Ice maker

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ice maker. The ice maker of the present invention can include a first tray assembly forming a portion of an ice making compartment that is a space in which water is phase-changed into ice due to a cold stream, a second tray assembly forming another portion of the ice making compartment, and a cooler for supplying the cold stream to the ice making compartment; the first tray assembly includes a first tray defining a portion of the ice making compartment; the second tray assembly includes a second tray defining another portion of the ice making compartment and a second tray housing supporting the second tray; the second tray housing includes a second tray cover having at least a portion located at a side of the second tray; the second tray cover includes an opening into which a portion of the second tray is inserted and a wall surrounding the opening.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of the following patent application: Application No.: 201980064202.3, Application Date: October 1, 2019, Invention Title: Refrigerator Technical Field

[0002] This instruction manual pertains to ice makers. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, a refrigerator is a household appliance that stores food at low temperatures in an internal storage space enclosed by a door. By using cold air to cool the storage space, the refrigerator can preserve the stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state. Typically, a refrigerator includes an ice maker. The ice maker holds water supplied from a water source or tank in a tray and generates ice by cooling the water. Furthermore, the ice maker can remove the shaped ice from the ice tray by heating or rotating a knob. As described above, an ice maker that automatically supplies water and removes ice is formed with an upward-opening design to hold the shaped ice. Ice produced in an ice maker with the structure described above, such as in a crescent or cube shape, has at least one flat surface.

[0004] Furthermore, forming ice into a spherical shape makes it more convenient to use and provides users with a unique experience. Also, when storing the ice, the contact area between ice crystals can be minimized, thus reducing the likelihood of them tangling together.

[0005] An ice maker is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1850918 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Document 1"), which is an existing document.

[0006] The ice maker in document 1 includes: an upper tray with a plurality of hemispherical upper shells arranged thereon, including a pair of connecting guides extending upward from both sides; a lower tray with a plurality of hemispherical lower shells arranged thereon, rotatably connected to the upper tray; a pivot shaft connected to the rear ends of the lower tray and the upper tray to allow the lower tray to rotate relative to the upper tray; a pair of connecting members, one end of which is connected to the lower tray and the other end of which is connected to the connecting guide; and an upper push pin assembly, which, with both ends inserted into the connecting guide, is respectively connected to the pair of connecting members and moves up and down together with the connecting members.

[0007] In the case of existing literature 1, although spherical ice can be generated by using a hemispherical upper shell and a hemispherical lower shell, since the ice is generated in the upper shell and the lower shell at the same time, the air bubbles contained in the water cannot be completely discharged. Instead, the air bubbles will be dispersed inside the water, resulting in the disadvantage that the generated ice is opaque.

[0008] An ice-making device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-269172 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Document 2"), which is an existing document.

[0009] The ice-making apparatus in existing document 2 includes: an ice-making dish; and a heating unit that heats the bottom of the water supplied to the ice-making dish. In the case of the ice-making apparatus in existing document 2, during the ice-making process, the water on one side and the bottom of the ice block is heated by a heater. This causes freezing on the water surface and induces convection within the water, thereby generating transparent ice. As transparent ice grows, the volume of water within the ice block decreases, and the freezing rate gradually increases, making it impossible to induce sufficient convection to match the freezing rate. Therefore, in existing document 2, when approximately two-thirds of the water is frozen, the increase in the heating amount of the heater is increased to suppress the increase in the freezing rate. However, according to existing document 2, it only discloses increasing the heating amount of the heater when the water volume decreases, without disclosing a structure and heater control logic for generating highly transparent ice while reducing the decrease in the ice-making rate. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] This embodiment provides a refrigerator that can produce ice with uniform transparency by reducing the heat transferred from a heater operating during the ice-making process to an adjacent tray and then to an ice-making compartment formed by another tray.

[0012] This embodiment provides a refrigerator that minimizes the reduction in ice-making speed even when producing transparent ice by reducing the heat transfer from the heater to the ice-forming part.

[0013] This embodiment provides a refrigerator that, while forming transparent ice, also ensures uniform transparency per unit height of the ice.

[0014] Technical solutions to the problem

[0015] According to one embodiment of the refrigerator, it may include: a first tray assembly forming part of an ice-making compartment; and a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making compartment. One of the tray assemblies, the first and second, may be equipped with a heater. The first tray assembly may include: a first portion forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment; and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion. This structure reduces heat transfer from the heater to the first tray assembly to the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray assembly. The predetermined location of the first portion may be an end of the first portion or a location where the first and second tray assemblies meet. The tray assembly may be defined as a tray. The tray assembly may be defined as a tray and a tray housing surrounding the tray. The first tray assembly may be closer to the heater than the other tray assembly. The heater may be configured on the first tray assembly.

[0016] At least a portion of the second part may extend in a direction away from the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray assembly. This structure reduces the transfer of heat from the heater to the first part to the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray assembly. At least a portion of the second part may extend in a separate manner, thereby reducing heat transfer flowing in the direction of extension of the second part.

[0017] The direction can be a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment. The direction can be a downward direction based on a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment. The direction can be an upward direction based on a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment.

[0018] The second part may include: a first segment extending from the predetermined location in a horizontal direction; and a second segment extending in the same direction as the first segment. The second part may also include: a first segment extending from the predetermined location in a horizontal direction; and a third segment extending in a direction different from the first segment.

[0019] The second part may include: a first segment extending horizontally from the predetermined location; and a second and third segment branching from the first segment. This structure reduces heat transfer from the heater to the first segment and then to the ice-making compartment formed by another tray assembly. The first segment may further include a portion extending vertically from the predetermined location. The length of the third segment may be greater than the length of the second segment. The heights of the third segment and the first segment may differ. The second segment may extend in the same direction as the first segment. The third segment may extend in a different direction than the first segment.

[0020] The curvature of the third segment can be greater than that of the second segment. The radius of curvature of the third segment can be smaller than that of the second segment. The third segments can have the same radius of curvature. At least a portion of the second part can have the same radius of curvature with respect to the rotation center of the shaft that rotates with respect to the drive unit.

[0021] The length of the heat-conducting channel formed by the second portion is preferably designed to be as long as possible. This is because the longer the heat-conducting channel, the greater the heat released to the outside through the heat-conducting channel, and the less heat is transferred to the ice-making compartment formed by the first tray assembly. The second portion may extend to the same or higher point as the upper part of the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray assembly. The second portion may extend to the same or higher point as the uppermost point of the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray assembly. The second portion may extend to the same or lower point as the lower part of the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray assembly. The refrigerator may further include a pivot for rotating the second tray assembly, and the second portion may extend to a point higher than the upper end of the pivot.

[0022] The length of the heat-conducting channel formed by the second part can be greater than the distance from the center of the ice-making compartment to the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment.

[0023] A tray assembly may include: a first portion forming at least a portion of an ice-making compartment; and a first extension and a second extension of the second portion extending from a first location and a second location of the first portion, respectively. One tray assembly may include: a first portion forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment; a first extension of the second portion extending from a first location of the first portion; and a second extension of the second portion extending from a second location of the first portion. This structure reduces heat transfer from the heater to the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray assembly. The first extension may be located on the left side of the ice-making compartment. The second extension may be located on the right side of the ice-making compartment. The shapes of the first and second extensions may be different or asymmetrical. The length of the second extension in the horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making compartment may be greater than the length of the first extension in the horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making compartment.

[0024] The refrigerator may further include a bracket defining at least a portion of the space accommodating the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly. The first extension may be positioned closer to one of the edges of the space defined by the bracket than the second extension. The horizontal length of the second extension may be greater than the horizontal length of the first extension. This structure reduces interference of the first extension with the bracket. The reason for this is that a longer heat conduction path formed by the tray assembly can be created while minimizing the space required to install the tray assembly and components. The ice-making compartment may be eccentric to one side relative to the bracket.

[0025] The refrigerator may further include a pivot connecting at least one of the first tray and the second tray to a drive unit in a rotatable manner. The second extension may be positioned closer to the center of the pivot than the first extension. The horizontal length of the second extension may be greater than the horizontal length of the first extension. This structure increases the rotational force of the rotating tray assembly. As previously mentioned, to produce transparent ice or ice of a specific shape such as a sphere, it is preferable to increase the bonding force between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly. With the increased bonding force between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly as described above, the adhesion between the produced ice and the tray assembly will also increase during ice production. Therefore, it may be necessary to provide a unit that allows for easier separation of ice from the tray assembly during ice removal after ice production. As an example, the refrigerator may further include a heater disposed on one side of the tray assembly. The heater may be an ice removal heater. As another example, the refrigerator may further include a pusher capable of pressurizing the ice during ice removal. Pressurizing the ice can be achieved during ice removal when the pusher and at least one of the tray assembly move. The movement can be a motion along at least one of the X, Y, and Z axes. The movement can also be a rotational motion centered on at least one of the X, Y, and Z axes. In the case of rotational movement, for the rotational force supplied by the drive unit to at least one of the pusher or the tray assembly, a larger radius of rotation allows for a greater pressure applied to the ice by the pusher. Increasing the length of the second extension closer to the center of rotation, and thus increasing the distance between it and the center of rotation, allows for a greater pressure applied to the ice by the pusher, and also allows for a longer heat conduction channel. The second extension can include portions with the same curvature as the axis of rotation. This structure prevents interference during the rotational movement of the tray assembly. The first extension can include a portion extending upwards relative to the horizontal line. The second extension extends upwards relative to the horizontal line and in a direction away from the ice-making compartment, while the first extension can extend only upwards relative to the horizontal line. Using such shapes of the first and second extensions increases the bonding force between the first and second tray assemblies. The rotation angle of the rotating tray assembly can be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. This can increase the pressure applied to the ice by the pusher. The center of rotation can be eccentric to one side of the tray.

[0026] The one tray assembly and the other tray assembly can contact each other. The first portion of the ice-making compartment formed by the one tray assembly and the third portion of the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray assembly can contact each other. This is to reduce water leakage within the ice-making compartment formed by the first and second tray assemblies. The other tray assembly may include: a third portion forming part of the ice-making compartment; and a fourth portion extending from a predetermined location of the third portion, with the second portion formed outside the fourth portion. At least a portion of the second portion extending from the predetermined location of the first portion and the fourth portion extending from the predetermined location of the third portion can be spaced apart. This is to reduce the transfer of heat from the second portion to the fourth portion.

[0027] Additionally, the first pallet assembly may include a first pallet and a first pallet housing, and the second pallet assembly includes a second pallet and a second pallet housing.

[0028] One of the first and second tray housings can be positioned closer to the heater than the other tray housing. The first tray housing may include: a first portion having a shape corresponding to the ice-making compartment to support the tray; and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion. This structure reduces the transfer of heat from the heater to the first tray housing to the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray. At least a portion of the second portion may extend away from the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray. This structure reduces the transfer of heat from the heater to the first portion to the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray. The second portion may further include a portion extending horizontally from the predetermined location and a portion extending downwards relative to a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment (e.g., the center of weight or the center of volume). The first tray may further include a portion extending horizontally through the center of the ice-making compartment. This structure reduces the transfer of heat from the heater to the first tray housing to the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray. The extended portion may include a first extension forming in one direction and a second extension forming in the other direction. The length of the second extension may be longer than the first extension. The second extension may be positioned closer to the drive unit than the first extension. The tray may be configured to rotate using the drive unit. The greater the length of the second extension compared to the first extension, the larger the radius of rotation of the tray can be. This increases the rotational force of the tray driven by the drive unit. A greater rotational force of the tray facilitates the removal of ice adhering to the tray. In particular, when the pusher applies pressure to a portion of the tray, the increased rotational force makes it easier to remove ice adhering to the tray.

[0029] The refrigerator may further include a bracket for housing the tray assembly. A first extension of the tray may be positioned closer to the vertical wall of the bracket than a second extension. The shorter the length of the first extension is than the length of the second extension, the closer the tray assembly can be positioned to the vertical wall of the bracket. This allows the tray assembly to be compactly arranged within the bracket. The tray housing may further include a third portion supporting the first and second extensions. The second and third portions can be separably attached to the tray. After one of the second and third portions is attached to the tray, the other of the second and third portions can be attached to the tray. After the second portion is attached to the tray, the third portion can be attached to the tray. After the second portion is attached to the tray, the third portion can be attached to the tray. The tray includes a second extension that extends elongated in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the tray housing preferably includes the second and third portions in a separable state. The separable tray housing improves the ease of attachment to the tray.

[0030] According to another type of refrigerator, it may include: a storage compartment for storing food; a cooler for supplying cold air to the storage compartment; a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature inside the storage compartment; a first tray assembly forming part of an ice-making compartment as a space where water changes phase into ice due to the cold air; a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making compartment and connected to a drive unit, such that it can contact the first tray assembly during ice making and can be separated from the first tray assembly during ice removal; a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making compartment; a second temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making compartment; a heater arranged adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly; and a control unit for controlling the heater and the drive unit.

[0031] The control unit can control the second tray assembly to move to the ice-making position after the water supply to the ice-making compartment is completed, and then cause the cooler to supply cold air to the ice-making compartment. The control unit can also control the second tray assembly to move in the forward direction to the ice-removal position and then in the reverse direction after the ice in the ice-making compartment is completed, in order to remove the ice. The control unit can further control the second tray assembly to move in the reverse direction to the water supply position and then start water supply after the ice removal is completed. Finally, the control unit can control the heater to turn on at least a portion of the area where the cooler supplies cold air, thereby allowing dissolved air bubbles in the water inside the ice-making compartment to move from the ice-forming portion to the liquid water side to generate transparent ice.

[0032] The first tray assembly may include: a first tray defining a portion of the ice-making compartment; and a first tray housing supporting the first tray. The second tray assembly may include: a second tray defining another portion of the ice-making compartment; and a second tray housing supporting the second tray.

[0033] One of the first tray housing and the second tray housing may include: a first portion having a shape corresponding to the ice-making compartment to support one of the first tray and the second tray; and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion.

[0034] One of the tray housings can be configured to be closer to the heater than the other tray housing.

[0035] The second portion may extend away from the ice-making compartment formed by the first tray and another tray of the second tray. The second portion may include a portion extending horizontally from the predetermined location and a portion extending downwards from the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment. The second portion may include: a first segment extending horizontally from the predetermined location; and a second and a third segment branching from the first segment. The length of the third segment may be longer than the length of the second segment. At least a portion of the third segment may have a constant curvature in the length direction. The length of the second portion may be greater than the radius of the ice-making compartment.

[0036] The tray may include a portion extending in the same or a different direction from the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment, thereby reducing the transfer of heat from the heater to the tray to the ice-making compartment formed by the first tray and the other of the second trays. The extended portion may include a first extension extending in a first direction and a second extension extending in a second direction. The length of the second extension may be longer than the length of the first extension.

[0037] The refrigerator may further include a rotating shaft connected to the drive unit to cause the second tray assembly to rotate. The second extension may be located closer to the rotation center of the rotating shaft than the first extension.

[0038] The refrigerator may further include a bracket supporting one or more of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly. For one edge of the bracket's edge portion, the first extension may be positioned closer to the second extension.

[0039] The tray housing may further include a third portion supporting the first extension and the second extension. The second portion and the third portion are detachably coupled to the tray. After the second portion and the third portion contact the tray, they can be coupled to the tray. After one of the second portion and the third portion is coupled to the tray, the other can be coupled to the tray.

[0040] According to another type of refrigerator, it may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly. The first tray assembly may include: a first tray defining a portion of the ice-making compartment; and a first tray housing supporting the first tray. The second tray assembly includes: a second tray defining another portion of the ice-making compartment; and a second tray housing supporting the second tray. The refrigerator may include a heater and a control unit for controlling the heater. To maintain the ice-making speed of the water inside the ice-making compartment below a predetermined range for ice-making when the heater is off, the control unit may control the heater to increase its heating capacity when the heat transfer between the cold flow used for cooling the ice-making compartment and the water in the ice-making compartment increases, and to decrease its heating capacity when the heat transfer between the cold flow used for cooling the ice-making compartment and the water in the ice-making compartment decreases.

[0041] One of the first and second trays may be positioned closer to the heater than the other tray. The first tray may include a portion extending in the same direction as a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment, thereby reducing heat transfer from the heater to the first tray and into the ice-making compartment formed by the other of the first and second trays.

[0042] A tray housing supporting the tray may include: a first portion supporting the tray; and a second portion extending downwards beyond a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment. The tray housing may also include: a third portion extending upwards beyond a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment.

[0043] The second and third portions can be detachably attached to the pallet. After the second and third portions come into contact with the pallet, they can be attached to the pallet. Alternatively, after one of the second and third portions is attached to the pallet, the other can be attached to the pallet.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the refrigerator's control unit can be configured to activate the heater in at least a portion of the area where the cooler supplies cold air, thereby allowing dissolved air bubbles in the water inside the ice-making compartment to move from the ice-forming portion towards the liquid water side to generate transparent ice. One of the first and second tray housings may include: a first portion having a shape corresponding to the ice-making compartment to support the tray; and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion to reduce heat transfer from the heater to the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray. At least a portion of the second portion may extend in a direction away from the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray.

[0045] The second part may further include a portion extending from the predetermined location along a horizontal line and a portion extending further downward relative to a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment.

[0046] One tray may further include a portion extending in a horizontal direction through the center of the ice-making compartment, thereby reducing the transfer of heat from the heater to the one tray to the ice-making compartment formed by the other tray. The extended portion includes a first extension forming in one direction and a second extension forming in the other direction, the second extension being longer than the first extension. The second extension may be positioned closer to the drive unit than the first extension.

[0047] The refrigerator may further include a bracket for housing the tray assembly, wherein the first extension is positioned closer to the wall extending vertically toward the bracket than the second extension.

[0048] The tray housing may further include a third portion that supports the first extension and the second extension.

[0049] Invention Effects

[0050] According to the invention described, a heater is turned on in at least a portion of the cold flow supplied by the cooler, thereby using the heat of the heater to slow down the ice-making speed. This allows dissolved air bubbles in the water inside the ice-making compartment to move from the ice-forming part to the liquid water side, thus producing transparent ice.

[0051] Furthermore, by reducing the heat transfer from the heater to the ice-generating portion of the ice-making compartment, transparent ice can be generated while minimizing the delay in ice-making speed.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control is to change one or more of the cooling power of the cooler and the heating amount of the heater according to the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment, thereby enabling the generation of ice with uniform overall transparency regardless of the shape of the ice-making compartment.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the change in the amount of heat transfer between the water in the ice-making compartment and the cold air in the storage compartment corresponds to the change in the heating amount of the transparent ice heater and / or the cooling capacity of the cooler, thereby enabling the generation of ice with uniform overall transparency. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front view of the ice maker.

[0057] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A 3D view of the ice maker with the central support removed.

[0058] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the first tray as seen from above.

[0061] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the first tray as seen from below.

[0062] Figure 10 This is a top view of the first tray.

[0063] Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view taken along line 11-11.

[0064] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A bottom view of the first tray.

[0065] Figure 13 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view taken along line 13-13.

[0066] Figure 14 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view taken along line 14-14.

[0067] Figure 15 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view taken along line 15-15.

[0068] Figure 16 This is a 3D view of the first tray lid.

[0069] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower part of the first tray cover.

[0070] Figure 18 This is a top view of the first tray cover.

[0071] Figure 19 This is a side view of the first tray housing.

[0072] Figure 20 This is a top view of the first tray support.

[0073] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the second tray of an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0074] Figure 22 This is a three-dimensional view of the second tray from below.

[0075] Figure 23 This is a bottom view of the second tray.

[0076] Figure 24 This is a top view of the second tray.

[0077] Figure 25It is along Figure 21 A sectional view taken along line 25-25.

[0078] Figure 26 It is along Figure 21 A sectional view taken along line 26-26.

[0079] Figure 27 It is along Figure 21 A sectional view taken along line 27-27.

[0080] Figure 28 It is along Figure 24 A sectional view taken along line 28-28.

[0081] Figure 29 It is along Figure 25 A sectional view taken along line 29-29.

[0082] Figure 30 This is a 3D view of the second tray cover.

[0083] Figure 31 This is a top view of the second tray cover.

[0084] Figure 32 This is a three-dimensional view of the upper part of the second tray support.

[0085] Figure 33 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower part of the second tray support.

[0086] Figure 34 It is along Figure 32 A sectional view taken along line 34-34.

[0087] Figure 35 This is a diagram illustrating the first thruster of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 36 This diagram shows the first thruster connected to the second tray assembly via a thruster coupling.

[0089] Figure 37 This is a perspective view of the second thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figures 38 to 40 This is a diagram illustrating the assembly process of the ice maker of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 41 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line 41-41.

[0092] Figure 42 This is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 43This is a flowchart illustrating the process of ice generation in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 44 This is a diagram used to illustrate the height reference corresponding to the relative position of the transparent ice heater in the ice-making compartment.

[0095] Figure 45 This is a diagram illustrating the output of a transparent ice heater per unit height of water within the ice-making compartment.

[0096] Figure 46 It is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the water supply location.

[0097] Figure 47 It is shown Figure 46 A diagram showing the state of water supply completion.

[0098] Figure 48 It is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the ice-making position.

[0099] Figure 49 This diagram shows the deformation of the pressure section of the second tray after ice making is complete.

[0100] Figure 50 It is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly during the ice removal process.

[0101] Figure 51 It is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the ice-moving position.

[0102] Figure 52 This diagram illustrates the movement of the pusher coupling as the second tray assembly moves from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position.

[0103] Figure 53 This is a diagram showing the position of the first actuator in the water supply position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator.

[0104] Figure 54 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first actuator in the water supply position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator.

[0105] Figure 55 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher in the ice-moving position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator.

[0106] Figure 56 It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the through hole of the bracket and the air conditioning duct.

[0107] Figure 57This diagram illustrates a refrigerator control method when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water is variable during the ice-making process. Detailed Implementation

[0108] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrative accompanying drawings. When assigning reference numerals to structural elements in the various drawings, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same structural elements as much as possible, even if they are indicated in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions will be omitted if it is determined that a specific description of a related known structural element or its function would affect the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0109] Furthermore, when describing the structural elements of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Such terms are merely for distinguishing the structural element from other structural elements and are not intended to define the nature, sequence, or order of the corresponding structural elements. When a structural element is described as being "connected," "bonded," or "in contact" with another structural element, the structural element may be directly connected or in contact with the other structural element; however, it can also be understood that there is another structural element "connected," "bonded," or "in contact" between the structural elements.

[0110] The refrigerator of the present invention may include: a tray assembly forming part of an ice-making compartment as a space for converting water into ice; a cooler for supplying cold air to the ice-making compartment; a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making compartment; and a control unit. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making compartment. The refrigerator may further include a heater arranged adjacent to the tray assembly. The refrigerator may further include a drive unit capable of moving the tray assembly. In addition to the ice-making compartment, the refrigerator may further include a storage compartment for preserving food. The refrigerator may further include a cooler for supplying cold air to the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature inside the storage compartment. The control unit may control at least one of the water supply unit and the cooler. The control unit may control at least one of the heater and the drive unit.

[0111] The control unit can control the cooler to supply cold air to the ice-making compartment after the tray assembly is moved to the ice-making position. The control unit can also control the tray assembly to move in the forward direction to the ice-removal position after ice has been formed in the ice-making compartment in order to remove the ice. The control unit can further control the tray assembly to move in the reverse direction to the water supply position and begin water supply after the ice removal is complete. Finally, the control unit can control the tray assembly to move back to the ice-making position after the water supply is complete.

[0112] In this invention, the storage compartment can be defined as a space that can be controlled to a specified temperature using a cooler. The outer shell can be defined as a wall dividing the storage compartment from the external space of the storage compartment (i.e., the external space of the refrigerator). A heat insulation element can be arranged between the outer shell and the storage compartment. An inner shell can be arranged between the heat insulation element and the storage compartment.

[0113] In this invention, the ice-making compartment can be defined as the space located inside the storage chamber where water is converted into ice. The circumference of the ice-making compartment refers to its outer surface, regardless of its shape. Alternatively, the outer circumference of the ice-making compartment can refer to the inner surface of the wall forming the ice-making compartment. The center of the ice-making compartment refers to its center of weight or center of volume. The center may pass through the line of symmetry of the ice-making compartment.

