WO2024080561A1

WO2024080561A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2024080561A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/013406
Authority: WO
Inventors: 서창호; 이동훈; 이욱용; 박종영; 손성균
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2022-10-13
Filing date: 2023-09-07
Publication date: 2024-04-18

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an aspect comprises: a first tray forming a part of an ice-making cell which is a space in which water is phase-changed into ice by cold air and having an opening which is a passage for cold air; a second tray which forms another part of the ice-making cell and is movable with respect to the first tray; a water supply valve for controlling flow of water supplied to the ice-making cell; a sensing unit for sensing an amount of water supplied to the ice-making cell; and a controller for controlling the water supply valve on the basis of the amount of water detected by the sensing unit, wherein the sensing unit includes a sensor installed in a location spaced apart from the opening at the first tray and an insulation member surrounding the sensor.

Description

refrigerator

This specification relates to refrigerators.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures in an internal storage space shielded by a door. The refrigerator can cool the inside of the storage space using cold air, thereby keeping the stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state.

The refrigerator is a side-by-side type refrigerator in which the freezer and refrigerator compartments are arranged on the left and right, a top-mount type refrigerator in which the freezer compartment is located above the refrigerator compartment, or a bottom freezer type refrigerator in which the refrigerator compartment is located above the freezer compartment. You can.

Typically, an ice maker is provided in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator to make ice. The ice maker collects water supplied from a water source or a water tank in a tray and then cools the water to create ice. Ice produced by the ice maker may be stored in an ice bin.

Ice stored in the ice bin is discharged through a dispenser provided in the door, or the user can open the freezer door, access the ice bin, and take out the ice from the ice bin.

Prior literature includes Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1850918 and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0005783.

One embodiment provides a refrigerator that can maintain the same form of ice as that of the ice-making cell.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of producing ice of the same shape as that of the ice-making cell by supplying water precisely as much as the target water supply amount.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of supplying water to an ice-making cell by splitting water into multiple times for precise water supply.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the number of divided water supplies is limited to prevent the number of water supplies from increasing beyond the limit.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of supplying heat from a heater to an ice-making cell even while the second tray is moved to the moving position.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a deviation in ice making speed between a plurality of ice making cells is minimized.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator with reduced ice making time.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which water supplied to the ice-making cell minimizes overflow from the ice-making cell due to external vibration.

A refrigerator according to one aspect may include an ice maker. The ice maker may include a first tray. The first tray may form part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes phase into ice due to cold air. The first tray may have an opening that is a passage for cold air. The ice maker may further include a second tray forming another part of the ice making cell. The second tray may be movable relative to the first tray.

The refrigerator may further include a water supply valve that regulates the flow of water supplied to the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may further include a sensing unit for sensing the amount of water supplied to the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may further include a control unit that controls the water supply valve based on the amount of water detected by the sensing unit.

The sensing unit may include a sensor. The sensor may be installed in the first tray at a location spaced apart from the opening. The sensing unit may further include an insulating member surrounding the sensor. The sensor may detect the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell.

The first tray may include a sensor hole through which the sensor passes. The bottom of the sensor hole may be located lower than the opening.

The sensor may include a sensing bar extending in a vertical direction. The first tray may include a sensor coupling portion to which the sensing bar is coupled. The sensing bar that penetrates the sensor coupling portion may be inserted into the sensor hole. The insulation member may surround the sensing bar and the sensor coupling portion. The top of the sensing bar may be positioned higher than the top of the first tray.

The refrigerator may further include a pusher that penetrates the opening and presses ice generated in the ice-making cell. The upper end of the sensing bar may be positioned higher than the lower end of the pusher. At least a portion of the sensing bar may overlap the pusher in the horizontal direction. A portion of the insulation member may be located between the pusher and the sensing bar. Another part of the insulating member may be located on the opposite side of the part of the insulating member with respect to the sensing bar. The horizontal thickness of a portion of the insulating member may be thinner than the horizontal thickness of another portion of the insulating member.

The insulation member may include a first insulation portion that accommodates the upper side of the sensing bar. The insulation member is located below the first insulation unit and may include a second insulation unit through which the sensing bar penetrates. The sensor may further include a sensor extension part extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the sensing bar. The sensor extension part may be accommodated in one or more of the first insulation part and the second insulation part. At least one of the first insulation part and the second insulation part may include a guide groove that guides the wire connected to the sensing bar.

The sensing unit may further include a cover member surrounding the heat insulating member. It may further include a tray case supporting the first tray, and the cover member may be coupled to the tray case.

The refrigerator may further include a water supply unit that guides water to the ice-making cell. There may be a plurality of ice-making cells. The sensing unit and the water supply unit may be arranged to be spaced apart in the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice-making cells. The refrigerator may further include a cold air guide for guiding cold air toward the ice-making cell. The extension of the cold air guide may pass through one or more of the water supply unit and the sensing unit.

The controller may control the water supply valve to supply water equal to a first standard water supply amount to the ice-making cell at the water supply position of the second tray. The control unit may move the second tray to the ice-making position after completing the supply of water equal to the first reference water supply amount. The control unit may determine whether the water supply amount to the ice-making cell has reached the target water supply amount based on the temperature detected by the sensor. When the water supply amount to the ice-making cell reaches the target water supply amount, the controller can start ice-making. If the water supply amount of the ice-making cell does not reach the target water supply amount, the controller may determine whether the number of times the target water supply amount has not been reached has reached the standard number.

If the number of times the target water supply amount has not been reached reaches the standard number, the control unit may start the ice making room. If the number of times the target water supply amount has not been reached does not reach the standard number, the control unit moves the second tray back to the water supply position and then controls the water supply valve to supply water by a second standard water supply amount smaller than the first standard water supply amount. You can. After the second tray is moved back to the water supply position, the control unit may control the water supply valve to supply water by a second standard water supply amount that is smaller than the first standard water supply amount when an additional water supply condition is satisfied.

The control unit may control the water supply valve to supply water equal to the first standard water supply amount to the ice-making cell when the temperature detected by the sensor is lowered to a temperature lower than the initial water supply start temperature at the water supply position of the second tray.

When the additional water supply condition is satisfied, the temperature detected by the sensor may reach an additional water supply start temperature that is equal to or greater than the initial water supply start temperature.

The refrigerator may further include a moving heater that operates during the moving process. The refrigerator may further include a driving unit to enable movement of the second tray. The control unit may turn on the moving heater after ice production in the ice-making cell is completed. If the operating conditions of the driving unit are satisfied after the moving heater is turned on, the control unit may operate the driving unit to move the second tray to the moving position to remove ice from the ice making cell. The controller may turn off the moving heater when the termination condition of the moving heater is satisfied.

A refrigerator according to another aspect may include a cabinet having a storage compartment. The refrigerator may include a door that opens and closes the storage compartment. The refrigerator may include an ice maker provided in the storage compartment or the door.

The ice maker may include a tray forming an ice-making cell. The ice maker may include a sensing unit including a sensor for detecting the temperature of the ice making cell. The sensing unit may include an insulating member surrounding the sensor.

The refrigerator may further include a water supply valve that regulates water supply to the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may further include a control unit that controls the water supply valve based on the temperature detected by the sensor.

A refrigerator according to another aspect may include a cabinet. The cabinet may form a storage room. The refrigerator may further include a door that opens and closes the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include an ice-making chamber provided in the door or cabinet. The refrigerator may include a space forming wall forming the ice-making chamber. The refrigerator may further include a bracket mounted on the space forming wall. A cold air hole may be formed in the space forming wall.

The refrigerator may further include a tray forming a plurality of ice-making cells. The tray may be supported on the bracket. The plurality of ice making cells may include a first ice making cell located closest to the cold air hole. The plurality of ice making cells may further include a third ice making cell located furthest from the cold air hole. The plurality of ice making cells may further include a second ice making cell located between the first ice making cell and the third ice making cell.

The bracket may include a cold air guide that forms a cold air flow path to allow cold air passing through the cold air hole to flow toward the second ice making cell. One surface of the cold air guide may guide cold air passing through the cold air hole to flow toward the second ice making cell. The other surface of the cold air guide may guide cold air flowing toward the second ice making cell to flow toward the first ice making cell. The cold air guide may be located between the first ice-making cell and the cold air flow path.

The bracket is located closer to the cold air hole than the first ice making cell and may further include a through hole through which cold air passes. The cold air guide may be positioned between the cold air flow path and the through hole. An end of the cold air guide may be located closer to the second ice-making cell than the center of the first ice-making cell.

When the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice making cells is the X-axis direction, the end of the cold air guide may overlap the area between the first ice making cell and the second ice making cell and the Y-axis direction crossing the . An imaginary line extending in the Y-axis direction from an end of the cold air guide may be positioned between the vertical center line of the first ice making cell and the vertical center line of the second ice making cell.

It may further include a water supply unit for supplying water to the plurality of ice-making cells.

An imaginary line extending from the cold air guide in an extension direction of the cold air guide may pass through the water supply unit. The cold air guide may overlap the water supply unit in the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice-making cells. The distance between the water supply unit and the end of the cold air guide may be equal to or greater than the distance between the center of the first ice making cell and the center of the second ice making cell. The distance between the water supply unit and the end of the cold air guide may be smaller than the distance between the center of the first ice making cell and the center of the third ice making cell.

The tray may include a first tray forming part of each of a plurality of ice-making cells. The tray may be movable relative to the first tray by a driving unit, and may further include a second tray forming another part of each of the plurality of ice-making cells. The refrigerator may further include a pusher for pressing ice through the first tray. The top of the cold air guide may be positioned at the same level or higher than the top of the pusher. The cold air flow path may be located above the driving unit.

The refrigerator may further include a supporter supporting the tray from the bottom. The refrigerator may further include a heater installed on the supporter. The supporter may include a supporter body on which the tray is seated. The supporter body may include a heater coupling portion to which the heater is coupled. The supporter body may further include a heater guide portion extending from a heater coupling portion located below the first ice making cell among the supporter bodies. The input unit and output unit of the heater may be located within the heater guide unit.

The refrigerator may further include a supporter having a supporter body supporting the tray. The refrigerator may further include an insulating block surrounding a portion of the supporter body that supports the first ice making cell. The supporter body may include an opening through which a pusher for pressing the tray passes. The insulating block may include a block opening through which the pusher passes.

The tray may include a first tray forming part of each of a plurality of ice-making cells. The tray may be movable relative to the first tray and may include a second tray forming another part of each of the plurality of ice-making cells. The first tray may include a blocking wall that forms part of each of the plurality of ice-making cells. The blocking wall may be provided with a through hole. The blocking wall may be provided with a plurality of slits extending radially from the through hole. It may further include a pusher that presses the ice through the blocking wall so that the ice is separated from the first tray.

According to one embodiment, the shape of the ice may be maintained the same as that of the ice-making cell.

