Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a water supplier, an ice-making housing in a storage compartment, a first tray in the ice-making housing including first ice-making cells and first sealing portions formed along edges of the first ice-making cells, and a second tray including second ice-making cells and second sealing portions formed along edges of the second ice-making cells, wherein the second tray is horizontally movable to engage with the first tray and couple the first and second ice-making cells, and when the second tray engages with the first tray, the second sealing portions overlap the first sealing portions to prevent leakage from the first and second ice-making cells, the first ice-making cells forming a first portion of ice with water from the water supplier, and the second ice-making cells forming a second portion of ice with water from the water supplier.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a continuation-into-international application under 35U.SC111(a) of International Application No. PCT / KR2021 / 013397, filed on September 29, 2021, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0142254, filed on October 29, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to refrigerators, and more specifically, to refrigerators including an improved ice-making assembly. Background Technology

[0004] A refrigerator is typically a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to cool and store food, which includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. An ice maker configured to make ice can be installed inside the refrigerator.

[0005] An ice maker includes an ice tray for making ice, an ejector for separating ice from the ice tray, an ice bucket for storing the ice separated from the ice tray, and a controller for controlling the entire ice-making process. Therefore, ice can be produced and separated automatically.

[0006] In this case, a non-pressurized ice maker can be configured with an open top to produce ice with a flat surface. During ice making, adjacent ice pieces adhere to each other, making it difficult to shape the ice into a specific size or shape.

[0007] Furthermore, in push-type ice makers, multiple trays can form an ice grid. These trays can be vertically separated, and one tray can be rotatably connected to another.

[0008] In this situation, because the ice bucket is not positioned within the rotation radius of the trays, the ice storage capacity is reduced. Furthermore, residual water may seep into the gaps between multiple trays, resulting in irregular ice shapes and potentially creating a large amount of debris. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator can include a storage compartment, a water supplier to supply water received from an external water supply source, an ice-making case located in the storage compartment, a first tray disposed in the ice-making case and including first ice-making cells and first sealing portions formed along edges of the first ice-making cells, and a second tray including second ice-making cells and second sealing portions formed along edges of the second ice-making cells. The first tray and the second tray can be configured such that the second tray is horizontally movable with respect to the first tray to engage with the first tray and couple the first ice-making cells to the second ice-making cells, and the second sealing portions overlap the first sealing portions to prevent leakage from the first ice-making cells and the second ice-making cells when the second tray is engaged with the first tray, the first ice-making cells forming a first portion of ice with water supplied from the water supplier, the second ice-making cells forming a second portion of ice with water supplied from the water supplier.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first sealing portions include recesses recessed inward from an outer circumferential surface of the first tray, and the second sealing portions include protrusions extending outward from an inner circumferential surface of the second tray, the protrusions configured to be mountable on the recesses to maintain a seal between the first tray and the second tray.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator further includes a cover frame coupled to the ice-making case, a first housing formed on one surface of the cover frame to accommodate the first tray, and a second housing configured to move within the cover frame and accommodate the second tray.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator further includes a rack connected to the second housing and configured to move with respect to the cover frame, wherein the second housing moves horizontally with respect to the cover frame in conjunction with movement of the rack.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator further includes a driver configured to generate a power, and a pinion configured to rotate according to driving of the driver, wherein the pinion and the rack are engaged to convert rotational motion of the driver into linear motion.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator further includes an elastic member connecting the rack to the second housing, wherein in response to the rack being maximally moved in a direction in which the second housing moves toward the first housing, the elastic member is tensioned, and air tightness between the second housing and the first housing is maintained by an elastic restoring force.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator further includes a first ejector having a pressing portion, wherein the first housing includes a through-hole formed to correspond to a position of the ice-making cells, and the pressing portion is configured to pass through the through-hole to press the first tray.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first ejector includes a main body configured to support the pressing portion and legs extending from each opposite end of the main body and inserted into a corresponding side portion of the cover frame, the second housing includes protrusions extending from each opposite end of the second housing to be respectively accommodated in the legs, and in response to the second housing moving in a direction away from the first housing, the protrusions interfere with the legs, and the first ejector moves in a direction close to the first housing such that the pressing portion presses the first tray.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator further includes a second ejector fixed to one side of the cover frame and including a pressing portion extending toward the second housing, wherein in response to the second housing moving in a direction away from the first housing, the pressing portion of the second ejector passes through the second housing, thereby pressing the second tray.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ice making cells of the first tray and the second tray are each configured to be hemispherical.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator further includes a cover frame coupled to an inside of the ice making housing; and a water path configured on an upper surface of the cover frame to guide water supplied from a water supplier to flow into the first tray and the second tray, wherein a plurality of ice making cells are formed in the first tray and the second tray.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the water path includes a plurality of flow paths to equally supply water to each of the plurality of ice making cells of the first tray and the second tray.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator controls the water supplier to allow water to be divided and supplied in stages according to water levels of the plurality of ice making cells.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the water path includes a single flow path to guide water to only one of the plurality of ice making cells, and each of the plurality of ice making cells is configured to have a height difference such that water overflows the one of the plurality of ice making cells to sequentially fill the remaining ones of the plurality of ice making cells with water.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the water path includes a single flow path to guide water to only one of the plurality of ice making cells, and the first tray and the second tray include a connection flow path disposed to allow water supplied to the one of the ice making cells to flow to an adjacent one of the plurality of ice making cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] These and / or other embodiments of the application will become more apparent and easier to understand with regard to the following description, and accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of some components of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 is a view of an ice making assembly of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ice making assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 3

[0030] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of a first tray of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of a second tray of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first tray and the second tray of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure are coupled.

[0033] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a cover frame of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0034] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing coupling between a first ejector and a second housing of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0035] Figure 10 is a view showing a first state of the ice making assembly of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0036] Figure 11 is a view showing a second state of the ice making assembly of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] Figure 12 is a view showing a third state of the ice making assembly of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0038] Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rack is moved to a maximum extent in the ice making assembly in the first state of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 10

[0039] Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rack is moved to a maximum extent in the ice making assembly in the first state of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 10

[0040] Figure 15 is a view showing a state in which​​​Figure 11 a cross-sectional view of a relationship between the first and second ejectors and the first and second trays in the ice making assembly in the second state of the ice making assembly 1000.

[0041] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the ice making assembly 1000 in the third state of the ice making assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 12

[0042] Figure 17 is a view of the ice making assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 15 a cross-sectional view of a relationship between the first ejector and the second housing in the ice making assembly in the second state of the ice making assembly 1000.

[0043] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a relationship between the first ejector and the second housing in the ice making assembly in the third state of the ice making assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 16

[0044] Figure 19 is a top view of a state in which a water path of the refrigerator is coupled to the cover frame according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0045] Figure 20 is a top view of only the cover frame of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0046] Figure 21 is a view of a state in which the first ejector and the cover frame are omitted in the ice making assembly 1000 when viewed from the first tray side according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 3

[0047] Figure 22 is a view of the ice making assembly 1000 of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0048] Figure 23 is a top view of the ice making assembly 1000 of the refrigerator. Figure 22

[0049] is a view of the first tray and the second tray of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 24

[0050] is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the first tray and the second tray are coupled in the ice making assembly 1000 of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 25

[0051] is a cross-sectional view of a method of supplying water in the ice making assembly 1000 of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 26

[0052] is a view of the ice making assembly 1000 of the refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 27 ​​​​

[0053] Figure 28 is a plan view of an ice making assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 27 is a plan view of an ice making assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0054] Figure 29 is a view illustrating a first tray, a first fixed frame, a second fixed frame, a second tray, and a second housing of a refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0055] Figure 30 is a front view of a first tray of a refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] Figure 31 is a sectional view illustrating a method of supplying water in an ice making assembly of a refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The embodiments described in the disclosure and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the disclosure, and can be modified in various different ways at the time of filing the present application to replace the embodiments of the disclosure and the drawings.

[0058] In addition, the same reference numerals or symbols shown in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components performing substantially the same functions.

[0059] In addition, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments, and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the disclosure, the terms "include," "have," and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0060] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, the elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first element can be called a second element, and a second element can be called a first element. The term "and / or" includes multiple combinations of related items or any one of the multiple related items.

[0061] In the following detailed description, the terms "up-down direction," "lower side," "front-rear direction," and the like can be defined by the drawings, but the shape and position of the components are not limited by the terms.

