Refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator of the present invention can include a first tray forming a portion of an ice making compartment, a second tray forming another portion of the ice making compartment, a heater for supplying a hot stream to the ice making compartment, a cooler for supplying a cold stream to the storage compartment, and a control portion controlling the heater and the cooler, an operation mode of the refrigerator including a first mode and a second mode, the control portion being controlled so that one or more of a cooling amount of the cooler and a heating amount of the heater are different from each other in the first mode and the second mode.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 201980065211.4, filed on October 1, 2019, entitled "Refrigerator". Technical Field

[0002] This instruction manual pertains to refrigerators. Background Technology

[0003] Generally speaking, a refrigerator is a household appliance that stores food at low temperatures in an interior storage space enclosed by a door. The refrigerator preserves the stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state by using cold air to cool the interior of the storage space. Typically, refrigerators are equipped with an ice maker. The ice maker takes water supplied from a water source or tank, places it in a tray, and then cools the water to produce ice.

[0004] Furthermore, the ice maker can transfer the ice from the ice tray by heating or by twisting. The ice maker, which automatically supplies water and transfers ice as described above, is formed with an upward opening to hold the formed ice. Ice produced in the ice maker with the structure described above, such as in a crescent or cube shape, has at least one flat surface.

[0005] Furthermore, forming ice into a spherical shape makes it more convenient to use and provides users with a unique experience. Also, when storing the ice, the contact area between ice crystals can be minimized, thus reducing the likelihood of them tangling together.

[0006] An ice maker is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1850918 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Document 1"), which is an existing document.

[0007] The ice maker in document 1 includes: an upper tray with a plurality of hemispherical upper shells arranged thereon, including a pair of connecting guides extending upward from both sides; a lower tray with a plurality of hemispherical lower shells arranged thereon, rotatably connected to the upper tray; a pivot shaft connected to the rear ends of the lower tray and the upper tray to allow the lower tray to rotate relative to the upper tray; a pair of connecting members, one end of which is connected to the lower tray and the other end of which is connected to the connecting guide; and an upper push pin assembly, which, with both ends inserted into the connecting guide, is respectively connected to the pair of connecting members and moves up and down together with the connecting members.

[0008] In the case of existing literature 1, although spherical ice can be generated by using a hemispherical upper shell and a hemispherical lower shell, since the ice is generated in the upper shell and the lower shell at the same time, the air bubbles contained in the water cannot be completely discharged. Instead, the air bubbles will be dispersed inside the water, resulting in the disadvantage that the generated ice is opaque.

[0009] An ice-making device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-269172 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Document 2"), which is an existing document.

[0010] The ice-making device in existing document 2 includes: an ice-making dish; and a heating unit that heats the bottom of the water supplied to the ice-making dish.

[0011] In the ice-making apparatus described in existing document 2, during the ice-making process, a heater is used to heat the water on one side and the bottom of the ice block. This causes solidification on the water surface and induces convection within the water, thereby producing transparent ice.

[0012] As transparent ice grows, the volume of water inside the ice block decreases, and the freezing rate gradually increases, making it impossible to generate sufficient convection to match the freezing rate.

[0013] Therefore, in the case of existing literature 2, when approximately 2 / 3 of the water has solidified, the increase in the solidification rate is suppressed by increasing the heating amount of the heater.

[0014] However, according to existing literature 2, simply reducing the volume of water increases the heating amount of the heater, making it difficult to generate ice with uniform transparency based on the shape of the ice. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The problem to be solved

[0016] This embodiment provides a refrigerator that can generate ice with uniform transparency regardless of its shape.

[0017] This embodiment provides a refrigerator that makes the transparency of the generated ice uniform per unit height.

[0018] This embodiment provides a refrigerator that can change the cooling capacity and / or the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater according to the refrigerator's operating mode, thereby adjusting the transparency and ice-making speed.

[0019] This embodiment provides a refrigerator that allows users to adjust the cooling capacity and / or the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater according to their needs for transparency.

[0020] Technical solutions to the problem

[0021] According to one side of the refrigerator, it may include: a storage compartment for storing food; a cooler for supplying cold air to the storage compartment; a first tray forming part of an ice-making compartment, the ice-making compartment being a space where water is phased into ice by the cold air; a second tray forming another part of the ice-making compartment and connected to a drive unit, thereby being able to contact the first tray during ice making and being able to be separated from the first tray during ice removal; a heater configured adjacent to at least one of the first tray and the second tray; and a control unit for controlling the heater and the drive unit.

[0022] The control unit can be configured to, after the water supply to the ice-making compartment ends, move the second tray assembly to the ice-making position, and then supply cold air to the ice-making compartment via the cooler. The control unit can also be configured to, after ice formation in the ice-making compartment ends, move the second tray assembly in the forward direction to the ice-removal position and then in the reverse direction to remove the ice from the ice-making compartment. Finally, the control unit can be configured to, after ice removal ends, move the second tray assembly in the reverse direction to the water supply position and then begin water supply.

[0023] The control unit can be configured to turn on the heater during at least a portion of the process in which the cooler supplies cold air, thereby enabling bubbles dissolved in the ice-making chamber to move from the ice-generating portion toward the liquid water side to generate transparent ice.

[0024] The refrigerator's operating modes may include at least a first mode and a second mode. The control unit can be configured to make one or more of the cooling capacity of the cooler and the heating capacity of the heater different from each other in the first mode and the second mode. The first mode may be a transparent ice mode, and the second mode may be a non-transparent ice mode; the control unit configures the cooling capacity of the cooler to be different from each other in the transparent ice mode and the non-transparent ice mode.

[0025] The control unit can be configured to increase the cooling capacity of the cooler when switching from the opaque ice mode to the transparent ice mode. The control unit can also be configured to decrease the cooling capacity of the cooler when switching from the transparent ice mode to the opaque ice mode. Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to increase the heating capacity of the heater when the cooling capacity of the cooler increases, and decrease the heating capacity of the heater when the cooling capacity of the cooler decreases.

[0026] The first mode can be a transparent ice mode, and the second mode is a non-transparent ice mode. The control unit can be configured to make the heating amount of the heater different between the transparent ice mode and the non-transparent ice mode. The control unit can be configured to increase the heating amount of the heater when switching from the non-transparent ice mode to the transparent ice mode. The control unit can be configured to decrease the heating amount of the heater or turn off the heater when switching from the transparent ice mode to the non-transparent ice mode.

[0027] The refrigerator may further include an ice storage unit disposed in the storage compartment for storing ice generated in the ice-making compartment. The first mode may be a full-ice mode where the ice storage unit is full, and the second mode may be a non-full-ice mode where the ice storage unit is not full. The control unit may control the cooling capacity of the cooler to differ between the full-ice mode and the non-full-ice mode. The control unit may control the cooling capacity of the cooler to increase when switching from the full-ice mode to the non-full-ice mode. The control unit may control the cooling capacity of the cooler to decrease when switching from the non-full-ice mode to the full-ice mode. The control unit may control the heating capacity of the heater to increase when the cooling capacity of the cooler increases, and the heating capacity of the heater to decrease when the cooling capacity of the cooler decreases.

[0028] The refrigerator may further include an ice storage unit disposed in the storage compartment for storing ice generated in the ice-making compartment. The first mode is a full-ice mode in which the ice storage unit is full of ice, and the second mode is a non-full-ice mode in which the ice storage unit is not full of ice. The control unit may control the heating amount of the heater to be different in the full-ice mode and the non-full-ice mode.

[0029] The control unit can be configured to increase the heating output of the heater when switching from the full ice mode to the non-full ice mode. The control unit can also be configured to decrease the heating output of the heater or turn off the heater when switching from the non-full ice mode to the full ice mode.

[0030] The refrigerator may further include: a second storage compartment for storing food; an ice-making compartment located in the second storage compartment; an additional ice maker disposed in the ice-making compartment; and an ice storage container for storing ice generated in the additional ice maker.

[0031] The first mode can be a full-ice mode where the ice storage is full, and the second mode is a non-full-ice mode where the ice storage is not full. The control unit can be configured to make the cooling amount supplied by the cooler to the storage chamber different in the full-ice mode and the non-full-ice mode. The control unit can be configured to increase the cooling amount supplied by the cooler to the storage chamber when switching from the non-full-ice mode to the full-ice mode. The control unit can be configured to decrease the cooling amount supplied by the cooler to the storage chamber when switching from the full-ice mode to the non-full-ice mode.

[0032] The control unit can be configured to increase the heating amount of the heater when the cooling amount of the cooler increases, and decrease the heating amount of the heater when the cooling amount of the cooler decreases.

[0033] The refrigerator may further include: a second storage compartment for storing food; an ice-making compartment located in the second storage compartment; an additional ice maker disposed in the ice-making compartment; and an ice storage unit for storing ice generated in the additional ice maker. The first mode is a full-ice mode in which the ice storage unit is full of ice, and the second mode is a non-full-ice mode in which the ice storage unit is not full of ice. The control unit controls the heating amount of the heater to be different in the full-ice mode and the non-full-ice mode.

[0034] The control unit can be configured to increase the heating output of the heater when switching from the non-full ice mode to the full ice mode. The control unit can also be configured to decrease the heating output of the heater or turn off the heater when switching from the full ice mode to the non-full ice mode.

[0035] The first mode can be a first transparent ice mode, and the second mode is a second transparent ice mode, wherein the transparency of ice in the first transparent ice mode is higher than that of ice in the second transparent ice mode.

[0036] The control unit can be configured to make the cooling capacity of the cooler different between the first transparent ice mode and the second transparent ice mode. The control unit can also be configured to reduce the cooling capacity of the cooler when switching from the first transparent ice mode to the second transparent ice mode. Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to increase the cooling capacity of the air supply unit when switching from the second transparent ice mode to the first transparent ice mode.

[0037] The control unit can be configured to increase the heating amount of the heater when the cooling capacity of the cooler increases, and decrease the heating amount of the heater when the cooling capacity of the cooler decreases.

[0038] The control unit can be configured to increase the heating amount of the heater when the amount of heat transfer between the cold flow used to cool the ice-making compartment and the water in the ice-making compartment increases, and decrease the heating amount of the heater when the amount of heat transfer between the cold flow used to cool the ice-making compartment and the water in the ice-making compartment decreases, thereby maintaining the ice-making speed of the water inside the ice-making compartment within a specified range that is lower than the ice-making speed when ice-making is performed with the heater turned off.

[0039] The control unit can be configured to change one or more of the cooling capacity of the cooler and the heating capacity of the heater based on the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment.

[0040] Invention Effects

[0041] According to the invention described, a heater is turned on in at least a portion of the cold flow supplied by the cooler, thereby using the heat of the heater to delay the ice-making speed, allowing air bubbles in the water dissolved inside the ice-making chamber to move from the ice-forming portion toward the liquid water side, thereby generating transparent ice.

[0042] In particular, in this embodiment, the control is to change one or more of the cooling capacity of the cooler and the heating capacity of the heater according to the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment, thereby enabling the generation of ice with uniform overall transparency regardless of the shape of the ice-making compartment.

[0043] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater and / or the cooling amount of the cooler are changed according to the change in the amount of heat transfer between the water in the ice-making compartment and the cold flow in the storage compartment, thereby enabling the generation of ice with uniform overall transparency.

[0044] Furthermore, the cooling capacity of the cooler and / or the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater can be adjusted according to the refrigerator's operating mode, thereby regulating the transparency and ice-making speed.

[0045] Furthermore, the cooling capacity of the cooler and / or the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater can be adjusted according to the user's required transparency. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A 3D view of an ice maker with its bracket removed.

[0049] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first tray of an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the first tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the second tray of an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0053] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A sectional view taken along line 8-8.

[0054] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the upper part of the second tray support.

[0055] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A sectional view taken along line 10-10.

[0056] Figure 11 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line 11-11.

[0057] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 The diagram shows the state of the second tray moving to the water supply position.

[0058] Figure 13 This is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of ice generation in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate the height reference corresponding to the relative position of the transparent ice heater in the ice-making compartment.

[0061] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the output of a transparent ice heater per unit height of water within the ice-making compartment.

[0062] Figure 17This is a diagram showing the state of water supply termination at a water supply location.

[0063] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the ice formation at the ice-making location.

[0064] Figure 19 This diagram shows the deformation of the pressure section of the second tray after ice making is completed.

[0065] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the state of the second propeller contacting the second tray during the ice-moving process.

[0066] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing the state of the second tray as it moves to the ice-moving position during the ice-moving process.

[0067] Figure 22 This diagram illustrates a refrigerator control method when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water varies during the ice-making process. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrative accompanying drawings. When assigning reference numerals to structural elements in the various drawings, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same structural elements as much as possible, even if they are indicated in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions will be omitted if it is determined that a specific description of a related known structural element or its function would affect the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] Furthermore, when describing the structural elements of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Such terms are merely for distinguishing the structural element from other structural elements and are not intended to define the nature, sequence, or order of the corresponding structural elements. When a structural element is described as being "connected," "bonded," or "in contact" with another structural element, the structural element may be directly connected or in contact with the other structural element; however, it can also be understood that there is another structural element "connected," "bonded," or "in contact" between the structural elements.

[0070] The refrigerator of the present invention may include: a tray assembly forming part of an ice-making compartment as a space for converting water into ice; a cooler for supplying cold air to the ice-making compartment; a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making compartment; and a control unit. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making compartment. The refrigerator may further include a heater arranged adjacent to the tray assembly. The refrigerator may further include a drive unit capable of moving the tray assembly. In addition to the ice-making compartment, the refrigerator may further include a storage compartment for preserving food. The refrigerator may further include a cooler for supplying cold air to the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature inside the storage compartment. The control unit may control at least one of the water supply unit and the cooler. The control unit may control at least one of the heater and the drive unit.

[0071] The control unit can be configured to, after moving the tray assembly to the ice-making position, supply cold air to the ice-making compartment via the cooler. The control unit can also be configured to, after ice formation in the ice-making compartment is complete, move the tray assembly in a forward direction to the ice-removal position to remove the ice from the ice-making compartment. The control unit can further be configured to, after ice removal is complete, move the tray assembly in a reverse direction to the water supply position and begin water supply. Finally, the control unit can be configured to, after water supply is complete, move the tray assembly back to the ice-making position.

[0072] In this invention, the storage compartment can be defined as a space that can be controlled to a specified temperature using a cooler. The outer shell can be defined as a wall dividing the storage compartment from the external space of the storage compartment (i.e., the external space of the refrigerator). A heat insulation element can be arranged between the outer shell and the storage compartment. An inner shell can be arranged between the heat insulation element and the storage compartment.

[0073] In this invention, the ice-making compartment can be defined as the space located inside the storage chamber where water is converted into ice. The circumference of the ice-making compartment refers to its outer surface, regardless of its shape. Alternatively, the outer circumference of the ice-making compartment can refer to the inner surface of the wall forming the ice-making compartment. The center of the ice-making compartment refers to its center of weight or center of volume. The center may pass through the line of symmetry of the ice-making compartment.

[0074] In this invention, a tray can be defined as a wall dividing the interior of the ice-making compartment and the storage compartment. The tray can be defined as a wall forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment. The tray can be configured to completely or partially surround the ice-making compartment. The tray may include a first portion forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion. A plurality of trays may be present. The plurality of trays may contact each other. As an example, the lower-positioned tray may include a plurality of trays. The upper-positioned tray may include a plurality of trays. The refrigerator includes at least one tray positioned in the lower part of the ice-making compartment. The refrigerator may further include a tray located in the upper part of the ice-making compartment. The first and second portions may be structures that take into account factors such as the heat transfer rate of the tray, the cold transfer rate of the tray, the deformation resistance of the tray, the resilience of the tray, the supercooling of the tray, the adhesion between the tray and the ice solidified inside the tray, and the bonding force between one of the plurality of trays.

[0075] In this invention, a tray housing can be located between the tray and the storage chamber. That is, the tray housing can be configured such that at least a portion of it surrounds the tray. A plurality of tray housings can exist. The plurality of tray housings can contact each other. The tray housing contacts the tray in a manner that supports at least a portion of the tray. The tray housing can be configured to connect to components other than the tray (e.g., heaters, sensors, transmission components, etc.). The tray housing can be directly coupled to the components or coupled to the components via a medium. For example, when the wall forming the ice-making compartment is formed of a thin film and a structure surrounding the thin film is provided, the thin film is defined as a tray, and the structure is defined as a tray housing. As another example, when a portion of the wall forming the ice-making compartment is formed of a thin film, and the structure includes a first portion forming another portion of the wall for forming the ice-making compartment and a second portion surrounding the thin film, the thin film and the first portion of the structure are defined as a tray, and the second portion of the structure is defined as a tray housing.

[0076] In this invention, a pallet assembly can be defined as including at least the pallet. In this invention, the pallet assembly may further include the pallet housing.

[0077] In this invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly configured to be movable and connected to a drive unit. The drive unit is configured to move the tray assembly in the direction of at least one of the X, Y, and Z axes, or to rotate it around at least one of the X, Y, and Z axes. This invention may include a refrigerator having the remaining structures described in the specific embodiments, except for the drive unit and the transmission member connecting the drive unit and the tray assembly. In this invention, the tray assembly can move in a first direction.

[0078] In this invention, a cooler can be defined as a unit that includes at least one of an evaporator and a thermoelectric element to cool the storage chamber.

[0079] In this invention, a refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly equipped with the heater. The heater may be positioned near the tray assembly to heat the ice-making compartment formed by the tray assembly with the heater. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter referred to as a "transparent ice heater") that is controlled to be turned on in at least a portion of the cold flow supplied by the cooler, thereby allowing dissolved air bubbles in the water inside the ice-making compartment to move from the ice-forming portion to the liquid water side to generate transparent ice. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter referred to as an "ice-removing heater") that is controlled to be turned on in at least a portion after ice-making is complete, thereby enabling easy separation of ice from the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include a plurality of transparent ice heaters. The refrigerator may include a plurality of ice-removing heaters. The refrigerator may include both transparent ice heaters and ice-removing heaters. In this case, the control unit may control the heating amount of the ice-removing heater to be greater than the heating amount of the transparent ice heater.

[0080] In this invention, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment. The tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion.