According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that ice of the same shape as that of the ice-making cell can be generated by supplying water precisely as much as the target water supply amount.

According to one embodiment, by limiting the number of divided water supplies, it is possible to prevent the number of water supplies from increasing beyond the limit, thus preventing a delay in ice making.

According to one embodiment, since the sensor is accommodated in an insulating member, cold air can be prevented from directly contacting the sensor.

In one embodiment, heat from the heater can be supplied to the ice-making cell even while the second tray is moved to the moving position, thereby improving moving performance.

According to one embodiment, the difference in ice-making speed between a plurality of ice-making cells can be minimized.

According to one embodiment, ice-making time may be reduced.

According to one embodiment, the overflow of water supplied to the ice-making cell due to external vibration can be minimized.

1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 is separated.

Figure 3 is a perspective view seen from the front of the first refrigerating chamber door according to the first embodiment.

Figure 4 is a perspective view seen from the rear of the first refrigerating compartment door according to the first embodiment.

Figure 5 is a side view of the first refrigerating chamber door according to the first embodiment.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a view showing a cold air flow path in the first refrigerating chamber door of the first embodiment.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second ice maker according to the first embodiment.

9 is a plan view of a second ice maker according to the first embodiment.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the bracket according to the first embodiment as seen from above.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the bracket according to the first embodiment viewed from below.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a first supporter according to the first embodiment.

Figure 13 is a top perspective view of the first tray according to the first embodiment.

Figure 14 is a lower perspective view of the first tray according to the first embodiment.

15 is a perspective view of a second tray cover according to the first embodiment.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a second tray according to the first embodiment.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a second supporter according to the first embodiment.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a second pusher according to the first embodiment.

19 is an exploded perspective view of a sensing unit according to the first embodiment.

Figure 20 is a diagram showing a state in which a sensor is coupled to a first tray.

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 in Figure 9.

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 in Figure 9.

Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of a heat insulating member according to the first embodiment.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a cover member according to the first embodiment.

25 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

Figure 26 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating ice in the second ice maker according to the first embodiment.

Figure 27 is a diagram showing a state in which water supply is completed at the water supply location.

Figure 28 is a diagram showing a state in which the second tray is moved to the ice making position.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of a second ice maker according to the second embodiment.

30 is a plan view of a second ice maker according to this embodiment.

Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 in Figure 30.

32 is a diagram showing a state in which the second ice maker according to the second embodiment is installed in the second space.

Figure 33 is a perspective view of the bracket of the second embodiment as seen from above.

Figure 34 is a bottom view of the second tray seated on the second supporter according to the third embodiment.

Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view showing an insulating block coupled to a second supporter according to the fourth embodiment.

Figure 36 is a perspective view of an insulation block according to the fourth embodiment.

Figure 37 is a plan view of the insulation block of Figure 36.

Figure 38 is a view showing a blocking wall of the first tray according to the fifth embodiment.

Figure 39 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first tray of Figure 38;

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a view showing one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 in a separated state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view viewed from the front of the first refrigerating compartment door according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view viewed from the rear of the first refrigerating compartment door according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a side view of the first refrigerating compartment door according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 , the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment may include a cabinet 2 having a storage compartment. The refrigerator 1 may further include a refrigerator door that opens and closes the storage compartment.

The storage compartment may include a refrigerating compartment (18). The storage compartment may optionally or additionally include a freezer compartment (19). For example, Figure 2 shows that the storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment 18 and a freezing compartment 19.

The refrigerating compartment 18 can be opened and closed by one or more refrigerating compartment doors 5. The freezer compartment 19 can be opened and closed by one or more freezer doors 30.

Hereinafter, the refrigerating compartment 18 will be described as an example of being opened and closed by the first refrigerating compartment door 10 and the second refrigerating compartment door 20.

At least one of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 and the second refrigerating compartment door 20 may include a dispenser 11 for dispensing water and/or ice. Of course, depending on the type of refrigerator, the freezer door 30 may be equipped with the dispenser 11.

At least one of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 and the second refrigerating compartment door 20 may include one or more ice makers. Hereinafter, an example in which an ice maker is provided in the first refrigerating compartment door 10 will be described. Of course, if necessary, an ice maker may be provided in the second refrigerating compartment door 20 or the freezing compartment door 30. At this time, the dispenser 11 and the ice maker may be installed in the same door.

Hereinafter, it will be described as an example that the first refrigerating compartment door 20 includes a plurality of ice makers. It is not limited to this, and the second refrigerating compartment door 20 may also include a plurality of ice makers.

2 exemplarily shows that the refrigerator 1 is a bottom freezer type refrigerator. However, unlike this, it is revealed that the idea of the present invention can be equally applied to a side-by-side type refrigerator or a top mount type refrigerator. put it In the case of a side-by-side type or top-mount type refrigerator, the freezer compartment door may include a plurality of ice makers or the refrigerator compartment door may include a plurality of ice makers.

The dispenser 11 is located in the front of the first refrigerating compartment door 10, and a portion of the dispenser 11 may be recessed toward the rear to provide a space in which a container can be placed.

The plurality of ice makers may be arranged in a vertical direction. For example, the plurality of ice makers may include a first ice maker 200. The plurality of ice makers may further include a second ice maker 500.

At least a portion of the second ice maker 500 may be located below the first ice maker 200. Of course, this embodiment does not exclude that a plurality of

ice makers

200 and 500 are arranged in the left and right directions.

The dispenser 11 may discharge at least ice produced in the first ice maker 200. To this end, at least a portion of the first ice maker 200 may be located higher than the dispenser 11.

When the dispenser 11 is capable of discharging ice produced by the second ice maker 500, at least a portion of the second ice maker 500 may be positioned higher than the dispenser 11. Alternatively, even if the second ice maker 500 is located at the same level or lower than the dispenser 11, the ice produced in the second ice maker 500 may be transferred to the dispenser 11 by a separate transfer mechanism.

As another example, the dispenser 11 may include a first dispenser through which ice produced by the first ice maker 200 is discharged, and a second dispenser through which ice produced by the second ice maker 500 is discharged. do.

The second ice maker 500 may be located behind the dispenser 11.

The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may include an outer case 101 to form a front exterior. The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a door liner 102 coupled to the outer case 101. The door liner 102 can open and close the refrigerating compartment 18.

When the outer case 101 and the door liner 102 are coupled, an insulating space may be formed in the space between the outer case 101 and the door liner 102. An insulating material may be provided in the insulating space.

The door liner 102 may include a first space 122 in which the first ice maker 200 is located. The first space 122 may also be referred to as a first ice-making room. The door liner 102 may further include a second space 124 in which the second ice maker 500 is located. The second space 124 may also be referred to as a second ice-making room.

In this embodiment, the second ice maker 500 may be omitted, and even in this case, the second space 124 may exist. At this time, the second space 124 may function as a door storage room used for a specific purpose. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the position of the second ice maker 500 may be changed. Depending on the type of refrigerator, the second ice maker 500 may be located in the storage space. In this case, the second space 124 may exist or the second space 124 may be omitted.

The first space 122 may be formed as one surface of the door liner 102 is depressed toward the outer case 101. The second space 124 may be formed as one surface of the door liner 102 is depressed toward the outer case 101. For example, the second space 124 may be depressed toward the dispenser 11.

The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may include a first ice bin 280 in which ice generated by the first ice maker 200 is stored. The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a second ice bin 600 in which ice generated by the second ice maker 500 is stored. Of course, if the second ice maker 500 is omitted, the second ice bin 600 may also be omitted.

The first ice bin 280 may be accommodated in the first space 122 together with the first ice maker 200. The second ice bin 600 may be accommodated in the second space 124 together with the second ice maker 500.

Cold generated in a cooler may be supplied to the first space 122. The cooler may be defined as a means for cooling the storage compartment, including at least one of a refrigerant cycle and a thermoelectric element. For example, cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 19 may be supplied to the first space 122 . Cold generated in the cooler may be supplied to the second space 124. For example, cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 19 may be supplied to the second space 124 .

The refrigerator 1 has a supply passage 2a that guides the cold air of the freezer compartment 19 or the cold air of the space where the evaporator that generates cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 19 is located to the first refrigerator compartment door 10. ) may include. The refrigerator 1 may include a discharge passage 2b that guides cold air discharged from the first refrigerator compartment door 10 to the freezer compartment 19 or a space where the evaporator is located. The supply flow path (2a) and the discharge flow path (2b) may be provided in the cabinet (2).

The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may include a cold air inlet 123a. When the first refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed, the cold air inlet 123a may communicate with the supply passage 2a. The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a cold air outlet 123b. When the first refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed, the cold air outlet 123b may communicate with the discharge passage 2b. The cold air inlet 123a may be formed on one side of the door liner 102. Although not limiting, one side of the door liner 102 faces the wall where the supply passage 2a is located in the refrigerating compartment 18 when the first refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed.

The cold air outlet 123b may be formed on one side of the door liner 102. Although not limiting, one side of the door liner 102 faces the wall where the discharge passage 2b is located in the refrigerating compartment 18 when the first refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed.

The form of ice produced by the first ice maker 200 may be the same as or different from that of the ice produced by the second ice maker 200. For example, the second ice maker 200 can form ice in a spherical shape. As used herein, “spherical shape” means not only a spherical shape but also a shape similar to a spherical shape geometrically.

The transparency of the ice produced by the first ice maker 200 may be the same as or different from the transparency of the ice produced by the second ice maker 500. For example, the transparency of ice produced by the second ice maker 500 may be higher than that of ice produced by the first ice maker 200. The size (or volume) of ice produced in the first ice maker 200 and the size (or volume) of ice produced in the second ice maker 500 may be different. For example, the size (or volume) of ice produced in the second ice maker 500 may be larger than the size (or volume) of ice produced in the first ice maker 200. The structure of the first ice maker 200 for producing ice and the method in which the ice is separated are the same as the structure of the second ice maker 500 and the method in which the ice produced in the second ice maker 500 is separated. can be different. When the structures and/or moving methods of the ice makers are different, the shape of the first space 122 where the first ice maker 200 is located is determined by the shape of the second space 124 where the second ice maker 500 is located. The shape may be different.

Due to the difference in depth between the first and

second spaces

122 and 124, the one side of the door liner 102 may include a first side portion 102a and a second side portion 102b having different widths in the front-back direction. You can. The width of the second side portion 102b may be larger than the width of the first side portion 102a.

One or more of the cold air inlet 123a and the cold air outlet 123b may be formed on the second side portion 102b of the door liner 102. The second side portion 102b may protrude further toward the refrigerating compartment 18 than the first side portion 102a.

The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a first door 130 (or first space door) that opens and closes the first space 122. The first door 130 may be an insulated door provided with an insulating material inside. The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a second door 132 (or a second space door) that opens and closes the second space 124. The second door 132 may be an insulated door provided with an insulating material inside. Even if the second ice maker 500 is omitted, the second door 132 may exist.

