US20190331395A1 - Ice Maker and Refrigerator Having Same - Google Patents
Ice Maker and Refrigerator Having Same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190331395A1 US20190331395A1 US16/388,608 US201916388608A US2019331395A1 US 20190331395 A1 US20190331395 A1 US 20190331395A1 US 201916388608 A US201916388608 A US 201916388608A US 2019331395 A1 US2019331395 A1 US 2019331395A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ice
- tray
- refrigerator
- making fan
- 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
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001678 irradiating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
-
- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
- F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
-
- 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
- F25C1/04—Producing ice by using stationary moulds
-
- 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
- F25C5/02—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice
- F25C5/04—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F25C5/20—Distributing ice
- F25C5/22—Distributing ice particularly adapted for household refrigerators
-
- 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
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
- F25D11/02—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures
-
- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
-
- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/08—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation using ducts
-
- 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
- F25D19/00—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors
- F25D19/003—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors with respect to movable containers
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- 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
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C2305/00—Special arrangements or features for working or handling ice
- F25C2305/022—Harvesting ice including rotating or tilting or pivoting of a mould or tray
- F25C2305/0221—Harvesting ice including rotating or tilting or pivoting of a mould or tray rotating ice mould
-
- 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
- F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
- F25C2400/10—Refrigerator units
-
- 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
- F25C2600/00—Control issues
- F25C2600/04—Control 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
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/063—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation with air guides
-
- 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
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/067—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by air ducts
- F25D2317/0672—Outlet ducts
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an ice maker and a refrigerator having the same.
- a refrigerator is an apparatus for storing food at a low temperature.
- the refrigerator can be configured to store the food in a frozen or refrigerated state according to the type of food to be stored.
- the inside of the refrigerator is cooled down by continuously supplied cold air, and the cold air is continuously generated by the heat exchange action of a refrigerant by way of a refrigeration cycle going through the process of compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation. Since the cold air supplied to the inside of the refrigerator is evenly delivered inside the refrigerator owing to convection, the food inside the refrigerator can be stored at a desired temperature.
- An ice maker may be provided in the refrigerator for the convenience of use.
- the ice maker may make ice by supplying cold air to water and storing a predetermined amount of ice.
- the ice maker may include an ice making tray for making ice, and an ice storage unit for storing the ice made by the ice making tray.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker which can effectively make ice, and a refrigerator having the same.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker which can reduce the time for freezing water, and a refrigerator having the same.
- a refrigerator comprising a main body having a storage room therein; a compressor at one side of the main body, configured to compress refrigerant; a door on the main body, configured to open and close the storage room; and an ice maker in the storage room, wherein the ice maker includes a case having an external shape; an ice tray configured to contain water; a guide unit under the ice tray, forming a path for flowing cold air; an ice bucket under the guide unit and comprising a container having a concave center portion; an ice making fan in the case, configured to generate or facilitate air flow; and a rotation unit configured to move the ice in the ice tray to the ice bucket.
- the ice maker may further include a cover unit on or above the ice tray, and the ice making fan may be in or within the cover unit.
- the ice maker may further include a distribution panel having a preset area, between the ice making fan and the ice tray, and having a plurality of holes.
- the ice making fan may be on or in (e.g., on an inside surface of) the case.
- the ice making fan may be on an outside surface of the ice bucket.
- the ice making fan may be in the guide unit.
- the refrigerator may further comprise a controller configured to control (e.g., operate) the ice making fan when the compressor is stopped (e.g., not compressing the refrigerant).
- a controller configured to control (e.g., operate) the ice making fan when the compressor is stopped (e.g., not compressing the refrigerant).
- an ice maker comprising a case having an external shape; an ice tray configured to contain water; a guide unit under the ice tray, forming a path for flowing cold air; an ice bucket under the guide unit and comprising a container having a concave center portion; a cover unit on or above the ice tray; an ice making fan in the cover unit; and a rotation unit configured to move the ice in the ice tray to the ice bucket.
- the ice maker may further comprise a distribution panel having a preset area, between the ice making fan and the ice tray, and having a plurality of holes.
- an ice maker which can effectively make ice and a refrigerator having the same can be provided.
- an ice maker which can reduce the time for freezing water and a refrigerator having the same can be provided.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an exemplary refrigerator according to one or more embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view showing an exemplary duct in the refrigerator of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an exemplary ice maker suitable for the refrigerator of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the ice maker of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ice maker of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an exemplary cover unit viewed from the bottom.
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing control relationships in the refrigerator of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
- a refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10 and one or more doors 20 .
- the direction from the rear side to the front side of the refrigerator 1 is referred to as a thickness direction
- the direction from one side surface to another side surface of the refrigerator 1 is referred to as a width direction
- the direction from the bottom surface to the top surface of the refrigerator 1 is referred to as a height direction.
- the door(s) 20 are at the front of the refrigerator 1
- the icemaker 30 is adjacent to the top surface of the refrigerator 1 .
- the main body 10 provides and/or defines the overall external shape of the refrigerator 1 .
- At least one storage room 11 may be inside the main body 10 .
- the storage room(s) 11 inside the main body 10 may be partitioned by a barrier 12 .
- the storage room(s) 11 may include a refrigeration room R and a freezer room F.
- the refrigeration room R may be at or in the upper part of the main body 10
- the freezer room F may be at or in the lower part of the main body 10 .
- At least one door 20 is on the main body 10 .
- the door 20 opens and closes the storage room 11 .
- the door 20 is hingedly or pivotally fixed to the main body 10 to rotate, and may open and close the storage room 11 as it rotates with respect to the main body 10 .
- the number of doors 20 may correspond to the number of partitions of the storage room 11 .
- doors 20 are provided in front of the refrigeration room(s) R and the freezer room(s) F, respectively, and may individually open and close a corresponding one of the refrigeration room(s) R and the freezer room(s) F.
- two doors 20 may be provided in the refrigeration room R on the left and right sides.
- One or more shelves 21 may be provided on the inside surface of the door 20 .
