software logic in a solid-production system |
US11662139B2 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2023-05-30 | Carrier Corporation | Refrigerated cargo container cargo sensor |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101535484B1 (ko) | 2008-04-15 | 2015-07-09 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 냉장고 제빙기의 만빙 감지 장치 |
KR101456571B1 (ko) | 2008-05-01 | 2014-10-31 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 냉장고 제빙기의 만빙 감지 장치 및 그 만빙 감지 방법 |
KR101456572B1 (ko) | 2008-05-27 | 2014-10-31 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 냉장고 제빙기의 만빙 감지 장치의 센서 히터 제어 방법 |
KR101535482B1 (ko) | 2008-04-15 | 2015-07-09 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 냉장고 제빙기의 만빙 감지 장치 |
KR102066415B1 (ko) * | 2010-12-02 | 2020-01-15 | 웅진코웨이 주식회사 | 얼음저장고 |
KR20160045640A (ko) | 2016-02-11 | 2016-04-27 | 주식회사 대창 | 제빙기 |
KR101952656B1 (ko) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-02-27 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 냉장고의 만빙 감지방법 |
CN112212554B (zh) * | 2020-10-19 | 2022-02-08 | 海信容声(广东)冰箱有限公司 | 一种制冰机的控制方法、制冰机及冰箱 |
Citations (44)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3860169A (en) * | 1973-11-07 | 1975-01-14 | Powers Regulators Company | Ambient temperature control system |
US4044348A (en) * | 1975-09-22 | 1977-08-23 | Gould Inc. | Circuit energization indicator with thermal timing means to maintain the indication for a predetermined time after de-energization |
US4201910A (en) * | 1978-03-27 | 1980-05-06 | Innovation Industries, Inc. | Photosensor assembly |
US4219172A (en) * | 1978-06-26 | 1980-08-26 | Nifco, Inc. | Holder for electronic and electrical parts |
US4237366A (en) * | 1979-03-19 | 1980-12-02 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Heated automobile mirror |
US4756165A (en) * | 1987-08-03 | 1988-07-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Single revolution ice maker |
US5013911A (en) * | 1988-05-27 | 1991-05-07 | Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. | Optical sensor unit with sealed optical element and cable connector |
US5060484A (en) * | 1990-06-12 | 1991-10-29 | Scotsman Group, Inc. | Bin level control circuit and transducer mounting system for an ice making machine |
US5160094A (en) * | 1992-02-24 | 1992-11-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Recoverable domestic ice maker |
US5296819A (en) * | 1991-06-25 | 1994-03-22 | Yamatake-Honeywell Co., Ltd. | Polymer capacitative moisture sensitive device comprising heating means |
US5361990A (en) * | 1991-12-20 | 1994-11-08 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Fuel injector heater |
US5376785A (en) * | 1992-10-02 | 1994-12-27 | Chin; Philip K. | Optical displacement sensor utilizing optical diffusion |
US5758377A (en) * | 1995-12-06 | 1998-06-02 | Electrolux Zanussi Elettrodomestici S.P.A. | Clothes washing machine with rinsing cycles using small amounts of water |
US6050097A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-04-18 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice making and storage system for a refrigerator |
US6082130A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-07-04 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice delivery system for a refrigerator |
US6130410A (en) * | 1996-12-11 | 2000-10-10 | Isuzu Ceramics Research Institute Co., Ltd | Ceramic heater and process for producing the same |
US6148624A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-11-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice making system for a refrigerator |
US6192693B1 (en) * | 1998-04-10 | 2001-02-27 | Howe Corporation | Ice system having sensor pocket |
US6286324B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2001-09-11 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice level sensing system for an ice maker |
US6314745B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2001-11-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator having an ice maker and a control system therefor |
US6351958B1 (en) * | 2000-01-12 | 2002-03-05 | Whirlpool Corporation | Optic level sensing system for use in a refrigerator |
US20020047007A1 (en) * | 2000-10-24 | 2002-04-25 | Loyd Partick V. | Flexible heater assembly |
US20020083726A1 (en) * | 2000-12-30 | 2002-07-04 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice maker for refrigerator and control method therof |
KR20030021529A (ko) * | 2001-09-06 | 2003-03-15 | 주식회사 엘지이아이 | 냉장고용 제빙기의 만빙감지장치 |
US6705091B1 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2004-03-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | System and method for controlling ice size of ice maker |