[0081] As an example, the first region may be formed in a first portion of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be formed in the first portion of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be part of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be configured to contact each other. The first region may be the lower portion of the ice-making compartment formed by the tray assembly. The second region may be the upper portion of the ice-making compartment formed by the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include additional tray assemblies. One of the first and second regions may include a region that contacts the additional tray assembly. When the additional tray assembly is located in the lower portion of the first region, the additional tray assembly may contact the lower portion of the first region. When the additional tray assembly is located in the upper portion of the second region, the additional tray assembly may contact the upper portion of the second region.

[0082] As another example, the tray assembly may consist of a plurality of trays that are in contact with each other. The first region may be arranged in a first tray assembly, and the second region in a second tray assembly. The first region may be the first tray assembly. The second region may be the second tray assembly. The first and second regions may be arranged in a manner that allows them to contact each other. At least a portion of the first tray assembly may be located in the lower part of the ice-making compartment formed by the first and second tray assemblies. At least a portion of the second tray assembly may be located in the upper part of the ice-making compartment formed by the first and second tray assemblies.

[0083] Additionally, the first region can be a region closer to the heater than the second region. The first region can be a region where the heater is located. The second region can be a region closer to the heat-absorbing part of the cooler (i.e., the heat-absorbing part of the refrigerant pipe or thermoelectric module) than the first region. The second region can be a region closer to the through-hole through which the cooler supplies cold air to the ice-making compartment than the first region. To enable the cooler to supply cold air through the through-hole, additional through-holes can be formed in other components. The second region can be a region closer to the additional through-holes than the first region. The heater can be a transparent ice heater. The insulation of the second region for the cold flow can be less than the insulation of the first region.

[0084] Additionally, one of the first and second tray assemblies of the refrigerator may be equipped with a heater. As an example, if the other tray assembly does not have the heater, the control unit can control the heater to be activated during at least a portion of the cold flow supplied to the cooler. As another example, if the other tray assembly has an additional heater, the control unit can control the heating amount of the first heater to be greater than that of the additional heater during at least a portion of the cold flow supplied to the cooler. The heater may be a transparent ice heater.

[0085] The present invention may include a refrigerator having a structure other than the transparent ice heater described in the specific embodiments.

[0086] The invention may include: a propeller having a first edge on a surface forming at least one side of an ice or tray assembly, thereby facilitating the separation of the ice from the tray assembly. The propeller may include a rod extending from the first edge and a second edge located at the end of the rod. A control unit may be configured to change the position of the propeller by moving at least one of the propeller and the tray assembly. The propeller may be defined, according to viewpoint, as a through-type propeller, a non-through-type propeller, a movable propeller, or a fixed propeller.

[0087] The tray assembly may have a through-hole for the propeller to move through, and the propeller may be configured to apply pressure directly to the ice inside the tray assembly. The propeller may be defined as a through-hole propeller.

[0088] The tray assembly may have a pressure-applying section for pressurizing the thruster, which may be configured to apply pressure to one side of the tray assembly. The thruster may be defined as a non-through-type thruster.

[0089] In order for the first edge of the thruster to be located between a first location outside the ice-making compartment and a second location inside the ice-making compartment, the control unit can control the thruster to move.

[0090] The propeller can be defined as a mobile propeller. The propeller can be connected to a drive unit, a drive unit's shaft, or a movable tray assembly connected to the drive unit.

[0091] To position the first edge of the pusher between a first location outside the ice-making compartment and a second location inside the ice-making compartment, the control unit can control the movement of at least one of the tray assemblies. The control unit can also control the movement of at least one of the tray assemblies toward the pusher. Alternatively, to further press the pressure unit after the pusher contacts the pressure unit at the first location outside the ice-making compartment, the control unit can control the relative position of the pusher and the tray assembly. The pusher can be coupled to a fixed end. The pusher can be defined as a fixed pusher.

[0092] In this invention, the ice-making compartment can be used to cool the cooler of the storage chamber. As an example, the storage chamber containing the ice-making compartment is a freezer chamber whose temperature can be controlled below 0 degrees Celsius, and the ice-making compartment can be used to cool the cooler of the freezer chamber.

[0093] The freezer compartment can be divided into a plurality of zones, and the ice-making compartment can be located in one of the plurality of zones.

[0094] In this invention, the ice-making compartment can be cooled by a cooler other than the one used to cool the storage compartment. For example, the storage compartment containing the ice-making compartment is a refrigerator compartment with a temperature that can be controlled above 0 degrees Celsius, and the ice-making compartment can be cooled by a cooler other than the one used to cool the refrigerator compartment. That is, the refrigerator has a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, the ice-making compartment is located inside the refrigerator compartment, and the ice-making compartment can be cooled by a cooler used to cool the freezer compartment.

[0095] The ice-making compartment can be located within the door of the openable / closed storage room.

[0096] In this invention, the ice-making compartment can be cooled by the cooler even if it is not located inside the storage chamber. As an example, the entire storage chamber formed inside the outer casing can be the ice-making compartment.

[0097] In this invention, the degree of heat transfer represents the extent to which heat is transferred from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature object, and is defined as a value determined by factors such as the object's shape, thickness, and material. From the perspective of the object's material, a high degree of heat transfer can indicate a high thermal conductivity. This thermal conductivity can be an inherent material property of the object. Even when the materials of the objects are the same, the degree of heat transfer can vary depending on the object's shape, etc.

[0098] Heat transferability can vary depending on the shape of the object. The heat transfer rate from point A to point B can be affected by the length of the path (hereinafter referred to as the "heat transfer path") that transfers heat from point A to point B. The longer the heat transfer path from point A to point B, the lower the heat transfer rate. Conversely, the shorter the heat transfer path from point A to point B, the higher the heat transfer rate.

[0099] Furthermore, the heat transfer rate from point A to point B can be affected by the thickness of the path along which heat is transferred from point A to point B. The thinner the path, the lower the heat transfer rate. Conversely, the thicker the path, the higher the heat transfer rate.

[0100] In this invention, the degree of cold transfer refers to the extent to which cold air is transferred from a low-temperature object to a high-temperature object, and is defined as a value determined by factors such as the object's shape, material, and thickness. The degree of cold transfer is a term defined taking into account the direction of the cold air flow, and can be understood as the same concept as heat transfer. The explanation of the concept being the same as heat transfer will be omitted.

[0101] In this invention, the degree of supercooling represents the extent to which a liquid is supercooled, and can be defined as a value determined by the material of the liquid, the material or shape of the container holding the liquid, and external influencing factors applied to the liquid during its solidification process. An increase in the frequency of supercooling can be understood as an increase in the degree of supercooling. A decrease in the temperature at which the liquid remains in a supercooled state can be understood as an increase in the degree of supercooling. Supercooling refers to a state in which the liquid exists in a liquid phase even at temperatures below its freezing point. The supercooled liquid is characterized by rapid solidification from the point when supercooling is relieved. When it is necessary to keep the rate of liquid solidification within a specified range, it is preferable to design the system to reduce supercooling.

[0102] In this invention, the degree of deformation resistance refers to the extent to which an object resists deformation caused by an external force applied to it, and is defined as a value determined by factors such as the object's shape, material, and thickness. As one example, the external force may include the pressure exerted on the tray assembly during the expansion of water inside the ice-making compartment as it freezes. As another example, the external force may include the pressure exerted on the ice or a portion of the tray assembly by a pusher used to separate the ice from the tray assembly. As yet another example, it may include the pressure exerted by the connection between the tray assemblies.

[0103] Furthermore, from the perspective of the material of an object, a high resistance to deformation can indicate high rigidity. Thermal conductivity can be an inherent material property of the object. Even when objects are made of the same material, their resistance to deformation can vary depending on the object's shape, etc. The resistance to deformation can be influenced by the deformation-resistant reinforcement extending in the direction in which the external force is applied. The greater the rigidity of the deformation-resistant reinforcement, the greater the resistance to deformation. The higher the height of the extended deformation-resistant reinforcement, the greater the resistance to deformation.

[0104] In this invention, the degree of restoration refers to the extent to which an object deformed by an external force returns to its original shape after the external force is removed and before an external force is applied. It is defined as a value determined by factors such as the object's thickness, its material, etc. As one example, the external force may include the pressure exerted on the tray assembly during the expansion of water inside the ice-making compartment as it freezes. As another example, the external force may include the pressure exerted on the ice or a portion of the tray assembly by a pusher used to separate the ice from the tray assembly. As yet another example, it may include the pressure exerted by the bonding force when the tray assemblies are joined together.

[0105] Furthermore, from the perspective of the material of an object, a high degree of resilience can indicate a high elastic modulus. The elastic modulus can be an inherent material property of the object. Even when objects are made of the same material, the degree of resilience can vary depending on the object's shape, etc. The degree of resilience can be influenced by an elastically reinforced portion extending in the direction in which the external force is applied. The greater the elastic modulus of the elastically reinforced portion, the greater the degree of resilience can be.

[0106] In this invention, the bonding force represents the degree of bonding between a plurality of tray assemblies, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the tray assembly, the material of the tray assembly, the magnitude of the force bonding the tray, etc.

[0107] In this invention, adhesion refers to the degree to which ice adheres to the container during the process of water in the container turning into ice. It is defined as a value determined by factors such as the shape of the container, the material of the container, and the time elapsed after the water in the container turns into ice.

[0108] The refrigerator of the present invention may include: a first tray assembly forming part of an ice-making compartment as a space where water phases into ice due to the cold flow; a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making compartment; a cooler for supplying cold flow to the ice-making compartment; a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making compartment; and a control unit. The refrigerator may further include a storage compartment in addition to the ice-making compartment. The storage compartment may include a space for storing food. The ice-making compartment may be disposed inside the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature inside the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a second temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making compartment. The second tray assembly may be connected to a drive unit, thereby being able to contact the first tray assembly during ice making and to be separated from the first tray assembly during ice removal. The refrigerator may further include a heater arranged adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0109] The control unit can control at least one of the heater and the drive unit. The control unit can be configured to, after the water supply to the ice-making compartment is completed, move the second tray assembly to the ice-making position and then supply cold air to the ice-making compartment. The control unit can be configured to, after ice formation in the ice-making compartment is completed, move the second tray assembly in the forward direction to the ice-removal position and then in the reverse direction to remove the ice from the ice-making compartment. The control unit can be configured to, after the ice removal is completed, move the second tray assembly in the reverse direction to the water supply position and then begin water supply.

[0110] The following explains the concept of transparent ice. Water contains dissolved air bubbles, and ice that solidifies while still containing these bubbles has low transparency due to their presence. Therefore, during the freezing process, if these air bubbles are induced to move from the first part of the ice-making chamber to other parts that have not yet frozen, the transparency of the ice can be improved.

[0111] The through-holes formed on the tray assembly can affect the formation of transparent ice. Through-holes that can be formed on one side of the tray assembly can also affect the formation of transparent ice. During ice formation, if the bubbles are induced to move from the first part of the ice-making chamber to the outside of the ice-making chamber, the transparency of the ice can be improved. To induce the bubbles to move to the outside of the ice-making chamber, through-holes can be provided on one side of the tray assembly. Since the density of the bubbles is lower than the density of the liquid, through-holes (hereinafter referred to as "air vents") that induce the bubbles to escape to the outside of the ice-making chamber can be provided on the upper part of the tray assembly.

[0112] The positions of the cooler and heater can affect the formation of clear ice. The positions of the cooler and heater can also affect the ice-making direction, which is the direction in which ice is formed inside the ice-making compartment.

[0113] During ice making, if induced bubbles move or trap from the area in the ice-making chamber where water is first frozen to other predetermined areas that are in the liquid phase, the transparency of the generated ice can be improved. The direction of bubble movement or trapping can be similar to the ice-making direction. The predetermined area can be a region in the ice-making chamber where it is desired that water be induced to freeze later.

[0114] The predetermined area can be the region where the cold air supplied by the cooler to the ice-making compartment arrives later. As an example, during ice making, to allow the bubbles to move towards or be trapped in the lower part of the ice-making compartment, the through-hole of the cooler supplying cold air to the ice-making compartment can be positioned closer to the upper part than the lower part of the ice-making compartment. As another example, the heat-absorbing part of the cooler (i.e., the refrigerant pipe of the evaporator or the heat-absorbing part of the thermoelectric element) can be positioned closer to the upper part than the lower part of the ice-making compartment. In this invention, the upper and lower parts of the ice-making compartment can be defined as the upper and lower regions based on the height of the ice-making compartment.

[0115] The predetermined area may be an area equipped with a heater. As an example, during the ice-making process, in order to move or capture air bubbles in the water towards the lower part of the ice-making compartment, the heater may be positioned closer to the lower part than the upper part of the ice-making compartment.

[0116] The predetermined area can be a region closer to the outer periphery of the ice-making compartment than the center of the compartment. However, the vicinity of the center is not excluded. When the predetermined area is near the center of the ice-making compartment, the user can easily observe opaque portions caused by air bubbles moving or trapping towards the center, which may remain until most of the ice melts. Furthermore, the heater is not easily positioned inside the ice-making compartment containing water. In contrast, when the predetermined area is located on or near the outer periphery of the ice-making compartment, water can be frozen from one side of the outer periphery to the other, thus solving the problem. The transparent ice heater can be positioned on or near the outer periphery of the ice-making compartment. The heater can also be positioned on or near the tray assembly.

[0117] The predetermined area can be located closer to the lower part of the ice-making compartment than the upper part. However, the upper part is not excluded. During the ice-making process, since the water phase, which has a density greater than ice, descends, it is preferable that the predetermined area be located in the lower part of the ice-making compartment.

[0118] At least one of the deformation resistance, resilience, and bonding force among the plurality of tray assemblies can affect the generation of transparent ice. At least one of the deformation resistance, resilience, and bonding force among the plurality of tray assemblies can affect the ice-making direction, which is the direction in which ice is generated inside the ice-making compartment. As previously mentioned, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment. As one example, the first and second regions may be part of a single tray assembly. As another example, the first region may be a first tray assembly, and the second region may be a second tray assembly.

[0119] To produce transparent ice, the refrigerator is preferably configured so that the direction of ice formation in the ice-making compartment is constant. This is because the more constant the ice-making direction, the more likely air bubbles in the water are to move or be trapped in a predetermined area within the ice-making compartment. To induce ice formation from one part of the tray assembly to another, the deformation resistance of that part is preferably greater than that of the other part. Ice tends to expand and grow towards the part with lower deformation resistance. Furthermore, when ice formation needs to be restarted after the formed ice has been removed, the deformed part must recover to repeatedly produce ice of the same shape. Therefore, it is advantageous for the part with lower deformation resistance to have greater resilience compared to the part with higher deformation resistance.

[0120] The tray's resistance to deformation under external forces may be less than that of the tray shell, or the tray's rigidity may be less than that of the tray shell. The tray assembly can be configured to reduce the deformation of the tray shell surrounding the tray while allowing the tray to deform under the external force. For example, the tray assembly can be configured such that the tray shell only surrounds at least a portion of the tray. In this case, during the expansion and freezing of water inside the ice-making compartment, when pressure is applied to the tray assembly, at least a portion of the tray can be allowed to deform, while the other portion of the tray is supported by the tray shell, limiting its deformation. Furthermore, when the external force is removed, the tray's resilience may be greater than that of the tray shell, or the tray's modulus of elasticity may be greater than that of the tray shell. Such structural elements can be configured to allow the deformed tray to easily recover.

[0121] The tray's resistance to deformation under external force can be greater than that of the refrigerator seal gasket, or the tray's rigidity can be greater than that of the seal gasket. If the tray's resistance to deformation is low, excessive deformation of the tray may occur as water in the ice-making compartment solidifies and expands. Such tray deformation can make it difficult to form ice of the desired shape. Furthermore, when the external force is removed, the tray's resilience may be less than that of the refrigerator seal gasket under the external force, or the tray's modulus of elasticity may be less than that of the seal gasket.

[0122] The deformation resistance of the tray shell to external forces may be less than that of the refrigerator shell to the same external forces, or the rigidity of the tray shell may be less than that of the refrigerator shell. Generally, the refrigerator shell may be formed of a metal material including steel. Furthermore, when the external force is removed, the resilience of the tray shell may be greater than that of the refrigerator shell to the same external forces, or the elastic modulus of the tray shell may be greater than that of the refrigerator shell.

[0123] The relationship between transparent ice and deformation resistance is as follows.

[0124] The deformation resistance of the second region along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment can be different. The deformation resistance of one of the second regions can be greater than that of the other. When configured as described above, this can help induce ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0125] Furthermore, the deformation resistance of the first and second regions, which are configured in contact with each other, can differ along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment. One of the second regions may have a higher deformation resistance than one of the first regions. When configured as described above, this can help induce ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region towards the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0126] In this case, water can expand in volume during the freezing process, exerting pressure on the tray assembly, which can induce ice formation in either the second region or the first region. Deformation resistance can be the degree to which it resists deformation caused by external forces. The external force can be the pressure exerted on the tray assembly by the water inside the ice-making compartment as it freezes and expands. The external force can be a force perpendicular to the pressure (Z-axis direction). The external force can also be a force acting from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0127] As an example, in the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making compartment towards its outer periphery, the thickness of one of the second regions may be greater than the thickness of the other of the second regions, or greater than the thickness of one of the first regions. One of the second regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray shell. The other of the second region may be a portion surrounded by the tray shell. One of the first regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray shell. One of the second regions may be the portion forming the uppermost end of the ice-making compartment in the second region. The second region may include the tray and the tray shell partially surrounding the tray. As described above, when at least a portion of the second region is constructed to be thicker than the other portions, the deformation resistance of the second region to external forces can be improved. The minimum thickness of one of the second regions may be greater than the minimum thickness of the other of the second regions, or greater than the minimum thickness of one of the first regions. The maximum thickness of one of the second regions may be greater than the maximum thickness of the other of the second regions, or greater than the maximum thickness of one of the first regions. In the case where a through hole is formed in the region, the minimum value refers to the minimum value in the remaining regions excluding the portion where the through hole is formed. The average thickness of one of the second regions may be greater than the average thickness of the other second region, or greater than the average thickness of one of the first regions. The uniformity of the thickness of one of the second regions may be less than the uniformity of the thickness of the other second region, or less than the uniformity of the thickness of one of the first regions.

[0128] As another example, one of the second regions may include a first surface forming part of the ice-making compartment and a deformation-resistant reinforcing portion extending from the first surface in a vertical direction away from another ice-making compartment formed in the second region. Alternatively, one of the second regions may include a first surface forming part of the ice-making compartment and a deformation-resistant reinforcing portion extending from the first surface in a vertical direction away from the ice-making compartment formed in the first region. As described above, when at least a portion of the second region includes the deformation-resistant reinforcing portion, the deformation resistance of the second region to external forces can be improved.

