refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a storage compartment and an ice-making device disposed in the storage compartment, wherein the ice-making device includes: a support frame; a pressure member disposed within the support frame; a first tray that is connectable to the support frame and includes a first main ice-making chamber and a first auxiliary ice-making chamber extending over the first main ice-making chamber; and a second tray that is movably connected to the support frame and connected to the first tray to form a spherical ice chamber, wherein the movable second tray includes a second main ice-making chamber and a second auxiliary ice-making chamber, the second main ice-making chamber being connected to the first main ice-making chamber to form a spherical ice chamber, and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber extending over the second main ice-making chamber and having a portion configured to contact the first auxiliary ice-making chamber; when the second tray is moved, the pressure member presses the second auxiliary ice-making chamber, causing the second main ice-making chamber connected to the first main ice-making chamber of the first tray forming the spherical ice chamber to be separated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to refrigerators, and more specifically, to refrigerators having an ice maker with a reinforced structure. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a device that uses a cooling cycle with a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator to cool food. An ice maker can be installed in a refrigerator to form ice.

[0003] An ice maker may include: an ice tray on which ice is formed; an ejector for separating ice from the ice tray; and an ice bucket for storing the ice separated from the ice tray. The refrigerator may also include a controller for controlling the entire ice-making process to automatically form, separate, and store ice.

[0004] When too much water is supplied to the ice tray, extra ice will form in addition to the intended ice shape, thus reducing the degree of ice formation.

[0005] In addition, when extra ice is left on the ice tray, hygiene management becomes difficult, and the overall function of the ice maker may be affected. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problems to be solved

[0007] This disclosure provides a refrigerator with an ice maker having an enhanced structure for removing ice from unnecessary parts.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes a storage compartment and an ice maker disposed in the storage compartment, wherein the ice maker includes: a support frame; a pressure member disposed inside the support frame; a first tray coupled to the support frame and including a first main ice-making chamber and a first auxiliary ice-making chamber, the first auxiliary ice-making chamber being formed to extend upward from the first main ice-making chamber; and a second tray movable, coupled to the support frame, and coupled to the first tray to form a ball. The second tray includes a second main ice-making chamber and a second auxiliary ice-making chamber. The second main ice-making chamber is connectable to the first main ice-making chamber to form the spherical ice chamber. The second auxiliary ice-making chamber is formed to extend upward from the second main ice-making chamber and has a portion that contacts the first auxiliary ice-making chamber. The pressure-applying member applies pressure to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber of the second tray when the second tray is moved to separate the second main ice-making chamber of the second tray from the first main ice-making chamber of the first tray forming the spherical ice chamber.

[0010] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber may include a protrusion formed to extend upward to interfere with the pressure-applying member when the pressure is applied to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber by the pressure-applying member.

[0011] The refrigerator may further include: a first housing configured to receive the first tray; a first fixing member configured to cover at least one side of the first tray to attach the first tray to the first housing, the first fixing member being attachable to the first housing; a second housing configured to receive the second tray; and a second fixing member configured to cover at least one side of the second tray to attach the second tray to the second housing, the second fixing member being attachable to the second housing.

[0012] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber may further include a discharge groove formed in the protrusion, allowing excess water to flow out of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber.

[0013] The second fixing member may include a first discharge portion formed at an angle on the top surface for water to flow downward along the discharge groove, and the second housing may include a second discharge portion formed at an angle on the top surface for connection to the first discharge portion.

[0014] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber may include an extension that is configured to extend toward the first auxiliary ice-making chamber for reception within the first auxiliary ice-making chamber.

[0015] The refrigerator may also include a water supply guiding member that can be mounted on the support frame and is configured to extend between the first tray and the second tray to guide water supplied from the water supply unit to the first main ice-making compartment and the second main ice-making compartment.

[0016] The first tray may include a first inlet formed to receive at least a portion of the water supply guide member to allow water supplied by the water supply device to be introduced into the first main ice-making chamber of the first tray, and the second tray may include a second inlet formed to receive at least another portion of the water supply guide member to allow water supplied by the water supply device to be introduced into the second main ice-making chamber of the second tray, and the second inlet faces the first inlet.

[0017] The first main ice-making chamber is one of a plurality of first main ice-making chambers, and the second main ice-making chamber is one of a plurality of second main ice-making chambers. The first tray may include a first connecting portion formed to be recessed inward between the plurality of first main ice-making chambers to allow water introduced into the first main ice-making chamber through the first inlet to flow to an adjacent first main ice-making chamber. The second tray may include a second connecting portion formed to be recessed inward between the plurality of second main ice-making chambers to allow water introduced into the second main ice-making chamber through the second inlet to flow to an adjacent second main ice-making chamber.

[0018] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber can be connected to at least one of the plurality of second main ice-making chambers and connected to the storage chamber.

[0019] The first auxiliary ice-making chamber may include a first ramp, which is configured to extend upward at an angle gradually away from the second auxiliary ice-making chamber, and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber may include a second ramp, which is configured to extend upward at an angle gradually away from the first auxiliary ice-making chamber.

[0020] The first slope can be formed to extend at a smaller or gentler angle than the second slope.

[0021] The refrigerator may also include a heater located behind the first tray, the heater being used to heat the first tray before the second tray is moved.

[0022] The refrigerator may further include: a plurality of drive gears configured to rotate by receiving power from a motor, each of the plurality of drive gears being arranged on both sides of the support frame; and a rack that meshes with the plurality of drive gears to be moved horizontally, thereby moving the second tray.

[0023] The pressure-applying component can be configured to connect the plurality of transmission gears.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a storage compartment; a support frame disposed in the storage compartment; a first tray including a first main ice-making chamber capable of being coupled to the support frame to form a first portion of ice; a second tray including a second main ice-making chamber engaging with the first tray to form a remaining second portion of the ice, and the second tray being movable and capable of being coupled to the support frame; a first auxiliary ice-making chamber recessed from an inner surface of the first tray and formed to extend upward from the first main ice-making chamber; a second auxiliary ice-making chamber recessed from an inner surface of the second tray facing the first auxiliary ice-making chamber and formed to extend upward from the second main ice-making chamber; and a first fixing member capable of being coupled to the first tray to cover a side portion of the first tray, and the first fixing member including an auxiliary ice-making chamber insert formed to extend into the interior of the first auxiliary ice-making chamber.

[0025] The auxiliary ice-making chamber insert can be configured to have a higher thermal conductivity than the second auxiliary ice-making chamber, such that ice formed between the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber adheres to the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert in response to the second tray being moved away from the first tray.

[0026] The auxiliary ice-making chamber insert may include an extension formed to extend toward the second auxiliary ice-making chamber so as to be received in the second auxiliary ice-making chamber.

[0027] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes a storage compartment and an ice maker disposed in the storage compartment, wherein the ice maker includes: a support frame; a first tray disposed in the support frame; a second tray for forming ice together with the first tray, and the second tray disposed in the support frame to be movable toward the first tray; a first main ice-making chamber formed on the first tray; a first auxiliary ice-making chamber connected to the first main ice-making chamber of the first tray and formed to extend to the top of the first tray; a second main ice-making chamber formed on the second tray and formed at a position facing the first main ice-making chamber; and a second auxiliary ice-making chamber connected to the second main ice-making chamber of the second tray at a position facing the first auxiliary ice-making chamber and formed to extend upward, and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber includes an extension received in the first auxiliary ice-making unit to have a wider area or region in contact with ice than the first auxiliary ice-making chamber.

[0028] The refrigerator may also include a pressure-applying member disposed inside the support frame to separate ice adhering to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber from the second tray by applying pressure to the upper part of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber when the second tray is moved.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] According to this disclosure, when the first tray is separated from the second tray, ice formed in the auxiliary ice-making chamber is removed from the ice formed in the main ice-making chamber, so that the ice can present a better aesthetic appearance.