US6857279B2 (en) * | 2001-08-14 | 2005-02-22 | Lg Electronics, Inc. | Ice maker for refrigerator and method of testing the same |
US20050066670A1 (en) * | 2003-09-25 | 2005-03-31 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Icemaker in refrigerator |
US20050072167A1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-04-07 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Full ice level sensing apparatus and method |
US7017354B2 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2006-03-28 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Quick ice-making control method of ice-maker for refrigerator |
US20060168983A1 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2006-08-03 | Hiroshi Tatsui | Ice-making device |
US20060213213A1 (en) * | 2005-03-25 | 2006-09-28 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice bank of refrigerator |
US20060260347A1 (en) * | 2005-05-18 | 2006-11-23 | Maytag Corporation | Insulated ice compartment for bottom mount refrigerator |
US7210299B2 (en) * | 2004-12-02 | 2007-05-01 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Rotary type ice maker and method for making ice using the same |
US20070137241A1 (en) * | 2005-12-16 | 2007-06-21 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method of refrigerator |
US20080157644A1 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2008-07-03 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice supplier |
US20080156005A1 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2008-07-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatus, method, and system for automatically turning off an actuator in a refrigeration device upon detection of an unwanted condition |
US20080264074A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2008-10-30 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice level and quality sensing system employing digital imaging |
US20090100847A1 (en) * | 2007-10-23 | 2009-04-23 | Moon Kyung Hee | Ice maker for refrigerator and driving method thereof |
US20090165471A1 (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2009-07-02 | Alexander Pinkus Rafalovich | Ice in bucket detection for an icemaker |
US20090211292A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-08-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | variable ice storage assembly and method of use |
US20100204832A1 (en) * | 2006-09-04 | 2010-08-12 | Kyung-Ah Choi | Control apparatus for taking out ice of refrigerator and method thereof |
US7930893B2 (en) * | 2007-05-01 | 2011-04-26 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated ice transport device and method |
US8156748B2 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2012-04-17 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice quality sensing system employing digital imaging |
US8424323B2 (en) * | 2009-11-13 | 2013-04-23 | General Electric Company | Ice level sensing system |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2000105115A (ja) * | 1998-09-29 | 2000-04-11 | Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd | 超音波式物体検知装置及び超音波式貯氷検知装置 |
KR20050033729A (ko) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-04-13 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 냉장고용 제빙장치 |
DE102005003239A1 (de) * | 2005-01-24 | 2006-07-27 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Eisbereiter |
KR100713284B1 (ko) * | 2005-03-25 | 2007-05-04 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 냉장고의 아이스 뱅크의 얼음 엉김 방지 구조 |
KR20080026385A (ko) * | 2006-09-20 | 2008-03-25 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | 냉장고 |
-
2008
- 2008-04-15 KR KR1020080034854A patent/KR101535481B1/ko active IP Right Grant
-
2009
- 2009-04-02 WO PCT/KR2009/001709 patent/WO2009128614A2/en active Application Filing
- 2009-04-02 EP EP09733044.3A patent/EP2297532B1/de not_active Not-in-force
- 2009-04-14 US US12/423,118 patent/US20090255279A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (46)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3860169A (en) * | 1973-11-07 | 1975-01-14 | Powers Regulators Company | Ambient temperature control system |
US4044348A (en) * | 1975-09-22 | 1977-08-23 | Gould Inc. | Circuit energization indicator with thermal timing means to maintain the indication for a predetermined time after de-energization |
US4201910A (en) * | 1978-03-27 | 1980-05-06 | Innovation Industries, Inc. | Photosensor assembly |
US4219172A (en) * | 1978-06-26 | 1980-08-26 | Nifco, Inc. | Holder for electronic and electrical parts |
US4237366A (en) * | 1979-03-19 | 1980-12-02 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Heated automobile mirror |
US4756165A (en) * | 1987-08-03 | 1988-07-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Single revolution ice maker |