The first door 130 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating compartment door 10 by a hinge. The second door 132 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating compartment door 10 by a hinge. The rotation direction of the first door 130 and the rotation direction of the second door 132 may be the same or different.

Meanwhile, a basket 136 capable of storing food may be connected to the first door 130 by varying the thickness of the first refrigerating compartment door 10.

A filter (not shown) may be mounted on one side 103 of the first refrigerating compartment door 10, and the filter may be covered by a filter cover 142.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 7 is a view showing a cold air flow path in the first refrigerating compartment door of the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a cold air passage for cold air flow. The cold air flow path may be formed by a cold air duct, not shown. The cold air duct may be installed in the door liner 102, for example.

The cold air flow path may guide cold air to one or more of the first space 122 and the second space 124. The cold air flow path may include a first cold air flow path (P1). The first cold air passage P1 may guide cold air supplied from the cabinet 2 to the first space 122. Cold air guided by the first cold air passage P1 may flow toward the first ice maker 200.

The cold air flow path may further include a second cold air flow path (P2). The second cold air flow path P2 may guide cold air from the first space 122 to the second space 124. Cold air may descend from the second cold air flow path (P2) and be supplied to the second space 124. Cold air guided by the second cold air passage P2 may flow toward the second ice maker 500.

The cold air flow path may further include a third cold air flow path (P3). The third cold air passage P3 may guide cold air in the second space 124 to the outside of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 . Cold air in the lower part of the second space 124 may flow through the third cold air passage P3.

Meanwhile, the first ice maker 200 may include an ice tray 210 forming an ice-making cell. The first ice maker 200 may further include a driving unit that provides power to automatically rotate the ice tray 210 to separate ice from the ice tray 210. The first ice maker 200 may further include a power transmission unit that transmits power from the driving unit to the ice tray 210.

The ice tray 210 may include a plurality of ice-making cells. Water discharged from a water supply unit (not shown) and dropped into the ice tray 210 may be distributed to the plurality of ice-making cells.

When ice production in the ice tray 210 is completed, the ice may be separated from the ice tray 210 as the ice tray 210 is rotated (twisted) by the driving unit. Ice separated from the ice tray 210 may be stored in the first ice bin 280.

The second ice maker 500 may include a tray forming an ice making cell 501. The tray may include a first tray 510 forming part of the ice making cell 501. The tray may further include a second tray 550 forming another part of the ice making cell 501.

The second tray 550 may be moved relative to the first tray 510 . For example, the second tray 550 may be rotated relative to the first tray 510, may move linearly relative to the first tray 510, or may perform linear and rotational movements.

When the second tray 550 is a rotating type, water supply may be performed at the water supply location of the second tray 550. After completion of water supply, the second tray 550 may be rotated to the ice-making position. When the second tray 550 is a linear movement type, water supply may be performed at the ice-making position of the second tray 550. When the second tray 550 is a rotating type, at least a portion of the second tray 550 may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the first tray 510 at the water supply position. The portion of the second tray 550 spaced apart from the first tray 510 at the water supply position may contact the first tray 510 at the ice making position to complete the ice making cell 501.

The dispenser 11 may include a dispenser housing 11a. The dispenser housing 11a may form a receiving space. A container such as a cup may be placed in the receiving space. Water or ice may be discharged into the receiving space. At least a portion of the dispenser housing 11a may be arranged to overlap the second space 124 in the front-back direction. The shortest horizontal distance between the front of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 and the second space 124 is greater than the shortest horizontal distance between the front of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 and the first space 122 by the dispenser housing 11a. Horizontal distances can be large. The vertical length of the first space 122 may be longer than the vertical length of the second space 124. At least a portion of the second space 124 may overlap the first space 122 in the vertical direction. The ice making cell 501 of the second ice maker 500 may overlap the dispenser housing 11a in the front-back direction.

An ice chute 700 may be placed below the first space 122. The ice chute 700 can be opened and closed by the cap duct 900. An ice guide 800 may be located below the ice chute 700. The ice chute 700 may guide ice discharged from the first ice bin 280 to the ice guide 800.

The ice guide 800 may guide ice and allow the ice to be finally discharged. The ice chute 700 may overlap at least a portion of the first space 122 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the ice chute 700 may overlap the second space 124 in the vertical direction.

A water tank 340 may be detachably mounted on the first refrigerating compartment door 10. At least a portion of the ice chute 700 may overlap the water tank 340 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the water tank 340 may overlap the ice-making cell 501 in the vertical direction.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second ice maker according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a plan view of the second ice maker according to the first embodiment. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the bracket according to the first embodiment as seen from the top, and Figure 11 is a perspective view of the bracket according to the first embodiment as seen from the bottom.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11 , the second ice maker 500 may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly.

The first tray assembly may include a first tray 510, a first tray case, or the first tray 510 and a first tray case. The second tray assembly may include a second tray 550, a second tray case, or the second tray 550 and a second tray case.

The second ice maker 500 may include a bracket 520. The bracket 520 may be a component of the first tray assembly. The bracket 520 may be a component of the first tray case. The bracket 520 may be installed on a wall forming the second space 124, for example. A water supply unit 546 may be installed on the bracket 520. The water supply unit 546 may guide water supplied from the upper side to the lower side of the water supply unit 546.

The second ice maker 500 may include an ice-making cell 501, which is a space where water is phase-changed into ice by cold (for example, cold air). In this embodiment, the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may be arranged in a vertical direction while forming the ice-making cell 501. Alternatively, the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may be arranged in the front-back or left-right direction while forming the ice-making cell 501.

A plurality of ice-making cells 501 may be defined by the first tray 510 and the second tray 550. Hereinafter, the formation of three ice-making cells 501 will be described as an example. When water is cooled by cold air while water is supplied to the ice-making cell 501, ice of the same or similar form as that of the ice-making cell 501 may be generated. In this embodiment, for example, the ice-making cell 501 may be formed in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a spherical shape. Of course, the ice-making cell 501 may also be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a polygonal shape.

The first tray case may include the bracket 520, for example. The first tray case may further include a first supporter 530. At least a portion of the first supporter 530 may be located below the first tray 510 .

The second ice maker 500 may further include a first pusher 540 for separating ice during the ice moving process. The first pusher 540 may receive power from a driving unit 580, which will be described later. The first supporter 530 may support the first tray 510. The first supporter 530 may guide the movement of the first pusher 540.

The first pusher 540 may be coupled to the pusher link 548. At this time, the first pusher 540 may be rotatably coupled to the pusher link 548. Accordingly, when the pusher link 548 moves, the first pusher 540 may also be moved by being guided by the first supporter 530.

For example, the second tray case may include a second tray cover 560. The second tray case may further include a second supporter 570. For example, at least a portion of the second tray cover 560 may be located on one side or above the second tray 550 . At least a portion of the second supporter 570 may be located on the other side or lower side of the second tray 550. The second supporter 570 may support the second tray 550 on the other side of the second tray 550. An elastic member 547 may be connected to one side of the second supporter 570. The elastic member 547 may provide elastic force to the second supporter 570 to maintain the second tray 550 in contact with the first tray 510 .

The second ice maker 500 may further include a driving unit 580 that provides driving force. The second tray 550 may move relative to the first tray 510 by receiving the driving force of the driving unit 580. The first pusher 540 may move by receiving the driving force of the driving force 580. A connecting arm 549 may be coupled to the driving unit 580. The connection arm 549 is connected to the second supporter 570 and can transmit the power of the driving unit 580 to the second supporter 570.

The driving unit 580 may include a motor and a plurality of gears. A full ice detection lever may be connected to the driving unit 580. The full ice detection lever may also be rotated by the rotational force provided by the driving unit 580.

The driving unit 580 may further include a cam that rotates by receiving rotational power from the motor. The second ice maker 500 may further include a sensor that detects rotation of the cam. The control unit, which will be described later, can determine the location of the second tray 550 (or the second tray assembly) based on the type and pattern of the signal output from the sensor.

The second ice maker 500 may further include a second pusher 590. The second pusher 590 may be installed on the bracket 520, for example. The second pusher 590 can push ice located in the ice-making cell 501.

The second ice maker 500 may further include a sensing unit 400. The sensing unit 400 can sense the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell 501. In this embodiment, the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell 501 may be referred to as the internal temperature of the ice-making cell 501. The sensing unit 400 may be installed on the bracket 520, for example.

The bracket 520 may include a first tray cover 521. The first tray cover 521 may include an opening 523. The first tray 510 may contact one side of the first tray cover 521 on one side of the first tray cover 521 . A portion of the first tray 510 may pass through the opening 523. The first tray cover 521 may include a heater case 521b extending downward around the opening 523. The heater case 521b can accommodate a moving heater 503 (or first heater), which will be described later. In any case, the moving heater 503 can supply heat to the first tray 501 at least during the moving process. Heat supplied to the first tray 510 may be transferred to the ice making cell 501.

The bracket 520 may further include a peripheral portion 522 extending from the first tray cover 521. The bracket 520 may further include a cold air guide 524 that extends upward from the first tray cover 521 and guides cold air toward the opening 523. Since a portion of the first tray 510 penetrates the opening 523, cold air guided by the cold air guide 524 may contact the first tray 510.

The bracket 520 may further include a plurality of fastening bosses 525 for fastening to the first supporter 530. The fastening member may pass through the plurality of fastening bosses 525 and be fastened to the first supporter 530. The fastening member may be fastened to the first supporter 530 after penetrating the fastening boss 525 and the first tray 510. The sensing unit 400 may be seated on some of the plurality of fastening bosses 525 . Accordingly, the fastening member can couple the sensing unit 400 to the fastening boss.

The bracket 520 may further include a coupling portion 528 to which the water supply portion 546 is coupled. The coupling portion 528 may be provided on the first tray cover 521. The coupling portion 528 may protrude upward from the first tray cover 521. The coupling portion 528 may include a fixing protrusion 528a. The fixing protrusion 528a may protrude from the upper surface of the coupling portion 528. The water supply part 546 may include an extension part 546a extending to be seated on the upper surface of the coupling part 528. The extension portion 546a may extend horizontally from the lower side of the water supply portion 546. The extension portion 546a may include a fixing hole 546b through which the fixing protrusion 528a passes. The extension portion 546a may further include a fastening hole 546c through which the fastening member passes. The coupling portion 528 may include a fastening groove 528b into which the fastening member penetrating the fastening hole 546c is fastened.

The sensing unit 400 and the water supply unit 546 may be spaced apart in the direction in which the ice-making cells 501 are arranged (for example, the X-axis direction).

The sensing unit 400 may be located adjacent to the cold air guide 524. At least a portion of the sensing unit 400 is positioned between the extension line A1 of the cold air guide 524 and the first pusher 540 to minimize the sensing unit 400 acting as cold air flow resistance. It can be. From the perspective of cold air flowing, the sensing unit 400 may be located upstream of the water supply unit 546. The sensing unit 400 may be located between the water supply unit 546 and the cold air guide 524. The extension line A1 of the cold air guide 524 may pass through the water supply unit 546 and the cold air guide 524.