[0031] In addition, since the ice separated from the main ice-making chamber does not remain on the tray, more hygienic ice can be formed. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of part A.

[0034] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 The illustration shows the view from the inside, in Figure 3 The first housing, the first tray, and the first fixing member shown are in a combined state.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of part B.

[0037] Figure 6 The illustration shows the view from the inside, in Figure 3 The second housing, the second tray, and the second fixing member shown are in a combined state.

[0038] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of section C.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating some components of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an assembled state.

[0040] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The ice maker is a cross-sectional view taken by line D-D'.

[0041] Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 It is along Figure 8 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the ice maker taken along line E-E', illustrating the operation of the ice maker.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a perspective view illustrating some components of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in an assembled state.

[0043] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 An exploded view of some components of the ice maker in the refrigerator shown.

[0044] Figure 17 The illustration shows the view from the inside, in Figure 15 The first housing, the first tray, and the first fixing member shown are in a combined state.

[0045] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 An enlarged perspective view of section G.

[0046] Figure 19 The illustration shows the view from the inside, in Figure 15 The second housing, the second tray, and the second fixing member shown are in a combined state.

[0047] Figure 20 The diagram shows the arrangement in Figure 15 The heater is located on one side of the first tray shown in the image.

[0048] Figure 21 and Figure 22 It is along Figure 15 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the ice maker taken by line F-F', illustrating the operation of the ice maker.

[0049] Figure 23 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the first fixing member in the ice maker of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The embodiments and features described and illustrated in this disclosure are merely examples, and various modifications can be made to the embodiments described in the text of this disclosure and shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts or components.

[0052] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. It should be understood that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” “the,” include plural references. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] Terms containing ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe multiple components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first chamber discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second section. The description should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items when descriptive terms such as “~ and / or ~” are used.

[0054] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of part A.

[0056] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10, a storage compartment disposed in the main body 10, and a door for opening or closing the storage compartment.

[0057] Although refrigerator 1 is shown as a bottom-mounted freezer (BMF) refrigerator in the embodiments of this disclosure, this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be equally applied to a variety of refrigerator types, such as top-mounted freezer (TMF) refrigerators, French door refrigerators (FDR), four-door refrigerators and side-by-side (SBS) refrigerators.

[0058] The main body 10 may include an outer shell 12 and an inner shell 11.

[0059] A heat insulation material (not shown) can be foamed between the outer shell 12 and the inner shell 11. The outer shell 12 forms the exterior of the refrigerator 1. The inner shell 11 defines a storage compartment. The inner shell 11 can be formed of a resin material.

[0060] The storage compartment may include a first storage compartment 31 and a second storage compartment 32. The first storage compartment 31 may be configured as a refrigerator compartment, and the second storage compartment 32 may be configured as a freezer compartment.

[0061] At least one shelf 13 may be installed in the refrigerator compartment for placing food or objects on the shelf 13. Storage containers (not shown) may also be provided in the refrigerator compartment for storing fresh food.

[0062] The doors may include a first door 21 and a second door 22. The first door 21 may be arranged to open or close the first storage chamber 31. The second door 22 may be arranged to open or close the second storage chamber 32.

[0063] The first door 21 can be rotatably connected to the main body 10. The first door 21 can be arranged to open or close the front of the opening of the first storage chamber 31. The first door 21 can be connected to the main body 10 via a hinge to pivot forward.

[0064] The second door 22 can be rotatably connected to the main body 10. The second door 22 can be arranged to open or close the front of the opening of the second storage chamber 32. The second door 22 can be connected to the main body 10 via a hinge to pivot forward.

[0065] Door guards 14 can be installed on the inner surfaces of the first door 21 and the second door 22 to accommodate objects. Multiple door guards 14 can be installed on each door.

[0066] The refrigerator 1 can be cooled by a refrigeration cycle to maintain the first storage compartment 31 and the second storage compartment 32 at low temperatures. Although not specifically shown, the refrigeration cycle can be configured to supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. The refrigeration cycle may include a compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, etc., to generate cold air.

[0067] The refrigerator 1 may include a mounting frame 50. The mounting frame 50 may be attached to one side of the inner casing 11 that forms the second storage compartment 32.

[0068] An ice maker 1000 may be arranged on one side of the second storage chamber 32, and the ice maker 1000 is configured to form ice using cold air. An ice bucket 40 may be mounted on a mounting frame 50 below the ice maker 1000, and the ice bucket 40 is configured to store the ice formed by the ice maker 1000.

[0069] exist Figure 2 The image shows the arrangement of the ice maker housing 70 and the ice bucket 40 in the second storage chamber 32, with the mounting frame 50 omitted.

[0070] The ice maker 1000 can be received in the ice maker housing 70. The ice maker housing 70 can be mounted on the mounting frame 50. Accordingly, the ice maker housing 70 and the ice bucket 40 can be mounted on the mounting frame 50 and fixed to the interior of the second storage chamber 32.

[0071] The refrigerator 1 may include a water supply device 60. The water supply device 60 may be configured to receive water from an external water source to supply the water to the ice maker 1000.

[0072] The water supply unit 60 can pass through the inner shell 11 of the refrigerator 1 to communicate with the second storage compartment 32. Therefore, a portion of the water supply unit 60 can be embedded in the insulation, and one end of the water supply unit 60 is exposed in the second storage compartment 32 of the refrigerator 1. The other end of the water supply unit 60 can be connected to an external water supply source.

[0073] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] refer to Figure 3 The ice maker 1000 may include a support frame.

[0075] The support frame can be inside the ice maker housing 70 and connected to the ice maker housing 70 (see...). Figure 2 ) connection.

[0076] The support frame may include a first support frame 310 and a second support frame 320.

[0077] The first support frame 310 can be mounted on top of the second support frame 320 to form the top surface of the support frame.

[0078] The first support frame 310 may include a first support body 311.

[0079] The first support body 311 can form the exterior of the first support frame 310. The guide mounting part 312 and the cutout part 313 can be arranged on the top surface of the first support body 311.

[0080] The water supply guide member 500, which will be described below, can be mounted on the first support frame 310 via the guide mounting portion 312. Furthermore, the water supply guide member 500 can extend through the cutout portion 313 between the first tray 120 and the second tray 220 described herein.

[0081] The heater receiving part 314 can be arranged on the top surface of the first support body 311. The heater 600 can be received in the heater receiving part 314 and fixed in place.

[0082] The connecting portion 315 may be formed on one side of the first support body 311. The connecting portion 315 may extend from this side of the first support body 311 toward the second support frame 320. The connecting portion 315 may fix the relative position of the first support frame 310 and the second support frame 320.

[0083] The second support frame 320 may include a second support body 321.

[0084] The second support body 321 can form the exterior of the second support frame 320. The first support frame 310 can be arranged above the second support body 321, and there is space between the first support frame 310 and the second support body 321.

[0085] The shape of the second support frame 320 can be formed as essentially a box with openings on the opposite sides and bottom.

[0086] The second support body 321 may include a rack mounting portion 322. The rack mounting portion 322 may be formed on two inner surfaces extending downward from the top surface of the second support body 321. The rack mounting portion 322 may be arranged to receive a rack 440, which will be described in more detail herein, so as to be movable in the horizontal direction relative to the second support frame 320.

[0087] The second support body 321 may include a leg support portion 323. The leg support portion 323 may be configured to accommodate the legs 143 of the first ejector 140. The leg support portion 323 may be formed below the rack mounting portion 322. Specifically, the leg support portion 323 may be formed on the inner surfaces of both sides extending downward from the top surface of the second support body 321.

[0088] The legs 143 of the first ejector 140 can be supported by the leg support 323 so that they can move horizontally relative to the second support frame 320.