- An ice maker 30 may be at or on one side of one storage room 11 .
- the ice maker 30 may be in one refrigeration room R and/or at the upper part of one of the storage rooms 11 .
- the ice maker 30 may be in one door 20 or in the freezer room F.
- FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view showing an exemplary duct in the refrigerator 1 of FIG. 1 .
- a duct 40 that provides a path for flowing air may be provided in the refrigerator 1 .
- the duct 40 may include a cold air duct 41 and a collection duct 45 .
- the cold air duct 41 provides a path for supplying cold air generated in the space around the evaporator (not shown) to other areas of the refrigerator 1 .
- the evaporator may be located in or behind the freezer room F, and an end of the cold air duct 45 may be connected to the freezer room F.
- the evaporator may be adjacent to the rear side of the freezer room F, and an end (hereinafter, a supply terminal) of the cold air duct 45 may be connected to the rear side and/or pass through the rear wall of the freezer room F.
- the cold air duct 41 may include a first cold air duct 42 and a second cold air duct 43 .
- the first cold air duct 42 and the second cold air duct 43 may be branched at the supply terminal (e.g., at or near the fan 44 ) or at a point spaced apart from the supply terminal by a preset distance.
- the first cold air duct 42 is connected to the ice maker 30 and may supply cold air from the supply terminal to the ice maker 30 .
- the second cold air duct 43 is connected to the refrigeration room R and may supply cold air from the supply terminal to the refrigeration room R.
- a fan 44 may be at a point or location in the cold air duct 41 .
- the fan 44 may provide pressure for flowing the cold air through the cold air ducts 42 and 43 from the supply terminal.
- the fan 44 may be at the supply terminal (e.g., adjacent to the evaporator).
- the collection duct 45 provides a path for collecting air (e.g., cold air) from other areas of the refrigerator 1 to the evaporator or the vicinity of the evaporator.
- the collection duct 45 may include a first collection duct 46 and a second collection duct 47 .
- First and second ends of the first collection duct 46 may be connected to the ice maker 30 and the freezer room F, respectively.
- the first collection duct 46 provides a path for returning the air from the ice maker 30 that was used for making ice.
- First and second ends of the second collection duct 47 may be connected to the refrigeration room R and the freezer room F, respectively.
- the second collection duct 47 returns the cold air in the refrigeration room R to the freezer room F or the evaporator behind the freezer room F in response to the cold air being supplied from the evaporator (or, alternatively, the freezer room F) to the refrigeration room R.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an ice maker suitable for the refrigerator 1 of FIG. 1
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the ice maker of FIG. 3
- FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ice maker of FIG. 3
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an exemplary cover unit viewed from the bottom.
- the ice maker 30 may include a case 100 , an ice making assembly 200 , an ice bucket 300 , a discharge unit 400 and a transfer unit 500 .
- the ice maker 30 may make and store ice.
- first direction X a direction perpendicular to the first direction X (e.g., a horizontal direction and/or in a plane)
- second direction Y a direction perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y
- third direction Z a side on which the discharge unit 400 is located
- a side on which the cold air duct 110 is located is referred to as a rear side.
- the external shape of the ice maker 30 may be defined in part by the case 100 .
- the case 100 may have a preset volume and a space for accommodating constitutional components of the ice maker 30 therein.
- the case 10 may be fixed at a point inside the storage room 11 or inside the door 20 .
- the ice making assembly 200 may make ice by exchanging heat of or in the water with cold air (e.g., from the duct 42 ).
- the ice making assembly 200 may include an ice tray 2100 , a guide unit 2200 , a rotation unit 2300 and a cover unit 2400 .
- the ice tray 2100 is configured to contain water.
- the water in the ice tray 2100 is solidified (e.g., becomes ice) through heat exchange with cold air.
- the ice tray 2100 may comprise a container having a center portion that is concave downwards (e.g., U-shaped), and a space and/or preset volume for containing water may be on or in the ice tray 2100 .
- the ice tray 2100 may comprise a multi-compartment container, each compartment being configured to hold a predetermined volume of liquid water and optionally having a convex lower surface, in which the center of each compartment has a greater depth than along the sidewalls of each compartment.
- the ice tray 2100 may have a preset length along the first direction X and a preset width in the second direction Y.
- the ice tray 2100 may be rectangular as seen from the top (e.g., in a plan view).
- a heater 2110 may be under the ice tray 2100 .
- the heater 2110 may contact the bottom surface of the ice tray 2100 at least at one point.
- the heater 2110 may heat the bottom surface of the ice tray 2100 so that the ice may be effectively separated from the ice tray 2100 .
- the guide unit 2200 may be under the ice tray 2100 .
- the guide unit 2200 forms a path for flowing cold air onto and/or around the ice tray 2100 .
- the cold air flowing between the guide unit 2200 and the ice tray 2100 cools down the ice tray 2100 to freeze the water in the ice tray 2100 .
- the guide unit 2200 may have a preset length in the first direction X and a preset width in the second direction Y.
- the guide unit 2200 may contact the ice tray 2100 at least at a point and may support the ice tray 2100 .
- the rear end of the guide unit 2200 in the first direction X may communicate with the cold air duct 110 that supplies the cold air.
- the guide unit 2200 may be fixed to the inside surface of the case 100 or to the cold air duct 110 .
- the rotation unit 2300 moves the ice in the ice tray 2100 to the ice bucket 300 .
- the rotation unit 2300 may include an ice removing shaft 2310 and a drive housing 2320 .
- the ice removing shaft 2310 rotates, the ice in the ice tray 2100 is moved to the outside of the ice tray 2100 .
- the ice removing shaft 2310 has a preset length and may be in a space above the ice tray 2100 .
- the length of the ice removing shaft 2310 may be in or along the first direction X.
- One or more ice removing prominences 2311 may be along the ice removing shaft 2310 .
- the ice removing prominence(s) 2311 may extend from the outer surface of the ice removing shaft 2310 by a preset length.