The cold air guided by the cold air guide 524 tries to flow toward the ice-making cell 501 (the outermost ice-making cell) located far from the cold air guide 524. At this time, if the water supply unit 546 is located on the side of the ice-making cell 501 located far from the cold air guide 524, the cold air can be prevented from concentrating toward the outermost ice-making cell by the water supply unit 546. . In this case, the variation in ice generation speed in the plurality of ice making cells 501 may be reduced.

The bracket 520 may further include a pusher fixing wall 526 to which the second pusher 590 is fixed. The pusher fixing wall 526 may be inclined. The pusher fixing wall 526 may be provided with a pusher seating groove 527 for installation of the second pusher 590. The pusher seating groove 527 may be provided with a locking protrusion 527a to prevent the second pusher 590 from being separated downward. The pusher fixing wall 526 may be provided with a separation prevention protrusion 527b to prevent the second pusher 590 seated in the pusher seating groove 527 from being separated. The separation prevention protrusion 527b may extend from the pusher fixing wall 526 toward the pusher seating groove 527. The separation prevention protrusion 527b may be spaced apart from the pusher seating groove 527. The separation prevention protrusion 527b may contact the second pusher 590 seated in the pusher seating groove 527 or may pressurize the second pusher 590.

The bracket 520 may further include a sensor mounting portion 529 on which an ice-making room temperature sensor (see 1005 in FIG. 25) for detecting the temperature of the second space 124 is mounted. For example, the sensor mounting portion 529 may extend from the peripheral portion 522. The sensor mounting portion 529 may extend from the peripheral portion 522 toward the opening 523. Of course, it is also possible to omit the ice-making room temperature sensor. At least a portion of the sensor mounting unit 529 may view the space between the water supply unit 546 and the sensing unit 400.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the first supporter 530 may include a rate 531 that contacts the first tray 510 . A plate opening 531a (or through hole) may be formed in the plate 531. A barrier 532 extending upward may be formed on the edge of the plate 501. The first supporter 530 may further include a plurality of extension walls 536 extending upward from the barrier 532. The plurality of extension walls 536 may be spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

The first supporter 530 may include a guide slot 537 for guiding the movement of the first pusher 540. A portion of the guide slot 537 may be formed in the extension wall 536. Another part of the guide slot 537 may be formed in the barrier 532 located below the extension wall 536. The first pusher 540 may be inserted into the guide slot 537. The first pusher 540 may move up and down along the guide slot 537.

The first supporter 530 may further include a plurality of fastening portions 538 for fastening to the bracket 520. The plurality of fastening portions 538 may be formed on the plate 531. The fastening portion 538 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the plate 531. The fastening portion 538 may be aligned with the fastening boss 525 of the bracket 520.

The first supporter 530 may further include a protrusion slot 533 in which a protrusion (described later) provided on the first tray 530 is accommodated. The protruding slot 533 may be formed in the plate 531.

The first supporter 530 causes water in the ice-making cell 501 to flow when the first refrigerating compartment door 10 is opened or closed at the water supply position of the second tray 550 or due to vibration of the refrigerator 1. It may further include an overflow prevention wall 539 to prevent water from overflowing to the outside through the gap between the first tray 510 and the second tray 550. For example, the water overflow prevention wall 539 may extend downward from the upper plate 531. When the first tray 510 is coupled to the first supporter 530, the overflow prevention wall 539 may be spaced apart from the first tray 510.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the first tray according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the first tray according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 , the first tray 510 may define a first cell 511a that is part of the ice making cell 501. The first tray 510 may include a first tray wall 511 that forms part of the ice making cell 501. For example, the first tray 510 may define a plurality of first cells 511a.

The first tray 510 may include an opening 514. The opening 514 may communicate with the first cell 511a. The opening 514 may allow cold air to be supplied to the first cell 511a. The opening 514 may allow water for ice generation to be supplied to the first cell 511a. The opening 514 may provide a passage for a portion of the first pusher 540 to pass through. For example, during the moving process, a portion of the first pusher 540 may pass through the opening 514 and enter the ice making cell 501.

The first tray 510 may further include an auxiliary storage compartment 515 that is in communication with the ice making cell 501. For example, the auxiliary storage compartment 515 may store water that overflows from the ice-making cell 501. Ice that expands during the phase change of supplied water may be placed in the auxiliary storage compartment 515. The auxiliary storage compartment 515 may be formed by the storage compartment wall 515a. The storage compartment wall 515a may extend upward around the opening 514. The storage compartment wall 515a may be formed in a cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.

The storage compartment wall 515a corresponding to some of the first cells 511a among the plurality of first cells 511a may further include an inlet opening 519 for water inflow. The outlet of the water supply unit 546 may be aligned with the inlet opening 519. The first pusher 540 may pass through the opening 514 after passing through the storage compartment wall 515a. The storage compartment wall 515a can reduce deformation around the opening 514 when the first pusher 540 passes through the opening 514 during the moving process.

To prevent water in the ice-making cell 501 from overflowing to the outside of the storage compartment wall 515a through the opening 514 due to the opening and closing process of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 or vibration of the refrigerator 1. A blocking wall 515b may be provided at the upper end of the storage compartment wall 515a. A through hole 515c may be provided in the center of the blocking wall 515b to allow passage of the first pusher 540 while limiting water overflow. The blocking wall 515b may be provided with a plurality of slits 515d extending in the radial direction of the through hole 515c. The plurality of slits 515d may extend while being spaced apart by a certain angle.

The first tray 510 may further include a first extension wall 517 extending horizontally from the first tray wall 511 . For example, the first extension wall 517 may extend in the horizontal direction around the upper end of the first extension wall 517 . The first extension wall 517 may be provided with one or more first fastening holes 517a.

Protrusions

517b and 517c may be formed on the first extension wall 517 of the first tray 510. For example, one or more protrusions 517c may be formed on the upper surface of the first extension wall 517. One or more protrusions 517b may be formed on the lower surface of the first extension wall 517.

The first tray 510 may further include a sensor hole 511b through which a portion of the sensing unit 400 passes. The sensor hole 511b may penetrate the first tray wall 511 in the vertical direction.

The first tray 510 may further include a sensor coupling portion 511c. The sensor coupling portion 511c may extend upward from the first tray wall 511c. The sensing bar 412 of the sensing unit 400 may be accommodated in the sensor hole 511b after penetrating the sensor coupling portion 511c.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a second tray cover according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, the second tray cover 560 of this embodiment may include a plate 561. A portion of the second tray 550 may be fixed in contact with one surface of the plate 561. The plate 561 may be provided with an opening 562 through which a portion of the second tray 550 passes. For example, when the second tray 550 is positioned below the plate 561 and the second tray 550 is fixed to the plate 561, a portion of the second tray 550 is It may protrude upward from the plate 361 through the opening 562. A portion of the second tray cover 560 may extend vertically upward from the lower plate 561.

The second tray cover 560 may include a round wall 565 that rounds upward from the plate 561 and away from the opening 562.

The second tray cover 560 may further include a fastening boss 567. The fastening boss 567 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the plate 561. The fastening member may be fastened to the fastening boss 567 from the lower side of the fastening boss 567. The second tray cover 560 may further include a slot 568 for coupling to the second tray 550. A portion of the second tray 550 may be inserted into the slot 568.

The second tray cover 560 may further include a chamber wall 569 that defines a water receiving chamber that stores water overflowing from the ice making cell 501. The chamber wall 569 may extend upward from the edge of the lower plate 561.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the second tray according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, the second tray 550 may define a second cell 551a, which is another part of the ice making cell 501. The second tray 550 may include a second tray wall 551 defining the second cell 551a. For example, the second tray 550 may define a plurality of second cells 551a. Based on FIG. 16, the plurality of second cells 551a may be arranged in the X-axis direction. For example, the second tray wall 551 may define the plurality of second cells 551a.

The second tray 550 may include a barrier 557 extending around one end of the second tray wall 551 . For example, the barrier 557 may be formed integrally with the second tray wall 551 and extend from one end of the second tray wall 551 . One end may be an upper part, for example. When the second tray 550 includes the barrier 557, the second tray 550 may surround the first tray 510.

The second tray 550 may further include an extension wall 557b extending in the horizontal direction. The extension wall 557b may be provided with one or more second fastening holes 557a for fastening to the second tray case. The extension wall 557b may be provided with one or more protrusions 557d to be coupled to the second tray case.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the second supporter 570 may include a supporter body 571 on which the lower portion of the second tray 550 is seated. The supporter body 571 may include a receiving space 576a in which a portion of the second tray 550 can be accommodated. The supporter body 571 may include a lower opening 572 (or through hole) through which a portion of the second pusher 590 passes through during the moving process. A portion of the lower side of the second tray 550 may be exposed through the lower opening 572. At least a portion of the second tray 550 may be located in the lower opening 572.

The second supporter 570 may further include a heater coupling portion 576c. The heater coupling portion 576c may be depressed downward from the surface of the supporter body 571 where the second tray 550 contacts. A portion of the heater coupling portion 576c may be arranged to surround the lower opening 572. A transparent ice heater (see 505 in FIG. 21) (or a second heater) may be coupled to the heater coupling portion 576c. One or more fastening holes 577b may be formed in the supporter body 571. The fastening hole 577b may be aligned with the second fastening hole 557a of the second tray 550.

The second supporter 550 may further include a peripheral wall 575. A pair of extension parts 573 for rotating the second tray 550 may be provided on one surface of the peripheral wall 575. Each of the extension parts 573 may further include a through hole 574. A shaft transmitting power of the driving unit 580 may be connected to the through hole 574.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 18 , the second pusher 590 may be coupled to the bracket 520 . The second pusher 590 may include a plate 591. The plate 591 may be seated in the pusher seating groove 527. The second pusher 590 may further include a pushing bar 592 extending from one surface of the plate 591. The pushing bar 592 can push ice located in the ice-making cell 501. For example, the pushing bar 592 may penetrate the second supporter 570 and come into contact with the second tray 550 forming the ice-making cell 501. The pushing bar 592 may press the second tray 550 that is in contact with it.

The second pusher 590 may include a protruding guide groove 593 formed on the other surface of the plate 591. The protruding guide groove 593 may extend downward from the upper surface of the plate 591. The protrusion guide groove 593 may guide the catching protrusion 527a in the process of seating the plate 591 in the pusher seating groove 527. An inclined surface 593a may be provided on the lower side of the protruding guide groove 593. The inclined surface 593a may be spaced apart from the lower end 593b of the plate 591. In the process of seating the plate 591 in the pusher seating groove 527, the catching protrusion 527a may contact the inclined groove 593a. When the plate 591 is completely inserted into the pusher seating groove 527, the locking protrusion 527a may pass through the inclined groove 593a and be caught on the lower end 593b of the plate 591.

Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of the sensing unit of the first embodiment, Figure 20 is a diagram showing a state in which the sensor is coupled to the first tray, Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of Figure 9, and Figure 22 is a This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 in Figure 9. Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of the heat insulating member of the first embodiment, and Figure 24 is a perspective view of the cover member of the first embodiment.

19 to 24, the sensing unit 400 may include a tray temperature sensor 410. Hereinafter, the tray temperature sensor will be briefly referred to as a “sensor.”

The sensor 410 is coupled to the first tray 510 and can detect the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell 501. The sensor 410 may include a sensing bar 412. The sensing bar 412 may be coupled to the first tray 510. The sensor 410 may include a sensor extension 414. The sensor extension 414 may be formed integrally with the sensing bar 412 or may be combined with the sensing bar 412. The sensor extension part 414 may extend in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the sensing bar 412. With reference to FIG. 21 , the sensing bar 412 may extend in the vertical direction. The sensor extension part 414 may extend in the horizontal direction.

The sensing bar 412 can be accommodated in the sensor hole 511b. The end 412b of the sensing bar 412 accommodated in the sensor hole 511b may be exposed to the first cell 511a. The end 412b of the sensing bar 412 may protrude into the first cell 511a. Water supplied to the ice-making cell 501 may contact the sensing bar 412. The top 412a of the sensing bar 412 may be positioned higher than the top of the first tray 510. For example, the top 412a of the sensing bar 412 may be positioned higher than the storage compartment wall 515a.

The sensing unit 400 may further include an insulation member 450. The insulation member 450 may surround the sensor 410. The insulation member 400 may prevent cold air from directly contacting the sensor 410.

The insulation member 450 may include a first insulation portion 451. The first insulation portion 451 may accommodate a portion of the sensor 410. For example, the first insulation part 451 may accommodate the upper part of the sensing bar 412. The insulation member 450 may further include a second insulation portion 455. The second insulation portion 455 may accommodate another part of the sensor 410. For example, part of the sensing bar 412 may be accommodated in the second insulating part 455 and the other part may protrude out of the second insulating part 455. The first insulation part 451 may be seated on the upper surface of the second insulation part 455.

The upper portion of the sensor extension 414 of the sensing bar 412 may be accommodated in the first insulation portion 451. The first insulation portion 451 may include a receiving groove 452 in which the sensing bar 412 is accommodated. The receiving groove 452 may be formed as the lower surface of the first insulation portion 451 is depressed upward. The sensor extension part 414 may be accommodated in one or more of the first insulating part 451 and the second insulating part 455. The first insulation part 451 may further include a recessed part 453 in which the sensor extension part 414 is accommodated. The depressed portion 453 may be formed as the lower surface of the first insulation portion 451 is depressed upward. When the sensor extension part 414 is accommodated in the recessed part 453, rotation of the sensor 410 may be prevented.

At least one of the first insulation part 451 and the second insulation part 455 may include a guide groove that guides the wire 416 connected to the sensing bar 412. Hereinafter, it will be described as an example that each of the first insulation part 451 and the second insulation part 455 includes a guide groove.

The first insulation portion 451 may further include a first guide groove 454 that guides the wire 416 connected to the sensing bar 412. The first guide groove 454 may be formed as the lower surface of the first insulation portion 451 is depressed upward. The first guide groove 454 may extend from the receiving groove 452 in the horizontal direction. A portion of the first guide groove 454 may overlap the depression 453 in the vertical direction. The first guide groove 454 may be located above the depression 453. Therefore, while the sensor extension 414 is accommodated in the depression 453, the wire 416 may extend in the horizontal direction along the guide groove 454 from the upper side of the sensor extension 414. there is. A portion of the lower portion of the sensor extension 414 of the sensing bar 412 may be accommodated in the second insulation portion 455. Another part of the lower part of the sensing bar 412 may be inserted into the sensor hole 511b after penetrating the second insulation portion 455. The sensor extension part 414 may be seated on the second insulation part 455.

The second insulation portion 455 may include a through hole 456 through which the sensing bar 412 passes. The through hole 456 may extend in the vertical direction from the second insulation portion 455. A seating groove 457 in which the sensor extension portion 414 is seated may be formed on the upper surface of the second insulation portion 455. Of course, the seating groove 457 can be omitted. The second insulation portion 455 may further include a second guide groove 458 that guides the wire guided by the first guide groove 454. The second guide groove 458 may extend in the vertical direction.

The second insulation portion 455 may further include a contact portion 459. The contact portion 459 may contact the sensor coupling portion 511c. The contact portion 459 may surround the sensor coupling portion 511c. A portion of the second insulation portion 455 may be seated on the first tray cover 521 of the bracket 520. Another part of the second insulation portion 455 may be seated on the blocking wall 515b of the first tray 510.

The sensing unit 400 may further include a cover member 430. The cover member 430 may cover the insulation member 450. The cover member 430 can accommodate the first insulation portion 451. The cover member 430 may accommodate a portion of the second insulation portion 455. For example, the cover member 430 may cover the remaining portion of the second insulation portion 455 excluding the contact portion 459. The cover member 430 may include a cover body 431 that forms a space 432 for accommodating the heat insulating member 450. The cover member 430 may further include a coupling body 433 mounted on the fastening boss 525 of the bracket 520. The coupling body 433 may extend from the cover body 431 in the horizontal direction. Although not limited, a plurality of coupling bodies 433 may extend from the cover body 431. A coupling hole 434 may be formed in the coupling body 433. The cover member 430 may further include a wire hole 436 through which the wire 416 passes.

The vertical center line C1 of the ice making cell 501 may pass through the opening 514 of the first tray 510. The sensor hole 511b may be spaced apart from the vertical center line of the ice-making cell 501. The lowest point of the sensor hole 511b may be located lower than the opening 514. The end 412b of the sensing bar 412 that penetrates the sensor hole 511b may be located lower than the opening 514.

The first pusher 540 may include an extended body 542. The first pusher 540 may include a pushing bar 544 extending downward from the extension body 542. During the ice-making process, the pushing bar 544 may pass through the opening 514 to press the ice in the ice-making cell 501.

When the sensing unit 400 is fixed, the sensing unit 400 can look at the first pusher 540. For example, the sensing bar 412 may look at the pushing bar 544. The upper end of the sensing bar 412 may be positioned higher than the lower end of the first pusher 540. For example, the upper end of the sensing bar 412 may be positioned higher than the lower end of the pushing bar 544.

A portion of the insulation member 450 may be located between the first pusher 540 and the sensing bar 412. Another part of the insulating member 450 may be located on the opposite side of the part of the insulating member 450 with respect to the sensing bar 412 . The horizontal thickness of a portion of the insulation member 450 may be thinner than the horizontal thickness of another portion of the insulation member 450.

A portion of the cover member 430 may overlap the opening 514 in the vertical direction. The cover member 430 may be spaced apart from the pushing bar 544 in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the pushing bar 544 can be prevented from interfering with the sensing unit 400 during the moving process. A portion of the sensor 410 may be arranged to overlap the moving heater 503 in the horizontal direction. The sensing bar 412 may be spaced apart from the storage compartment wall 515a. A portion of the insulation member 450 may be located between the storage compartment wall 515a and the sensing bar 412.

FIG. 25 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating ice in the second ice maker according to the first embodiment. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a state in which water supply has been completed at the water supply position, and FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a state in which the second tray has been moved to the ice making position.

25 to 28, the refrigerator of this embodiment may further include a cold air supply means 1020 (or cooling unit) for supplying cold air. The cold air supply means 1020 may supply cold air to the second space 124 using, for example, a refrigerant cycle. The cold air supply means 1020 may include, for example, a compressor to compress the refrigerant. The temperature of cold air supplied to the second space 124 may vary depending on the output (or frequency) of the compressor. Alternatively, the cold air supply means 1020 may include a fan for blowing air to the evaporator. The amount of cold air supplied to the second space 124 may vary depending on the output (or rotation speed) of the fan. Alternatively, the cold air supply means 1020 may include a refrigerant valve that adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle. The amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle is varied by adjusting the opening degree of the refrigerant valve, and the temperature of the cold air supplied to the second space 124 may vary accordingly. In this embodiment, the cold air supply means 1020 may include one or more of the compressor, fan, and refrigerant valve.

The refrigerator of this embodiment may further include a control unit 1000 that controls the cold air supply means 1020. The refrigerator may further include a flow sensor 1002 to detect the amount of water supplied through the water supply unit 546. The refrigerator may further include a water supply valve 1004 that controls the amount of water supplied. The flow sensor 1002 may include an impeller equipped with a magnet, a Hall sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnet during rotation of the impeller, and a housing in which the impeller is accommodated. In the process of rotating the impeller, the Hall sensor may detect the magnetism of the magnet or if the Hall sensor and the magnet are aligned, the Hall sensor may output a first signal. If the Hall sensor does not detect the magnetism of the magnet or the magnet is separated from the Hall sensor by a predetermined distance, a second signal is output from the Hall sensor. Since the first signal (pulse) is output repeatedly, the water supply amount can be confirmed by counting the number of the first signal. Hereinafter, comparison of the number of pulses of the first signal with the reference number will be described. The control unit 1000 may control the water supply valve 1004 using the counted number of first signals.

The control unit 1000 may control some or all of the moving heater 503, the transparent ice heater 505, the driving unit 580, the cold air supply means 1020, and the water supply valve 1004. . The refrigerator may further include an ice-making room temperature sensor 1005 for detecting the temperature of the second space 124. As described above, the refrigerator may include a sensor (tray temperature sensor) 410 mounted on the first tray 510.

The control unit 1000 may determine whether the water supply amount has reached the target water supply amount based on the temperature detected by the sensor 410. When the target amount of water is supplied to the ice-making cell 501, the sensor 410 may come into contact with the water. The temperature of the water supplied to the ice-making cell 501 is above zero and may be room temperature or slightly lower than room temperature. Accordingly, the temperature detected by the sensor 410 may be higher than the reference temperature, which is the temperature of the image. On the other hand, when less water than the target water supply amount is supplied to the ice-making cell 501, cold air is located in an area within the ice-making cell 501 equal to the insufficient water supply amount. Since the temperature of cold air is below freezing, the temperature detected by the sensor 410 in contact with cold air will be lower than the reference temperature. Accordingly, when the temperature detected by the sensor 410 is higher than the reference temperature, the control unit 1000 may determine that the water supply amount to the ice-making cell 501 has reached the target water supply amount. On the other hand, if the temperature detected by the sensor 410 is less than the reference temperature, it may be determined that the water supply amount to the ice-making cell 501 does not reach the target water supply amount.

As another example, the control unit 1000 may determine that the actual water supply amount has reached the target water supply amount when the rise in temperature detected by the sensor 410 during the set time is greater than the reference value.