[0089] The second support body 321 may include an ejector mounting portion 324. The ejector mounting portion 324 may be formed on the rear surface of the second support body 321. The rear surface may be defined by defining a forward direction facing the first ejector 140 and a rearward direction facing the second ejector 240 based on the second support frame 320.

[0090] The second ejector 240 can be installed in the ejector mounting portion 324. Specifically, the second ejector 240 can be secured to the support frame by additional fastening members connected to the frame mounting portion 243 of the second ejector 240 and the ejector mounting portion 324 of the second support frame 320.

[0091] The second support body 321 may include a transmission gear receiving part 325.

[0092] The transmission gear receiving part 325 may be formed on the top of both sides extending downward from the top surface of the second support body 321.

[0093] The transmission gear 420 can be received in the transmission gear receiving part 325 and can be rotated by receiving power from the motor of the driver 400. The transmission gear 420 can mesh with the rack 440 received inside the second support frame to move the rack 440 in the horizontal direction. Multiple transmission gears 420 can be provided to be received on both sides of the second support body 321, and multiple racks 440 meshing with the transmission gears 420 can also be provided to be received on both sides of the second support body 321.

[0094] The rack 440 can be connected to the second housing 210, which will be described in more detail herein, via the elastic member 450.

[0095] The rack 440 may include a toothed portion 441 arranged to mesh with the drive gear 420. The rack 440 may include a support portion 442 to be supported by a support frame. The toothed portion 441 may be formed on top of the support portion 442.

[0096] The toothed portion 441 of the rack 440 meshes with the transmission gear 420, allowing the rack 440 to move horizontally relative to the support frame.

[0097] The rack 440 may include a first elastic member mounting portion 443 extending from the support portion 442. The elastic member 450 may be mounted in the first elastic member mounting portion 443.

[0098] The transmission gear 420 and rack 440 are arranged to mesh with each other, such that the rotational motion of the drive 400 can be converted into linear motion. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be equally applied to any structure that can convert rotational motion into linear motion.

[0099] The elastic member 450 can be configured to connect the rack 440 to the second housing 210.

[0100] Accordingly, as the rack 440 moves horizontally by receiving power generated by the driver 400 from the transmission gear 420, the second housing 210 can also move horizontally relative to the support frame.

[0101] Specifically, the second housing 210 has a structure that is combined with and moves together with the second tray 220 and the second fixing member 230 as described herein, and as the second housing 210 moves, ice formed between the first tray 120 and the second tray 220 can be separated from the first tray 120 and the second tray 220.

[0102] Furthermore, since the rack 440 and the second housing 210 are connected by the elastic member 450, and the first tray 120 and the second tray 220 are engaged by the movement of the second housing 210 toward the first housing 110, the rack 440 can move further forward, further increasing the tightness between the first tray 120 and the second tray 220 due to the elastic force of the elastic member 450.

[0103] Multiple transmission gears 420 can be arranged on both sides of the support frame. The drive 400 may include a pressure member 430 arranged to connect the multiple transmission gears 420. The pressure member 430 may be configured to transmit rotation of the transmission gears 420 on one side to the shaft of the transmission gears 420 on the other side. The shape of the pressure member 430 may be configured to substantially resemble an elongated rod. This pressure member 430 is described in detail herein.

[0104] The second support body 321 may include a frame connecting portion 326. The frame connecting portion 326 may be arranged to interfere with the connecting portion 315 formed on the first support body 311. The frame connecting portion 326 may have the form of a protrusion extending from the rear surface of the second support body 321. Thus, the relative position of the first support frame 310 and the second support frame 320 can be fixed.

[0105] The shape of the connecting portion 315 of the first support frame 310 and the shape of the frame connecting portion 326 of the second support frame 320 are not limited thereto. The connecting portion 315 of the first support frame 310 may have the shape of a protrusion, and the frame connecting portion 326 of the second support frame 320 may have the form of a hook, so that the connecting portion 315 and the frame connecting portion 326 may interfere with each other.

[0106] The second support body 321 may include a pressure-applying member passage portion 327.

[0107] The pressure-applying member passage portion 327 can be formed by cutting a portion of the top surface of the second support body 321. The pressure-applying member 430 connecting the transmission gears 420 on both sides can be arranged lower than the top surface of the second support body 321 through the pressure-applying member passage portion 327. In other words, the pressure-applying member 430 can pass through the pressure-applying member passage portion 327 and can be located inside the support frame.

[0108] Ice maker 1000 may include lid frame 330.

[0109] The cover frame 330 can be disposed in front of the first support frame 310 and the second support frame 320. The cover frame 330 can be configured to cover the opening side of the second support frame 320. The cover frame 330 can form one side of the support frame. However, it is not limited to this, and the cover frame 330 can be integrally formed with the support frame.

[0110] The ejector receiver 331 may be formed on the inner surface of the cover frame 330. The ejector receiver 331 may be recessed into the interior of the cover frame 330 to receive the first ejector 140.

[0111] The ice maker 1000 may include a water supply guide component 500.

[0112] The water supply guiding component 500 can be configured to guide the water supply from the water supply unit 60 (see...) Figure 2 The supplied water is directed to the first main ice-making chamber 121 and the second main ice-making chamber 221 as described herein. The water supply guide member 500 may be mounted on the support frame and may extend between the first tray 120 and the second tray 220 to supply water.

[0113] The water supply guiding member 500 may include a guiding body 510 mounted on the first support frame 310. A guiding portion 520 may be formed on the inner surface of the guiding body 510 to be inclined downward.

[0114] The water supply guide member 500 may include a supply section 530 extending downward from the guide body 510. The supply section 530 may be inserted between the first tray 120 and the second tray 220.

[0115] Accordingly, water supplied from the water supply unit 60 can flow along the guide portion 520 of the water supply guide member 500 to the supply portion 530, and can be supplied between the first tray 120 and the second tray 220.

[0116] Ice maker 1000 may include heater 600.

[0117] The heater 600 may be disposed behind the first tray 120. The heater 600 may be configured to heat the first tray 120, and a portion of the heater 600 may be supported by the first housing 110. Furthermore, a portion of the heater 600 may be received in a heater receiving portion 314 of the first support frame 310.

[0118] The ice maker 1000 may include a first ejector 140 and a second ejector 240.

[0119] The first ejector 140 can be received in the ejector receiver 331 of the cover frame 330.

[0120] The first ejector 140 may include a first body 141, a first pressure-applying part 142, and a support leg 143.

[0121] The first body 141 can extend in a direction parallel to the first housing 110. In other words, the first body 141 can extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first ejector 140.

[0122] The first pressure-applying part 142 may extend from the first body 141. The first body 141 may be configured to support the first pressure-applying part 142.

[0123] The first pressure-applying part 142 can pass through the first through hole 112 of the first housing 110 described herein in order to apply pressure to the first tray 120. Specifically, there may be a plurality of first pressure-applying parts 142 corresponding to the first main ice-making chamber 121, such that each first pressure-applying part 142 can apply pressure to each first main ice-making chamber 121.

[0124] The legs 143 can extend from both ends of the first body 141 and can be inserted into the sides of the support frame. More specifically, the legs 143 of the first ejector 140 can be supported by the leg support portion 323. The legs 143 can extend along the direction of movement of the first ejector 140. The legs 143 can be arranged symmetrically at both ends of the first body 141.

[0125] Furthermore, the support leg 143 can be configured to receive the protrusion 214 of the second housing described herein. A protrusion receiving space 1431 can be formed inside the support leg 143. The protrusion 214 of the second housing 210 can be received in the protrusion receiving space 1431 of the support leg 143 to interfere with the support leg 143.

[0126] The second ejector 240 may include a second body 241, a second pressure application part 242, and a frame mounting part 243.

[0127] The second body 241 can extend in a direction parallel to the second housing 210. In other words, the second body 241 can extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the second housing 210. The second body 241 can extend to connect the two sides of the second support frame 320.