- the ice removing prominence(s) 2311 may not contact the water in the ice tray 2100 when the rotation unit 2300 is in a standby state (i.e., not in an operational state). When the ice removing shaft 2310 rotates for transfer of the ice, the ice removing prominence(s) 2311 may push the ice out of the ice tray 2100 .
- a drive unit (e.g., motor) inside the drive housing 2320 provides power for rotating the ice removing shaft 2310 .
- the drive housing 2320 may be located at one side of the ice tray 2100 along or with respect to the first direction X.
- the drive housing 2320 may be located on the opposite side of the ice removing shaft 2310 from the cold air duct 110 .
- One end of the ice removing shaft 2310 may be inserted into the drive housing 2320 by a preset length and connected to the driving unit (e.g., motor) inside the drive housing 2320 .
- the cover unit 2400 may be on or over the ice tray 2100 , in or along the third direction Z.
- the cover unit 2400 may cover all or part of the ice tray 2100 .
- the cover unit 2400 may have a preset length in the first direction X and a preset width in the second direction Y.
- the width of the cover unit 2400 may correspond to the width of the guide unit 2200 or may be larger than the width of the guide unit 2200 by a set width. Accordingly, the ice tray 2100 may be between the guide unit 2200 and the cover unit 2400 .
- the front end of the cover unit 2400 may contact the top of the drive housing 2320 .
- the cover unit 2400 may be fixed to the inner surface of the case 2410 at least at one point.
- a water supply unit 2410 may be at the rear end of the cover unit 2400 .
- the water supply unit 2410 supplies water from an external source to the ice tray 2100 .
- a water supply hole 120 connected to a water supply pipe 121 may be at one side of the case 100 .
- the water supply unit 2410 may be aligned with the water supply hole 120 , and the water flowing through the water supply hole 120 may be supplied to the water supply unit 2410 .
- a side wall 2401 may be at one or more sides (e.g., along the second direction Y) of the cover unit 2400 , and may extend from the distribution panel 2435 by (or may otherwise have) a preset length.
- the side wall 2401 of the cover unit 2400 may be adjacent to one side of the ice tray 2100 (e.g., in or along the second direction Y).
- another side of the cover unit 2400 e.g., in or along the second direction Y
- the ice of the ice tray 2100 may move to the ice bucket 300 through the open side of the cover unit 2400 .
- An ice making fan 2430 may be in the cover unit 2400 .
- the ice making fan 2430 generates, causes or facilitates flow of air inside the case 100 .
- the ice making fan 2430 may be on or in the top of the cover unit 2400 and may face downwards.
- the ice making fan 2430 may be on the side wall 2401 of the cover unit 2400 .
- the ice making fan 2430 may be in a hole or opening passing through the cover unit 2400 .
- the space in which the ice making fan 2430 is located may be blocked from areas external to the cover unit 2400 by the cover unit 2400 .
- a distribution panel 2435 may be between the ice making fan 2430 and the ice tray 2100 .
- the distribution panel 2435 may have a preset area and may face the ice making fan 2430 .
- One end of the distribution panel 2435 may be fixed to the cover unit 2400 or the drive housing 2320 .
- the distribution panel 2435 may comprise a grate or otherwise have a plurality of holes for evenly supplying the air from the ice making fan 2430 to the ice tray 2100 .
- the distribution panel 2435 may comprise a plurality of ribs in a lattice structure, a perforated plate, or the like.
- the ice bucket 300 is located under the ice making assembly 200 and contains ice from the ice making assembly 200 .
- the ice bucket 300 may have a preset length along the first direction X and a preset width in the second direction Y.
- the ice bucket 300 may comprise a container having a center portion that is concave downwards (e.g., U-shaped), and the ice bucket 300 may include a preset volume for containing ice.
- U-shaped concave downwards
- the ice bucket 300 may include a preset volume for containing ice.
- at least part of the ice bucket 300 is positioned outside the ice tray 2100 in the width direction, and the ice supplied from the ice tray 2100 may be contained in the ice bucket 300 .
- the discharge unit 400 may be at an end of the ice bucket 300 .
- the discharge unit 400 discharges the ice in the ice bucket 300 to the outside of the ice maker 30 (e.g., through the corresponding door 20 ; see FIG. 1 ).
- the discharge unit 400 may be coupled or connected to the front end of the ice bucket 300 .
- the discharge unit 400 may be outside the case 100 .
- the discharge unit 400 has a width corresponding to the case 100 in the second direction Y and a height corresponding to the case 100 in the third direction Z and may shield the case 100 .
- the discharge unit 400 may be detachable from the case 100 . Accordingly, if the user separates the discharge unit 400 from the case 100 and moves the discharge unit 400 forward (e.g., out of the corresponding storage space), the ice bucket 300 may be exposed to the outside of the case 100 .
- the transfer unit 500 moves the ice in the ice bucket 300 to the discharge unit 400 .
- the transfer unit 500 includes a transfer shaft 510 and a transfer housing 520 .
- the transfer shaft 510 As the transfer shaft 510 rotates, the ice in the ice bucket 300 moves to the discharge unit 400 .
- the transfer shaft 510 has a preset length and may be in the lower part or portion of the ice bucket 300 .
- the transfer shaft 510 may have a length or rotational axis in or along the first direction X.
- the transfer shaft 510 may be or comprise an auger.
- the transfer housing 520 houses a motor that provides power for rotating the transfer shaft 510 .
- the transfer housing 520 may be at one side of the ice bucket 300 in or along the first direction X.
- the transfer housing 520 may be located on the opposite side of the ice bucket 300 from the discharge unit 400 .
- the transfer shaft 510 is coupled or connected to the transfer housing 520 or the motor therein, and may rotate by the power provided by the motor in the transfer housing 520 .
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing control relationships in the refrigerator 1 of FIG. 1 .
- the refrigerator 1 may include a controller 50 .
- the controller 50 controls constitutional components of the refrigerator 1 , such as the fan 44 , a compressor 60 , the ice making fan 2430 , and the like.
- the ice maker 30 may include a temperature sensor 140 .
- the temperature sensor 140 may sense a temperature of the water or the ice in the ice tray 2100 .