[0129] As another example, one of the second regions may further include a support surface connected to a fixed end of the refrigerator (e.g., a bracket, storage compartment wall, etc.) located in a direction away from the ice-making compartment formed from the first region and away from the ice-making compartment formed from the first region. As described above, when at least a portion of the second region includes a support surface connected to the fixed end, the deformation resistance of the second region to external forces can be improved.

[0130] As another example, the tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of an ice-making compartment and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion. At least a portion of the second portion may extend in a direction away from the ice-making compartment formed with respect to the first region. At least a portion of the second portion may include additional deformation-resistant reinforcement. At least a portion of the second portion may also include a support surface connected to the fixed end. As described above, when at least a portion of the second region further includes the second portion, it is advantageous to improve the deformation resistance of the second region to the external force. This is because additional deformation-resistant reinforcement is formed in the second portion, or the second portion can be further supported at the fixed end.

[0131] As another example, one of the second regions may include a first through-hole. When the first through-hole is formed as described above, ice that has solidified in the ice-making compartment of the second region expands to the outside of the ice-making compartment through the first through-hole, thus reducing the pressure applied to the second region. In particular, in the case of supplying excessive water to the ice-making compartment, the first through-hole can help reduce the deformation of the second region during the solidification of the water.

[0132] Additionally, one of the second regions may include a second through-hole for providing a path for the movement or escape of air bubbles contained in the water within the ice-making compartment of the second region. As described above, the formation of the second through-hole can improve the transparency of the frozen ice.

[0133] Additionally, a third through-hole can be formed in the second region to allow pressure to be applied by a through-type thruster. This is because, as the deformation resistance of the second region increases, a non-through-type thruster will find it difficult to remove ice by applying pressure to the surface of the tray assembly. The first, second, and third through-holes can overlap. Alternatively, the first, second, and third through-holes can be formed in a single through-hole.

[0134] Additionally, one of the second regions may include a mounting portion for arranging an ice-removing heater. This is because inducing ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region can mean that the ice is first formed in the second region. In this case, the time for ice to adhere to the second region may be longer, and an ice-removing heater may be needed to separate such ice from the second region. In the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making compartment toward the outer periphery of the ice-making compartment, the thickness of the portion in the second region where the ice-removing heater is mounted may be thinner than the thickness of the other portion of the second region. This is because the heat supplied by the ice-removing heater can increase the amount transferred to the ice-making compartment. The fixed end may be part of the wall forming the storage chamber or a bracket.

[0135] The relationship between the bonding force between the transparent ice and the tray assembly is as follows.

[0136] To induce ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region, it is preferable to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions, which are configured in contact with each other. When the pressure exerted on the tray assembly by the expansion of water during freezing exceeds the bonding force between the first and second regions, ice can be formed in the direction separating the first and second regions. Furthermore, it also has the advantage that when the pressure exerted on the tray assembly by the expansion of water during freezing is less than the bonding force between the first and second regions, ice can be induced to form toward the ice-making compartment in the region of the first and second regions with lower resistance to deformation.

[0137] There are various methods to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions. For example, the control unit can be configured to change the movement position of the drive unit in a first direction after the water supply ends, causing one of the first and second regions to move in the first direction, and then further change the movement position of the drive unit in the first direction to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions. As another example, by increasing the bonding force between the first and second regions, the deformation resistance or resilience of the first and second regions can be configured differently for the force transmitted from the drive unit, to reduce shape changes in the ice-making compartment due to expanding ice after the ice-making process begins (or after the heater is turned on). As yet another example, the first region may include a first surface facing the second region. The second region may include a second surface facing the first region. The first and second surfaces may be configured to be in contact with each other. The first and second surfaces may be configured to face each other. The first and second surfaces may be configured to be separate and joined. In this case, the areas of the first and second surfaces may be configured to be different from each other. When configured as described above, damage to the portions of the first and second regions that come into contact with each other can be reduced, while also increasing the bonding strength between the first and second regions. At the same time, it also has the advantage of reducing water leakage between the first and second regions.

[0138] The relationship between transparent ice and its degree of restoration is as follows.

[0139] The tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of an ice-making compartment and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion. The second portion is configured to deform due to the expansion of the generated ice and to recover its original shape after the ice is removed. The second portion may include a horizontal extension to improve resilience to vertical external forces on the expanding ice. The structure described above can help induce ice generation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0140] The degree of resilience of the first region along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment can vary. Furthermore, the degree of deformation resistance of the first region along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment can also vary. The degree of resilience of one of the first regions can be higher than that of the other. And the degree of deformation resistance of one can be lower than that of the other. Such a structure can help induce ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region towards the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0141] Furthermore, the resilience of the first and second regions, which are configured in contact with each other, along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment can differ. Also, the deformation resistance of the first and second regions along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment can differ. The resilience of one of the first regions can be higher than that of one of the second regions. Furthermore, the deformation resistance of one of the first regions can be lower than that of one of the second regions. This structure can help induce ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region towards the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0142] In this scenario, water can expand in volume during freezing, exerting pressure on the tray assembly and inducing ice formation in one of the first regions with lower deformation resistance or higher resilience. Resilience refers to the degree of recovery after the external force is removed. The external force can be the pressure exerted on the tray assembly by the water inside the ice-making compartment during freezing and expansion. The external force can be a force perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The external force can also be a force from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0143] As an example, in the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making compartment towards its outer periphery, the thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the thickness of one of the second regions. One of the first regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray shell. The other of the first region may be a portion surrounded by the tray shell. One of the second regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray shell. One of the first regions may be the portion of the first region forming the lowermost end of the ice-making compartment. The first region may include the tray and the tray shell that partially surrounds the tray.

[0144] The minimum thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the minimum thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the minimum thickness of one of the second regions. The maximum thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the maximum thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the maximum thickness of one of the second regions. In the case where a through-hole is formed in the region, the minimum value refers to the minimum value in the regions other than the portion where the through-hole is formed. The average thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the average thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the average thickness of one of the second regions. The uniformity of the thickness of one of the first regions may be greater than the uniformity of the thickness of the other of the first regions, or greater than the uniformity of the thickness of one of the second regions.

[0145] As another example, the shape of one of the first regions may differ from the shape of the other of the first regions, or from the shape of one of the second regions. The curvature of one of the first regions may differ from the curvature of the other of the first regions, or from the curvature of one of the second regions. The curvature of one of the first regions may be less than the curvature of the other of the first regions, or less than the curvature of one of the second regions. One of the first regions may include a flat surface. The other of the first region may include a curved surface. One of the second regions may include a curved surface. One of the first regions may include a shape concave in the direction opposite to the direction of ice expansion. One of the first regions may include a shape concave in the direction opposite to the direction in which the ice is induced to form. During the ice-making process, one of the first regions may deform in the direction of ice expansion or in the direction in which the ice is induced to form. During the ice-making process, in the amount of deformation from the center of the ice-making chamber towards the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making chamber, the amount of deformation of one of the first regions may be greater than the amount of deformation of the other of the first regions. During the ice-making process, in the amount of deformation from the center of the ice-making chamber towards the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making chamber, the amount of deformation of one of the first regions may be greater than the amount of deformation of one of the second regions.

[0146] As another example, to induce ice to form from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region, one of the first regions may include a first surface forming part of the ice-making compartment and a second surface extending from the first surface and supporting another surface of the first region. The first region may be configured not to be directly supported by any other component besides the second surface. The other component may be a fixed end of the refrigerator.

[0147] Additionally, one of the first regions can be formed with a pressure surface that allows the non-through-type propeller to apply pressure. This is because when the deformation resistance of the first region decreases or its resilience increases, it reduces the difficulty for the non-through-type propeller to remove ice by applying pressure to the surface of the tray assembly.

[0148] The ice-making speed, which is the rate at which ice is formed inside the ice-making compartment, can affect the transparency of the formed ice. Factors affecting the ice-making speed can include the amount of cooling and / or heating supplied to the ice-making compartment. The amount of cooling and / or heating can affect the transparency of the ice.

[0149] During the formation of the transparent ice, the greater the ice-making speed compared to the speed at which bubbles move or clump together within the ice-making chamber, the lower the transparency of the ice. Conversely, when the ice-making speed is less than the speed at which bubbles move or clump together, the transparency of the ice can be higher; however, a lower ice-making speed will result in an excessively long time required to form transparent ice. Furthermore, the more uniform the ice-making speed, the more uniform the transparency of the ice.

[0150] To maintain a uniform ice-making speed within a specified range, it is sufficient to ensure a uniform supply of cold and heat to the ice-making compartment. However, under actual refrigerator operating conditions, changes in cold flow may occur, necessitating a corresponding adjustment to the heat supply. Examples include situations where the storage compartment temperature reaches the desired level, the storage compartment's cooler is defrosting, or the storage compartment door is open. Furthermore, if the amount of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment varies, supplying the same amount of cold and heat per unit height may result in inconsistent transparency per unit height.

[0151] To solve this problem, the control unit can be configured to increase the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater when the amount of heat transfer between the cooling air used for cooling the ice-making compartment and the water in the ice-making compartment increases, and decrease the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater when the amount of heat transfer between the cooling air used for cooling the ice-making compartment and the water in the ice-making compartment decreases, so that the ice-making speed of the water inside the ice-making compartment can be kept below a specified range when ice-making is performed with the heater off.

[0152] The control unit can adjust one or more of the cold flow supply from the cooler and the heat flow supply from the heater based on the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment. In this case, transparent ice can be provided in accordance with changes in the shape of the ice-making compartment.

[0153] The refrigerator further includes a sensor that measures information about the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment, and the control unit can control the refrigerator to change one or more of the cold flow supply of the cooler and the heat flow supply of the heater based on the information input from the sensor.

[0154] The refrigerator includes a storage unit that records preset drive information for the cooler based on information about the mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment, and a control unit that can control the cooler to change the cold flow supply based on the information.

[0155] The refrigerator includes a storage unit that records preset heater driving information based on information about the mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment. A control unit can control the heater to change its heat supply based on the information. As an example, the control unit can control the refrigerator to change at least one of the cold supply of the cooler and the heat supply of the heater at preset times based on information about the mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment. The time can be the time the cooler is driven or the time the heater is driven for ice production. As another example, the control unit can control the refrigerator to change at least one of the cold supply of the cooler and the heat supply of the heater at a preset temperature based on information about the mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment. The temperature can be the temperature of the ice-making compartment or the temperature of the tray assembly forming the ice-making compartment.

[0156] Furthermore, if the sensor measuring the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment malfunctions, or if insufficient or excessive water is supplied to the ice-making compartment, the shape of the water used for ice making will change, potentially reducing the transparency of the resulting ice. To address this problem, a method for precisely controlling the amount of water supplied to the ice-making compartment is needed. Additionally, to reduce water leakage from the ice-making compartment at the water supply or ice-making points, the tray assembly can include a leakage-reducing structure. Furthermore, it is necessary to increase the bonding force between the first and second tray assemblies forming the ice-making compartment to minimize shape changes in the ice-making compartment due to ice expansion during ice formation. Moreover, the precise water supply method, the leakage-reducing structure of the tray assembly, and the increased bonding force between the first and second tray assemblies are also necessary to generate ice that approximates the shape of the tray.

[0157] The degree of subcooling of the water inside the ice-making compartment can affect the formation of transparent ice. The degree of subcooling of the water can affect the transparency of the resulting ice.

[0158] To produce transparent ice, the design preferably minimizes the degree of supercooling, thereby maintaining the temperature inside the ice-making chamber within a specified range. This is because the supercooled liquid has the characteristic of rapidly freezing from the moment the supercooling is removed. In this case, the transparency of the ice may be reduced.

[0159] The refrigerator's control unit can be configured to activate a supercooling relief unit to reduce supercooling of the liquid if, during the process of freezing the liquid, the time required for the liquid to reach a specific temperature below the freezing point after reaching its freezing point is less than a reference value. This can be understood as follows: the more supercooling occurs without freezing after reaching the freezing point, the faster the liquid's temperature cools below the freezing point.

[0160] The supercooling relief unit, as an example, may include an electric spark generating unit. When the spark is supplied to the liquid, the supercooling of the liquid can be reduced. The supercooling relief unit, as another example, may include a drive unit that applies an external force to the liquid to move it. The drive unit can move the container in at least one of the X, Y, and Z axes, or rotate it around at least one of the X, Y, and Z axes. When kinetic energy is supplied to the liquid, the supercooling of the liquid can be reduced. The supercooling relief unit, as yet another example, may include a unit that supplies the liquid to the container. The refrigerator's control unit can be configured to, after supplying a first volume of liquid smaller than the container's volume, further supply a second volume of liquid larger than the first volume to the container after a predetermined time has elapsed or the liquid's temperature reaches a predetermined temperature below its freezing point. As described above, when liquid is supplied to the container separately, the first supplied liquid can be frozen and act as an ice nucleus, thereby reducing the supercooling of the further supplied liquid.

[0161] The higher the heat transfer rate of the container holding the liquid, the higher the degree of supercooling of the liquid can be. The lower the heat transfer rate of the container holding the liquid, the lower the degree of supercooling of the liquid can be.

[0162] The structure and method of heating the ice-making compartment, including the heat transfer properties of the tray assembly, can affect the production of clear ice. As previously described, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment. As one example, the first and second regions may be part of a single tray assembly. As another example, the first region may be a first tray assembly, and the second region may be a second tray assembly.

[0163] The cold flow supplied by the cooler to the ice-making compartment and the heat flow supplied by the heater to the ice-making compartment have opposite properties. To increase ice-making speed and / or improve ice transparency, the design of the structure and control of the cooler and the heater, the relationship between the cooler and the tray assembly, and the relationship between the heater and the tray assembly may be crucial.

[0164] For a predetermined amount of cooling capacity supplied by the cooler and a predetermined amount of heat supplied by the heater, in order to increase the ice-making speed and / or increase the transparency of the ice, the heater is preferably configured to locally heat the ice-making compartment. The less heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making compartment is transferred to areas other than the area where the heater is located, the higher the ice-making speed can be. The more intensely the heater heats only a portion of the ice-making compartment, the more likely air bubbles are to move or be trapped in areas of the ice-making compartment adjacent to the heater, thereby improving the transparency of the generated ice.

[0165] When the heater supplies a large amount of heat to the ice-making chamber, air bubbles in the water can move towards or be trapped in the area receiving the heat, thereby increasing the transparency of the generated ice. However, when heat is supplied uniformly to the outer periphery of the ice-making chamber, the ice-making rate may decrease. Therefore, the more locally the heater heats a portion of the ice-making chamber, the more transparent the generated ice will be, and the reduction in ice-making rate will be minimized.

[0166] The heater can be configured to contact one side of the tray assembly. The heater can be positioned between the tray and the tray housing. Conductive heat transfer can facilitate localized heating of the ice-making compartment.

[0167] At least a portion of the side of the heater that is not in contact with the tray can be sealed with a heat-insulating element. This structure reduces the transfer of heat supplied by the heater towards the storage chamber.

[0168] The tray assembly can be configured such that the heat transfer from the heater toward the center of the ice-making compartment is greater than the heat transfer from the heater toward the circumference of the ice-making compartment.

[0169] The heat transfer rate of the tray from the center of the ice-making compartment towards the center of the tray can be greater than the heat transfer rate from the tray shell towards the storage compartment, or the thermal conductivity of the tray can be greater than the thermal conductivity of the tray shell. This structure can induce an increase in the heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making compartment via the tray. Furthermore, it can reduce the heat transfer from the heater to the storage compartment via the tray shell.

[0170] The heat transfer of the tray from the center of the ice-making compartment towards the center of the tray may be less than the heat transfer of the refrigerator casing (for example, the inner or outer casing) from the outside towards the storage compartment, or the thermal conductivity of the tray may be less than the thermal conductivity of the refrigerator casing. This is because the higher the heat transfer or thermal conductivity of the tray, the higher the degree of subcooling of the water contained in the tray may be. The higher the degree of subcooling of the water, the faster the water may freeze when the subcooling is relieved. In this case, problems such as uneven or reduced transparency of the ice will occur. Generally, the refrigerator casing can be formed of metal materials including steel.

[0171] The heat transfer rate of the tray shell from the storage compartment towards the tray housing can be greater than the heat transfer rate of the insulation wall from the external space of the refrigerator towards the storage compartment, or the thermal conductivity of the tray shell can be greater than the thermal conductivity of the insulation wall (for example, the insulation between the inner and outer shells of the refrigerator). Here, the insulation wall can refer to the insulation wall that divides the external space and the storage compartment. This is because when the heat transfer rate of the tray shell is the same as or greater than that of the insulation wall, the cooling rate of the ice-making compartment will be excessively reduced.

[0172] The heat transfer intensity of the first region along the outer peripheral surface can be configured differently. Alternatively, the heat transfer intensity of one of the first regions can be lower than that of the other. Such a structure can help reduce the heat transfer intensity transmitted through the tray assembly from the first region to the second region along the outer peripheral surface.

[0173] Furthermore, the heat transfer rates of the first and second regions, configured to contact each other, along the outer peripheral surface can be different. The heat transfer rate of one of the first regions can be lower than that of one of the second regions. This structure helps reduce the heat transfer rate from the first region to the second region via the tray assembly. Alternatively, it can help reduce the transfer of heat from the heater to one of the first regions to the ice-making compartment formed in the second region. The less heat transferred to the second region, the more locally the heater can heat one of the first regions. This structure reduces the decrease in ice-making speed due to heating by the heater. In yet another way, air bubbles can be moved or trapped within the area locally heated by the heater, thereby increasing the transparency of the ice. The heater can be a transparent ice heater.

[0174] As an example, the length of the heat transfer path from the first region to the second region can be greater than the length along the outer peripheral surface from the first region to the second region. As another example, in the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making compartment to the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment, the thickness of one of the first regions can be thinner than the thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the thickness of one of the second regions. One of the first regions can be a portion not surrounded by the tray shell. The other of the first region can be a portion surrounded by the tray shell. One of the second regions can be a portion surrounded by the tray shell. One of the first regions can be the portion of the first region forming the lowermost end of the ice-making compartment. The first region can include the tray and the tray shell that partially surrounds the tray.

[0175] As described above, when the thickness of the first region is formed relatively thinly, heat transfer towards the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making chamber is reduced, while heat transfer towards the center of the ice-making chamber is increased. Therefore, the ice-making chamber formed in the first region can be locally heated.