[0114] In this invention, a tray can be defined as a wall dividing the interior of the ice-making compartment and the storage compartment. The tray can be defined as a wall forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment. The tray can be configured to completely or partially surround the ice-making compartment. The tray may include a first portion forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion. A plurality of trays may be present. The plurality of trays may contact each other. As an example, the lower-positioned tray may include a plurality of trays. The upper-positioned tray may include a plurality of trays. The refrigerator includes at least one tray positioned in the lower part of the ice-making compartment. The refrigerator may further include a tray located in the upper part of the ice-making compartment. The first and second portions may be structures that take into account factors such as the heat transfer rate of the tray, the cold transfer rate of the tray, the deformation resistance of the tray, the resilience of the tray, the supercooling of the tray, the adhesion between the tray and the ice solidified inside the tray, and the bonding force between one of the plurality of trays.

[0115] In this invention, a tray housing can be located between the tray and the storage chamber. That is, the tray housing can be configured such that at least a portion of it surrounds the tray. A plurality of tray housings can exist. The plurality of tray housings can contact each other. The tray housing contacts the tray in a manner that supports at least a portion of the tray. The tray housing can be configured to connect to components other than the tray (e.g., heaters, sensors, transmission components, etc.). The tray housing can be directly coupled to the components or coupled to the components via a medium. For example, when the wall forming the ice-making compartment is formed of a thin film and a structure surrounding the thin film is provided, the thin film is defined as a tray, and the structure is defined as a tray housing. As another example, when a portion of the wall forming the ice-making compartment is formed of a thin film, and the structure includes a first portion forming another portion of the wall for forming the ice-making compartment and a second portion surrounding the thin film, the thin film and the first portion of the structure are defined as a tray, and the second portion of the structure is defined as a tray housing.

[0116] In this invention, a pallet assembly can be defined as including at least the pallet. In this invention, the pallet assembly may further include the pallet housing.

[0117] In this invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly configured to be movable and connected to a drive unit. The drive unit is configured to move the tray assembly in the direction of at least one of the X, Y, and Z axes, or to rotate it around at least one of the X, Y, and Z axes. This invention may include a refrigerator having the remaining structures described in the specific embodiments, except for the drive unit and the transmission member connecting the drive unit and the tray assembly. In this invention, the tray assembly can move in a first direction.

[0118] In this invention, a cooler can be defined as a unit that includes at least one of an evaporator and a thermoelectric element to cool the storage chamber.

[0119] In this invention, a refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly equipped with the heater. The heater may be positioned near the tray assembly to heat the ice-making compartment formed by the tray assembly with the heater. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter referred to as a "transparent ice heater") that is controlled to open in at least a portion of the cold flow supplied by the cooler, thereby allowing dissolved air bubbles in the water inside the ice-making compartment to move from the ice-forming portion to the liquid water side to generate transparent ice. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter referred to as an "ice-removing heater") that is controlled to open in at least a portion after ice-making is complete, thereby enabling easy separation of ice from the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include a plurality of transparent ice heaters. The refrigerator may include a plurality of ice-removing heaters. The refrigerator may include both transparent ice heaters and ice-removing heaters. In this case, the control unit may control the heating amount of the ice-removing heater to be greater than the heating amount of the transparent ice heater.

[0120] In this invention, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment. The tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion.

[0121] As an example, the first region may be formed in a first portion of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be formed in the first portion of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be part of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be configured to contact each other. The first region may be the lower portion of the ice-making compartment formed by the tray assembly. The second region may be the upper portion of the ice-making compartment formed by the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include additional tray assemblies. One of the first and second regions may include a region that contacts the additional tray assembly. When the additional tray assembly is located in the lower portion of the first region, the additional tray assembly may contact the lower portion of the first region. When the additional tray assembly is located in the upper portion of the second region, the additional tray assembly may contact the upper portion of the second region.

[0122] As another example, the tray assembly may consist of a plurality of trays that are in contact with each other. The first region may be arranged in a first tray assembly, and the second region in a second tray assembly. The first region may be the first tray assembly. The second region may be the second tray assembly. The first and second regions may be arranged in a manner that allows them to contact each other. At least a portion of the first tray assembly may be located in the lower part of the ice-making compartment formed by the first and second tray assemblies. At least a portion of the second tray assembly may be located in the upper part of the ice-making compartment formed by the first and second tray assemblies.

[0123] Additionally, the first region can be a region closer to the heater than the second region. The first region can be a region where the heater is located. The second region can be a region closer to the heat-absorbing part of the cooler (i.e., the heat-absorbing part of the refrigerant pipe or thermoelectric module) than the first region. The second region can be a region closer to the through-hole through which the cooler supplies cold air to the ice-making compartment than the first region. To enable the cooler to supply cold air through the through-hole, additional through-holes can be formed in other components. The second region can be a region closer to the additional through-holes than the first region. The heater can be a transparent ice heater. The insulation of the second region for the cold flow can be less than the insulation of the first region.

[0124] Additionally, one of the first and second tray assemblies of the refrigerator may be equipped with a heater. As an example, if the other tray assembly does not have the heater, the control unit may control the heater to be activated during at least a portion of the cold flow supplied to the cooler. As another example, if the other tray assembly has an additional heater, the control unit may control the heating amount of the first heater to be greater than that of the additional heater during at least a portion of the cold flow supplied to the cooler. The heater may be a transparent ice heater.

[0125] The present invention may include a refrigerator having a structure other than the transparent ice heater described in the specific embodiments.

[0126] The invention may include: a propeller having a first edge on a surface forming at least one side of an ice or tray assembly, thereby facilitating the separation of the ice from the tray assembly. The propeller may include a rod extending from the first edge and a second edge located at the end of the rod. A control unit may be configured to change the position of the propeller by moving at least one of the propeller and the tray assembly. The propeller may be defined, according to viewpoint, as a through-type propeller, a non-through-type propeller, a movable propeller, or a fixed propeller.

[0127] The tray assembly may have a through-hole for the propeller to move through, and the propeller may be configured to apply pressure directly to the ice inside the tray assembly. The propeller may be defined as a through-hole propeller.

[0128] The tray assembly may have a pressure-applying section for pressurizing the thruster, which may be configured to apply pressure to one side of the tray assembly. The thruster may be defined as a non-through-type thruster.

[0129] To ensure that the first edge of the pusher is positioned between a first location outside the ice-making compartment and a second location inside the ice-making compartment, the control unit can control the pusher to move. The pusher can be defined as a movable pusher. The pusher can be connected to a drive unit, a drive unit's shaft, or a movable tray assembly connected to the drive unit.

[0130] To position the first edge of the pusher between a first location outside the ice-making compartment and a second location inside the ice-making compartment, the control unit can control the movement of at least one of the tray assemblies. The control unit can also control the movement of at least one of the tray assemblies toward the pusher. Alternatively, to further press the pressure unit after the pusher contacts the pressure unit at the first location outside the ice-making compartment, the control unit can control the relative position of the pusher and the tray assembly. The pusher can be coupled to a fixed end. The pusher can be defined as a fixed pusher.

[0131] In this invention, the ice-making compartment can be used to cool the cooler of the storage chamber. As an example, the storage chamber containing the ice-making compartment is a freezer chamber whose temperature can be controlled below 0 degrees Celsius, and the ice-making compartment can be used to cool the cooler of the freezer chamber.

[0132] The freezer compartment can be divided into a plurality of zones, and the ice-making compartment can be located in one of the plurality of zones.

[0133] In this invention, the ice-making compartment can be cooled by a cooler other than the one used to cool the storage compartment. For example, the storage compartment containing the ice-making compartment is a refrigerator compartment with a temperature that can be controlled above 0 degrees Celsius, and the ice-making compartment can be cooled by a cooler other than the one used to cool the refrigerator compartment. That is, the refrigerator has a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, the ice-making compartment is located inside the refrigerator compartment, and the ice-making compartment can be cooled by the cooler used to cool the freezer compartment. The ice-making compartment can be located at the door of the storage compartment.

[0134] In this invention, the ice-making compartment can be cooled by the cooler even if it is not located inside the storage chamber. As an example, the entire storage chamber formed inside the outer casing can be the ice-making compartment.

[0135] In this invention, the degree of heat transfer represents the extent to which heat is transferred from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature object, and is defined as a value determined by factors such as the object's shape, thickness, and material. From the perspective of the object's material, a high degree of heat transfer can indicate a high thermal conductivity. This thermal conductivity can be an inherent material property of the object. Even when the materials of the objects are the same, the degree of heat transfer can vary depending on the object's shape, etc.

[0136] Heat transferability can vary depending on the shape of the object. The heat transfer rate from point A to point B can be affected by the length of the path (hereinafter referred to as the "heat transfer path") that transfers heat from point A to point B. The longer the heat transfer path from point A to point B, the lower the heat transfer rate. Conversely, the shorter the heat transfer path from point A to point B, the higher the heat transfer rate.

[0137] Furthermore, the heat transfer rate from point A to point B can be affected by the thickness of the path along which heat is transferred from point A to point B. The thinner the path, the lower the heat transfer rate. Conversely, the thicker the path, the higher the heat transfer rate.

[0138] In this invention, the degree of cold transfer refers to the extent to which cold air is transferred from a low-temperature object to a high-temperature object, and is defined as a value determined by factors such as the object's shape, material, and thickness. The degree of cold transfer is a term defined taking into account the direction of the cold air flow, and can be understood as the same concept as heat transfer. The explanation of the concept being the same as heat transfer will be omitted.

[0139] In this invention, the degree of supercooling represents the extent to which a liquid is supercooled, and can be defined as a value determined by the material of the liquid, the material or shape of the container holding the liquid, and external influencing factors applied to the liquid during its solidification process. An increase in the frequency of supercooling can be understood as an increase in the degree of supercooling. A decrease in the temperature at which the liquid remains in a supercooled state can be understood as an increase in the degree of supercooling. Supercooling refers to a state in which the liquid exists in a liquid phase even at temperatures below its freezing point. The supercooled liquid is characterized by rapid solidification from the point when supercooling is relieved. When it is necessary to keep the rate of liquid solidification within a specified range, it is preferable to design the system to reduce supercooling.

[0140] In this invention, the degree of deformation resistance refers to the extent to which an object resists deformation caused by an external force applied to it, and is defined as a value determined by factors such as the object's shape, material, and thickness. As one example, the external force may include the pressure exerted on the tray assembly during the expansion of water inside the ice-making compartment as it freezes. As another example, the external force may include the pressure exerted on the ice or a portion of the tray assembly by a pusher used to separate the ice from the tray assembly. As yet another example, it may include the pressure exerted by the connection between the tray assemblies.

[0141] Furthermore, from the perspective of the material of an object, a high resistance to deformation can indicate high rigidity. Thermal conductivity can be an inherent material property of the object. Even when objects are made of the same material, their resistance to deformation can vary depending on the object's shape, etc. The resistance to deformation can be influenced by the deformation-resistant reinforcement extending in the direction in which the external force is applied. The greater the rigidity of the deformation-resistant reinforcement, the greater the resistance to deformation. The higher the height of the extended deformation-resistant reinforcement, the greater the resistance to deformation.

[0142] In this invention, the degree of restoration refers to the extent to which an object deformed by an external force returns to its original shape after the external force is removed and before an external force is applied. It is defined as a value determined by factors such as the object's thickness, its material, etc. As one example, the external force may include the pressure exerted on the tray assembly during the expansion of water inside the ice-making compartment as it freezes. As another example, the external force may include the pressure exerted on the ice or a portion of the tray assembly by a pusher used to separate the ice from the tray assembly. As yet another example, it may include the pressure exerted by the bonding force when the tray assemblies are joined together.

[0143] Furthermore, from the perspective of the material of an object, a high degree of resilience can indicate a high elastic modulus. The elastic modulus can be an inherent material property of the object. Even when objects are made of the same material, the degree of resilience can vary depending on the object's shape, etc. The degree of resilience can be influenced by an elastically reinforced portion extending in the direction in which the external force is applied. The greater the elastic modulus of the elastically reinforced portion, the greater the degree of resilience can be.

[0144] In this invention, the bonding force represents the degree of bonding between a plurality of tray assemblies, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the tray assembly, the material of the tray assembly, the magnitude of the force bonding the tray, etc.

[0145] In this invention, adhesion refers to the degree to which ice adheres to the container during the process of water in the container turning into ice. It is defined as a value determined by factors such as the shape of the container, the material of the container, and the time elapsed after the water in the container turns into ice.

[0146] The refrigerator of the present invention may include: a first tray assembly forming part of an ice-making compartment as a space where water phases into ice due to the cold flow; a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making compartment; a cooler for supplying cold flow to the ice-making compartment; a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making compartment; and a control unit. The refrigerator may further include a storage compartment in addition to the ice-making compartment. The storage compartment may include a space for storing food. The ice-making compartment may be disposed inside the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature inside the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a second temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making compartment. The second tray assembly may be connected to a drive unit, thereby being able to contact the first tray assembly during ice making and to be separated from the first tray assembly during ice removal. The refrigerator may further include a heater arranged adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0147] The control unit can control at least one of the heater and the drive unit. The control unit can control the second tray assembly to move to the ice-making position after the water supply to the ice-making compartment is complete, and then cause the cooler to supply cold air to the ice-making compartment. The control unit can control the second tray assembly to move in the forward direction to the ice-removing position and then in the reverse direction to remove the ice from the ice-making compartment after ice formation is complete. The control unit can control the second tray assembly to move in the reverse direction to the water supply position and then start water supply after the ice removal is complete.

[0148] The following explains the concept of transparent ice. Water contains dissolved air bubbles, and ice that solidifies while still containing these bubbles has low transparency due to their presence. Therefore, during the freezing process, if these air bubbles are induced to move from the first part of the ice-making chamber to other parts that have not yet frozen, the transparency of the ice can be improved.

[0149] The through-holes formed on the tray assembly can affect the formation of transparent ice. Through-holes that can be formed on one side of the tray assembly can also affect the formation of transparent ice. During ice formation, if the bubbles are induced to move from the first part of the ice-making chamber to the outside of the ice-making chamber, the transparency of the ice can be improved. To induce the bubbles to move to the outside of the ice-making chamber, through-holes can be provided on one side of the tray assembly. Since the density of the bubbles is lower than the density of the liquid, through-holes (hereinafter referred to as "air vents") that induce the bubbles to escape to the outside of the ice-making chamber can be provided on the upper part of the tray assembly.

[0150] The positions of the cooler and heater can affect the formation of clear ice. The positions of the cooler and heater can also affect the ice-making direction, which is the direction in which ice is formed inside the ice-making compartment.

[0151] During ice making, if induced bubbles move or trap from the area in the ice-making chamber where water is first frozen to other predetermined areas that are in the liquid phase, the transparency of the generated ice can be improved. The direction of bubble movement or trapping can be similar to the ice-making direction. The predetermined area can be a region in the ice-making chamber where it is desired that water be induced to freeze later.

[0152] The predetermined area can be the region where the cold air supplied by the cooler to the ice-making compartment arrives later. As an example, during ice making, to allow the bubbles to move towards or be trapped in the lower part of the ice-making compartment, the through-hole of the cooler supplying cold air to the ice-making compartment can be positioned closer to the upper part than the lower part of the ice-making compartment. As another example, the heat-absorbing part of the cooler (i.e., the refrigerant pipe of the evaporator or the heat-absorbing part of the thermoelectric element) can be positioned closer to the upper part than the lower part of the ice-making compartment. In this invention, the upper and lower parts of the ice-making compartment can be defined as the upper and lower regions based on the height of the ice-making compartment.

[0153] The predetermined area may be an area equipped with a heater. As an example, during the ice-making process, in order to move or capture air bubbles in the water towards the lower part of the ice-making compartment, the heater may be positioned closer to the lower part than the upper part of the ice-making compartment.

[0154] The predetermined area can be a region closer to the outer periphery of the ice-making compartment than the center of the compartment. However, the vicinity of the center is not excluded. When the predetermined area is near the center of the ice-making compartment, the user can easily observe opaque portions caused by air bubbles moving or trapping towards the center, which may remain until most of the ice melts. Furthermore, the heater is not easily positioned inside the ice-making compartment containing water. In contrast, when the predetermined area is located on or near the outer periphery of the ice-making compartment, water can be frozen from one side of the outer periphery to the other, thus solving the problem. The transparent ice heater can be positioned on or near the outer periphery of the ice-making compartment. The heater can also be positioned on or near the tray assembly.

[0155] The predetermined area can be located closer to the lower part of the ice-making compartment than the upper part. However, the upper part is not excluded. During the ice-making process, since the water phase, which has a density greater than ice, descends, it is preferable that the predetermined area be located in the lower part of the ice-making compartment.

[0156] At least one of the deformation resistance, resilience, and bonding force among the plurality of tray assemblies can affect the generation of transparent ice. At least one of the deformation resistance, resilience, and bonding force among the plurality of tray assemblies can affect the ice-making direction, which is the direction in which ice is generated inside the ice-making compartment. As previously mentioned, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment. As one example, the first and second regions may be part of a single tray assembly. As another example, the first region may be a first tray assembly, and the second region may be a second tray assembly.

[0157] To produce transparent ice, the refrigerator is preferably configured so that the direction of ice formation in the ice-making compartment is constant. This is because the more constant the ice-making direction, the more likely air bubbles in the water are to move or be trapped in a predetermined area within the ice-making compartment. To induce ice formation from one part of the tray assembly to another, the deformation resistance of that part is preferably greater than that of the other part. Ice tends to expand and grow towards the part with lower deformation resistance. Furthermore, when ice formation needs to be restarted after the formed ice has been removed, the deformed part must recover to repeatedly produce ice of the same shape. Therefore, it is advantageous for the part with lower deformation resistance to have greater resilience compared to the part with higher deformation resistance.

[0158] The tray's resistance to deformation under external forces may be less than that of the tray shell, or the tray's rigidity may be less than that of the tray shell. The tray assembly can be configured to reduce the deformation of the tray shell surrounding the tray while allowing the tray to deform under the external force. For example, the tray assembly can be configured such that the tray shell only surrounds at least a portion of the tray. In this case, during the expansion and freezing of water inside the ice-making compartment, when pressure is applied to the tray assembly, at least a portion of the tray can be allowed to deform, while the other portion of the tray is supported by the tray shell, limiting its deformation. Furthermore, when the external force is removed, the tray's resilience may be greater than that of the tray shell, or the tray's modulus of elasticity may be greater than that of the tray shell. Such structural elements can be configured to allow the deformed tray to easily recover.

[0159] The tray's resistance to deformation under external force can be greater than that of the refrigerator seal gasket, or the tray's rigidity can be greater than that of the seal gasket. If the tray's resistance to deformation is low, excessive deformation of the tray may occur as water in the ice-making compartment solidifies and expands. Such tray deformation can make it difficult to form ice of the desired shape. Furthermore, when the external force is removed, the tray's resilience may be less than that of the refrigerator seal gasket under the external force, or the tray's modulus of elasticity may be less than that of the seal gasket.

[0160] The deformation resistance of the tray shell to external forces may be less than that of the refrigerator shell to the same external forces, or the rigidity of the tray shell may be less than that of the refrigerator shell. Generally, the refrigerator shell may be formed of a metal material including steel. Furthermore, when the external force is removed, the resilience of the tray shell may be greater than that of the refrigerator shell to the same external forces, or the elastic modulus of the tray shell may be greater than that of the refrigerator shell.

[0161] The relationship between transparent ice and deformation resistance is as follows.

[0162] The deformation resistance of the second region along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment can be different. The deformation resistance of one of the second regions can be greater than that of the other. When configured as described above, this can help induce ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0163] Furthermore, the deformation resistance of the first and second regions, which are configured in contact with each other, can differ along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment. One of the second regions may have a higher deformation resistance than one of the first regions. When configured as described above, this can help induce ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region towards the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0164] In this case, water can expand in volume during the freezing process, exerting pressure on the tray assembly, which can induce ice formation in either the second region or the first region. Deformation resistance can be the degree to which it resists deformation caused by external forces. The external force can be the pressure exerted on the tray assembly by the water inside the ice-making compartment as it freezes and expands. The external force can be a force perpendicular to the pressure (Z-axis direction). The external force can also be a force acting from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0165] As an example, in the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making compartment towards its outer periphery, the thickness of one of the second regions may be greater than the thickness of the other of the second regions, or greater than the thickness of one of the first regions. One of the second regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray shell. The other of the second region may be a portion surrounded by the tray shell. One of the first regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray shell. One of the second regions may be the portion forming the uppermost end of the ice-making compartment in the second region. The second region may include the tray and the tray shell partially surrounding the tray. As described above, when at least a portion of the second region is constructed to be thicker than the other portions, the deformation resistance of the second region to external forces can be improved. The minimum thickness of one of the second regions may be greater than the minimum thickness of the other of the second regions, or greater than the minimum thickness of one of the first regions. The maximum thickness of one of the second regions may be greater than the maximum thickness of the other of the second regions, or greater than the maximum thickness of one of the first regions. In the case where a through hole is formed in the region, the minimum value refers to the minimum value in the remaining regions excluding the portion where the through hole is formed. The average thickness of one of the second regions may be greater than the average thickness of the other second region, or greater than the average thickness of one of the first regions. The uniformity of the thickness of one of the second regions may be less than the uniformity of the thickness of the other second region, or less than the uniformity of the thickness of one of the first regions.

[0166] As another example, one of the second regions may include a first surface forming part of the ice-making compartment and a deformation-resistant reinforcing portion extending from the first surface in a vertical direction away from another ice-making compartment formed in the second region. Alternatively, one of the second regions may include a first surface forming part of the ice-making compartment and a deformation-resistant reinforcing portion extending from the first surface in a vertical direction away from the ice-making compartment formed in the first region. As described above, when at least a portion of the second region includes the deformation-resistant reinforcing portion, the deformation resistance of the second region to external forces can be improved.

[0167] As another example, one of the second regions may also include a support surface connected to a fixed end of the refrigerator (e.g., a bracket, storage compartment wall, etc.) located in a direction away from the first direction and away from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region. As described above, when at least a portion of the second region includes a support surface connected to the fixed end, the deformation resistance of the second region to external forces can be improved.

[0168] As another example, the tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of an ice-making compartment and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion. At least a portion of the second portion may extend away from the ice-making compartment formed with respect to the first region. At least a portion of the second portion may include additional deformation-resistant reinforcement. At least a portion of the second portion may also include a support surface connected to the fixed end. As described above, when at least a portion of the second region further includes the second portion, it is advantageous to improve the deformation resistance of the second region to the external force. This is because additional deformation-resistant reinforcement is formed in the second portion, or the second portion can be further supported at the fixed end.

[0169] As another example, one of the second regions may include a first through-hole. When the first through-hole is formed as described above, ice that has solidified in the ice-making compartment of the second region expands to the outside of the ice-making compartment through the first through-hole, thus reducing the pressure applied to the second region. In particular, in the case of supplying excessive water to the ice-making compartment, the first through-hole can help reduce the deformation of the second region during the solidification of the water.

[0170] Additionally, one of the second regions may include a second through-hole for providing a path for the movement or escape of air bubbles contained in the water within the ice-making compartment of the second region. As described above, the formation of the second through-hole can improve the transparency of the frozen ice.

[0171] Additionally, a third through-hole can be formed in the second region to allow pressure to be applied by a through-type thruster. This is because, as the deformation resistance of the second region increases, a non-through-type thruster will find it difficult to remove ice by applying pressure to the surface of the tray assembly. The first, second, and third through-holes can overlap. Alternatively, the first, second, and third through-holes can be formed in a single through-hole.

[0172] Additionally, one of the second regions may include a mounting portion for arranging an ice transfer heater. This is because inducing ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region can mean that the ice is first formed in the second region. In this case, the time for ice to adhere to the second region may be longer, and an ice transfer heater may be needed to separate such ice from the second region. In the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making compartment toward the outer periphery of the ice-making compartment, the thickness of the portion in the second region where the ice transfer heater is mounted may be thinner than the thickness of the other portion of the second region. This is because the heat supplied by the ice transfer heater can increase the amount transferred to the ice-making compartment. The fixed end may be part of the wall forming the storage chamber or a bracket.

[0173] The relationship between the bonding force between the transparent ice and the tray assembly is as follows.

[0174] To induce ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region, it is preferable to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions, which are configured in contact with each other. When the pressure exerted on the tray assembly by the expansion of water during freezing exceeds the bonding force between the first and second regions, ice can be formed in the direction separating the first and second regions. Furthermore, it also has the advantage that when the pressure exerted on the tray assembly by the expansion of water during freezing is less than the bonding force between the first and second regions, ice can be induced to form toward the ice-making compartment in the region of the first and second regions with lower resistance to deformation.