- the temperature sensor 140 is in the ice tray 2100 and may sense temperature of the water or the ice in the ice tray 2100 .
- the temperature sensor 140 may be or comprise a non-contact type temperature sensor 140 capable of sensing the temperature of a material or substance using a non-contact method, based on laser irradiation, irradiating the material or substance with infrared light, or the like.
- the temperature sensor 140 may be inside the drive housing 2320 , the cover unit 2400 , the guide unit 2200 , the ice bucket 300 , or the case 100 , and may sense the temperature of the water or the ice in the ice tray 2100 .
- the compressor 60 is at one side of the main body 10 .
- the compressor 60 is connected to the evaporator and is part of a path for circulating refrigerant in the refrigerator 1 . After heat-exchange in the evaporator, the refrigerant flows into the compressor 60 .
- the refrigerant absorbs ambient heat when it evaporates inside the evaporator, and may flow into the compressor 60 in a gas state and/or in a liquid state.
- the compressor 60 may compress the refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant back to the evaporator.
- the refrigerant supplied to the evaporator may be condensed into a liquid in the process of compression and/or being returned to the evaporator.
- the controller 50 controls constitutional components of the refrigerator 1 .
- the controller 50 may have one physical configuration at one side of the refrigerator 1 to control the ice maker 30 , a valve 150 , the compressor 60 and other constitutional components of the refrigerator 1 .
- the controller 50 may have two or more physical configurations, and they may be at one or more points or locations in the refrigerator 1 .
- part of the controller 50 may control the ice maker 30
- other part(s) of the controller 50 may control other constitutional components of the refrigerator 1 .
- each part of the controller is electrically connected to the other part(s), and may control various constitutional components of the refrigerator 1 in connection and/or cooperation with each other.
- the amount of the cold air supplied to the ice maker 30 may vary according to the operational state of the compressor 60 and/or the fan 44 .
- the controller 50 may control the compressor 60 to stop the operation of the compressor 60 when the temperature of the storage room 11 is lower than a preset temperature and to operate the compressor 60 when the temperature of the storage room 11 is higher than the preset temperature.
- the controller 50 may control the fan 44 to operate when the temperature of the storage room 11 is higher than the preset temperature, in a manner similar to that of the compressor 60 . Accordingly, cold air is not supplied to the ice maker 30 when the temperature of the storage room 11 is lower than the preset temperature, and cold air may be supplied to the ice maker 30 only when the temperature of the storage room 11 is equal to or higher than the preset temperature.
- the ice maker 30 in the refrigerator 1 may circulate air inside the ice maker 30 using the ice making fan 2430 so that the water may effectively freeze.
- the controller 50 may drive or operate the ice making fan 2430 when the compressor 60 is non-operational (e.g., stopped), when the fan 44 is non-operational (e.g., stopped), or when both the compressor 60 and the fan 44 are non-operational (e.g., stopped), so that the water may freeze using the cold air inside the ice maker 30 when cold air is not supplied to the ice maker 30 .
- the controller 50 may drive or operate the ice making fan 2430 when the compressor 60 is operating, when the fan 44 is operating, or when both the compressor 60 and the fan 44 are operating, so that the water may freeze more effectively.
- the ice making fan 2430 may be a constitutional component of the ice maker 30 or a part thereof other than the cover unit 2400 , inside the case 100 .
- the ice making fan 2430 may be on the inner surface of the case 100 , on the outer surface of the ice bucket 300 , on the outer or inner surface of the guide unit 2200 , on one side or surface of the drive housing 2320 , or the like so that air may flow inside the case 100 .
- an ice maker that can effectively make ice and a refrigerator having the same can be provided.
- an ice maker that can reduce the time required for freezing water and a refrigerator having the same can be provided.
Abstract
An ice maker and a refrigerator having the same are disclosed. A refrigerator may include a main body having a storage room therein; a compressor at one side of the main body, configured to compress refrigerant; a door on the main body, configured to open and close the storage room; and an ice maker in the storage room, wherein the ice maker may include a case having an external shape; an ice tray configured to contain water; a guide unit under the ice tray, forming a path for flowing cold air; an ice bucket under the guide unit and comprising a container having a concave center portion; an ice making fan inside the case configured to generate or facilitate a flow of air; and a rotation unit configured to move the ice in the ice tray to the ice bucket.
Description
- The present invention relates to an ice maker and a refrigerator having the same.
- A refrigerator is an apparatus for storing food at a low temperature. The refrigerator can be configured to store the food in a frozen or refrigerated state according to the type of food to be stored. The inside of the refrigerator is cooled down by continuously supplied cold air, and the cold air is continuously generated by the heat exchange action of a refrigerant by way of a refrigeration cycle going through the process of compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation. Since the cold air supplied to the inside of the refrigerator is evenly delivered inside the refrigerator owing to convection, the food inside the refrigerator can be stored at a desired temperature.
- An ice maker may be provided in the refrigerator for the convenience of use. The ice maker may make ice by supplying cold air to water and storing a predetermined amount of ice. The ice maker may include an ice making tray for making ice, and an ice storage unit for storing the ice made by the ice making tray.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker which can effectively make ice, and a refrigerator having the same.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker which can reduce the time for freezing water, and a refrigerator having the same.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator comprising a main body having a storage room therein; a compressor at one side of the main body, configured to compress refrigerant; a door on the main body, configured to open and close the storage room; and an ice maker in the storage room, wherein the ice maker includes a case having an external shape; an ice tray configured to contain water; a guide unit under the ice tray, forming a path for flowing cold air; an ice bucket under the guide unit and comprising a container having a concave center portion; an ice making fan in the case, configured to generate or facilitate air flow; and a rotation unit configured to move the ice in the ice tray to the ice bucket.
- The ice maker may further include a cover unit on or above the ice tray, and the ice making fan may be in or within the cover unit.
- The ice maker may further include a distribution panel having a preset area, between the ice making fan and the ice tray, and having a plurality of holes.