[0176] The minimum thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the minimum thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the minimum thickness of one of the second regions. The maximum thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the maximum thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the maximum thickness of one of the second regions. In the case where a through-hole is formed in the region, the minimum value refers to the minimum value in the regions other than the portion where the through-hole is formed. The average thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the average thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the average thickness of one of the second regions. The uniformity of the thickness of one of the first regions may be greater than the uniformity of the thickness of the other of the first regions, or greater than the uniformity of the thickness of one of the second regions.

[0177] As another example, the tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of an ice-making compartment and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion. The first area may be disposed in the first portion. The second area may be configured in an additional tray assembly that can contact the first portion. At least a portion of the second portion may extend away from the ice-making compartment formed for the second area. In this case, the transfer of heat from the heater to the first area to the second area can be reduced.

[0178] The structure and method of the cooling ice-making compartment, including the cold transfer rate of the tray assembly, can affect the production of clear ice. As previously described, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment. As one example, the first and second regions may be part of a single tray assembly. As another example, the first region may be a first tray assembly, and the second region may be a second tray assembly.

[0179] To increase the ice-making speed and / or ice transparency of the refrigerator, given the predetermined cooling capacity supplied by the cooler and the predetermined heat supplied by the heater, it is preferable to configure the cooler to more concentratedly cool a portion of the ice-making compartment. The greater the cold flow supplied by the cooler to the ice-making compartment, the higher the ice-making speed can be. However, the more uniformly the cold flow is supplied to the outer perimeter of the ice-making compartment, the lower the transparency of the resulting ice may be. Therefore, the more concentratedly the cooler cools a portion of the ice-making compartment, the more likely air bubbles are to move or be trapped in other areas of the ice-making compartment, thereby improving the transparency of the resulting ice and minimizing any reduction in ice-making speed.

[0180] To enable the cooler to more concentratedly cool a portion of the ice-making compartment, the cooler can be configured such that the amount of cold flow supplied to the second region is different from the amount of cold flow supplied to the first region. Specifically, the cooler can be configured such that the amount of cold flow supplied to the second region is greater than the amount of cold flow supplied to the first region.

[0181] As an example, the second region can be made of a metal material with high cold transferability, while the first region can be made of a material with lower cold transferability than metal.

[0182] As another example, to increase the cold transfer rate from the storage chamber to the center of the ice-making compartment via the tray assembly, the cold transfer rate of the second region in the center direction can be configured differently. The cold transfer rate of one of the second regions can be greater than that of the other. A through-hole can be formed in one of the second regions. At least a portion of the heat-absorbing surface of the cooler can be disposed in the through-hole. A channel for the cold air supplied to the cooler can be disposed in the through-hole. The first region can be a portion not surrounded by the tray housing. The second region can be a portion surrounded by the tray housing. The first region can be the portion forming the uppermost end of the ice-making compartment in the second region. The second region can include a tray and a tray housing that partially surrounds the tray. As described above, when a portion of the tray assembly is configured to have a large cold transfer rate, overcooling may occur in the tray assembly with the large cold transfer rate. As previously mentioned, a design to reduce overcooling may be required.

[0183] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0184] Reference Figure 1 A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a cabinet 14 including a storage compartment; and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment. The storage compartment may include a refrigerator compartment 18 and a freezer compartment 32. The refrigerator compartment 18 is disposed on the upper side, and the freezer compartment 32 is disposed on the lower side, so that each storage compartment can be opened and closed individually using its respective door. As another example, the freezer compartment may be arranged on the upper side and the refrigerator compartment on the lower side. Alternatively, the freezer compartment may be arranged on one side of the left and right sides, and the refrigerator compartment on the other side.

[0185] The upper and lower spaces of the freezer compartment 32 can be separated from each other, and a drawer 40 that can be accessed from the lower space can be provided in the lower space.

[0186] The doors may include a plurality of doors 10, 20, and 30 for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 18 and the freezer compartment 32. The plurality of doors 10, 20, and 30 may include some or all of the doors 10 and 20 that open and close the storage compartment by rotation and the door 30 that opens and closes the storage compartment by sliding. The freezer compartment 32 may be configured to be divided into two spaces even if it can be opened and closed using a single door 30.

[0187] In this embodiment, the freezer compartment 32 can be referred to as the first storage compartment, and the refrigerator compartment 18 can be referred to as the second storage compartment.

[0188] An ice maker 200 capable of making ice can be installed in the freezer compartment 32. The ice maker 200 can, for example, be located in the upper space of the freezer compartment 32. An ice bin 600 can be disposed below the ice maker 200, into which ice generated by the ice maker 200 falls and is stored. The user can remove the ice bin 600 from the freezer compartment 32 and use the ice stored in it. The ice bin 600 can be placed on the upper side of the horizontal wall dividing the upper and lower spaces of the freezer compartment 32.

[0189] Although not shown, the housing 14 is provided with a conduit for supplying cold air to the ice maker 200. The conduit guides the cold air, after heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator, toward the ice maker 200. As an example, the conduit is located at the rear of the housing 14 and can discharge cold air toward the front of the housing 14. The ice maker 200 can be located in front of the conduit. Although not limited, the outlet of the conduit can be located on one or more of the rear and upper side walls of the freezer compartment 32.

[0190] The above description is based on the case where the ice maker 200 is installed in the freezer compartment 32. However, the space in which the ice maker 200 is located is not limited to the freezer compartment 32. The ice maker 200 can be located in various spaces that can be supplied with cold air.

[0191] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A 3D view of the ice maker with the central support removed. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0192] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The various structural components of the ice maker 200 are disposed inside or outside the bracket 220, and the ice maker 200 can constitute a component.

[0193] As an example, the bracket 220 can be installed on the upper side wall of the freezer compartment 32. A water supply section 240 can be provided on the upper inner side of the bracket 220. The water supply section 240 has openings on its upper and lower sides, thereby guiding water supplied to the upper side of the water supply section 240 to the lower side. The upper opening of the water supply section 240 is larger than the lower opening, thereby limiting the discharge range of water guided downward through the water supply section 240. A water supply pipe for supplying water can be provided on the upper side of the water supply section 240. The water supplied to the water supply section 240 can move downward. The water supply section 240 prevents water discharged from the water supply pipe from falling from a high position, thereby preventing water splashing. The water supply unit 240 is positioned lower than the water supply pipe, so water will not splash onto the water supply unit 240 but will be guided downwards. Due to the lower height, even if the water moves downwards, the amount of water splashing can be reduced.

[0194] The ice maker 200 may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly. The first tray assembly may include a first tray 320, or a first tray housing, or both the first tray 320 and the second tray housing. The second tray assembly may include a second tray 380, or a second tray housing, or both the second tray 380 and the second tray housing. The bracket 220 may define at least a portion of the space accommodating the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0195] The ice maker 200 may include an ice-making compartment 320a (see reference) which serves as a space for water to change phase into ice due to the cooling of air. Figure 11 The first tray 320 may form at least a portion of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second tray 380 may form another portion of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second tray 380 may be configured to move relative to the first tray 320. The second tray 380 may move linearly or rotate. The following description uses the case of the second tray 380 rotating as an example.

[0196] As an example, during the ice-making process, the second tray 380 moves relative to the first tray 320, thereby bringing the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 into contact. When the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 are in contact, the complete ice-making compartment 320a can be defined. On the other hand, during the ice removal process after ice making, the second tray 380 moves relative to the first tray 320, thereby separating the second tray 380 from the first tray 320.

[0197] In this embodiment, the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 can be arranged vertically when forming the ice-making compartment 320a. Therefore, the first tray 320 can be referred to as the upper tray, and the second tray 380 as the lower tray.

[0198] A plurality of ice-making compartments 320a can be defined by the first tray 320 and the second tray 380.

[0199] When water is supplied to the ice-making chamber 320a and then cooled by cold air, ice with the same or similar shape as the ice-making chamber 320a can be generated. In this embodiment, the ice-making chamber 320a can be formed into a spherical shape or a shape similar to a spherical shape. Of course, the ice-making chamber 320a can also be formed into a cube shape or a polygonal shape.

[0200] The first tray housing, as an example, may include a first tray support 340 and a first tray cover 300. The first tray support 340 and the first tray cover 300 may be integrally formed or manufactured as separate structural elements and then combined. As an example, at least a portion of the first tray cover 300 may be located on the upper side of the first tray 320. At least a portion of the first tray support 340 may be located on the lower side of the first tray 320. The first tray cover 300 may be manufactured as a separate item from and combined with the bracket 220, or integrally formed with the bracket 220. That is, the first tray housing may include the bracket 220.

[0201] The ice maker 200 may further include a first heater housing 280. An ice-removing heater 290 may be disposed in the first heater housing 280. The heater housing 280 may be integrally formed with the first tray cover 300, or separately formed and combined with the first tray cover 300. The ice-removing heater 290 may be positioned adjacent to the first tray 320. For example, the ice-removing heater 290 may be a wire-type heater. For example, the ice-removing heater 290 may be positioned in contact with the first tray 320, or positioned at a predetermined distance from the first tray 320. In either case, the ice-removing heater 290 can supply heat to the first tray 320, and the heat supplied to the first tray 320 can be transferred to the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0202] The ice maker 200 may further include a first pusher 260 for separating ice during ice removal. The first pusher 260 may receive power from the drive unit 480 described later. A guide slot 302 for guiding the movement of the first pusher 260 may be provided on the first tray cover 300. The guide slot 302 may be provided on the upwardly extending portion of the first tray cover 300. A guide protrusion 266 of the first pusher 260 may be inserted into the guide slot 302. Thus, the guide connection portion may be guided along the guide protrusion 266. The first pusher 260 may include at least one pushing bar 264. As an example, the first pusher 260 may include the same number of pushing bars 264 as the number of ice-making compartments 320, but the invention is not limited thereto. The pushing bar 264 may push away ice located in the ice-making compartment 320a during ice removal. As an example, the push rod 264 can pass through the first tray cover 300 and be inserted into the ice-making compartment 320a. Therefore, the first tray cover 300 can be provided with an opening 304 for a portion of the first pusher 260 to pass through. The guide protrusion 266 of the first pusher 260 can be engaged with the pusher link 500. In this case, the guide protrusion 266 can be rotatably engaged with the pusher link 500. Therefore, when the pusher link 500 moves, the first pusher 260 can also move along the guide slot 302.

[0203] The second tray housing, as an example, may include a second tray cover 360 and a second tray support 400. The second tray cover 360 and the second tray support 400 may be integrally formed or manufactured as separate structural elements and then combined. As an example, at least a portion of the second tray cover 360 may be located on the upper side of the second tray 380. At least a portion of the second tray support 400 may be located on the lower side of the second tray 380. The second tray support 400 may support the second tray 380 from the lower side. As an example, at least a portion of the wall of the second tray 380 forming the second compartment 381a may be supported by the second tray support 400.

[0204] A spring 402 may be connected to one side of the second tray support 400. The spring 402 can provide elastic force to the second tray support 400, thereby keeping the second tray 380 in contact with the first tray 320.

[0205] The second tray 380 may include a peripheral wall 387 that surrounds a portion of the first tray 320 when the second tray 380 is in contact with the first tray 320. The second tray cover 360 may surround the peripheral wall 387.

[0206] The ice maker 200 may further include a second heater housing 420. A transparent ice heater 430 may be provided in the second heater housing 420. The second heater housing 420 may be integrally formed with the second tray support 400, or it may be formed separately and then combined with the second tray support 400.

[0207] The transparent ice heater 430 will be described in detail. In the control unit 800 of this embodiment, in order to generate transparent ice, the transparent ice heater 430 can be controlled to supply heat to the ice-making chamber 320a during at least a portion of the cold air supplied to the ice-making chamber 320a.

[0208] By utilizing the heat of the transparent ice heater 430 to delay the ice formation rate, air bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making chamber 320a are allowed to move from the ice-forming part toward the liquid water side, thereby enabling the formation of transparent ice in the ice maker 200. That is, air bubbles dissolved in the water can also be guided to escape to the outside of the ice-making chamber 320a, or captured at a predetermined location within the ice-making chamber 320a.

[0209] Additionally, when the air supply unit 900 (described later) supplies cold air to the ice-making chamber 320a, if the ice is generated quickly, air bubbles in the water dissolved inside the ice-making chamber 320a may freeze in a state where they fail to move from the ice-generating part to the liquid water side, which may reduce the transparency of the generated ice.

[0210] On the other hand, when the cold air supply unit 900 supplies cold air to the ice-making compartment 320a, if the ice-making speed is slow, although the above problem is solved and the transparency of the ice-making is increased, it may cause the problem of a long ice-making time.

[0211] Therefore, in order to reduce the delay in ice-making time and increase the transparency of the generated ice, the transparent ice heater 430 can be configured on one side of the ice-making compartment 320a to locally supply heat to the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0212] In addition, when the transparent ice heater 430 is disposed on one side of the ice-making compartment 320a, in order to reduce the heat of the transparent ice heater 430 from being easily transferred to the other side of the ice-making compartment 320a, at least one of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than metal.

[0213] In addition, in order to better separate the ice adhering to the trays 320 and 380 during the ice removal process, at least one of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be a resin including plastic.

[0214] In order to make it easy for the trays deformed by the pushers 260 and 540 to return to their original shape during the ice removal process, at least one of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 can be made of flexible or soft material.

[0215] The transparent ice heater 430 can be positioned adjacent to the second tray 380. As an example, the transparent ice heater 430 can be a wire heater. As another example, the transparent ice heater 430 can be positioned in contact with the second tray 380, or positioned at a predetermined distance from the second tray 380. Alternatively, the transparent ice heater 430 can be disposed within the second tray housing 400 without the additional second heater housing 420.

[0216] In either case, the transparent ice heater 430 can supply heat to the second tray 380, and the heat supplied to the second tray 380 can be transferred to the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0217] The ice maker 200 may further include a drive unit 480 that provides driving force. The second tray 380 may receive the driving force from the drive unit 480, thereby moving the first tray 320 relative to it. The first pusher 260 may receive the driving force from the drive unit 480 and move accordingly. An extension 281 extending downward on one side of the first tray housing 300 may have a through hole 282. An extension 403 extending on one side of the second tray housing 400 may have a through hole 404. The ice maker 200 may further include a shaft 440 that passes through both the through holes 282 and 404.

[0218] Rotary arms 460 may be provided at both ends of the shaft 440 respectively. The shaft 440 may receive a rotational force from the drive unit 480 and rotate. Alternatively, the rotary arm may be connected to the drive unit 480, thereby receiving a rotational force from the drive unit 480 and rotating. In this case, the shaft 440 may be connected to the rotary arm that is not connected to the drive unit 480 among the pair of rotary arms 460, thereby transmitting the rotational force. One end of the rotary arm 460 is connected to one end of the spring 402. Thus, when the spring 402 is stretched, its restoring force can be used to move the position of the rotary arm 460 to the initial position.

[0219] The drive unit 480 may include a motor and a plurality of gears.

[0220] A full ice sensing rod 520 may be connected to the drive unit 480. The full ice sensing rod 520 may rotate using the rotational force provided by the drive unit 480. The full ice sensing rod 520 may have an overall "匚" shape. As an example, the full ice sensing rod 520 may include: a first part 521; a pair of second parts 522 extending from both ends of the first part 521 in a direction intersecting the first part 521. One of the pair of second parts 522 may be coupled to the drive unit 480, and the other may be coupled to the bracket 220 or the first tray support 300. The full ice sensing rod 520 may sense the ice stored in the ice storage 600 during rotation.

[0221] The drive unit 480 may further include a cam that receives the rotational power of the motor and rotates.

[0222] The ice maker 200 may further include a sensor that senses the rotation of the cam.

[0223] As an example, a magnet is provided on the cam, and the sensor may be a Hall sensor for sensing the magnetism of the magnet during the rotation of the cam. According to whether the sensor senses the magnet or not, the sensor may output a first signal and a second signal as different outputs. One of the first signal and the second signal may be a High signal, and the other signal is a low signal. The control unit 800 described later may confirm the position of the second tray 380 based on the type and pattern of the signal output from the sensor. That is, since the second tray 380 and the cam rotate using the motor, the position of the second tray 380 can be indirectly determined based on the sensing signal of the magnet provided on the cam. As an example, the water supply position and the ice making position described later can be distinguished and determined based on the signal output from the sensor.

[0224] The ice maker 200 may further include a second pusher 540. The second pusher 540 may, for example, be disposed on the bracket 220. The second pusher 540 may include at least one push rod 544. For example, the second pusher 540 may include push rods 544 arranged in the same number as the ice-making compartments 320a, but the invention is not limited thereto. The push rod 544 can push ice located in the ice-making compartments 320a. For example, the push rod 544 can pass through the second tray support 400 and contact the second tray 380 forming the ice-making compartments 320a, and can apply pressure to the contacted second tray 380. Therefore, the second tray support 400 may be provided with a lower opening 406b for a portion of the second pusher 540 to pass through (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0225] The first tray cover 300 is also rotatably coupled to the second tray support 400 and the shaft 440, thereby changing its angle with respect to the shaft 440 as the center.

[0226] In this embodiment, the second tray 380 can be formed of a non-metallic material. For example, the second tray 380 can be formed of a flexible or soft material whose shape can be deformed when pressed by the second pusher 540. Although not limited, the second tray 380 can, for example, be formed of silicon. Therefore, during the process of the second pusher 540 pressing the second tray 380, the second tray 380 deforms and can transfer the pressure applied by the second pusher 540 to the ice. Under the pressure of the second pusher 540, the ice and the second tray 380 can separate. When the second tray 380 is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or soft material, the bonding or adhesion between the ice and the second tray 380 can be reduced, thereby allowing the ice to easily separate from the second tray 380. Furthermore, when the second tray 380 is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or soft material, after the shape of the second tray 380 is deformed due to the second pusher 540, the second tray 380 can easily return to its original shape when the pressure applied by the second pusher 540 is removed.

[0227] As another example, the first tray 320 may also be made of metal. In this case, since the first tray 320 has a strong bond or adhesion to the ice, the ice maker 200 of this embodiment may include one or more of the ice-moving heater 290 and the first pusher 260.

[0228] As another example, the first tray 320 may be formed of a non-metallic material. When the first tray 320 is formed of a non-metallic material, the ice maker 200 may include only one of the ice-moving heater 290 and the first pusher 260. Alternatively, the ice maker 200 may not include the ice-moving heater 290 and the first pusher 260. Although not limiting, the first tray 320 may, as an example, be formed of silicon. That is, the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be formed of the same material.