[0175] There are various methods to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions. For example, the control unit can control the movement position of the drive unit to change in a first direction after water supply is complete, causing one of the first and second regions to move in the first direction, and then further change the movement position of the drive unit in the first direction to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions. For another example, by increasing the bonding force between the first and second regions, the deformation resistance or resilience of the first and second regions can be configured differently for the force transmitted from the drive unit, to reduce shape changes in the ice-making compartment due to expanding ice after the ice-making process begins (or after the heater is turned on). As yet another example, the first region may include a first surface facing the second region. The second region may include a second surface facing the first region. The first and second surfaces can be configured to be in contact with each other. The first and second surfaces can be configured to face each other. The first and second surfaces can be configured to be separate and joined. In this case, the areas of the first and second surfaces can be configured to be different from each other. When configured as described above, damage to the portions of the first and second regions that come into contact with each other can be reduced, while also increasing the bonding strength between the first and second regions. At the same time, it also has the advantage of reducing water leakage between the first and second regions.

[0176] The relationship between transparent ice and its degree of restoration is as follows.

[0177] The tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of an ice-making compartment and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion. The second portion is configured to deform due to the expansion of the generated ice and to recover its original shape after the ice is removed. The second portion may include a horizontal extension to improve resilience to vertical external forces on the expanding ice. The structure described above can help induce ice generation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0178] The degree of resilience of the first region along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment can vary. Furthermore, the degree of deformation resistance of the first region along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment can also vary. The degree of resilience of one of the first regions can be higher than that of the other. And the degree of deformation resistance of one can be lower than that of the other. Such a structure can help induce ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region towards the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0179] Furthermore, the resilience of the first and second regions, which are configured in contact with each other, along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment can differ. Also, the deformation resistance of the first and second regions along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment can differ. The resilience of one of the first regions can be higher than that of one of the second regions. Furthermore, the deformation resistance of one of the first regions can be lower than that of one of the second regions. This structure can help induce ice formation from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region towards the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0180] In this scenario, water can expand in volume during freezing, exerting pressure on the tray assembly and inducing ice formation in one of the first regions with lower deformation resistance or higher resilience. Resilience refers to the degree of recovery after the external force is removed. The external force can be the pressure exerted on the tray assembly by the water inside the ice-making compartment during freezing and expansion. The external force can be a force perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The external force can also be a force from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region.

[0181] As an example, in the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making compartment towards its outer periphery, the thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the thickness of one of the second regions. One of the first regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray shell. The other of the first region may be a portion surrounded by the tray shell. One of the second regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray shell. One of the first regions may be the portion of the first region forming the lowermost end of the ice-making compartment. The first region may include the tray and the tray shell that partially surrounds the tray.

[0182] The minimum thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the minimum thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the minimum thickness of one of the second regions. The maximum thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the maximum thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the maximum thickness of one of the second regions. In the case where a through-hole is formed in the region, the minimum value refers to the minimum value in the regions other than the portion where the through-hole is formed. The average thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the average thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the average thickness of one of the second regions. The uniformity of the thickness of one of the first regions may be greater than the uniformity of the thickness of the other of the first regions, or greater than the uniformity of the thickness of one of the second regions.

[0183] As another example, the shape of one of the first regions may differ from the shape of the other of the first regions, or from the shape of one of the second regions. The curvature of one of the first regions may differ from the curvature of the other of the first regions, or from the curvature of one of the second regions. The curvature of one of the first regions may be less than the curvature of the other of the first regions, or less than the curvature of one of the second regions. One of the first regions may include a flat surface. The other of the first region may include a curved surface. One of the second regions may include a curved surface. One of the first regions may include a shape concave in the direction opposite to the direction of ice expansion. One of the first regions may include a shape concave in the direction opposite to the direction in which the ice is induced to form. During the ice-making process, one of the first regions may deform in the direction of ice expansion or in the direction in which the ice is induced to form. During the ice-making process, in the amount of deformation from the center of the ice-making chamber towards the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making chamber, the amount of deformation of one of the first regions may be greater than the amount of deformation of the other of the first regions. During the ice-making process, in the amount of deformation from the center of the ice-making chamber towards the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making chamber, the amount of deformation of one of the first regions may be greater than the amount of deformation of one of the second regions.

[0184] As another example, to induce ice to form from the ice-making compartment formed in the second region toward the ice-making compartment formed in the first region, one of the first regions may include a first surface forming part of the ice-making compartment and a second surface extending from the first surface and supporting another surface of the first region. The first region may be configured not to be directly supported by any other component besides the second surface. The other component may be a fixed end of the refrigerator.

[0185] Additionally, one of the first regions can be formed with a pressure surface that allows the non-through-type propeller to apply pressure. This is because when the deformation resistance of the first region decreases or its resilience increases, it reduces the difficulty for the non-through-type propeller to remove ice by applying pressure to the surface of the tray assembly.

[0186] The ice-making speed, which is the rate at which ice is formed inside the ice-making compartment, can affect the transparency of the formed ice. Factors affecting the ice-making speed can include the amount of cooling and / or heating supplied to the ice-making compartment. The amount of cooling and / or heating can affect the transparency of the ice.

[0187] During the formation of the transparent ice, the greater the ice-making speed compared to the speed at which bubbles move or clump together within the ice-making chamber, the lower the transparency of the ice. Conversely, when the ice-making speed is less than the speed at which bubbles move or clump together, the transparency of the ice can be higher; however, a lower ice-making speed will result in an excessively long time required to form transparent ice. Furthermore, the more uniform the ice-making speed, the more uniform the transparency of the ice.

[0188] To maintain a uniform ice-making speed within a specified range, it is sufficient to ensure a uniform supply of cold and heat to the ice-making compartment. However, under actual refrigerator operating conditions, changes in cold flow may occur, necessitating a corresponding adjustment to the heat supply. Examples include situations where the storage compartment temperature reaches the desired level, the storage compartment's cooler is defrosting, or the storage compartment door is open. Furthermore, if the amount of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment varies, supplying the same amount of cold and heat per unit height may result in inconsistent transparency per unit height.

[0189] To solve this problem, the control unit can control the heating amount of the transparent ice heater to increase when the amount of heat transfer between the cooling air used for cooling the ice-making compartment and the water in the ice-making compartment increases, and to decrease the heating amount of the transparent ice heater when the amount of heat transfer between the cooling air used for cooling the ice-making compartment and the water in the ice-making compartment decreases, so that the ice-making speed of the water inside the ice-making compartment can be kept below a specified range when ice making is performed with the heater off.

[0190] The control unit can adjust the supply of either the cold flow from the cooler or the heat flow from the heater based on the mass of water per unit height within the ice-making compartment. In this case, transparent ice can be provided in a way that adapts to changes in the shape of the ice-making compartment.

[0191] The refrigerator further includes a sensor that measures the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment, and the control unit can control the refrigerator to change one or more of the cold flow supply of the cooler and the heat flow supply of the heater based on the information input from the sensor.

[0192] The refrigerator includes a storage unit that records preset drive information for the cooler based on information about the mass of the ice-making compartment per unit height, and a control unit that can control the cooler to change the cold flow supply based on the information.

[0193] The refrigerator includes a storage unit that records preset heater driving information based on information about the mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment. A control unit can control the refrigerator to change the heat supply of the heater based on the information. As an example, the control unit can control the refrigerator to change at least one of the cold supply of the cooler and the heat supply of the heater at preset times based on information about the mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment. The time can be the time the cooler is driven or the time the heater is driven for ice production. As another example, the control unit can control the refrigerator to change at least one of the cold supply of the cooler and the heat supply of the heater at a preset temperature based on information about the mass per unit height of the ice-making compartment. The temperature can be the temperature of the ice-making compartment or the temperature of the tray assembly forming the ice-making compartment.

[0194] Furthermore, if the sensor measuring the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment malfunctions, or if insufficient or excessive water is supplied to the ice-making compartment, the shape of the water used for ice making will change, potentially reducing the transparency of the resulting ice. To address this problem, a method for precisely controlling the amount of water supplied to the ice-making compartment is needed. Additionally, to reduce water leakage from the ice-making compartment at the water supply or ice-making points, the tray assembly can include a leakage-reducing structure. Furthermore, it is necessary to increase the bonding force between the first and second tray assemblies forming the ice-making compartment to minimize shape changes in the ice-making compartment due to ice expansion during ice formation. Moreover, the precise water supply method, the leakage-reducing structure of the tray assembly, and the increased bonding force between the first and second tray assemblies are also necessary to generate ice that approximates the shape of the tray.

[0195] The degree of subcooling of the water inside the ice-making compartment can affect the formation of transparent ice. The degree of subcooling of the water can affect the transparency of the resulting ice.

[0196] To produce transparent ice, the design preferably minimizes the degree of supercooling, thereby maintaining the temperature inside the ice-making chamber within a specified range. This is because the supercooled liquid has the characteristic of rapidly freezing from the moment the supercooling is removed. In this case, the transparency of the ice may be reduced.

[0197] The refrigerator's control unit can be configured to activate an overcooling relief unit to reduce the degree of supercooling of the liquid when, during the process of solidifying the liquid, the time required for the liquid to reach a specific temperature below the solidification point after reaching its freezing point is less than a reference value. This can be understood as follows: the more overcooling occurs without causing solidification after reaching the freezing point, the faster the liquid's temperature cools below the freezing point.

[0198] The supercooling relief unit, as one example, may include an electric spark generating unit. When the spark is supplied to the liquid, the supercooling of the liquid can be reduced. The supercooling relief unit, as another example, may include a drive unit that applies an external force to the liquid to move it. The drive unit can move the container in at least one of the X, Y, and Z axes, or rotate it around at least one of the X, Y, and Z axes. When kinetic energy is supplied to the liquid, the supercooling of the liquid can be reduced. The supercooling relief unit, as yet another example, may include a unit that supplies the liquid to the container. The refrigerator's control unit can control the supply of a second volume of liquid, larger than the first volume, to the container after a predetermined time has elapsed or the liquid's temperature reaches a predetermined temperature below its freezing point, following the supply of a first volume of liquid smaller than the container's volume. As described above, when liquid is supplied to the container separately, the first supplied liquid can be frozen and act as an ice nucleus, thereby reducing the supercooling of the subsequently supplied liquid.

[0199] The higher the heat transfer rate of the container holding the liquid, the higher the degree of supercooling of the liquid can be. The lower the heat transfer rate of the container holding the liquid, the lower the degree of supercooling of the liquid can be.

[0200] The structure and method of heating the ice-making compartment, including the heat transfer properties of the tray assembly, can affect the production of clear ice. As previously described, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment. As one example, the first and second regions may be part of a single tray assembly. As another example, the first region may be a first tray assembly, and the second region may be a second tray assembly.

[0201] The cold flow supplied by the cooler to the ice-making compartment and the heat flow supplied by the heater to the ice-making compartment have opposite properties. To increase ice-making speed and / or improve ice transparency, the design of the structure and control of the cooler and the heater, the relationship between the cooler and the tray assembly, and the relationship between the heater and the tray assembly may be crucial.

[0202] For a predetermined amount of cooling capacity supplied by the cooler and a predetermined amount of heat supplied by the heater, in order to increase the ice-making speed and / or increase the transparency of the ice, the heater is preferably configured to locally heat the ice-making compartment. The less heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making compartment is transferred to areas other than the area where the heater is located, the higher the ice-making speed can be. The more intensely the heater heats only a portion of the ice-making compartment, the more likely air bubbles are to move or be trapped in areas of the ice-making compartment adjacent to the heater, thereby improving the transparency of the generated ice.

[0203] When the heater supplies a large amount of heat to the ice-making chamber, air bubbles in the water can move towards or be trapped in the area receiving the heat, thereby increasing the transparency of the generated ice. However, when heat is supplied uniformly to the outer periphery of the ice-making chamber, the ice-making rate may decrease. Therefore, the more locally the heater heats a portion of the ice-making chamber, the more transparent the generated ice will be, and the reduction in ice-making rate will be minimized.

[0204] The heater can be configured to contact one side of the tray assembly. The heater can be positioned between the tray and the tray housing. Conductive heat transfer can facilitate localized heating of the ice-making compartment.

[0205] At least a portion of the side of the heater that is not in contact with the tray can be sealed with a heat-insulating element. This structure reduces the transfer of heat supplied by the heater towards the storage chamber.

[0206] The tray assembly can be configured such that the heat transfer from the heater toward the center of the ice-making compartment is greater than the heat transfer from the heater toward the circumference of the ice-making compartment.

[0207] The heat transfer rate of the tray from the center of the ice-making compartment towards the center of the tray can be greater than the heat transfer rate from the tray shell towards the storage compartment, or the thermal conductivity of the tray can be greater than the thermal conductivity of the tray shell. This structure can induce an increase in the heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making compartment via the tray. Furthermore, it can reduce the heat transfer from the heater to the storage compartment via the tray shell.

[0208] The heat transfer of the tray from the center of the ice-making compartment towards the center of the tray may be less than the heat transfer of the refrigerator casing (for example, the inner or outer casing) from the outside towards the storage compartment, or the thermal conductivity of the tray may be less than the thermal conductivity of the refrigerator casing. This is because the higher the heat transfer or thermal conductivity of the tray, the higher the degree of subcooling of the water contained in the tray may be. The higher the degree of subcooling of the water, the faster the water may freeze when the subcooling is relieved. In this case, problems such as uneven or reduced transparency of the ice will occur. Generally, the refrigerator casing can be formed of metal materials including steel.

[0209] The heat transfer rate of the tray shell from the storage compartment towards the tray housing can be greater than the heat transfer rate of the insulation wall from the external space of the refrigerator towards the storage compartment, or the thermal conductivity of the tray shell can be greater than the thermal conductivity of the insulation wall (for example, the insulation between the inner and outer shells of the refrigerator). Here, the insulation wall can refer to the insulation wall that divides the external space and the storage compartment. This is because when the heat transfer rate of the tray shell is the same as or greater than that of the insulation wall, the cooling rate of the ice-making compartment will be excessively reduced.

[0210] The heat transfer intensity of the first region along the outer peripheral surface can be configured differently. Alternatively, the heat transfer intensity of one of the first regions can be lower than that of the other. Such a structure can help reduce the heat transfer intensity transmitted through the tray assembly from the first region to the second region along the outer peripheral surface.

[0211] Furthermore, the heat transfer rates of the first and second regions, configured to contact each other, along the outer peripheral surface can be different. The heat transfer rate of one of the first regions can be lower than that of one of the second regions. This structure helps reduce the heat transfer rate from the first region to the second region via the tray assembly. Alternatively, it can help reduce the transfer of heat from the heater to one of the first regions to the ice-making compartment formed in the second region. The less heat transferred to the second region, the more locally the heater can heat one of the first regions. This structure reduces the decrease in ice-making speed due to heating by the heater. In yet another way, air bubbles can be moved or trapped within the area locally heated by the heater, thereby increasing the transparency of the ice. The heater can be a transparent ice heater.

[0212] As an example, the length of the heat transfer path from the first region to the second region can be greater than the length along the outer peripheral surface from the first region to the second region. As another example, in the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making compartment to the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment, the thickness of one of the first regions can be thinner than the thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the thickness of one of the second regions. One of the first regions can be a portion not surrounded by the tray shell. The other of the first region can be a portion surrounded by the tray shell. One of the second regions can be a portion surrounded by the tray shell. One of the first regions can be the portion of the first region forming the lowermost end of the ice-making compartment. The first region can include the tray and the tray shell that partially surrounds the tray.

[0213] As described above, when the thickness of the first region is formed relatively thinly, heat transfer towards the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making chamber is reduced, while heat transfer towards the center of the ice-making chamber is increased. Therefore, the ice-making chamber formed in the first region can be locally heated.

[0214] The minimum thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the minimum thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the minimum thickness of one of the second regions. The maximum thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the maximum thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the maximum thickness of one of the second regions. In the case where a through-hole is formed in the region, the minimum value refers to the minimum value in the regions other than the portion where the through-hole is formed. The average thickness of one of the first regions may be thinner than the average thickness of the other of the first regions, or thinner than the average thickness of one of the second regions. The uniformity of the thickness of one of the first regions may be greater than the uniformity of the thickness of the other of the first regions, or greater than the uniformity of the thickness of one of the second regions.

[0215] As another example, the tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a portion of an ice-making compartment and a second portion extending from a predetermined location of the first portion. The first area may be disposed in the first portion. The second area may be configured in an additional tray assembly that can contact the first portion. At least a portion of the second portion may extend away from the ice-making compartment formed for the second area. In this case, the transfer of heat from the heater to the first area to the second area can be reduced.

[0216] The structure and method of the cooling ice-making compartment, including the cold transfer rate of the tray assembly, can affect the production of clear ice. As previously described, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment. As one example, the first and second regions may be part of a single tray assembly. As another example, the first region may be a first tray assembly, and the second region may be a second tray assembly.

[0217] To increase the ice-making speed and / or ice transparency of the refrigerator, given the predetermined cooling capacity supplied by the cooler and the predetermined heat supplied by the heater, it is preferable to configure the cooler to more concentratedly cool a portion of the ice-making compartment. The greater the cold flow supplied by the cooler to the ice-making compartment, the higher the ice-making speed can be. However, the more uniformly the cold flow is supplied to the outer perimeter of the ice-making compartment, the lower the transparency of the resulting ice may be. Therefore, the more concentratedly the cooler cools a portion of the ice-making compartment, the more likely air bubbles are to move or be trapped in other areas of the ice-making compartment, thereby improving the transparency of the resulting ice and minimizing any reduction in ice-making speed.

[0218] To enable the cooler to more concentratedly cool a portion of the ice-making compartment, the cooler can be configured such that the amount of cold flow supplied to the second region is different from the amount of cold flow supplied to the first region. Specifically, the cooler can be configured such that the amount of cold flow supplied to the second region is greater than the amount of cold flow supplied to the first region.

[0219] As an example, the second region can be made of a metal material with high cold transferability, while the first region can be made of a material with lower cold transferability than metal.

[0220] As another example, to increase the cold transfer rate from the storage chamber to the center of the ice-making compartment via the tray assembly, the cold transfer rate of the second region in the center direction can be configured differently. The cold transfer rate of one of the second regions can be greater than that of the other. A through-hole can be formed in one of the second regions. At least a portion of the heat-absorbing surface of the cooler can be disposed in the through-hole. A channel for the cold air supplied to the cooler can be disposed in the through-hole. The first region can be a portion not surrounded by the tray housing. The second region can be a portion surrounded by the tray housing. The first region can be the portion forming the uppermost end of the ice-making compartment in the second region. The second region can include a tray and a tray housing that partially surrounds the tray. As described above, when a portion of the tray assembly is configured to have a large cold transfer rate, overcooling may occur in the tray assembly with the large cold transfer rate. As previously mentioned, a design to reduce overcooling may be required.

[0221] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates specific embodiments of the refrigerator of the present invention.

[0222] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0223] Reference Figure 1 A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a cabinet 14 including a storage compartment; and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment. The storage compartment may include a refrigerator compartment 18 and a freezer compartment 32. The refrigerator compartment 18 is disposed on the upper side, and the freezer compartment 32 is disposed on the lower side, so that each storage compartment can be opened and closed individually using its respective door. As another example, the freezer compartment may be arranged on the upper side and the refrigerator compartment on the lower side. Alternatively, the freezer compartment may be arranged on one side of the left and right sides, and the refrigerator compartment on the other side.

[0224] The upper and lower spaces of the freezer compartment 32 can be separated from each other, and a drawer 40 that can be accessed from the lower space can be provided in the lower space.

[0225] The doors may include a plurality of doors 10, 20, and 30 for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 18 and the freezer compartment 32. The plurality of doors 10, 20, and 30 may include some or all of doors 10 and 20 that open and close the storage compartments in a rotating manner and doors 30 that open and close the storage compartments in a sliding manner. Even if the freezer compartment 32 can be opened and closed using a single door 30, it can be configured to be divided into two spaces. In this embodiment, the freezer compartment 32 may be referred to as the first storage compartment, and the refrigerator compartment 18 as the second storage compartment.

[0226] An ice maker 200 capable of making ice can be provided in the freezer compartment 32. The ice maker 200 can, for example, be located in the upper space of the freezer compartment 32. An ice storage container 600 can be disposed below the ice maker 200, where ice generated by the ice maker 200 falls and is stored. The user can remove the ice storage container 600 from the freezer compartment 32 and use the ice stored in it. The ice storage container 600 can be placed on the upper side of the horizontal wall dividing the upper and lower spaces of the freezer compartment 32. Although not shown, a pipe (not shown) for supplying cold air to the ice maker 200 is provided in the housing 14. The pipe guides the cold air, after heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator, toward the ice maker 200. For example, the pipe is located at the rear of the housing 14 and can expel cold air toward the front of the housing 14. The ice maker 200 may be located in front of the pipe. Although not limited, the outlet of the pipe may be located on one or more of the rear and upper side walls of the freezing chamber 32.

[0227] The above description uses the case where the ice maker 200 is installed in the freezer compartment 32 as an example. However, the space in which the ice maker 200 may be located is not limited to the freezer compartment 32; the ice maker 200 may be located in various spaces that can be supplied with cold air. Therefore, the following description uses the case where the ice maker 200 is located in the storage compartment as an example.

[0228] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front view of the ice maker. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A 3D view of the ice maker with the central support removed. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0229] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The various structural components of the ice maker 200 are disposed inside or outside the bracket 220, and the ice maker 200 can constitute a component.

[0230] The ice maker 200 may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly. The first tray assembly may include a first tray 320, or a first tray housing, or both the first tray 320 and the second tray housing. The second tray assembly may include a second tray 380, or a second tray housing, or both the second tray 380 and the second tray housing. The bracket 220 may define at least a portion of the space accommodating the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0231] The bracket 220, as an example, can be installed on the upper side wall of the freezer compartment 32. A water supply section 240 can be provided on the bracket 220. The water supply section 240 can guide water supplied from the upper side to the lower side. A water supply pipe (not shown) can be provided on the upper side of the water supply section 240.

[0232] The water supplied to the water supply unit 240 can move downwards. The water supply unit 240 prevents water from falling from a high position from the water supply pipe, thereby preventing water splashing. The water supply unit 240 is positioned lower than the water supply pipe, so water is guided downwards instead of splashing onto the water supply unit 240. The lower height reduces the amount of water splashing even as the water moves downwards.

[0233] The ice maker 200 may include an ice-making compartment (see reference) that serves as a space for water to change phase into ice due to the cooling of air. Figure 49 (320a). The first tray 320 may form at least a portion of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second tray 380 may form another portion of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second tray 380 may be configured to move relative to the first tray 320. The second tray 380 may move linearly or rotate. The following description uses the case of the second tray 380 rotating as an example.

[0234] As an example, during the ice-making process, the second tray 380 moves relative to the first tray 320, thereby bringing the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 into contact. When the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 are in contact, the complete ice-making compartment 320a can be defined. On the other hand, during the ice removal process after ice making, the second tray 380 moves relative to the first tray 320, thereby separating the second tray 380 from the first tray 320. In this embodiment, the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 can be arranged vertically when forming the ice-making compartment 320a. Therefore, the first tray 320 can be referred to as the upper tray, and the second tray 380 as the lower tray.

[0235] A plurality of ice-making compartments 320a can be defined by the first tray 320 and the second tray 380. The following figures illustrate, as an example, a case in which three ice-making compartments 320a are formed.

[0236] When water is supplied to the ice-making chamber 320a and then cooled by cold air, ice with the same or similar shape as the ice-making chamber 320a can be generated. In this embodiment, the ice-making chamber 320a can be formed into a spherical shape or a shape similar to a spherical shape. Of course, the ice-making chamber 320a can also be formed into a cube shape or a polygonal shape.

[0237] The first tray housing, as an example, may include a first tray support 340 and a first tray cover 300. The first tray support 340 and the first tray cover 300 may be integrally formed or manufactured as separate structural elements and then combined. As an example, at least a portion of the first tray cover 300 may be located on the upper side of the first tray 320. At least a portion of the first tray support 340 may be located on the lower side of the first tray 320. The first tray cover 300 may be manufactured as a separate item from and combined with the bracket 220, or integrally formed with the bracket 220. That is, the first tray housing may include the bracket 220.

[0238] The ice maker 200 may further include a first heater housing 280. An ice-moving heater (see reference) may be provided in the first heater housing 280. Figure 42 (290). The heater housing 280 may be integrally formed with or separately from the first tray cover 300.