- The ice making fan may be on or in (e.g., on an inside surface of) the case.
- For example, the ice making fan may be on an outside surface of the ice bucket.
- Alternatively, the ice making fan may be in the guide unit.
- The refrigerator may further comprise a controller configured to control (e.g., operate) the ice making fan when the compressor is stopped (e.g., not compressing the refrigerant).
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ice maker comprising a case having an external shape; an ice tray configured to contain water; a guide unit under the ice tray, forming a path for flowing cold air; an ice bucket under the guide unit and comprising a container having a concave center portion; a cover unit on or above the ice tray; an ice making fan in the cover unit; and a rotation unit configured to move the ice in the ice tray to the ice bucket.
- The ice maker may further comprise a distribution panel having a preset area, between the ice making fan and the ice tray, and having a plurality of holes.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice maker which can effectively make ice and a refrigerator having the same can be provided.
- In addition, an ice maker which can reduce the time for freezing water and a refrigerator having the same can be provided.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an exemplary refrigerator according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view showing an exemplary duct in the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an exemplary ice maker suitable for the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the ice maker ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ice maker ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an exemplary cover unit viewed from the bottom; and -
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing control relationships in the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 . - Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosed embodiments may be modified in a variety of forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described below. The embodiments are provided to explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the shapes of the elements in the drawing may be exaggerated to emphasize more clear descriptions.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , arefrigerator 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may include amain body 10 and one ormore doors 20. - Hereinafter, the direction from the rear side to the front side of the
refrigerator 1 is referred to as a thickness direction, the direction from one side surface to another side surface of therefrigerator 1 is referred to as a width direction, and the direction from the bottom surface to the top surface of therefrigerator 1 is referred to as a height direction. The door(s) 20 are at the front of therefrigerator 1, and theicemaker 30 is adjacent to the top surface of therefrigerator 1. - The
main body 10 provides and/or defines the overall external shape of therefrigerator 1. At least onestorage room 11 may be inside themain body 10. The storage room(s) 11 inside themain body 10 may be partitioned by a barrier 12. The storage room(s) 11 may include a refrigeration room R and a freezer room F. For example, the refrigeration room R may be at or in the upper part of themain body 10, and the freezer room F may be at or in the lower part of themain body 10. - At least one
door 20 is on themain body 10. Thedoor 20 opens and closes thestorage room 11. For example, thedoor 20 is hingedly or pivotally fixed to themain body 10 to rotate, and may open and close thestorage room 11 as it rotates with respect to themain body 10. The number ofdoors 20 may correspond to the number of partitions of thestorage room 11. For example,doors 20 are provided in front of the refrigeration room(s) R and the freezer room(s) F, respectively, and may individually open and close a corresponding one of the refrigeration room(s) R and the freezer room(s) F. For example, twodoors 20 may be provided in the refrigeration room R on the left and right sides. One ormore shelves 21 may be provided on the inside surface of thedoor 20. - An
ice maker 30 may be at or on one side of onestorage room 11. For example, theice maker 30 may be in one refrigeration room R and/or at the upper part of one of thestorage rooms 11. Alternatively, theice maker 30 may be in onedoor 20 or in the freezer room F. -
FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view showing an exemplary duct in therefrigerator 1 ofFIG. 1 . - Referring to
FIG. 2 , aduct 40 that provides a path for flowing air may be provided in therefrigerator 1. - The
duct 40 may include a cold air duct 41 and acollection duct 45. - The cold air duct 41 provides a path for supplying cold air generated in the space around the evaporator (not shown) to other areas of the
refrigerator 1. The evaporator may be located in or behind the freezer room F, and an end of thecold air duct 45 may be connected to the freezer room F. For example, the evaporator may be adjacent to the rear side of the freezer room F, and an end (hereinafter, a supply terminal) of thecold air duct 45 may be connected to the rear side and/or pass through the rear wall of the freezer room F. - The cold air duct 41 may include a first
cold air duct 42 and a secondcold air duct 43. - The first
cold air duct 42 and the secondcold air duct 43 may be branched at the supply terminal (e.g., at or near the fan 44) or at a point spaced apart from the supply terminal by a preset distance. The firstcold air duct 42 is connected to theice maker 30 and may supply cold air from the supply terminal to theice maker 30. The secondcold air duct 43 is connected to the refrigeration room R and may supply cold air from the supply terminal to the refrigeration room R. Afan 44 may be at a point or location in the cold air duct 41. Thefan 44 may provide pressure for flowing the cold air through thecold air ducts fan 44 may be at the supply terminal (e.g., adjacent to the evaporator). - The
collection duct 45 provides a path for collecting air (e.g., cold air) from other areas of therefrigerator 1 to the evaporator or the vicinity of the evaporator. Thecollection duct 45 may include afirst collection duct 46 and asecond collection duct 47. First and second ends of thefirst collection duct 46 may be connected to theice maker 30 and the freezer room F, respectively. Thefirst collection duct 46 provides a path for returning the air from theice maker 30 that was used for making ice. First and second ends of thesecond collection duct 47 may be connected to the refrigeration room R and the freezer room F, respectively. Thesecond collection duct 47 returns the cold air in the refrigeration room R to the freezer room F or the evaporator behind the freezer room F in response to the cold air being supplied from the evaporator (or, alternatively, the freezer room F) to the refrigeration room R. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an ice maker suitable for therefrigerator 1 ofFIG. 1 ,FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the ice maker ofFIG. 3 ,FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ice maker ofFIG. 3 , andFIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an exemplary cover unit viewed from the bottom. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 to 6 , theice maker 30 may include acase 100, anice making assembly 200, anice bucket 300, adischarge unit 400 and atransfer unit 500. - The