The control unit 1000 may determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the sensor 410.

Hereinafter, the process of creating ice in the second ice maker will be described.

To produce ice in the second ice maker 500, the control unit 1000 moves the second tray 550 to the water supply position (S1). In this specification, the direction in which the second tray 550 moves from the ice making position in FIG. 28 to the water supply position in FIG. 27 may be referred to as forward movement (or forward rotation). On the other hand, the direction of movement from the water supply position in FIG. 27 to the ice making position in FIG. 28 can be referred to as reverse movement (or reverse rotation).

The movement of the water supply position of the second tray 550 is detected by a sensor (not shown), and when it is detected that the second tray 550 has been moved to the water supply position, the control unit 1000 operates the driver 580. Stop it. With the second tray 550 moved to the water supply position, the control unit 1000 may determine whether the temperature detected by the sensor 410 has reached a temperature below the water supply start temperature (S2). .

As will be described later, after ice making is completed, the moving heater 503 and/or the transparent ice heater 505 may be operated for moving ice. Heat from the moving heater and/or the transparent ice heater 505 is provided to the ice making cell 501. Due to the heat provided to the ice-making cell 501, the temperature detected by the sensor 410 rises to a temperature above freezing. If water supply is started immediately after ice-making is completed, even though the target amount of water is not supplied to the ice-making cell 501, the temperature detected by the sensor 410 increases due to the influence of the heat of the heater. It can be determined that the water supply start temperature has been reached. In this case, if ice making starts with less water than the target water supply amount, completion of ice making may be determined while the ice is not completely frozen, and the ice will not become transparent. Therefore, in this embodiment, water supply is not started immediately after moving is completed, but the water supply is waited for the temperature detected by the sensor 410 to be lowered by cold air.

When the temperature detected by the sensor 410 falls below the initial water supply start temperature, water supply can be started. The initial water supply start temperature may be lower than the reference temperature. The initial water supply start temperature may be below freezing.

As a result of the determination in step S2, if it is determined that the temperature detected by the sensor 410 has reached a temperature lower than the initial water supply start temperature, the control unit 1000 operates the water supply valve 1004 to supply water as much as the first reference water supply amount. can be controlled.

In this embodiment, the first reference water supply amount is smaller than the target water supply amount. In order for the impeller to rotate within the housing of the flow sensor, there must be a gap between the impeller and the inner peripheral surface of the housing. When the impeller rotates, part of the water flows by the impeller, and the other part flows by bypassing the gap between the impeller and the inner peripheral surface of the housing. When the water pressure is higher than the standard water pressure, the amount of water flowing in the gap between the impeller and the inner peripheral surface of the housing is small, so the number of pulses output during the rotation of the impeller reaches the standard number corresponding to the target water supply amount, and the water supply valve Even if is turned off, the actual water supply amount is almost the same as the target water supply amount. However, when the water pressure is lower than the reference water pressure, the amount of water flowing through the gap between the impeller and the inner peripheral surface of the housing increases. In this case, when the number of pulses output during the rotation of the impeller reaches the standard number corresponding to the target water supply amount and the water supply valve is turned off, the actual water supply amount becomes greater than the target water supply amount.

If the actual water supply amount is greater than the target water supply amount, the water fills up to a position higher than the opening 514 of the first tray 510, so a problem may occur in which ice is created in the auxiliary storage compartment or protrudes out of the auxiliary storage compartment during the ice making process. there is. Therefore, in this embodiment, considering that the refrigerator is installed in an area with low water pressure, the first reference water supply amount can be set to be lower than the target water supply amount. In this case, even if water is supplied as much as the first standard water supply amount in a low water pressure state, the actual water supply amount may be the same as or less than the target water supply amount.

Meanwhile, when replacing a filter provided on a water flow path or in the early stages of operation after purchasing a refrigerator, the flow path may not be completely filled with water and may contain air. In the case where both water and air are included in the flow path, even if water is supplied as much as the first standard water supply amount, the actual water supply amount may be smaller than the first standard water supply amount. If ice making begins immediately in this state, completion of ice making may be determined while the ice is not completely frozen, and the ice may not become transparent.

The control unit 1000 turns on the water supply valve 1004 to supply water, and when the number of pulses output from the flow sensor 1002 reaches the first standard number corresponding to the first standard water supply amount, the water supply Turn off the valve 1004.

After the first standard water supply amount is supplied, the second tray 550 may wait at the water supply position for a certain period of time in consideration of water spread (S4). After a certain period of time has elapsed, the control unit 1000 controls the driving unit 580 to move the second tray 550 to the ice-making position (S5). The movement of the ice making position of the second tray 550 is detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray 550 has been moved to the ice making position, the control unit 1000 can stop the driving unit 580. there is.

After the second tray 550 is moved to the ice-making position, the control unit 1000 may determine whether the actual water supply amount to the ice-making cell 501 has reached the target water supply amount (S6). For example, it may be determined whether the temperature detected by the sensor 410 has reached the reference temperature within a set time. Alternatively, it may be determined whether the rise in temperature detected by the sensor 410 within the set time is greater than or equal to the reference value.

As a result of the determination in step S6, if the temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches the reference temperature or the temperature rise value detected by the sensor 410 is greater than the reference value, it is determined that the actual water supply amount has reached the target water supply amount and ice making is performed. You can start. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the actual water supply amount does not reach the target water supply amount, the control unit 1000 may perform additional water supply. Before additional water supply is performed, the control unit 1000 may determine whether the number of times the actual water supply amount has not reached the target water supply amount has reached the standard number (or limit number) (S7).

If an abnormal condition such as a failure of the water supply valve 1004 or a water outage occurs, the actual water supply amount may not reach the target water supply amount even after additional water supply is performed several times. Therefore, in this embodiment, if it is determined that the number of times (accumulated number of times) the actual water supply amount has not reached the target water supply amount has reached the standard number, the control unit 1000 may immediately start ice making without performing additional water supply. . Therefore, the delay in ice making can be reduced. Alternatively, step S7 may be replaced with a step of determining whether the number of additional water supplies has reached the reference number.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of times (accumulated number of times) the actual water supply amount has not reached the target water supply amount has reached the standard number, the control unit 1000 moves the second tray 550 to the water supply position for additional water supply. The driving unit 580 can be controlled (S8).

The control unit 1000 may determine whether the additional water supply conditions are satisfied (S9). For example, the control unit 1000 may determine whether the temperature detected by the sensor 410 is lower than the additional water supply start temperature. The additional water supply start temperature may be the same as or higher than the initial water supply start temperature. If the temperature detected by the sensor 410 is lower than the additional water supply start temperature, the control unit 1000 may determine that the additional water supply condition is satisfied.

If it is determined that the additional water supply condition is satisfied, the control unit 1000 may control the water supply valve 1004 to supply additional water as much as the second standard water supply amount at the water supply position of the second tray 550 ( S10).

The second standard water supply amount is less than the first standard water supply amount. The control unit 1000 turns on the water supply valve 1004 to supply water, and when the number of pulses output from the flow sensor 1002 reaches the second standard number corresponding to the second standard water supply amount, the water supply Turn off the valve 1004.

After the second standard water supply amount is supplied, after waiting for a certain period of time (S4), the control unit 1000 controls the driving unit 580 to move the second tray 550 to the ice-making position (S5). After the second standard water supply amount is supplied, steps S4 to S6 may be repeatedly performed. If additional water supply is required, steps S7 to S10 may be repeated.

After the second tray 550 is moved to the ice-making position, the control unit 1000 may determine whether the actual water supply amount to the ice-making cell 501 has reached the target water supply amount (S6). That is, in the case of this embodiment, after the first water supply, additional water supply can be repeatedly performed until the water supply amount of the ice-making cell reaches the target water supply amount. In this specification, the first water supply step may be considered the basic water supply step. Then, the present invention may include a basic watering step and one or more additional watering steps.

When the actual water supply amount to the ice making cell 501 reaches the target water supply amount, ice making starts with the second tray 550 moved to the ice making position (S11). When the second tray 550 reaches the ice making position, ice making may begin. Alternatively, ice making may begin when the second tray 550 reaches the ice making position and a predetermined time elapses after water supply is completed. When ice making starts, the control unit 1000 may control the cold air supply means 1020 to supply cold air to the ice making cell 501. Of course, it is also possible that water supply is completed and ice making starts while cold air is being supplied to the ice making cell 501 by the cold air supply means 1020.

The control unit 1000 may determine whether the on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied (S12). If it is determined that the on condition of the clear ice heater 505 is satisfied, the control unit 1000 controls the clear ice in at least a portion of the section while the cold air supply means 1020 is supplying cold air to the ice making cell 501. The heater 505 can be controlled to be turned on. When the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on, the heat of the transparent ice heater 505 is transferred to the ice-making cell 501, so the speed of ice production in the ice-making cell 501 may be delayed.

As in the present embodiment, the ice generation speed is adjusted so that the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell 501 can move from the part where ice is generated to the liquid water by the heat of the transparent ice heater 505. By delaying, transparent ice can be produced in the second ice maker 500. In this embodiment, the control unit 1000 may determine that the on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied when a certain time has elapsed from a set specific point in time. The specific time point may be set to at least one of the time points before the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on. For example, the specific time can be set as the time when the cold air supply means 1020 starts supplying cold power for ice making, the time when the second tray 550 reaches the ice making position, and the time when water supply is completed. . Alternatively, the control unit 1000 may determine that the turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied when the temperature detected by the sensor 505 reaches the turn-on reference temperature. For example, the on reference temperature may be a temperature for determining that water has begun to freeze at the uppermost side (communication hole side) of the ice-making cell 501. The on-reference temperature may be set to a temperature below zero.

When the clear ice heater 505 is turned on, heat from the clear ice heater 505 is transferred into the ice making cell 501. As in this embodiment, when the second tray 550 is located below the first tray 510 and the transparent ice heater 505 is arranged to supply heat to the second tray 550 Ice may begin to be generated from the upper side of the ice-making cell 501. In this embodiment, since ice is generated from the top within the ice-making cell 501, air bubbles move downward toward the liquid water in the portion of the ice-making cell 501 where ice is generated.

Since the density of water is greater than the density of ice, water or air bubbles can convect within the ice-making cell 501 and the air bubbles can move toward the transparent ice heater 505.

In this embodiment, depending on the shape of the ice-making cell 501, the mass (or volume) of water per unit height in the ice-making cell 501 may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the control unit 1000 allows the cooling power of the cold air supply means 1020 and/or the heating amount of the clear ice heater 505 to vary depending on the mass per unit height of water in the ice making cell 501. Controllable (S14). In this specification, the variable cooling power of the cold air supply means 1020 may include one or more of variable output of the compressor, variable output of the fan, and variable opening degree of the refrigerant valve. Additionally, in this specification, varying the heating amount of the clear ice heater 505 may mean varying the output of the clear ice heater 505 or varying the duty of the clear ice heater 505. . At this time, the duty of the clear ice heater 505 means the ratio of the on time to the on time and off time of the clear ice heater 505 in one cycle, or the on time of the clear ice heater 505 in one cycle. It may mean the ratio of off time to on time and off time.