[0239] The ice transfer heater 290 can be positioned adjacent to the first tray 320. For example, the ice transfer heater 290 can be a wire-type heater. Alternatively, the ice transfer heater 290 can be positioned in contact with the first tray 320 or at a predetermined distance from it. In either case, the ice transfer heater 290 supplies heat to the first tray 320, and the heat supplied to the first tray 320 can be transferred to the ice-making compartment 320a. The first tray cover 300 can be formed corresponding to the shape of the ice-making compartment 320a of the first tray 320, thereby contacting the underside of the first tray 320.

[0240] The ice maker 200 may include a first pusher 260 for separating ice during ice removal. The first pusher 260 may receive power from the drive unit 480, described later. A guide slot 302 for guiding the movement of the first pusher 260 may be provided on the first tray cover 300. The guide slot 302 may be located on an upwardly extending portion of the first tray cover 300. A guide connection portion of the first pusher 260, described later, can be inserted into the guide slot 302. Thus, the guide connection portion can be guided along the guide slot 302.

[0241] The first pusher 260 may include at least one push bar 264. As an example, the first pusher 260 may include the same number of push bars 264 as the number of ice-making compartments 320a, but the invention is not limited thereto. The push bar 264 can push away ice located in the ice-making compartments 320a during ice removal. As an example, the push bar 264 may pass through the first tray cover 300 and be inserted into the ice-making compartments 320a. Therefore, the first tray cover 300 may be provided with an opening 304 (or through hole) for a portion of the first pusher 260 to pass through.

[0242] The first pusher 260 can be coupled to the pusher link 500. In this case, the first pusher 260 can be rotatably coupled to the pusher link 500. Therefore, when the pusher link 500 moves, the first pusher 260 can also move along the guide slot 302.

[0243] The second tray housing, as an example, may include a second tray cover 360 and a second tray support 400. The second tray cover 360 and the second tray support 400 may be integrally formed or manufactured as separate structural elements and then combined. As an example, at least a portion of the second tray cover 360 may be located on the upper side of the second tray 380. At least a portion of the second tray support 400 may be located on the lower side of the second tray 380. The second tray support 400 may support the second tray 380 from the lower side.

[0244] As an example, at least a portion of the wall of the second tray 380 forming the second compartment 381a can be supported by the second tray support 400. A spring 402 can be connected to one side of the second tray support 400. The spring 402 can provide a spring force to the second tray support 400, thereby keeping the second tray 380 in contact with the first tray 320.

[0245] The second tray 380 may include a peripheral wall 387. In a state where the second tray 380 contacts the first tray 320, the peripheral wall 387 surrounds a part of the first tray 320. The second tray cover 360 may surround at least a part of the peripheral wall 387.

[0246] The ice maker 200 may further include a second heater housing 420. A transparent ice heater 430 described later may be provided in the second heater housing 420. The second heater housing 420 may be integrally formed with the second tray support 400, or may be separately formed and then combined with the second tray support 400.

[0247] The ice maker 200 may further include a driving part 480 that provides driving force. The second tray 380 may receive the driving force of the driving part 480 and move relative to the first tray 320. The first pusher 260 may receive the driving force of the driving part 480 and move. A through hole 282 may be formed in an extension part 281 extending downward on one side of the first tray cover 300. A through hole 404 may be formed in an extension part 403 extending on one side of the second tray support 400. At least a part of the through hole 404 may be located higher than a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice compartment 320a.

[0248] The ice maker 200 may further include a shaft 440 (or a rotating shaft) that penetrates through the through holes 282 and 404 together. Rotating arms 460 may be provided at both ends of the shaft 440 respectively. The shaft 440 may receive a rotational force from the driving part 480 and rotate. One end of the rotating arm 460 is connected to one end of the spring 402. Thus, when the spring 402 is stretched, its restoring force can be used to move the position of the rotating arm 460 to the initial position.

[0249] The driving part 480 may include a motor and a plurality of gears. A full ice sensing rod 520 may be connected to the driving part 480. Using the rotational force provided by the driving part 480, the full ice sensing rod 520 may also rotate.

[0250] The full ice sensing rod 520 may have an overall "匚" shape. As an example, the full ice sensing rod 520 may include: a first rod 521; a pair of second rods 522 extending from both ends of the first rod 521 in a direction intersecting the first rod 521. One of the pair of second rods 522 may be coupled to the driving part 480, and the other may be coupled to the bracket 220 or the first tray cover 300. The full ice sensing rod 520 may sense the ice stored in the ice reservoir 600 during rotation.

[0251] The drive unit 480 may also include a cam that receives rotational power from the motor to rotate. The ice maker 200 may also include a sensor that senses the rotation of the cam. For example, if a magnet is provided on the cam, the sensor may be a Hall sensor used to sense the magnetism of the magnet during the rotation of the cam. Depending on whether the magnet is sensed by the sensor, the sensor may output a first signal and a second signal that are different from each other. One of the first signal and the second signal may be a high signal and the other signal may be a low signal. The control unit 800, described later, may determine the position of the second tray 380 (or the second tray assembly) based on the type and pattern of the signal output from the sensor. That is, since the second tray 380 and the cam are rotated by the motor, the position of the second tray 380 may be indirectly determined based on the sensing signal of the magnet provided on the cam. For example, the water supply position, ice-making position, and ice-moving position, described later, may be distinguished and determined based on the signal output from the sensor.

[0252] The ice maker 200 may also include a second pusher 540. The second pusher 540 may, for example, be disposed on the bracket 220. The second pusher 540 may include at least one push rod 544. For example, the second pusher 540 may include push rods 544 arranged in the same number as the number of ice-making compartments 320a, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0253] The push rod 544 can push ice located in the ice-making compartment 320a. As an example, the push rod 544 can pass through the second tray support 400 and contact the second tray 380 forming the ice-making compartment 320a, and can apply pressure to the contacted second tray 380. The first tray cover 300 is also rotatably coupled to the second tray support 400 and the shaft 440, thereby changing its angle about the shaft 440.

[0254] In this embodiment, the second tray 380 can be formed of a non-metallic material. For example, the second tray 380 can be formed of a flexible or soft material whose shape can be deformed when pressed by the second pusher 540. Although not limited, the second tray 380 can, for example, be formed of silicon. Therefore, during the process of the second pusher 540 pressing the second tray 380, the second tray 380 deforms and can transfer the pressure of the second pusher 540 to the ice. Under the pressure of the second pusher 540, the ice and the second tray 380 can separate.

[0255] When the second tray 380 is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or soft material, the bonding or adhesion force between the ice and the second tray 380 can be reduced, thereby allowing the ice to be easily separated from the second tray 380. Furthermore, when the second tray 380 is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or soft material, after the shape of the second tray 380 is deformed due to the second pusher 540, the second tray 380 can easily return to its original shape when the pressure applied by the second pusher 540 is removed.

[0256] As another example, the first tray 320 may also be formed of a metal material. In this case, since the first tray 320 has a strong bonding or adhesion to the ice, the ice maker 200 of this embodiment may include more than one of the ice transfer heater 290 and the first pusher 260. As yet another example, the first tray 320 may be formed of a non-metallic material. When the first tray 320 is formed of a non-metallic material, the ice maker 200 may include only one of the ice transfer heater 290 and the first pusher 260. Alternatively, the ice maker 200 may not include the ice transfer heater 290 and the first pusher 260. Although not limited, the first tray 320 may, as an example, be formed of a silicon material. That is, the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be formed of the same material.

[0257] When the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 are made of the same material, in order to maintain the sealing performance at the contact points of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380, the hardness of the first tray 320 and the hardness of the second tray 380 may be different.

[0258] In this embodiment, since the second tray 380 is deformed by the pressure of the second pusher 540, the hardness of the second tray 380 can be lower than that of the first tray 320 in order to make the shape of the second tray 380 easier to deform.

[0259] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0260] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bracket 220 can be fixed to at least one side of the storage chamber, or to a cover member fixed to the storage chamber (described later).

[0261] The bracket 220 may include a first wall 221 having a through hole 221a. At least a portion of the first wall 221 may extend horizontally. The first wall 221 may include a first fixing wall 221b for fixing to one side of the storage chamber or the cover member. At least a portion of the first fixing wall 221b may extend horizontally. The first fixing wall 221b may also be referred to as a horizontal fixing wall. One or more fixing protrusions 221c may be provided in the first fixing wall 221b. For secure fixing of the bracket 220, a plurality of fixing protrusions 221c may be provided in the first fixing wall 221b. The first wall 221 may also include a second fixing wall 221e for fixing to one side of the storage chamber or the cover member. At least a portion of the second fixing wall 221e may extend vertically. The second fixing wall 221e may also be referred to as a vertical fixing wall. As an example, the second fixing wall 221e may extend upward from the first fixing wall 221b. The second fixed wall 221e may include a fixing rib 221e1 and / or a hook 221e2. In this embodiment, the first wall 221 may include one or more of the first fixed wall 221b and the second fixed wall 221e for fixing the bracket 220. The first wall 221 may be formed as a plurality of walls having a stepped shape in the vertical direction. As an example, the plurality of walls may be arranged in a horizontal direction with a height difference, and the plurality of walls may be connected by vertical connecting walls. The first wall 221 may also include a support wall 221d for supporting the first tray assembly. At least a portion of the support wall 221d may extend horizontally. The support wall 221d may be located at the same height as or at a different height from the first fixed wall 221b. Figure 6 The example shown is a case where the support wall 221d is located at a lower position than the first fixed wall 221b.

[0262] The bracket 220 may further include a second wall 222 having a through hole 222a for passing through which cold air generated by the cooling unit passes. The second wall 222 may extend from the first wall 221. At least a portion of the second wall 222 may extend in a vertical direction. At least a portion of the through hole 222a may be located at a higher position than the support wall 221d. Figure 6 The example shown is a case where the lowermost end of the through hole 222a is located at a position higher than the support wall 221d.

[0263] The bracket 220 may further include a third wall 223 for arranging the drive unit 480. The third wall 223 may extend from the first wall 221. At least a portion of the third wall 223 may extend vertically. At least a portion of the third wall 223 may be configured to face the second wall 222 while being spaced apart from it. The ice-making compartment (see reference) may be arranged between the second wall 222 and the second wall 223. Figure 49 At least a portion of 320a). The drive unit 480 may be disposed between the second wall 222 and the third wall 223, on the third wall 223. Alternatively, the drive unit 480 may be disposed on the third wall 223, such that the third wall 223 is located between the second wall 222 and the drive unit 480. In this case, a shaft hole 223a may be formed in the third wall 223 for the shaft of the motor constituting the drive unit 480 to pass through. Figure 7 The diagram shows the case where a shaft hole 223a is formed in the third wall 223.

[0264] The bracket 220 may further include a fourth wall 224 for fixing the second pusher 540. The fourth wall 224 may extend from the first wall 221. The fourth wall 224 may connect the second wall 222 and the third wall 223. The fourth wall 224 may be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal and vertical lines. As an example, the fourth wall 224 may be inclined in a direction that moves from the upper side to the lower side away from the shaft hole 223a. The fourth wall 224 may be provided with a mounting groove 224a for mounting the second pusher 540. The mounting groove 224a may be formed with a fastening hole 224b through which a fastening member for fastening to the second pusher 540 passes.

[0265] With the second pusher 540 fixed to the fourth wall 224, the second tray 380 and the second pusher 540 can come into contact during the rotation of the second tray assembly. During the pressure exerted by the second pusher 540 on the second tray 380, ice can separate from the second tray 380. When the second pusher 540 presses on the second tray 380, the ice also presses on the second pusher 540 before it separates from the second tray 380. The force exerted on the second pusher 540 can be transmitted to the fourth wall 224. Since the fourth wall 224 is formed as a thin plate, a strength-reinforcing member 224c can be provided on the fourth wall 224 to prevent deformation or damage. As an example, the strength-reinforcing member 224c may include ribs arranged in a lattice pattern. That is, the strength-reinforcing member 224c may include: a first rib extending along a first direction; and a second rib extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction. In this embodiment, two or more of the first wall 221 to the fourth wall 224 can be defined as spaces for arranging the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0266] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the first tray from above. Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the first tray from below. Figure 10 This is a top view of the first tray. Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view taken along line 11-11.

[0267] Reference Figures 8 to 10 The first tray 320 may define a first compartment 321a as part of the ice-making compartment 320a. The first tray 320 may include a first tray wall 321 forming part of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0268] The first tray 320, as an example, can define a plurality of first compartments 321a. The plurality of first compartments 321a, as an example, can be arranged in a row. Figure 9 Based on this, the plurality of first compartments 321a can be arranged along the X-axis direction. As an example, the first tray wall 321 can define the plurality of first compartments 321a.

[0269] The first tray wall 321 may include: a plurality of first compartment walls 3211 for forming each of the plurality of first compartments 321a; and a connecting wall 3212 connecting the plurality of first compartment walls 3211. The first tray wall 321 may be a wall extending in a vertical direction. The first tray 320 may include an opening 324. The opening 324 may communicate with the first compartment 321a. The opening 324 may allow cold air to be supplied to the first compartment 321a. The opening 324 may also allow water for ice production to be supplied to the first compartment 321a. The opening 324 may provide a passage for a portion of the first pusher 260 to pass through. As an example, during ice transfer, a portion of the first pusher 260 may be introduced into the ice-making compartment 320a through the opening 324. The first tray 320 may include a plurality of openings 324 corresponding to the plurality of first compartments 321a. One of the plurality of openings 324, 324a, can provide a passage for cold air, a passage for water, and a passage for the first thruster 260. During the ice-making process, air bubbles can escape through said opening 324.

[0270] The first tray 320 may include a housing accommodating portion 321b. The housing accommodating portion 321b may, for example, be formed by a downward recess of a portion of the first tray wall 321. At least a portion of the housing accommodating portion 321b may be configured to surround the opening 324. The bottom surface of the housing accommodating portion 321b may be located at a lower position than the opening 324.

[0271] The first tray 320 may also include an auxiliary storage chamber 325 communicating with the ice-making compartment 320a. The auxiliary storage chamber 325, for example, can store water overflowing from the ice-making compartment 320a. Ice that expands during the phase change of the supplied water can be located in the auxiliary storage chamber 325. That is, the expanded ice can be located in the auxiliary storage chamber 325 through the opening 304. The auxiliary storage chamber 325 may be formed by a storage chamber wall 325a. The storage chamber wall 325a can extend upwards from the periphery of the opening 324. The storage chamber wall 325a can be formed in a cylindrical shape or in a polygonal shape. Essentially, the first pusher 260 can pass through the opening 324 after passing through the storage chamber wall 325a. The storage chamber wall 325a not only forms the auxiliary storage chamber 325, but also reduces the deformation around the opening 324 during ice transfer. When the first tray 320 defines a plurality of first compartments 321a, at least one 325b of the plurality of storage chamber walls 325a can support the water supply section 240. The storage chamber wall 325b supporting the water supply section 240 can be formed in a polygonal shape. As an example, the storage chamber wall 325b can include an arcuate portion with curvature in the horizontal direction and a plurality of straight portions. As an example, the storage chamber wall 325b can include: an arcuate wall 325b1; a pair of straight walls 325b2, 325b3 extending parallel to both ends of the arcuate wall 325b; and a connecting wall 325b4 connecting the pair of straight walls 325b2, 325b3. The connecting wall 325b4 can be an arcuate wall or a straight wall. The upper end of the connecting wall 325b4 can be located at a lower position than the upper ends of the other walls 325b1, 325b2, 325b3. The connecting wall 325b4 can support the water supply unit 240. The opening 324a corresponding to the storage chamber wall 325b supporting the water supply unit 240 can also be formed in the same shape as the storage chamber wall 325b.

[0272] The first tray 320 may also include a heater receiving portion 321c. The heater receiving portion 321c may house an ice transfer heater 290. The ice transfer heater 290 may contact the bottom surface of the heater receiving portion 321c. The heater receiving portion 321c may, for example, be disposed on the first tray wall 321. The heater receiving portion 321c may be recessed downwards from the housing receiving portion 321b. The heater receiving portion 321c may be configured to surround the periphery of the first compartment 321a. For example, at least a portion of the heater receiving portion 321c may be curved in the horizontal direction. The bottom surface of the heater receiving portion 321c may be located lower than the opening 324.

[0273] The first tray 320 may include a first contact surface 322c that contacts the second tray 380. The bottom surface of the heater receiving portion 321c may be located between the opening 324 and the first contact surface 322c. The heater receiving portion 321c may be configured such that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the ice-making compartment 320a (or the first compartment 321a) in the vertical direction.

[0274] The first tray 320 may also include a first extension wall 327 extending horizontally from the first tray wall 321. As an example, the first extension wall 327 may extend horizontally from the upper periphery of its upper end. One or more first fastening holes 327a may be provided in the first extension wall 327. Although not limited, a plurality of first fastening holes 327a may be arranged along one or more axes, the X-axis and the Y-axis. The upper end of the storage chamber wall 325b may be located at the same height as or higher than the upper surface of the first extension wall 327.

[0275] Reference Figure 10 The first extension wall 327 may include a first border line 327b and a second border line 327c spaced apart in the Y direction from the center line C1 (or, the vertical center line) of the ice-making compartment 320a relative to the Z-axis. In this specification, regardless of the axial direction, the "center line" is a line passing through the volume center of the ice-making compartment 320a or the center of weight of the water or ice within the ice-making compartment 320a. The first border line 327b and the second border line 327c may be parallel. The distance L1 from the center line C1 to the first border line 327b is longer than the distance L2 from the center line C1 to the first border line 327b.

[0276] The first extension wall 327 may include a third border line 327d and a fourth border line 327e, spaced apart from the ice-making compartment 320a relative to the center line C1 in the X direction. The third border line 327d and the fourth border line 327e may be parallel. The lengths of the third border line 327d and the fourth border line 327e may be shorter than the lengths of the first border line 327b and the second border line 327c.

[0277] The length of the first tray 320 in the X-axis direction can be called the length of the first tray, the length of the first tray 320 in the Y-axis direction can be called the width of the first tray, and the length of the first tray 320 in the Z-axis direction can be called the height of the first tray.

[0278] In this embodiment, the XY axis cutting plane can be a horizontal plane.

[0279] When the first tray 320 includes a plurality of first compartments 321a, the length of the first tray 320 may become longer, but since the width of the first tray 320 can be shorter than the length of the first tray 320, the volume of the first tray 320 can be prevented from becoming larger.

[0280] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A bottom view of the first tray. Figure 13 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view taken along line 13-13. Figure 14 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view taken along line 14-14.

[0281] Reference Figures 11 to 14 The first tray 320 may include a first portion 322 for forming part of the ice-making compartment 320a. As an example, the first portion 322 may be part of the first tray wall 321. The first portion 322 may include a first compartment surface 322b (or outer peripheral surface) for forming the first compartment 321a. The first compartment 321 may be divided into: a first region configured close to the transparent ice heater 430 in the Z-axis direction; and a second region configured away from the transparent ice heater 430.

[0282] The first region may include the first contact surface 322c, and the second region may include the opening 324. The first portion 322 may be defined as... Figure 11 The area between the two dashed lines. The first portion 322 may include the opening 324. Furthermore, the first portion 322 may include the heater receiving portion 321c. In terms of deformation resistance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a in the circumferential direction, at least a portion of the upper part of the first portion 322 has a greater deformation resistance than at least a portion of the lower part of the first portion 322. Regarding the deformation resistance, at least a portion of the upper part of the first portion 322 is greater than the lowermost end of the first portion 322. The upper and lower portions of the first portion 322 can be distinguished based on the extension direction of the center line C1. The lowermost end of the first portion 322 is the first contact surface 322c that contacts the second tray 380.

[0283] The first tray 320 may further include a second portion 323 extending from a predetermined location of the first portion 322. The predetermined location of the first portion 322 may be one end of the first portion 322. Alternatively, the predetermined location of the first portion 322 may be a location of the first contact surface 322c. A portion of the second portion 323 may be formed by the first tray wall 321, and another portion may be formed by the first extension wall 327. At least a portion of the second portion 323 may extend in a direction away from the transparent ice heater 430. At least a portion of the second portion 323 may extend upward from the first contact surface 322c. At least a portion of the second portion 323 may extend in a direction away from the centerline C1. As an example, the second portion 323 may extend in two directions along the Y-axis from the centerline C1. The second portion 323 may be located at a position higher than or equal to the uppermost end of the ice-making compartment 320a. The uppermost end of the ice-making compartment 320a is the portion where the opening 324 is formed.

[0284] The second portion 323 may include a first extension 323a and a second extension 323b extending in different directions relative to the center line C1. The first tray wall 321 may include: the first portion 322; and a portion of the second extension 323b in the second portion 323. The first extension wall 327 may include: another portion of the first extension 323a and the second extension 323b.

[0285] by Figure 11 Based on the center line C1, the first extension 323a can be located to the left of the center line C1, and the second extension 323b can be located to the right of the center line C1.

[0286] The shapes of the first extension 323a and the second extension 323b can be different with reference to the center line C1. The first extension 323a and the second extension 323b can be formed in an asymmetrical shape with reference to the center line C1. The length of the second extension 323b in the Y-axis direction can be longer than the length of the first extension 323a. Therefore, during the ice-making process, ice is generated and grows from the top, while simultaneously increasing the deformation resistance of the second extension 323b side. The first extension 323a can be located closer than the second extension 323a to the edge portion opposite to the portion of the second wall 222 or third wall 223 of the bracket 220 that connects to the fourth wall 224.

[0287] The second extension 323b can be located closer to the axis 440 that provides the rotation center of the second tray assembly than the first extension 323a. In this embodiment, the length of the second extension 323b in the Y-axis direction is greater than the length of the first extension 323a. Therefore, the rotation radius of the second tray assembly, which has a second tray 380 in contact with the first tray 320, will also increase. If the rotation radius of the second tray assembly increases, the centrifugal force of the second tray assembly increases. As a result, during the ice removal process, the ice removal force for separating ice from the second tray assembly can be increased, thereby improving the ice separation performance.

[0288] Reference Figures 11 to 14 The thickness of the first tray wall 321 is minimum on the side of the first contact surface 322c. At least a portion of the first tray wall 321 increases in thickness as it moves upward from the first contact surface 322c.

[0289] Figure 13 The image shows the thickness of the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the first height H1. Figure 14 The thickness of the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the second height H2 is shown.

[0290] The thicknesses t2 and t3 of the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the first height H1 can be greater than the thickness t1 of the first contact surface 322c. The thicknesses t2 and t3 of the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the first height H1 can be non-constant in the circumferential direction. The first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the first height H1 additionally includes a portion of the second portion 323; therefore, with the center line C1 as a reference, the thickness t3 of the portion where the second extension 323b is located can be greater than the thickness t2 of the opposite side of the second extension 323b. The thicknesses t4 and t5 of the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the second height H2 can be greater than the thicknesses t2 and t3 of the first tray wall 321 from the first tray wall 321 to the first height H1. The thicknesses t4 and t5 of the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the second height H2 may not be constant in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the second height H2 includes a portion of the second portion 323. Therefore, with reference to the center line C1, the thickness t5 of the portion where the second extension 323b is located may be greater than the thickness t4 of the opposite side of the second extension 323b.

[0291] Based on the XY-axis cross-section of the first tray wall 321, at least a portion of the curvature of the outer line is not 0, and its curvature is variable. In this embodiment, a line with a curvature of 0 is represented as a straight line, while a line with a curvature greater than 0 is represented as a curve.

[0292] Reference Figure 12 In the first tray wall 321, the curvature of the periphery of the outer edge of the first contact surface 322c can be constant. That is, the change in curvature of the periphery of the outer edge of the first tray wall 321 on the first contact surface 322c can be 0.

[0293] Reference Figure 13 The curvature change of at least a portion of the outer edge of the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the first height H1 can be greater than 0. That is, the curvature of at least a portion of the outer edge of the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the first height H1 can vary in the circumferential direction. As an example, the curvature of the outer edge 323b1 of the second portion 323 from the first contact surface 322c to the first height H1 can be greater than the curvature of the outer edge of the first portion 322.

[0294] Reference Figure 14 The curvature change of the outer edge of the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the second height H2 can be greater than 0. That is, the curvature of the outer edge of the first tray wall 321 from the first contact surface 322c to the second height H2 can change in the circumferential direction. As an example, the curvature of the outer edge 323b2 of the second portion 323 from the first contact surface 322c to the second height H2 can be greater than the curvature of the outer edge of the first portion 322. At least a portion of the curvature of the outer edge 323b2 of the second portion 323 from the first contact surface 322c to the second height H2 can be greater than at least a portion of the curvature of the outer edge 323b1 of the second portion 323 from the first contact surface 322c to the first height H1.