ice maker 30 may make and store ice. - Hereinafter, the direction from a
cold air duct 110 to thedischarge unit 400 is referred to as a first direction X, a direction perpendicular to the first direction X (e.g., a horizontal direction and/or in a plane) is referred to as a second direction Y, and the vertical direction perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y is referred to as a third direction Z. In addition, a side on which thedischarge unit 400 is located is referred to as a front side, and a side on which thecold air duct 110 is located is referred to as a rear side. - The external shape of the
ice maker 30 may be defined in part by thecase 100. Thecase 100 may have a preset volume and a space for accommodating constitutional components of theice maker 30 therein. Thecase 10 may be fixed at a point inside thestorage room 11 or inside thedoor 20. - The
ice making assembly 200 may make ice by exchanging heat of or in the water with cold air (e.g., from the duct 42). Theice making assembly 200 may include anice tray 2100, aguide unit 2200, arotation unit 2300 and acover unit 2400. - The
ice tray 2100 is configured to contain water. The water in theice tray 2100 is solidified (e.g., becomes ice) through heat exchange with cold air. Theice tray 2100 may comprise a container having a center portion that is concave downwards (e.g., U-shaped), and a space and/or preset volume for containing water may be on or in theice tray 2100. For example, theice tray 2100 may comprise a multi-compartment container, each compartment being configured to hold a predetermined volume of liquid water and optionally having a convex lower surface, in which the center of each compartment has a greater depth than along the sidewalls of each compartment. Theice tray 2100 may have a preset length along the first direction X and a preset width in the second direction Y. For example, theice tray 2100 may be rectangular as seen from the top (e.g., in a plan view). - A
heater 2110 may be under theice tray 2100. Theheater 2110 may contact the bottom surface of theice tray 2100 at least at one point. When the ice made in theice tray 2100 is transferred to theice bucket 300 by therotation unit 2300, theheater 2110 may heat the bottom surface of theice tray 2100 so that the ice may be effectively separated from theice tray 2100. - The
guide unit 2200 may be under theice tray 2100. Theguide unit 2200 forms a path for flowing cold air onto and/or around theice tray 2100. The cold air flowing between theguide unit 2200 and theice tray 2100 cools down theice tray 2100 to freeze the water in theice tray 2100. Theguide unit 2200 may have a preset length in the first direction X and a preset width in the second direction Y. Theguide unit 2200 may contact theice tray 2100 at least at a point and may support theice tray 2100. The rear end of theguide unit 2200 in the first direction X may communicate with thecold air duct 110 that supplies the cold air. Theguide unit 2200 may be fixed to the inside surface of thecase 100 or to thecold air duct 110. - The
rotation unit 2300 moves the ice in theice tray 2100 to theice bucket 300. Therotation unit 2300 may include anice removing shaft 2310 and adrive housing 2320. - As the
ice removing shaft 2310 rotates, the ice in theice tray 2100 is moved to the outside of theice tray 2100. Theice removing shaft 2310 has a preset length and may be in a space above theice tray 2100. The length of theice removing shaft 2310 may be in or along the first direction X. One or moreice removing prominences 2311 may be along theice removing shaft 2310. The ice removing prominence(s) 2311 may extend from the outer surface of theice removing shaft 2310 by a preset length. The ice removing prominence(s) 2311 may not contact the water in theice tray 2100 when therotation unit 2300 is in a standby state (i.e., not in an operational state). When theice removing shaft 2310 rotates for transfer of the ice, the ice removing prominence(s) 2311 may push the ice out of theice tray 2100. - A drive unit (e.g., motor) inside the
drive housing 2320 provides power for rotating theice removing shaft 2310. Thedrive housing 2320 may be located at one side of theice tray 2100 along or with respect to the first direction X. Thedrive housing 2320 may be located on the opposite side of theice removing shaft 2310 from thecold air duct 110. One end of theice removing shaft 2310 may be inserted into thedrive housing 2320 by a preset length and connected to the driving unit (e.g., motor) inside thedrive housing 2320. - The
cover unit 2400 may be on or over theice tray 2100, in or along the third direction Z. Thecover unit 2400 may cover all or part of theice tray 2100. Thecover unit 2400 may have a preset length in the first direction X and a preset width in the second direction Y. The width of thecover unit 2400 may correspond to the width of theguide unit 2200 or may be larger than the width of theguide unit 2200 by a set width. Accordingly, theice tray 2100 may be between theguide unit 2200 and thecover unit 2400. The front end of thecover unit 2400 may contact the top of thedrive housing 2320. Thecover unit 2400 may be fixed to the inner surface of thecase 2410 at least at one point. - A
water supply unit 2410 may be at the rear end of thecover unit 2400. Thewater supply unit 2410 supplies water from an external source to theice tray 2100. For example, a water supply hole 120 connected to awater supply pipe 121 may be at one side of thecase 100. In addition, thewater supply unit 2410 may be aligned with the water supply hole 120, and the water flowing through the water supply hole 120 may be supplied to thewater supply unit 2410. - A side wall 2401 (
FIG. 6 ) may be at one or more sides (e.g., along the second direction Y) of thecover unit 2400, and may extend from thedistribution panel 2435 by (or may otherwise have) a preset length. Theside wall 2401 of thecover unit 2400 may be adjacent to one side of the ice tray 2100 (e.g., in or along the second direction Y). In addition, another side of the cover unit 2400 (e.g., in or along the second direction Y) may be open. Accordingly, the ice of theice tray 2100 may move to theice bucket 300 through the open side of thecover unit 2400. - An
ice making fan 2430 may be in thecover unit 2400. Theice making fan 2430 generates, causes or facilitates flow of air inside thecase 100. For example, theice making fan 2430 may be on or in the top of thecover unit 2400 and may face downwards. Alternatively, theice making fan 2430 may be on theside wall 2401 of thecover unit 2400. Theice making fan 2430 may be in a hole or opening passing through thecover unit 2400. In addition, the space in which theice making fan 2430 is located may be blocked from areas external to thecover unit 2400 by thecover unit 2400. - A
distribution panel 2435 may be between theice making fan 2430 and theice tray 2100. Thedistribution panel 2435 may have a preset area and may face theice making fan 2430. One end of thedistribution panel 2435 may be fixed to thecover unit 2400 or thedrive housing 2320. Thedistribution panel 2435 may comprise a grate or otherwise have a plurality of holes for evenly supplying the air from theice making fan 2430 to theice tray 2100. For example, thedistribution panel 2435 may comprise a plurality of ribs in a lattice structure, a perforated plate, or the like. - The