[0062] Embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide a refrigerator including an improved structure in which a plurality of trays are movable to make ice in a manner in which they are horizontally contacted with each other. Embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to providing a refrigerator including a sealing portion that maintains a seal between a plurality of horizontally connected trays when ice is formed. Embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide a refrigerator capable of increasing the transparency of ice to be formed.

[0063] An ice storage space below the plurality of trays can be increased because the plurality of ice trays are horizontally coupled to and separated from each other. By increasing the air tightness between the plurality of trays, ice in the shape of a neat sphere can be formed, and ice chippings can be minimized. By supplying water step by step according to the water level in the ice making cells, the transparency of the ice can be ensured.

[0064] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to Figure 1 and 2 , the refrigerator 1 can include a main body 10, a storage compartment 20 disposed inside the main body 10, and a door configured to open and close the storage compartment 20.

[0067] A bottom mount freezer (BMF) refrigerator 1, in which a refrigerating compartment 21 is disposed at an upper side and a freezing compartment 22 is disposed at a lower side, will be described as an example of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be applied to various types of refrigerators 1, such as a top mount freezer (TMF) refrigerator 1, a French door (FDR) refrigerator 1, a 4-door refrigerator 1, and a side by side (SBS) refrigerator 1.

[0068] The storage compartment 20 can include the refrigerating compartment 21 and the freezing compartment 22.

[0069] At least one shelf 12 for loading food or goods can be installed within the refrigerating compartment 21. In addition, a storage container (not shown) for storing fresh food can be disposed within the refrigerating compartment 21.

[0070] The refrigerating compartment 21 can be opened and closed by a refrigerating compartment door 30 rotatably installed on the main body 10. The refrigerating compartment door 30 can be configured to open and close an open front surface of the refrigerating compartment 21. The refrigerating compartment door 30 is hinged to the main body 10, so as to be rotatable forward.

[0071] The freezing chamber 22 can be opened and closed by a freezing chamber door 40. The freezing chamber door 40 can be rotatably installed on the main body 10. The freezing chamber door 40 is configured to open and close the open front surface of the freezing chamber 22. The freezing chamber door 40 is hinged to the main body 10 so as to be rotatable forward.

[0072] The guard door 13 for storing items can be installed on the inner surface of the refrigerating chamber door 30 and the freezing chamber door 40. A plurality of guard doors 13 can be provided.

[0073] The interior of the refrigerator 1 can be cooled and maintained at a low temperature by a refrigeration cycle. Although not particularly shown, the refrigeration cycle can be configured to independently supply refrigerant to the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. The refrigerator 1 can include a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant and a condenser configured to condense the refrigerant compressed, and thus the refrigerant condensed in the condenser can be supplied along a flow path.

[0074] The refrigerator 1 can include a mounting frame 70. The mounting frame 70 can be coupled to the inner case 11 of the freezing chamber 22.

[0075] An ice making assembly 1000 for making ice using cold air in the freezing chamber 22 can be provided at one side of the freezing chamber 22. In addition, an ice bucket 60 provided to store ice formed by the ice making assembly 1000 can be installed on the mounting frame 70.

[0076] Figure 2 A state in which the ice making case 110 and the ice bucket 60 are disposed in the freezing chamber 22 without the mounting frame 70 is shown.

[0077] The ice making assembly 1000( Figure 3 ) can be accommodated inside the ice making case 110, and the ice making case 110 can be installed on the mounting frame 70. That is, the ice making case 110 and the ice bucket 60 can be installed on the mounting frame 70.

[0078] The refrigerator 1 can include a water supplier 50. The water supplier 50 can be configured to receive water from an external water source and deliver the water. In particular, the water supplier 50 can be provided to receive water from the outside and deliver the water to the inside of the ice making assembly 1000. The water supplier 50 can pass through the inner case 11 of the refrigerator 1 and communicate with the storage chamber 20. Thus, a portion of the water supplier 50 can be embedded in the thermal insulation material, and only one end of the water supplier 50 can be exposed to the storage chamber 20 of the refrigerator 1.

[0079] Figure 3 is a view of an ice making assembly of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 4 is Figure 3 an exploded perspective view of the ice making assembly of

[0080] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4The ice-making assembly 1000 can include a cover frame 120. The cover frame 120 can be disposed to be coupled to the ice-making case 110 inside the ice-making case 110 (refer to FIG. 1). Figure 2 The cover frame 120 can be disposed in a box shape with one side surface and a lower surface open.

[0081] The ice-making assembly 1000 can include a water path 130. The water path 130 can be installed at one side of the cover frame 120. Specifically, the water path 130 can be installed on an upper surface of the cover frame 120. The water path 130 can be disposed to allow water supplied from the water supplier 50 to flow to the inside of the cover frame 120. In other words, the water path 130 can be disposed to allow water supplied from the water supplier 50 to flow to the inside of the first tray 170 and the second tray 270.

[0082] The ice-making assembly 1000 can include a first housing 140 formed on the cover frame 120, and a first tray 170, a first fixing frame 190, and a first heating wire 160 accommodated in the first housing 140.

[0083] The first housing 140 can be formed on one surface of the cover frame 120. The first housing 140 can be integrally formed with the cover frame 120, but can be provided as a separate member and then coupled to one surface of the cover frame 120.

[0084] The first housing 140 can be disposed to accommodate the first tray 170. The detailed structure of the first housing 140 will be described later with reference to Figure 8

[0085] The first tray 170 can be disposed inside the ice-making case 110. In particular, the first tray 170 can be installed inside the cover frame 120. The first tray 170 can be formed of a material having elasticity.

[0086] The first tray 170 can receive water from the water supplier 50. The first tray 170 can include a first guide 172 to allow the supplied water to flow into ice-making cells inside the first tray 170. The first guide 172 can be formed on an upper side of the first tray 170.

[0087] The first tray 170 can include first ice-making cells 173 disposed to make a portion of ice. The first ice-making cells 173 can be disposed in a substantially circular or semispherical shape. Accordingly, the ice formed in the ice-making assembly 1000 can be spherical. The ice-making assembly 1000 of the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure includes three first ice-making cells 173, but the number of the first ice-making cells 173 is not limited thereto.

[0088] The first tray 170 can include first insertion holes 171. A plurality of first insertion holes 171 can be provided.

[0089] ​The first insertion hole 171 can be provided to allow the first coupling protrusion 191 of the first fixing frame 190 to be inserted therein. Accordingly, the first fixing frame 190 can fix the first tray 170 to the first housing 140. In other words, the first fixing frame 190 can fix the first tray 170 to one surface of the cover frame 120.

[0090] The first fixing frame 190 can include the first coupling protrusion 191. According to the number of the first insertion hole 171, a plurality of first coupling protrusions 191 can be provided. The first coupling protrusion 191 can extend from one surface of the first fixing frame 190 toward the first tray 170. The first coupling protrusion 191 can also be inserted into the first through hole 142 of the first housing 140, which will be described later, and coupled to the first housing 140.

[0091] The first fixing frame 190 can be provided to support the edge of the first ice-making cells 173 of the first tray 170. Since the first tray 170 is formed of a material having elasticity, the first fixing frame 190 can reinforce the insufficient rigidity of the first tray 170.

[0092] The ice-making assembly 1000 can include the first electric heater 160. The first electric heater 160 can be provided between the first tray 170 and the first housing 140. In particular, the first electric heater 160 can be provided between the first tray 170 and the cover frame 120. By placing the first electric heater 160 to one surface of the first tray 170, ice can be easily separated from the first ice-making cells 173 after ice-making in the first ice-making cells 173 of the first tray 170 is completed.

[0093] Accordingly, the first housing 140 formed on one surface of the cover frame 120, and the first electric heater 160, the first tray 170, and the first fixing frame 190 can be fixed to one side of the cover frame 120.

[0094] The ice-making assembly 1000 can include a second housing 240 and a second tray 270, a second fixing frame 290, and a second electric heater 260 accommodated in the second housing 240.

[0095] The second housing 240 can be configured to move inside the cover frame 120.

[0096] The second housing 240 can be provided to accommodate the second tray 270.

[0097] The second housing 240 can include a second tray accommodation member 241. The second tray accommodation member 241 can be provided to accommodate the second ice-making cells 273 of the second tray 270. According to the number of the second ice-making cells 273, three second tray accommodation members 241 can be provided.