[0295] Reference Figure 11 On the YZ-axis section plane with the center line C1 as the reference, the curvature of the outer line 322e on the side of the first extension 323a on the first portion 322 can be 0. On the YZ-axis section plane with the center line C1 as the reference, the curvature of the outer line 323d of the second extension 323b in the second portion 323 can be greater than 0. As an example, the outer line 323d of the second extension 323b can take the axis 440 as the center of curvature.

[0296] Figure 15 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view taken along line 15-15.

[0297] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 15 The first tray 320 may further include a sensor housing 321e, which houses a second temperature sensor 700 (or a tray temperature sensor). The second temperature sensor 700 can sense the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making compartment 320a. The second temperature sensor 700 is disposed adjacent to the first tray 320 and senses the temperature of the first tray 320, thereby indirectly sensing the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making compartment 320a. In this embodiment, the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making compartment 320a can be referred to as the internal temperature of the ice-making compartment 320a. The sensor housing 321e can be formed by recessing downward from the housing housing 321b. In this case, with the second temperature sensor 700 housed in the sensor housing 321e, in order to prevent the second temperature sensor 700 from interfering with the ice-moving heater 290, the bottom surface of the sensor housing 321e can be located at a lower position than the bottom surface of the heater housing 321c. The bottom surface of the sensor housing 321e can be closer to the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 than the bottom surface of the heater housing 321c. The sensor housing 321e can be located between two adjacent ice-making compartments 320a. For example, the sensor housing 321e can be located between two adjacent first compartments 321a. When the sensor housing 321e is located between two ice-making compartments 320a, the second temperature sensor 700 can be easily installed without increasing the volume of the second tray 250. Furthermore, when the sensor housing 321e is located between two ice-making compartments 320a, it will be affected by the temperatures of at least two ice-making compartments 320a, thereby allowing the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor to be as close as possible to the actual internal temperature of the ice-making compartments 320a.

[0298] Reference Figure 10The sensor receiving portion 321e can be disposed between two adjacent first compartments 321a of the three first compartments 321a arranged along the X-axis direction. Among the three first compartments 321a, the sensor receiving portion 321e can be disposed between the right first compartment and the central first compartment. In this case, to ensure sufficient space for the sensor receiving portion 321e between the right first compartment and the central first compartment, the distance D2 between the right first compartment and the central first compartment on the first contact surface 322c side can be greater than the distance D1 between the central first compartment and the left first compartment. To improve the uniformity of the ice-making direction among the plurality of ice-making compartments 320a, a plurality of connecting walls 3212 can be provided. As an example, the connecting wall 3212 may include a first connecting wall 3212a and a second connecting wall 3212b. The second connecting wall 3212b may be located further away from the through hole 222a of the bracket 220 than the first connecting wall 3212a. The first connecting wall 3212a may include: a first region; and a second region with a cross-sectional thickness greater than the first region. Ice can be generated from the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first region toward the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the second region. The second connecting wall 3212b may include: a first region; and a second region having a sensor receiving portion 321e for configuring the second temperature sensor 700.

[0299] Figure 16 This is a 3D view of the first tray lid. Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower part of the first tray cover. Figure 18 This is a top view of the first tray cover. Figure 19 This is a side view of the first tray housing.

[0300] Reference Figures 16 to 19 The first tray cover 300 may include an upper plate 301 that contacts the first tray 320.

[0301] The lower surface of the upper plate 301 can contact and engage with the upper side of the first tray 320. For example, the upper plate 301 can contact one or more of the upper surfaces of the first portion 322 and the second portion 323 of the first tray 320. An opening 304 (or a through hole) may be formed in the upper plate 301. The opening 304 may include a straight portion and a curved portion.

[0302] Water can be supplied to the first tray 320 from the water supply section 240 through the plate opening 304. Furthermore, the extension 264 of the first propeller 260 can pass through the plate opening 304 and separate ice from the first tray 320. Additionally, cold air can pass through the plate opening 304 and contact the first tray 320. In the upper plate 301, a first housing joint portion 301b extending upwards can be formed on the straight portion side of the plate opening 304. The first housing joint portion 301b can be joined with the first heater housing 280.

[0303] The first tray cover 300 may further include a peripheral wall 303 extending upward from the edge of the upper plate 301. The peripheral wall 303 may include two pairs of walls facing each other. As an example, one pair of walls may be arranged spaced apart in the X-axis direction, and the other pair of walls may be arranged spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

[0304] exist Figure 12 The peripheral wall 303, which is separated from the ground surface in the Y-axis direction, may include an upwardly extending extension wall 302e. The extension wall 302e may extend upwardly from the upper surface of the peripheral wall 303.

[0305] The first tray cover 300 may include a pair of guide slots 302 for guiding the movement of the first thruster 260. A portion of the guide slot 302 may be formed in the extension wall 302e, and another portion may be formed in a peripheral wall 303 located below the extension wall 302e. The lower portion of the guide slot 302 may be formed in the peripheral wall 303.

[0306] The guide slot 302 can be along Figure 16 It extends along the Z-axis. The guide slot 302 allows the first thruster 260 to be inserted and moved. Furthermore, the first thruster 260 can move up and down along the guide slot 302.

[0307] The guide slot 302 may include: a first slot 302a extending vertically relative to the upper plate 301; and a second slot 302b extending from the upper end of the first slot 302a at a predetermined angle. Alternatively, the guide slot 302 may consist only of the first slot 302a extending vertically. The lower end 302d of the first slot 302a may be located lower than the upper end of the peripheral wall 303. Furthermore, the upper end 302c of the first slot 302a may be located higher than the upper end of the peripheral wall 303. The portion bending from the first slot 302a to the second slot 302b may be formed at a position higher than the peripheral wall 303. The length of the first slot 302a may be longer than the length of the second slot 302b. The second slot 302b may be bent toward the horizontal extension 305. As the first thruster 260 moves upward along the guide slot 302, during the portion of its movement along the second slot 302b, the first thruster 260 rotates or tilts at a predetermined angle.

[0308] When the first pusher 260 rotates, the push rod 264 of the first pusher 260 rotates, thereby moving the push rod 264 to a position vertically above and separated from the opening 324 of the first tray 320. As the first pusher 260 moves along the bent and extended second slot 302b, the end of the push rod 264 can be kept separate from the water supplied during water supply and thus solves the problem that the push rod 264 cannot be inserted into the opening 324 of the first tray 320 because the water is cooled at the end of the push rod 264.

[0309] The first tray cover 300 may include a plurality of fastening portions 301a for engaging with the first tray 320 and the first tray support 340 described later (see reference). Figure 20 The plurality of fastening portions 301a may be formed on the upper plate 301. The plurality of fastening portions 301a may be spaced apart in the X-axis and / or Y-axis directions. The fastening portions 301a may protrude upward from the upper surface of the upper plate 301. As an example, a portion of the plurality of fastening portions 301a may be connected to the peripheral wall 303.

[0310] The fastening part 301a can be used to secure the first tray 320 by incorporating a fastening member. For example, the fastening member fastened to the fastening part 301a can be a screw. The fastening member can pass through the lower surface of the first tray support 340, through the fastening hole 341a of the first tray support 340 and the first fastening hole 327a of the first tray 320, and be incorporated into the fastening part 301a.

[0311] exist Figure 16One of the peripheral walls 303 separated from the ground in the Y-axis direction may have a horizontal extension 305, which extends horizontally outward from the peripheral wall 303. The horizontal extension 305 can extend from the peripheral wall 303 in a direction away from the plate opening 304, and thus be supported by the support wall 221d of the bracket 220. Another peripheral wall 303 separated from the ground in the Y-axis direction may be provided with a plurality of vertical fastening portions 303a for engaging with the bracket 220. The vertical fastening portions 303a can engage with the first wall 221 of the bracket 220. The vertical fastening portions 303a can be arranged spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0312] The upper plate 301 may be provided with a downwardly projecting lower protrusion 306. The lower protrusion 306 may extend along the length of the upper plate 301 and may be located around the periphery of another peripheral wall 303 spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, a step 306a may be formed in the lower protrusion 306. The step 306a may be formed between a pair of extensions 281 described later. With this structure, interference between the second tray 380 and the first tray cover 300 can be avoided during the rotation of the second tray 380.

[0313] The first tray cover 300 may further include a plurality of hooks 307 attached to the first wall 221 of the bracket 220. The hooks 307 may, for example, be provided on the horizontal protrusion 306. The plurality of hooks 307 may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the plurality of hooks 307 may be located between the pair of extensions 281. The hooks 307 may include: a first portion 307a extending horizontally from the peripheral wall 303 in a direction opposite to the upper plate 301; and a second portion 307b extending vertically downward from the end of the first portion 307a.

[0314] The first tray cover 300 may further include a pair of extensions 281 coupled to the shaft 440. The pair of extensions 281 may, for example, extend downward from the lower protrusion 306. The pair of extensions 281 may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction. Each extension 281 may include a through hole 282 through which the shaft 440 passes.

[0315] The first tray cover 300 may further include an upper wire guide 310 for guiding wires connected to the ice heater 290 described later. The upper wire guide 310 may, for example, extend upwards from the upper plate 301. The upper wire guide 310 may include a first guide 312 and a second guide 314 disposed separately. For example, the first guide 312 and the second guide 314 may extend vertically upwards from the upper plate 310.

[0316] The first guide 312 may include: a first portion 312a extending along the Y-axis from one side of the plate opening 304; a second portion 312b extending from the first portion 312a after bending; and a third portion 312c extending along the X-axis after bending from the second portion 312b. The third portion 312c may be connected to a peripheral wall 303. A first protrusion 313 for preventing the wire from escaping may be formed at the upper end of the second portion 312b.

[0317] The second guide 314 may include: a first extension 314a, configured to face the second portion 312b of the first guide 312; and a second extension 314b, extending from the first extension 314a by bending, configured to face the third portion 312c. The second portion 312b of the first guide 312 and the first extension 314a of the second guide 314, the third portion 312c of the first guide 312 and the second extension 314b of the second guide 314 may be parallel to each other. A second protrusion 315 for preventing the wire from escaping may be formed at the upper end of the first extension 314a.

[0318] Corresponding to the first protrusion 313 and the second protrusion 315, wire guide slots 313a and 315a may be formed on the upper plate 310, and a portion of the wire is introduced into the wire guide slots 313a and 315a, thereby preventing the wire from escaping.

[0319] Figure 20 This is a top view of the first tray support.

[0320] Reference Figure 20The first tray support 340 can be combined with the first tray cover 300 and support the first tray 320. Specifically, the first tray support 340 includes: a horizontal portion 341 that contacts the lower surface of the upper end of the first tray 320; and an insertion opening 342 at the center of the horizontal portion 341 for the lower part of the first tray 320 to be inserted. The horizontal portion 341 may have a size corresponding to the upper plate 301 of the first tray cover 300. Furthermore, the horizontal portion 341 may be provided with a plurality of fastening holes 341a that engage with the fastening portion 301a of the first tray cover 300. The plurality of fastening holes 341a may correspond to the fastening portion 301a of the first tray cover 300. Figure 16 They are spaced apart in the X-axis and / or Y-axis directions.

[0321] When the first tray cover 300, the first tray 320, and the first tray support 340 are combined, the upper plate 301 of the first tray cover 300, the first extension wall 327 of the first tray 320, and the horizontal portion 341 of the first tray support 340 can sequentially contact each other. Specifically, the lower surface of the upper plate 301 of the first tray cover 300 and the upper surface of the first extension wall 327 of the first tray 320 can contact each other, and the lower surface of the first extension wall 327 of the first tray 320 and the upper surface of the horizontal portion 341 of the first tray support 340 are in contact.

[0322] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the second tray of an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 22 This is a three-dimensional view of the second tray from below. Figure 23 This is a bottom view of the second tray. Figure 24 This is a top view of the second tray.

[0323] Reference Figures 21 to 24 The second tray 380 can define a second compartment 381a as another part of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second tray 380 may include a second tray wall 381 forming part of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second tray 380 can, as an example, define a plurality of second compartments 381a. The plurality of second compartments 381a can, as an example, be arranged in a row. Figure 24 Based on this, the plurality of second compartments 381a can be arranged along the X-axis direction. As an example, the second tray wall 381 can define the plurality of second compartments 381a. The third tray wall 381 may include: a plurality of second compartment walls 3811 for forming each of the plurality of second compartments 381a. Two adjacent second compartment walls 3811 can be connected to each other.

[0324] The second tray 380 may include a peripheral wall 387 extending along the upper periphery of the second tray wall 381. As an example, the peripheral wall 387 may be integrally formed with the second tray wall 381 and extend from the upper end of the second tray wall 381. Alternatively, the peripheral wall 387 may be formed separately from the second tray wall 381 and located around the upper periphery of the second tray wall 381. In this case, the peripheral wall 387 may contact the second tray wall 381 or be spaced apart from the third tray wall 381. In either case, the peripheral wall 387 may surround at least a portion of the first tray 320. Assuming the second tray 380 includes the peripheral wall 387, the second tray 380 may surround the first tray 320. If the second tray 380 and the peripheral wall 387 are formed separately, the peripheral wall 387 may be integrally formed with or attached to the second tray housing. As an example, a second tray wall may define a plurality of second compartments 381a, and a continuous peripheral wall 387 may surround the periphery of the first tray 250.

[0325] The peripheral wall 387 may include: a first extended wall 387b extending horizontally; and a second extended wall 387c extending vertically. The first extended wall 387b may be provided with one or more second fastening holes 387a for fastening with the second tray housing. The plurality of second fastening holes 387a may be arranged along one or more axes, namely the X-axis and the Y-axis. The second tray 380 may include: a second contact surface 382c contacting the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320. The first contact surface 322c and the second contact surface 382c may be horizontal surfaces. The first contact surface 322c and the second contact surface 382c may be formed in a ring shape. When the ice-making compartment 320a is spherical, the first contact surface 322c and the second contact surface 382c may be formed in a circular ring shape.

[0326] Figure 25 It is along Figure 21 A sectional view taken along line 25-25. Figure 26 It is along Figure 21 A sectional view taken along line 26-26. Figure 27 It is along Figure 21 A sectional view taken along line 27-27. Figure 28 It is along Figure 24 A sectional view taken along line 28-28. Figure 29 It is along Figure 21 A sectional view taken along line 29-29.

[0327] Figure 25The YZ section plane passing through the center line C1 is shown in the figure.

[0328] Reference Figures 25 to 29 The second tray 380 may include a first portion 382 that defines at least a portion of the ice-making compartment 320a. The first portion 382 may, for example, be part or all of the second tray wall 381.

[0329] In this specification, to distinguish it from the first portion 382 of the second tray 380 in terms of terminology, the first portion 322 of the first tray 320 may also be referred to as the third portion. Furthermore, to distinguish it from the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 in terms of terminology, the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 may also be referred to as the fourth portion.

[0330] The first portion 382 may include a second compartment surface 382b (or an outer peripheral surface) forming the second compartment 381a in the ice-making compartment 320a. The first portion 382 may be defined as... Figure 29 The area between the two dashed lines. The uppermost part of the first portion 382 is the second contact surface 382c that contacts the first tray 320.

[0331] The second tray 380 may further include a second portion 383. The second portion 383 reduces the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater 430 to the second tray 380 to the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray 320. That is, the second portion 383 serves to move the heat conduction path away from the first compartment 321a. The second portion 383 may be part or all of the peripheral wall 387. The second portion 383 may extend from a predetermined location of the first portion 382. The following description uses the case where the second portion 383 is connected to the first portion 382 as an example. The predetermined location of the first portion 382 may be one end of the first portion 382. Alternatively, the predetermined location of the first portion 382 may be a location of the second contact surface 382c. The second portion 383 may include one end in contact with the predetermined location of the first portion 382 and another end that is not in contact. The other end of the second portion 383 may be located further away from the first compartment 321a than one end of the second portion 383.

[0332] At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend in a direction away from the first compartment 321a. At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend in a direction away from the second compartment 381a. At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend upward from the second contact surface 382c. At least a portion of the second portion 383 may extend horizontally in a direction away from the centerline C1. The center of curvature of at least a portion of the second portion 383 may coincide with the center of rotation of the shaft 440 connected to and rotating in the drive unit 480.

[0333] The second portion 383 may include a first segment 384a extending from a location of the first portion 382. The second portion 383 may also include a second segment 384b extending in the same direction as the first segment 384a. Alternatively, the second portion 383 may also include a third segment 384c extending in a direction different from the first segment 384a. Alternatively, the second portion 383 may also include a second segment 384b and a third segment 384c branching from the first segment 384a. As an example, the first segment 384a may extend horizontally from the first portion 382. A portion of the first segment 384a may be located at a position higher than the second contact surface 382c. That is, the first segment 384a may include a horizontally extended segment and a vertically extended segment. The first segment 384a may also include a portion extending vertically from the predetermined location. As an example, the length of the third segment 384c may be longer than the length of the second segment 384b.

[0334] The extension direction of at least a portion of the first segment 384a may be the same as the extension direction of the second segment 384b. The extension directions of the second segment 384b and the third segment 384c may be different. The extension direction of the third segment 384c may be different from the extension direction of the first segment 384a. The third segment 384a may have a constant curvature based on the YZ section plane. That is, the third segment 384a may have the same radius of curvature in the length direction. The curvature of the second segment 384b may be 0. If the second segment 384b is not a straight line, the curvature of the second segment 384b may be less than the curvature of the third segment 384a. The radius of curvature of the second segment 384b may be greater than the radius of curvature of the third segment 384a.

[0335] At least a portion of the second portion 383 may be located at the same position as or higher than the uppermost end of the ice-making compartment 320a. In this case, the heat conduction path formed by the second portion 383 is longer, thereby reducing heat transfer to the ice-making compartment 320a. The length of the second portion 383 may be greater than the radius of the ice-making compartment 320a. The second portion 383 may extend to a location higher than the rotation center C4 of the shaft 440. As an example, the second portion 383 may extend to a location higher than the uppermost end of the shaft 440.

[0336] To reduce the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater 430 to the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray 320, the second portion 383 may include: a first extension 383a extending from a first location of the first portion 382; and a second extension 383b extending from a second location of the first portion 382. As an example, the first extension 383a and the second extension 383b may extend in different directions relative to each other, with reference to the centerline C1.

[0337] by Figure 25 Based on the center line C1, the first extension 383a can be located on the left side, and the second extension 383b can be located on the right side, also based on the center line C1. The first extension 383a and the second extension 383b can be formed in different shapes based on the center line C1. The first extension 383a and the second extension 383b can be formed in an asymmetrical shape based on the center line C1. The length (horizontal length) of the second extension 383b in the Y-axis direction can be longer than the length (horizontal length) of the first extension 383a. The first extension 383a can be located closer than the second extension 383b to the edge portion on the opposite side of the portion connecting the fourth wall 224 in the second wall 222 or the third wall 223 of the bracket 220. The second extension 383b can be located closer than the first extension 383a to the axis 440 providing the rotation center of the second tray assembly.

[0338] In this embodiment, the length of the second extension 383b in the Y-axis direction can be longer than the length of the first extension 383a. In this case, the heat conduction path can be increased while reducing the width of the bracket 220 compared to the space for mounting the ice maker 200. When the length of the second extension 383b in the Y-axis direction is longer than the length of the first extension 383a, the radius of rotation of the second tray assembly, which is provided with the second tray 380 in contact with the first tray 320, will increase. When the radius of rotation of the second tray assembly increases, the centrifugal force of the second tray assembly will increase, thereby increasing the ice-removing force for separating ice from the second tray assembly during ice removal, and thus improving ice removal performance. The center of curvature of at least a portion of the second extension 383b can be the axis 440 connected to the drive unit 480 and rotating as the center of curvature.

[0339] Based on the YZ section plane passing through the center line C1, the distance between the upper part of the first extension 383a and the upper part of the second extension 383b can be greater than the distance between the lower part of the first extension 383a and the lower part of the second extension 383b. As an example, the distance between the first extension 383a and the second extension 383b can increase towards the upper side.

[0340] The first extension 383a and the third extension 383b may respectively include the first segment 384a to the third segment 384c.

[0341] Alternatively, the third segment 384c can also be described as including a first extension 383a and a second extension 383b extending in different directions relative to the center line C1.

[0342] At least a portion of the curvature of the XY section plane of the second extension 383b can be greater than 0, and its curvature can vary. The curvature of the first horizontal region 386a, including the point where the first extended line C2 in the Y-axis direction passing through the center line C1 intersects with the second extension 383b, can be different from the curvature of the second horizontal region 386b in the third segment 383b, which is separated from the first horizontal region 386a. For example, the curvature of the first horizontal region 386a can be greater than the curvature of the second horizontal region 386b. In the third segment 383b, the curvature of the first horizontal region 386a can be the maximum.

[0343] The curvature of the third horizontal region 386c, including the point where the second extended line C3 along the X-axis passing through the center line C1 intersects with the third segment 384c, may differ from the curvature of the second horizontal region 386b separated from the third segment 384c. The curvature of the second horizontal region 386b may be greater than the curvature of the third horizontal region 386c. Within the third segment 383b, the curvature of the third horizontal region 386c may be the smallest.

[0344] The second extension 383b may include an inner line 383b1 and an outer line 383b2. Using the XY section plane as a reference, the curvature of the inner line 383b1 may be greater than 0. The curvature of the outer line 383b2 may be greater than or equal to 0.

[0345] The second extension 383b can be divided into an upper part and a lower part in the height direction. Using the XY section plane as a reference, the curvature change of the inner line 383b1 of the upper part of the second extension 383b can be greater than 0. The curvature change of the inner line 383b1 of the lower part of the second extension 383b can be greater than 0. The maximum curvature change of the inner line 383b1 of the upper part of the second extension 383b can be greater than the maximum curvature change of the inner line 383b1 of the lower part of the second extension 383b. Using the XY section plane as a reference, the curvature change of the outer line 383b2 of the upper part of the second extension 383b can be greater than 0. The curvature change of the outer line 383b2 of the lower part of the second extension 383b can be greater than 0. The minimum curvature change of the outermost line 383b2 of the upper portion of the second extension 383b can be greater than the minimum curvature change of the outermost line 383b2 of the lower portion of the second extension 383b. The outermost line of the lower portion of the second extension 383b may include a straight section 383b3. The third segment 384c may include a plurality of first extensions 383a and a plurality of second extensions 383b corresponding to a plurality of ice-making compartments 320a.

[0346] The third segment 384c may include a first connecting portion 385a for connecting two adjacent first extensions 383a. The third segment 384c may include a second connecting portion 385b for connecting two adjacent second extensions 383b. In this embodiment, when the ice maker includes three ice-making compartments 320a, the third segment 384c may include two first connecting portions 385a.

[0347] As described above, corresponding to the formation of the sensor housing 321e, the widths (lengths in the X-axis direction) W1 of the two first connecting portions 385a can be different from each other. For example, the second connecting portion 385b may include an inner line 385b1 and an outer line 385b2. In this embodiment, when the ice maker includes three ice-making compartments 320a, the third segment 384c may include two second connecting portions 385b.

[0348] As described above, corresponding to the formation of the sensor housing 321e, the widths (lengths in the X-axis direction) W2 of the two second connecting portions 385b can be different from each other. In this case, the width of the second connecting portion 385b positioned closer to the second temperature sensor 700 can be greater than the width of the remaining second connecting portions 385b. The width W1 of the first connecting portion 385a can be greater than the width W3 of the connecting portions of the two adjacent ice-making compartments 320a. The width W2 of the second connecting portion 385b can be greater than the width W3 of the connecting portions of the two adjacent ice-making compartments 320a.

[0349] The radius of the first portion 382 in the Y-axis direction can be changed. The first portion 382 may include a first region 382d (see reference). Figure 25 The ice-making compartment 320a consists of region A and region 382e. The curvature of at least a portion of the first region 382d may differ from the curvature of at least a portion of the second region 382e. The first region 382d may include the lowermost end of the ice-making compartment 320a. The diameter of the second region 382e may be larger than the diameter of the first region 382d. The first region 382d and the second region 382e may be distinguishable in the vertical direction.

[0350] The transparent ice heater 430 can contact the first region 382d. The first region 382d may include a heater contact surface 382g for contacting the transparent ice heater 430. As an example, the heater contact surface 382g may be a horizontal surface. The heater contact surface 382g may be located at a position higher than the lowermost end of the first portion 382.