ice bucket 300 is located under theice making assembly 200 and contains ice from theice making assembly 200. Theice bucket 300 may have a preset length along the first direction X and a preset width in the second direction Y. Theice bucket 300 may comprise a container having a center portion that is concave downwards (e.g., U-shaped), and theice bucket 300 may include a preset volume for containing ice. As seen from the top along the third direction Z, at least part of theice bucket 300 is positioned outside theice tray 2100 in the width direction, and the ice supplied from theice tray 2100 may be contained in theice bucket 300. - The
discharge unit 400 may be at an end of theice bucket 300. Thedischarge unit 400 discharges the ice in theice bucket 300 to the outside of the ice maker 30 (e.g., through the correspondingdoor 20; seeFIG. 1 ). Thedischarge unit 400 may be coupled or connected to the front end of theice bucket 300. Thedischarge unit 400 may be outside thecase 100. Thedischarge unit 400 has a width corresponding to thecase 100 in the second direction Y and a height corresponding to thecase 100 in the third direction Z and may shield thecase 100. Thedischarge unit 400 may be detachable from thecase 100. Accordingly, if the user separates thedischarge unit 400 from thecase 100 and moves thedischarge unit 400 forward (e.g., out of the corresponding storage space), theice bucket 300 may be exposed to the outside of thecase 100. - The
transfer unit 500 moves the ice in theice bucket 300 to thedischarge unit 400. Thetransfer unit 500 includes a transfer shaft 510 and atransfer housing 520. - As the transfer shaft 510 rotates, the ice in the
ice bucket 300 moves to thedischarge unit 400. The transfer shaft 510 has a preset length and may be in the lower part or portion of theice bucket 300. The transfer shaft 510 may have a length or rotational axis in or along the first direction X. For example, the transfer shaft 510 may be or comprise an auger. - The
transfer housing 520 houses a motor that provides power for rotating the transfer shaft 510. Thetransfer housing 520 may be at one side of theice bucket 300 in or along the first direction X. Thetransfer housing 520 may be located on the opposite side of theice bucket 300 from thedischarge unit 400. The transfer shaft 510 is coupled or connected to thetransfer housing 520 or the motor therein, and may rotate by the power provided by the motor in thetransfer housing 520. -
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing control relationships in therefrigerator 1 ofFIG. 1 . Referring toFIG. 7 , therefrigerator 1 may include acontroller 50. Thecontroller 50 controls constitutional components of therefrigerator 1, such as thefan 44, acompressor 60, theice making fan 2430, and the like. - The
ice maker 30 may include atemperature sensor 140. Thetemperature sensor 140 may sense a temperature of the water or the ice in theice tray 2100. For example, thetemperature sensor 140 is in theice tray 2100 and may sense temperature of the water or the ice in theice tray 2100. In addition, thetemperature sensor 140 may be or comprise a non-contacttype temperature sensor 140 capable of sensing the temperature of a material or substance using a non-contact method, based on laser irradiation, irradiating the material or substance with infrared light, or the like. In other configurations of theice maker 30, thetemperature sensor 140 may be inside thedrive housing 2320, thecover unit 2400, theguide unit 2200, theice bucket 300, or thecase 100, and may sense the temperature of the water or the ice in theice tray 2100. - The
compressor 60 is at one side of themain body 10. Thecompressor 60 is connected to the evaporator and is part of a path for circulating refrigerant in therefrigerator 1. After heat-exchange in the evaporator, the refrigerant flows into thecompressor 60. The refrigerant absorbs ambient heat when it evaporates inside the evaporator, and may flow into thecompressor 60 in a gas state and/or in a liquid state. Thecompressor 60 may compress the refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant back to the evaporator. The refrigerant supplied to the evaporator may be condensed into a liquid in the process of compression and/or being returned to the evaporator. - The
controller 50 controls constitutional components of therefrigerator 1. For example, thecontroller 50 may have one physical configuration at one side of therefrigerator 1 to control theice maker 30, a valve 150, thecompressor 60 and other constitutional components of therefrigerator 1. Alternatively, thecontroller 50 may have two or more physical configurations, and they may be at one or more points or locations in therefrigerator 1. In addition, part of thecontroller 50 may control theice maker 30, and other part(s) of thecontroller 50 may control other constitutional components of therefrigerator 1. When thecontroller 50 has two or more physical configurations, each part of the controller is electrically connected to the other part(s), and may control various constitutional components of therefrigerator 1 in connection and/or cooperation with each other. - The amount of the cold air supplied to the
ice maker 30 may vary according to the operational state of thecompressor 60 and/or thefan 44. Thecontroller 50 may control thecompressor 60 to stop the operation of thecompressor 60 when the temperature of thestorage room 11 is lower than a preset temperature and to operate thecompressor 60 when the temperature of thestorage room 11 is higher than the preset temperature. In addition, thecontroller 50 may control thefan 44 to operate when the temperature of thestorage room 11 is higher than the preset temperature, in a manner similar to that of thecompressor 60. Accordingly, cold air is not supplied to theice maker 30 when the temperature of thestorage room 11 is lower than the preset temperature, and cold air may be supplied to theice maker 30 only when the temperature of thestorage room 11 is equal to or higher than the preset temperature. If the time during which the temperature of thestorage room 11 is lower than the preset temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the time during which the cold air is supplied to theice maker 30 is relatively short, and the water in theice tray 2100 does not freeze effectively. Contrarily, theice maker 30 in therefrigerator 1 according to the present invention may circulate air inside theice maker 30 using theice making fan 2430 so that the water may effectively freeze. Thecontroller 50 may drive or operate theice making fan 2430 when thecompressor 60 is non-operational (e.g., stopped), when thefan 44 is non-operational (e.g., stopped), or when both thecompressor 60 and thefan 44 are non-operational (e.g., stopped), so that the water may freeze using the cold air inside theice maker 30 when cold air is not supplied to theice maker 30. In addition, thecontroller 50 may drive or operate theice making fan 2430 when thecompressor 60 is operating, when thefan 44 is operating, or when both thecompressor 60 and thefan 44 are operating, so that the water may freeze more effectively. - According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the
ice making fan 2430 may be a constitutional component of theice maker 30 or a part thereof other than thecover unit 2400, inside thecase 100. For example, theice making fan 2430 may be on the inner surface of thecase 100, on the outer surface of theice bucket 300, on the outer or inner surface of theguide unit 2200, on one side or surface of thedrive housing 2320, or the like so that air may flow inside thecase 100. - According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice maker that can effectively make ice and a refrigerator having the same can be provided.