Meanwhile, the control unit 1000 may determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the sensor 410 (S15). The control unit 1000 may determine that ice making is complete when the temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches the first reference temperature.

When it is determined that ice making is complete, the control unit 1000 may turn off the transparent ice heater 505 (S16). For example, when the temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches the first reference temperature, the control unit 1000 may determine that ice making is complete and turn off the transparent ice heater 505. At this time, in the case of this embodiment, since the distance between the sensor 410 and each ice-making cell 501 is different, the control unit 1000 operates the ice-making cell 501 to determine that ice generation has been completed in all ice-making cells 501. Moving may begin after a certain period of time has elapsed from the time it is determined that this is completed or when the temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches a second reference temperature lower than the first reference temperature.

When ice making is completed, the control unit 1000 operates one or more of the moving heater 503 and the transparent ice heater 505 to move ice (S17). When one or more of the moving heater 503 and the transparent ice heater 505 are turned on, the heat of the heater is transferred to one or more of the first tray 510 and the second tray 550, so that the ice is transferred to the It may be separated from one or more surfaces (inner surfaces) of the first tray 510 and the second tray 550.

When at least one of the moving heater 503 and the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on, the control unit 1000 can determine whether the operating conditions of the driving unit 580 are satisfied (S18). For example, when one or more of the moving heater 503 and the transparent ice heater 505 are operated for a set time or the temperature detected by the sensor 410 is higher than the driving unit operating reference temperature, the control unit 1000 It is determined that the operating conditions of the driving unit 580 are satisfied. Then, the control unit 1000 operates the driving unit 580 so that the second tray 550 moves to the moving position (moves in the forward direction) (S19).

When the second tray 550 moves in the forward direction, the second tray 550 is spaced apart from the first tray 510. The moving force of the second tray 550 is transmitted to the first pusher 540. Then, the first pusher 540 descends, and the pushing bar 544 penetrates the opening 514 to pressurize the ice in the ice-making cell 501. In the process of moving the second tray 550 to the moving position, the second tray 550 may contact the pushing bar 592.

When the second tray 550 continues to move to the moving position, the pushing bar 592 presses the second tray 550, so that the second tray 550 is deformed, and the pushing bar (550) The pressing force of 592) is transmitted to the ice so that the ice may be separated from the surface of the second tray 550.

The control unit 1000 may determine whether the heater operation termination condition is satisfied (S20). For example, the control unit 1000 may determine that the heater operation termination condition is satisfied when the operation time of the driver 580 reaches the reference time or the temperature detected by the sensor 410 exceeds the termination reference temperature. there is.

When the operation termination condition of the heater is satisfied, the control unit 1000 can turn off the turned-on heater (S21). Although not limited, the end reference temperature may be set to the temperature of the image. After the ice is separated from the second tray 550, the control unit 1000 controls the driving unit 480 to move the second tray 550 in the reverse direction (S18). Then, the second tray 550 moves from the moving position toward the water supply position. When the second tray 550 moves to the water supply position in FIG. 27, the control unit 1000 stops the driving unit 580.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the second ice maker according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 30 is a plan view of the second ice maker according to the present embodiment. Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 in Figure 30. Figure 32 is a diagram showing a state in which the second ice maker according to the second embodiment is installed in the second space.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other respects, except that the structure of some of the components constituting the second ice maker is different. Therefore, hereinafter, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the same components as those of the first embodiment.

29 to 32, a cold air hole 493 may be formed in the space forming wall 124g forming the second space 124 in which the second ice maker 500 according to this embodiment is accommodated. . The space forming wall 124g may include a rear wall 124c facing the dispenser housing 11a and a side wall 124a bent to the rear wall 124c. The cold air hole 493 may be formed in the side wall 124a.

The bracket 520 of this embodiment may include a cold air inlet 520a through which cold air flows. The cold air inlet 520a may communicate with the cold air hole 493.

A plurality of ice-making cells 501 may be defined by the first tray 510 and the second tray 550. Hereinafter, the formation of three ice-making cells 501 will be described as an example. The water supplied to the plurality of ice-making cells 501 may be phase-changed into ice by cold air introduced through the cold air inlet 520a.

The three ice making cells 501 may include a first ice making cell 501a, a second ice making cell 501b, and a third ice making cell 501b. If it includes four or more ice-making cells, the ice-making cells include a first ice-making cell located closest to the cold air inlet, a third ice-making cell located furthest from the cold air inlet, and a first ice-making cell and a third ice-making cell. It may be understood as including two or more second ice-making cells disposed between them.

The first ice making cell 501a, the second ice making cell 501b, and the third ice making cell 501b may be arranged in a line (arranged in the X-axis direction). The first ice making cell 501a may be located closest to the cold air inlet 520a. Accordingly, the third ice making cell 501c may be located furthest from the cold air inlet 520a.

The cold air inlet 520a may be located adjacent to the driving unit 580. For example, the cold air inlet 520a may be located above the driving unit 580. Accordingly, the cold air passage 520b through which the cold air introduced through the cold air inlet 520a flows may be located above the driving unit 580. Accordingly, the heat generated in the driving unit 580 can be cooled by the cold air flowing through the cold air passage 520b.

Figure 33 is a perspective view of the bracket of the second embodiment viewed from above.

30 to 33, the bracket 520 may include a first passage hole 523a and a second passage hole 523b through which the cold air passes. For example, the opening 523 may be disposed between the first through hole 523a and the second through hole 523b. The first passing hole 523a may be located adjacent to the first ice making cell 501a. The second passage hole 523b may be located adjacent to the third ice making cell 501c.

Each of the pusher links 548 connected to both sides of the first pusher 540 may pass through the first through hole 523a and the second through hole 523b. The connection arm 549 may pass through the second passage hole 523b.

The bracket 520 may further include a peripheral portion 522 extending upward from the first tray cover 521. For example, the peripheral portion 522 may be mounted on the space forming wall 124g.

The bracket 520 may further include a coupling portion 528 to which the water supply portion 546 is coupled. The water supply part 546 may include an extension part 546a extending to be seated on the upper surface of the coupling part 528. The coupling portion 528 may be located adjacent to the third ice making cell 501c. When the water supply unit 546 is coupled to the coupling unit 528, the water supply unit 546 may be located above the third ice making cell 501c. Accordingly, water can be supplied to the third ice making cell 501c through the water supply unit 546.

The bracket 520 may further include a cold air guide 5241 that guides cold air passing through the cold air hole 493 toward the opening 523. The cold air guide 5241 may face the rear wall 124c of the space forming wall 124g and may be spaced apart from the rear wall 124c. The cold air guide 5241 and the rear wall 124c may form the cold air flow path 520b.

The cold air guide 5241 may extend upward from the first tray cover 521. Since a portion of the first tray 510 penetrates the opening 523, cold air guided by the cold air guide 524 may contact the first tray 510.

The cold air guide 5241 may include a first guide 524a extending in the X-axis direction, which is the direction in which the ice-making cells are arranged. The cold air guide 5241 may further include a second guide 524b bent from the first guide 524a. The cold air guide 5241 may further include a third guide 524c extending from the second guide 524b. In some cases, the second guide 524b can be omitted.

The height of the upper end of the first guide 524a may be maintained constant. The height of the upper part of the third guide 524c may become lower as it moves away from the first guide 524a. The end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be, for example, the end of the third guide 524c. The upper end of the first guide 524a may be positioned higher than the peripheral portion 522. A portion of the upper end of the third guide 524c may be positioned higher than the peripheral portion 522. A portion of the upper end of the third guide 524c may be positioned higher than the water supply unit 546. The upper end of the first guide 524a may be positioned equal to or higher than the upper end of the extension wall 536 of the first supporter 530. Accordingly, cold air flowing through the cold air inlet 520a may be blocked from flowing toward the extension wall 536 by the first guide 524a. The upper end of the third guide 524c may be positioned at the same level or higher than the upper end of the extension wall 536 of the first supporter 530, which will be described later.

The end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be located closer to the second ice-making cell 501b than the center of the first ice-making cell 501a. Although not limited, the end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may overlap the area between the first ice making cell 501a and the second ice making cell 501b in the Y-axis direction that intersects the X-axis direction. . An imaginary line extending in the Y-axis direction from the end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be positioned between the vertical center line of the first ice making cell 501a and the vertical center line of the second ice making cell 501b. An imaginary line extending from the third guide 524c in the direction in which the third guide 524c extends may pass through the water supply unit 546. The third guide 524c may overlap the water supply unit 546 in the X-axis direction.

The distance between the water supply unit 546 and the end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be equal to or greater than the distance between the center of the first ice making cell 501a and the center of the second ice making cell 501b. The distance between the water supply unit 546 and the end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be smaller than the distance between the center of the first ice making cell 501a and the center of the third ice making cell 501c.

According to this embodiment, cold air flowing in through the cold air inlet 520a may flow along one surface of the cold air guide 5241 and then be supplied around the second ice making cell 501b. At this time, the first guide 524a may block cold air from flowing directly into the first through hole 523a. That is, the first guide 524a may partition the first through hole 523a and the cold air flow path 520b.

The cold air guide 5241 may be positioned between the first through hole 523a and the cold air flow path 520b. The cold air guide 5241 may be positioned between the first ice making cell 501a and the cold air flow path 520b. Some of the cold air supplied around the second ice-making cell 501b may flow toward the first ice-making cell 501a, and the other portion may flow toward the third ice-making cell 501c. At this time, a water supply unit 506 is provided on the upper side of the third ice-making cell 501c, and a third guide 524c is located around the first ice-making cell 501a, so that cold air flows into the first ice-making cell 501a. ) and the third ice making cell 501c can be prevented from concentrating on either one.

As a result, the cold air is allowed to flow first toward the second ice making cell (501b) rather than the first ice making cell (501a) closest to the cold air inlet (520a), and then the cold air flows into the first ice making cell (501a) and the third ice making cell (501a). Since it is distributed to the ice making cell 501c, there is an advantage that the difference in ice making speed between a plurality of ice making cells can be reduced. If the difference in ice-making speed between the plurality of ice-making cells is reduced in this way, the time until ice is created in all of the plurality of ice-making cells can be reduced. At this time, the other surface of the cold air guide 5241 (substantially the third guide 524c) can guide the cold air flowing around the second ice making cell 501b to flow toward the first ice making cell 501a. there is.