US5013911A (en) * | 1988-05-27 | 1991-05-07 | Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. | Optical sensor unit with sealed optical element and cable connector |
US5060484A (en) * | 1990-06-12 | 1991-10-29 | Scotsman Group, Inc. | Bin level control circuit and transducer mounting system for an ice making machine |
US5296819A (en) * | 1991-06-25 | 1994-03-22 | Yamatake-Honeywell Co., Ltd. | Polymer capacitative moisture sensitive device comprising heating means |
US5361990A (en) * | 1991-12-20 | 1994-11-08 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Fuel injector heater |
US5160094A (en) * | 1992-02-24 | 1992-11-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Recoverable domestic ice maker |
US5376785A (en) * | 1992-10-02 | 1994-12-27 | Chin; Philip K. | Optical displacement sensor utilizing optical diffusion |
US5758377A (en) * | 1995-12-06 | 1998-06-02 | Electrolux Zanussi Elettrodomestici S.P.A. | Clothes washing machine with rinsing cycles using small amounts of water |
US6130410A (en) * | 1996-12-11 | 2000-10-10 | Isuzu Ceramics Research Institute Co., Ltd | Ceramic heater and process for producing the same |
US6192693B1 (en) * | 1998-04-10 | 2001-02-27 | Howe Corporation | Ice system having sensor pocket |
US6050097A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-04-18 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice making and storage system for a refrigerator |
US6082130A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-07-04 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice delivery system for a refrigerator |
US6148624A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-11-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice making system for a refrigerator |
US6286324B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2001-09-11 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice level sensing system for an ice maker |
US6314745B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2001-11-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator having an ice maker and a control system therefor |
US6351958B1 (en) * | 2000-01-12 | 2002-03-05 | Whirlpool Corporation | Optic level sensing system for use in a refrigerator |
US20020047007A1 (en) * | 2000-10-24 | 2002-04-25 | Loyd Partick V. | Flexible heater assembly |
US20020083726A1 (en) * | 2000-12-30 | 2002-07-04 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice maker for refrigerator and control method therof |
US6857279B2 (en) * | 2001-08-14 | 2005-02-22 | Lg Electronics, Inc. | Ice maker for refrigerator and method of testing the same |
US7080518B2 (en) * | 2001-08-14 | 2006-07-25 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice maker for refrigerator and method of testing the same |
KR20030021529A (ko) * | 2001-09-06 | 2003-03-15 | 주식회사 엘지이아이 | 냉장고용 제빙기의 만빙감지장치 |
US6705091B1 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2004-03-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | System and method for controlling ice size of ice maker |
US20060168983A1 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2006-08-03 | Hiroshi Tatsui | Ice-making device |
US20050066670A1 (en) * | 2003-09-25 | 2005-03-31 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Icemaker in refrigerator |
US20050072167A1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-04-07 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Full ice level sensing apparatus and method |
US7017354B2 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2006-03-28 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Quick ice-making control method of ice-maker for refrigerator |
US7210299B2 (en) * | 2004-12-02 | 2007-05-01 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Rotary type ice maker and method for making ice using the same |
US20060213213A1 (en) * | 2005-03-25 | 2006-09-28 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice bank of refrigerator |
US20060260347A1 (en) * | 2005-05-18 | 2006-11-23 | Maytag Corporation | Insulated ice compartment for bottom mount refrigerator |
US20070137241A1 (en) * | 2005-12-16 | 2007-06-21 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method of refrigerator |
US20100204832A1 (en) * | 2006-09-04 | 2010-08-12 | Kyung-Ah Choi | Control apparatus for taking out ice of refrigerator and method thereof |
US20080157644A1 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2008-07-03 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice supplier |
US20080156005A1 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2008-07-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatus, method, and system for automatically turning off an actuator in a refrigeration device upon detection of an unwanted condition |