- In addition, an ice maker that can reduce the time required for freezing water and a refrigerator having the same can be provided.
- The above detailed description provides examples of the present invention. In addition, the above description explains by showing preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention may be used in various different combinations, changes and environments. That is, the present invention may be modified or changed within the scope of the spirit of the present invention disclosed in this specification, within a scope equivalent to the disclosed contents, and/or within the scope of the technique(s) or knowledge of the prior art. The above embodiments describe the best conditions for implementing the technical spirit of the present invention, and various changes in the specific application fields and usages of the present invention also can be made. Accordingly, the detailed description of the present invention as described above shows disclosed embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the appended claims should be interpreted as also including other embodiments.
Claims (15)
1. A refrigerator comprising:
a main body having a storage room therein;
a compressor at one side of the main body, configured to compress refrigerant;
a door on the main body, configured to open and close the storage room; and
an ice maker in the storage room, wherein the ice maker includes:
a case having an external shape;
an ice tray configured to contain water;
a guide unit under the ice tray, forming a path for flowing cold air;
an ice bucket under the guide unit and comprising a container having a concave center portion;
an ice making fan inside the case configured to generate or facilitate a flow of air; and
a rotation unit configured to move the ice in the ice tray to the ice bucket.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the ice maker further includes a cover unit on or above the ice tray.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2 , wherein the ice making fan is in the cover unit.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 3 , wherein the ice maker further includes a distribution panel having a preset area and a plurality of holes.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 4 , wherein the distribution panel is between the ice making fan and the ice tray.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the ice making fan is on an inner surface of the case.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the ice making fan is on an outer surface of the ice bucket.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the ice making fan is in or on the guide unit.
9. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to control the ice making fan.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 9 , wherein the controller operates the ice making fan when the compressor is stopped.
11. An ice maker comprising:
a case having an external shape;
an ice tray configured to contain water;
a guide unit under the ice tray, forming a path for flowing cold air;
an ice bucket under the guide unit and comprising a container having a concave center portion;
a cover unit on or above the ice tray;
an ice making fan in or inside the cover unit; and
a rotation unit configured to move the ice in the ice tray to the ice bucket.
12. The ice maker according to claim 11 , further comprising a distribution panel having a preset area and having a plurality of holes.
13. The ice maker according to claim 12 , wherein the distribution panel is between the ice making fan and the ice tray.
14. The ice maker according to claim 13 , wherein the distribution panel is configured to distribute the air flow on or over the ice tray.
15. The ice maker according to claim 12 , wherein the ice making fan is configured to generate or facilitate an air flow inside the case.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR10-2018-0049453 | 2018-04-27 | ||
KR1020180049453A KR20190125119A (en) | 2018-04-27 | 2018-04-27 | Ice maker and refrigerator having same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190331395A1 true US20190331395A1 (en) | 2019-10-31 |
Family
ID=68292329
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/388,608 Abandoned US20190331395A1 (en) | 2018-04-27 | 2019-04-18 | Ice Maker and Refrigerator Having Same |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190331395A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20190125119A (en) |
CN (1) | CN110411097A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210071926A1 (en) * | 2017-07-07 | 2021-03-11 | Bsh Home Appliances Corporation | Control logic for compact ice making system |
US11719483B2 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2023-08-08 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Ice maker for a refrigerator and method for synchronizing an implementation of an ice making cycle and an implementation of a defrost cycle of an evaporator in a refrigerator |
US11774155B2 (en) | 2020-03-19 | 2023-10-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Icemaker assembly |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101603337B1 (en) | 2009-06-25 | 2016-03-14 | 동부대우전자 주식회사 | Ice maker for refrigerator and controlling method thereof |
KR101715806B1 (en) * | 2015-06-16 | 2017-03-13 | 동부대우전자 주식회사 | Ice making system of refrigerator and ice making method thereof |
KR101754359B1 (en) * | 2015-06-17 | 2017-07-19 | 동부대우전자 주식회사 | Cold air circulation structure of refrigerator and control method therefor |
KR101798552B1 (en) * | 2016-04-25 | 2017-11-17 | 동부대우전자 주식회사 | Ice maker having advanced efficiency for ice-making |
DE102016211437B4 (en) * | 2016-06-27 | 2021-09-23 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Refrigerator with quick freeze function |
CN106766459A (en) * | 2016-11-25 | 2017-05-31 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Ice-making system, refrigerator and its sterilizing control method |
-
2018
- 2018-04-27 KR KR1020180049453A patent/KR20190125119A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2019
- 2019-02-28 CN CN201910149202.5A patent/CN110411097A/en active Pending
- 2019-04-18 US US16/388,608 patent/US20190331395A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210071926A1 (en) * | 2017-07-07 | 2021-03-11 | Bsh Home Appliances Corporation | Control logic for compact ice making system |
US11639821B2 (en) * | 2017-07-07 | 2023-05-02 | Bsh Home Appliances Corporation | Control logic for compact ice making system |
US11774155B2 (en) | 2020-03-19 | 2023-10-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Icemaker assembly |
US11719483B2 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2023-08-08 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Ice maker for a refrigerator and method for synchronizing an implementation of an ice making cycle and an implementation of a defrost cycle of an evaporator in a refrigerator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN110411097A (en) | 2019-11-05 |
KR20190125119A (en) | 2019-11-06 |
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