[0128] The second pressure-applying part 242 can extend from the second body 241. The second body 241 can be configured to support the second pressure-applying part 242.

[0129] The second pressure-applying part 242 can pass through the second through hole 212 of the second housing 210 to apply pressure to the second tray 220. Specifically, there may be a plurality of second pressure-applying parts 242 corresponding to the second main ice-making chamber 221, such that each second pressure-applying part 242 can apply pressure to each second main ice-making chamber 221.

[0130] The frame mounting portion 243 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the ejector mounting portion 324 of the second support frame 320. The frame mounting portion 243 can be formed on both ends of the second body 241. The second ejector 240 can be mounted on one side of the second support body 321 through the frame mounting portion 243. In other words, the second ejector 240 can be connected and fixed to the second support frame 320.

[0131] The ice maker 1000 may include a first housing 110, a first tray 120, and a first fixing member 130.

[0132] The first housing 110 may include a first tray receiving section 111. The first tray receiving section 111 may be configured as part of a first main ice-making chamber 121 for receiving a first tray 120. There may be three first tray receiving sections 111 corresponding to the number of first main ice-making chambers 121.

[0133] The first housing 110 may include a first through hole 112. The first through hole 112 may be formed by cutting at the center of the first tray receiving portion 111. The first through hole 112 may be arranged for the pressure portion of the first ejector 140 to pass through the first through hole.

[0134] The first tray 120 may include a first main ice-making chamber 121. The first tray 120 may be fixed to a support frame. The first main ice-making chamber 121 may be configured to form a first portion of ice. Specifically, the first main ice-making chamber 121 may be configured to form the left side portion of the ice. The first main ice-making chamber 121 may be formed by recessing inward from the inner surface of the first tray 120. The first main ice-making chamber 121 may include a plurality of ice-making chambers, each having a hemispherical shape or a similar shape. The inner side of the first main ice-making chamber 121 may be composed of a spherical shape or multiple polygons (polyhedra).

[0135] The first tray 120 may include a first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122. The first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 may be recessed inward from the inner surface of the first tray 120 to extend to the top of the first main ice-making chamber 121. The first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 may be connected to the first main ice-making chamber 121. The first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 may be recessed inward from the inner surface of the first tray 121 in the same direction as the first main ice-making chamber 121.

[0136] The first tray 120 may include a first inlet 125. The first inlet 125 may be configured to receive part of a water supply guide member 500 to introduce water supplied from the water supply unit 60. The first inlet 125 may be connected to a first main ice chamber 121.

[0137] The first tray 120 will be described in detail later.

[0138] The first fixing member 130 may include a first ice chamber cover 131 and a first fixing part 132.

[0139] The first ice chamber cover 131 of the first fixing member 130 can cover the side of the first tray 120, so that the first tray 120 is fixed to the first housing 110. The first fixing member 130 can be connected to the first housing 110.

[0140] Specifically, a portion of the first tray 120 may be arranged and fixed between the first fixing member 130 and the first housing 110. Furthermore, the first main ice-making chamber 121 and the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 of the first tray 120 may engage with the opposite second tray 220 through the opening portion of the first fixing member 130.

[0141] The first fixing part 132 can be arranged to engage with the first tray 120 and the first housing 110. Additional fastening members can be inserted through the first fixing part 132 to engage the first tray 120, the first housing 110, and the first fixing member 130. Accordingly, the first housing 110, the first tray 120, and the first fixing member 130 can be arranged to be fixed to the interior of the support frame without moving.

[0142] The ice maker 1000 may include a second housing 210, a second tray 220, and a second fixing member 230.

[0143] The second housing 210 may include a second tray receiving section 211. The second tray receiving section 211 may be configured as part of a second main ice-making chamber 221 for receiving a second tray 220. There may be three second tray receiving sections 211 corresponding to the number of second main ice-making chambers 221.

[0144] The second housing 210 may include a second through hole 212. The second through hole 212 may be formed by cutting at the center of the second tray receiving portion 211. The second through hole 212 may be arranged for the second pressure portion 242 of the second ejector 240 to pass through the second through hole.

[0145] The second housing 210 may include a second elastic member mounting portion 213.

[0146] The second elastic member mounting portion 213 can be arranged to connect to the elastic member 450 of the driver 400. The elastic member 450 can be connected at one end to the first elastic member mounting portion 443 of the rack 440 and at the other end to the second elastic member mounting portion 213 of the rack 440. Therefore, the second housing 210 can move with the horizontal movement of the rack 440.

[0147] The second housing 210 may include a protrusion 214.

[0148] The protrusion 214 can be received in the protrusion receiving space 1431 formed at the leg 143 of the first ejector 140. The protrusion 214 of the second housing 210 can be arranged to move the first ejector 140 by cooperating with the movement of the second housing 210.

[0149] The second housing 210 may include a second discharge section 215.

[0150] A second discharge portion 215 may be formed at an angle on the top surface of the second housing 210. The second discharge portion 215 may be configured to connect to the first discharge portion 233 of the second fixing member 230 as described herein.

[0151] The second tray 220 may include a second main ice-making chamber 221.

[0152] The second tray 220 can be connected to the first tray 120 to form a spherical ice chamber. Specifically, the second main ice chamber 221 of the second tray 220 can be connected to the first main ice chamber 121 of the first tray 120 to form an ice chamber.

[0153] For example, the second main ice-making chamber 221 can be configured to form a second portion of ice. The second portion of ice refers to the remaining portion of the ice formed by the first main ice-making chamber 121. More specifically, the second main ice-making chamber 221 can be configured to form the right-side portion of the ice. The second main ice-making chamber 221 can be formed by recessing inward from the inner surface of the second tray 220.

[0154] The second tray 220 may include a second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may be recessed from the inner surface of the first tray 220 to extend to the top of the second main ice-making chamber 221. The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may be connected to the second main ice-making chamber 221.

[0155] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can be arranged such that a portion of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 is in contact with the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122. For example, a portion of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can overlap with the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122.

[0156] The second tray 220 is described in this article.

[0157] The second fixing member 230 may include a second ice chamber cover 231 and a second fixing part 232.

[0158] The second ice chamber cover 231 of the second fixing member 230 can cover the side of the second tray 220, so that the second tray 220 is fixed to the second housing 210. The second fixing member 230 can be connected to the second housing 210.

[0159] Specifically, a portion of the second tray 220 may be arranged and fixed between the second fixing member 230 and the second housing 210. Furthermore, the second main ice-making chamber 221 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 of the second tray 220 may engage with the opposing first tray 120 through the opening portion of the second fixing member 230.

[0160] The second fixing part 232 can be arranged to connect with the second tray 220 and the second housing 210. Additional fastening members can be inserted through the second fixing part 232 to combine the second tray 220, the second housing 210 and the second fixing member 230.

[0161] Therefore, the second housing 210, the second tray 220, and the second fixing member 230 can move together horizontally within the support frame.

[0162] Furthermore, the second fixing member 230 may include a first discharge portion 233. The first discharge portion 233 may be formed at an angle on the top surface of the second fixing member 230. Details of the first discharge portion 233 are described herein.

[0163] Figure 4The illustration shows the view from the inside, in Figure 3 The first housing, the first tray, and the first fixing member shown are in a combined state. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of part B. Figure 6 The illustration shows the view from the inside, in Figure 3 The second housing, the second tray, and the second fixing member shown are in a combined state. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of section C. Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating some components of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an assembled state.

[0164] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first tray 120 may include a first main ice-making chamber 121 recessed inward from the inner surface, and a first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 extending to the top of the first main ice-making chamber 121.

[0165] although Figure 4 Three first main ice-making chambers 121 are shown, but the number of first main ice-making chambers 121 is not limited to this.