[0229] When the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 are made of the same material, in order to maintain the sealing performance at the contact points of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380, the hardness of the first tray 320 and the hardness of the second tray 380 may be different.

[0230] In this embodiment, since the second tray 380 is deformed by the pressure of the second pusher 540, the hardness of the second tray 380 can be lower than that of the first tray 320 in order to make the shape of the second tray 380 easier to deform.

[0231] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first tray of an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the first tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0232] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first tray 320 may define a first cell 321a as part of the ice-making compartment 320a. The first tray 320 may include a first tray wall 321 forming part of the ice-making compartment 320a. As an example, the first tray 320 may define a plurality of first cells 321a. As an example, the plurality of first cells 321a may be arranged in a row. Figure 5 Based on this, the plurality of first compartments 321a can be arranged along the X-axis direction. As an example, the first tray wall 321 can define the plurality of first compartments 321a.

[0233] The first tray wall 321 may include: a plurality of first compartment walls 3211 for forming each of the plurality of first compartments 321a; and a connecting wall 3212 for connecting the plurality of first compartment walls 3211. The first tray wall 321 may be a wall extending in the vertical direction.

[0234] The first tray 320 may include an opening 324. The opening 324 may communicate with the first compartment 321a. The opening 324 may allow cold air to be supplied to the first compartment 321a. The opening 324 may also allow water for ice production to be supplied to the first compartment 321a. The opening 234 may provide a passage for a portion of the first pusher 260 to pass through. As an example, during ice transfer, a portion of the first pusher 260 may be introduced into the ice-making compartment 320a through the opening 234.

[0235] The first tray 320 may include a plurality of openings 324 corresponding to a plurality of first compartments 321a. Any one of the plurality of openings 324a may provide a passage for cold air, a passage for water, and a passage for the first propeller 260. During the ice-making process, air bubbles can escape through the openings 324.

[0236] The first tray 320 may further include an auxiliary storage chamber 325 communicating with the ice-making compartment 320a. The auxiliary storage chamber 325, for example, can store water overflowing from the ice-making compartment 320a. Ice that expands during the phase change of the supplied water can be located in the auxiliary storage chamber 325. That is, the expanded ice can be located in the auxiliary storage chamber 325 through the opening 304. The auxiliary storage chamber 325 may be formed by a storage chamber wall 325a. The storage chamber wall 325a may extend upward from the periphery of the opening 324. The storage chamber wall 325a may be formed in a cylindrical shape or in a polygonal shape. Essentially, the first pusher 260 can pass through the opening 324 after passing through the storage chamber wall 325a. The storage chamber wall 325a not only forms the auxiliary storage chamber 325, but also reduces the deformation around the opening 324 during ice transfer.

[0237] The first tray 320 may further include a first extension wall 327 extending horizontally from the first tray wall 321. As an example, the first extension wall 327 may extend horizontally from the upper periphery of the first extension wall 327. One or more first fastening holes 327a may be provided in the first extension wall 327. Although not limited, a plurality of first fastening holes 327a may be arranged along one or more axes, the X-axis and the Y-axis. In this specification, regardless of the axial direction, the "centerline" is a line passing through the volume center of the ice-making compartment 320a or the center of weight of the water or ice within the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0238] Additionally, refer to Figure 6The first tray 320 may include a first portion 322 for forming part of the ice-making compartment 320a. As an example, the first portion 322 may be part of the first tray wall 321.

[0239] The first portion 322 may include a first compartment surface 322b (or outer peripheral surface) for forming the first compartment 321a. The first portion 322 may include the opening 324. Furthermore, the first portion 322 may include a heater receiving portion 321c. An ice-moving heater may be received in the heater receiving portion 321c. The first portion 322 may be divided in the Z-axis direction into: a first region disposed close to the transparent ice heater 430; and a second region disposed away from the transparent ice heater 430.

[0240] The first region may include the first contact surface 322c, and the second region may include the opening 324. The first portion 322 may be defined as... Figure 6 The area between the two dashed lines.

[0241] In terms of deformation resistance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a towards the circumference, at least a portion of the upper part of the first portion 322 has a greater deformation resistance than at least a portion of the lower part of the first portion 322. Specifically, at least a portion of the upper part of the first portion 322 has a greater deformation resistance than the lowermost part of the first portion 322.

[0242] The upper and lower portions of the first portion 322 can be distinguished by the extension direction of the center line C1 (or the vertical center line) in the Z-axis direction of the ice-making compartment 320a. The lowermost end of the first portion 322 is the first contact surface 322c that contacts the second tray 380. The first tray 320 may further include a second portion 323 extending from a predetermined location of the first portion 322. The predetermined location of the first portion 322 may be one end of the first portion 322. Alternatively, the predetermined location of the first portion 322 may be a location of the first contact surface 322c.

[0243] A portion of the second part 323 may be formed by the first tray wall 321, and another portion may be formed by the first extension wall 327. At least a portion of the second part 323 may extend in a direction away from the transparent ice heater 430. At least a portion of the second part 323 may extend upward from the first contact surface 322c. At least a portion of the second part 323 may extend in a direction away from the center line C1. As an example, the second part 323 may extend in two directions along the Y-axis from the center line C1. The second part 323 may be located at a position higher than or equal to the uppermost end of the ice-making compartment 320a. The uppermost end of the ice-making compartment 320a is the portion where the opening 324 is formed. The second part 323 may include a first extension 323a and a second extension 323b extending in different directions relative to the center line C1.

[0244] The first tray wall 321 may include: the first portion 322; and a portion of the second extension 323b in the second portion 323. The first extension wall 327 may include: another portion of the first extension 323a and the second extension 323b. Figure 6 Based on the center line C1, the first extension 323a can be located to the left of the center line C1, and the second extension 323b can be located to the right of the center line C1.

[0245] The shapes of the first extension 323a and the second extension 323b can be different with reference to the center line C1. The first extension 323a and the second extension 323b can be formed in an asymmetrical shape with reference to the center line C1. The length of the second extension 323b in the Y-axis direction can be longer than the length of the first extension 323a. Therefore, during the ice-making process, ice is generated and grown from the top, while simultaneously increasing the deformation resistance of the second extension 323b side. The second extension 323b can be located closer to the axis 440 that provides the rotation center of the second tray assembly than the first extension 323a.

[0246] In this embodiment, the length of the second extension 323b in the Y-axis direction is greater than the length of the first extension 323a. Therefore, the rotation radius of the second tray assembly having a second tray 380 in contact with the first tray 320 will also increase. If the rotation radius of the second tray assembly increases, the centrifugal force of the second tray assembly increases. As a result, during the ice removal process, the ice removal force used to separate the ice from the second tray assembly can be increased, thereby improving the ice separation performance.

[0247] The thickness of the first tray wall 321 is smallest on the side of the first contact surface 322c. At least a portion of the first tray wall 321 increases in thickness towards the upper part of the first contact surface 322c. Since the thickness of the first tray wall 321 increases towards the upper part, the first portion 322, formed with a portion of the first tray wall 321, will function as a deformation-resistant reinforcement (or a first deformation-resistant reinforcement). Furthermore, the second portion 323 extending outward from the first portion 322 will also function as a deformation-resistant reinforcement (or a second deformation-resistant reinforcement). The deformation-resistant reinforcement can be directly or indirectly supported by the bracket 220. As an example, the deformation-resistant reinforcement can be connected to the first tray housing and supported by the bracket 220. In this case, the portion of the first tray housing that contacts the deformation-resistant reinforcement of the first tray 320 can also function as a deformation-resistant reinforcement. Such a deformation-resistant reinforcement can generate ice in the direction from the first compartment 321a where the first tray 320 is formed toward the second compartment 381a where the second tray 380 is formed during the ice-making process.

[0248] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the second tray of an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A sectional view taken along line 8-8.

[0249] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second tray 380 can define a second compartment 381a as another part of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second tray 380 may include a second tray wall 381 forming part of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second tray 380 can, as an example, define a plurality of second compartments 381a. The plurality of second compartments 381a can, as an example, be arranged in a row. Figure 7 Based on this, the plurality of second compartments 381a can be arranged along the X-axis direction. As an example, the second tray wall 381 can define the plurality of second compartments 381a.

[0250] The second tray 380 may include a peripheral wall 387 extending along the upper periphery of the second tray wall 381. The peripheral wall 387 may, for example, be integrally formed with the second tray wall 381 and extend from the upper end of the second tray wall 381.

[0251] As another example, the peripheral wall 387 may be formed separately from the second tray wall 381 and located around the upper periphery of the second tray wall 381. In this case, the peripheral wall 387 may contact the second tray wall 381 or be spaced apart from the third tray wall 381. In either case, the peripheral wall 387 may surround at least a portion of the first tray 320.

[0252] Assuming the second tray 380 includes the peripheral wall 387, the second tray 380 can surround the first tray 320. If the second tray 380 and the peripheral wall 387 are formed separately, the peripheral wall 387 can be integrally formed with or attached to the second tray housing. As an example, a second tray wall can define a plurality of second compartments 381a, and a continuous peripheral wall 387 can surround the periphery of the first tray 250.

[0253] The peripheral wall 387 may include: a first extension wall 387b extending horizontally; and a second extension wall 387c extending vertically. The first extension wall 387b may be provided with one or more second fastening holes 387a for fastening with the second tray housing. The plurality of second fastening holes 387a may be arranged along one or more axes, namely the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0254] The second tray 380 may include a second contact surface 382c, which contacts the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320. Both the first contact surface 322c and the second contact surface 382c may be horizontal surfaces. Both the first contact surface 322c and the second contact surface 382c may be formed in a ring shape. When the ice-making compartment 320a is spherical, the first contact surface 322c and the second contact surface 382c may be formed in a circular ring shape.

[0255] The second tray 380 may include a first portion 382 that defines at least a portion of the ice-making compartment 320a. The first portion 382 may, for example, be part or all of the wall 381 of the second tray. In this specification, to distinguish it terminologically from the first portion 382 of the second tray 380, the first portion 322 of the first tray 320 may also be referred to as the third portion. Furthermore, to distinguish it terminologically from the second portion 383 of the second tray 380, the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 may also be referred to as the fourth portion.

[0256] The first portion 382 may include a second compartment surface 382b (or an outer peripheral surface) forming the second compartment 381a in the ice-making compartment 320a. The first portion 382 may be defined as... Figure 8 The area between the two dashed lines. The uppermost part of the first portion 382 is the second contact surface 382c that contacts the first tray 320.

[0257] The second tray 380 may further include a second portion 383. The second portion 383 reduces the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater 430 to the second tray 380 to the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray 320. That is, the second portion 383 serves to move the heat conduction path away from the first compartment 321a. The second portion 383 may be part or all of the peripheral wall 387. The second portion 383 may extend from a predetermined location of the first portion 382. The following description uses the case where the second portion 383 is connected to the first portion 382 as an example. The predetermined location of the first portion 382 may be one end of the first portion 382. Alternatively, the predetermined location of the first portion 382 may be a location of the second contact surface 382c. The second portion 383 may include one end in contact with the predetermined location of the first portion 382 and another end that is not in contact. The other end of the second portion 383 may be located further away from the first compartment 321a than one end of the second portion 383.

[0258] At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend in a direction away from the first compartment 321a. At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend in a direction away from the second compartment 381a. At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend upward from the second contact surface 382c. At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend horizontally in a direction away from the centerline C1. The center of curvature of at least a portion of the second portion 383 may coincide with the center of rotation of the shaft 440 connected to and rotating in the drive unit 480.

[0259] The second part 383 may include a first part 384a extending from a location of the first part 382. The second part 383 may also include a second part 384b extending in the same direction as the first part 384a. Alternatively, the second part 383 may also include a third part 384c extending in a direction different from the first part 384a. Alternatively, the second part 383 may also include a second part 384b and a third part 384c formed by branching off from the first part 384a.

[0260] As an example, the first segment 384a may extend horizontally from the first portion 382. A portion of the first segment 384a may be located at a position higher than the second contact surface 382c. That is, the first segment 384a may include a horizontally extended segment and a vertically extended segment. The first segment 384a may also include a portion extending vertically from the predetermined location. As an example, the length of the third segment 384c may be longer than the length of the second segment 384b.

[0261] The extension direction of at least a portion of the first segment 384a may be the same as the extension direction of the second segment 384b. The extension directions of the second segment 384b and the third segment 384c may be different. The extension direction of the third segment 384c may be different from the extension direction of the first segment 384a. The third segment 384a may have a constant curvature based on the YZ section plane. That is, the third segment 384a may have the same radius of curvature in the length direction. The curvature of the second segment 384b may be 0. If the second segment 384b is not a straight line, the curvature of the second segment 384b may be less than the curvature of the third segment 384a. The radius of curvature of the second segment 384b may be greater than the radius of curvature of the third segment 384a.

[0262] At least a portion of the second part 383 may be located at the same or higher position than the uppermost end of the ice-making compartment 320a. In this case, the heat conduction path formed by the second part 383 is longer, thereby reducing heat transfer to the ice-making compartment 320a. The length of the second part 383 may be greater than the radius of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second part 383 may extend to a location higher than the rotation center C4 of the shaft 440. As an example, the second part 383 may extend to a location higher than the uppermost end of the shaft 440. To reduce heat transfer from the transparent ice heater 430 to the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray 320, the second part 383 may include: a first extension 383a extending from a first location of the first part 382; and a second extension 383b extending from a second location of the first part 382. As an example, the first extension 383a and the second extension 383b may extend in different directions relative to each other, with reference to the centerline C1.

[0263] by Figure 8Based on the center line C1, the first extension 383a can be located on the left side, and the second extension 383b can be located on the right side, also based on the center line C1. The first extension 383a and the second extension 383b can be formed in different shapes based on the center line C1. The first extension 383a and the second extension 383b can be formed in an asymmetrical configuration based on the center line C1. The length (horizontal length) of the second extension 383b in the Y-axis direction can be longer than the length (horizontal length) of the first extension 383a. The second extension 383b can be located closer to the axis 440 providing the rotation center of the second tray assembly than the first extension 383a.

[0264] In this embodiment, the length of the second extension 383b in the Y-axis direction can be longer than the length of the first extension 383a. In this case, the heat conduction path can be increased while reducing the width of the bracket 220 compared to the space for mounting the ice maker 200. When the length of the second extension 383b in the Y-axis direction is longer than the length of the first extension 383a, the radius of rotation of the second tray assembly, which is provided with the second tray 380 in contact with the first tray 320, will increase. When the radius of rotation of the second tray assembly increases, the centrifugal force of the second tray assembly will increase, thereby increasing the ice-removing force for separating ice from the second tray assembly during ice removal, and thus improving ice removal performance. The center of curvature of at least a portion of the second extension 383b can be the axis 440 connected to the drive unit 480 and rotating as the center of curvature.

[0265] Based on the YZ section plane passing through the center line C1, the distance between the upper sides of the first extension 383a and the second extension 383b can be greater than the distance between the lower sides of the first extension 383a and the second extension 383b. For example, the distance between the first extension 383a and the second extension 383b can increase towards the upper side.

[0266] The first extension 383a and the third extension 383b may each include the first to the third segments 384a, 384b, and 384c. Alternatively, the third segment 384c may be described as including the first extension 383a and the second extension 383b extending in different directions relative to the center line C1.

[0267] The first portion 382 may include a first region 382d (refer to...) Figure 8The ice-making compartment 382a consists of region A and region 382e (the remaining regions excluding region A). The curvature of at least a portion of the first region 382d may differ from the curvature of at least a portion of the second region 382e. The first region 382d may include the lowermost end of the ice-making compartment 320a. The diameter of the second region 382e may be larger than the diameter of the first region 382d. The first region 382d and the second region 382e may be distinguishable in the vertical direction.

[0268] The transparent ice heater 430 can contact the first region 382d. The first region 382d may include a heater contact surface 382g for contacting the transparent ice heater 430. As an example, the heater contact surface 382g may be a horizontal surface. The heater contact surface 382g may be located at a position higher than the lowermost end of the first portion 382. The second region 382e may include the second contact surface 382c. The first region 382d may include a shape that is concave from the ice-making compartment 320a in a direction opposite to the direction in which the ice expands.

[0269] The distance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to the portion where the concave shape of the first region 382d is located can be shorter than the distance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to the second region 382e. For example, the first region 382d may include a pressure section 382f, which is pressured by the second pusher 540 during ice transfer. If the pressure applied by the second pusher 540 is applied to the pressure section 382f, the pressure section 382f deforms and separates from the first portion 382. If the pressure applied to the pressure section 382f is removed, the pressure section 382f can return to its original shape. The centerline C1 can pass through the first region 382d. For example, the centerline C1 can pass through the pressure section 382f. The heater contact surface 382g can be configured to surround the pressure section 382f. The heater contact surface 382g can be located at a position higher than the lowest end of the pressure application portion 382f. At least a portion of the heater contact surface 382g can be configured to surround the centerline C1. Therefore, at least a portion of the transparent ice heater 430 that contacts the heater contact surface 382g can also be configured to surround the centerline C1. Therefore, during the process of the second pusher 540 applying pressure to the pressure application portion 382f, interference between the transparent ice heater 430 and the second pusher 540 can be prevented. The distance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to the pressure application portion 382f can be different from the distance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to the second region 382e.

[0270] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the upper part of the second tray support component. Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A sectional view taken along line 10-10.

[0271] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The second tray support 400 may include a support body 407 for housing the lower part of the second tray 380. The support body 407 may include a receiving space 406a capable of accommodating a portion of the second tray 380. The receiving space 406a may be formed corresponding to a first portion 382 of the second tray 380, and there may be a plurality of such spaces.

[0272] The support body 407 may include a lower opening 406b (or through hole) for a portion of the second pusher 540 to pass through during ice removal. For example, the support body 407 may have three lower openings 406b corresponding to three receiving spaces 406a. A portion of the lower side of the second tray 380 may be exposed through the lower openings 406b. At least a portion of the second tray 380 may be arranged in the lower openings 406b. The upper surface 407a of the support body 407 may extend horizontally.

[0273] The second tray support 400 may include a lower plate 401, which forms a step with the upper surface 407a of the support body 407. The lower plate 401 may be located at a position higher than the upper surface 407a of the support body 407. The lower plate 401 may include a plurality of engagement portions 401a, 401b, 401c for engaging with the second tray cover 360. A second tray 380 may be inserted and engaged between the second tray cover 360 and the second tray support 400. As an example, the second tray 380 may be arranged below the second tray cover 360 and received above the second tray support 400.