[0098] The second housing 240 can include a second through-hole 242. The second through-hole 242 can be formed by cutting the second tray accommodation member 241. The second through-hole 242 can be provided to allow a pressing portion of a second ejector 250, which will be described later, to pass therethrough.

[0099] The second housing 240 can include a second fixer 243. The second fixer 243 can be provided to allow a second coupling protrusion 291 of a second fixing frame 290, which will be described later, to be inserted thereinto.

[0100] The second housing 240 can include a second elastic member installation member 244. An elastic member 400, which will be described later, connecting a rack 330 and the second housing 240 can be installed on the second elastic member installation member 244.

[0101] The second housing 240 can include a protrusion 245. The protrusion 245 can extend outward from a side surface of the second housing 240. The protrusion 245 can be inserted into a leg 153 of the first ejector 150, which will be described later. This will be described in detail later.

[0102] The second tray 270 can be provided inside the ice making housing 110. In particular, the second tray 270 can be installed inside the cover frame 120. The second tray 270 can be formed of a material having elasticity. The second tray 270 can be provided to make a remaining portion of ice by being engaged with the first tray 170.

[0103] The second tray 270 can receive water from the water supplier 50. The second tray 270 can include a second guide 272 to allow the supplied water to flow into a second ice making cell 273 inside the second tray 270. The second guide 272 can be formed at an upper side of the second tray 270.

[0104] The second tray 270 can include the second ice making cell 273, which is provided to form a remaining portion of ice. The second ice making cell 273 can be provided in a substantially circular shape. Accordingly, the ice formed in the ice making assembly 1000 can be spherical. The ice making assembly 1000 of the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure is described to include three second ice making cells 273, but the number of the second ice making cells 273 is not limited thereto.

[0105] The second tray 270 can include a second insertion hole 271. A plurality of second insertion holes 271 can be provided.

[0106] The second insertion hole 271 can be provided to allow the second coupling protrusion 291 of the second fixing frame 290 to be inserted thereinto. Accordingly, the second fixing frame 290 can fix the second tray 270 to the second housing 240. In other words, the second fixing frame 290, the second tray 270, and the second housing 240 can be integrally driven.

[0107] The second fixing frame 290 can include a second coupling protrusion 291. According to the number of the second insertion holes 271, a plurality of second coupling protrusions 291 can be provided. The second coupling protrusion 291 can extend from one surface of the second fixing frame 290 toward the second tray 270. The second coupling protrusion 291 can also be inserted into the second through hole 242 of the second housing 240 and coupled to the second housing 240. That is, the second coupling protrusion 291 can pass through the second insertion hole 271 of the second tray 270 and be coupled to the second through hole 242 of the second housing 240.

[0108] The second fixing frame 290 can be provided to support the edges of the second ice-making cells 273 of the second tray 270. Since the second tray 270 is formed of a material having elasticity, the second fixing frame 290 can enhance the insufficient rigidity of the second tray 270.

[0109] The ice-making assembly 1000 can include a second electric heater 260. The second electric heater 260 can be provided between the second tray 270 and the second housing 240. By placing the second electric heater 260 to one surface of the second tray 270, ice can be easily separated from the second ice-making cells 273 after ice-making is completed in the second ice-making cells 273 of the second tray 270.

[0110] Accordingly, the second housing 240, the second electric heater 260, the second tray 270, and the second fixing frame 290 are provided to integrally move at the other side of the cover frame 120. In addition, the second housing 240, the second electric heater 260, the second tray 270, and the second fixing frame 290 are provided to move horizontally with respect to the cover frame 120. In other words, the second tray 270, which is provided to make ice, is configured to move horizontally with respect to the first tray 170.

[0111] The ice-making assembly 1000 can include a first ejector 150 and a second ejector 250.

[0112] The first ejector 150 can be provided to press the first tray 170. In detail, the first ejector 150 can be provided to press the first ice-making cells 173 of the first tray 170.

[0113] The first ejector 150 can be provided to pass through a first through hole 142 formed in the first housing 140, which will be described later. In detail, a first pressing portion 152 of the first ejector 150 can be provided to press the first tray 170 by passing through the first through hole 142.

[0114] The first ejector 150 can be configured to move with respect to the cover frame 120. The first ejector 150 can move based on the movement of the second housing 240. The coupling of the first ejector 150 and the second housing 240 will be described in detail later.

[0115] The second ejector 250 can be fixed to one side of the cover frame 120. The second ejector 250 can be configured to press the second tray 270. In detail, the second ejector 250 can be configured to press the second ice-making cells 273 of the second tray 270.

[0116] The second ejector 250 can include a second body 251, a second pressing portion 252, and a frame coupler 253. The second body 251 can extend in a direction parallel to the second housing 240. The second pressing portion 252 can extend from the second body 251 toward the second housing 240. The frame coupler 253 can be formed at opposite ends of the second body 251 and be coupled to the cover frame 120.

[0117] The second ejector 250 can be disposed to pass through the second through-hole 242 formed in the second housing 240. In detail, the second pressing portion 252 of the second ejector 250 can pass through the second through-hole 242 and press the second tray 270.

[0118] That is, when the second ejector 250 is fixed to the cover frame 120 and the second tray 270 moves with respect to the cover frame 120, the second ejector 250 can press the second tray 270.

[0119] The ice-making assembly 1000 can include a driver 300, a pinion 310, a rod 320, a rack 330, and an elastic member 400.

[0120] The driver 300 can be configured to generate power. Various electrical components such as a motor and a circuit board can be disposed inside the driver 300. The driver 300 can be coupled to the cover frame 120.

[0121] The pinion 310 can be coupled to the driver 300 to transmit power generated by the driver 300. The pinions 310 can be provided in pairs. One pair of pinions 310 can be connected by the rod 320. The pinions 310 can be disposed to rotate according to driving of the driver 300. The pinions 310 can be disposed in a zigzag shape to be engaged with the rack 330.

[0122] The rack 330 can be disposed to be movable with respect to the cover frame 120. In particular, the rack 330 can be linearly moved based on a rotational motion of the pinions 310.

[0123] The rack 330 can include a support member 332 supported by the cover frame 120. The rack 330 can include a toothed member 331 formed on an upper surface of the support member 332. The toothed member 331 of the rack 330 and the pinions 310 can be engaged, and thus the rack 330 can be horizontally moved with respect to the cover frame 120.

[0124] The rack 330 can include a first elastic member mounting member 333 extending from the support member 332. An elastic member 400, which will be described later, can be mounted on the first elastic member mounting member 333.

[0125] That is, the pinion 310 and the rack 330 are engaged with each other to convert rotational motion of the driver 300 into linear motion. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto, and any structure capable of converting rotational motion into linear motion can be applied.

[0126] The elastic member 400 can be provided to connect the rack 330 and the second housing 240. That is, the rack 330 and the second housing 240 can be connected.

[0127] Accordingly, when the rack 330 receives power from the driver 300 and moves, the second housing 240 can move horizontally in conjunction with the rack 330 with respect to the cover frame 120. In other words, the second tray 270 and the second housing 240 can move linearly with respect to the cover frame 120 through the rack 330.

[0128] That is, when the movement of the second housing 240 acts in conjunction with the second tray 270, the second heating wire 260, and the second fixed frame 290, the second tray 270 can move horizontally with respect to the first tray 170.

[0129] Figure 5 is a magnified view of a portion of a first tray of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0130] Figure 6 is a magnified view of a portion of a second tray of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a first tray and a second tray of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure are coupled.

[0131] Referring to Figure 5 to 7 , the ice-making assembly 1000 can include a first sealing portion 180 and a second sealing portion 280.

[0132] The first sealing portion 180 can be formed along an edge of the first ice-making cell 173 of the first tray 170. The first sealing portion 180 can include a recess 181 recessed inward from an outer circumferential surface of the first tray 170. The recess 181 can be formed by being recessed inward from the outside with respect to a radial direction of the first ice-making cell 173.

[0133] The second sealing portion 280 can be formed along an edge of the second ice-making cell 273 of the second tray 270. The second sealing portion 280 can be provided to overlap the first sealing portion 180. That is, the second sealing portion 280 can be provided to overlap a portion of the first tray 170.

[0134] The second sealing portion 280 can include a protrusion 281 extending outward from an inner circumferential surface of the second tray 270. The protrusion 281 can be disposed to sit on the recess 181 to maintain sealing between the first tray 170 and the second tray 270. Specifically, the protrusion 281 of the second tray 270 can be disposed to surround the recess 181 of the first tray 170, and thus can improve the sealing force in the portion in which the first tray 170 and the second tray 270 contact each other.

[0135] In other words, the first sealing portion 180 can be coupled to the second sealing portion 280 in a manner in which the second sealing portion 280 in the second ice bank 273 overlaps the inner side of the first sealing portion 180 formed in the first ice bank 173. That is, the second ice bank 273 can be coupled to the first ice bank 173 so as to overlap the inner side of the partition wall of the first ice bank 173 to maintain internal sealing.

[0136] In the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure, it is described that the first sealing portion 180 includes the recess 181 and the second sealing portion 280 includes the protrusion 281, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the first sealing portion 180 can include the protrusion 281 and the second sealing portion 280 can include the recess 181. That is, it is enough that the first sealing portion 180 and the second sealing portion 280 have an overlapping portion to maintain a sealing force.

[0137] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a cover frame of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0138] Referring to Figure 8 The cover frame 120 can include a cutout 121. The cutout 121 can be formed on an upper surface of the cover frame 120 to provide a space in which the water path 130 is installed.

[0139] The cover frame 120 can include a pinion receiving member 123, a rod through-hole 124, and a gear mounting member 122.

[0140] The pinion receiving member 123 can be formed to be open on a side surface of the cover frame 120. Accordingly, power of the driver 300 can be transmitted to the pinion 310.

[0141] The rod through-hole 124 can be formed on an inner surface of the cover frame 120. Since a pair of pinions 310 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the cover frame 120, a rod 320 disposed to connect the pair of pinions 310 can pass through the rod through-hole 124.

[0142] The gear mounting member 122 can be formed of the inner surface and the outer surface of the cover frame 120. The inner surface and the outer surface of the cover frame 120 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and thus the rack 330 can be accommodated therein. A portion of the rack 330 can be inserted into the gear mounting member 122, and thus the rack 330 can be moved with respect to the cover frame 120.

[0143] The cover frame 120 can include an ejector support 125 and an ejector coupler 126.

[0144] The ejector support 125 can be formed at a lower portion of a side surface of the cover frame 120. The first ejector 150 can be inserted into the ejector support 125 to be movable with respect to the cover frame 120.

[0145] The ejector coupler 126 can be formed at a lower portion of a side surface of the cover frame 120, and can be disposed to face the outside of the cover frame 120. The second ejector 250 can be coupled to the ejector coupler 126. Thus, the second ejector 250 can be fixed to the cover frame 120.

[0146] The first housing 140 can be formed on one surface of the cover frame 120.

[0147] The first housing 140 can include a first tray accommodation member 141. The first tray accommodation member 141 can be disposed to accommodate the first ice making cells 173 of the first tray 170. According to the number of the first ice making cells 173, three first tray accommodation members 141 can be disposed.

[0148] The first housing 140 can include a first through-hole 142. The first through-hole 142 can be formed by cutting the first tray accommodation member 141. The first through-hole 142 can be disposed to allow a pressing portion (to be described later) of the first ejector 150 to pass therethrough.

[0149] The first housing 140 can include a first fixer 143. The first fixer 143 can be disposed to allow the above-described first coupling protrusion 191 of the first fixing frame 190 to be inserted thereinto. According to the number of the first coupling protrusion, a plurality of first fixers 143 can be disposed.

[0150] As described in the present embodiment, the first housing 140 can be integrally formed with the cover frame 120. Alternatively, the first housing 140 can be provided as a separate member from the cover frame 120, and fixedly mounted to the cover frame 120.

[0151] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling between a first ejector and a second housing of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0152] Referring to Figure 9The first ejector 150 can include a first body 151, a first pressing portion 152, and a leg 153.

[0153] The first body 151 can be formed to extend in a direction parallel to the second housing 240. That is, the first body 151 can extend along a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the first ejector 150.

[0154] The first pressing portion 152 can be provided to extend from the first body 151. The first body 151 can be provided to support the first pressing portion 152. The first pressing portion 152 can pass through the first through hole 142 of the first housing 140 and press the first tray 170. Specifically, the first pressing portion 152 can be provided to press each of the first ice making cells 173 of the first tray 170. Accordingly, the number of the first pressing portions 152 can coincide with the number of the first ice making cells 173.

[0155] The leg 153 can extend from opposite ends of the first body 151 and be inserted into the side portion of the cover frame 120. The inserted leg 153 can be supported by the ejector support 125 of the cover frame 120 described above. The leg 153 can extend along a direction parallel to the moving direction of the first ejector 150. The legs 153 can be provided in pairs symmetrically.

[0156] The leg 153 can include a protrusion accommodation space 154. The protrusion accommodation space 154 can be formed at an end of the leg 153. The protrusion 245 of the second housing 240 can be accommodated in the protrusion accommodation space 154.

[0157] The second housing 240 can include a protrusion 245 extending from a side surface of the second housing 240 toward the leg 153. The protrusion 245 can be accommodated in the leg 153.

[0158] Accordingly, when the second housing 240 moves in a direction away from the first housing 140, the protrusion 245 can interfere with the leg 153, and thus the first ejector 150 can also move along the moving direction of the second housing 240. That is, because the first housing 140 is disposed between the first ejector 150 and the second housing 240, the first ejector 150 can move in a direction closer to the first housing 140.

[0159] Further, when the second housing 240 moves in a direction closer to the first housing 140, the protrusion 245 can interfere with the leg 153, and thus the first ejector 150 can also move along the moving direction of the second housing 240. That is, because the first housing 140 is disposed between the first ejector 150 and the second housing 240, the first ejector 150 can move in a direction away from the first housing 140.

[0160] The movement of the first ejector 150 will be described in detail later.

[0161] Figure 10 is a view showing a first state of an ice making assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 11 is a view showing a second state of an ice making assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 12 is a view showing a third state of an ice making assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0162] As Figure 10 shown, when the pinion 310 and the rod 320 are rotated clockwise by the driver 300, the rack 330 and the second housing 240 connected to the rack 330 can move to one side of the cover frame 120. In other words, the second housing 240 moves in a direction closer to the first housing 140.

[0163] When the second housing 240 moves, a state in which the first tray 170 and the second tray 270 are engaged to maintain air tightness is referred to as a first state.

[0164] That is, the first state can indicate a position of the ice making assembly 1000 in an ice formation phase.

[0165] The first state can include a state in which the rack 330 is not maximally moved with respect to the pinion 310, as Figure 10 shown, and a state in which the rack 330 is maximally moved with respect to the pinion 310, as Figure 14 will be described later.

[0166] In the above two states, the relative positions of the second housing 240 and the second tray 270 and the first housing 140 and the first tray 170 are the same, and only the position of the rack 330 is changed. Therefore, the above two states are defined as the same first state.

[0167] When air tightness between the first tray 170 and the second tray 270 is maintained in the first state, water can be supplied from the water supplier 50 to the inside of the first tray 170 and the second tray 270. In other words, ice can be formed within the first ice making cells 173 of the first tray 170 and the second ice making cells 273 of the second tray 270. According to the shape of the first ice making cells 173 and the second ice making cells 273, the ice can be formed in a spherical shape.

[0168] As Figure 11 shown, when ice making within the first ice making cells 173 and the second ice making cells 273 is completed, the pinion 310 and the rod 320 can be rotated counterclockwise by the driver 300. Therefore, the rack 330 and the second housing 240 connected to the rack 330 move to the other side of the cover frame 120. In other words, the second housing 240 moves in a direction away from the first housing 140.

[0169] When the second housing 240 moves, a state in which the first tray 170 is separated from the second tray 270 is referred to as a second state.

[0170] In the second state, the second ejector 250 passes through the second through-hole 242 of the second housing 240. The second ejector 250 can pass through the second housing 240 when the second ejector 250 is fixed to the cover frame 120 and the second housing 240 moves toward the second ejector 250.

[0171] In the second state, the first ejector 150 is in a state of not passing through the first through-hole 142 of the first housing 140.

[0172] After the second state, as shown in Figure 12 the driver 300 can further rotate the pinion 310 and the rod 320 counterclockwise. Accordingly, the rack 330 and the second housing 240 connected thereto are further moved to the other side of the cover frame. In other words, the second housing 240 moves in a direction away from the first housing 140.

[0173] When the second housing 240 further moves, a state in which the first ejector 150 moves in the same direction as the second housing 240 is referred to as a third state. That is, a difference between the second state and the third state can be based on whether the first ejector 150 moves.

[0174] In the third state, the first ejector 150 passes through the first through-hole 142 of the first housing 140. The first housing 140 is integrally formed with and fixed to the cover frame 120. As the second housing 240 further moves toward the second ejector 250, the first ejector 150 can move based on the movement of the second housing 240.

[0175] That is, the second state and the third state can represent a position of the ice-making assembly 1000 at a stage in which ice formed is separated from the first tray 170 and the second tray.

[0176] Further, in the ice-making assembly 1000 according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second tray 270 can be configured to move horizontally with respect to the first tray 170, and thus can effectively secure a lower space of the ice-making assembly 1000. Accordingly, a storage space of the ice bucket 60 can be increased.

[0177] Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state before the rack is maximally moved in the ice-making assembly in Figure 10 a first state. Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the rack is maximally moved in the ice-making assembly in Figure 10 a first state.

[0178] Reference will be made to Figure 13 and 14 the operation of the ice-making assembly 1000 in the first state will be described.

[0179] As shown in Figure 13 , the pinion 310 rotates clockwise to move the rack 330 to one side of the cover frame 120. The rack 330 and the second housing 240 can be connected by the elastic member 400. The rack 330 can be moved in a direction in which the first housing 140 and the second housing 240 become closer.

[0180] When the rack 330 and the second housing 240 are horizontally moved in the state of Figure 13 , the first tray 170 can come into contact with the second tray 270. The first sealing portion 180 can be formed on the first tray 170, and the second sealing portion 280 can be formed on the second tray 270 to maintain the air tightness between the first tray 170 and the second tray 270. Thus, it is possible to prevent leakage at a portion where the first tray 170 and the second tray 270 come into contact. However, since the first tray 170 and the second tray 270 are formed to have elasticity, a gap can be formed between the first tray 170 and the second tray 270.

[0181] Thus, as shown in Figure 14 , the pinion 310 is further rotated clockwise than in the state of Figure 13 to further move the rack 330 to one side of the cover frame 120. That is, the rack 330 can be in a state of being maximally moved in a direction in which the first housing 140 and the second housing 240 become closer with respect to the cover frame 120. In this case, the pinion 310 can be located at an end of the toothed member 331 of the rack 330, and can be in a state in which the pinion 310 no longer moves the rack 330 to one side of the cover frame 120.

[0182] In Figure 13 , the second housing 240 has already been in a maximally moved state, and thus, even when the pinion 310 is further rotated as shown in Figure 14 , the second housing 240 does not move to the first housing 140 side. However, when the pinion 310 is rotated, only the rack 330 connected to the second housing 240 can be further moved to one side of the cover frame 120, and thus, the elastic member 400 connecting the rack 330 and the second housing 240 can be stretched.

[0183] Thus, when the elastic member 400 is stretched, the second housing 240 can be pulled toward the first housing 140 by an elastic restoring force. Thus, the first tray 170 and the second tray 270 can maximally come into contact, and thus, it is possible to more reliably secure the air tightness between the first tray 170 and the second tray 270.

[0184] When water is supplied from the water supplier 50 and ice is formed in the above state, the first tray 170 and the second tray 270 can be in close contact, and thus the shape of the ice can be clean and no debris can be generated at the joint.

[0185] Figure 15 is a sectional view illustrating a relationship between the first and second ejectors and the first and second trays in the ice making assembly in a second state of the ice making assembly 100. Figure 11 Figure 16 is a sectional view illustrating the ice making assembly in a third state of the ice making assembly 100. Figure 12

[0186] An operation of separating ice to be formed from the first tray 170 and the second tray 270 will be described with reference to Figure 15 and 16

[0187] As shown in Figure 15 , when the second housing 240 moves in a direction away from the first housing 140 and becomes the second state, the second tray 270 fixed to the second housing 240 can also move in a direction away from the first tray 170 fixed to the first housing 140.

[0188] At this time, ice formed in the tray can be accommodated in the first tray 170 or the second tray 270.

[0189] When the second housing 240 and the second tray 270 move toward the second ejector 250 in the second state, the second pressing portion 252 of the second ejector 250 can press the second tray 270 by passing through the second through hole 242 of the second housing 240.

[0190] Because the second tray 270 is formed to have elasticity, the shape of the second tray 270 can be deformed due to the pressure of the second ejector 250. When it is assumed that ice is accommodated in the second tray 270, the ice can be separated from the second tray 270.

[0191] As shown in Figure 16 , compared to the second state, the second housing 240 moves more in a direction away from the first housing 140 and becomes the third state.

[0192] The third state is a state in which the first ejector 150 moves. In particular, the first ejector 150 can move toward the first housing 140. The first pressing portion 152 of the first ejector 150 can press the first tray 170 by passing through the first through hole 142 of the first housing 140.

[0193] ​​​Because the first tray 170 is formed to be elastic, the shape of the first tray 170 will deform due to the pressure of the first ejector 150. When it is assumed that ice is contained in the first tray 170, the ice can be separated from the first tray 170.

[0194] Therefore, when the ice-making assembly 1000 is in the second state, the second ejector 250 can press the second tray 270, and when the ice-making assembly 1000 is in the third state, the first ejector 150 can press the first tray 170. Thus, regardless of whether the ice is stored in the first tray 170 or the second tray 270, the ice can be automatically separated from the first tray 170 and the second tray 270.

[0195] Figure 17 It is shown in Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the relationship between the first ejector and the second housing in the ice-making assembly in the second state. Figure 18 It is shown in Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the relationship between the first ejector and the second housing in the ice-making assembly in the third state.

[0196] Reference Figure 17 and 18 Description of ice-making components 1000 Figure 15 and 16 The operation of the first ejector 150 moving when changing from the second state to the third state is shown.

[0197] like Figure 17 As shown, when the pinion 310 rotates counterclockwise and the rack 330 moves to the other side of the cover frame 120, the second housing 240 connected to the rack 330 can also move to the other side of the cover frame 120. The other side of the cover frame 120 is in a direction away from the first housing 140.

[0198] The second housing 240 can be connected to the rack 330 and also to the first ejector 150. A protrusion 245 of the second housing 240 can be inserted into a protrusion receiving space 154 formed in the leg 153 of the first ejector 150. When the second housing 240 moves, the protrusion 245 can move within the leg 153. When the ice-making assembly 1000 is in a second state, the protrusion 245 of the second housing 240 can contact a closed end of the leg 153. However, the second state is a state in which the first ejector 150 does not move toward the first housing 140.

[0199] like Figure 18 As shown, when the pinion 310 rotates further counterclockwise and the rack 330 moves further to the other side of the cover frame 120, the second housing 240 connected to the rack 330 can also move further to the other side of the cover frame 120.

[0200] As shown in Figure 17 the second state, the protrusion 245 contacts the closed end of the leg 153, so when the second housing 240 is further moved as shown in Figure 18 , the leg 153 of the first ejector 150 interferes with the protrusion 245 and moves in the direction of movement of the second housing 240.

[0201] That is, in the third state, the first ejector 150 can be moved toward the first housing 140 and press the first tray 170, which is performed in such a way that the protrusion 245 of the second housing 240 interferes with the leg 153 of the first ejector 150.

[0202] Therefore, when the second housing 240 moves in a direction away from the first housing 140, the protrusion 245 and the leg 153 interfere with each other, so the first pressing portion 152 of the first ejector 150 presses the first tray 170.

[0203] Therefore, when the formed ice is contained in the first tray 170, the formed ice can be automatically separated from the first tray 170.

[0204] Figure 19 is a top view showing a state in which a water path of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure is coupled to a cover frame. Figure 20 is a top view showing only a cover frame of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0205] Referring to Figure 19 and 20 , the water path 130 can be installed on the upper surface of the cover frame 120. The water path 130 can be provided to allow water supplied from the water supplier 50 to flow into the first tray 170 and the second tray 270 contained inside the cover frame 120.

[0206] The water path 130 can include a water collector 131 and a plurality of flow paths 132, 133, and 134.

[0207] The water collector 131 can be provided to receive water from the water supplier 50 in the refrigerator. The plurality of flow paths can include a first flow path 132, a second flow path 133, and a third flow path 134. The first flow path 132, the second flow path 133, and the third flow path 134 can branch from the water collector 131. The water collector 131 can be formed to form an inclined surface to allow water supplied from the water supplier 50 to easily flow into the ice-making cells.

[0208] The first flow path 132, the second flow path 133, and the third flow path 134 can be provided to uniformly supply water to each of the plurality of ice-making cells formed by the first tray 170 and the second tray 270. The first flow path 132, the second flow path 133, and the third flow path 134 can also be provided as inclined surfaces to allow water to easily flow.

[0209] The water path 130 can include a coupling member mounting member 135. The coupling member mounting member 135 can be provided to be coupled to a water path coupler 128 of the cover frame 120, which will be described later. Accordingly, the water path 130 and the cover frame 120 can be coupled to each other.

[0210] The cover frame 120 can include a housing coupler 127 and the water path coupler 128. The water path 130 can be mounted on the cover frame 120 through the water path coupler 128. The cover frame 120 can be mounted to the ice-making housing 110 through the housing coupler 127. The cover frame 120 and the ice-making housing 110 and the cover frame 120 and the water path 130 can be coupled because separate fastening members are fastened to the housing coupler 127 and the water path coupler 128.

[0211] The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include a plurality of flow paths to uniformly supply water to each of a plurality of ice-making cells, thereby dividing water in stages and supplying water to the plurality of ice-making cells.

[0212] Specifically, by controlling the water supplier 50 through the controller, the refrigerator 1 can supply water by dividing water in stages according to the water level within the plurality of ice-making cells.

[0213] Accordingly, when a bubble is generated while water is being supplied into the plurality of ice-making cells, sufficient time can be ensured for the bubble to disappear. Accordingly, the transparency of ice finally formed can be easily ensured.

[0214] Figure 21 is a view showing a state in which the first ejector and the cover frame are omitted in the ice-making assembly of Figure 3 is a view showing a state in which the first ejector and the cover frame are omitted in the ice-making assembly of

[0215] Referring to Figure 21 The first electric heater 160 can be mounted outside the first tray 170. In particular, the first electric heater 160 can be mounted between the first tray 170 and the cover frame 120. As described above, the ice-making assembly 1000 can include the first electric heater 160 located at the first tray 170 side and the second electric heater 260 located at the second tray 270 side.

[0216] The first electric heating wire 160 can apply heat to the first tray 170 to allow ice formed on the first tray 170 to be easily separated from the first tray 170. Although not shown, the second electric heating wire 260 can serve the same purpose.

[0217] Since the first electric heating wire 160 and the second electric heating wire 260 are provided, the first ejector 150 can be omitted from the ice making assembly 1000. Also, the second ejector 250 can also be omitted from the ice making assembly 1000.

[0218] Also, in the ice making assembly 1000 of the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first ice making cells 173 of the first tray 170 and the second ice making cells 273 of the second tray 270 can be formed in substantially the same size and shape. However, the size and shape of the first ice making cells 173 and the second ice making cells 273 are not limited thereto.

[0219] For example, the size of the first ice making cells 173 of the first tray 170 can be greater than the size of the second ice making cells 273 of the second tray 270.

[0220] On the contrary, the size of the first ice making cells 173 of the first tray 170 can be less than the size of the second ice making cells 273 of the second tray 270.

[0221] That is, according to the moving direction of the second ice making cells 273, the maximum recess depth of the first ice making cells 173 of the first tray 170 can be less than the maximum recess depth of the second ice making cells 273 of the second tray 270. The recess depth can be defined as a horizontal distance from the open side to the closed side of each ice making cell 173 or 273 of each tray 170 or 270.

[0222] In this case, when the second tray 270 is moved with respect to the first tray 170 to separate ice, the ice can be accommodated in the second ice making cells 273 of the second tray 270.

[0223] In the first ice making cells 173 and the second ice making cells 273 provided to manufacture spherical ice, the width of the second ice making cells 273 along the moving direction can be greater than the width of the first ice making cells 173. Accordingly, a portion higher than the lower curved point of the ice can be formed in the second ice making cells 273. At the same time, a portion lower than the upper curved point of the ice can be formed in the second ice making cells 273.

[0224] Accordingly, when the second tray 270 is moved with respect to the first tray 170, the ice interferes with the edge of the second ice making cells 273, and thus, when the ice is accommodated in the second ice making cells 273, the ice can move along the second tray 270.

[0225] Also, the electric heating wire can be formed only at the side of the first ice making cells 173 to allow ice to be more easily separated from the first ice making cells 173. That is, because the ice making assembly 1000 includes the first electric heating wire 160 and does not include the second electric heating wire 260, only the first electric heating wire 160 can be installed at the side of the first tray 170.

[0226] That is, by forming the widths of the first ice making cells 173 and the second ice making cells 273 with respect to the moving direction of the second ice making cells 173 to be different from each other, the ice making assembly 1000 can be designed in advance to allow ice to be accommodated in one separate ice making cell during ice taking.

[0227] When ice is formed in a state in which the first ice making cells 173 and the second ice making cells 273 are formed in different sizes and the first tray 170 and the second tray 270 are separated, ice is likely to be accommodated in the larger ice making cells. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to simplify the structure by providing the ejector only to the relatively larger ice making cells.

[0228] For example, when the size of the first ice making cells 173 is greater than the size of the second ice making cells 273, the ice making assembly 1000 can include the first ejector 150 at one side of the first ice making cells 173 and not include the second ejector 250.

[0229] In contrast, when the size of the first ice making cells 173 is smaller than the size of the second ice making cells 273, the ice making assembly 1000 can include only the second ejector 250 at the side of the second ice making cells 273 and not include the first ejector 150.

[0230] Also, because the protrusion shape or the undercut shape is applied only to the inner side of one of the first tray 170 and the second tray 270, it is possible to more easily separate ice from the first tray 170 and the second tray 270. In this case, because ice is likely to be received at the side of the tray to which the shape is not applied, it is possible to implement the ice making assembly 1000 including only the ejector adjacent to the tray to which the shape is not applied.

[0231] Also, the first ice making cells 173 of the first tray 170 provided to be fixed to the cover frame 120 can be formed of aluminum, and the second ice making cells 273 of the second tray 270 provided to move with respect to the first ice making cells 173 can be formed of a silicon material. That is, the first ice making cells 173 and the second ice making cells 273 have different thermal conductivities, and thus, when the second ice making cells 273 move, ice can be separated from the first ice making cells 173 and then move in a state of being accommodated in the second ice making cells 273.

[0232] Therefore, the ice making assembly 1000 can also be designed to include only the first electric heating wire 160, and thus, ice can be easily separated from the first ice making cells 173 of the first tray 170.

[0233] In this case, since ice is more likely to move when contained in a second ice tray 273 with lower thermal conductivity than when contained in a first ice tray 173 with higher thermal conductivity, the ice-making assembly 1000 can be configured in a structure that includes only the second ejector 250 and not the first ejector 150.

[0234] Figure 22 This is a view showing the ice-making assembly of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A top view of the ice-making components.

[0235] like Figure 22 and 23 As shown, the ice-making assembly 2000 of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lid frame 120a.

[0236] The cover frame 120a can be configured to be connected to the ice-making housing inside the ice-making housing (see reference). Figure 2 The cover frame 120a can be configured as a box shape with an open side surface and a lower surface. The actuator can be mounted on one side surface of the cover frame 120a.

[0237] In the description of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of this disclosure, components not individually mentioned may be described using the same names and reference numerals as those in the refrigerator according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The differences from the refrigerator according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described primarily below.

[0238] An ice-making assembly 2000 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a water path 130a. The water path 130a may be mounted on one surface of a cover frame 120a. Specifically, the water path 130a may be mounted on the upper surface of the cover frame 120a. The water path 130a may be configured to allow water supplied from a water supply device to flow into the cover frame 120a. In other words, the water path 130a may be configured to allow water supplied from a water supply device to flow into a first tray 170a and a second tray 270a.

[0239] Unlike the water path 130 of the ice-making assembly 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water path 130a of the ice-making assembly 2000 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a single flow path.

[0240] Water path 130a may include water collector 131a, and water collector 131a may include a single flow path. Water collector 131a may be configured to receive water from a water supply in the refrigerator. Water collector 131a may be formed to create an inclined surface to allow water supplied from the water supply to flow easily into the ice tray.

[0241] The single flow path formed in the water collector 131a can be provided to supply water to one of the plurality of ice making cells formed by the first tray 170a and the second tray 270a.

[0242] An operation of supplying water to the single ice making cell to fill the plurality of ice making cells with water will be described later.

[0243] Figure 24 FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a first tray and a second tray of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 25 FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first tray and the second tray are coupled in an ice making assembly of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 26 FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of supplying water in an ice making assembly of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0244] As Figure 24 illustrated, an ice making assembly 2000 of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure can include a first tray 170a and a second tray 270a.

[0245] The first tray 170a can include a first guide 172a, a first ice making cell 173a, and a first connection flow path 174a.

[0246] The first guide 172a can be formed at an upper side of the first ice making cell 173a. When water overflows from the first ice making cell 173a, the first guide 172a can allow the water to flow to an adjacent first ice making cell 173a.

[0247] The first tray 170a can include a plurality of first ice making cells 173a. The plurality of first ice making cells 173a can be provided to form a portion of ice.

[0248] Unlike the first tray 170 of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first tray 170a of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure can include the first connection flow path 174a.

[0249] The first connection flow path 174a can be provided to connect the adjacent first ice making cells 173a to each other. Specifically, the first connection flow path 174a can be formed by being recessed inward from one surface of the first tray 170a. The first connection flow path 174a can be formed at the center of the first ice making cell 173a. However, the position of the first connection flow path 174a is not limited thereto, and it is enough to provide the first connection flow path to connect the adjacent first ice making cells 173a to each other.

[0250] The second tray 270a can include a second guide 272a, a second ice making cell 273a, and a second connection flow path 274a.

[0251] The second guide 272a can be formed at the upper side of the second ice making cells 273a. When water overflows from the second ice making cells 273a, the second guide 272a can allow the water to flow to the adjacent second ice making cells 273a.

[0252] The second tray 270a can include a plurality of second ice making cells 273a. The plurality of second ice making cells 273a can be provided to form a portion of ice. The first ice making cells 173a and the second ice making cells 273a can be coupled to each other to form ice in a perfect shape.

[0253] Unlike the second tray 270 of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second tray 270a of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure can include a second connection flow path 274a.

[0254] The second connection flow path 274a can be provided to connect the adjacent second ice making cells 273a.

[0255] In detail, the second connection flow path 274a can be formed by being recessed inward from one surface of the second tray 270a. The second connection flow path 274a can be formed at the center of the second ice making cells 273a. However, the position of the second connection flow path 274a is not limited thereto, and it is enough that the second connection flow path is provided to connect the adjacent second ice making cells 273a to each other.

[0256] The second connection flow path 274a is formed at a position corresponding to the above-described first connection flow path 174a, and thus, when the first tray 170a and the second tray 270a are coupled to each other, the first connection flow path 174a and the second connection flow path 274a can be provided to form one connection flow path.

[0257] The ice making assembly 2000 of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure can include a first sealing portion 180a formed on the first tray 170a and a second sealing portion 280a formed on the second tray 270a. Unlike the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first sealing portion 180a of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure can include a protrusion, and the second sealing portion 280a can include a recess.

[0258] However, the positions of the recess and the protrusion are not limited thereto. For example, the first sealing portion 180a can include a recess, and the second sealing portion 280a can include a protrusion. That is, it is enough that the first sealing portion 180a and the second sealing portion 280a include overlapping portions to maintain a sealing force.

[0259] Referring to Figure 25 and 26Water supplied from the water supply unit 50 flows through the water collector 131a into the first ice-making tray 173a and the second ice-making tray 273a connected to each other. In this case, the first ice-making tray 173a to which water is supplied can be the central first ice-making tray 173a among a plurality of first ice-making trays 173a, and the second ice-making tray 273a to which water is supplied can be the central second ice-making tray 273a among a plurality of second ice-making trays 273a. However, the location of the ice-making trays to which water is supplied is not limited to this. Depending on the installation location of the water path 130a and the design variation of the cover frame 120a, water can be supplied to ice-making trays located at both ends.

[0260] Because the first sealing portion 180a and the second sealing portion 280a engage to maintain a seal between the first tray 170a and the second tray 270a, the water contained in the first ice tray 173a and the second ice tray 273a will not leak.

[0261] The first ice tray 173a will be used as an example to describe the flow of water, but the second ice tray 273a can also have the same water flow.

[0262] Water is supplied through a water collector 131a of water path 130a, and the supplied water is received in the central first ice-making tray 173a among a plurality of first ice-making trays 173a. When the first tray 170a is filled with water to the height forming the first connecting flow path 174a, the water stored in the central first ice-making tray 173a flows to the first ice-making trays 173a on both sides. That is, water can flow to the first ice-making tray 173a on one side through the first connecting flow path 174a formed on one side of the central first ice-making tray 173a, and water can flow to the first ice-making tray 173a on the other side through the second connecting flow path 274a formed on the other side of the central first ice-making tray 173a.

[0263] Therefore, even when a single flow path 130a is formed, the water supplied by the water supply unit 50 can be supplied to all of the multiple ice-making grids to form ice.

[0264] Figure 27 This is a view showing the ice-making assembly of a refrigerator according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A top view of the ice-making components.

[0265] like Figure 27 and 28 As shown, the ice-making assembly 3000 of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lid frame 120b.

[0266] The cover frame 120b can be connected to the ice-making housing from inside the ice-making housing (see reference). Figure 2The cover frame 120b can be provided in a box shape with one side surface and a lower surface open. The driver can be mounted on one side surface of the cover frame 120b.

[0267] In the description of the refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure, components not mentioned separately can be described using the same names and reference numerals as those of the components of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Hereinafter, differences from the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure will be mainly described.

[0268] The ice-making assembly 3000 according to still another embodiment of the disclosure can include a water path 130b. The water path 130b can be mounted on one surface of the cover frame 120b. Specifically, the water path 130b can be mounted on an upper surface of the cover frame 120b. The water path 130b can be provided to allow water supplied from the water supplier 50 to flow into the cover frame 120b. In other words, the water path 130b can be provided to allow water supplied from the water supplier 50 to flow into the first tray 170b and the second tray 270b.

[0269] Unlike the water path 130 of the ice-making assembly 1000 according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the water path 130b of the ice-making assembly 3000 according to still another embodiment of the disclosure can include a single flow path.

[0270] The water path 130b can include a water collector 131b, which can include a single flow path. The water collector 131b can be configured to receive water from the water supplier 50 in the refrigerator. The water collector 131b can be formed to form an inclined surface to allow water supplied from the water supplier 50 to easily flow into the ice-making pockets.

[0271] The single flow path formed in the water collector 131b can be provided to supply water to one of the plurality of ice-making pockets formed by the first tray 170b and the second tray 270b. This is the same as the water path 130, 130a of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0272] However, the operation of supplying water to a single ice-making pocket in order to fill the plurality of ice-making pockets with water can be different from the water path 130a of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure, which will be described later.

[0273] Figure 29 FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a first tray, a first fixed frame, a second fixed frame, a second tray, and a second housing of a refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 30 FIG. 18 is a front view of a first tray of a refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 31 FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of supplying water in an ice-making assembly of a refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0274] AsFigure 29 The ice-making assembly 3000 of the refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure can include a first tray 170b, a first fixed frame 190b, a second tray 270b, a second fixed frame 290b, and a second housing 240b, as illustrated.

[0275] The first tray 170b can include a first guide 172b and a first ice-making cell 173b.

[0276] The first guide 172b can be formed at an upper side of the first ice-making cell 173b. When water overflows from the first ice-making cell 173b, the first guide 172b can allow the water to flow to an adjacent first ice-making cell 173b.

[0277] The first tray 170b can include a plurality of first ice-making cells 173b. The plurality of first ice-making cells 173b can be provided to form a portion of ice.

[0278] Unlike the first tray 170a of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure, the first tray 170b of the refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure can not include a first connection flow path 174a.

[0279] Referring to Figure 29 and 30 The first tray 170b of the refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure can be formed at different heights. In other words, each of the plurality of first ice-making cells 173b can be provided to have a height difference.

[0280] In detail, a line C connecting the center of each of the first ice-making cells 173b of the first tray 170b of the refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure can have a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal line L.

[0281] Since each of the plurality of first ice-making cells 173b has a height difference, an opening of the first fixed frame 190b provided to support and fix the plurality of first ice-making cells 173b can also have a height difference.

[0282] The second tray 270b can include a plurality of second ice-making cells 273.

[0283] The plurality of second ice-making cells 273 can be provided to form a portion of ice. The first ice-making cells 173b and the second ice-making cells 273 can be coupled to each other to form ice in a perfect shape.

[0284] Unlike the second tray 270a of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure, the second tray 270b of the refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure can not include a second connection flow path 274a.

[0285] Since the second tray 270b of the refrigerator according to still another embodiment of the disclosure corresponds to the first tray 170b, the second tray 270b can be formed at different heights in the same manner as the above-described first tray 170b. In other words, each of the plurality of second ice-making cells 273 can be provided to have a height difference.

[0286] Since each of the plurality of second ice-making cells 273 has a height difference, the opening of the second fixing frame 290b provided to support and fix the plurality of second ice-making cells 273 can also have a height difference. In addition, the accommodation member of the second tray 270b of the second housing 240b provided to accommodate the second tray 270b can also have a height difference.

[0287] Referring to Figure 31 The water supplied from the water supplier 50 can flow into the first ice-making cells 173b and the second ice-making cells 273 through the water collector 131b of the water path 130b.

[0288] At this time, the first ice-making cell 173b to which water is supplied can be the first ice-making cell 173b farthest from the driver among the plurality of first ice-making cells 173b, and the second ice-making cell 273 to which water is supplied can be the second ice-making cell 273 farthest from the driver among the plurality of second ice-making cells 273. However, the position of the ice-making cell to which water is supplied is not limited thereto, and depending on the installation position of the water path 130b and the design variation of the cover frame 120b, water can be supplied to the ice-making cell at another position.

[0289] Hereinafter, the flow of water will be described using the first ice-making cell 173b as an example, but the second ice-making cell 273 can also have the same water flow.

[0290] Water is supplied through the water collector 131b of the water path 130b, and the supplied water is accommodated in one of the plurality of first ice-making cells 173b. When the first ice-making cell 173b of the first tray 170b is almost filled with water, the water stored in the first ice-making cell 173b flows to the adjacent first ice-making cell 173b. The water can flow through the first guide 172b of the first tray 170b. Thereafter, when the first ice-making cell 173b supplied with water from the water supplier 50 and the first ice-making cell 173b adjacent to the first ice-making cell 173b are almost filled with water, the water flows into the adjacent first ice-making cell 173b. The finally supplied ice-making cell can be the first ice-making cell 173b closest to the driver. That is, the plurality of ice-making cells are sequentially filled with water according to the arrangement position.

[0291] Accordingly, even when the flow path of the water path 130b is formed as a single unit, the water supplied through the water supplier can be supplied to all of the plurality of ice-making cells to form ice.

[0292] Embodiments of the present application can provide a refrigerator including a storage compartment and an ice making assembly installed at one side of the storage compartment. The ice making assembly includes a cover frame, a first tray fixed to the cover frame to form a first portion of ice, a second tray engaged with the first tray to form a second portion of ice, the second tray configured to move horizontally with respect to the first tray, and a water path installed on the cover frame and disposed to equally supply water to each of a plurality of ice making cells formed by the first tray and the second tray. The refrigerator can further include a first sealing portion recessed along an edge of the ice making cell of the first tray and a second sealing portion formed along an edge of the ice making cell of the second tray, the second sealing portion disposed to protrude to overlap the first tray to prevent leakage. The refrigerator can control a water supplier to divide and supply water to the plurality of ice making cells according to water levels of the plurality of ice making cells.

[0293] Embodiments of the present application can provide a refrigerator including a storage compartment, an ice making housing installed on the storage compartment, a cover frame coupled to an inside of the ice making housing, a first case fixed to the cover frame to accommodate a first tray for forming a first portion of ice, a second case for accommodating a second tray for forming a second portion of ice, the second case configured to move with respect to the cover frame, a driver coupled to the cover frame to generate power, a pinion configured to rotate according to driving of the driver, and a rack configured to move by engaging with the pinion and coupled to the second case to allow the second tray and the second case to linearly move with respect to the cover frame. The rack and the second case can be connected by an elastic member.

[0294] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1.A refrigerator comprising: a storage compartment; a water supplier to supply water received from an external water supply source; an ice-making housing in the storage compartment; a first tray disposed in the ice-making housing and including: a plurality of first ice-making cells, and a first sealing portion formed along an edge of each of the plurality of first ice-making cells; and a second tray including: a plurality of second ice-making cells, and a second sealing portion formed along an edge of each of the plurality of second ice-making cells, wherein the first tray and the second tray are configured such that: the second tray engages with the first tray and couples the plurality of first ice-making cells to the plurality of second ice-making cells, and when the second tray engages with the first tray, the second sealing portion of each of the plurality of second ice-making cells overlaps with a corresponding first sealing portion of each of the plurality of first ice-making cells to prevent leakage from the plurality of first ice-making cells and the plurality of second ice-making cells, a first portion of each of the plurality of first ice-making cells forms ice with water supplied from the water supplier, and a second portion of each of the plurality of second ice-making cells forms ice with water supplied from the water supplier. 2.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first sealing portion includes a recessed portion recessed inward from an outer circumferential surface of the first tray, and the second sealing portion includes a protrusion extending outward from an inner circumferential surface of the second tray and configured to be mountable on the recessed portion to maintain a seal between the first tray and the second tray. 3.The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: a cover frame coupled to the ice-making housing; a first housing formed on one surface of the cover frame to accommodate the first tray; and a second housing configured to move within the cover frame and accommodate the second tray. 4.The refrigerator of claim 3, further comprising: a rack connected to the second housing and configured to move relative to the cover frame, wherein the second housing moves horizontally relative to the cover frame together with the movement of the rack. 5.The refrigerator of claim 4, further comprising: a driver configured to generate a power, and a pinion configured to rotate according to the driving of the driver, wherein the pinion and the rack are engaged to convert the rotational movement of the driver into linear movement. 6.The refrigerator of claim 4, further comprising: a resilient member connecting the rack to the second housing, wherein the resilient member is tensioned in response to the rack being maximally moved in a direction in which the second housing moves toward the first housing, and an air tightness between the second housing and the first housing is maintained by the elastic restoring force. 7.The refrigerator of claim 3, further comprising: a first ejector including a pressing portion, wherein the first housing includes a plurality of through-holes corresponding to positions of the plurality of first ice-making cells, and the pressing portion is configured to pass through the plurality of through-holes to press the first tray. 8.The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the first ejector includes: a body configured to support the pressing portion, and a plurality of protrusions configured to be pressed by the pressing portion. ​ legs extending from each opposite end of the main body and inserted into a corresponding side portion of the cover frame, the second housing includes: protrusions extending from each opposite end of the second housing to be respectively received in the legs, and in response to the second housing moving in a direction away from the first housing, the protrusions interfere with the legs and the first ejector moves in a direction close to the first housing such that the pressing portion presses the first tray. 9.The refrigerator of claim 7, further comprising: a second ejector fixed to a side of the cover frame and including a pressing portion extending toward the second housing, wherein, in response to the second housing moving in a direction away from the first housing, the pressing portion of the second ejector passes through the second housing, thereby pressing the second tray. 10.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first ice-making cells of the first tray and each of the plurality of second ice-making cells of the second tray are configured to be semi-spherical. 11.The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: a cover frame coupled to an inside of the ice-making housing; and a water path configured on an upper surface of the cover frame to guide water supplied from the water supplier to flow into the first tray and the second tray. 12.The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the water path includes a plurality of flow paths to equally supply water to each of the plurality of first ice-making cells of the first tray and each of the plurality of second ice-making cells of the second tray. 13.The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the refrigerator further includes a controller configured to control the water supplier to supply water in stages. 14.The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein a second sealing portion of each of the plurality of second ice-making cells overlaps a corresponding first sealing portion of each of the plurality of first ice-making cells to respectively form a plurality of sealed ice-making cells, the water path includes a single flow path to guide water to only one of the plurality of sealed ice-making cells, and each of the plurality of sealed ice-making cells is configured at a different height such that water overflows the one of the plurality of sealed ice-making cells to sequentially fill remaining ones of the plurality of sealed ice-making cells with water. 15.The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein a second sealing portion of each of the plurality of second ice-making cells overlaps a corresponding first sealing portion of each of the plurality of first ice-making cells to respectively form a plurality of sealed ice-making cells, the water path includes a single flow path to guide water to only one of the plurality of sealed ice-making cells, and the first tray and the second tray include a connection flow path disposed to allow water supplied to the one of the plurality of sealed ice-making cells to flow to an adjacent one of the plurality of sealed ice-making cells. ​

Images