[0166] The first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 can be recessed inward from the inner surface of the first tray 120.

[0167] The first tray 120 may include a first sealing portion 123. The first sealing portion 123 may be formed to engage with the second tray 220 to seal the interior of the first main ice chamber 121, thereby preventing water leakage between the first tray 120 and the second tray 220.

[0168] A first sealing portion 123 can be formed along the boundary of the first main ice-making chamber 121.

[0169] The first tray 120 may include a first inlet 125. The first inlet 125 is part of the water supply guide member 500 and can supply water to the first main ice chamber 121 through the first inlet 125.

[0170] The first tray 120 may include a first connecting portion 124. The first connecting portion 124 may be arranged among a plurality of first main ice-making chambers 121, such that water flowing into a first main ice-making chamber 121 connected to a first inlet 125 flows to an adjacent first main ice-making chamber 121. The first connecting portion 124 may be formed by recessing into the interior of the first tray 120.

[0171] Because in Figure 4The system has three first main ice-making chambers 121, so two first connecting portions 124 can be arranged. Specifically, water can be supplied to the central first main ice-making chamber 121 through the first inlet 125, and the supplied water can be supplied to the adjacent first main ice-making chambers 121 on the left and right sides through the first connecting portions 124.

[0172] The first tray 120 may include a first blocking portion 126. The first blocking portion 126 may be formed outside the first sealing portion 123. The first blocking portion 126 may be configured to prevent water filling the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 from overflowing between the first tray 120 and the first fixing member 130. Because no ice forms between the first tray 120 and the first fixing member 130 and no ice fragments are generated, this can facilitate the hygienic management of the equipment.

[0173] The first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 may include a first communication hole 1222 communicating with the first main ice-making chamber 121. The first communication hole 1222 may be configured to supply water from the first main ice-making chamber 121 to the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122. Furthermore, the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 may communicate with a storage chamber. In other words, the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 may be connected at one end to at least one of the plurality of first main ice-making chambers 121, and at the other end to a storage chamber.

[0174] This allows water to be supplied to the first main ice-making chamber 121 through the first inlet 125, while simultaneously allowing air to exit into the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122, thereby maintaining a constant internal pressure and forming neatly shaped ice without bubbles.

[0175] Furthermore, due to the first connecting hole 1222, the ice formed in the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 can have a narrow lower cross-sectional area. In other words, because the first connecting hole 1222 is formed with a small size, the portion where the ice formed in the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 connects with the ice formed in the first main ice-making chamber 121 can have a relatively small cross-sectional area. Therefore, the ice formed in the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the ice formed in the first main ice-making chamber 121 can be easily separated at the location where the first connecting hole 1222 is formed.

[0176] The first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 may include a first ramp 1221. The first ramp 1221 may be formed on a surface connected to the first communication hole 1222. The first ramp 1221 may extend upward at an angle away from the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222.

[0177] The first ramp 1221 can be configured to ensure ample space within the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122. Specifically, since the first ramp 1221 is formed on the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122, excess water can be contained within the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 as much as possible. This minimizes the amount of excess water overflowing from the ice maker 1000.

[0178] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second tray 220 may include a second main ice-making chamber 221 recessed inward from the inner surface and a second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 extending to the top of the second main ice-making chamber 221.

[0179] although Figure 6 Three secondary main ice-making chambers 221 are shown, but the number of secondary main ice-making chambers 221 is not limited to this. It is sufficient for the number of secondary main ice-making chambers 221 to be the same as the number of primary main ice-making chambers 121.

[0180] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can be recessed inward from the inner surface of the second tray 220.

[0181] The second tray 220 may include a second sealing portion 223. The second sealing portion 223 may be formed to engage with the first tray 220 to seal the interior of the second main ice chamber 221, thereby preventing water leakage between the first tray 120 and the second tray 221.

[0182] A second sealing portion 223 can be formed along the boundary of the second main ice-making chamber 221.

[0183] The second tray 220 may include a second inlet 225. The second inlet 225 is a portion that receives the water supply guide member 500 and through which water can be supplied to the second main ice chamber 221. The second inlet 225 may be configured to face the first inlet 125.

[0184] The second tray 220 may include a second connecting portion 224. The second connecting portion 224 may be arranged among a plurality of second main ice-making chambers 221, such that water flowing into a second main ice-making chamber 221 connected to a second inlet 225 flows to an adjacent second main ice-making chamber 221. The second connecting portion 224 may be formed by recessing into the interior of the second tray 220.

[0185] Because in Figure 6 There are three secondary main ice-making chambers 221 in the center, so two secondary connecting parts 224 can be arranged. Specifically, water can be supplied to the secondary main ice-making chamber 221 in the center through the secondary inlet 225, and the supplied water can be supplied to the adjacent secondary main ice-making chambers 221 on the left and right sides through the secondary connecting parts 224.

[0186] The second tray 220 may include a second blocking portion 226. The second blocking portion 226 may be formed outside the second sealing portion 223. The second blocking portion 226 may be configured to prevent water filling the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 from overflowing between the second tray 220 and the second fixing member 230. Because no ice forms between the second tray 220 and the second fixing member 230, and no ice fragments are generated, this can facilitate the hygienic management of the equipment.

[0187] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may include a second communication hole 2224 communicating with the second main ice-making chamber 221. The second communication hole 2224 may be configured to supply filled water from the second main ice-making chamber 221 to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. Furthermore, the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may communicate with a storage chamber. In other words, the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may be connected at one end to at least one of the plurality of second main ice-making chambers 221, and at the other end to a storage chamber.

[0188] This allows water to be supplied to the second main ice chamber 221 through the second inlet 225, and allows air to exit into the second auxiliary ice chamber 222, thereby maintaining a constant internal pressure and forming neatly shaped ice without bubbles.

[0189] Furthermore, due to the second connecting hole 2224, the ice formed in the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can have a narrow lower cross-sectional area. In other words, because the second connecting hole 2224 is formed with a small size, the portion at the connection point between the ice formed in the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 and the ice formed in the second main ice-making chamber 221 can have a relatively small cross-sectional area. Therefore, the ice formed in the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 and the ice formed in the second main ice-making chamber 221 can be easily separated at the location where the second connecting hole 2224 is formed.

[0190] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may include a second ramp 2221. The second ramp 2221 may be formed on a surface connected to the second communication hole 2224. The second ramp 2221 may extend upward at an angle away from the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122.

[0191] The second ramp 2221 can be configured to ensure ample space within the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. Specifically, because the second ramp 2221 is formed on the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222, excess water can be contained within the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 as much as possible. This minimizes the amount of excess water overflowing from the ice maker 1000.

[0192] The second slope 2221 can have a larger slope angle than the first slope 1221. The slope angle refers to the degree of inclination of the second slope 2221 relative to the vertical direction. In other words, the first slope 1221 can extend at a shallower or gentler angle than the second slope 2221.

[0193] The first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can extend to the top of the first main ice-making chamber 121 and the top of the second main ice-making chamber 221, respectively. Excess water supplied to the space formed by the first main ice-making chamber 121 and the second main ice-making chamber 221 can flow between the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222, and ice may form between the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222.

[0194] In this configuration, since the second ramp 2221 of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 is formed at a larger angle than the first ramp 1221 of the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122, more water can be contained in the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. In other words, the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can be configured to have a larger internal volume.

[0195] Accordingly, when the second tray 220 moves to separate from the first tray 120, the ice formed in the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 is more likely to adhere to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. In other words, the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 is formed with a large ice contact area, such that unnecessary portions of the ice can adhere to the second tray 220 and move with it.

[0196] The second tray 220 may include a protrusion 2222. Specifically, the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may include an upwardly extending protrusion 2222 to interfere with the pressure member 430.

[0197] The protrusion 2222 can protrude upwards further than the top surface of the second fixing member 230 and the top surface of the first housing 110. Therefore, when the second tray 220 moves, the pressure member 430 can interfere with the protrusion 2222 without interfering with other components.

[0198] The protrusion 2222 may be formed of an elastic material that deforms in shape when pressed by the pressure member 430. Therefore, when the protrusion 222 is pressed by the pressure member 430, ice adhering to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can be separated from the second tray 220. In other words, when one or more protrusions 222 are pressed by the pressure member 430, ice adhering to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can be separated from ice adhering to the second main ice-making chamber 221. This will be described in detail herein.

[0199] The second tray 220 may include a discharge recess 2225.

[0200] The discharge groove 2225 can be formed by cutting a portion of the protrusion 2222. Specifically, the discharge groove 2225 can be formed by cutting the central portion of the protrusion 2222. The discharge groove 2225 can be formed to allow water filling the space between the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 to flow out when there is an oversupply of water. This prevents the ice formed between the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 from having a size greater than a certain height. Furthermore, this allows excess water to flow backward along the second tray 220, the second fixing member 230, and the second discharge section 215 instead of flowing to other parts of the ice maker 1000 and falling into the ice bucket. This discharge mechanism is described in detail herein.

[0201] The second tray 220 may include an extension 2223.

[0202] An extension 2223 may be formed at the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. The extension 2223 may extend from the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 toward the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122. The extension 2223 may be received in the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122. The extension 2223 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the slope angle of the first slope 1221 of the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122.

[0203] Through the extension 2223 formed at the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222, the ice formed between the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can contact the second slope 2221 and the extension 2223 of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222, as well as a portion of the first slope 1221 of the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122. In other words, a large portion of the ice formed between the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can contact the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222.

[0204] Therefore, when the second tray 220 separates from the first tray 120, the ice formed in the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can have a high adhesion to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222, and can separate from the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 along with the second tray 220 while adhering to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. Then, when the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 is pressurized by the pressure member 430, the separated ice can separate from the second tray 220.

[0205] Therefore, the extension 2223 of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can be formed to widen the contact area with the ice formed between the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222.

[0206] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The ice maker is a cross-sectional view taken by line D-D'.

[0207] refer to Figure 9 The process for supplying water to the ice maker 1000 will be described.

[0208] Water supply unit 60 (see) Figure 2 The water supply guide member 500 can be configured to supply water to the water supply guide member 500. The supply section 530 of the water supply guide member 500 can be arranged between the first tray 120 and the second tray 220 to supply water to the first tray 120 and the second tray 220.

[0209] Specifically, the supply section 530 of the water supply guiding component 500 can be arranged between the first inlet 125 of the first tray 120 and the second inlet 225 of the second tray 220. Therefore, water can be supplied to the first main ice-making chamber 121 of the first tray 120 and the second main ice-making chamber 221 of the second tray 220.

[0210] In this configuration, the first tray 120 and the second tray 220 can be connected to engage with each other.

[0211] Figures 10 to 14 It is along Figure 8 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the ice maker taken along line E-E', illustrating the operation of the ice maker.

[0212] refer to Figure 10 ,like Figure 9 As shown, water supplied to the central first main ice chamber 121 and the second main ice chamber 221 through the first inlet 125 and the second inlet 225 can pass through the first connecting part 124 (see...). Figure 4 ) and second connecting part 224 (see Figure 6 The ice flows to the first main ice chamber 121 and the second main ice chamber 221 on both sides.

[0213] Water flowing through the first connecting portion 124 and the second connecting portion 224 can be contained between the first main ice-making chamber 121 and the second main ice-making chamber 221, and between the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222, to form ice by means of cold air.

[0214] When a small amount of water is supplied from the water dispenser 60, ice may not form the desired shape well. Therefore, the amount of water to be supplied needs to be set to be greater than the required amount.

[0215] Therefore, between the first tray 120 and the second tray 220, in addition to the ice I formed in the first main ice-making chamber 121 and the second main ice-making chamber 221, ice S can also be formed in the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. This can be referred to as additional (or unnecessary) ice.

[0216] refer to Figure 11 The driver 400 can drive the transmission gear 420 to rotate, allowing the racks 440 received on both sides of the support frame to move horizontally. Correspondingly, the second housing 210 connected to the racks 440 can move horizontally. Furthermore, the second tray 220 and the second fixing member 230 can move together with the second housing 210.

[0217] Therefore, when icing is complete, the second tray 220 can move away from the first tray 120 according to the drive of the driver 400.

[0218] As the second tray 220 moves, ice I formed by the first main ice chamber 121 and the second main ice chamber 221 can adhere to the second main ice chamber 221 and move together with the second tray 220.

[0219] When icing I is complete, before the second tray 220 is moved, the heater 600 located behind the first tray 120 can heat the first tray 120 to separate the first main ice-making chamber 121 from the ice I. Accordingly, when the second tray 220 moves, the ice I formed between the first main ice-making chamber 121 and the second main ice-making chamber 221 can be moved while adhering to the second main ice-making chamber 221.

[0220] Furthermore, when the second tray 220 moves, the ice S formed by the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can adhere to the second main ice-making chamber 222 and move together with the second tray 220.

[0221] Due to the presence of the second ramp 2221 and extension 2223 of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222, the ice formed between the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can contact the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 with a larger area than the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. Because the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 has a strong adhesive force with the ice, the ice S formed in the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can move together with the second tray 220 while adhering to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222.

[0222] The protrusion 2222 of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can be formed to interfere with the pressure-applying member 430. Therefore, as the pressure-applying member 430 applies pressure to the protrusion 2222, the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can deform in shape. As a result, the ice S moving with the second tray 220 can separate from the ice I attached to the second main ice-making chamber 221.

[0223] As described above, the first connecting hole 1222 connecting the first main ice-making chamber 121 and the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122 and the second connecting hole 2224 connecting the second main ice-making chamber 221 and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 are formed to have small dimensions, so that the lower part of the ice S can have a smaller cross-sectional area than the upper part.

[0224] Therefore, the external force from the pressure member 430 can easily separate the ice S from the ice I formed in the first main ice chamber 121 and the second main ice chamber 221 at the connection point.

[0225] refer to Figure 12 The second tray 220 can move further away from the first tray 120. In this case, the second housing 210 and the second fixing member 230 can move together with the second tray 220.

[0226] As the second housing 210 and the second tray 220 move toward the second ejector 240, the ice I attached to the second main ice-making chamber 221 can be pressurized by the second pressurizing part 242. Specifically, the second pressurizing part 242 of the second ejector 240 can pressurize the second tray 220 through the second through hole 212 of the second housing 210.

[0227] The second tray 220 is formed of an elastic material and can be deformed in shape by the pressure of the second ejector 240. Therefore, the ice I contained in the second tray 220 can be separated from it. The separated ice I can be stored in an ice bucket 40 arranged below the ice maker 1000 (see...). Figure 2 )middle.

[0228] refer to Figure 13 The second tray 220 and the second housing 210 can be obtained from Figure 12 The state moves further away from the first tray 120.

[0229] Accordingly, the first ejector 140 can move toward the first housing 110. The first pressure part 142 of the first ejector 140 can pass through the first through hole 112 of the first housing 110 to apply pressure to the first tray 120.

[0230] Due to the protrusion 214 of the second housing 210 (see...) Figure 3) and the support leg 143 of the first ejector 140 (see Figure 3 Interference, therefore the first ejector 140 can move along the moving direction of the second housing 210.

[0231] When the second housing 210 moves toward the direction of approaching the first housing 110, the protrusion 214 of the second housing 210 interferes again with the support leg 143 of the first ejector 140, so that the first ejector 140 can move along the moving direction of the second housing 210.

[0232] In this case, the first ejector 140 can move toward the cover frame 330 so that it can be received in the ejector receiving section 331 of the cover frame 330 and placed in the correct position.

[0233] The first tray 120 may be formed of an elastic material, and the first tray 120 may be deformed in shape by the pressure of the first ejector 140. Even if ice I is attached to the first tray 120 instead of the second tray 220, the ice I may be separated from the first tray 120 by the first ejector 140.

[0234] refer to Figure 14 After the ice is transferred, the second housing 210, the second tray 220, and the second fixing member 230 can return in a direction close to the first tray 120.

[0235] In this situation, the pressure member 430 may interfere again with the protrusion 2222 of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. This allows ice S that has not yet separated from the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 but remains in it to be removed from the second tray 220.

[0236] In refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a pressure member 430 is shown and described as a shaft configured to connect a pair of transmission gears 420. However, the form of the pressure member 430 is not limited thereto.

[0237] For example, the pressure-applying member 430 may protrude downward from the inside of the top surface of the support frame to interfere with the protrusion 2222 of the second tray 220. Alternatively, the pressure-applying member 430 may protrude from the inner surface of one side of the support frame toward the second tray 220 to interfere with the protrusion 2222 of the second tray 220.

[0238] Alternatively, the pressure member 430 can be arranged to interfere with the ramp 2221 of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222.

[0239] The ramp 2221 of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may be formed of an elastic material. At least a portion of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may be formed of an elastic material. The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may be formed of the same material as the second main ice-making chamber 221. Alternatively, the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 may be formed of a material similar to the material of the second main ice-making chamber 221.

[0240] Compared to the second main ice-making chamber 221, the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 can have a relatively thinner thickness. This makes it easier for the pressure-applying member 430 to apply pressure to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222. Furthermore, even when the pressure-applying member 430 applies pressure to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222, the deformation of the shape of the second main ice-making chamber 221 can be minimized.

[0241] Accordingly, the pressure-applying member 430 can separate the ice S received by the ramp 2221 from the ice I contained in the second main ice-making chamber 221 by applying pressure to the ramp 2221 of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222.

[0242] Thus, the pressure member 430 can be configured as a separate component as described above in the description of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and can be designed to have a greater variety of types, because the pressure member 430 can be integrally formed with the components in the ice maker 1000, as long as the pressure member 430 has the form of a protrusion 2222 that interferes with the second tray 220.

[0243] In embodiments of this disclosure, the ice maker 1000 may have a protrusion 2222 formed at a movable second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222, such that unnecessary portions of ice can be removed from the ice through interference between the pressure member 430 and the protrusion 2222, thereby forming a desired ice shape. Accordingly, the final ice formed can exhibit improved aesthetics.

[0244] Furthermore, the first tray 120 and the second tray 220 of the ice maker 1000 according to the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this example, but can be designed in a variety of ways, including cases where the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222 has a larger area than the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 221.

[0245] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, since there may be no remaining ice in the first tray 120 and the second tray 220, the ice maker 1000 can produce more hygienic ice.

[0246] Figure 15 This is a perspective view illustrating some components of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in an assembled state. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 An exploded view of some components of the ice maker in the refrigerator shown.

[0247] In the following description, the focus will be on the differences between this ice maker and the ice maker according to the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure. Similar elements not specifically described herein will be referred to using similar reference numerals.

[0248] The ice maker according to this embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first fixing member that is different from the first fixing member of the ice maker according to the previous embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0249] refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The ice maker may include a first housing 110a, a first tray 120a and a first fixing member 130a.

[0250] The first housing 110a may include a first tray receiving section 111a. The first tray receiving section 111a may be configured as part of a first main ice-making chamber 121a to receive a first tray 120a. There may be three first tray receiving sections 111a corresponding to the number of first main ice-making chambers 121a.

[0251] The first housing 110a may include a first through-hole 112a. The first through-hole 112a may be formed by cutting at the center of the first tray receiving portion 111a. The first through-hole 112a may be arranged for the pressure portion of the first ejector to pass through the first through-hole 112a.

[0252] The first tray 120a may include a first main ice-making chamber 121a. The first tray 120a may be fixed to a support frame. The first main ice-making chamber 121a may be configured to form a first portion of ice. Specifically, the first main ice-making chamber 121a may be configured to form the left-side portion of the ice. The first main ice-making chamber 121a may be formed by recessing inward from the inner surface of the first tray 120a.

[0253] The first tray 120a may include a first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122a. The first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122a may be recessed from the inner surface of the first tray 120a to extend to the top of the first main ice-making chamber 121a. The first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122a may be connected to the first main ice-making chamber 121a.

[0254] The first tray 120a may include a first inlet 125a. The first inlet 125a may be arranged to receive part of the water supply guide member 500 to introduce water supplied from the water supply unit 60. The first inlet 125a may be connected to the first main ice-making chamber 121a.

[0255] The first tray 120a will be described in detail later.

[0256] The first fixing member 130a may include a first ice-making chamber cover 131a and a first fixing part 132a.

[0257] The first ice-making chamber cover 131a of the first fixing member 130a can cover the side of the first tray 120a, so that the first tray 120a is fixed to the first housing 110a. The first fixing member 130a can be connected to the first housing 110a.

[0258] Specifically, a portion of the first tray 120a can be arranged and fixed between the first fixing member 130a and the first housing 110a. In addition, the first main ice-making chamber 121a and the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122a of the first tray 120a can be engaged with the opposite second tray 220a through the opening of the first fixing member 130a.

[0259] The first fixing part 132a can be arranged to connect with the first tray 120a and the first housing 110a. Additional fastening members can be inserted through the first fixing part 132a to connect the first tray 120a, the first housing 110a, and the first fixing member 130a. Therefore, the first housing 110a, the first tray 120a, and the first fixing member 130a can be arranged to be fixed to the interior of the support frame without movement.

[0260] Unlike the ice maker of the previous embodiment according to this disclosure, the first fixing member 130a of the ice maker of this embodiment according to this disclosure may include an auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a. The auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a may be received inside the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122a of the first tray 120a. This will be described in detail herein.

[0261] The ice maker may include a second housing 210a, a second tray 220a, and a second fixing member 230a.

[0262] The second housing 210a may include a second tray receiving section 211a. The second tray receiving section 211a may be configured as part of a second main ice-making chamber 221a for receiving a second tray 220a. There may be three or more second tray receiving sections 211a corresponding to the number of second main ice-making chambers 221a.

[0263] The second housing 210a may include a second through hole 212a. The second through hole 212a may be formed by cutting at the center of the second tray receiving portion 211a. The second through hole 212a may be arranged for the second pressure portion of the second ejector to pass through the second through hole 212a.

[0264] The second housing 210a may include a second elastic member mounting portion 213a.

[0265] The second elastic member mounting portion 213a can be arranged to connect to the elastic member 450 of the driver. The elastic member 450 can be connected at one end to the first elastic member mounting portion 443 of the rack 440 and at the other end to the second elastic member mounting portion 213a of the second housing 210a. Therefore, the second housing 210 can move with the horizontal movement of the rack 440.

[0266] The second housing 210a may include a protrusion 214a.

[0267] The protrusion 214a can be received in the protrusion receiving space 1431 formed at the leg 143 of the first ejector 140. The protrusion 214a of the second housing 210a can be arranged to cooperate with the movement of the second housing 210a to move the first ejector 140.

[0268] The second housing 210a may include a second discharge section 215a.

[0269] A second discharge portion 215a may be formed at an angle on the top surface of the second housing 210a. The second discharge portion 215a may be configured to connect to the first discharge portion 233a of the second fixing member 230a described herein.

[0270] The second tray 220a may include a second main ice-making chamber 221a.

[0271] The second main ice-making chamber 221a can be configured to form a second portion of ice. The second portion of ice refers to the remaining portion of the ice formed by the first main ice-making chamber 121a. More specifically, the second main ice-making chamber 221a can be configured to form the right-side portion of the ice. The second main ice-making chamber 221a can be formed by recessing inward from the inner surface of the second tray 220a.