[0351] The second region 382e may include the second contact surface 382c. The first region 382d may include a shape that is concave from the ice-making chamber 320a in a direction opposite to the direction in which the ice expands. The distance from the center of the ice-making chamber 320a to the portion where the concave shape of the first region 382d is located may be shorter than the distance from the center of the ice-making chamber 320a to the second region 382e. As an example, the first region 382d may include a pressure portion 382f, which is pressurized by the second pusher 540 during ice transfer. If the pressure applied by the second pusher 540 is applied to the pressure portion 382f, the pressure portion 382f deforms and separates from the first portion 382. If the pressure applied to the pressure portion 382f is removed, the pressure portion 382f can return to its original shape. The centerline C1 may pass through the first region 382d. As an example, the centerline C1 can pass through the pressure-applying portion 382f. The heater contact surface 382g can be configured to surround the pressure-applying portion 382f. The heater contact surface 382g can be located at a position higher than the lowest end of the pressure-applying portion 382f. At least a portion of the heater contact surface 382g can be configured to surround the centerline C1. Therefore, at least a portion of the transparent ice heater 430 that contacts the heater contact surface 382g can also be configured to surround the centerline C1. Therefore, during the process of the second thruster 540 applying pressure to the pressure-applying portion 382f, interference between the transparent ice heater 430 and the second thruster 540 can be prevented. The distance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to the pressure-applying portion 382f can be different from the distance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to the second region 382e.

[0352] Figure 34 This is a 3D view of the second tray lid. Figure 35 This is a top view of the second tray cover.

[0353] Reference Figure 34 and Figure 35 The second tray cover 360 includes an opening 362 (or through hole) for inserting a portion of the second tray 380. As an example, when the second tray 380 is inserted from the underside of the second tray cover 360, a portion of the second tray 380 may protrude above the second tray cover 360 through the opening 362.

[0354] The second tray cover 360 may include a vertical wall 361 and a curved wall 363 surrounding the opening 362. Specifically, the vertical wall 361 may form three sides of the second tray cover 360, and the curved wall 363 may form the remaining side of the second tray cover 360. The vertical wall 361 may be a wall extending vertically upwards, and the curved wall 363 is a wall with an arc so that it recedes further away from the opening 362 as it extends upwards. The vertical wall 361 and the curved wall 363 may be provided with a plurality of fastening portions 361a, 361c, and 363a for engaging with the second tray 380 and the second tray housing 400. The vertical wall 361 and the curved wall 363 may also include a plurality of fastening grooves 361b, 361d, and 363b corresponding to the plurality of fastening portions 361a, 361c, and 363a. Fastening members can be inserted into the plurality of fastening portions 361a, 361c, 363a, passing through the second tray 380 and engaging with the joint portions 401a, 401b, 401c of the second tray support 400. In this case, the plurality of fastening grooves 361b, 361d, 363b prevent the fastening members from protruding upwards from the vertical wall 361 and the curved wall 363 and interfering with other structural elements.

[0355] A plurality of first fastening portions 361a may be provided on the wall of the vertical wall 361 facing the curved wall 363. More specifically, the plurality of first fastening portions 361a may be... Figure 30 They are arranged spaced apart along the X-axis. Furthermore, each of the first fastening portions 361a may include a first fastening groove 361b corresponding to one of the first fastening portions 361a. For example, the first fastening groove 361b may be formed by a recess in the vertical wall 361, and the first fastening portion 361a may be disposed in the recessed portion of the first fastening groove 361b.

[0356] Furthermore, the vertical wall 361 may also include a plurality of second fastening portions 361c. The plurality of second fastening portions 361c may be disposed in the X-axis direction, spaced apart from the vertical wall 361 facing the ground. Specifically, the plurality of second fastening portions 361c may be located closer to the first fastening portion 361a than the third fastening portion 363a described later, in order to prevent interference with the extension 403 of the second tray support 400 when engaged with it. As an example, the vertical wall 361 where the plurality of second fastening portions 361c are located may also include a second fastening groove 361d, which is formed by portions other than the second fastening portions 361c being spaced apart from each other. The curved wall 363 may be provided with a plurality of third fastening portions 363a for engagement with the second tray 380 and the second tray support 400. As an example, the plurality of third fastening portions 363a may be disposed in a location that is not directly related to the above description. Figure 30 They are arranged spaced apart along the X-axis. A third fastening groove 363b corresponding to each of the third fastening portions 363a may be provided on the curved wall 363. As an example, the third fastening groove 363b may be formed by a vertical recess in the curved wall 363, and the third fastening portion 363a may be provided in the recessed portion of the third fastening groove 363b.

[0357] The second tray cover 360 can support at least a portion of the second portion 383 of the second tray 380. As an example, the second tray cover 360 can support the first extension 383a and the second extension 383b of the second portion 383.

[0358] Figure 32 This is a three-dimensional view of the upper part of the second tray support component. Figure 33 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower part of the second tray support. Figure 34 It is along Figure 32 A sectional view taken along line 34-34.

[0359] Reference Figures 32 to 34 The second tray support 400 may include a support body 407 for housing the lower part of the second tray 380. The support body 407 may include a receiving space 406a capable of accommodating a portion of the second tray 380. The receiving space 406a may be formed corresponding to a first portion 382 of the second tray 380, and there may be a plurality of such spaces.

[0360] The support body 407 may include a lower opening 406b (or through hole) for a portion of the second pusher 540 to pass through during ice removal. For example, the support body 407 may have three lower openings 406b corresponding to three accommodating spaces 406a. A portion of the lower side of the second tray 380 may be exposed through the lower openings 406b. At least a portion of the second tray 380 may be arranged in the lower openings 406b. Due to the action of the lower openings 406b, a portion of the second tray 380 may not contact the support body 407. In the first portion 382 of the second tray 380 forming the ice-making compartment, the area in contact with the support body 407 may be larger than the area of ​​the non-contacting area.

[0361] The upper surface 407a of the support body 407 can extend horizontally. The second tray support 400 may include a lower plate 401, which is formed to have a stepped shape with respect to the upper surface 407a of the support body 407. The lower plate 401 may be located at a higher position than the upper surface 407a of the support body 407.

[0362] The lower plate 401 may include a plurality of engagement portions 401a, 401b, 401c for engaging with the second tray cover 360. A second tray 380 can be inserted and engaged between the second tray cover 360 and the second tray support 400. For example, the second tray 380 can be arranged below the second tray cover 360 and accommodated above the second tray support 400. Furthermore, the first extension wall 387b of the second tray 380 can engage with the fastening portions 361a, 361b, 361c of the second tray cover 360 and the engagement portions 401a, 401b, 401c of the second tray support 400. The plurality of first engagement portions 401a can... Figure 32 The first joint 401a and the second and third joints 401b and 401c are arranged spaced apart along the X-axis. The third joint 401c can be arranged further away from the first joint 401a than the second joint 401b.

[0363] The second tray support 400 may also include a vertical extension wall 405 extending vertically downward from the edge of the lower plate 401. A pair of extensions 403 may be provided on one side of the vertical extension wall 405, which engage with the shaft 440 and are used to rotate the second tray 380.

[0364] The pair of extensions 403 can be Figure 32 They are arranged spaced apart along the X-axis. Furthermore, each extension 403 may also include a through hole 404. The shaft 440 can pass through the through hole 404, and an extension 281 of the first tray cover 300 can be arranged inside the pair of extensions 403. Furthermore, the through hole 404 may also include a central portion 404a and an extension hole 404b extending symmetrically with the central portion 404a.

[0365] The second tray support 400 may also include a spring engagement portion 402a for engaging the spring 402. The spring engagement portion 402a may form a loop to lock the lower end of the spring 402. Furthermore, a guide hole 408 may be provided in one of the walls spaced apart from the ground in the X-axis direction of the vertical extension wall 405, the guide hole 408 guiding the transparent ice heater 430 (described later) or the wires connected to the transparent ice heater 430 outwards.

[0366] The second tray support 400 may also include a connecting portion 405a that connects to the pusher connector 500. The connecting portion 405a, as an example, may protrude from the vertical extension wall 405 along the X-axis direction. The connecting portion 405a may... Figure 34 The reference is the area located between the centerline CL1 and the through hole 404. Furthermore, a plurality of second heater coupling portions 409, which engage with the second heater housing 420, may be provided on the lower surface of the lower plate 401. The plurality of second heater coupling portions 409 may be arranged in a spaced-apart manner in the X-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction.

[0367] by Figure 34 Based on this, the second tray support 400 may include: a first portion 411 supporting a second tray 380 that forms at least a portion of the ice-making compartment 320a. Figure 26 In this context, the first portion 411 may be the area between two dashed lines. As an example, the support body 407 may form the first portion 411. The second tray support 400 may also include a second portion 413 extending from a predetermined location of the first portion 411.

[0368] The second portion 413 can reduce the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater 430 to the second tray support 400 to the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray 320. At least a portion of the second portion 413 can extend in a direction away from the first compartment 321a formed by the first tray 320. The direction of the second portion 413 away can be a horizontal line direction passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a. The direction of the second portion 413 away can be a downward direction based on the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0369] The second portion 413 may include: a first segment 414a extending from the predetermined location along a horizontal line; and a second segment 414b extending in the same direction as the first segment 414a. The second portion 413 may also include: a first segment 414a extending from the predetermined location along a horizontal line; and a third segment 414c extending in a direction different from the first segment 414a. The second portion 413 may also include: a first segment 414a extending from the predetermined location along a horizontal line; and second and third segments 414b branching from the first segment 414a.

[0370] The upper surface 407a of the support body 407 can, for example, form the first segment 414a. The first segment 414a may further include a fourth segment 414d extending along a vertical direction. The lower plate 401 can, for example, form the fourth segment 414d. The vertical extension wall 405 can, for example, form the third segment 414c. The length of the third segment 414c can be longer than the length of the second segment 414b. The second segment 414b can extend in the same direction as the first segment 414a. The third segment 414c can extend in a different direction than the first segment 414a. The second portion 413 can be located at the same height as the lowest point of the first compartment 321a or extend to a lower location. The length of the second portion 413 can be greater than the radius of the ice-making compartment 320a. In this case, the length of the second portion 413 can be increased, thereby increasing the heat conduction path.

[0371] The second portion 413 may include a first extension 413a and a second extension 413b. The first extension 413a extends from a first location of the first portion 411, and the second extension 413b extends from a second location of the first portion 411. The first extension 413a and the second extension 413b are located on opposite sides of each other, with reference to the center line C1 of the ice-making compartment 320a or a center line CL1 corresponding to the center line C1. Figure 34 Based on the center line CL1, the first extension 413a is located on the left side, and the second extension 413b is located on the right side with the center line CL1 as the reference.

[0372] The first extension 413a and the second extension 413b can be formed with different shapes based on the center line CL1. The first extension 413a and the second extension 413b can be formed in an asymmetrical manner based on the center line CL1. The length of the second extension 413b in the horizontal direction can be longer than the length of the first extension 413a in the horizontal direction. That is, the thermally conductive length of the second extension 413b is longer than the thermally conductive length of the first extension 413a. When the length of the second extension 413b in the horizontal direction increases, the rotation radius of the second tray assembly will increase. When the rotation radius of the second tray assembly increases, the centrifugal force of the second tray assembly will increase, thereby increasing the ice-removing force used to separate ice from the second tray assembly during ice removal, thus improving ice separation performance.

[0373] The first extension 413a may be located closer than the second extension 413b to the edge of the portion of the second wall 222 or the third wall 223 of the bracket 220 connected to the fourth wall 224. The second extension 413b may be located closer than the first extension 413a to the axis 440 that provides the rotation center of the second tray assembly. When the length of the first extension 413a in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the length of the second extension 413b, interference between the first extension 413a and the bracket 220 during rotation can be prevented. The center of curvature of at least a portion of the second extension 413a may coincide with the rotation center of the axis 440 connected to the rotation of the drive unit 480. Therefore, interference between the second extension 413a and surrounding structural elements during rotation of the second tray assembly can be prevented. The first extension 413a may include a portion 414e extending upward with reference to the horizontal line. The portion 414e may, for example, surround part of the second tray 380. This increases the bonding force between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly, thereby enhancing the leak-proof effect.

[0374] Alternatively, the second tray support 400 may include: a first region 415a including the lower opening 406b; and a second region 415b having a shape corresponding to the ice-making compartment 320a to support the second tray 380. The first region 415a and the second region 415b can, as an example, be distinguished in the vertical direction. Figure 34 The image illustrates, as an example, that the first region 415a and the second region 415b are separated by a dotted line extending horizontally. The first region 415a can support the second tray 380.

[0375] The control unit can control the ice maker 200 to move the second pusher 540 from a first location outside the ice-making compartment 320a via the lower opening 406b to a second location inside the second tray support 400.

[0376] The deformation resistance of the second pallet support 400 can be greater than that of the second pallet 380. The resilience of the second pallet support 400 can be less than that of the second pallet 380.

[0377] In another embodiment, the second tray support 400 may be described as including: a first region 415a including a lower opening 406b; and a second region 415b located further away from the transparent ice heater 430 than the first region 415a.

[0378] In the second tray support 400, the first portion 411 may include the first region 415a and the second region 415b.

[0379] From the viewpoint of the second tray housing, the first portion 411 of the second tray support 400 can be considered equivalent to the first portion of the second tray housing, and the second portion 413 of the second tray support 400 can be considered equivalent to the second portion of the second tray housing. Furthermore, the second tray cover 360 can be considered equivalent to the third portion of the second tray housing. The second portion of the second tray housing can extend downwards beyond a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment. The third portion of the second tray housing can extend upwards beyond a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment.

[0380] In addition, the transparent ice heater 430 will be described in detail.

[0381] In this embodiment, the control unit 800 can be controlled to supply heat to the ice-making chamber 320a during at least a portion of the cold air supplied to the ice-making chamber 320a, thereby enabling the generation of transparent ice.

[0382] By utilizing the heat of the transparent ice heater 430 to delay the ice formation rate, air bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making chamber 320a can be moved from the ice-forming part to the liquid water side, thereby enabling the formation of transparent ice in the ice maker 200. That is, air bubbles dissolved in the water can also be induced to escape to the outside of the ice-making chamber 320a or be captured at a predetermined location within the ice-making chamber 320a.

[0383] Furthermore, when cold air is supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a by the cold air supply unit 900 described later, if the ice is generated quickly, the dissolved air bubbles in the water inside the ice-making compartment 320a may freeze without moving from the ice-generating part to the liquid water side, which may result in lower transparency of the generated ice.

[0384] On the other hand, when cold air is supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a by the cold air supply unit 900, if the ice-making speed is slow, although the above-mentioned problem is solved and the transparency of the ice-making is increased, it may cause the problem of long ice-making time.

[0385] Therefore, in order to reduce the ice-making time and increase the transparency of the generated ice, the transparent ice heater 430 can be disposed on one side of the ice-making compartment 320a, thereby enabling localized heat supply to the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0386] In addition, when the transparent ice heater 430 is disposed on one side of the ice-making compartment 320a, in order to reduce the heat of the transparent ice heater 430 from being easily transferred to the other side of the ice-making compartment 320a, at least one of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be made of a material whose heat transfer is lower than that of metal.

[0387] Alternatively, in order to facilitate the separation of ice adhering to trays 320 and 380 during ice removal, at least one of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 may be a resin comprising plastic.

[0388] In addition, in order for the trays deformed by the pushers 260 and 540 during the ice removal process to easily return to their original shape, at least one of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380 can be made of a flexible or soft material.

[0389] The transparent ice heater 430 can be configured adjacent to the second tray 380. For example, the transparent ice heater 430 can be a wire heater. Alternatively, the transparent ice heater 430 can be positioned in contact with the second tray 380 or at a predetermined distance from it. Another example is that the second heater housing 420 can be omitted, and the transparent ice heater 430 can be placed on the second tray support 400. In either case, the transparent ice heater 430 can supply heat to the second tray 380, and the heat supplied to the second tray 380 can be transferred to the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0390] <First Thruster>

[0391] Figure 38 This is a diagram showing the first thruster of the present invention. Figure 38 (a) is a three-dimensional view of the first thruster. Figure 38 (b) is a side view of the first thruster.

[0392] Reference Figure 38 The first pusher 260 may include a push rod 264. The push rod 264 may include: a first edge 264a, which has a pressure surface for applying pressure to the ice or tray during ice transfer; and a second edge 264b, located on the opposite side of the first edge 264a. The pressure surface may be a plane or a curved surface, for example.

[0393] The push rod 264 can extend vertically and can be formed in a straight line or at least partially curved. The diameter of the push rod 264 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 324 of the first tray 320. Therefore, the push rod 264 can pass through the opening 324 and be inserted into the ice-making compartment 320a. Therefore, the first pusher 260 can be referred to as a through-type pusher that passes through the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0394] When the ice maker includes a plurality of ice-making compartments 320a, the first pusher 260 may include a plurality of push rods 264. Two adjacent push rods 264 may be connected by a connecting portion 263. The connecting portion 263 connects the upper ends of the push rods 264 to each other. Therefore, during the insertion of the push rods 264 into the ice-making compartments 320a, interference between the second edge 264a and the connecting portion 263 and the first tray 320 can be prevented.

[0395] The first pusher 260 may include a guide connection portion 265 extending through the guide slot 302. For example, the guide connection portion 265 may be provided on both sides of the first pusher 260. The vertical cross-section of the guide connection portion 265 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The guide connection portion 265 may be located in the guide slot 302. When located in the guide slot 302, the guide connection portion 265 may move along the length of the guide slot 302. For example, the guide connection portion 265 may move vertically. Although the example described is of the guide slot 302 being formed in the first tray cover 300, it may also be formed in the bracket 220 or in the wall forming the storage chamber.

[0396] The guide connection portion 265 may further include a connector connection portion 266 for engaging with the thruster connector 500. The connector connection portion 266 may be located at a position lower than the second edge 264b. In order to allow relative rotation of the connector connection portion 266 when engaged with the thruster connector 500, the connector connection portion 266 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0397] Figure 36 This diagram shows the first thruster connected to the second tray assembly via a thruster coupling.

[0398] Reference Figure 36 The thruster coupling 500 can connect the first thruster 260 and the second tray assembly. For example, the thruster coupling 500 can connect the first thruster 260 and the second tray housing.

[0399] The thruster connector 500 may include a connector body 502. The connector body 502 may have an arc shape. By making the connector body 502 have an arc shape, during the rotation of the second tray assembly, the thruster connector 500 can rotate while the first thruster 260 can move up and down.

[0400] The thruster coupling 500 may include: a first connecting portion 504 disposed at one end of the coupling body 502; and a second connecting portion 506 disposed at the other end of the coupling body 502. The first connecting portion 504 may include a first engaging hole 504a for engaging the coupling connecting portion 266. The coupling connecting portion 266 can be connected to the first connecting portion 504 after passing through the guide slot 302. The second connecting portion 506 can be coupled to the second tray support 400. The second connecting portion 506 may include a second engaging hole 506a for engaging the coupling connecting portion 405a disposed on the second tray support 400. The second connecting portion 504 can be connected to the second tray support 400 at a position spaced apart from the rotation center C4 of the shaft 440 or the rotation center C4 of the second tray assembly. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by utilizing the rotation of the second tray assembly, the thruster coupling 500 connected to the second tray assembly will rotate together. During the rotation of the thruster connector 500, the first thruster 260 connected to the thruster connector 500 will move up and down along the guide slot 302. The thruster connector 502 can convert the rotational force of the second tray assembly into the up and down movement force of the first thruster 260. Therefore, the first thruster 260 can also be referred to as a mobile thruster.

[0401] Figure 37 This is a perspective view of the second thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0402] Reference Figure 37 The second pusher 540 in this embodiment may include a push rod 544. The push rod 544 may include: a first edge 544a, which is formed with a pressure surface that applies pressure to the second tray 380 during ice removal; and a second edge 544b, which is located on the opposite side of the first edge 544a.

[0403] To prevent interference with the rotating second tray 380 during ice removal and to increase the time the push rod 544 applies pressure to the second tray 380, the push rod 544 can be formed in a curved shape. The first edge 544a is a plane, which may include a vertical or inclined plane. The second edge 544b can be attached to the fourth wall 224 of the bracket 220, or the second edge 544b can be attached to the fourth wall 224 of the bracket 220 using a connecting plate 542. The connecting plate 542 can be placed in a mounting groove 224a formed on the fourth wall 224 of the bracket 220.

[0404] In the case where the ice maker 200 includes a plurality of ice-making chambers 320a, the second pusher 540 may include a plurality of push rods 544. The plurality of push rods 544 may be connected to the connecting plate 542 in a horizontally spaced manner. The plurality of push rods 544 may be integrally formed with or attached to the connecting plate 542. The first edge 544a may be obliquely configured relative to the center line C1 of the ice-making chamber 320a. The first edge 544a may be obliquely inclined from its upper end towards its lower end in a direction away from the center line C1 of the ice-making chamber 320a. The angle of the oblique surface formed by the first edge 544a relative to the vertical line may be smaller than the angle of the oblique surface formed by the second edge 544b.

[0405] The direction in which the push rod 544 extends from the center of the first edge 544a toward the center of the second edge 544a can include at least two directions. As an example, the push rod 544 can include: a first portion extending in a first direction; and a second portion extending in a direction different from the second portion. At least a portion of the line connecting the center of the first edge 544a to the center of the second edge 544a along the push rod 544 can be a curve. The heights of the first edge 544a and the second edge 544b can be different. The first edge 544a can be configured at an angle relative to the second edge 544b.

[0406] Figures 38 to 40 A diagram illustrating the assembly process of the ice maker of the present invention is shown.

[0407] Figures 38 to 40 Instead of showing the assembly process sequentially, it shows the way the individual components are combined.

[0408] First, the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly can be assembled.

[0409] To assemble the first tray assembly, the ice transfer heater 290 can be combined with the first heater housing 280, and the first heater housing 280 can be assembled with the first tray housing. For example, the first heater housing can be assembled with the first tray cover 300. Alternatively, if the first heater housing 280 and the first tray cover 300 are integrally formed, the ice transfer heater 290 can be combined with the first tray cover 300. The first tray 320 and the first tray housing can be combined. For example, the first tray cover 300 can be positioned on the upper side of the first tray 320, and the first tray support 340 can be positioned on the lower side of the first tray 320, then the first tray cover 300, the first tray 320, and the first tray support 340 can be combined using fastening members. To assemble the second tray assembly, the transparent ice heater 430 and the second heater housing 420 can be combined. The second heater housing 420 can be combined with the second tray housing. For example, the second heater housing 420 can be combined with the second tray support 400. Of course, if the second heater housing 420 and the second tray support 400 are integrally formed, the transparent ice heater 430 can be attached to the second tray support 400.

[0410] The second tray 380 and the second tray housing can be combined. As an example, a second tray cover 360 can be disposed on the upper side of the second tray 380, and a second tray support 400 can be disposed on the lower side of the second tray 380, and then the second tray cover 360, the second tray 380 and the second tray support 400 can be combined using fastening members.

[0411] The first and second tray components, once assembled, can be aligned so that they are in contact with each other.

[0412] The transmission unit connected to the drive unit 480 can be integrated into the second tray assembly. For example, the shaft 440 can pass through a pair of extensions 403 of the second tray assembly. The shaft 440 can also pass through an extension 281 of the first tray assembly. That is, the shaft 440 can simultaneously pass through the extensions 281 of the first tray assembly and the extensions 403 of the second tray assembly. In this case, the pair of extensions 281 of the first tray assembly can be located between the pair of extensions 403 of the second tray assembly. The rotating arm 460 can be connected to the shaft 440. The spring can be connected to the rotating arm 460 and the second tray assembly. The first pusher 260 can be connected to the second tray assembly using the pusher coupling 500. The first pusher 260 can be connected to the pusher coupling 500 while movably configured on the first tray assembly. One end of the pusher coupling 500 can be connected to the first pusher 260, and the other end can be connected to the second tray assembly. The first pusher 260 can be configured to contact the first tray housing.

[0413] An assembled first tray assembly can be disposed on the bracket 220. As an example, the first tray assembly can be attached to the bracket 220 with a through hole 221a located in the first wall 221. Alternatively, the bracket 220 and the first tray cover can be integrally formed. In this case, the first tray assembly can be assembled using the integrally formed bracket 220 of the first tray cover, the first tray 320, and the first tray support.

[0414] A water supply unit 240 may be integrated into the bracket 220. For example, the water supply unit 240 may be integrated into the first wall 221. The drive unit 480 may be mounted on the bracket 220. For example, it may be mounted on the third wall 223.