US7779641B2 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2010-08-24 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice supplier |
US20080264074A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2008-10-30 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice level and quality sensing system employing digital imaging |
US8156748B2 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2012-04-17 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice quality sensing system employing digital imaging |
US7930893B2 (en) * | 2007-05-01 | 2011-04-26 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Automated ice transport device and method |
US20090100847A1 (en) * | 2007-10-23 | 2009-04-23 | Moon Kyung Hee | Ice maker for refrigerator and driving method thereof |
US20090165471A1 (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2009-07-02 | Alexander Pinkus Rafalovich | Ice in bucket detection for an icemaker |
US20090211292A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-08-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | variable ice storage assembly and method of use |
US8424323B2 (en) * | 2009-11-13 | 2013-04-23 | General Electric Company | Ice level sensing system |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
English Translation of KR1020030021529A * |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100126202A1 (en) * | 2008-11-25 | 2010-05-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice bin storage window |
US8033133B2 (en) | 2008-11-25 | 2011-10-11 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice bin storage window |
US20110162406A1 (en) * | 2010-01-04 | 2011-07-07 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator having ice making compartment with refrigerant pipe support structure |
US9448003B2 (en) * | 2010-01-04 | 2016-09-20 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator having ice making compartment with refrigerant pipe support structure |
US20110214442A1 (en) * | 2010-03-08 | 2011-09-08 | Whirlpool Corporation | Door mounted ice level detection device |
US8464543B2 (en) | 2010-03-08 | 2013-06-18 | Whirlpool Corporation | Door mounted ice level detection device |
US11662139B2 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2023-05-30 | Carrier Corporation | Refrigerated cargo container cargo sensor |
US10890365B2 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2021-01-12 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Software logic in a solid-production system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2009128614A3 (en) | 2009-12-23 |
WO2009128614A2 (en) | 2009-10-22 |
EP2297532B1 (de) | 2019-03-20 |
EP2297532A4 (de) | 2015-01-07 |
KR101535481B1 (ko) | 2015-07-09 |
KR20090109416A (ko) | 2009-10-20 |
EP2297532A2 (de) | 2011-03-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20090255279A1 (en) | Refrigerator and ice maker thereof | |
US8635877B2 (en) | Ice detecting apparatus of ice maker for refrigerator and ice detecting method thereof | |
US9097450B2 (en) | Refrigerator and ice maker with optical sensor to detect ice level | |
US8959939B2 (en) | Refrigerator and ice maker with optical sensor to detect ice level | |
US8616013B2 (en) | Ice detecting method and apparatus for a refrigerator | |
US8393164B2 (en) | Ice amount detecting method of ice detecting apparatus of ice maker for refrigerator | |
RU2552044C2 (ru) | Льдогенератор и холодильник с таким льдогенератором | |
US8584474B2 (en) | Ice maker control system and method | |
US9689600B2 (en) | Icemaker unit and refrigerator having the same | |
US20090165492A1 (en) | Icemaker combination assembly | |
KR101622601B1 (ko) | 냉장고 및 그의 만빙감지장치 | |
EP2297533B1 (de) | Kühlschrank | |
US20100287959A1 (en) | Ice maker, refrigerator having the same, and ice making method thereof | |
US20160370080A1 (en) | Refrigerator and method of manufacturing ice maker therefor | |
US20160370062A1 (en) | Refrigerator and method of manufacturing ice maker therefor | |
US9021827B2 (en) | Ice maker and refrigerator including the same | |
US20100139299A1 (en) | Refrigerator and full ice level sensing apparatus thereof | |
US20160370081A1 (en) | Refrigerator and method of manufacturing ice maker therefor | |
KR20240019646A (ko) | 냉장고 | |
KR102407257B1 (ko) | 만빙 감지 장치를 구비하는 제빙기 | |
KR101535483B1 (ko) | 냉장고 제빙기의 만빙 감지 장치 | |
KR20100002901A (ko) | 제빙기의 제어 장치 및 그 방법 | |
KR20220149269A (ko) | 제빙기 및 이를 포함하는 냉장고 | |
KR20210003537A (ko) | 제빙기 및 이를 포함하는 냉장고 |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KIM, YONG-SU;LEE, DONG-HOON;JEONG, KYUNG-HAN;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:022541/0712 Effective date: 20090331 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |