Ice Makers and Refrigerators

Abstract

The present invention provides an ice maker and a refrigerator. The ice maker includes: an upper tray, forming an upper chamber as a part of an ice chamber, and having an upper opening on the upper side; a lower tray, forming a lower chamber as another part of the ice chamber; a lower support member, supporting the lower tray, a lower heater being provided on the lower support member; and a control unit, operating the lower heater during ice making, the control unit variably controlling the output of the lower heater so that bubbles contained in water in the ice chamber are gathered to the lowermost side during ice making.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of the following patent application: Application number: 201911119388.6, Application date: November 15, 2019, Invention name: Ice maker and refrigerator Technical Field

[0002] This manual relates to ice machines and refrigerators. Background Art

[0003] Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at a low temperature in an inner storage space shielded by a door.

[0004] The refrigerator utilizes cold air to cool the interior of the storage space, thereby storing the stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state.

[0005] Generally, an ice maker for making ice is provided inside the refrigerator.

[0006] The ice maker is configured to make ice by receiving water supplied from a water supply source or a water tank into a tray.

[0007] Furthermore, the ice maker is configured to move the made ice from the ice tray by heating or twisting.

[0008] The ice maker that automatically supplies water and removes ice as described above is formed to open upward to take out the formed ice.

[0009] The ice produced by the ice maker having the above-described structure has at least one flat surface such as a crescent shape or a diamond shape.

[0010] In addition, when the ice is formed into a spherical shape, the ice can be used more conveniently, and a different feeling of use can be provided to the user. Also, when storing the produced ice, ice condensation can be minimized by minimizing the contact area between the ice.

[0011] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1850918 as a prior art document 1 discloses an ice maker.

[0012] The ice making machine of the prior art includes: an upper tray, on which a plurality of hemispherical upper shells are arranged, and includes a pair of connecting rod guides extending upward at both side ends; a lower tray, on which a plurality of hemispherical lower shells are arranged, and is rotatably connected to the upper tray; a rotating shaft, connected to the rear ends of the lower tray and the upper tray so that the lower tray can rotate relative to the upper tray; a pair of connecting rods, one end of which is connected to the lower tray and the other end of which is connected to the connecting rod guide; and an upper ejection pin assembly, which is respectively connected to the pair of connecting rods when the two end portions of the upper ejection pin assembly are inserted into the connecting rod guides, and rises and falls together with the connecting rods.

[0013] In the case of the existing literature, spherical ice can be generated by the hemispherical upper shell and the hemispherical lower shell, but the ice is generated in the upper shell and the lower shell at the same time, so there is a disadvantage that bubbles contained in the water cannot be completely discharged and the bubbles are dispersed inside the water to make the generated water opaque. Summary of the invention

[0014] The present embodiment provides an ice maker and a refrigerator capable of producing transparent ice.

[0015] This embodiment provides an ice maker and a refrigerator with uniform transparency at every height of ice.

[0016] The present embodiment provides an ice maker and a refrigerator in which each piece of ice produced has uniform transparency.

[0017] An ice maker according to one aspect includes an upper tray forming an upper chamber as a part of an ice chamber and provided with an upper opening at an upper side; a lower tray forming a lower chamber as another part of the ice chamber; a lower support supporting the lower tray and provided with a lower heater; and a control part operating the lower heater during ice making.

[0018] The control part may variably control the output of the lower heater to gather bubbles contained in water in the ice chamber to a lowermost side during the ice making process.

[0019] The control part may control the output of the lower heater to decrease the output of the lower heater from an initial output and then increase the output during the entire ice making process.

[0020] The ice chamber is divided into a plurality of sections based on a height of the ice chamber, and the control unit may change the output of the lower heater for each section in the ice chamber where ice is generated.

[0021] Based on the height of the ice chamber, the plurality of sections include a middle section having the largest diameter in the horizontal direction, and the control unit can reduce the output of the lower heater in stages from the initial section to the middle section. The output of the lower heater can be increased in stages from the middle section to the final section. The output of the lower heater can be minimum in the middle section.

[0022] The reference temperatures of the respective sections are predetermined, and when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor sensing the temperature of the upper tray reaches the reference temperature of the next section, the control unit may control the lower heater with a reference output corresponding to the next section.

[0023] A temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the upper tray is further included. The control unit determines whether a start-up condition of the lower heater is met after ice making starts, and if the start-up condition is met, the lower heater can be started.

[0024] When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a sub-zero activation reference temperature, the control unit determines that an activation condition of the lower heater is satisfied, and thus activates the lower heater.

[0025] The lower heater may include an arc portion contacting the lower tray and surrounding the lower chamber.

[0026] The lower heater may further include a straight portion extending from the circular arc portion.

[0027] An upper heater is also included for providing heat to the upper tray. When ice making is completed, the control unit can turn off the lower heater and start the upper heater to move ice.

[0028] The control part may activate the upper heater after a predetermined time has elapsed since the lower heater was turned off.

[0029] A driving unit generating power for rotating the lower tray may be further included. The control part may operate the driving unit after turning off the upper heater.

[0030] The lower support member may be rotated by the driving unit.

[0031] The upper chamber and the lower chamber may be formed in a hemispherical shape, respectively, to form spherical ice in the ice chamber.

[0032] According to another aspect, a refrigerator includes: a storage space for storing food; and an ice maker for making ice using cold air supplied to the storage space, the ice maker including: an upper tray forming an upper chamber as a part of an ice chamber and provided with an upper opening at an upper side; a lower tray forming another part of the ice chamber; a lower support member supporting the lower tray and provided with a lower heater; and a control unit for operating the lower heater during ice making, the control unit variably controlling the output of the lower heater to cause bubbles contained in water in the ice chamber to gather to the lowermost side during the ice making process.

[0033] According to the proposed invention, ice is generated from the upper side by operating the lower heater during ice making, so that bubbles move downward and eventually exist only in the lowermost part of the ice, thereby having the advantage that the spherical ice is transparent as a whole.

[0034] Furthermore, in the present invention, the output of the lower heater varies according to each height range of ice (or ice chamber), thereby making the ice making speed uniform in each height range of ice, thereby having the advantage of uniform transparency at each height of ice.

[0035] Also, the heat of the lower heater can be uniformly provided to each of the plurality of ice chambers, thereby having an advantage that the transparency of each made ice is uniform. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram of a refrigerator door open.

[0038] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is a three-dimensional diagram of an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of an upper shell of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 1 is a bottom perspective view of an upper shell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 It is an upper three-dimensional view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 1 is a bottom perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 9 1 is a side view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig.10 1 is an upper stereoscopic view of an upper support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig.11 1 is a bottom perspective view of an upper support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig.12 It is enlarged to show Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a heater incorporating portion of an upper housing.

[0048] Fig.13 The heater is shown in combination with Figure 5 Figure 2 shows the state of the upper housing.

[0049] Fig.14 : is a diagram showing the arrangement of electric wires connected to the heater in the upper case.

[0050] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the upper assembly is assembled.

[0051] Fig.16 1 is a perspective view of a lower component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig.17 1 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a lower shell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig.18 1 is a bottom perspective view of a lower shell body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig.19 It is an upper perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 1 is a bottom perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig. 22 1 is a side view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig.23 1 is an upper stereoscopic view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Fig.24 1 is a lower perspective view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Fig.25 It is used to show the state where the lower component is assembled. Fig.16 Cross-sectional view taken along line DD.

[0060] Fig.26 1 is a top view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Fig. 27 The lower heater is shown in combination with Fig.26 A three-dimensional view of the state of the lower support member.

[0062] Fig.28 This is a diagram showing a state in which the electric wires connected to the lower heater penetrate the upper case in a state in which the lower assembly and the upper assembly are coupled.

[0063] Fig.29 It is along Figure 3A Cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0064] Fig.30 It is shown Fig.29 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which ice making is completed.

[0065] Fig.31 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Fig.32 FIG. 1 is a flow chart for explaining an ice making process in an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Fig.33 Is in water supply state along Figure 3A Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0068] Fig.34 In the ice-making state, Figure 3A Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0069] Fig.35 When ice making is complete, Figure 3A Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0070] Fig.36 In the initial state of ice movement, Figure 3A Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0071] Fig.37 When the ice is moved, Figure 3A Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0072] Fig.38 (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the output of the lower heater at each height of ice generated in the ice chamber.

[0073] Fig.39 is a graph showing the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and the output of the lower heater during water supply and ice making.

[0074] Fig.40 This is a diagram showing the ice making process in stages for each ice height range. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention are described in detail through exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to the constituent elements in each drawing, it should be noted that the same constituent elements should have the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is judged that the specific description of the relevant known structure or function may affect the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, its detailed description is omitted.

[0076] Furthermore, in describing the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) and the like may be used. These terms are not used to define the nature, order or sequence of the corresponding constituent elements, but are only used to distinguish the corresponding constituent elements from other constituent elements. It should be noted that when describing that a constituent element is "connected", "combined" or "connected" to another constituent element, the former constituent element may be directly connected or connected to the latter constituent element, however, it can also be understood that there is another constituent element "connected", "combined" or "connected" between the two constituent elements.

[0077] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram of a refrigerator door open.

[0078] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a box body 2 forming a storage space; and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

[0079] In detail, the box body 2 forms a storage space divided into upper and lower parts by a partition, and a refrigerator compartment 3 can be formed at the upper part and a freezer compartment 4 can be formed at the lower part. Storage components such as drawers, shelves, and baskets can be provided inside the refrigerator compartment 3 and the freezer compartment 4.

[0080] The door may include a refrigerating chamber door 5 shielding the refrigerating chamber 3 and a freezing chamber door 6 shielding the freezing chamber 4 .

[0081] The refrigerator door 5 may be composed of a pair of doors on the left and right sides and may be opened and closed by rotating. The freezer door 6 may be constructed so as to be able to be pulled out and pushed in in a drawer-like manner.

[0082] Of course, the configuration of the refrigerating chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 4 and the form of the door may vary depending on the type of refrigerator, and the present invention may be applied to various types of refrigerators without being limited thereto. For example, the freezing chamber 4 and the refrigerating chamber 3 may be configured on the left and right, or the freezing chamber 4 may be located on the upper side of the refrigerating chamber 3.

[0083] An ice maker 100 may be provided in the freezing chamber 4. The ice maker 100 is used to make ice from supplied water, and may generate spherical ice.

[0084] An ice box 102 may be further provided below the ice maker 100 , and the made ice is stored in the ice box 102 after being removed from the ice maker 100 .

[0085] The ice maker 100 and the ice box 102 may also be installed inside the freezing chamber 4 in a state of being accommodated in a separate housing 101 .

[0086] The user can obtain ice by opening the freezing chamber door 6 and approaching the ice box 102 .

[0087] As another example, the refrigerator door 5 may be provided with a dispenser 7 for extracting purified water or made ice from the outside.

[0088] The ice generated in the ice maker 100 or the ice generated in the ice maker 100 and stored in the ice box 102 is transferred to the water dispenser 7 by the transfer device, so that the user can get ice from the water dispenser 7 .

[0089] Hereinafter, the ice making machine will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a three-dimensional diagram of an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 4 , the ice making machine 100 may include an upper component 110 and a lower component 200 .

[0092] The lower component 200 may be rotatable relative to the upper component 110. As an example, the lower component 200 may be rotatably connected to the upper component 110.

[0093] The lower assembly 200 can generate spherical ice together with the upper assembly 110 when in contact with the upper assembly 110. That is, the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 form an ice chamber 111 for generating spherical ice. The ice chamber 111 is substantially a spherical chamber.

[0094] The upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 may form a plurality of separate ice chambers 111. Hereinafter, an example is given in which three ice chambers 111 are formed by the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200, and it should be noted that the number of ice chambers 111 is not limited.

[0095] In a state in which the ice chamber 111 is formed by the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 , water may be supplied to the ice chamber 111 through the water supply part 190 .

[0096] The water supply part 190 is coupled to the upper assembly 110 and guides water supplied from the outside to the ice chamber 111. After making ice, the lower assembly 200 may rotate in a forward direction. At this time, the spherical ice formed between the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 may be separated from the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200.

[0097] The ice maker 100 may further include a driving unit 180 to allow the lower assembly 200 to rotate relative to the upper assembly 110 .

[0098] The driving unit 180 may include: a driving motor; and a power transmission part for transmitting the power of the driving motor to the lower component 200. The power transmission part may include one or more gears. The driving motor may be a motor capable of bidirectional rotation. Therefore, the lower component 200 can rotate in both directions.

[0099] The ice maker 100 may further include an upper ejector 300 to separate ice from the upper assembly 110. The upper ejector 300 may separate ice closely attached to the upper assembly 110 from the upper assembly 110.

[0100] The upper ejector 300 may include: an ejector body 310; and a plurality of upper ejector pins 320 extending from the ejector body 310 in intersecting directions. The upper ejector pins 320 may be provided in the same number as the ice chambers 111. Separation preventing protrusions 312 may be provided at both ends of the ejector body 310 to prevent the ejector body 310 from being separated from the connection unit 350 when the ejector body 310 is combined with the connection unit 350 described later. As an example, a pair of separation preventing protrusions 312 may protrude from the ejector body 310 in opposite directions.

[0101] In a process in which the upper push-out pin 320 is introduced into the ice chamber 111 through the upper assembly 110, the ice in the ice chamber 111 may be pressed. The ice pressed by the upper push-out pin 320 may be separated from the upper assembly 110.

[0102] In addition, the ice maker 100 may further include a lower ejector 400 to separate ice closely attached to the lower assembly 200 .

[0103] The lower ejector 400 may separate ice adhered to the lower assembly 200 from the lower assembly 200 by pressing the lower assembly 200. As an example, the lower ejector 400 may be fixed to the upper assembly 110.

[0104] The lower ejector 400 may include an ejector body 410 and a plurality of lower ejector pins 420 protruding from the ejector body 410. The lower ejector pins 420 may be provided in the same number as the ice chambers 111.

[0105] During the rotation of the lower component 200 for moving ice, the rotational force of the lower component 200 can be transmitted to the upper ejector 300. To this end, the ice maker 100 may further include a connecting unit 350 connecting the lower component 200 and the upper ejector 300. The connecting unit 350 may include one or more connecting rods. As an example, when the lower component 200 rotates in one direction, the upper ejector 300 descends under the action of the connecting unit 350, so that the upper ejector pin 320 can press the ice. On the contrary, when the lower component 200 rotates in another direction, the upper ejector 300 can rise and return to the original position under the action of the connecting unit 350.

[0106] Next, the upper component 110 and the lower component 200 are further described in detail.

[0107] The upper assembly 110 may include an upper tray 150 forming a portion of an ice chamber 111 for making ice. As an example, the upper tray 150 defines an upper portion of the ice chamber 111.

[0108] The upper assembly 110 may further include an upper housing 120 and an upper support 170 for fixing the position of the upper tray 150. The upper tray 150 may be located at the lower side of the upper housing 120. A portion of the upper support 170 may be located at the lower side of the upper tray 150. As described above, the upper housing 120, the upper tray 150, and the upper support 170 aligned in the up-down direction may be fastened by a fastening member. That is, by fastening of the fastening member, the upper tray 150 may be fixed to the upper housing 120.

[0109] The upper support 170 may support a lower side of the upper tray 150 to restrict movement of the lower side.

[0110] As an example, the water supply unit 190 may be fixed to the upper housing 120 .

[0111] The ice maker 100 may further include a temperature sensor 500 for sensing the temperature of the upper tray 150. As an example, the temperature sensor 500 may be mounted on the upper housing 120. In addition, when the upper tray 150 is fixed to the upper housing 120, the temperature sensor 500 may contact the upper tray 150.

[0112] In addition, the lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250 forming another portion of the ice chamber 111 for making ice. As an example, the lower tray 250 defines a lower portion of the ice chamber 111.

[0113] The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower support 270 supporting a lower side of the lower tray 250, and a lower case 210 at least a portion of which covers an upper side of the lower tray 250. The lower case 210, the lower tray 250, and the lower support 270 may be fastened by a fastening member.

[0114] In addition, the ice maker 100 may further include a switch 600 for starting / stopping the ice maker 100. When the user operates the switch 600 to a start state, ice can be made by the ice maker 100.

[0115] That is, when the switch 600 is activated, an ice making process of supplying water to the ice maker 100 to make ice using cold air and an ice moving process of rotating the lower assembly 200 to separate ice can be repeatedly performed.

[0116] On the contrary, when the switch 600 is operated to be in the off state, ice cannot be made by the ice maker 100. As an example, the switch 600 may be provided at the upper housing 120.

[0117] <Upper Shell>

[0118] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an upper shell of an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 1 is a bottom perspective view of an upper shell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The upper shell 120 can be fixed to the outer shell 101 in the freezing chamber 4 when the upper tray 150 is fixed.

[0120] The upper housing 120 may include an upper plate 121 for fixing the upper tray 150 .

[0121] The upper tray 150 may be fixed to the upper plate 121 in a state where a portion of the upper tray 150 contacts the bottom surface of the upper plate 121. The upper plate 121 may be provided with an opening 123 through which a portion of the upper tray 150 passes.

[0122] For example, when the upper tray 150 is located at the lower side of the upper plate 121 and when the upper tray 150 is fixed to the upper plate 121 , a portion of the upper tray 150 may protrude above the upper plate 121 through the opening 123 .

[0123] Alternatively, the upper tray 150 may be exposed above the upper plate 121 through the opening 123, rather than protruding above the upper plate 121 through the opening 123. The upper plate 121 may include a recessed portion 122 formed by being recessed downward. The opening 123 may be formed at a bottom 122a of the recessed portion 122. Therefore, the upper tray 150 passing through the opening 123 may be located in a space formed by the recessed portion 122.

[0124] The upper housing 120 may be provided with a portion for combining an upper heater (see Fig.13 The heater combination part 124 of 148) is used to move ice, and the upper heater is used to heat the upper tray 150.

[0125] As an example, the heater combining portion 124 may be provided on the upper plate 121 . The heater combining portion 124 may be located at a lower side of the recessed portion 122 .

[0126] The upper housing 120 may further include a pair of mounting ribs 128, 129 for mounting the temperature sensor 500. The pair of mounting ribs 128, 129 are provided at the bottom of the housing 120. Figure 6 The pair of mounting ribs 128 and 129 are arranged to face each other, and the temperature sensor 500 may be located between the pair of mounting ribs 128 and 129. The pair of mounting ribs 128 and 129 may be provided on the upper plate 121.

[0127] The upper plate 121 may be provided with a plurality of slots 131, 132 for coupling with the upper tray 150. A portion of the upper tray 150 may be inserted into the plurality of slots 131, 132. The plurality of slots 131, 132 may include: a first upper slot 131; and a second upper slot 132, located on the opposite side of the first upper slot 131 with respect to the opening 123. The opening 123 may be located between the first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132. The first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 may be located at a position corresponding to the position of the upper tray 150. Figure 7 Separated in the direction of arrow B.

[0128] The plurality of first upper slots 131 may be arranged in a spaced relationship in the direction of arrow A (referred to as the first direction) intersecting the direction of arrow B (referred to as the second direction), but the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the plurality of second upper slots 132 may be arranged in a spaced relationship in the direction of arrow A. In this specification, the direction of arrow A is the same direction as the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice chambers 111.

[0129] As an example, the first upper slot 131 may be formed in a curved shape, thereby increasing the length of the first upper slot 131. As an example, the second upper slot 132 may be formed in a curved shape, thereby increasing the length of the second upper slot 132.

[0130] When the length of each upper slot 131 , 132 increases, the length of the protrusion (formed on the upper tray) inserted into each upper slot 131 , 132 can be increased, thereby increasing the bonding force between the upper tray 150 and the upper shell 120 .

[0131] The distance from the first upper slot 131 to the opening 123 may be different from the distance from the second upper slot 132 to the opening 123. For example, the distance from the second upper slot 132 to the opening 123 may be shorter than the distance from the first upper slot 131 to the opening 123.

[0132] When each of the upper slots 131 and 132 is viewed from the opening 123 , the slots 131 and 132 may be in the shape of an arc protruding from the slots 131 and 132 toward the outside of the opening 123 .

[0133] The upper plate 121 may further include a sleeve 133 for inserting a fastening boss of the upper support member 170 described later. The sleeve 133 may be formed in a cylindrical shape and may extend upward from the upper plate 121. As an example, a plurality of sleeves 133 may be provided on the upper plate 121. The plurality of sleeves 133 may be arranged in a spaced relationship in the direction of arrow A. Furthermore, the plurality of sleeves 133 may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the direction of arrow B.

[0134] Some of the sleeves 133 may be located between two adjacent first upper slots 131 . Another portion of the sleeves 133 may be disposed between two adjacent second upper slots 132 , or may be disposed to face the area between the two second upper slots 132 .

[0135] The upper housing 120 may further include a plurality of hinge supports 135 , 136 to enable the lower assembly 200 to rotate.

[0136] The plurality of hinge supports 135, 136 may be Figure 6 The hinge supports 135 and 136 are arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A. In addition, a first hinge hole 137 may be formed on each of the hinge supports 135 and 136 .

[0137] As an example, the plurality of hinge supports 135 , 136 may extend downward from the upper plate 121 .

[0138] The upper housing 120 may further include a vertical extension portion 140 vertically extending along the periphery of the upper plate 121. The vertical extension portion 140 may extend upward from the upper plate 121.

[0139] The vertical extension portion 140 may include one or more coupling hooks 140 a. The upper housing 120 may be coupled to the housing 101 via the coupling hooks 140 a. The water supply portion 190 may be coupled to the vertical extension portion 140 .

[0140] The upper housing 120 may further include a horizontal extension portion 142 extending horizontally toward an outer side of the vertical extension portion 140 .

[0141] The horizontal extension portion 142 may be provided with a threaded fastening portion 142 a protruding outward to threadably fasten the upper housing 120 to the outer shell 101 .

[0142] The upper housing 120 may further include a side peripheral portion 143. The side peripheral portion 143 may extend downward from the horizontal extension portion 142. The side peripheral portion 143 may be configured to surround the periphery of the lower assembly 200. That is, the side peripheral portion 143 plays a role in preventing the lower assembly 200 from being exposed to the outside.

[0143] In the above, the upper shell 120 is described as being fastened to the separate housing 101 in the freezing chamber 4 . However, differently from this, the upper shell 120 may also be directly fastened to the wall forming the freezing chamber 4 .

[0144] <Upper Tray>

[0145] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the upper part of the upper tray of one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 1 is a side view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Reference Figures 7 to 9The upper tray 150 may be formed of a flexible material that is a non-metal material that can be deformed by an external force and then restored to its original shape. As an example, the upper tray 150 may be formed of a silicon material. As in the present embodiment, when the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material, during the ice removal process, even if the external force deforms the shape of the upper tray 150, the upper tray 150 can be restored to its original shape again, so that spherical ice can be formed despite repeated ice forming.

[0147] In the case where the upper tray 150 is formed of a metal material, if an external force is applied to the upper tray 150 to deform the upper tray 150 itself, the upper tray 150 cannot return to its original shape. In this case, spherical ice cannot be generated after the shape of the upper tray 150 is deformed. That is, spherical ice cannot be generated repeatedly.

[0148] In contrast, as in the present embodiment, when the upper tray 150 has a flexible material capable of returning to its original shape, such a problem can be solved.

[0149] Also, when the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material, the upper tray 150 may be prevented from being melted or thermally deformed due to heat provided by an upper heater described later.

[0150] The upper tray 150 may include an upper tray body 151 forming an upper chamber 152 that is a portion of the ice chamber 111. The upper tray body 151 may define a plurality of upper chambers 152. As an example, the plurality of upper chambers 152 may define a first upper chamber 152a, a second upper chamber 152b, and a third upper chamber 152c.

[0151] The upper tray body 151 may include three chamber walls 153 forming three independent upper chambers 152a, 152b, and 152c, and the three chamber walls 153 may be formed as one body and connected to each other.

[0152] The first upper chamber 152a, the second upper chamber 152b, and the third upper chamber 152c may be arranged in a row. As an example, the first upper chamber 152a, the second upper chamber 152b, and the third upper chamber 152c may be arranged in a row. Figure 8 Arrange in the direction of arrow A as a reference. Figure 8 The direction of arrow A is Figure 6 The direction of arrow A is the same direction.

[0153] The upper chamber 152 may be formed in a hemispherical shape. That is, the upper portion of the spherical ice may be formed by the upper chamber 152 .

[0154] An upper opening 154 for allowing water to flow into the upper chamber 152 may be formed at the upper side of the upper tray body 151. As an example, three upper openings 154 may be formed at the upper tray body 151. Cool air may be guided to the ice chamber 111 through the upper openings 154.

[0155] During ice removal, the upper ejector 300 may be introduced into the upper chamber 152 through the upper opening 154. During the introduction of the upper ejector 300 through the upper opening 154, in order to minimize deformation of the upper tray 150 on the upper opening 154 side, an inlet wall 155 may be provided on the upper tray 150.

[0156] The inlet wall 155 is disposed along the periphery of the upper opening 154 and may extend upward from the upper tray body 151. The inlet wall 155 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the upper ejector 300 may pass through the inner space of the inlet wall 155 and penetrate the upper opening 154.

[0157] In the process of the upper ejector 300 being introduced into the upper opening 154, one or more first connecting ribs 155a may be provided along the periphery of the inlet wall 155 to prevent deformation of the inlet wall 155. The first connecting rib 155a may connect the inlet wall 155 and the upper tray body 151. As an example, the first connecting rib 155a may be formed integrally with the periphery of the inlet wall 155 and the outer surface of the upper tray body 151. A plurality of first connecting ribs 155a may be arranged along the periphery of the inlet wall 155, but is not limited thereto.

[0158] The two inlet walls 155 corresponding to the second upper chamber 152b and the third upper chamber 152c may be connected by a second connection rib 162. The second connection rib 162 also serves to prevent the inlet wall 155 from being deformed.

[0159] A water supply guide 156 may be provided at the inlet wall 155 corresponding to any one of the three upper chambers 152a, 152b, 152c.

[0160] The water supply guide 156 may be formed at the inlet wall 155 corresponding to the second upper chamber 152 b , but is not limited thereto. The water supply guide 156 may be inclined from the inlet wall 155 toward a direction away from the second upper chamber 152 b as it moves upward.

[0161] The upper tray 150 may further include a first receiving portion 160 . The recessed portion 122 of the upper housing 120 may be received in the first receiving portion 160 .

[0162] The recessed portion 122 is provided with a heater coupling portion 124, and an upper heater is provided on the heater coupling portion 124 (see Fig.14 148), therefore, it can be understood that the upper heater (refer to Fig.14 148) is accommodated in the first accommodation portion 160. The first accommodation portion 160 may be configured to surround the upper chambers 152a, 152b, 152c. The first accommodation portion 160 may be formed by the top surface of the upper tray body 151 being recessed downward. The first accommodation portion 160 may accommodate the upper heater (refer to Fig.13 148) combined with the heater combination portion 124.

[0163] The upper tray 150 may further include a second receiving portion 161 (or may be referred to as a sensor receiving portion) in which the temperature sensor 500 is received.

[0164] As an example, the second receiving portion 161 may be provided in the upper tray body 151. The second receiving portion 161 may be formed by being recessed downward from the bottom of the first receiving portion 160, but is not limited thereto.

[0165] The second receiving portion 161 may be located between two adjacent upper chambers. Figure 8 FIG. 1 shows a case where the second receiving portion 161 is located between the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b. Therefore, the upper heater (see FIG. 14 ) received in the first receiving portion 160 can be prevented from Fig.13 148) interferes with the temperature sensor 500.

[0166] In a state where the temperature sensor 500 is received in the second receiving portion 161 , the temperature sensor 500 may be in contact with the outer surface of the upper tray body 151 .

[0167] The chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 may include a vertical wall 153a and a curved wall 153b. The curved wall 153b may be arc-shaped in a direction that moves away from the upper chamber 152 as it moves upward.

[0168] The upper tray 150 may further include a horizontal extension portion 164 extending in a horizontal direction from the periphery of the upper tray body 151. As an example, the horizontal extension portion 164 may extend along the periphery of the upper end edge of the upper tray body 151. The horizontal extension portion 164 may contact the upper housing 120 and the upper support member 170.

[0169] As an example, the bottom surface 164b (or “first surface”) of the horizontal extension portion 164 may contact the upper support member 170, and the top surface 164a (or “second surface”) of the horizontal extension portion 164 may contact the upper housing 120. At least a portion of the horizontal extension portion 164 may be located between the upper housing 120 and the upper support member 170.

[0170] The horizontal extension 164 may include a plurality of upper protrusions 165, 166 for respectively inserting into the plurality of upper slots 131, 132. The plurality of upper protrusions 165, 166 may include: a first upper protrusion 165; and a second upper protrusion 166 located at an opposite side of the first upper protrusion 165 with respect to the upper opening 154.

[0171] The first upper protrusion 165 may be inserted into the first upper slot 131, and the second upper protrusion 166 may be inserted into the second upper slot 132. The first upper protrusion 165 and the second upper protrusion 166 may protrude upward from the top surface 164a of the horizontal extension portion 164.

[0172] The first upper protrusion 165 and the second upper protrusion 166 may be Figure 8 Separated in the direction of arrow B. Figure 8 The direction of arrow B is Figure 6 The plurality of first upper protrusions 165 may be arranged in the direction of arrow A, but are not limited thereto. Also, the plurality of second upper protrusions 166 may be arranged in the direction of arrow A, and may be arranged in the direction of arrow B.

[0173] As an example, the first upper protrusion 165 may be formed in a curved shape. Also, as an example, the second upper protrusion 166 may be formed in a curved shape.

[0174] In the present embodiment, each of the upper protrusions 165 and 166 not only enables the upper tray 150 to be combined with the upper housing 120 , but also prevents the horizontal extension portion 164 from being deformed during the ice making process or the ice moving process.

[0175] At this time, when the upper protrusions 165 and 166 are formed in a curved shape, the intervals between the upper protrusions 165 and 166 and the upper chamber 152 in the length direction are the same or almost the same, so that the deformation of the horizontal extension portion 164 can be effectively prevented.

[0176] As an example, the horizontal deformation of the horizontal extension part 164 is minimized, thereby preventing the horizontal extension part 164 from being stretched and plastically deformed. If the horizontal extension part 164 is plastically deformed, the upper tray body cannot be located at an accurate position when making ice, so the ice is not shaped like a ball.

[0177] The horizontal extension portion 164 may further include a plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168. The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 may be inserted into the lower slots of the upper support member 170 described later. The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 may include: a first lower protrusion 167; and a second lower protrusion 168, which is located on the opposite side of the first lower protrusion 167 with respect to the upper chamber 152. The first lower protrusion 167 and the second lower protrusion 168 may protrude downward from the bottom surface 164b of the horizontal extension portion 164.

[0178] The first lower protrusion 167 may be located on the opposite side of the first upper protrusion 165 with respect to the horizontal extension portion 164. The second lower protrusion 168 may be located on the opposite side of the second upper protrusion 166 with respect to the horizontal extension portion 164.

[0179] The first lower protrusion 167 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the vertical wall 153 a of the upper tray body 151 . The second lower protrusion 168 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the curved wall 153 b of the upper tray body 151 .

[0180] The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 may also be formed in a curved shape. By forming the protrusions 165 , 166 , 167 , and 168 on the top surface 164 a and the bottom surface 164 b of the horizontal extension portion 164 , respectively, the horizontal extension portion 164 can be effectively prevented from being deformed in the horizontal direction.

[0181] The horizontal extension portion 164 may be provided with a through hole 169 for allowing a fastening boss of the upper support member 170 described later to pass therethrough. As an example, a plurality of through holes 169 may be provided in the horizontal extension portion 164. A portion of the plurality of through holes 169 may be located between two adjacent first upper protrusions 165 or between two adjacent first lower protrusions 167. Another portion of the plurality of through holes 169 may be disposed between two second lower protrusions 168, or may be disposed to face the area between the two second lower protrusions 168.

[0182] <Upper Support Member>

[0183] Fig.10 is an upper stereoscopic view of an upper support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.111 is a bottom perspective view of an upper support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0184] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 The upper support member 170 may include a support plate 171 in contact with the upper tray 150. As an example, a top surface of the support plate 171 may be in contact with a bottom surface 164b of the horizontal extension portion 164 of the upper tray 150.

[0185] The support plate 171 may be provided with a plate opening 172 for allowing the upper tray body 151 to pass therethrough. An outer peripheral wall 174 formed by bending upward may be provided at the edge of the support plate 171. As an example, the outer peripheral wall 174 may contact at least a portion of the outer periphery of the side surface of the horizontal extension portion 164. The top surface of the outer peripheral wall 174 may contact the bottom surface of the upper plate 121.

[0186] The support plate 171 may include a plurality of lower slots 176 and 177. The plurality of lower slots 176 and 177 may include a first lower slot 176 into which the first lower protrusion 167 is inserted and a second lower slot 177 into which the second lower protrusion 168 is inserted.

[0187] The plurality of first lower slots 176 may be arranged in the support plate 171 at intervals in the direction of arrow A. Also, the plurality of second lower slots 177 may be arranged in the support plate 171 at intervals in the direction of arrow A.

[0188] The support plate 171 may further include a plurality of fastening bosses 175. The plurality of fastening bosses 175 may protrude upward from the top surface of the support plate 171.

[0189] Each of the fastening bosses 175 may pass through the through hole 169 of the horizontal extension portion 164 to be introduced into the sleeve 133 of the upper housing 120. When the fastening bosses 175 are introduced into the sleeve 133, the top surface of the fastening bosses 175 may be located at the same height as the top surface of the sleeve 133, or at a lower height.

[0190] As an example, the fastening member fastened to the fastening boss 175 may be a bolt ( Figure 3A The bolt B1 may include a main body and a head having a diameter greater than that of the main body. The bolt B1 may be fastened to the fastening boss 175 from above the fastening boss 175.

[0191] During the process of fastening the main body of the bolt B1 to the fastening boss 175 , when the head contacts the top surface of the sleeve 133 or the head contacts the top surface of the sleeve 133 and the top surface of the fastening boss 175 , the assembly of the upper component 110 can be completed.

[0192] The upper support member 170 may further include a plurality of unit guides 181 and 182 for guiding the connection unit 350 connected to the upper ejector 300. As an example, the plurality of unit guides 181 and 182 may be Fig.11 The two components are spaced apart in the direction of arrow A as a reference.

[0193] The unit guides 181 and 182 may extend upward from the top surface of the support plate 171. In addition, each of the unit guides 181 and 182 may be connected to the peripheral wall 174.

[0194] Each of the unit guides 181, 182 may include a guide slot 183 extending in the up-down direction. The connecting unit 350 is connected to the ejector body 310 in a state where both ends of the ejector body 310 of the upper ejector 300 pass through the guide slots 183. Therefore, during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, when the rotational force is transmitted from the connecting unit 350 to the ejector body 310, the ejector body 310 may move up and down along the guide slots 183.

[0195] <Upper Heater Combination Structure>

[0196] Fig.12 It is enlarged to show Figure 5 Figure 1 shows the heater incorporation portion of the upper housing. Fig.13 The heater is shown in combination with Figure 5 Figure 1. The state of the upper housing. Fig.14 : is a diagram showing the arrangement of electric wires connected to the heater in the upper case.

[0197] Reference Figure 12 to Figure 14 The heater combination portion 124 may include a heater receiving groove 124a for receiving the upper heater 148. As an example, the heater receiving groove 124a may be formed by recessing a portion of the bottom surface of the recessed portion 122 of the upper housing 120 upward. The heater receiving groove 124a may extend along the periphery of the opening 123 of the upper housing 120.

[0198] As an example, the upper heater 148 may be a wire type heater. Therefore, the upper heater 148 may be bent to correspond to the shape of the heater receiving groove 124a so as to be received in the heater receiving groove 124a.

[0199] The upper heater 148 may be a DC heater that receives a DC power supply. The upper heater 148 may be activated to move ice. When the heat of the upper heater 148 is transferred to the upper tray 150, ice may be separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150.

[0200] If the upper tray 150 is formed of a metal material, the stronger the heat of the upper heater 148 is, the portion of the ice heated by the upper heater 148 adheres to the surface of the upper tray 150 again after the upper heater 148 is turned off, thereby causing a phenomenon of becoming opaque. That is, an opaque band having a shape corresponding to the upper heater is formed on the periphery of the ice.

[0201] However, in the case of the present embodiment, a DC heater whose output is inherently low is used, and the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material, and therefore, the amount of heat transferred to the upper tray 150 is reduced and the thermal conductivity of the upper tray 150 itself is also reduced.

[0202] Since the heat is not concentrated locally on the ice and a small amount of heat is slowly applied to the ice, not only can the ice be effectively separated from the upper tray, but also an opaque band can be prevented from being formed on the periphery of the ice.

[0203] The upper heater 148 may be configured to surround the periphery of the plurality of upper chambers 152 so that the heat of the upper heater 148 can be uniformly transferred to each of the plurality of upper chambers 152 of the upper tray 150. The upper heater 148 may be in contact with the periphery of each of the plurality of chamber walls 153 that respectively form the plurality of upper chambers 152. At this time, the upper heater 148 may be located at a position lower than the upper opening 154. The heater receiving groove 124a is recessed in the recessed portion 122, and therefore, the heater receiving groove 124a may be defined by the outer wall 124b and the inner wall 124c.

[0204] When the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 124 a , the diameter of the upper heater 148 may be formed to be greater than the depth of the heater accommodating groove 124 a so that the upper heater 148 may protrude to the outside of the heater combining portion 124 .

[0205] In a state where the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 124 a , a portion of the upper heater 148 protrudes to the outside of the heater accommodating groove 124 a , and thus the upper heater 148 may contact the upper tray 150 .

[0206] At least one of the outer wall 124b and the inner wall 124c may be provided with an anti-detachment protrusion 124d to prevent the upper heater 148 accommodated in the heater accommodation groove 124a from detaching from the heater accommodation groove 124a. Fig.12 2 shows a case where a plurality of anti-separation protrusions 124d are provided on the inner wall 124c. The anti-separation protrusions 124d may protrude from the end of the inner wall 124c toward the outer wall 124b.

[0207] At this time, the protruding length of the anti-detachment protrusion 124d can be formed to be less than 1 / 2 of the interval between the outer wall 124b and the inner wall 124c, so that the insertion of the upper heater 148 is not hindered by the anti-detachment protrusion 124d, and the upper heater 148 is prevented from easily detaching from the heater accommodating groove 124a.

[0208] like Fig.13 As shown, in a state where the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove 124a, the upper heater 148 can be divided into an arc portion 148c and a straight portion 148d. That is, the heater accommodation groove 124a includes an arc portion and a straight portion, and corresponding to the arc portion and the straight portion of the heater accommodation groove 124a, the upper heater 148 can be divided into an arc portion 148c and a straight portion 148d. The arc portion 148c is a portion arranged along the periphery of the upper chamber 152, and is a portion curved in an arc in the horizontal direction. The straight portion 148d is a portion connecting the arc portion 148c corresponding to each upper chamber 152. The position of the upper heater 148 is lower than the upper opening 154, so the line connecting the two points separated by the arc portion can pass through the upper chamber 152.

[0209] The arc portion 148 c in the upper heater 148 is likely to be detached from the heater receiving groove 124 a , and therefore, the anti-detachment protrusion 124 d may be configured to contact the arc portion 148 c .

[0210] A through opening 124e may be provided on the bottom surface of the heater receiving groove 124a. When the upper heater 148 is received in the heater receiving groove 124a, a portion of the upper heater 148 may be located in the through opening 124e. As an example, the through opening 124e may be located in a portion facing the anti-detachment protrusion 124d.

[0211] When the upper heater 148 is bent in a circular arc in the horizontal direction, the tension of the upper heater 148 increases and may be broken, and the upper heater 148 is likely to be separated from the heater receiving groove 124a.

[0212] However, as in the present embodiment, when the heater accommodating groove 124a forms a through opening 124e, a portion of the upper heater 148 can be located in the through opening 124e, thereby reducing the tension of the upper heater 148 and preventing the upper heater from detaching from the heater accommodating groove 124a.

[0213] like Fig.14 As shown, the power input terminal 148 a and the power output terminal 148 b of the upper heater 148 can pass through the heater through hole 125 formed in the upper shell 120 in a parallel arrangement.

[0214] The upper heater 148 is accommodated at the lower side of the upper housing 120, and thus, the power input terminal 148a and the power output terminal 148b of the upper heater 148 may extend upward and pass through the heater through hole 125. The power input terminal 148a and the power output terminal 148b passing through the heater through hole 125 may be connected to a first connector 129a.

[0215] The first connector 129a may be connected to a second connector 129c to which two electric wires 129d connected in a manner corresponding to the power input terminal 148a and the power output terminal 148b are connected.

[0216] The upper plate 121 of the upper housing 120 may be provided with the upper heater 148, the first connector 129a, the second connector 129c, and the first guide portion 126 for guiding the electric wire 129d. Fig.14 1 shows that the first guide portion 126 guides the first connector 129a. The first guide portion 126 extends upward from the top surface of the upper plate 121, and the upper end portion may be bent in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the upper bent portion of the first guide portion 126 restricts the first connector 129a from moving upward.

[0217] The electric wire 129 d may be bent into a substantially “U” shape to prevent interference with surrounding structures, and then may be led out to the outside of the upper housing 120 .

[0218] The electric wire 129d extends in a state of being bent more than once, and therefore, the upper housing 120 may further include electric wire guides 127 and 128 for fixing the position of the electric wire 129d.

[0219] The electric wire guides 127 and 128 may include a first guide 127 and a second guide 128 that are arranged to be spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The first guide 127 and the second guide 128 may be bent in a direction corresponding to the bending direction of the electric wire 129d to minimize damage to the bent electric wire 129d. That is, the first guide 127 and the second guide 128 may include a curved portion, respectively.

[0220] One or more of the first guide 127 and the second guide 128 may include an upper guide 127 a extending toward the other guide to restrict the electric wire 129 d located between the first guide 127 and the second guide 128 from moving in an upper direction.

[0221] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the upper assembly is assembled.

[0222] Reference Fig.15 In a state where the upper heater 148 is coupled to the heater coupling portion 124 of the upper housing 120 , the upper housing 120 , the upper tray 150 , and the upper support member 170 may be coupled to each other.

[0223] The first upper protrusion 165 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the first upper insertion slot 131 of the upper housing 120 , and the second upper protrusion 166 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the second upper insertion slot 132 of the upper housing 120 .

[0224] Then, the first lower protrusion 167 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the first lower insertion slot 176 of the upper support member 170 , and the second lower protrusion 168 of the upper tray is inserted into the second lower insertion slot 177 of the upper support member 170 .

[0225] At this time, the fastening boss 175 of the upper support member 170 is received in the sleeve 133 of the upper housing 120 through the through hole 169 of the upper tray 150. In this state, the bolt B1 can be fastened to the fastening boss 175 from above.

[0226] When the bolt B1 is fastened to the fastening boss 175 , the head of the bolt B1 is located higher than the upper plate 121 .

[0227] On the contrary, the hinge supports 135 and 136 are located lower than the upper plate 121 , so that the upper assembly 110 or the connecting unit 350 can be prevented from interfering with the head of the bolt B1 during the rotation of the lower assembly 200 .

[0228] During the assembly of the upper assembly 110, the plurality of unit guides 181, 182 of the upper support member 170 are inserted through the through openings ( Figure 5 139a, 139b) protrude above the upper plate 121.

[0229] The upper ejector 300 passes through the guide slots 183 of the unit guides 181 and 182 protruding above the upper plate 121 in the manner described above.

[0230] Therefore, the upper ejector 300 is lowered while being located at the upper side of the upper plate 121 and is introduced into the interior of the upper chamber 152 , thereby separating the ice in the upper chamber 152 from the upper tray 150 .

[0231] When the upper assembly 110 is assembled, the heater coupling part 124 coupled with the upper heater 148 is received in the first receiving part 160 of the upper tray 150. When the heater coupling part 124 is received in the first receiving part 160, the upper heater 148 contacts the bottom surface 160a of the first receiving part 160.

[0232] As in this embodiment, when the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the concave heater coupling part 124 and contacts the upper tray body 151 , heat transferred from the upper heater 148 to other parts other than the upper tray body 151 can be minimized.

[0233] At least a portion of the upper heater 148 may be disposed to overlap with the upper chamber 152 in a vertical direction, so that heat of the upper heater 148 is smoothly transferred to the upper chamber 152 .

[0234] In this embodiment, the arc portion 148c of the upper heater 148 may overlap the upper chamber 152 in the vertical direction. That is, the maximum distance between two points of the arc portion 148c located on opposite sides of the upper chamber 152 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the upper chamber 152.

[0235] <Lower housing>

[0236] Fig.16is a three-dimensional diagram of a lower component of an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.17 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the lower shell of an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.18 1 is a bottom perspective view of a lower shell body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0237] Reference Figures 16 to 18 , the lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250 , a lower support member 270 , and a lower housing 210 .

[0238] The lower case 210 may surround the periphery of the lower tray 250, and the lower support 270 may support the lower tray 250. The connection unit 350 may be coupled to the lower support 270.

[0239] The connecting unit 350 may include: a first connecting rod 352, which receives power from the driving unit 180 and is used to rotate the lower support member 270; and a second connecting rod 356, which is connected to the lower support member 270, so as to transmit the rotational force of the lower support member 270 to the upper ejector 300 when the lower support member 270 rotates.

[0240] The first link 352 and the lower support member 270 may be connected by an elastic member 360. As an example, the elastic member 360 may be a coil spring.

[0241] One end of the elastic member 360 is connected to the first link 352, and the other end is connected to the lower support member 270. The elastic member 360 provides elastic force to the lower support member 270 to maintain the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 in contact with each other.

[0242] In this embodiment, a first link 352 and a second link 356 may be provided on both sides of the lower support member 270. Any one of the two first links 352 is connected to the driving unit 180 to receive a rotational force from the driving unit 180. The two first links 352 may be connected to each other by a connecting shaft ( Figure 4 370) connection.

[0243] A hole 358 through which the ejector body 310 of the upper ejector 300 can pass may be formed at the upper end portion of the second link 356 .

[0244] The lower housing 210 may include a lower plate 211 for fixing the lower tray 250. The lower tray 250 may be fixed in a state where a portion thereof contacts the bottom surface of the lower plate 211. The lower plate 211 may be provided with an opening 212 for allowing a portion of the lower tray 250 to pass therethrough.

[0245] For example, when the lower tray 250 is located at the lower side of the lower plate 211 and when the lower tray 250 is fixed to the lower plate 211 , a portion of the lower tray 250 may protrude above the lower plate 211 through the opening 212 .

[0246] The lower housing 210 may further include a peripheral wall 214 (or a covering wall) that passes through the lower plate 211 and surrounds the lower tray 250. The peripheral wall 214 may include a vertical wall 214a and a curved wall 215.

[0247] The vertical wall 214a is a wall vertically extending upward from the lower plate 211. The curved wall 215 is a wall in the shape of an arc that gradually moves away from the opening 212 upward from the lower plate 211.

[0248] The vertical wall 214a may include a first coupling slot 214b for coupling with the lower tray 250. The first coupling slot 214b may be formed by the upper end of the vertical wall 214a being recessed downward. The curved wall 215 may include a second coupling slot 215a for coupling with the lower tray 250. The second coupling slot 215a may be formed by the upper end of the curved wall 215 being recessed downward.

[0249] The lower housing 210 may further include a first fastening boss 216 and a second fastening boss 217. The first fastening boss 216 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the lower plate 211. As an example, a plurality of first fastening bosses 216 may protrude downward from the lower plate 211. The plurality of first fastening bosses 216 may be arranged in a plurality of Fig.17 The two electrodes are arranged spaced apart in the direction of arrow A as a reference.

[0250] The second fastening boss 217 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the lower plate 211. As an example, a plurality of second fastening bosses 217 may protrude from the lower plate 211. The plurality of second fastening bosses 217 may be arranged in a plurality of Fig.17 The first fastening boss 216 and the second fastening boss 217 may be arranged spaced apart in the direction of arrow A based on the reference. The first fastening boss 216 and the second fastening boss 217 may be arranged spaced apart in the direction of arrow B. In this embodiment, the length of the first fastening boss 216 and the length of the second fastening boss 217 may be formed to be different. As an example, the length of the second fastening boss 217 may be formed to be longer than the length of the first fastening boss 216.

[0251] The first fastening member can be fastened to the first fastening boss 216 from the upper side of the first fastening boss 216. Conversely, the second fastening member can be fastened to the second fastening boss 217 from the lower side of the second fastening boss 217. In the process of fastening the first fastening member to the first fastening boss 216, the curved wall 215 is provided with a moving groove 215b for the fastening member so that the first fastening member does not interfere with the curved wall 215.

[0252] The lower housing 210 may further include a slot 218 for coupling with the lower tray 250. A portion of the lower tray 250 may be inserted into the slot 218. The slot 218 may be located near the vertical wall 214a. As an example, a plurality of slots 218 may be provided at a position close to the vertical wall 214a. Fig.17 The slots 218 are spaced apart in the direction of arrow A. Each of the slots 218 may be formed in a curved shape.

[0253] The lower housing 210 may further include a receiving groove 218a for inserting a portion of the lower tray 250. The receiving groove 218a may be formed by recessing a portion of the lower plate 211 toward the curved wall 215.

[0254] The lower housing 210 may further include an extension wall 219 which contacts a portion of a side periphery of the lower plate 211 when combined with the lower tray 250. The extension wall 219 may extend in a straight line in the arrow A direction.

[0255] <Lower Tray>

[0256] Fig.19 is a perspective view of the upper portion of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 20 and Fig.21 is a bottom perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 22 1 is a side view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0257] Reference Figures 19 to 22 , the lower tray 250 may be formed of a flexible material, and the lower tray 250 may be deformed by an external force and then restored to its original shape. As an example, the lower tray 250 may be formed of a silicon material. As in the present embodiment, when the lower tray 250 is formed of a silicon material, during the ice removal process, even if an external force is applied to the lower tray 250 and the shape of the lower tray 250 is deformed, the lower tray 250 may be restored to its original shape again. Therefore, despite the repeated ice-creaming, spherical ice may be generated.

[0258] If the lower tray 250 is formed of a metal material, when an external force is applied to the lower tray 250 to deform the lower tray 250 itself, the lower tray 250 cannot return to its original shape again. In this case, spherical ice cannot be generated after the shape of the lower tray 250 is deformed. That is, spherical ice cannot be repeatedly generated.

[0259] In contrast, as in the present embodiment, when the lower tray 250 has a flexible material capable of returning to its original shape, such a problem can be solved.

[0260] Also, when the lower tray 250 is formed of a silicon material, it is possible to prevent the lower tray 250 from being melted or thermally deformed due to heat provided by a lower heater described later.

[0261] The lower tray 250 may include a lower tray body 251 forming a lower chamber 252 as a part of the ice chamber 111. The lower tray body 251 may define a plurality of lower chambers 252. As an example, the plurality of lower chambers 252 may include a first lower chamber 252a, a second lower chamber 252b, and a third lower chamber 252c.

[0262] The lower tray body 251 may include three chamber walls 252 d forming three independent lower chambers 252 a , 252 b , and 252 c , and the three chamber walls 252 d may be formed as one body and form the lower tray body 251 .

[0263] The first lower chamber 252a, the second lower chamber 252b, and the third lower chamber 252c may be arranged in a row. As an example, the first lower chamber 252a, the second lower chamber 252b, and the third lower chamber 252c may be arranged in a row. Fig.19 The lower chamber 252 may be formed in a hemispherical shape or a shape similar to a hemisphere. That is, the lower part of the spherical ice may be formed by the lower chamber 252.

[0264] In this specification, a shape similar to a hemisphere means a shape that is not a hemisphere but is almost close to a hemisphere.

[0265] The lower tray 250 may further include a first extension portion 253 extending in a horizontal direction from an upper edge of the lower tray body 251. The first extension portion 253 may be continuously formed along the periphery of the lower tray body 251.

[0266] The lower tray 250 may further include a peripheral wall 260 extending upward from the top surface of the first extension portion 253. The bottom surface of the upper tray body 151 may contact the top surface 251e of the lower tray body 251. The peripheral wall 260 may surround the upper tray body 151 disposed on the top surface 251e of the lower tray body 251.

[0267] The peripheral wall 260 may include: a first wall 260 a surrounding the vertical wall 153 a of the upper tray body 151 ; and a second wall 260 b surrounding the curved wall 153 b of the upper tray body 151 .

[0268] The first wall 260a is a vertical wall extending vertically from the top surface of the first extension portion 253. The second wall 260b is a curved wall formed in a shape corresponding to the upper tray body 151. That is, the second wall 260b may be an arc in a direction from the first extension portion 253 toward the upper side away from the lower chamber 252.

[0269] The lower tray 250 may further include a second extension portion 254 extending in a horizontal direction from the peripheral wall 260. The second extension portion 254 may be located at a higher position than the first extension portion 253. Therefore, the first extension portion 253 and the second extension portion 254 form a step.

[0270] The second extension 254 may include a first upper protrusion 255 for being inserted into the slot 218 of the lower housing 210. The first upper protrusion 255 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the peripheral wall 260 in the horizontal direction. As an example, the first upper protrusion 255 may protrude upward from the top surface of the second extension 254 at a position adjacent to the first wall 260a. The plurality of first upper protrusions 255 may be arranged in a plurality of Fig. 20 The first upper protrusions 255 are arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A, but are not limited thereto. As an example, the first upper protrusions 255 may extend in a curved shape.

[0271] The second extension part 254 may further include a first lower protrusion 257 for being inserted into a protrusion groove of a lower support member 270 described later. The first lower protrusion 257 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the second extension part 254. A plurality of first lower protrusions 257 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0272] The first upper protrusion 255 and the first lower protrusion 257 may be located at opposite sides with respect to the upper and lower sides of the second extension portion 254. At least a portion of the first upper protrusion 255 may overlap with the first lower protrusion 257 in the upper and lower directions.

[0273] A plurality of through holes 256 may be formed on the second extension portion 254. The plurality of through holes 256 may include: a first through hole 256a for passing the first fastening boss 216 of the lower housing 210; and a second through hole 256b for passing the second fastening boss 217 of the lower housing 210. As an example, the plurality of first through holes 256a may be formed in Fig.19 The plurality of second through holes 256b may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A. Fig.19 The plurality of first through holes 256a and the plurality of second through holes 256b may be located at opposite sides with respect to the lower chamber 252.

[0274] A portion of the plurality of second through holes 256 b may be located between two adjacent first upper protrusions 255 . Also, a portion of the plurality of second through holes 256 b may be located between two first lower protrusions 257 .

[0275] The second extension portion 254 may further include a second upper protrusion 258. The second upper protrusion 258 may be located at an opposite side of the first upper protrusion 255 with respect to the lower chamber 252.

[0276] The second upper protrusion 258 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the outer wall 260 in the horizontal direction. As an example, the second upper protrusion 258 may protrude upward from the top surface of the second extension portion 254 at a position adjacent to the second wall 260b. Fig.19 The two components are spaced apart in the direction of arrow A, but are not limited to this.

[0277] The second upper protrusion 258 may be received in the receiving groove 218a of the lower housing 210. In a state where the second upper protrusion 258 is received in the receiving groove 218a, the second upper protrusion 258 may contact the curved wall 215 of the lower housing 210.

[0278] The peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may include a first coupling protrusion 262 for coupling with the lower housing 210. The first coupling protrusion 262 may protrude horizontally from the first wall 260a of the peripheral wall 260. The first coupling protrusion 262 may be located on the side upper side of the first wall 260a. The first coupling protrusion 262 may include a neck 262a, the diameter of which is smaller than other parts. The neck 262a may be inserted into a first coupling slot 214b formed in the peripheral wall 214 of the lower housing 210.

[0279] The peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may further include a second coupling protrusion 260c for coupling with the lower housing 210. The second coupling protrusion 260c may protrude in a horizontal direction from the second wall 260b of the peripheral wall 260. The second coupling protrusion 260c may be inserted into a second coupling slot 215a formed in the peripheral wall 214 of the lower housing 210.

[0280] The second extension portion 254 may further include a second lower protrusion 266. The second lower protrusion 266 may be located on the opposite side of the first lower protrusion 257 with respect to the lower chamber 252. The second lower protrusion 266 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the second extension portion 254. As an example, the second lower protrusion 266 may extend in a straight line. A portion of the plurality of first through holes 256a may be located between the second lower protrusion 266 and the lower chamber 252. The second lower protrusion 266 may be accommodated in a guide groove formed in a lower support member 270 described later.

[0281] The second extension portion 254 may further include a side restriction portion 264. The side restriction portion 264 restricts the lower tray 250 from moving in a horizontal direction when the lower tray 250 is combined with the lower housing 210 and the lower support member 270.

[0282] The side restriction portion 264 protrudes from the second extension portion 254 to the side, and the upper and lower lengths of the side restriction portion 264 are formed to be greater than the thickness of the second extension portion 254. As an example, a portion of the side restriction portion 264 is located at a higher position than the top surface of the second extension portion 254, and another portion is located at a lower position than the bottom surface of the second extension portion 254. Therefore, a portion of the side restriction portion 264 can contact the side surface of the lower housing 210, and another portion can contact the side surface of the lower support member 270.

[0283] <Lower Support>

[0284] Fig.23 is an upper stereoscopic view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.24 is a lower stereoscopic view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.25 It is used to show the state where the lower component is assembled. Fig.16 Cross-sectional view taken along line DD.

[0285] Reference Figure 23 to Figure 25 , the lower support member 270 may include a support member body 271 supporting the lower tray 250 .

[0286] The support body 271 may include three chamber receiving parts 272 for receiving three chamber walls 252d of the lower tray 250. The chamber receiving parts 272 may be formed in a hemispherical shape.

[0287] The support body 271 may include a lower opening 274, and during the ice removal process, the lower opening 274 is used to allow the lower pusher 400 to pass through. As an example, three lower openings 274 may be provided on the support body 271 corresponding to the three chamber accommodating portions 272. A reinforcing rib 275 may be provided along the periphery of the lower opening 274 for enhancing strength.

[0288] Furthermore, two adjacent chamber walls 252d among the three chamber walls 252d may be connected by a connecting rib 273. Such a connecting rib 273 may enhance the strength of the chamber wall 252d.

[0289] The lower support member 270 may further include a first extension wall 285 extending horizontally from the upper end of the support member body 271. The lower support member 270 may further include a second extension wall 286, which forms a step with the first extension wall 285 at the edge of the first extension wall 285. The top surface of the second extension wall 286 may be located at a higher position than the first extension wall 285.

[0290] The first extension portion 253 of the lower tray 250 may be disposed on the top surface 271a of the support body 271, and the second extension wall 286 may surround the side of the first extension portion 253 of the lower tray 250. At this time, the second extension wall 286 may contact the side of the first extension portion 253 of the lower tray 250.

[0291] The lower support member 270 may further include a protrusion groove 287 for receiving the first lower protrusion 257 of the lower tray 250. The protrusion groove 287 may extend in a curved shape. As an example, the protrusion groove 287 may be formed in the second extension wall 286.

[0292] The lower support member 270 may further include a first fastening groove 286 a , and the first fastening member B2 passing through the first fastening boss 216 of the upper housing 120 is fastened to the first fastening groove 286 a . As an example, the first fastening groove 286 a may be provided in the second extension wall 286 .

[0293] The plurality of first fastening grooves 286a may be arranged at intervals on the second extension wall 286 in the direction of arrow A. A portion of the plurality of first fastening grooves 286a may be located between two protruding grooves 287 adjacent to the first fastening groove 286a.

[0294] The lower support member 270 may further include a boss through hole 286b for passing the second fastening boss 217 of the upper housing 120. As an example, the boss through hole 286b may be provided in the second extension wall 286. A sleeve 286c surrounding the second fastening boss 217 and passing through the boss through hole 286b may be provided in the second extension wall 286. The sleeve 286c may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening at the bottom.

[0295] The first fastening member B2 may pass through the first fastening boss 216 from above the lower housing 210 and then be fastened to the first fastening groove 286a. The second fastening member B3 may be fastened to the second fastening boss 217 from below the lower support member 270. The lower end of the sleeve 286c may be located at the same height as the lower end of the second fastening boss 217, or may be located at a lower position than the lower end of the second fastening boss 217.

[0296] Therefore, during the fastening process of the second fastening member B3, the head of the second fastening member B3 may contact the second fastening boss 217 and the bottom surface of the sleeve 286c, or contact the bottom surface of the sleeve 286c.

[0297] The lower support member 270 may further include an outer wall 280 disposed to surround the lower tray body 251 while being spaced apart from the outer side of the lower tray body 251. For example, the outer wall 280 may extend downward along the edge of the second extension wall 286.

[0298] The lower support member 270 may further include a plurality of hinge bodies 281, 282 for connecting to each hinge support member 135, 136 of the upper housing 120. The plurality of hinge bodies 281, 282 may be Fig.23 The hinge bodies 281 and 282 are spaced apart in the direction of arrow A. Each hinge body 281, 282 may further include a second hinge hole 281a.

[0299] The shaft connection portion 353 of the first connecting rod 352 may pass through the second hinge hole 281a. The connecting shaft 370 may be connected to the shaft connection portion 353. The interval between the plurality of hinge bodies 281, 282 is smaller than the interval between the plurality of hinge support members 135, 136. Therefore, the plurality of hinge bodies 281, 282 may be located between the plurality of hinge support members 135, 136.

[0300] The lower support member 270 may further include a coupling shaft 283, and the second link 356 may be rotatably connected to the coupling shaft 283. The coupling shaft 283 may be disposed on both sides of the outer wall 280, respectively.

[0301] The lower support member 270 may further include an elastic member coupling portion 284 for coupling the elastic member 360. The elastic member coupling portion 284 may form a space capable of accommodating a portion of the elastic member 360. The elastic member 360 is accommodated in the elastic member coupling portion 284, thereby preventing the elastic member 360 from interfering with the surrounding structure. The elastic member coupling portion 284 may include a locking portion 284a for locking the lower end of the elastic member 360.

[0302] <Joining structure of lower heater>

[0303] Fig.26 is a top view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 27 The lower heater is shown in combination with Fig.26 A three-dimensional diagram of the state of the lower support member, Fig.28 This is a diagram showing a state in which the electric wires connected to the lower heater penetrate the upper case in a state in which the lower assembly and the upper assembly are coupled.

[0304] Reference Figure 26 to Figure 28 The ice maker 100 of this embodiment may further include a lower heater 296 for applying heat to the lower tray 250 during ice making. The lower heater 296 provides heat to the lower chamber 252 during ice making, so that ice in the ice chamber 111 begins to freeze from the upper side.

[0305] Furthermore, since the lower heater 296 generates heat during the ice making process, the bubbles in the ice chamber 111 move downward during the ice making process, and when ice making is completed, the other parts except the lowermost end of the spherical ice can be made transparent. That is, according to this embodiment, substantially transparent spherical ice can be generated.

[0306] As an example, the lower heater 296 may be a wire type heater. The lower heater 296 may be disposed on the lower support member 270. In addition, the lower heater 296 may contact the lower tray 250 to provide heat to the lower chamber 252. As an example, the lower heater 296 may contact the lower tray body 251. In addition, the lower heater 296 may be configured to surround the three chamber walls 252d of the lower tray body 251.

[0307] The lower support member 270 may further include a heater coupling portion 290 for coupling the lower heater 296. The heater coupling portion 290 may include a heater receiving groove 291 that is recessed downward from the chamber receiving portion 272 of the lower tray body 251. Through the recess of the heater receiving groove 291, the heater coupling portion 290 may include an inner wall 291a and an outer wall 291b. As an example, the inner wall 291a may be formed in a ring shape, and the outer wall 291b may be configured to surround the inner wall 291a. When the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater receiving groove 291, the lower heater 296 may surround at least a portion of the inner wall 291a.

[0308] The lower opening 274 may be located in the area formed by the inner wall 291a. Therefore, when the chamber wall 252d of the lower tray 250 is accommodated in the chamber accommodating portion 272, the chamber wall 252d may contact the top surface of the inner wall 291a. The top surface of the inner wall 291a is a circular arc surface corresponding to the hemispherical chamber wall 252d.

[0309] When the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 291 , the diameter of the lower heater 296 can be formed to be larger than the recessed depth of the heater accommodating groove 291 , so that a portion of the lower heater 296 protrudes to the outside of the heater accommodating groove 291 .

[0310] An anti-detachment protrusion 291 c may be provided on one or more of the outer wall 291 b and the inner wall 291 a to prevent the lower heater 296 accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 291 from detaching from the heater accommodating groove 291 . Fig.26 It is shown in FIG. 2 that the anti-separation protrusion 291c is arranged on the inner wall 291a.

[0311] The diameter of the inner wall 291 a is smaller than the diameter of the chamber accommodating portion 272 , and therefore, during the assembly of the lower heater 196 , the lower heater 196 moves along the surface of the chamber accommodating portion 272 and is accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 291 .

[0312] That is, the lower heater 196 is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove 291 from the upper side of the outer wall 291b toward the inner wall 291a. Therefore, the anti-separation protrusion 291c is preferably formed on the inner wall 291a to prevent the lower heater 296 from interfering with the anti-separation protrusion 291c during the process of being accommodated in the heater accommodation groove 291.

[0313] The anti-separation protrusion 291c may protrude from the upper end of the inner wall 291a toward the outer wall 291b. The protrusion length of the anti-separation protrusion 291c may be formed to be less than 1 / 2 of the interval between the outer wall 291b and the inner wall 291a.

[0314] like Fig. 27 As shown, when the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heating portion accommodating groove 291, the lower heater 296 can be divided into a circular arc portion 296a and a straight line portion 296b. That is, the heating portion accommodating groove 291 includes a circular arc portion and a straight line portion, and corresponding to the circular arc portion and the straight line portion of the heating portion accommodating groove 291, the lower heater 296 can also be divided into the circular arc portion 296a and the straight line portion 296b. The circular arc portion 296a is a portion arranged along the periphery of the lower chamber 252, and is a portion that is curved in an arc shape in the horizontal direction. The straight line portion 296b is a portion connecting the circular arc portion 296a corresponding to each lower chamber 252.

[0315] In the lower heater 296 , the arc portion 296 a is likely to be detached from the heating portion receiving groove 291 , and thus, the detachment prevention protrusion 291 c may be configured to contact the arc portion 296 a .

[0316] A through opening 291d may be provided on the bottom surface of the heater receiving groove 291. When the lower heater 296 is received in the heater receiving groove 291, a portion of the lower heater 296 may be located in the through opening 291d. As an example, the through opening 291d may be located in a portion facing the anti-detachment protrusion 291c.

[0317] When the lower heater 296 is bent in a circular arc in the horizontal direction, the tension of the lower heater 296 increases and may be broken, and the lower heater 296 is likely to be separated from the heater receiving groove 291.

[0318] However, as in the present embodiment, when the heater receiving groove 291 forms a through opening 291d, a portion of the lower heater 296 can be located in the through opening 291d, thereby reducing the tension of the lower heater 296 and preventing the lower heater 296 from detaching from the heater receiving groove 291.

[0319] The lower support member 270 may include: a first guide groove 293 for guiding a power input terminal 296c and a power output terminal 296d of a lower heater 296 accommodated in the heater accommodation groove 291; and a second guide groove 294 extending in a direction intersecting the first guide groove 293. As an example, the first guide groove 293 may extend from the heater accommodation groove 291 in the direction of arrow B.

[0320] The second guide groove 294 may extend from an end of the first guide groove 293 in a direction of arrow A. In the present embodiment, the direction of arrow A is a direction parallel to an extending direction of the rotation center axis C1 of the lower assembly 200 .

[0321] Reference Fig. 27 The first guide groove 293 may extend from any one of the left and right chamber accommodating parts except the central part of the three chamber accommodating parts. As an example, Fig. 27 FIG. 2 shows a situation in which the first guide groove 293 extends from a chamber accommodating portion located on the left side among the three chamber accommodating portions.

[0322] like Fig. 27 As shown, the power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d of the lower heater 296 may be accommodated in the first guide groove 293 in a side-by-side arrangement. The power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d of the lower heater 296 may be connected to a first connector 297a.

[0323] The first connector 297a may be connected to a second connector 297b to which two electric wires 298 connected in a manner corresponding to the power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d are connected.

[0324] In the present embodiment, when the first connector 297 a and the second connector 297 b are connected, the first connector 297 a and the second connector 297 b are received in the second guide groove 294 .

[0325] The electric wire 298 connected to the second connector 297 b is led out from the end of the second guide groove 294 to the outside of the lower support member 270 through the lead-out slot 295 formed in the lower support member 270 .

[0326] According to the present embodiment, the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are accommodated in the second guide groove 294. Therefore, when the lower assembly 200 is assembled, there is an advantage that the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are not exposed to the outside.

[0327] As described above, if the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are not exposed to the outside, during the rotation of the lower component 200, the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b can be prevented from interfering with the surrounding structure and preventing the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b from separating.

[0328] Furthermore, the first connector 297 a and the second connector 297 b are accommodated in the second guide groove 294 , so that a portion of the electric wire 298 is located in the second guide groove 294 , and another portion is located outside the lower support member 270 through the lead-out slot 295 .

[0329] At this time, the second guide groove 294 extends in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis C1 of the lower assembly 200, so a portion of the wire 298 also extends in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis C1. Another portion of the wire 298 extends from the outer side of the lower support member 270 in a direction intersecting the rotation center axis C1.

[0330] According to the arrangement of the electric wire 298, during the rotation of the lower component 200, almost no tensile force is applied to the electric wire 298, but a torsional force is applied. Compared with the case where the tensile force is applied to the electric wire 298, the possibility of the electric wire 298 being broken is very low when the torsional force is applied.

[0331] In the case of this embodiment, during the rotation of the lower component 200, the lower heater 296 maintains a fixed position and applies a torsional force to the electric wire 298, thereby preventing damage to the lower heater 296 and preventing the electric wire 298 from being broken.

[0332] In one or more of the first guide groove 293 and the second guide groove 294, an anti-detachment protrusion 293a may be provided, and the anti-detachment protrusion 293a is used to prevent the lower heater 296 or the wire 298 contained therein from detaching. The power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d of the lower heater 296 are located in the first guide groove 293. At this time, heat is also generated at the power input terminal 296c and the power output terminal 296d, so the heat provided to the chamber accommodating portion on the left side where the first guide groove 293 extends is greater than the heat provided to other chamber accommodating portions. In this case, if the amount of heat provided to each chamber accommodating portion is different, the transparency of the spherical ice made after ice making and ice moving are completed may also vary from ice to ice.

[0333] Therefore, the chamber accommodating portion farthest from the first guide groove 293 among the three chamber accommodating portions (for example, the right chamber accommodating portion) may be further provided with a detour accommodating groove 292 to minimize the situation where the difference in transparency of each ice becomes large.

[0334] As an example, the detour receiving groove 292 may be configured to extend outward from the heater receiving groove 291, bend, and then be connected to the heater receiving groove 291. When a portion 296e of the lower heater 296 is additionally received in the detour receiving groove 292, the contact area between the chamber wall of the chamber receiving part 272 received on the right side and the lower heater 296 may be increased. Therefore, the chamber receiving part 272 on the right side may be additionally provided with a protrusion 292a for fixing the position of the lower heater received in the detour receiving groove 292.

[0335] Reference Fig.28 When the lower component 200 is combined with the upper shell 120 of the upper component 110, the wire 298 led out to the outside of the lower support member 270 passes through the wire through-slot 138 formed in the upper shell 120, so that it can extend upward from the upper shell 120.

[0336] The wire through-slot 138 may be provided with a limiting guide 139 for limiting the movement of the wire 298 passing through the wire through-slot 138. The limiting guide 139 is formed in a shape bent multiple times, and the wire 298 may be located within an area formed by the limiting guide.

[0337] Fig.29 It is along Figure 3A The cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Fig.30 It is shown Fig.29 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which ice making is completed.

[0338] Fig.29 The state where the upper tray is in contact with the lower tray is shown in FIG.

[0339] First, refer to Fig.29 The ice chamber 111 is completed by the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 being in contact with each other in the up-down direction.

[0340] The bottom surface 151a of the upper tray body 151 contacts the top surface 251e of the lower tray body 251. At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 360 is applied to the lower support 270 while the top surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 contacts the bottom surface 151a of the upper tray body 151.

[0341] The elastic force of the elastic member 360 is applied to the lower tray 250 through the lower support 270, so that the top surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 presses the bottom surface 151a of the upper tray body 151. Therefore, when the top surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the bottom surface 151a of the upper tray body 151, the adhesion is improved by pressing each surface against each other.

[0342] As described above, when the adhesion between the top surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 and the bottom surface 151a of the upper tray body 151 increases, since there is no gap between the two surfaces, it is possible to prevent the formation of thin strip-shaped ice along the periphery of the spherical ice after ice making is completed.

[0343] The first extension portion 253 of the lower tray 250 is disposed on the top surface 271a of the support member body 271 of the lower support member 270. In addition, the second extension wall 286 of the lower support member 270 contacts the side surface of the first extension portion 253 of the lower tray 250. The second extension portion 254 of the lower tray 250 may be disposed on the second extension wall 286 of the lower support member 270.

[0344] In a state where the bottom surface 151a of the upper tray body 151 is placed on the top surface 251e of the lower tray body 251, the upper tray body 151 can be accommodated in the inner space of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250. At this time, the vertical wall 153a of the upper tray body 151 is configured to face the vertical wall 260a of the lower tray 250, and the curved wall 153b of the upper tray body 151 is configured to face the curved wall 260b of the lower tray 250.

[0345] The outer surface of the cavity wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250. That is, a space is formed between the outer surface of the cavity wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 and the inner surface of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250.

[0346] The water supplied by the water supply part 190 is contained in the ice chamber 111, and when the amount of the supplied water is greater than the volume of the ice chamber 111, the water that cannot be contained in the ice chamber 111 is stored in the space between the outer surface of the chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 and the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250.

[0347] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the amount of water supplied is greater than the volume of the ice chamber 111, water can be prevented from overflowing from the ice maker 100.

[0348] In a state where the top surface 251 e of the lower tray body 251 contacts the bottom surface 151 a of the upper tray body 151 , the top surface of the peripheral wall 260 may be located higher than the upper opening 154 of the upper tray 150 or the upper chamber 152 .

[0349] In addition, the lower tray body 251 may be further provided with a heater contact portion 251a for increasing the contact area with the lower heater 296. The heater contact portion 251a may protrude from the bottom surface of the lower tray body 251. As an example, the heater contact portion 251a may be formed in a ring shape on the bottom surface of the lower tray body 251. In addition, the bottom surface of the heater contact portion 251a may be a flat surface.

[0350] In a state where the lower heater 296 contacts the heater contact portion 251 a , the lower heater 296 may be located at a position lower than a middle point of the height of the lower chamber 252 , but is not limited thereto.

[0351] The lower tray body 251 may further include a convex portion 251b formed by convexly protruding upward from a portion of the lower side. That is, the convex portion 251b may be configured to protrude toward the inner side of the ice chamber 111. A concave portion 251c is formed at the lower side of the convex portion 251b so that the thickness of the convex portion 251b is substantially the same as the thickness of other portions of the lower tray body 251.

[0352] In this specification, “substantially the same” is a concept that includes completely the same thing and things that are not completely the same thing but are similar in almost no difference.

[0353] The convex portion 251b may be disposed to face the lower opening 274 of the lower support member 270 in the up-down direction. The lower opening 274 may be located vertically below the lower chamber 252. That is, the lower opening 274 may be located vertically below the convex portion 251b. The diameter D1 of the convex portion 251b may be formed to be smaller than the diameter D2 of the lower opening 274.

[0354] In the state where water is supplied to the ice chamber 111, when cold air is supplied to the ice chamber 111, liquid water changes into solid ice. At this time, water expands during the process of changing into ice, and the expansion force of water is transmitted to the upper tray body 151 and the lower tray body 251, respectively.

[0355] In the case of this embodiment, another portion of the lower tray body 251 is surrounded by the support member body 271, and a portion corresponding to the lower opening 274 of the support body 271 (hereinafter, referred to as a "corresponding portion") is not surrounded.

[0356] If the lower tray body 251 is formed in a complete hemispherical shape, when the expansion force of the water is applied to a portion of the lower tray body 251 corresponding to the lower opening 274 , the corresponding portion of the lower tray body 251 is deformed toward the lower opening 274 .

[0357] In this case, before ice making, the water supplied to the ice chamber 111 exists in a spherical shape, but after the formation of ice is completed, due to the deformation of the corresponding portion of the lower tray body 251, additional ice having a convex shape corresponding to the space generated by the deformation of the corresponding portion is generated on the spherical ice.

[0358] Therefore, in this embodiment, considering the deformation of the lower tray body 251, a convex portion 251b is formed on the lower tray body 251 so that the manufactured ice can be as close to a complete spherical shape as possible.

[0359] In this case of the present embodiment, before ice making, water supplied to the ice chamber 111 does not have a spherical shape, but after ice making is completed, the convex portion 251b of the lower tray body 251 is deformed toward the lower opening 274 side, so that spherical ice can be generated.

[0360] In the present embodiment, the diameter D1 of the protrusion 251 b is formed to be smaller than the diameter D2 of the lower opening 274 , so the protrusion 251 b can be deformed and located inside the lower opening 274 .

[0361] Next, the ice making process of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0362] Fig.31 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.32 FIG. 1 is a flow chart for explaining an ice making process in an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0363] Fig.33 It is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB line of FIG. 3 in the water supply state, Fig.34 It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 3 in the ice making state.

[0364] Fig.35 It is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB line of FIG. 3 in the ice making completion state. Fig.36 It is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB line of FIG. 3 in the initial state of ice removal. Fig.37 It is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 3 in a state where ice removal is completed.

[0365] Reference Figure 31 to Figure 37The refrigerator of this embodiment may further include: the upper heater 148 ; and a control unit 700 for controlling the lower heater 296 .

[0366] The control unit 700 may adjust the output of the lower heater 296 during the ice making process. Referring to the drawings, the specific output adjustment of the lower heater 296 will be described below.

[0367] First, the lower component 200 moves to the water supply standby position (S1) to make ice in the ice maker 100. As an example, when the lower component 200 moves to the ice transfer completion position described later, the control unit 700 can control the driving unit 180 so that the lower component 200 can rotate in the reverse direction. In the water supply standby position of the lower component 200, the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250 is separated from the bottom surface 151e of the upper tray 150. The bottom surface 151e of the upper tray 150 can be located at the same or similar height as the rotation center C2 of the lower component 200, but is not limited thereto.

[0368] In this embodiment, the direction of rotating the lower assembly 200 for ice removal (counterclockwise based on the drawing) is referred to as a positive direction, and the opposite direction (clockwise) is referred to as a negative direction.

[0369] In the water supply standby position of the lower assembly 200 , the angle formed by the top surface 251 e of the lower tray 250 and the bottom surface 151 e of the upper tray 150 may be approximately 8 degrees, but is not limited thereto.

[0370] In the above state, water supply starts (S2). For example, water flows to the water supply unit 190 through a water supply pipe connected to an external water supply source or a water tank disposed inside the refrigerator 1. At this time, water is guided by the water supply unit 190 and supplied to the ice chamber 111.

[0371] At this time, water may be supplied to the ice chamber 111 through one of the plurality of upper openings 154 of the upper tray 150. In a state where water supply is completed, a portion of the supplied water fills the lower chamber 252, and another portion of the supplied water may be stored in the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250. As an example, the volume of the upper chamber 152 may be the same as the volume of the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250. At this time, the water between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may completely fill the upper tray 150.

[0372] In the case of the present embodiment, the lower tray 250 does not have a passage for communicating the three lower chambers 252 with each other.

[0373] As described above, even if the lower tray 250 does not have a passage for moving water, since the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250 is separated from the bottom surface 151e of the upper tray 150, when water fills up a specific lower chamber during water supply, the water can flow to other lower chambers along the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250. Therefore, the plurality of lower chambers 252 of the lower tray 250 can be respectively filled with water.

[0374] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the lower tray 250 does not have a passage for communicating with the lower chamber 252, it is possible to prevent additional ice from being formed in a convex shape on the periphery of ice after ice making is completed.

[0375] When the water supply is completed, the lower assembly 200 moves to the ice making position. Fig.34 As shown, the control unit 700 can control the driving unit 180 to make the lower assembly 200 rotate in the reverse direction. When the lower assembly 200 rotates in the reverse direction, the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250 approaches the bottom surface 151e of the upper tray 150. At this time, the water between the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the bottom surface 151e of the upper tray 150 is distributed to the inside of each of the plurality of upper chambers 152. When the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the bottom surface 151e of the upper tray 150 are completely close to each other, the upper chambers 152 are filled with water.

[0376] The position of the lower assembly 200 in a state where the top surface 251 e of the lower tray 250 and the bottom surface 151 e of the upper tray 150 are in close contact with each other may be referred to as an ice-making position.

[0377] Ice making starts in a state where the lower assembly 200 moves to the ice making position (S4).

[0378] During ice making, the pressing force of water (or the expansion force of water) is smaller than the force for deforming the convex portion 251 b of the lower tray 250 , and thus, the convex portion 251 b maintains the original shape without being deformed.

[0379] After ice making starts, the controller 700 determines whether a start-up condition of the lower heater 296 is satisfied (S5).

[0380] That is, in the case of this embodiment, the lower heater 296 can be started only when the start-up condition of the lower heater 296 is satisfied, rather than starting the lower heater 296 immediately after the ice making starts (S6).

[0381] Specifically, the water generally supplied to the ice chamber 111 may be water at room temperature or water at a temperature lower than room temperature. The supplied water temperature is higher than the freezing point of water. Therefore, after the water is supplied, the temperature of the water is lowered by the cold air, and when the freezing point of the water is reached, the water turns into ice.

[0382] In the case of this embodiment, the lower heater 296 is not activated before the water phase changes to ice. If the lower heater 296 is activated before the freezing point of the water in the ice chamber 111 is reached, the speed at which the temperature of the water reaches the freezing point due to the heat of the lower heater 296 is slow, and as a result, the ice making speed is slowed down. That is, regardless of the transparency of the ice, the lower heater is unnecessarily operated.

[0383] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the activation condition of the lower heater 296 is satisfied, the lower heater 296 is activated, thereby preventing power consumption due to unnecessary operation of the lower heater 296.

[0384] In this embodiment, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches the activation reference temperature, the control unit 700 determines that the activation condition of the lower heater 296 is satisfied. As an example, the activation reference temperature is a temperature for determining that water starts to freeze from the uppermost side (upper opening side) of the ice chamber 111.

[0385] In this embodiment, the rest of the ice chamber 111 except the upper opening 154 is blocked by the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250. Therefore, water in the ice chamber 111 directly contacts the cold air through the upper opening 154, so that ice is generated from the uppermost side of the ice chamber 111 where the upper opening is located.

[0386] When water freezes in the ice chamber 111 , the temperature of the ice in the ice chamber 111 is a temperature below zero. The temperature of the upper tray 150 is higher than the temperature of the ice in the ice chamber 111 .

[0387] In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 500 does not directly sense the temperature of the ice, but the temperature sensor 500 contacts the upper tray 150 to sense the temperature of the upper tray 150 .

[0388] Through this structural configuration, the start reference temperature may be set to a temperature below zero to determine the start of ice making in the ice chamber 111 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 .

[0389] That is, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 reaches the startup reference temperature, the startup reference temperature is a sub-zero temperature, so the temperature of the ice in the ice chamber 111 is a sub-zero temperature, which is lower than the startup reference temperature, thereby indirectly determining that ice is being made in the ice chamber 111 .

[0390] When the lower heater 296 is activated, the heat of the lower heater 296 is transferred to the lower tray 250. Therefore, when ice making is performed in a state where the lower heater 296 is activated, heat is supplied to the water contained in the lower chamber 252 in the ice chamber 111, and thus ice is generated in the ice chamber 111 from the upper side.

[0391] In this embodiment, ice is generated from the upper side in the ice chamber 111, so the bubbles in the ice chamber 111 move downward. The density of water is greater than the density of ice, so the bubbles in the water easily move downward and gather at the lower side.

[0392] The ice chamber 111 is formed in a spherical shape, so a horizontal cross-sectional area at each height of the ice chamber 111 is different.

[0393] Assuming that the same amount of cold air is supplied to the ice chamber 111, if the output of the lower heater 296 is the same, the horizontal cross-sectional area at each height of the ice chamber 111 is different, and therefore, the ice making speed at each height may be different. In other words, the height of ice generated per unit time is not uniform. In this case, bubbles in water are contained in the ice without moving to the lower side, making the ice opaque.