[0415] Figure 41 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line 41-41.

[0416] Reference Figure 41 The ice maker 200 may include a first tray assembly 201 and a second tray assembly 211 connected to each other.

[0417] The second tray assembly 211 may include: a first portion 212 forming at least a portion of the ice-making compartment 320a; and a second portion 213 extending from a predetermined location of the first portion 212. The second portion 213 may reduce heat transfer from the transparent ice heater 430 to the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray assembly 201. The first portion 212 may be... Figure 41 The area located between the two dashed lines.

[0418] The predetermined location of the first portion 212 may be the end of the first portion 212 or the location where the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 meet. At least a portion of the first portion 212 may extend in a direction away from the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray assembly 201. A portion of the second portion 213 may branch into at least two or more, thereby reducing heat transfer in the direction extending towards the second portion 213. A portion of the second portion 213 may extend along a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a. A portion of the second portion 213 may extend upwards based on the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0419] The second part 213 may include: a first segment 213c extending along a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a; a second segment 213d extending upward based on the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a; and a third segment 213e extending downward based on the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0420] To reduce the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater 430 to the second tray assembly 211 to the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first tray assembly 201, the first portion 212 may have different heat transfer rates in the direction along the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment 320a. The transparent ice heater 430 may be configured to heat both sides centered on the lowermost end of the first portion 212.

[0421] The first part 212 may include a first region 214a and a second region 214b. Figure 41 The diagram illustrates the case where the first region 214a and the second region 214b are distinguished by a horizontally extending dotted line. The second region 214b may be located above the first region 214a. The heat transfer rate of the second region 214b may be greater than that of the first region 214a.

[0422] The first region 214a may include the portion where the transparent ice heater 430 is located. That is, the transparent ice heater 430 may be arranged in the first region 214a. In the first region 214a, the heat transfer at the lowermost end 214a1 forming the ice-making chamber 320a may be lower than the heat transfer in other portions of the first region 214a. The second region 214b may include the portion where the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 contact. The first region 214a may form a part of the ice-making chamber 320a. The second region 214b may form another part of the ice-making chamber 320a. The second region 214b may be located further away from the transparent ice heater 430 than the first region 214a.

[0423] To reduce the heat transfer from the transparent ice heater 430 to the first region 214a and then to the ice-making chamber 320a formed in the second region 214b, the heat transfer rate of a portion of the first region 214a can be less than that of another portion. To generate ice from the ice-making chamber 320a formed in the second region 214b towards the ice-making chamber 320a formed in the first region 214a, the deformation resistance of a portion of the first region 214a can be less than that of another portion, and the resilience of a portion of the first region 214a can be greater than that of the other portion.

[0424] In the thickness from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to the outer peripheral surface of the ice-making compartment 320a, a portion of the thickness of the first region 214a may be thinner than the thickness of another portion of the first region 214a. The first region 214a, as an example, may include at least a portion of the second tray 380 and a second tray housing surrounding at least a portion of the second tray 380.

[0425] Based on the YZ section plane, the average cross-sectional area or average thickness of the first tray assembly 201 can be greater than the average cross-sectional area or average thickness of the second tray assembly 211. Based on the YZ section plane, the maximum cross-sectional area or maximum thickness of the first tray assembly 201 can be greater than the maximum cross-sectional area or maximum thickness of the second tray assembly 211. Based on the YZ section plane, the minimum cross-sectional area or minimum thickness of the first tray assembly 201 can be greater than the minimum cross-sectional area or minimum thickness of the second tray assembly 211. Based on the YZ section plane, the uniformity of the minimum cross-sectional area or the uniformity of the minimum thickness of the first tray assembly 201 can be greater than the uniformity of the minimum cross-sectional area or the uniformity of the minimum thickness of the second tray assembly 211.

[0426] Furthermore, the rotation center C4 can be eccentrically positioned relative to a line that bisects the length of the bracket 220 along the Y-axis. Also, the ice-making chamber 320a can be eccentrically positioned relative to a line that bisects the length of the bracket 200 along the Y-axis. The rotation center C4 can be located closer to the second thruster 540 than the ice-making chamber 320a.

[0427] The second part 213 may include a first extension 213a and a second extension 213b located on opposite sides of the center line C1. The first extension 213a may Figure 41 With the reference point located to the left of the center line C1, the second extension 213b is located to the right of the center line C1.

[0428] The water supply section 240 can be arranged close to the first extension section 213a. The first tray assembly 301 includes a pair of guide slots 302, and the water supply section 240 can be arranged in the area between the pair of guide slots 302. The length of the guide slots 320 can be greater than the sum of the radius of the ice-making compartment 320a and the height of the auxiliary storage compartment 325.

[0429] Figure 42 This is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0430] Reference Figure 42 The refrigerator in this embodiment may include a cooler for supplying cold air to the freezer compartment 32 (or ice-making compartment).

[0431] Figure 42The following example illustrates a scenario where the cooler includes a cold air supply unit 900. The cold air supply unit 900 can supply cold air to the freezer compartment 32 using a refrigerant cycle. As an example, the cold air supply unit 900 may include a compressor for compressing the refrigerant. The temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezer compartment 32 can be changed according to the output (or frequency) of the compressor. Alternatively, the cold air supply unit 900 may include a fan for blowing air into an evaporator. The amount of cold air supplied to the freezer compartment 32 can be changed according to the output (or rotational speed) of the fan. Alternatively, the cold air supply unit 900 may include a refrigerant valve for regulating the amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle. By adjusting the opening of the refrigerant valve to change the amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle, the temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezer compartment 32 can be changed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cold air supply unit 900 may include more than one of the compressor, fan, and refrigerant valve. The cold air supply unit 900 may also include an evaporator for heat exchange between the refrigerant and air. The cold air that has exchanged heat with the evaporator can be supplied to the ice maker 200.

[0432] The refrigerator in this embodiment may further include a control unit 800 for controlling the air supply unit 900. Furthermore, the refrigerator may also include a water supply valve 242 for controlling the amount of water supplied through the water supply unit 240.

[0433] The control unit 800 can control some or all of the ice transfer heater 290, the transparent ice heater 430, the drive unit 480, the cold air supply unit 900, and the water supply valve 242.

[0434] In this embodiment, when the ice maker 200 includes both the ice transfer heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430, the outputs of the ice transfer heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 may be different. When the outputs of the ice transfer heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 are different, the output terminals of the ice transfer heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 may be formed in different shapes to prevent accidental tightening of the two output terminals. Although not limited, the output of the ice transfer heater 290 may be set larger than the output of the transparent ice heater 430. Therefore, the ice transfer heater 290 can be used to quickly separate ice from the first tray 320. In this embodiment, if the ice transfer heater 290 is not provided, the transparent ice heater 430 may be positioned adjacent to the second tray 380 as described above, or positioned adjacent to the first tray 320.

[0435] The refrigerator may also include a first temperature sensor 33 (or an internal temperature sensor) for sensing the temperature of the freezer compartment 32. The control unit 800 may control the air supply unit 900 based on the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 33. Furthermore, the control unit 800 may determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700.

[0436] Figure 43 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of ice generation in an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 44 This is a diagram used to illustrate the height reference corresponding to the relative position of the transparent ice heater in the ice-making compartment. Figure 45 This is a diagram illustrating the output of a transparent ice heater per unit height of water within the ice-making compartment. Figure 46 This is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the water supply location. Figure 47 It is shown Figure 46 A diagram showing the state of water supply completion.

[0437] Figure 48 This is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the ice-making position. Figure 49 This diagram shows the deformation of the pressure section of the second tray after ice making is complete. Figure 50 This is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly during the ice-moving process. Figure 51 It is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the ice-moving position.

[0438] Reference Figures 43 to 51 In order to generate ice in the ice maker 200, the control unit 800 moves the second tray assembly 211 to the water supply position (step S1). In this specification, the second tray assembly 211 can be moved from... Figure 48 ice-making location towards Figure 51 The direction in which the ice is moved is called positive movement (or positive rotation). Conversely, it can be considered as moving from... Figure 48 The location of the ice move towards Figure 46 The direction in which the water supply position moves is called the reverse movement (or the reverse rotation).

[0439] The movement of the second tray assembly 211 toward the water supply position is sensed by a sensor. When the sensor detects that the second tray assembly 211 has moved to the water supply position, the control unit 800 stops the drive unit 480. At the water supply position of the second tray assembly 211, at least a portion of the second tray 380 can be separated from the first tray 320.

[0440] At the water supply position of the second tray assembly 211, with the rotation center C4 as a reference, the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 form a first angle θ1. That is, the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 form the first angle.

[0441] Water supply begins when the second tray 380 is moved to the water supply position (step S2). To supply water, the control unit 800 opens the water supply valve 242. When it is determined that a set amount of water has been supplied, the control unit 800 can close the water supply valve 242. For example, during water supply, a flow sensor (not shown) outputs a pulse. When the output pulse reaches a reference pulse, it can be determined that a set amount of water has been supplied. At the water supply position, the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 can surround the first tray 320. For example, the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 can surround the second portion 323 of the first tray 320. Therefore, during the movement of the second tray 380 from the water supply position to the ice-making position, leakage of water supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a between the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 can be reduced. Furthermore, leakage of water that expands during ice-making between the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 and freezes can be reduced.

[0442] After water supply is completed, the control unit 800 controls the drive unit 480 to move the second tray assembly 211 to the ice-making position (step S3). For example, the control unit 800 can control the drive unit 480 to move the second tray assembly 211 from the water supply position in the opposite direction. When the second tray assembly 211 moves in the opposite direction, the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 will approach the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320. At this time, the water between the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 is divided and distributed into the interiors of each of the plurality of second compartments 381a. When the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 are completely in contact, the first compartment 321a is filled with water. As described above, when the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 are in close contact, water leakage in the ice-making compartment 320a can be reduced. The movement of the second tray assembly 211 toward the ice-making position is sensed by a sensor, and when the sensor detects that the second tray assembly 211 has moved to the ice-making position, the control unit 800 stops the drive unit 480.

[0443] Ice making begins when the second tray assembly 211 is moved to the ice-making position (step S4).

[0444] In the ice-making position of the second tray assembly 211, the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 may face the second portion 323 of the first tray 320. At least a portion of each of the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 and the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 may extend along a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making compartment 320a. At least a portion of each of the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 and the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 may be located at the same height as or higher than the uppermost point of the ice-making compartment 320a. At least a portion of each of the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 and the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 may be located at a position lower than the uppermost point of the auxiliary storage chamber 325. In the ice-making position of the second tray assembly 211, the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 may be separated from the second portion 323 of the first tray 320 to form a space. This space may be located at the same height as the uppermost point of the ice-making compartment 320a formed by the first portion 322 of the first tray 320 or extend to a higher point. The space can extend to a location lower than the uppermost point of the auxiliary storage chamber 325.

[0445] The ice heater 290 can provide heat to reduce the freezing of water in the space between the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 and the second portion 323 of the first tray 320.

[0446] As described above, the second portion 383 of the second tray 380 serves as a leak-proof section. The length of this leak-proof section is preferably as long as possible. This is because a longer leak-proof section reduces the amount of water leaking between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly. The length of the leak-proof section formed by the second portion 383 can be greater than the distance from the center of the ice-making compartment 320a to the outer periphery of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0447] The area of ​​the second surface of the first portion 382 of the second tray 380 facing the first portion 322 of the first tray 320 is greater than the area of ​​the first surface of the first portion 322 of the first tray 320 facing the first portion 382 of the second tray 380. This area difference increases the bonding force between the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211.

[0448] Ice making can begin when the second tray 380 reaches the ice-making position. Alternatively, ice making can begin when the second tray 380 reaches the ice-making position and the water supply time has elapsed for a set period. When ice making begins, the control unit 800 can control the cold air supply unit 900 to supply cold air to the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0449] After ice making begins, the control unit 800 can control the transparent ice heater 430 to open in at least a portion of the area where the cold air supply unit 900 supplies cold air to the ice-making compartment 320a. When the transparent ice heater 430 is open, its heat is transferred to the ice-making compartment 320a, thereby delaying the rate of ice formation in the ice-making compartment 320a. As described in this embodiment, by delaying the rate of ice formation through the heat of the transparent ice heater 430, dissolved air bubbles in the water inside the ice-making compartment 320a can move from the ice-forming portion to the liquid water side, thereby enabling the formation of transparent ice in the ice maker 200.

[0450] During the ice-making process, the control unit 800 can determine whether the opening conditions of the transparent ice heater 430 are met (step S5). In this embodiment, the transparent ice heater 430 is not turned on immediately after ice-making begins, but the opening conditions of the transparent ice heater 430 must be met before it can be turned on (step S6).

[0451] Generally, the water supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a may be at room temperature or below room temperature. This means the supplied water is at a temperature above the freezing point of water. Therefore, after the water is supplied, its temperature decreases under the influence of the cooling air, and when it reaches the freezing point, it turns into ice.

[0452] In this embodiment, the transparent ice heater 430 may not need to be turned on before the water phase changes to ice. If the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on before the temperature of the water supplied to the ice-making chamber 320a reaches its freezing point, the rate at which the water temperature reaches its freezing point will be slower due to the heat from the transparent ice heater 430, thus delaying the start of ice formation. The transparency of the ice can vary after ice formation begins depending on the presence or absence of bubbles in the ice-forming portion. When heat is supplied to the ice-making chamber 320a before ice formation, the operation of the transparent ice heater 430 can be considered independent of the ice transparency. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on after the conditions for its operation are met, the unnecessary operation of the transparent ice heater 430 and the resulting power consumption can be prevented. Of course, even if the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on immediately after ice-making begins, it will not affect the transparency; therefore, the transparent ice heater 430 can also be turned on after ice-making begins.

[0453] In this embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed from a set specific time point, the control unit 800 can determine that the opening condition of the transparent ice heater 430 has been met. The specific time point can be set to at least one of the time points before the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on. For example, the specific time point can be set to the time when the air supply unit 900 begins to supply cooling power for ice making, the time when the second tray assembly 211 reaches the ice-making position, the time when the water supply is completed, etc. Alternatively, when the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches the opening reference temperature, the control unit 800 can determine that the opening condition of the transparent ice heater 430 has been met. As an example, the opening reference temperature can be the temperature at which water begins to freeze on the uppermost side (opening 324 side) of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0454] When a portion of the water in the ice-making compartment 320a freezes, the temperature of the ice in the ice-making compartment 320a is below zero. The temperature of the first tray 320 can be higher than the temperature of the ice in the ice-making compartment 320a. Of course, although water is present in the ice-making compartment 320a, the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 may be below zero after ice begins to form in the ice-making compartment 320a. Therefore, in order to determine that ice has begun to form in the ice-making compartment 320a based on the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700, the opening reference temperature can be set to a temperature below zero. That is, when the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches the opening reference temperature, since the opening reference temperature is below zero, the temperature of the ice in the ice-making compartment 320a, being below zero, will be lower than the opening reference temperature. Therefore, it can be indirectly determined that ice has formed in the ice-making compartment 320a. As described above, when the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on, the heat from the transparent ice heater 430 is transferred to the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0455] As described in this embodiment, when the second tray 380 is located below the first tray 320 and the transparent ice heater 430 is configured to supply heat to the second tray 380, ice can be generated from the upper side of the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0456] In this embodiment, since ice is formed from the top within the ice-making chamber 320a, air bubbles will move downwards towards the liquid water in the ice-forming portion of the chamber. Because water is denser than ice, water or air bubbles can convection within the ice-making chamber 320a, and the air bubbles can move towards the transparent ice heater 430. In this embodiment, depending on the shape of the ice-making chamber 320a, the mass (or volume) of water per unit height within the chamber can be the same or different. For example, if the ice-making chamber 320a is a cube, the mass (or volume) of water per unit height within the chamber is the same. On the other hand, if the ice-making chamber 320a is spherical or has a shape such as an inverted triangle or crescent, the mass (or volume) of water per unit height is different.

[0457] Assuming the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 is constant, when the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 is the same, the rate of ice formation per unit height may differ due to the varying mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment 320a. For example, when the mass of water per unit height is small, the ice formation rate is fast; conversely, when the mass of water per unit height is large, the ice formation rate is slow. As a result, the rate of ice formation per unit height will not be constant, causing the transparency of the ice per unit height to vary. In particular, when the ice formation rate is fast, air bubbles will fail to move from the ice to the water side, and the ice will contain air bubbles, resulting in low transparency. That is, the smaller the deviation in the rate of ice formation per unit height, the smaller the deviation in the transparency of the formed ice per unit height.

[0458] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 800 can control the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 and / or the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 to be variable based on the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0459] In this specification, the variable cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 may include one or more of the following: variable compressor output, variable fan output, and variable refrigerant valve opening. Furthermore, in this specification, the variable heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 may represent changing the output of the transparent ice heater 430 or changing the duty cycle of the transparent ice heater 430. In this case, the duty cycle of the transparent ice heater 430 may represent the on-time of the transparent ice heater 430 over one cycle, and the ratio of on-time to off-time, or the ratio of on-time to off-time of the transparent ice heater 430 over one cycle.

[0460] In this specification, the reference for the unit height of water within the ice-making compartment 320a can vary depending on the relative positions of the ice-making compartment 320a and the transparent ice heater 430. For example, as Figure 44 As shown in (a), at the bottom of the ice-making compartment 320a, the transparent ice heaters 430 can be arranged in a manner with the same height. In this case, the line connecting the transparent ice heaters 430 is a horizontal line, and the line extending from the horizontal line in a vertical direction will serve as the reference for the unit height of the water in the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0461] exist Figure 44 In case (a), ice is generated and grows from the uppermost side to the lower side of the ice-making compartment 320a. On the other hand, as... Figure 44As shown in (b), the transparent ice heaters 430 can be arranged at different heights from the bottom of the ice-making compartment 320a. In this case, since heat is supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a from different heights, it will be in accordance with... Figure 44 (a) Different patterns of ice formation. As an example, in Figure 44 In case (b), ice can be generated at a position separated to the left from the uppermost end of the ice-making compartment 320a, and the ice grows to the lower right of the transparent ice heater 430.

[0462] Therefore, in Figure 44 In case (b), the line perpendicular to the line connecting the two locations of the transparent ice heater 430 (reference line) will become the reference for the unit height of the water in the ice-making compartment 320a. Figure 44 The reference line of (b) is tilted at a specified angle from the vertical line.

[0463] Figure 45 As shown Figure 44 The water unit height differentiation and the output of the transparent ice heater per unit height are shown in (a) under the condition of the arrangement of transparent ice heater.

[0464] The following explanation will take the case where the ice formation rate is kept constant according to different unit heights of water by controlling the output of the transparent ice heater.

[0465] Reference Figure 45 When the ice-making compartment 320a is, for example, formed in a spherical shape, the mass of water per unit height within the ice-making compartment 320a first increases from top to bottom, reaches a maximum, and then decreases again. As an example, let's describe the case where the water (or the ice-making compartment itself) within a spherical ice-making compartment 320a with a diameter of 50mm is divided into nine sections (section A to section I) with a height of 6mm (unit height). It should be clarified that the size of the unit height and the number of sections are not limited.

[0466] When the water within the ice-making compartment 320a is divided by unit height, the heights of the different divided sections are the same for sections A to H, and the height of section I is lower than the heights of the other sections. Of course, depending on the diameter of the ice-making compartment 320a and the number of divided sections, the unit height of all divided sections can be the same. Among the plurality of sections, section E is the section with the largest mass of water per unit height. For example, if the ice-making compartment 320a is spherical, the section with the largest mass of water per unit height may include the diameter of the ice-making compartment 320a, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the ice-making compartment 320a, or the largest portion of its circumference.

[0467] As described above, assuming that the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 is constant and the output of the transparent ice heater 430 is constant, the ice formation rate is slowest in the E zone and fastest in the A and I zones.

[0468] In this situation, the ice formation rate varies per unit height, resulting in varying transparency. In certain ranges, the ice formation rate is too fast, leading to the inclusion of air bubbles and reduced transparency. Therefore, in this embodiment, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be controlled to move air bubbles from the ice-forming section towards the water side during ice formation, ensuring that the ice formation rate is the same or similar per unit height.

[0469] Specifically, since the mass of the E interval is the largest, the output W5 of the transparent ice heater 430 in the E interval can be set to the minimum. Because the mass of the D interval is smaller than that of the E interval, the ice formation rate increases accordingly with the decrease in mass, thus requiring a delay in the ice formation rate. Therefore, the output W4 of the transparent ice heater 430 in the D interval can be set to a higher value than the output W5 of the transparent ice heater 430 in the E interval.

[0470] For the same reason, since the mass of section C is less than the mass of section D, the output W3 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section C can be set to be higher than the output W4 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section D. Furthermore, since the mass of section B is less than the mass of section C, the output W2 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section B can be set to be higher than the output W3 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section C. And, since the mass of section A is less than the mass of section B, the output W1 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section A can be set to be higher than the output W2 of the transparent ice heater 430 in section B.

[0471] For the same reason, the mass per unit height decreases as you move downwards from section E. Therefore, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can increase as you move downwards from section E (refer to W6, W7, W8, W9). Thus, if you observe the output change pattern of the transparent ice heater 430, after the transparent ice heater 430 is turned on, its output can decrease in stages from the initial section to the middle section.

[0472] In the middle interval of the interval where the mass of water per unit height is minimum, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can reach its minimum. Starting from the next interval of the middle interval, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can again increase in stages.

[0473] Depending on the shape or quality of the generated ice, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 in two adjacent sections can also be set to be the same. For example, the outputs of sections C and D can also be the same. That is, the outputs of the transparent ice heater 430 in at least two sections can be the same.

[0474] Alternatively, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be set to minimum in intervals other than the interval with the minimum mass per unit height. For example, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 in interval D or F can be minimum. The output of the transparent ice heater 430 in interval E can be the same as or greater than the minimum output.

[0475] In summary, in this embodiment, the initial output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be at its maximum. During the ice-making process, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be reduced to its minimum.

[0476] The output of the transparent ice heater 430 can decrease in stages within each interval, or maintain output in at least two intervals. The output of the transparent ice heater 430 can increase from the minimum output to the final output. The final output can be the same as or different from the initial output. Furthermore, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can increase in stages within each interval from the minimum output to the final output, or maintain output in at least two intervals.

[0477] Alternatively, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may become the final output in a certain interval before the last interval among the plurality of intervals. In this case, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 may remain as the final output in the last interval. That is, after the output of the transparent ice heater 430 reaches the final output, the final output may be maintained until the last interval.

[0478] As ice making proceeds, the amount of ice in the ice-making compartment 320a gradually decreases. Therefore, if the output of the transparent ice heater 430 continues to increase until the final interval is reached, excessive heat will be supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a, potentially resulting in water remaining in the compartment even after the final interval ends. Therefore, the output of the transparent ice heater 430 can be maintained at the final output level for at least two intervals, including the final interval.

[0479] By controlling the output of the aforementioned transparent ice heater 430, the transparency of the ice is made uniform per unit height, and air bubbles are concentrated in the lowest region. Thus, when viewed as a whole, the ice appears transparent with air bubbles concentrated in localized areas.

[0480] As described above, even if the ice-making compartment 320a is not spherical, transparent ice can still be generated by changing the output of the transparent ice heater 430 according to the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0481] The heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 is less when the mass of water per unit height is greater than when the mass of water per unit height is smaller. For example, while keeping the cooling power of the air supply unit 900 constant, the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 can be changed inversely proportional to the mass of water per unit height. Furthermore, by changing the cooling power of the air supply unit 900 according to the mass of water per unit height, transparent ice can be generated. For example, when the mass of water per unit height is large, the cooling power of the air supply unit 900 can be increased, and when the mass of water per unit height is small, the cooling power of the air supply unit 900 can be decreased. For example, while keeping the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 constant, the cooling power of the air supply unit 900 can be changed in direct proportion to the mass of water per unit height.

[0482] If we observe the variable cooling power mode of the cold air supply unit 900 when generating spherical ice, the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 can be increased from the initial zone to the middle zone during the ice-making process.

[0483] The cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 can reach its maximum in the middle section of the interval where the mass of water per unit height is minimum. Starting from the lower section of the middle interval, the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 can decrease again. Alternatively, transparent ice can be generated by changing the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430, depending on the mass of water per unit height. For example, the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 can be changed in a manner proportional to the mass of water per unit height, and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 can be changed in a manner inversely proportional to the mass of water per unit height.