The second supporter of this embodiment is the same as the second supporter of the first and second embodiments in other respects, but has a feature in the structure for guiding the transparent ice heater (or the second heater). Therefore, hereinafter, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 17, 30, and 34, the second supporter 1570 of this embodiment can support the second tray 550 and the transparent ice heater 505. The transparent ice heater 505 may include an input unit 505a and an output unit 505b. Since the input unit 505a and the output unit 505b also generate heat, heat from the input unit 505a and the output unit 505b may be transferred to the ice making cell 501.

As mentioned in the second embodiment, the first ice making cell 501a is located adjacent to the cold air inlet 520a. In the case of this embodiment, the second supporter 1570 is installed on the first ice making cell 501a to prevent the ice making speed in the first ice making cell 501a adjacent to the cold air inlet 520a from increasing. The heater guide portion 1572 may be extended from the supporter body 1571.

The supporter body 1571 may include a recessed heater coupling portion (see 576c in FIG. 17 ). The heater guide portion 1572 may extend from the heater coupling portion located below the first ice making cell 501a. The heater guide part 1572 includes a first guide part 1573 extending in a radial direction with respect to the first ice making cell 501a, and a second guide part bent and extending from the first guide part 573. (1573). Since the input unit 505a and the output unit 505b are located in the heater guide unit 157, the amount of heat supplied to the first ice making cell 501a among the plurality of

ice making cells

501a, 501b, and 501c is the largest. You can.

Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view showing the insulation block coupled to the second supporter according to the fourth embodiment, Figure 36 is a perspective view of the insulation block according to the fourth embodiment, and Figure 37 is a plan view of the insulation block of Figure 36. .

Referring to FIGS. 35 to 37, in this embodiment, the first ice making cell ( It is characterized in that an insulation block 1680 is provided in a part corresponding to the part where 501a) is located.

The second supporter 570 includes a supporter body 171 that supports the second tray 550, and a space 571a may be formed below the supporter body 171. The insulation block 1680 may be inserted into a portion of the space 571a corresponding to the first ice-making cell 501a. The insulation block 1680 may be made of a material generally used as an insulation material. That is, the insulation block 1680 may surround a portion of the supporter body 171 that supports the first ice-making cell 501a. The insulation block 1680 may restrict cold air from flowing toward the first ice-making cell 501a from the lower side of the second supporter 570, thereby slowing down the ice-making speed in the first ice-making cell 501a.

The insulation block 1680 may include a receiving groove 1681 to accommodate a portion of the supporter body 171. The insulation block 1680 may include a block opening 1682 corresponding to the opening 572 of the second supporter 570. The second pusher 590 can be prevented from interfering with the insulation block 1680 through the block opening 1682. The insulation block 1680 may further include an avoidance groove 1683 to prevent interference with some components of the second supporter 570.

In this specification, the second ice maker 500 may also include the cold air guide 524 and the heater guide 1572. Alternatively, the second ice maker 500 may also include the cold air guide 524 and the insulation block 1680. Alternatively, the second ice maker 500 may include the cold air guide 524, the heater guide 1572, and the insulation block 1680.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a blocking wall of the first tray according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 39 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first tray of FIG. 38.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other respects, but there is a difference in the location of the blocking wall. Hereinafter, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, in the first tray 510 of this embodiment, water in the ice-making cell 501 is caused by the opening and closing process of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 or the vibration of the refrigerator 1. It may include a blocking wall 1517 to prevent overflow to the outside of the ice making cell 501. The blocking wall 1517 is formed continuously with the inner peripheral surface of the first tray 510 forming the ice-making cell 501, so that the lower surface of the blocking wall 1517 forms a part of the ice-making cell 501. You can.

A through hole 1518 may be provided in the center of the blocking wall 1517 to allow passage of the first pusher 540 while limiting water overflow. To enable deformation of the blocking wall 1517 while passing the first pusher 540, the thickness of the blocking wall 1517 is adjusted to the thickness of the first tray forming the upper cell 511a in the first tray 510. It may be thinner than the thickness of the wall 511. The blocking wall 1517 may be provided with a plurality of slits 1519 extending in the radial direction of the through hole 1518. The plurality of slits 1519 may extend while being spaced apart by a certain angle. The first tray 510 may be formed by a storage compartment wall 1515 that forms an auxiliary storage compartment in communication with the ice making cell 501. The auxiliary storage compartment can store water overflowing from the ice-making cell 501. The storage compartment wall 1515 may extend upward around the blocking wall 1517. The storage compartment wall 1515 may be formed in a cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.

According to this embodiment, since the blocking wall 1515 forms a part of the ice-making cell 501, the shape of the ice formed is the same as that of the ice-making cell 501. For example, when the ice-making cell is formed in a spherical shape, the ice produced may be the same as the spherical shape or may be almost similar to the spherical shape.

It should be noted that each embodiment mentioned in this specification is not divided by embodiment, and a combination of two or more embodiments is also possible.

For example, a combination of two or more of the first to fifth embodiments is possible, and if some of the components of one embodiment are modified, the structure of one or more other embodiments may be applied as is or modified in one embodiment. May be applicable.

Claims

a first tray that forms part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice by cold air, and has an opening that serves as a passage for cold air;

a second tray forming another part of the ice-making cell and movable with respect to the first tray;

a water supply valve that regulates the flow of water supplied to the ice-making cell;

A sensing unit for sensing the amount of water supplied to the ice-making cell;

It includes a control unit that controls the water supply valve based on the amount of water detected by the sensing unit,

The sensing unit includes a sensor installed in the first tray at a position spaced apart from the opening,

A refrigerator including an insulating member surrounding the sensor.
According to claim 1,

The first tray includes a sensor hole through which the sensor passes.
According to claim 1,

The sensor includes a sensing bar extending vertically,

The first tray includes a sensor coupling portion to which the sensing bar is coupled,

A refrigerator in which the sensing bar penetrating the sensor coupling portion is inserted into the sensor hole.
According to claim 3,

The refrigerator wherein the insulation member surrounds the sensing bar and the sensor coupling portion.
According to claim 3,

It further includes a pusher that pressurizes the ice produced in the ice-making cell,

The top of the sensing bar is positioned higher than the bottom of the pusher,

The top of the sensing bar is positioned higher than the top of the first tray, or

A refrigerator in which the bottom of the sensor hole is located lower than the opening.
According to claim 5,

At least a portion of the sensing bar overlaps the pusher in a horizontal direction,

A refrigerator in which a portion of the insulation member is located between the pusher and the sensing bar.
According to claim 6,

Another part of the insulating member is located on the opposite side of the part of the insulating member with respect to the sensing bar,

A refrigerator in which a horizontal thickness of a portion of the insulating member is thinner than a horizontal thickness of another portion of the insulating member.
According to claim 3,

The insulation member includes a first insulation portion that accommodates the upper side of the sensing bar,

A refrigerator including a second insulating part located below the first insulating part and through which the sensing bar penetrates.
According to claim 8,

The sensor further includes a sensor extension part extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the sensing bar,

The sensor extension part is accommodated in one or more of the first insulation part and the second insulation part.
According to claim 8,

A refrigerator in which at least one of the first and second insulating parts includes a guide groove that guides a wire connected to the sensing bar.
According to claim 1,

a cover member surrounding the heat insulating member;

The refrigerator further includes a tray case supporting the first tray, and the cover member is coupled to the tray case.
According to claim 1,

It further includes a water supply unit that guides water to the ice-making cell,

A plurality of ice-making cells are provided,

A refrigerator in which the sensing unit and the water supply unit are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice-making cells.
According to claim 12,

Further comprising a cold air guide for guiding cold air to the ice-making cell,

An extension of the cold air guide passes through the water supply unit and the sensing unit.
According to claim 1,

The control unit controls the water supply valve to supply water as much as a first standard water supply amount to the ice-making cell in order to supply water to the ice-making cell at the water supply position of the second tray,

After completing the supply of water as much as the first reference water supply amount, move the second tray to the ice-making position and determine whether the water supply amount of the ice-making cell has reached the target water supply amount based on the temperature detected by the sensor,

If the water supply amount of the ice-making cell reaches the target water supply amount, the controller starts ice making. If the water supply amount of the ice-making cell does not reach the target water supply amount, the control unit determines whether the number of times the target water supply amount has not been reached has reached the reference number,

If the number of times the target water supply amount has not been reached reaches the standard number, the control unit starts the ice making room. If the number of times the target water supply amount has not reached the standard number, the control unit moves the second tray back to the water supply position and then moves the first tray to the water supply position. A refrigerator that controls the water supply valve to supply water by a second standard water supply amount that is smaller than the standard water supply amount.
According to claim 14,

The controller controls the water supply valve to supply water by a second standard water supply amount smaller than the first standard water supply amount when the additional water supply condition is satisfied after the second tray is moved back to the water supply position.
According to claim 15,

The control unit controls the water supply valve to supply a first reference amount of water to the ice-making cell when the temperature detected by the sensor decreases to a temperature below the initial water supply start temperature at the water supply position of the second tray,

When the additional water supply condition is satisfied, the temperature detected by the sensor reaches an additional water supply start temperature that is equal to or greater than the initial water supply start temperature.
According to claim 14,

A moving heater that operates during the moving process,

Further comprising a driving unit to enable movement of the second tray with respect to the first tray,

The control unit turns on the moving heater after ice production in the ice making cell is completed,

If the operating conditions of the driving unit are satisfied after the moving heater is turned on, operating the driving unit to move the second tray to the moving position to remove ice from the ice making cell,

A refrigerator that turns off the moving heater when the termination condition of the moving heater is satisfied.
Cabinets forming storage rooms;

a door that opens and closes the storage compartment;

An ice-making room provided in the door or cabinet;

a bracket mounted on a space forming wall forming the ice-making room;

a cold air hole formed in the space forming wall;

It is supported on the bracket and includes a tray forming a plurality of ice-making cells,

The plurality of ice making cells include a first ice making cell located closest to the cold air hole,

A third ice-making cell located furthest from the cold air hole,

It includes a second ice making cell located between the first ice making cell and the third ice making cell,

The bracket includes a cold air guide that forms a cold air flow path for allowing cold air passing through the cold air hole to flow toward the second ice making cell.
According to claim 18,

One side of the cold air guide guides the cold air passing through the cold air hole to flow toward the second ice-making cell, and the other side of the cold air guide guides the cold air flowing toward the second ice-making cell to flow toward the first ice-making cell. do or,

The cold air guide is located between the first ice-making cell and the cold air flow path.
According to claim 18,

Further comprising a water supply unit for supplying water to the plurality of ice-making cells,

The bracket is located closer to the cold air hole than the first ice making cell and further includes a through hole through which cold air passes,

The cold air guide is located between the cold air flow path and the through hole,

The end of the cold air guide is located closer to the second ice making cell than the center of the first ice making cell, or

An imaginary line extending from the cold air guide in the direction in which the cold air guide extends passes through the water supply unit,

The refrigerator wherein the cold air guide overlaps the water supply unit in the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice-making cells.