[0394] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control part 700 variably controls the output of the lower heater 296 according to the height of ice generated in the ice chamber 111 (S7).

[0395] The horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​ice increases from the upper side toward the lower side, increases to the maximum at the boundary between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, and then decreases toward the lower side. Corresponding to such a change in the horizontal cross-sectional area according to the height, the control unit 700 changes the output of the lower heater 296. Referring to the drawings, the variable output control of the lower heater 296 will be described later with reference to the drawings.

[0396] In the process that ice is continuously generated from the upper side to the lower side in the ice chamber 111, the ice contacts the top surface of the convex portion 251b of the lower tray 250. If ice is continuously generated in this state, Fig.35 As shown, the convex portion 251b is pressed and deformed, and when ice making is completed, spherical ice can be generated.

[0397] The control part 700 may determine whether ice making is completed based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 (S8). When it is determined that ice making is completed, the control part 700 may turn off the lower heater 296 (S9).

[0398] In the present embodiment, the distance between the temperature sensor 500 and each ice chamber 111 is different. Therefore, in order to determine that ice making is completed in all ice chambers 111, the control unit 700 may start to move ice after a predetermined time has passed since ice making is determined to be completed.

[0399] When ice making is completed, the controller 700 operates the upper heater 148 to remove ice ( S10 ).

[0400] When the upper heater 148 is activated, the heat of the upper heater 148 is transferred to the upper tray 150 to separate the ice from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150. In addition, the heat of the upper heater 148 is transferred to the contact surface between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 to enable the bottom surface 151a of the upper tray 150 and the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250 to be separated.

[0401] When the upper heater 148 is operated for a predetermined time, the control part 700 turns off the upper heater 148. In addition, the driving unit 180 is operated to rotate the lower assembly 200 in a forward direction (S11).

[0402] like Fig.36 As shown, when the lower assembly 200 rotates in the forward direction, the lower tray 250 is separated from the upper tray 150. The rotational force of the lower assembly 200 is transmitted to the upper ejector 300 through the connecting unit 350. At this time, the upper ejector 300 descends through the unit guides 181 and 182, thereby introducing the upper ejector pin 320 into the upper chamber 152 through the upper opening 154.

[0403] During the ice removal process, the ice may be separated from the upper tray 150 before the upper push pin 320 presses the ice. That is, the ice may be separated from the surface of the upper tray 150 by the heat of the upper heater 148. In this case, the ice may rotate together with the lower assembly 200 while being supported by the lower tray 250.

[0404] Alternatively, there may be a case where ice is not separated from the surface of the upper tray 150 even if heat of the upper heater 148 is applied to the upper tray 150 .

[0405] Therefore, when the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the forward direction, ice may be separated from the lower tray 250 in a state of being closely attached to the upper tray 150 .

[0406] In this state, during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, the upper push pin 320 passing through the upper opening 154 presses the ice in close contact with the upper tray 150, thereby separating the ice from the upper tray 150. The ice separated from the upper tray 150 can be supported by the lower tray 250 again.

[0407] In a state where ice is supported by the lower tray 250 , when the ice rotates together with the lower assembly 200 , the ice may be separated from the lower tray 250 due to its own weight even if no external force is applied to the lower tray 250 .

[0408] Even during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, ice is not separated from the lower tray 250 due to its own weight. Fig.35 As shown, when the lower tray 250 is pressed by the lower ejector 400 , ice may also be separated from the lower tray 250 .

[0409] Specifically, during the rotation of the lower assembly 200 , the lower tray 250 comes into contact with the lower ejection pin 420 .

[0410] When the lower assembly 200 continues to rotate in the forward direction, the lower ejection pin 420 presses the lower tray 250 to deform the lower tray 250 , and the pressing force of the lower ejection pin 420 is transmitted to the ice, so that the ice can be separated from the surface of the lower tray 250 .

[0411] The ice separated from the surface of the lower tray 250 may fall downward and be stored in the ice box 102 .

[0412] After the ice is separated from the lower tray 250 , the controller 700 controls the driving unit 180 to rotate the lower assembly 200 in a reverse direction.

[0413] During the reverse rotation of the lower assembly 200 , when the lower ejection pin 420 is spaced apart from the lower tray 250 , the deformed lower tray 250 may be restored to its original shape.

[0414] During the reverse rotation of the lower assembly 200 , the rotation force is transmitted to the upper ejector 300 through the connecting unit 350 , so that the upper ejector 300 rises and the upper ejector pin 320 is disengaged from the upper chamber 152 .

[0415] When the lower assembly 200 reaches the water supply standby position, the driving unit 180 stops, and water supply starts again.

[0416] Fig.38 : is a graph for explaining the output of the lower heater at each height of ice generated in the ice chamber. Fig.38 (a) shows a situation where a spherical ice chamber is divided into a plurality of sections according to height. Fig.38 (b) shows the output of the lower heater at each height interval of the ice chamber.

[0417] In this embodiment, as an example, a spherical ice chamber (or ice interval) with a diameter of 50 mm is divided into nine intervals (A interval to I interval) at 6 mm intervals (reference interval). It should be understood that the diameter of the ice chamber (or the diameter of the ice) and the number of divided intervals are not limited.

[0418] Fig.39 is a graph showing the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and the output of the lower heater during water supply and ice making, Fig.40 This is a diagram showing the ice making process in stages for each ice height range.

[0419] exist Fig.40 In this equation, I is the generated ice and W is the water.

[0420] Reference Fig.38 and Fig.39 When the ice chamber is divided at the reference interval, the heights of each divided section are the same from section A to section H, and the height of section I is higher than the other sections. Of course, the heights of all the divided sections may be the same depending on the diameter of the ice chamber (or the diameter of ice) and the number of divided sections.

[0421] Among the plurality of sections, the section E has the largest diameter of the ice chamber and therefore has the largest volume. The volume of the section E decreases toward the upper and lower sections.

[0422] As described above, assuming that the same amount of cold air is supplied and the output of the lower heater 296 is constant, the ice making speed is the slowest in the E section, and the ice making speed is the fastest in the A section and the I section.

[0423] In this case, since the ice making speed is different in each section, the transparency of ice is different in each section, and there is a problem that bubbles are contained in a specific section due to the high ice making speed.

[0424] In the present invention, the lower heater 296 is controlled so that the bubbles in the water move downward during the ice making process and the ice making speed in each section is the same or similar.

[0425] Specifically, the volume of the E section is the largest, so the output W5 of the lower heater 296 in the E section can be set as low as possible. The volume of the D section is smaller than that of the E section, so as the volume decreases, the ice making speed increases, and thus the ice making speed needs to be slowed down.

[0426] Therefore, the output W6 of the lower heater 296 in the D section may be set to be greater than the output W5 of the lower heater 296 in the E section.

[0427] For the same reason, the volume of the C section is smaller than the volume of the D section, and therefore, the output W3 of the lower heater 296 in the C section can be set to be larger than the output W4 of the lower heater 296 in the D section.

[0428] Furthermore, since the volume of the B section is smaller than the volume of the C section, the output W2 of the lower heater 296 in the B section can be set to be larger than the output W3 of the lower heater 296 in the C section.

[0429] Furthermore, since the volume of the A section is smaller than the volume of the B section, the output W1 of the lower heater 296 in the A section may be set to be larger than the output W2 of the lower heater 296 in the B section.

[0430] For the same reason, the volume of the F section is smaller than the volume of the E section, and therefore, the output W6 of the lower heater 296 of the F section can be set to be larger than the output W5 of the lower heater 296 of the E section. Furthermore, the volume of the G section is smaller than the volume of the F section, and therefore, the output W7 of the lower heater 296 of the G section can be set to be larger than the output W6 of the lower heater 296 of the F section. Furthermore, the volume of the H section is smaller than the volume of the G section, and therefore, the output W8 of the lower heater 296 of the H section can be set to be larger than the output W7 of the lower heater 296 of the G section. Furthermore, the volume of the I section is smaller than the volume of the H section, and therefore, the output W9 of the lower heater 296 of the I section can be set to be larger than the output W8 of the lower heater 296 of the H section.

[0431] Therefore, observing the output variation pattern of the lower heater 296 , after the lower heater 296 is initially activated, the output of the lower heater 296 decreases in stages from the initial interval to the intermediate interval.

[0432] The output of the lower heater 296 is minimum in the middle section (the section where the horizontal diameter is the largest) of the ice chamber 111. From the section next to the middle section of the ice chamber 111, the output of the lower heater 296 increases stepwise.

[0433] like Fig.39As shown, as the height of the generated ice increases, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 decreases. In addition, the interval reference temperature of each interval may be predetermined and may be stored in a memory not shown.

[0434] Therefore, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 in the current section reaches the section reference temperature of the next section, the control part 700 changes the output of the lower heater 296 corresponding to the current section to the output of the lower heater corresponding to the next section.

[0435] exist Fig.38 (a) shows a case where it is assumed that the protrusion 252b does not exist in the lower tray 250, for easy understanding.

[0436] In the present embodiment, the lower tray 250 is provided with the protrusion 252b, so the I section may not actually exist depending on the number of sections in the ice chamber 111. Alternatively, the I section may correspond to the section where the protrusion 252b is located.

[0437] In either case, the section including the convex portion 252 b may correspond to the final section among the plurality of sections, and the output of the lower heater 296 may be determined based on the volume of the corresponding section.

[0438] By controlling the output of the lower heater 296 as described above, the transparency of the ice in each section is made uniform, and the bubbles are gathered in the lowermost section, so that the bubbles can be gathered in a part of the entire ice and the rest of the ice can be transparent.

Claims

1. An ice making machine, wherein: include: an upper tray forming an upper chamber as part of the ice chamber; a lower tray forming a lower chamber as another portion of the ice chamber; a lower support member supporting the lower tray; and a lower heater for supplying heat to the lower chamber during ice making, The lower tray includes a convex portion that protrudes toward the inner side of the lower chamber before ice is generated in the ice chamber, and the convex portion forms a part of the outer shape of the ice chamber. During the ice making process, air bubbles contained in the water in the ice chamber move toward the convex portion. When ice making is completed, the convex portion is deformed to protrude toward the outside of the lower chamber.

2. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The lower tray is formed of a flexible material or silicon.

3. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The lower tray includes a chamber wall forming the lower chamber, The lower support member covers more than 1 / 2 of the outer circumference of the chamber wall.

4. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The lower support member includes a lower opening formed at a position corresponding to the convex portion.

5. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The lower support member includes a chamber accommodating portion that accommodates a portion of the lower tray and has a lower opening formed at a position corresponding to the convex portion.

6. The ice making machine according to claim 5, wherein: The lower support member further includes a heater combining portion, the heater combining portion is arranged at the lower portion of the chamber accommodating portion, and the lower heater is combined at the heater combining portion. The heater combining portion includes a heater accommodating groove recessed downward from the chamber accommodating portion.

7. The ice making machine according to claim 6, wherein: The heater receiving groove is arranged near the lower opening and includes an inner wall and an outer wall, The lower heater is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove so as to surround at least a portion of the inner wall.

8. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The lower tray includes a chamber wall defining the lower chamber, The lower heater contacts an outer surface of the chamber wall.

9. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: A control unit is further included, the control unit controlling the output of the lower heater to change during the ice making process so that bubbles contained in the water in the ice chamber are gathered on the convex portion side during the ice making process.

10. The ice making machine according to claim 9, wherein: The control part controls the output of the lower heater to decrease the output of the lower heater from an initial output and then increase the output during the ice making process.

11. The ice making machine according to claim 9, wherein: The ice chamber is divided into a plurality of sections based on the height of the ice chamber. The control unit changes the output of the lower heater for each ice forming section in the ice chamber.

12. The ice making machine according to claim 11, wherein: The control unit reduces the output of the lower heater in stages from the initial section to the middle section, and increases the output of the lower heater in stages from the middle section to the final section. The output of the lower heater is minimum in the middle section.

13. The ice making machine according to claim 12, wherein: The final section is a section including the convex portion, In the final section, the output of the lower heater is a value corresponding to the volume of the final section.

14. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The lower tray is connected to the upper tray in a rotatable manner relative to the upper tray.

15. A refrigerator comprising the ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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