[0484] As described in this embodiment, when one or more of the cooling power of the cold air supply unit 900 and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 are controlled according to the mass of water per unit height, the rate of ice formation per unit height of water can be substantially the same or kept within a specified range.

[0485] like Figure 49As shown, during the ice-making process, the protrusion 382f is compressed by the ice and can deform in a direction away from the center of the ice-making chamber 320a. As the protrusion 382f deforms, the lower part of the ice can form a spherical shape.

[0486] Furthermore, the control unit 800 can determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 (step S8). If it is determined that ice making is complete, the control unit 800 can turn off the transparent ice heater 430 (step S9). For example, if the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches the first reference temperature, the control unit 800 can determine that ice making is complete and thus turn off the transparent ice heater 430.

[0487] In this embodiment, since the distance between the second temperature sensor 700 and each ice-making compartment 320a is different, in order to determine that ice has been formed in all ice-making compartments 320a, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the point when ice-making is determined to be complete, or if the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches a second reference temperature lower than the first reference temperature, then the control unit 800 can start moving the ice.

[0488] Once ice making is complete, the control unit 800 operates one or more of the ice transfer heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 in order to transfer the ice (step S10).

[0489] When one or more of the ice-moving heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 are turned on, the heat from the heater is transferred to one or more of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380, thereby allowing ice to separate from the surface (inner surface) of one or more of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380. Furthermore, the heat from the heaters 290 and 430 is transferred to the contact surfaces of the first tray 320 and the second tray 380, thereby making the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 separable.

[0490] If one or more of the ice-moving heater 290 and the transparent ice heater 430 operate for a set time, or if the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 700 reaches or exceeds the shutdown reference temperature, the control unit 800 will shut down the activated heaters 290 and 430 (step S10). Although not limited, the shutdown reference temperature can be set to a temperature above zero.

[0491] The control unit 800 operates the drive unit 480 to move the second tray assembly 211 in the positive direction (step S11).

[0492] like Figure 50 As shown, when the second tray 380 moves in the positive direction, the second tray 380 is separated from the first tray 320. Furthermore, the moving force of the second tray 380 is transmitted to the first pusher 260 via the pusher connector 500. At this time, the first pusher 260 descends along the guide slot 302, and the extension 264 penetrates the opening 324 and presses the ice in the ice-making compartment 320a. In this embodiment, during ice transfer, the ice can be separated from the first tray 320 before the extension 264 presses the ice. That is, under the heat of the activated heater, the ice can be separated from the surface of the first tray 320. In this case, the ice, supported by the second tray 380, can move together with the second tray 380. Alternatively, even if the heat of the heater is applied to the first tray 320, there may be cases where the ice fails to separate from the surface of the first tray 320. Therefore, when the second tray assembly 211 moves in the positive direction, the ice may separate from the second tray 380 while still in contact with the first tray 320.

[0493] In this state, during the movement of the second tray 380, pressure is applied to the ice that is in close contact with the first tray 320 through the extension 264 of the opening 324, which can separate the ice from the first tray 320. The ice separated from the first tray 320 can then be supported by the second tray 380.

[0494] When the ice is supported by the second tray 380 and moves together with the second tray 380, it can be separated from the second tray 380 by its own weight even without applying external force to the second tray 380.

[0495] Even during the movement of the second tray 380, the ice failed to fall off the second tray 380 due to its own weight, as Figure 50 and Figure 51 As shown, when the second pusher 540 contacts the second tray 380 and applies pressure to the second tray 380, the ice can also separate from the second tray 380 and fall downwards.

[0496] As an example, such as Figure 50 As shown, during the forward movement of the second tray assembly 311, the second tray 380 will contact the extension 544 of the second pusher 540. Figure 50As shown, at the point where the second tray 380 contacts the second pusher 540, with the rotation center C4 as a reference, the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 form a second angle θ2. That is, the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 form a second angle. The second angle is greater than the first angle, and it can be close to 90 degrees.

[0497] As the second tray assembly 211 moves continuously in the positive direction, the extension 544 applies pressure to the second tray 380, causing it to deform. This pressure is transmitted to the ice, allowing it to separate from the surface of the second tray 380. The ice separated from the surface of the second tray 380 falls downwards and can be stored in the ice reservoir 600.

[0498] In this embodiment, it can be as follows: Figure 51 The location where the second tray 380 is deformed by the pressure exerted by the second pusher 540 is called the ice-moving position. For example... Figure 51 As shown, at the ice-moving position of the second tray assembly 211, with the rotation center C4 as a reference, the first tray assembly 201 and the second tray assembly 211 form a third angle θ3. That is, the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 form the third angle θ3. The third angle θ3 is greater than the second angle θ2. As an example, the third angle θ3 is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0499] In order to increase the pressure applied by the second pusher 540, at the ice-moving position, the distance between the first edge 544a of the second pusher 540 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380 can be shorter than the distance between the first edge 544a of the second pusher 540 and the lower opening 406b of the second tray support 400.

[0500] The adhesion between the first tray 320 and the ice is greater than that between the second tray 380 and the ice. Therefore, at the ice-moving position, the minimum distance between the first edge 264a of the first pusher 260 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 can be greater than the minimum distance between the second edge 544a of the second pusher 540 and the second contact surface 382c of the second tray 380.

[0501] At the ice-moving position, the distance between the line passing through the first edge 264a of the first pusher 260 and the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320 can be greater than 0 and less than 1 / 2 of the radius of the ice-making compartment 320a. Therefore, the first edge 264a of the first pusher 260 will move to a position close to the first contact surface 322c of the first tray 320, allowing the ice to be easily separated from the first tray 320.

[0502] Furthermore, during the movement of the second tray assembly 211 from the ice-making position to the ice-transfer position, the fullness of the ice reservoir 600 can be sensed. For example, the full-ice sensing rod 520 rotates together with the second tray assembly 211. During the rotation of the full-ice sensing rod 520, if the rotation is interfered with by ice, it can be determined that the ice reservoir 600 is full. Conversely, during the rotation of the full-ice sensing rod 520, if the rotation is not interfered with by ice, it can be determined that the ice reservoir 600 is not full.

[0503] After the ice is separated from the second tray 380, the control unit 800 controls the drive unit 480 to move the second tray assembly 211 in the opposite direction (step S11). At this time, the second tray assembly 211 moves from the ice removal position to the water supply position. If the second tray assembly 211 moves to... Figure 46 If the water supply position is not specified, the control unit 800 stops the drive unit 480 (step S1).

[0504] If the second tray 380 is separated from the extension 544 during the movement of the second tray assembly 211 in the opposite direction, the deformed second tray 380 can be restored to its original shape.

[0505] During the reverse movement of the second tray assembly 211, the moving force of the second tray 380 is transmitted to the first thruster 260 via the thruster connector 500, thereby causing the first thruster 260 to rise and the extension 264 to escape from the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0506] Figure 52 This diagram illustrates the movement of the pusher coupling as the second tray assembly moves from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position. Figure 52 (a) shows the ice-making location. Figure 52 (b) shows the water supply location. Figure 52 (c) shows the position where the second tray contacts the second thruster. Figure 52 (d) indicates the location of the ice relocation.

[0507] Figure 53 This diagram shows the position of the first actuator in the water supply position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator. Figure 54 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first actuator in the water supply position with the ice maker installed in the refrigerator. Figure 55 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher in the ice-moving position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator.

[0508] Reference Figures 52 to 55 The push rod 264 of the first thruster 260, as described above, may include a first edge 264a and a second edge 264b. The first thruster 260 can move by receiving power from the drive unit 480.

[0509] In order to reduce the water supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a at the water supply position from adhering to the first propeller 260 and freezing during the ice-making process, the control unit 800 can control the position so that the first edge 264a is located at different positions from each other at the water supply position and the ice-making position.

[0510] In this specification, the control unit 800 controlling the position can be understood as the control unit 800 controlling the position by controlling the drive unit 480.

[0511] The control unit 800 can control the position so that the first edge 264a is located at different positions from each other in the water supply position, the ice making position, and the ice moving position.

[0512] The control unit 800 can control the first edge 264a to move in a first direction during the movement from the ice-moving position to the water supply position, and to further move the first edge 264a in the first direction during the movement from the water supply position to the ice-making position. Alternatively, the control unit 800 can control the first edge 264a to move in the first direction during the movement from the ice-moving position to the water supply position, and to move the first edge 264a in a second direction different from the first direction during the movement from the water supply position to the ice-making position.

[0513] For example, in the guide slot 302, the first edge 264a can move in a first direction using the first slot 302a, and the second edge 264a can rotate in a second direction or move in a second direction inclined to the first direction using the second slot 302b. The position of the first edge 264a can be controlled to be a first location outside the ice-making compartment 320a in the ice-making position, and a second location inside the ice-making compartment 320a during ice transfer.

[0514] Additionally, the refrigerator may also include a cover member 100, which includes: a first portion 101 forming a support surface for supporting the bracket 220; and a third portion 103 forming a receiving space 104. The wall 32a forming the freezer compartment 32 can be supported on the upper surface of the first portion 101. The first portion 101 and the third portion 103 are arranged at a predetermined distance and can be connected by a second portion 102. The second portion 102 and the third portion 103 can form a receiving space 104 for accommodating at least a portion of the ice maker 200. At least a portion of a guide slot 302 can be arranged in the receiving space 104. As an example, the upper end 302c of the guide slot 302 can be located in the receiving space 104. The lower end 302d of the guide slot 302 can be located outside the receiving space 104. The lower end 302d of the guide slot 302 can be located at a position higher than the support wall 221d of the bracket 220 and lower than the upper surface 303b of the peripheral wall 303 of the first tray cover 300. Therefore, the length of the guide slot 302 can be increased without increasing the height of the ice maker 200.

[0515] Additionally, a water supply section 240 can be integrated into the bracket 220. The water supply section 240 may include: a first portion 241; a second portion 242, disposed at an angle relative to the first portion 241; and a third portion 243 extending from both sides of the first portion 241. Therefore, a through hole 244 may be formed in the first portion 241. Alternatively, the through hole 244 may be formed between the first portion 241 and the second portion 242. Water supplied to the water supply section 240 can flow downwards along the second portion 242 and then exit through the through hole 244. Water exiting from the water supply section 244 can pass through the auxiliary storage chamber 325 and opening 324 of the first tray 320 and be supplied to the ice-making compartment 320a. The through hole 244 may be located in the direction of the water supply section 240 toward the ice-making compartment 320a. The lowermost end 240a of the water supply unit 240 may be located lower than the upper end of the auxiliary storage chamber 325. The lowermost end 240a of the water supply unit 240 may be located within the auxiliary storage chamber 325.

[0516] The control unit 800 can control the position so that, as the second tray assembly 211 moves from the ice-removing position to the water supply position, the first edge 264a moves away from the through hole 244 of the water supply unit 240. For example, the first edge 264a can rotate away from the through hole 244. When the first edge 264a moves away from the through hole 244, the contact between water and the first edge 264a during water supply is reduced, thereby reducing the likelihood of water freezing on the first edge 264a.

[0517] As the second tray assembly 211 moves from the water supply position to the ice-making position, the second edge 264b may move further in the second direction.

[0518] In the water supply position, the first edge 264a can be located outside the ice-making compartment 320a. In the water supply position, the first edge 264a can be located outside the auxiliary storage chamber 325. In the water supply position, the first edge 264a can be located higher than the lower end of the through hole 224. In the water supply position, the maximum value of the distance between the centerline C1 of the ice-making compartment 320a and the first edge 264a can be greater than the maximum value of the distance between the centerline C1 of the ice-making compartment 320a and the storage chamber wall 325a. In the water supply position, the first edge 264a can be located higher than the upper end 325c of the auxiliary storage chamber 325 and lower than the upper end 325b of the peripheral wall 303 of the first tray cover 300. In this case, the first edge 264a is arranged close to the ice-making compartment 320a, thereby applying pressure to the ice during the initial stage of the ice-moving process, thus improving ice-moving performance.

[0519] At the ice-moving position, the length of the first pusher 260 inserted into the ice-making compartment 320a can be longer than the length of the second pusher 541 inserted into the second tray support 400. At the ice-moving position, the first edge 264a can be located in the area between a parallel line passing through the highest and lowest points of the shaft 440 and extending along the direction of the first contact surface 322c. Figure 55 (The area between the two dashed lines). Alternatively, at the ice-moving location, the first edge 264a may be located on an extension line extending from the first contact surface 322c.

[0520] In the water supply position, the second edge 264b can be located lower than the third portion 103 of the cover member 100. In the water supply position, the second edge 264b can be located higher than the upper end 241b of the first portion 241 of the water supply section 240. In the water supply position, the second edge 264b can be located higher than the upper surface 221b1 of the first fixing wall 221b of the bracket 220.

[0521] The control unit 800 can control the position so that, in the water supply position, the second edge 264b is closer to the water supply unit 240 than the first edge 264a. In the water supply position, the second edge 264b can be located between the first portion 101 and the third portion 103 of the cover member 100. As an example, in the water supply position, the second edge 264b can be located within the accommodating space 104. Therefore, since a portion of the ice maker 200 can be located in the accommodating space 104, the space in the freezer compartment 32 for holding food may be reduced due to the ice maker 200, and the travel length of the first pusher 260 may increase. When the travel length of the first pusher 260 increases, the pressure applied by the first pusher 260 to the ice during ice removal can increase.

[0522] In the ice-moving position, the second edge 264b can be located outside the accommodating space 104. In the ice-moving position, the second edge 264b can be located between the support surface 221d1 of the bracket 220 supporting the first tray assembly 201 and the first portion of the cover member 100. In the ice-moving position, the second edge 264b can be located lower than the upper surface 221b1 of the first fixed wall 221b of the bracket 220. In the ice-moving position, the second edge 264b can be located outside the ice-making compartment 320a. In the ice-moving position, the second edge 264b can be located outside the auxiliary storage compartment 325.

[0523] In the ice-moving position, the second edge 264b can be located higher than the support surface 221d1 of the support wall 221d. In the ice-moving position, the second edge 264b can be located higher than the through hole 241 of the water supply section 240. In the ice-moving position, the second edge 264b can be located higher than the lower end 241a of the first portion 241 of the water supply section 240.

[0524] The first portion 241 of the water supply section 240 may extend entirely in a vertical direction, or a portion of it may extend in a vertical direction while another portion extends in a direction away from the first propeller 260. Alternatively, the first portion 241 of the water supply section 240 may be configured such that it moves further away from the first propeller 260 from its lower end 241a towards its upper end 241a. The distance between the second edge 264b and the first portion 241 of the water supply section 240 in the water supply position may be greater than the distance between the second edge 264b and the first portion 241 of the water supply section 240 in the ice-making position. The distance between the second edge 264b and the portion of the first portion 241 of the water supply section 240 facing the first propeller 260 in the water supply position may be greater than the distance between the second edge 264b and the portion of the first portion 241 of the water supply section 240 facing the first propeller 260 in the ice-moving position.

[0525] Figure 56 It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the through hole of the bracket and the air conditioning duct.

[0526] Reference Figure 56 The refrigerator may also include a cold air duct 120 that guides the cold air of the cold air supply unit 900.

[0527] The outlet 121 of the cold air duct 120 can be aligned with the through hole 222a of the bracket 220. The outlet 121 of the cold air duct 120 can be configured such that it does not face the guide slot 302 at least. If the cold air flows directly into the guide slot 302, icing may occur in the guide slot 302, potentially preventing the first pusher 260 from moving smoothly. At least a portion of the outlet 121 of the cold air duct 120 can be located higher than the upper end of the peripheral wall 303 of the first tray cover 300. As an example, the outlet 121 of the cold air duct 120 can be located higher than the opening 324 of the first tray 320. Therefore, cold air can flow from above the ice-making compartment 320a towards the opening 324. In the outlet 121 of the cold air duct 120, the area not overlapping with the first tray cover 300 is larger than the area overlapping with the first tray cover 300. Therefore, the cold air does not interfere with the first tray cover 300, but can flow above the ice-making compartment 320a and cool the water or ice in the ice-making compartment 320a.

[0528] That is, the cold air supply unit 900 (or cooler) can be configured such that the amount of cold air (or cold flow) supplied to the first tray assembly is greater than the amount of cold air supplied to the second tray assembly on which the transparent ice heater 430 is provided.

[0529] Furthermore, the cold air supply unit 900 (or cooler) can be configured such that the amount of cold air (or cold stream) supplied to the region of the first compartment 321a away from the transparent ice heater 430 is greater than the amount of cold air supplied to the region closer to the transparent ice heater 430. For example, the distance between the cooler and the region of the first compartment 321a closer to the transparent ice heater 430 can be longer than the distance between the cooler and the region of the first compartment 321a away from the transparent ice heater 430. The distance between the cooler and the second compartment 381a can be longer than the distance between the cooler and the first compartment 321a.

[0530] Figure 57 This diagram illustrates a refrigerator control method when the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water is variable during the ice-making process.

[0531] Reference Figure 42 and Figure 57 The cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 can be determined in accordance with the target temperature of the freezer compartment 32. The cold air generated by the cold air supply unit 900 can be supplied to the freezer compartment 32. Through heat transfer between the cold air supplied to the freezer compartment 32 and the water in the ice-making compartment 320a, the water in the ice-making compartment 320a can be phase-changed into ice.

[0532] In this embodiment, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 per unit height of water can be determined by taking into account the preset cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900.

[0533] In this embodiment, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430, determined by considering the preset cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, is referred to as the reference heating amount. The reference heating amount per unit height of water varies. However, when the heat transfer between the cold air in the freezing chamber 32 and the water in the ice-making compartment 320a changes, if this change is not reflected in adjusting the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430, the transparency of the ice per unit height will vary.

[0534] In this embodiment, an increase in heat transfer between cold air and water can be seen as an increase in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, or as a case where air at a temperature lower than the temperature of the cold air inside the freezer compartment 32 is supplied to the freezer compartment 32. Conversely, a decrease in heat transfer between cold air and water can be seen as a decrease in the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900, or as a case where air at a temperature higher than the temperature of the cold air inside the freezer compartment 32 is supplied to the freezer compartment 32.

[0535] For example, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 can be increased when the target temperature of the freezer compartment 32 decreases, or when the operating mode of the freezer compartment 32 changes from a normal mode to a rapid cooling mode, or when the output of one or more of the compressor and fan increases, or when the opening of the refrigerant valve increases.

[0536] Conversely, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply unit 900 may be reduced if the target temperature of the freezer compartment 32 increases, or if the operating mode of the freezer compartment 32 changes from rapid cooling mode to normal mode, or if the output of one or more of the compressor and fan decreases, or if the opening of the refrigerant valve decreases.

[0537] When the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 increases, the temperature of the air around the ice maker 200 decreases, thereby speeding up the ice formation process. Conversely, when the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 decreases, the temperature of the air around the ice maker 200 increases, thereby slowing down the ice formation process and lengthening the ice-making time.

[0538] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to keep the ice-making speed below a specified range when ice-making is performed with the transparent ice heater 430 turned off, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 can be controlled to increase when the heat transfer of cold air and water increases.

[0539] Conversely, when the heat transfer of the cold air and water is reduced, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 can be controlled to be reduced.

[0540] In this embodiment, if the ice-making speed is kept within the specified range, the ice-making speed will be slower than the speed at which bubbles move in the ice-generating portion of the ice-making compartment 320a, so that there will be no bubbles in the ice-generating portion.

[0541] If the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 increases, the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 can be increased. Conversely, if the cooling capacity of the air supply unit 900 decreases, the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater 430 can be decreased.

[0542] The following explanation uses the change in the target temperature of the freezer compartment 32 as an example.

[0543] The control unit 800 can control the output of the transparent ice heater 430, thereby maintaining the ice-making speed within a specified range regardless of changes in the target temperature of the freezing chamber 32.

[0544] For example, when ice making begins (step S4), changes in the amount of heat transfer between the cold air and water can be sensed (step S31). As an example, changes in the target temperature of the freezer compartment 32 via an input unit not shown can be sensed.

[0545] The control unit 800 can determine whether the heat transfer between the cold air and the water increases (step S32). For example, the control unit 800 can determine whether the target temperature increases.

[0546] If the target temperature increases as determined in step S32, the control unit 800 can reduce the preset reference heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 in the current interval and each of the remaining intervals. Variable heating amount control of the transparent ice heater 430 in each interval can be performed normally until ice making is complete (step S35). Conversely, if the target temperature decreases, the control unit 800 can increase the preset reference heating amount of the transparent ice heater 430 in the current interval and each of the remaining intervals. Variable heating amount control of the transparent ice heater 430 in each interval can be performed normally until ice making is complete (S35).

[0547] In this embodiment, the reference heating amount that is increased or decreased can be preset and stored in a memory. According to this embodiment, by increasing or decreasing the reference heating amount of each section of the transparent ice heater in accordance with the change in the heat transfer of the cold air and water, the ice-making speed can be kept within a specified range, thereby making the transparency of the ice uniform per unit height.

Claims

1. An ice maker, in, include: The first tray assembly forms part of an ice-making compartment that serves as a space where water changes phase to ice due to the cold flow; The second tray assembly forms another part of the ice-making compartment; and A cooler for supplying the cold flow to the ice-making compartment; The first tray assembly includes a first tray that defines a portion of the ice-making compartment; The second tray assembly includes a second tray defining another portion of the ice-making compartment and a second tray housing supporting the second tray; The second tray housing includes a second tray cover, at least a portion of which is located on one side of the second tray; The second tray cover includes an opening into which a portion of the second tray is inserted and a wall surrounding the opening; The wall includes a first wall having a portion extending along the X-axis and a second wall having a portion extending along the Y-axis.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, The wall is provided with a fastening part for engaging with the second tray, or the wall is provided with a fastening part for engaging with a second tray support member, at least a portion of which is located on the other side of the second tray.

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, wherein, The wall includes a first surface forming the opening and a second surface spaced apart from the surface forming the opening to form the thickness of the wall. The fastener is positioned closer to the opening than a portion of the second surface of the wall. The wall includes a first surface forming the opening, a second surface spaced apart from the surface forming the opening and forming the thickness of the wall, and a third surface extending from a portion of the second surface toward the opening, the fastening portion being disposed on the third surface.

4. The ice maker according to claim 2, wherein, The wall also includes a fastening groove corresponding to the fastening part.

5. The ice maker according to claim 4, wherein, The fastening groove is formed by the wall recess, and the fastening part is disposed in the recessed portion of the fastening groove.

6. The ice maker according to claim 2, wherein, In the wall where the fastening part is provided, there is a portion formed by parts other than the fastening part being separated from each other.

7. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, A first fastening part is provided in the first wall, and the first wall includes a first fastening groove corresponding to the first fastening part.

8. The ice maker according to claim 7, wherein, The wall also includes a third wall having a portion extending along the X-axis direction and spaced apart from the first wall in the Y-axis direction; The third wall is provided with a third fastening part for engaging with the second tray and the second tray support, and the third wall includes a third fastening groove corresponding to the third fastening part.

9. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, The first wall is a vertical wall extending along the X-axis direction. The second wall is a vertical wall extending along the Y-axis direction.

10. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, The wall also includes a third wall having a portion extending along the X-axis direction and spaced apart from the first wall in the Y-axis direction; The third wall includes a curved wall.

11. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, A second fastening part is provided in the second wall, and the second wall includes a second fastening groove corresponding to the second fastening part.

12. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, The wall also includes a third wall having a portion extending along the X-axis direction and spaced apart from the first wall in the Y-axis direction; A first fastening part is provided in the first wall; A third fastening part is provided on the third wall for engaging with the second tray and the second tray support; A second fastening part is provided in the second wall; The second fastening part is closer to the first fastening part than the third fastening part.

13. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, The wall also includes a third wall having a portion extending along the X-axis direction and spaced apart from the first wall in the Y-axis direction; The first wall has a portion with a height different from that of the third wall.

14. The ice maker according to claim 12, wherein, The first wall has a portion that is higher than the height of the third wall.

15. The ice maker according to claim 12, wherein, The first wall includes a vertical wall, and the third wall includes a curved wall.

16. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, The wall also includes a third wall having a portion extending along the X-axis direction and spaced apart from the first wall in the Y-axis direction; The third wall has a portion with a curvature different from that of the first wall.

17. The ice maker according to claim 16, wherein, The third wall has a portion with a curvature greater than that of the first wall.

18. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, The first tray and the second tray are arranged along the Z-axis direction; The ice-making compartment includes a first ice-making compartment and a second ice-making compartment, which are arranged along the X-axis direction; The Y-axis direction is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction.

Images