[0274] Furthermore, the first extension wall 387b of the second tray 380 can be engaged with the fastening portions 361a, 361b, and 361c of the second tray cover 360 and the connecting portions 401a, 401b, and 401c of the second tray support 400. The second tray support 400 may also include a vertical extension wall 405 extending vertically downward from the edge of the lower plate 401.

[0275] A pair of extensions 403 may be provided on one side of the vertical extension wall 405 for rotating the second tray 380 by engaging with the shaft 440. The pair of extensions 403 may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, each extension 403 may include a through hole 404. The shaft 440 may pass through the through hole 404, and an extension 281 of the first tray cover 300 may be arranged inside the pair of extensions 403.

[0276] The second tray support 400 may further include a spring engagement portion 402a for engaging the spring 402. The spring engagement portion 402a may form a loop to lock the lower end of the spring 402. The second tray support 400 may also include a connecting portion 405a for engaging the pusher connector 500. The connecting portion 405a, as an example, may protrude from the vertical extension wall 405 along the X-axis direction. Figure 10 Based on this, the second tray support 400 may include: a first portion 411 supporting a second tray 380 forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment 320a. Figure 10 In this context, the first portion 411 can be the area between two dashed lines. As an example, the support body 407 can form the first portion 411. The second tray support 400 may also include a second portion 413 extending from a predetermined location of the first portion 411.

[0277] The second portion 413 can reduce the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater 430 to the second tray support 400 to the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray 320. At least a portion of the second portion 413 can extend away from the first compartment 321a formed by the first tray 320. The away direction can be a horizontal line direction passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a. The away direction can be a downward direction based on the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0278] The second portion 413 may include: a first segment 414a extending from the predetermined location along a horizontal line; and a second segment 414b extending in the same direction as the first segment 414a. Alternatively, the second portion 413 may include: a first segment 414a extending from the predetermined location along a horizontal line; and a third segment 414c extending in a direction different from the first segment 414a. The second portion 413 may also include: a first segment 414a extending from the predetermined location along a horizontal line; and second and third segments 414b formed in a manner branching off from the first segment 414a. For example, the upper surface 407a of the support body 407 may form the first segment 414a.

[0279] The first segment 414a may be supplemented with a fourth segment 414d extending along a vertical line. The lower plate 401, for example, can form the fourth segment 414d. The vertical extension wall 405, for example, can form the third segment 414c. The length of the third segment 414c may be longer than the length of the second segment 414b. The second segment 414b may extend in the same direction as the first segment 414a. The third segment 414c may extend in a different direction than the first segment 414a.

[0280] The second portion 413 may be located at the same height as the lowest end of the first compartment 321a or extend to a lower location. The second portion 413 may include a first extension 413a and a second extension 413b located on opposite sides of each other with reference to a centerline CL1 corresponding to the centerline C1 of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0281] by Figure 10 Based on the center line CL1, the first extension 413a can be located on the left side, and the second extension 413b can be located on the right side, also based on the center line CL1. The first extension 413a and the second extension 413b can be formed with different shapes based on the center line CL1. The first extension 413a and the second extension 413b can be formed in an asymmetrical configuration based on the center line CL1. In the horizontal direction, the length of the second extension 413b can be longer than the length of the first extension 413a. That is, the thermally conductive length of the second extension 413b is greater than the thermally conductive length of the first extension 413a. The second extension 413b can be located closer to the axis 440 providing the rotation center of the second tray assembly than the first extension 413a. In this embodiment, the length of the second extension 413b in the Y-axis direction is longer than the length of the first extension 413a; therefore, the rotation radius of the second tray assembly, which has a second tray 380 in contact with the first tray 320, will also be larger.

[0282] The center of curvature of at least a portion of the second extension 413a may coincide with the center of rotation of the shaft 440 that rotates via the drive unit 480. The first extension 413a may include a portion 414e extending upward with reference to the horizontal line. The portion 414e, for example, may surround a part of the second tray 380.

[0283] Alternatively, the second tray support 400 may include: a first region 415a including the lower opening 406b; and a second region 415b having a shape corresponding to the ice-making compartment 320a to support the second tray 380.

[0284] The first region 415a and the second region 415b can be distinguished in the vertical direction as an example. Figure 11 The image illustrates, as an example, that the first region 415a and the second region 415b are separated by a dotted line extending horizontally. The first region 415a can support the second tray 380.

[0285] The control unit can control the ice maker 200 to move the second pusher 540 from a first location outside the ice-making compartment 320a through the lower opening 406b to a second location inside the second tray support 400. The deformation resistance of the second tray support 400 can be greater than that of the second tray 380. The resilience of the second tray support 400 can be less than that of the second tray 380.

[0286] In another embodiment, the second tray support 400 may be described as including: a first region 415a including a lower opening 406b; and a second region 415b located further away from the transparent ice heater 430 than the first region 415a.

[0287] Figure 11 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line 11-11. Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 The diagram shows the state of the second tray moving to the water supply position.

[0288] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The ice maker 200 may include a first tray assembly 201 and a second tray assembly 211 connected to each other.

[0289] The first tray assembly 201 may include: a first portion for forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment 320a; and a second portion connected from the first portion at a predetermined location. The first portion of the first tray assembly 201 may include a first portion 322 of the first tray 320, and the second portion of the first tray assembly 201 includes a second portion 322 of the first tray 320. Therefore, the first tray assembly 201 includes a plurality of deformation-resistant reinforcements of the first tray 320.

[0290] The first tray assembly 201 may include: a first region; and a second region located further away from the transparent ice heater 430 than the first region. The first region of the first tray assembly 201 may include the first region of the first tray 320, and the second region of the first tray assembly 201 may include the second region of the first tray 320.

[0291] The second tray assembly 211 may include: a first portion 212 forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment 320a; and a second portion 213 extending from a predetermined location of the first portion 212. The second portion 213 may reduce heat transfer from the transparent ice heater 430 to the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray assembly 201. The first portion 212 may be... Figure 11 The area located between the two dashed lines. The predetermined location of the first portion 212 may be the end of the first portion 212 or the location where the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 meet.

[0292] At least a portion of the first portion 212 may extend in a direction away from the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray assembly 201. A portion of the second portion 213 may be split into at least two or more, thereby reducing heat transfer in the direction extending toward the second portion 213. A portion of the second portion 213 may extend along a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a. A portion of the second portion 213 may extend upward based on the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second portion 213 may include: a first segment 213c extending along a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a; a second segment 213d extending upward based on the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a; and a third segment 213e extending downward based on the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0293] To reduce the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater 430 to the second tray assembly 211 to the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray assembly 201, the first portion 212 may have different heat transfer rates in the direction along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment 320a. The transparent ice heater 430 may be configured to heat both sides centered on the lowermost end of the first portion 212.

[0294] The first part 212 may include a first region 214a and a second region 214b. Figure 11The diagram illustrates the distinction between the first region 214a and the second region 214b using a horizontally extending dotted line. The second region 214b may be located above the first region 214a. The heat transfer rate of the second region 214b may be greater than that of the first region 214a. The first region 214a may include the portion where the transparent ice heater 430 is located. That is, the first region 214a may include the transparent ice heater 430. In the first region 214a, the heat transfer rate of the lowermost end 214a1 forming the ice-making chamber 320a may be lower than that of other portions of the first region 214a.

[0295] The distance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to the outer peripheral surface of the second region 214b is greater than the distance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to the outer peripheral surface of the first region 214a. The second region 214b may include the portion where the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 contact. The first region 214a may form a part of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second region 214b may form another part of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second region 214b may be located further away from the transparent ice heater 430 than the first region 214a.

[0296] To reduce the heat transfer from the transparent ice heater 430 to the first region 214a and then to the ice-making chamber 320a formed in the second region 214b, the heat transfer rate of a portion of the first region 214a can be less than that of another portion. To generate ice from the ice-making chamber 320a formed in the second region 214b towards the ice-making chamber 320a formed in the first region 214a, the deformation resistance of a portion of the first region 214a can be less than that of another portion, and the resilience of a portion of the first region 214a can be greater than that of the other portion.

[0297] In the thickness from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to its outer peripheral surface, a portion of the first region 214a may be thinner than another portion of the first region 214a. For example, the first region 214a may include at least a portion of the second tray 380 and a second tray housing surrounding at least a portion of the second tray 380. For example, the first region 214a may include a pressure-applying portion 382f of the second tray 380. The rotation center C4 of the shaft 440 may be located closer to the second pusher 540 than the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0298] The second part 213 may include a first extension 213a and a second extension 213b located on opposite sides of the center line C1. The first extension 213a may... Figure 11 With the reference point located to the left of the center line C1, the second extension 213b is located to the right of the center line C1. The water supply section 240 can be arranged close to the first extension 213a. The first tray assembly 301 includes a pair of guide slots 302, and the water supply section 240 can be arranged in the area between the pair of guide slots 302. In the ice maker 200 of this embodiment, the water supply position and the ice-making position of the second tray 380 are designed differently. Figure 12 The image shows, as an example, the water supply location of the second tray 380. For example, in... Figure 12 At the water supply position shown, at least a portion of the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 can be separated. Figure 12 As an example, the entire first contact surface 322c is spaced apart from the entire second contact surface 382c. Therefore, in the water supply position, the first contact surface 322c can be tilted at a predetermined angle to the second contact surface 382c. Although not limited, in the water supply position, the first contact surface 322c can be substantially horizontal, and the second contact surface 382c can be disposed at an angle relative to the first contact surface 322c below the first tray 320.

[0299] Additionally, at the ice-making location (refer to...) Figure 11 On the ice-making position, the second contact surface 382c can contact at least a portion of the first contact surface 322c. The angle formed by the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 in the ice-making position is smaller than the angle formed by the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 in the water-supply position. In the ice-making position, the entire first contact surface 322c can contact the second contact surface 382c. In the ice-making position, the second contact surface 382c and the first contact surface 322c can be configured in a substantially horizontal manner. In this embodiment, the reason why the water supply position of the second tray 380 is different from the ice-making position is that, when the ice maker 200 includes a plurality of ice-making compartments 320a, the water channels for connecting the various ice-making compartments 320a are not formed on the first tray 320 and / or the second tray 380, and water is evenly distributed to the plurality of ice-making compartments 320a.

[0300] If the ice maker 200 includes the plurality of ice-making compartments 320a, and water channels are formed in the first tray 320 and / or the second tray 380, the water supplied to the ice maker 200 will be distributed to the plurality of ice-making compartments 320a along the water channels. However, even after the water has finished distributing to the plurality of ice-making compartments 320a, water will still remain in the water channels. When ice is formed in this state, the ice formed in the ice-making compartments 320a will be connected by the ice formed in the water channel portion. In this case, after the ice is removed, there is still a possibility that the ice will stick together. Even if the ice blocks separate from each other, some of the ice in the plurality of ice blocks will contain the ice formed in the water channel portion, resulting in a problem where the shape of the ice becomes different from the shape of the ice-making compartments.

[0301] However, as described in this embodiment, when the second tray 380 is separated from the first tray 320 at the water supply position, the water falling into the second tray 380 can be evenly distributed to the plurality of second compartments 381a of the second tray 380.

[0302] The water supply unit 240 can supply water to one of the plurality of openings 324. In this case, the water supplied through the one opening 324 falls into the second tray 380 after passing through the first tray 320. During the water supply process, water can fall into one of the plurality of second compartments 381a of the second tray 380. The water supplied to a second compartment 381a will overflow the second compartment 381a.

[0303] In this embodiment, since the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 is separated from the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320, water overflowing from one of the second compartments 381a will move along the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 to another adjacent second compartment 381a. Thus, the plurality of second compartments 381a of the second tray 380 can be filled with water. Furthermore, in the water supply mode, a portion of the supplied water fills the second compartment 320c, and another portion fills the space between the first tray 320 and the second tray 380. If the second tray 380 moves from the water supply position to the ice-making position, the water in the space between the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 can be evenly distributed to the plurality of first compartments 321a.

[0304] Additionally, if water channels are formed in the first tray 320 and / or the second tray 380, the ice generated in the ice-making compartment 320a will also be generated in the water channel portion.

[0305] In this case, in order to generate transparent ice, when the refrigerator's control unit controls the refrigerator to change one or more of the cooling power of the air supply unit 900 and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 according to the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment 320a, in the part where the water channel is formed, one or more of the cooling power of the air supply unit 900 and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 will be controlled to change drastically by several times or more.

[0306] This is because, in the section where the water channel is formed, the mass of water per unit height will increase dramatically by several times. In this case, component reliability issues may arise, and expensive components with large ranges in maximum and minimum output may be used, potentially leading to disadvantages in terms of power consumption and component cost. Consequently, to generate transparent ice, the present invention may also require technology related to the aforementioned ice-making location.

[0307] Figure 13 This is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0308] Reference Figure 13 The refrigerator in this embodiment may include a cooler for supplying cold air to the freezer compartment 32 (or the ice-making compartment). As an example, Figure 13 The illustration shows that the cooler includes a cold air supply unit 900. The cold air supply unit 900 can utilize a refrigerant cycle to supply cold air, as an example of a cold stream, to the freezer compartment 32.

[0309] As an example, the air supply unit 900 may include a compressor for compressing refrigerant. The temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezer compartment 32 can vary depending on the output (or frequency) of the compressor. Alternatively, the air supply unit 900 may include a fan for blowing air into the evaporator. The amount of cold air supplied to the freezer compartment 32 can vary depending on the output (or rotational speed) of the fan. Alternatively, the air supply unit 900 may include a refrigerant valve (expansion valve) for regulating the amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle. By adjusting the opening of the refrigerant valve, the amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle can be changed, thereby varying the temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezer compartment 32. Therefore, in this embodiment, the air supply unit 900 may include one or more of the compressor, fan, and refrigerant valve.

[0310] The cold air supply unit 900 may further include an evaporator for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air. The cold air that has exchanged heat with the evaporator can be supplied to the ice maker 200.

[0311] The refrigerator in this embodiment may further include a control unit 800 for controlling the air supply unit 900. Furthermore, the refrigerator may also include: a flow sensor 244 for sensing the amount of water supplied via the water supply unit 240; and a water supply valve 242 for controlling the water supply volume.

[0312] The control unit 800 can control some or all of the ice-moving heater 290, the transparent ice heater 430, the drive unit 480, the cold air supply unit 900, and the water supply valve 242.

[0313] In this embodiment, when the ice maker 200 includes both the ice-moving heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430, the outputs of the ice-moving heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 may be different. When the outputs of the ice-moving heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 are different, the output terminals of the ice-moving heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 may be formed in different shapes to prevent incorrect fastening of the two output terminals. Although not limited, the output of the ice-moving heater 290 may be set to be greater than the output of the transparent ice heater 430. Therefore, ice cubes can be quickly separated from the first tray 320 using the ice-moving heater 290. In this embodiment, when the ice-moving heater 290 is not provided, the transparent ice heater 430 may be positioned adjacent to the previously described second tray 380, or adjacent to the first tray 320.

[0314] The refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor 33 for sensing the temperature of the freezer compartment 32. The control unit 800 may control the cooling supply unit 900 based on the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 33.

[0315] The control unit 800 can determine whether ice making has ended based on the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700.

[0316] The refrigerator may further include a mode selection unit 810, which allows a user to select one of at least two modes or change the mode.

[0317] The refrigerator's operating modes may include at least a first mode and a second mode. The mode selection unit 810 can select either the first mode or the second mode, or switch from the first mode to the second mode or vice versa. The mode selection unit 810 may be located on the refrigerator door or on the ice maker 200. Alternatively, the mode selection unit 810 may be omitted, and the mode may be automatically changed upon sensing a set signal.

[0318] The control unit 800 can be configured to make the amount of cold supply of the cold air supply unit 900 different from each other in the first mode and the second mode. For example, the amount of cold supply of the cold air supply unit 900 can be determined by the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900. Alternatively, the control unit 800 can be configured to make the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 different from each other in the first mode and the second mode. Alternatively, the control unit 800 can be configured to make the amount of cold supply of the cold air supply unit 900 and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 different from each other in the first mode and the second mode.

[0319] The first mode can be a transparent ice mode, and the second mode is an opaque ice mode. The transparent ice mode is used to generate transparent ice in the ice maker 200, and the opaque ice mode is used to generate opaque or translucent ice in the ice maker 200.

[0320] The following explains the situation when the first mode is selected.

[0321] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of ice generation in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0322] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate the height reference corresponding to the relative position of the transparent ice heater in the ice-making compartment. Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the output of a transparent ice heater per unit height of water within the ice-making compartment.

[0323] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the state of water supply termination at a water supply location. Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the formation of ice at the ice-making location. Figure 19 This diagram shows the deformation of the pressure section of the second tray after ice making is complete. Figure 20 This diagram shows the state of the second propeller contacting the second tray during the ice-moving process. Figure 21 This is a diagram showing the state of the second tray as it moves to the ice-moving position during the ice-moving process.

[0324] Reference Figures 14 to 21 In order to generate ice in the ice maker 200, the control unit 800 moves the second tray 380 to the water supply position (step S1).

[0325] In this specification, the second tray 380 can be removed from... Figure 18 The ice-making position faces Figure 21 The direction in which the ice is moved is called positive movement (or positive rotation). Conversely, it can be considered as moving from... Figure 21 The location of the ice move towards Figure 17 The direction in which the water supply position moves is called the reverse movement (or the reverse rotation).

[0326] The movement of the water supply position of the second tray 380 is sensed by the sensor. When the sensor senses that the second tray 380 has moved to the water supply position, the control unit 800 stops the drive unit 480.

[0327] Water supply begins when the second tray 380 is moved to the water supply position (step S2). To supply water, the control unit 800 opens the water supply valve 242. If it is determined that a set amount of water has been supplied, the control unit 800 can close the water supply valve 242. For example, during water supply, a pulse is output from the flow sensor shown in the figure. When the output pulse reaches a reference pulse, it can be determined that a set amount of water has been supplied.

[0328] After the water supply ends, the control unit 800 controls the second tray 380 to move the drive unit 480 to the ice-making position (step S3). For example, the control unit 800 can control the drive unit 480 to move the second tray 380 from the water supply position in the opposite direction. If the second tray 380 moves in the opposite direction, the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 will approach the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320. At this time, the water between the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 is divided and distributed into the interiors of each of the plurality of second compartments 381a. If the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 are completely in contact, the first compartment 321a will be filled with water. The movement of the second tray 380 toward the ice-making position is sensed by a sensor. When the sensor detects that the second tray 380 has moved to the ice-making position, the control unit 800 stops the drive unit 480.

[0329] Ice making begins when the second tray assembly 211 is moved to the ice-making position (step S4). For example, ice making can begin when the second tray 380 reaches the ice-making position. Alternatively, ice making can begin when the second tray 380 reaches the ice-making position and the water supply time has elapsed for a set period. If ice making begins, the control unit 800 can control the cold air supply unit 900 to supply cold air to the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0330] After ice making begins, the control unit 800 can control the transparent ice heater 430 to turn on at least a portion of the cold air supplied by the cold air supply unit 900 to the ice-making compartment 320a. When the transparent ice heater 430 is on, its heat is transferred to the ice-making compartment 320a, thereby delaying the rate of ice formation in the ice-making compartment 320a. As described in this embodiment, by delaying the ice formation rate through the heat of the transparent ice heater 430, dissolved air bubbles in the water inside the ice-making compartment 320a can move from the ice-forming portion towards the liquid water side, thereby enabling the formation of transparent ice in the ice maker 200.

[0331] During the ice-making process, the control unit 800 can determine whether the opening conditions of the transparent ice heater 430 are met (step S5). In this embodiment, the transparent ice heater 430 is not turned on immediately after ice-making begins, but the opening conditions of the transparent ice heater 430 must be met before it can be turned on (step S6).

[0332] Generally, the water supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a may be at room temperature or below room temperature. This results in water with a temperature above the freezing point of water. Therefore, after water is supplied, the water temperature initially decreases under the influence of cooling air, and upon reaching the freezing point, the water will transform into ice. In this embodiment, the transparent ice heater 430 may not need to be turned on before the water phase changes to ice.

[0333] If the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on before the water supplied to the ice-making chamber 320a reaches its freezing point, the rate at which the water temperature reaches the freezing point will be slower due to the heat from the transparent ice heater 430, thus delaying the start of ice formation. The transparency of the ice can vary after ice formation begins depending on the presence or absence of air bubbles in the ice-forming portion. When heat is supplied to the ice-making chamber 320a before ice formation, the operation of the transparent ice heater 430 can be considered independent of the ice's transparency.

[0334] Therefore, according to this embodiment, after the conditions for opening the transparent ice heater 430 are met, when the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on, it is possible to prevent the unnecessary consumption of electricity due to the operation of the transparent ice heater 430. Of course, even if the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on immediately after ice making begins, it will not affect the transparency; therefore, the transparent ice heater 430 can also be turned on after ice making begins.

[0335] In this embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed from a set specific time point, the control unit 800 can determine that the opening conditions of the transparent ice heater 430 are met. The specific time point can be set to at least one of the time points before the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on. For example, the specific time point can be set to the time when the cold air supply unit 900 begins to supply cooling power for ice making, the time when the second tray 380 is about to reach the ice-making position, the time when the water supply ends, etc. Alternatively, when the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches the opening reference temperature, the control unit 800 can determine that the opening conditions of the transparent ice heater 430 are met. As an example, the opening reference temperature can be the temperature at which water begins to freeze on the uppermost (opening side) side of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0336] When a portion of the water in the ice-making compartment 320a freezes, the temperature of the ice in the ice-making compartment 320a is below zero. The temperature of the first tray 320 can be higher than the temperature of the ice in the ice-making compartment 320a. Of course, although water is present in the ice-making compartment 320a, the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 can be below zero after ice begins to form in the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0337] Therefore, in order to determine that ice has started to form in the ice-making compartment 320a based on the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700, the opening reference temperature can be set to a temperature below zero. That is, when the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches the opening reference temperature, since the opening reference temperature is below zero, the temperature of the ice in the ice-making compartment 320a will be lower than the opening reference temperature. Therefore, it can be indirectly determined that ice has formed in the ice-making compartment 320a. As described above, when the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on, the heat from the transparent ice heater 430 is transferred to the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0338] As described in this embodiment, when the second tray 380 is located below the first tray 320 and the transparent ice heater 430 is configured to supply heat to the second tray 380, ice can be generated from the upper side of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0339] In this embodiment, since ice is generated from the top in the ice-making chamber 320a, the air bubbles will move downward toward the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 320a during the ice-generating portion.

[0340] Because water is denser than ice, water or air bubbles may convection within the ice-making chamber 320a, and the air bubbles may move towards the transparent ice heater 430. In this embodiment, depending on the shape of the ice-making chamber 320a, the mass (or volume) of water per unit height within the ice-making chamber 320a may be the same or different. For example, if the ice-making chamber 320a is a cube, the mass (or volume) of water per unit height within the ice-making chamber 320a is the same. On the other hand, if the ice-making chamber 320a is spherical or has a shape such as an inverted triangle or crescent shape, the mass (or volume) of water per unit height is different.

[0341] Assuming the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 is constant, when the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 is the same, the rate of ice formation per unit height may differ due to the varying mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment 320a. For example, when the mass of water per unit height is smaller, the ice formation rate is faster; conversely, when the mass of water per unit height is larger, the ice formation rate is slower. As a result, the rate of ice formation per unit height will not be constant, causing the transparency of the ice at each unit height to vary. In particular, when the ice formation rate is faster, air bubbles may fail to move from the ice block towards the water side, resulting in ice containing air bubbles and thus low transparency. That is, the smaller the deviation in the rate of ice formation per unit height of water, the smaller the deviation in the transparency of the formed ice per unit height will be.

[0342] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 800 can be controlled to change the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 and / or the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 based on the mass of water at each unit height in the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0343] In this specification, the variable cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 may include one or more of the following: variable compressor output, variable fan output, and variable refrigerant valve opening. Furthermore, in this specification, the variable heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 may refer to changing the output of the transparent ice heater 430 or changing the duty cycle of the transparent ice heater 430.

[0344] At this time, the duty cycle of the transparent ice heater 430 can represent the ratio of the opening time and closing time of the transparent ice heater 430 to the opening time in a cycle, or the ratio of the opening time and closing time of the transparent ice heater 430 to the closing time in a cycle.

[0345] In this specification, the reference for the unit height of water within the ice-making compartment 320a can vary depending on the relative positions of the ice-making compartment 320a and the transparent ice heater 430. For example, as Figure 15 As shown in (a), at the bottom of the ice-making compartment 320a, the transparent ice heaters 430 can be arranged in a manner with the same height. In this case, the line connecting the transparent ice heaters 430 is a horizontal line, and the line extending from the horizontal line in a vertical direction will serve as the reference for the unit height of the water in the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0346] exist Figure 15 In case (a), ice is generated and grows from the uppermost side to the lower side of the ice-making compartment 320a. On the other hand, as... Figure 15 As shown in (b), the transparent ice heaters 430 can be arranged at different heights at the bottom of the ice-making compartment 320a. In this case, since heat is supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a from different heights, it will be in accordance with... Figure 15 (a) Different patterns generate ice.

[0347] As an example, in Figure 15 In case (b), ice can be generated at a position spaced to the left from the uppermost end of the ice-making compartment 320a, and the ice grows towards the lower right side where the transparent ice heater 430 is located. Therefore, in Figure 15 In case (b), the line perpendicular to the line connecting the two locations of the transparent ice heater 430 (reference line) will become the reference for the unit height of the water in the ice-making compartment 320a. Figure 15 The reference line of (b) is tilted at a specified angle from the vertical line.

[0348] Figure 16 As shown Figure 15The water unit height differentiation and the output of the transparent ice heater per unit height are shown in (a) with the transparent ice heater arranged as shown.

[0349] The following explanation will take the case where the ice formation rate is kept constant according to different unit heights of water by controlling the output of the transparent ice heater.

[0350] Reference Figure 16 When the ice-making compartment 320a is, for example, spherical in shape, the mass of water per unit height within the ice-making compartment 320a initially increases from the top towards the bottom, reaching a maximum, and then decreases again. As an example, let's describe the case where the water (or the ice-making compartment itself) within a spherical ice-making compartment 320a with a diameter of 50mm is divided into nine sections (section A to section I) with a height of 6mm (per unit height). It should be noted that the size of the unit height and the number of sections are not limited.

[0351] When the water in the ice-making compartment 320a is divided by unit height, the heights of the different divided sections are the same for sections A to H, and the height of section I is lower than the heights of the other sections. Of course, depending on the diameter of the ice-making compartment 320a and the number of divided sections, the unit height of all divided sections can be the same.

[0352] Among the plurality of intervals, interval E is the interval with the largest mass of water per unit height. For example, when the ice-making compartment 320a is spherical, the interval with the largest mass of water per unit height may include the diameter of the ice-making compartment 320a, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the ice-making compartment 320a, or the largest portion of the circumference.

[0353] As described above, assuming the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 is constant and the output of the transparent ice heater 430 is constant, the ice formation rate is slowest in zone E and fastest in zones A and I. Under these conditions, the ice formation rate per unit height is different, therefore, the transparency of the ice per unit height is different. In certain zones, the ice formation rate is too fast, causing the inclusion of air bubbles and reducing transparency. Therefore, in this embodiment, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be controlled to move air bubbles from the ice-forming area towards the water side during ice formation, and to ensure that the ice formation rate is the same or similar per unit height.

[0354] Specifically, since the mass of the E interval is the largest, the output W5 of the transparent ice heater 430 in the E interval can be set to the minimum. Because the mass of the D interval is smaller than that of the E interval, the ice formation rate increases accordingly with the decrease in mass, thus requiring a delay in the ice formation rate. Therefore, the output W4 of the transparent ice heater 430 in the D interval can be set to a higher value than the output W5 of the transparent ice heater 430 in the E interval.

[0355] For the same reason, since the mass of section C is less than that of section D, the output W3 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section C can be set higher than the output W4 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section D. Furthermore, since the mass of section B is less than that of section C, the output W2 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section B can be set higher than the output W3 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section C. And, since the mass of section A is less than that of section B, the output W1 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section A can be set higher than the output W2 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section B. For the same reason, the mass per unit height decreases as you move downwards from section E; therefore, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be increased as you move downwards from section E (refer to W6, W7, W8, W9). Therefore, observing the output change pattern of the transparent ice heater 430, after the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on, its output can decrease in stages from the initial section to the middle section.

[0356] In the middle interval of the interval where the mass of water per unit height is minimum, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can reach its minimum. Starting from the next interval of the middle interval, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can again increase in stages.

[0357] Depending on the shape or mass of the generated ice, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 in two adjacent sections can be set to be the same. For example, the outputs of sections C and D can also be the same. That is, the outputs of the transparent ice heater 430 in at least two sections can be the same. Alternatively, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 in sections other than the section with the smallest mass per unit height can be set to the minimum.

[0358] For example, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 in interval D or F can be minimized. The output of the transparent ice heater 430 in interval E can be the same as or greater than the minimum output.

[0359] In summary, in this embodiment, the initial output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be at its maximum. During the ice-making process, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be reduced to its minimum.

[0360] The output of the transparent ice heater 430 can decrease in stages within each interval, or maintain output for at least two intervals. The output of the transparent ice heater 430 can increase from the minimum output to the final output. The final output can be the same as or different from the initial output. Furthermore, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can increase in stages within each interval from the minimum output to the final output, or maintain output for at least two intervals. Alternatively, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can become the final output in a certain interval before the last interval. In this case, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can remain as the final output in the last interval. That is, after the output of the transparent ice heater 430 reaches the final output, the final output can be maintained until the last interval.

[0361] As ice making proceeds, the amount of ice in the ice-making compartment 320a gradually decreases. Therefore, if the output of the transparent ice heater 430 continues to increase until the final interval is reached, excessive heat will be supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a, potentially resulting in water remaining in the compartment even after the final interval ends. Therefore, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be maintained at the final output level for at least two intervals, including the final interval.

[0362] By controlling the output of the aforementioned transparent ice heater 430, the transparency of the ice is made uniform per unit height, and air bubbles are concentrated in the lowest region. Thus, when viewed as a whole, the ice appears transparent with air bubbles concentrated in localized areas.

[0363] As described above, even if the ice-making compartment 320a is not spherical, transparent ice can still be generated by changing the output of the transparent ice heater 430 according to the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0364] The heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 is less when the mass of water per unit height is greater than when the mass of water per unit height is smaller. For example, while keeping the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 constant, the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 can be changed inversely proportional to the mass of water per unit height. Furthermore, by changing the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 according to the mass of water per unit height, transparent ice can be generated.

[0365] For example, when the mass of water per unit height is large, the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 can be increased; when the mass of water per unit height is small, the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 can be decreased. As another example, while keeping the heating output of the transparent ice heater 430 constant, the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 can be changed in a manner proportional to the mass of water per unit height.

[0366] Observing the variable cooling power mode of the cold air supply unit 900 when generating spherical ice, during the ice-making process, the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 can increase from the initial zone to the middle zone. In the middle zone, which is the zone with the minimum mass of water per unit height, the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 can reach its maximum. From the lower zone of the middle zone, the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 can decrease again. Alternatively, depending on the mass of water per unit height, transparent ice can be generated by changing the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430.

[0367] For example, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 can be changed in a manner proportional to the mass of water per unit height, and the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 can be changed in a manner inversely proportional to the mass of water per unit height.

[0368] As described in this embodiment, when one or more of the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 are controlled according to the mass of water per unit height, the rate of ice formation per unit height of water can be substantially the same or kept within a specified range.

[0369] Additionally, the control unit 800 can determine whether ice making has ended based on the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 (step S8). If it is determined that ice making has ended, the control unit 800 can turn off the transparent ice heater 430 (step S9).

[0370] As an example, if the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches the first reference temperature, the control unit 800 can determine that ice making has ended, and thus turn off the transparent ice heater 430. In this embodiment, since the distance between the second temperature sensor 700 and each ice-making compartment 320a is different, in order to determine that ice formation has ended in all ice-making compartments 320a, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the point at which ice making is determined to have ended, or if the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches a second reference temperature lower than the first reference temperature, the control unit 800 can begin moving the ice.

[0371] If ice making is complete, the control unit 800 operates one or more of the ice-transfer heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 to facilitate ice transfer (step S10). When one or more of the ice-transfer heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 are turned on, the heat from the heaters is transferred to one or more of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380, thereby allowing the ice to separate from the surface (inner surface) of one or more of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380. Furthermore, the heat from the heaters 290 and 430 is transferred to the contact surfaces of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380, thereby achieving a separable state between the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380. If one or more of the ice-transfer heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 have been operated for a set time, or if the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches or exceeds the shutdown reference temperature, the control unit 800 turns off the activated heaters 290 and 430 (step S10). Although not specified, the shut-off reference temperature can be set to a temperature above zero.

[0372] The control unit 800 operates the drive unit 480 to move the second tray assembly 211 in the positive direction (step S11). Figure 20 As shown, when the second tray 380 moves in the positive direction, the second tray 380 is separated from the first tray 320.

[0373] Additionally, the moving force of the second tray 380 is transmitted to the first pusher 260 via the pusher connector 500. At this time, the first pusher 260 descends along the guide slot 302, and the push rod 264 passes through the opening 324 and presses the ice within the ice-making compartment 320a. In this embodiment, during ice transfer, the ice can be separated from the first tray 320 before the push rod 264 presses the ice. That is, the ice can be separated from the surface of the first tray 320 under the heat of the activated heater. In this case, the ice, supported by the second tray 380, can move together with the second tray 380. Alternatively, even if the heater applies heat to the first tray 320, there may be cases where ice fails to separate from the surface of the first tray 320.

[0374] Therefore, when the second tray assembly 211 moves in the positive direction, the ice may separate from the second tray 380 while still in contact with the first tray 320. In this state, during the movement of the second tray 380, the ice can be separated from the first tray 320 by applying pressure to the ice in contact with the first tray 320 by the push rod 264 passing through the connecting hole 320e. The ice separated from the first tray 320 can then be supported by the second tray 380. When the ice moves together with the second tray 380 while supported by it, it can separate from the second tray 380 by its own weight even without applying external force to the second tray 380.

[0375] Even during the movement of the second tray 380, the ice failed to fall off the second tray 380 due to its own weight, as Figure 21 As shown, when the second pusher 540 contacts the second tray 380 and applies pressure to the second tray 380, the ice can also separate from the second tray 380 and fall downwards.

[0376] Specifically, in such Figure 21 As the second tray 380 moves, it will contact the push rod 544 of the second pusher 540. When the second tray assembly 211 moves continuously in the positive direction, the extension 544 will apply pressure to the second tray 380, causing it to deform. The pressure applied by the push rod 544 is transmitted to the ice, allowing it to separate from the surface of the second tray 380. The ice separated from the surface of the second tray 380 falls downwards and can be stored in the ice reservoir 600. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 21 The position where the second tray 380 is deformed by the pressure exerted by the second pusher 540 is called the ice-moving position.

[0377] Furthermore, during the movement of the second tray assembly 211 from the ice-making position to the ice-transfer position, the fullness of the ice reservoir 600 can be sensed. For example, the full-ice sensing rod 520 rotates together with the second tray assembly 211. During the rotation of the full-ice sensing rod 520, if the rotation is interfered with by ice, it can be determined that the ice reservoir 600 is full. Conversely, during the rotation of the full-ice sensing rod 520, if the rotation is not interfered with by ice, it can be determined that the ice reservoir 600 is not full.

[0378] After the ice is separated from the second tray 380, the control unit 800 controls the drive unit 480 to move the second tray assembly 211 in the opposite direction (step S11). At this time, the second tray assembly 211 moves from the ice removal position to the water supply position. If the second tray 380 moves to... Figure 17 If the water supply position is not specified, the control unit 800 stops the drive unit 480 (step S1).

[0379] During the reverse movement of the second tray 380, if the second tray 380 is separated from the extension 544, the deformed second tray 380 can return to its original shape. During the reverse movement of the second tray assembly 211, the moving force of the second tray 380 is transmitted to the first thruster 260 via the thruster connector 500, thereby causing the first thruster 260 to rise, and the extension 264 to escape from the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0380] Figure 22 This diagram illustrates a refrigerator control method when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water varies during the ice-making process.

[0381] Reference Figure 22 The cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 can be determined in accordance with the target temperature of the freezer compartment 32. The cold air generated by the cold air supply unit 900 can be supplied to the freezer compartment 32. Through heat transfer between the cold air supplied to the freezer compartment 32 and the water in the ice-making compartment 320a, the water in the ice-making compartment 320a can be phase-changed into ice.

[0382] In this embodiment, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 per unit height of water can be determined by taking into account the preset cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900. In this embodiment, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 determined by taking into account the preset cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 is referred to as the reference heating amount. The magnitude of the reference heating amount per unit height of water varies.

[0383] However, when the amount of heat transfer between the cold air in the freezing chamber 32 and the water in the ice-making compartment 320a changes, if this change is not reflected in adjusting the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430, the problem of varying ice transparency per unit height will occur.

[0384] In this embodiment, an increase in heat transfer between cold air and water can be seen as an increase in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, or as a case where air at a temperature lower than the temperature of the cold air inside the freezer compartment 32 is supplied to the freezer compartment 32. Conversely, a decrease in heat transfer between cold air and water can be seen as a decrease in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, or as a case where air at a temperature higher than the temperature of the cold air inside the freezer compartment 32 is supplied to the freezer compartment 32.

[0385] For example, the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 may increase if the target temperature of the freezer compartment 32 decreases, or the operating mode of the freezer compartment 32 changes from a normal mode to a rapid cooling mode, or the output of one or more of the compressor and fan increases, or the opening of the refrigerant valve increases. Conversely, the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 may decrease if the target temperature of the freezer compartment 32 increases, or the operating mode of the freezer compartment 32 changes from a rapid cooling mode to a normal mode, or the output of one or more of the compressor and fan decreases, or the opening of the refrigerant valve decreases, or the opening of the damper 910 increases.

[0386] When the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 increases, the temperature of the air around the ice maker 200 decreases, thereby speeding up the ice formation process. Conversely, when the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 decreases, the temperature of the air around the ice maker 200 increases, thereby slowing down the ice formation process and lengthening the ice-making time.

[0387] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to keep the ice-making speed below a specified range when ice-making is performed with the transparent ice heater 430 turned off, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 can be increased when the heat transfer of cold air and water increases.

[0388] Conversely, when the amount of heat transfer between the cold air and water is reduced, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 can be controlled to be reduced.

[0389] In this embodiment, if the ice-making speed is kept within the specified range, the ice-making speed will be slower than the speed at which bubbles move in the ice-generating portion of the ice-making compartment 320a, so that there will be no bubbles in the ice-generating portion.

[0390] If the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 increases, the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 can be increased. Conversely, if the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 decreases, the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 can be decreased.

[0391] The following explanation uses the case where the target temperature of the freezer compartment 32 is variable as an example.

[0392] The control unit 800 can control the output of the transparent ice heater 430, thereby maintaining the ice-making speed within a specified range regardless of the variable target temperature of the freezer compartment 32. For example, when ice making begins (step S4), a change in the amount of heat transfer between the cold air and water can be sensed (step S31). As an example, a change in the target temperature of the freezer compartment 32 can be sensed via an input unit not shown in the figure.

[0393] The control unit 800 can determine whether the heat transfer between the cold air and water increases (step S32). For example, the control unit 800 can determine whether the target temperature increases. Based on the result of the determination in step S32, if the target temperature increases, the control unit 800 can reduce the preset reference heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 in the current interval and each of the remaining intervals.

[0394] Until the end of ice making, the variable heating amount control of the transparent ice heater 430 according to different intervals can be performed normally (step S35). On the other hand, if the target temperature decreases, the control unit 800 can increase the preset reference heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 in the current interval and each of the remaining intervals. Until the end of ice making, the variable heating amount control of the transparent ice heater 430 according to different intervals can be performed normally (step S35).

[0395] In this embodiment, the reference heating amount that is increased or decreased can be preset and stored in memory.

[0396] According to this embodiment, the reference heating amount of the transparent ice heater is increased or decreased according to different intervals in correspondence with the variable heat transfer amount of the cold air and water, thereby enabling the ice-making speed to be maintained within a specified range, thus achieving uniform transparency of the ice at each unit height.

[0397] Furthermore, the control unit 800 can be configured to reduce the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 when switching from the first mode, i.e., the transparent ice mode, to the second mode, the non-transparent ice mode. For example, it can be configured so that the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 in the non-transparent ice mode is less than that in the transparent ice mode.

[0398] To reduce the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900, for example, the cooling capacity of the compressor can be reduced, or the set temperature of the storage chamber can be increased, or the airflow of the cooling fan used to supply cold air from the evaporator to the storage chamber can be reduced, or the opening rate of the damper used to regulate the amount of cold air supplied to the storage chamber can be reduced.

[0399] Corresponding to the reduction in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, the control unit 800 can reduce the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430. For example, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be reduced or the transparent ice heater 430 can be turned off.

[0400] The control unit 800 can be configured to increase the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 when switching from the non-transparent ice mode to the transparent ice mode. For example, it can be configured to ensure that the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 in the non-transparent ice mode is less than that in the transparent ice mode. To increase the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, for example, the cooling capacity of the compressor can be increased, the set temperature of the storage chamber can be decreased, the airflow of the cooling fan supplying cold air from the evaporator to the storage chamber can be increased, or the opening rate of the damper used to regulate the amount of cold air supplied to the storage chamber can be increased. Corresponding to the increase in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, the control unit 800 can also increase the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430. For example, the transparent ice heater 430 can be turned on or its output can be increased.

[0401] As another example, the control unit 800 can be configured to reduce the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 or turn it off to increase the ice-making speed when switching from the transparent ice mode to the non-transparent ice mode. Conversely, the control unit 800 can be configured to increase the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 to increase transparency when switching from the non-transparent ice mode to the transparent ice mode.

[0402] As another example, the first mode can be a first transparent ice mode, and the second mode can be a second transparent ice mode. The transparency of the ice in the first transparent ice mode is higher than that of the ice in the second transparent ice mode. The transparency of the ice can be selected by the user or automatically.

[0403] The control unit 800 can be configured to reduce the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 or turn off the transparent ice heater 430 when switching from the first transparent ice mode to the second transparent ice mode. Conversely, the control unit 800 can be configured to increase the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 or turn off the transparent ice heater 430 when switching from the second transparent ice mode to the first transparent ice mode.

[0404] Alternatively, the control unit 800 can be configured to reduce the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 when switching from the first transparent ice mode to the second transparent ice mode. Corresponding to an increase in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, the control unit 800 can be configured to reduce the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 or turn off the transparent ice heater 430.

[0405] Conversely, when switching from the second transparent ice mode to the first transparent ice mode, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 can be increased. Corresponding to the increase in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, the control unit 800 can control the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 to increase or turn on the transparent ice heater 430.

[0406] As another example, the first mode can be a full ice mode, and the second mode is a non-full ice mode. The full ice mode can be a mode in which the ice storage 600 is in a full ice state, and the non-full ice mode is a mode in which the ice storage 600 is in a non-full ice state.

[0407] The control unit 800 can be configured to increase the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 when switching from the full ice mode to the non-full ice mode. Conversely, when switching from the non-full ice mode to the full ice mode, the control unit can be configured to decrease the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 or turn off the transparent ice heater 430.

[0408] Alternatively, the control unit 800 can be configured to increase the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 when switching from the full ice mode to the non-full ice mode. Corresponding to the increase in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, the control unit 800 can also be configured to increase the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430.

[0409] Conversely, the control unit 800 can be configured to reduce the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 when switching from the non-full ice mode to the full ice mode. Corresponding to the reduction in the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900, the control unit 800 can also be configured to reduce the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 or turn off the transparent ice heater 430.

[0410] As another example, the ice maker can be installed in the freezer compartment (first storage compartment) of the refrigerator, and an additional ice maker can be installed in the refrigerator door (second storage compartment) used to open and close the refrigerator. The space where the additional ice maker is located can be referred to as the ice-making compartment. The ice-making compartment can be located in the second storage compartment with the refrigerator door closed. In this case, ice can be generated in both the first storage compartment and the ice-making compartment. The ice maker installed in the ice-making compartment can be the same as or different from the ice maker installed in the first storage compartment.

[0411] The cold air in the first storage chamber can be supplied to the ice-making chamber. Alternatively, the cold air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator can be guided to the first storage chamber and the ice-making chamber via two separate pipes. The refrigerant cycle for generating the cold air may include a compressor and an evaporator. The cold air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator can be supplied to the first storage chamber, and the cold air in the first storage chamber can flow to the second storage chamber by the action of the damper.

[0412] Alternatively, the refrigerant cycle may include a compressor, an evaporator for a first storage chamber, and an evaporator for a second storage chamber. Cold air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing in the first storage chamber evaporator is supplied to the first storage chamber, and cold air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing in the second storage chamber evaporator is supplied to the second storage chamber.

[0413] The ice-making chamber may be equipped with: the additional ice maker; and an ice storage container for storing the ice produced in the additional ice maker.

[0414] The first mode can be a full ice mode of the ice storage device installed in the ice-making chamber, and the second mode can be a non-full ice mode of the ice storage device installed in the ice-making chamber.

[0415] In the full-ice mode, the amount of cold air supplied to the ice-making chamber can be reduced. Conversely, in the non-full-ice mode, the amount of cold air supplied to the ice-making chamber can be increased.

[0416] When the amount of cold air supplied to the ice-making chamber increases, the amount of cold air supplied to the first storage chamber will decrease. Conversely, when the amount of cold air supplied to the ice-making chamber decreases, the amount of cold air supplied to the first storage chamber will increase.

[0417] The control unit 800 can be configured to reduce the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 when switching from the full ice mode to the non-full ice mode. Conversely, the control unit 800 can be configured to increase the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 when switching from the non-full ice mode to the full ice mode.

[0418] Alternatively, the control unit 800 can be configured to reduce the cooling capacity supplied to the first storage chamber by the cold air supply unit 900 when switching from the full ice mode to the non-full ice mode. Corresponding to the reduction in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, the control unit 800 can reduce the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 or turn off the transparent ice heater 430.

[0419] Conversely, the control unit 800 can be configured to increase the cooling capacity supplied to the first storage chamber by the cold air supply unit 900 when switching from the non-full ice mode to the full ice mode. Corresponding to the increase in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, the control unit 800 can also increase the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430.

[0420] According to the present invention, the cooling capacity and / or the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater are changed according to the operating mode of the refrigerator, thereby enabling the adjustment of transparency and ice-making speed.

[0421] Furthermore, the cooling capacity and / or heating capacity of the transparent ice heater can be adjusted according to the user's desired transparency.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, wherein, include: Storage room, used for preserving food; A cooler is used to supply cold air to the storage chamber; A first temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature inside the storage chamber; The first tray forms part of an ice-making compartment, which is a space in which water is phase-transformed into ice by the cold flow; The second tray, forming another part of the ice-making compartment, is connected to the drive unit so that it can contact the first tray during the ice-making process and be separated from the first tray during the ice-moving process. Water supply unit, used to supply water to the ice-making compartment; A second temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making compartment; A heater, configured adjacent to at least one of the first tray and the second tray; and The control unit controls the heater and the drive unit. The control unit controls the second tray to move to the ice-removing position after ice formation in the ice-making compartment is complete, in order to remove the ice from the ice-making compartment. The control unit is configured to move the second tray to the water supply position and then begin water supply after the ice removal is completed. The control unit controls the heater located on one side of the first tray or the second tray to be turned on in at least a portion of the interval where the cooler supplies cold flow, so that air bubbles in the water dissolved in the ice-making compartment can move from the ice-generating part to the liquid water side to generate transparent ice. The refrigerator has two operating modes: a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is the transparent ice mode, and the second mode is the non-transparent ice mode. The control unit controls the cooling capacity of the cooler and the heating capacity of the heater to be different from each other in the first mode and the second mode. The control unit is configured to increase the cooling capacity of the cooler when switching from the non-transparent ice mode to the transparent ice mode, and to decrease the cooling capacity of the cooler when switching from the transparent ice mode to the non-transparent ice mode. When the ice-making compartments are divided by unit height, each ice-making compartment includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part is formed in the upper region of the ice-making compartment, the second part is formed in the lower region of the ice-making compartment, and the third part is disposed between the first part and the second part. The first part is positioned closer to the water supply unit than the second part, and the second part is positioned closer to the heater than the first part. The first part of the ice-making compartment includes a portion where the water mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment is smaller than that of the third part of the ice-making compartment, and the second part of the ice-making compartment includes a portion where the water mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment is smaller than that of the third part of the ice-making compartment. The refrigerator also includes a bracket with through holes through which cold air supplied by the cooler is supplied to the periphery of the ice-making compartment.

2. A refrigerator, wherein, include: Storage room, used for preserving food; A cooler is used to supply cold air to the storage chamber; A first temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature inside the storage chamber; The first tray forms part of an ice-making compartment, which is a space in which water is phase-transformed into ice by the cold flow; The second tray, forming another part of the ice-making compartment, is connected to the drive unit so that it can contact the first tray during the ice-making process and be separated from the first tray during the ice-moving process. Water supply unit, used to supply water to the ice-making compartment; A second temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making compartment; A heater, configured adjacent to at least one of the first tray and the second tray; and The control unit controls the heater and the drive unit. The control unit controls the second tray to move to the ice-removing position after ice formation in the ice-making compartment is complete, in order to remove the ice from the ice-making compartment. The control unit is configured to move the second tray to the water supply position and then begin water supply after the ice removal is completed. The control unit controls the heater located on one side of the first tray or the second tray to be turned on in at least a portion of the interval where the cooler supplies cold flow, so that air bubbles in the water dissolved in the ice-making compartment can move from the ice-generating part to the liquid water side to generate transparent ice. The refrigerator has two operating modes: a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is the full-ice mode, where the ice reservoir is full of ice; the second mode is the non-full-ice mode, where the ice reservoir is not full of ice. The control unit is configured to make the cooling capacity of the cooler different in the full-ice mode and the non-full-ice mode. The control unit is configured to increase the cooling capacity of the cooler when switching from the full ice mode to the non-full ice mode, and to decrease the cooling capacity of the cooler when switching from the non-full ice mode to the full ice mode. When the ice-making compartments are distinguished by unit height, each ice-making compartment includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part is formed in the upper region of the ice-making compartment, the second part is formed in the lower region of the ice-making compartment, and the third part is disposed between the first part and the second part. The first part is disposed closer to the water supply unit than the second part, and the second part is disposed closer to the heater than the first part. The first part of the ice-making compartment includes a portion where the water mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment is smaller than that of the third part of the ice-making compartment, and the second part of the ice-making compartment includes a portion where the water mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment is smaller than that of the third part of the ice-making compartment. The refrigerator also includes a bracket with through holes through which cold air supplied by the cooler is supplied to the periphery of the ice-making compartment.

3. A refrigerator, wherein, include: Storage room, used for preserving food; A cooler is used to supply cold air to the storage chamber; The first tray forms part of an ice-making compartment, which is a space in which water is phase-transformed into ice by the cold flow; The second tray forms another part of the ice-making compartment. It can come into contact with the first tray during the ice-making process and can be separated from the first tray during the ice-moving process. Water supply unit, used to supply water to the ice-making compartment; A heater, configured adjacent to at least one of the first tray and the second tray; and The control unit controls the heater and the drive unit. The control unit controls the heater located on one side of the first tray or the second tray to be turned on in at least a portion of the interval where the cooler supplies cold flow, so that air bubbles in the water dissolved in the ice-making compartment can move from the ice-generating part to the liquid water side to generate transparent ice. The refrigerator has two operating modes: a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is the first transparent ice mode, and the second mode is the second transparent ice mode. The ice transparency in the first transparent ice mode is higher than that in the second transparent ice mode. The control unit is configured to make the cooling capacity of the cooler different in the first transparent ice mode and the second transparent ice mode. The control unit is configured to reduce the cooling capacity of the cooler when switching from the first transparent ice mode to the second transparent ice mode, and to increase the cooling capacity of the cooler when switching from the second transparent ice mode to the first transparent ice mode. When the ice-making compartments are distinguished by unit height, each ice-making compartment includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part is formed in the upper region of the ice-making compartment, the second part is formed in the lower region of the ice-making compartment, and the third part is disposed between the first part and the second part. The first part is disposed closer to the water supply unit than the second part, and the second part is disposed closer to the heater than the first part. The first part of the ice-making compartment includes a portion where the water mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment is smaller than that of the third part of the ice-making compartment, and the second part of the ice-making compartment includes a portion where the water mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment is smaller than that of the third part of the ice-making compartment. The refrigerator also includes a bracket with through holes through which cold air supplied by the cooler is supplied to the periphery of the ice-making compartment.

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The bracket is provided to define at least a portion of the space for accommodating the first tray, the first tray being provided in a supported state on the bracket.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In order to increase the cooling capacity of the cooler, the control unit controls the set temperature of the storage chamber to decrease.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In order to reduce the cooling load of the cooler, the control unit controls the set temperature of the storage chamber to increase.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control unit controls the heater to increase its heating capacity when the cooling capacity of the cooler increases, and to decrease its heating capacity when the cooling capacity of the cooler decreases.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control unit controls the ice-making process to include a section where the heater is driven by a first output during the freezing of a first portion of the ice-making compartment. The control unit controls the ice-making process to include a section where the heater is driven by a second output during the freezing of the second part of the ice-making compartment. The control unit controls the ice-making process to include a section where the heater is driven by a third output during the freezing of the third part of the ice-making compartment. The control unit controls the difference between the first output and the third output to be greater than the difference between the first output and the second output.

9. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control unit controls the ice-making process to include a section where the heater is driven by a first output during the freezing of a first portion of the ice-making compartment. The control unit controls the ice-making process to include a section where the heater is driven by a second output during the freezing of the second part of the ice-making compartment. The control unit controls the ice-making process to include a section where the heater is driven by a third output during the freezing of the third part of the ice-making compartment. The control unit controls the difference between the second output and the third output to be greater than the difference between the first output and the second output.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The heating capacity of the heater is increased when the amount of heat transfer between the cold flow used to cool the ice-making compartment and the water in the ice-making compartment increases, and the heating capacity of the heater is decreased when the amount of heat transfer between the cold flow used to cool the ice-making compartment and the water in the ice-making compartment decreases, so that the ice-making speed of the water inside the ice-making compartment can be kept within a specified range lower than the ice-making speed when ice-making is performed with the heater turned off.

11. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control unit controls the cooling capacity of the cooler and the heating capacity of the heater to change one or more of the following based on the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment:

Images