[0272] The second tray 220a may include a second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a. The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a may be recessed from the inner surface of the first tray 220a to extend to the top of the second main ice-making chamber 221a. The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a may be connected to the second main ice-making chamber 221a.

[0273] The second tray 220a is described in detail in this document.

[0274] The second fixing member 230a may include a second ice chamber cover 231a and a second fixing part 232a.

[0275] The second ice chamber cover 231a of the second fixing member 230a can cover the side of the second tray 220a, so that the second tray 220a is fixed to the second housing 210a. The second fixing member 230a can be connected to the second housing 210a.

[0276] Specifically, a portion of the second tray 220a can be arranged and fixed between the second fixing member 230a and the second housing 210a. Furthermore, the second main ice-making chamber 221a and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a of the second tray 220a can engage with the opposing first tray 120a through the opening of the second fixing member 230a.

[0277] The second fixing part 232a can be arranged to connect with the second tray 220a and the second housing 210a. Additional fastening members can be inserted through the second fixing part 232a to combine the second tray 220a, the second housing 210a and the second fixing member 230a.

[0278] Therefore, the second housing 210a, the second tray 220a, and the second fixing member 230a can move horizontally together within the support frame.

[0279] Furthermore, the second fixing member 230a may include a first discharge portion 233a. The first discharge portion 233a may be formed at an angle on the top surface of the second fixing member 230a.

[0280] Figure 17 The illustration shows the view from the inside, in Figure 15 The first housing, the first tray, and the first fixing member shown are in a combined state. Figure 18 yes Figure 17 An enlarged perspective view of section G. Figure 19 The illustration shows the view from the inside, in Figure 15 The second housing, the second tray, and the second fixing member shown are in a combined state.

[0281] refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 The first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122a can be recessed inward from the inner surface of the first tray 120a.

[0282] The first tray 120a may include a first sealing portion 123a. The first sealing portion 123a may be formed to engage with the second tray 220a to seal the interior of the first main ice-making chamber 121a, thereby preventing water leakage between the first tray 120a and the second tray 220a.

[0283] A first sealing portion 123a may be formed along the boundary of the first main ice-making chamber 121a.

[0284] The first tray 120a may include a first inlet 125a. The first inlet 125a is a part that receives a water supply guide member and can supply water to the first main ice chamber 121a through the first inlet 125a.

[0285] The first tray 120a may include a first connecting portion 124a. The first connecting portion 124a may be arranged among a plurality of first main ice-making chambers 121a, such that water flowing into a first main ice-making chamber 121a connected to a first inlet 125a flows to an adjacent first main ice-making chamber 121a. The first connecting portion 124a may be formed by recessing into the interior of the first tray 120a.

[0286] Because in Figure 17 The system has three first main ice-making chambers 121a, and therefore two first connecting portions 124a can be arranged. Specifically, water can be supplied to the central first main ice-making chamber 121a through the first inlet 125a, and the supplied water can be supplied to the adjacent first main ice-making chambers 121a on the left and right sides through the first connecting portions 124a.

[0287] The first tray 120a may include a first blocking portion 126a. The first blocking portion 126a may be formed outside the first sealing portion 123a. The first blocking portion 126a may be configured to prevent water filling the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122a from overflowing between the first tray 120a and the first fixing member 130a. Because no ice forms between the first tray 120a and the first fixing member 130a and no ice fragments are generated, this can facilitate the hygienic management of the equipment.

[0288] Unlike the ice maker according to previous embodiments of this disclosure, the ice maker according to this embodiment of the disclosure may include an auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a extending into the interior of a first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122a. The auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a may communicate with a first main ice-making chamber 121a for supplying filled water from the first main ice-making chamber 121a to the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a. Furthermore, the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a may communicate with a storage chamber. In other words, the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a may be connected at one end to at least one of the plurality of first main ice-making chambers 121a and open to the storage chamber at the other end.

[0289] This allows water to be supplied to the first main ice-making chamber 121a through the first inlet 125a, while simultaneously allowing air to exit into the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a, thereby maintaining a constant internal pressure and forming neatly shaped ice without bubbles.

[0290] Furthermore, the ice formed in the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a can have a narrow cross-sectional area at the bottom. In other words, the portion of the ice formed in the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a that connects with the ice formed in the first main ice-making chamber 121a can have a relatively narrow cross-sectional area. Therefore, the ice formed in the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a and the ice formed in the first main ice-making chamber 121a can be easily separated.

[0291] A ramp can be formed on the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a, extending upward at an angle away from the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a.

[0292] This ensures ample space within the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a. Specifically, due to the presence of the ramp formed on the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a, excess water can be contained within the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a as much as possible. Consequently, the amount of excess water overflowing from the ice maker can be minimized.

[0293] In the ice maker according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, ice may be formed in the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a instead of in the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122a.

[0294] The auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a is a component that extends from the first fixing member 130a and may be formed of the same material as the first fixing member 130a.

[0295] For example, the first fixing member 130a may be formed of aluminum. However, it is not limited to this, and compared with the second tray 220a, the first fixing member 130a may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0296] refer to Figure 19 The second tray 220a may include a second main ice-making chamber 221a recessed from the inner surface and a second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a extending to the top of the second main ice-making chamber 221a.

[0297] although Figure 19 Three secondary main ice-making chambers 221a are shown, but the number of secondary main ice-making chambers 221a is not limited to this. It is sufficient for the number of secondary main ice-making chambers 221a to be the same as the number of primary main ice-making chambers 121a.

[0298] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a can be recessed inward from the inner surface of the second tray 220a.

[0299] The second tray 220a may include a second sealing portion 223a. The second sealing portion 223a may be formed to engage with the first tray 220a to seal the interior of the second main ice chamber 221a, thereby preventing water leakage between the first tray 120a and the second tray 220a.

[0300] A second sealing portion 223a can be formed along the boundary of the second main ice-making chamber 221a.

[0301] The second tray 220a may include a second inlet 225a. The second inlet 225a is a portion that receives a water supply guide member and through which water can be supplied to the second main ice-making chamber 221a. The second inlet 225a may be configured to face the first inlet 125a.

[0302] The second tray 220a may include a second connecting portion 224a. The second connecting portion 224a may be arranged among a plurality of second main ice-making chambers 221a, such that water flowing into a second main ice-making chamber 221a connected to a second inlet 225a flows to an adjacent second main ice-making chamber 221a. The second connecting portion 224a may be formed by recessing into the interior of the second tray 220a.

[0303] Because in Figure 19 There are three secondary main ice-making chambers 221a in the center, so two secondary connecting parts 224a can be arranged. Specifically, water can be supplied to the secondary main ice-making chamber 221a in the center through the secondary inlet 225a, and the supplied water can be supplied to the adjacent secondary main ice-making chambers 221a on the left and right sides through the secondary connecting parts 224a.

[0304] The second tray 220a may include a second blocking portion 226a. The second blocking portion 226a may be formed outside the second sealing portion 223a. The second blocking portion 226a may be configured to prevent water filling the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a from overflowing between the second tray 220a and the second fixing member 230a. Because no ice forms between the second tray 220a and the second fixing member 230a, and no ice fragments are generated, this facilitates hygienic management of the equipment.

[0305] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a may include a discharge groove 2221a. Excess water supplied to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a may flow through the discharge groove 2221a and be discharged through the first discharge portion 233a of the second fixing member 230a and the second discharge portion 215a of the second fixing member 230a.

[0306] The second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a may include a second communication hole 2222a communicating with the second main ice-making chamber 221a. The second communication hole 2222a may be configured to supply filled water from the second main ice-making chamber 221a to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a. Furthermore, the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a may communicate with a storage chamber. In other words, the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a may be connected at one end to at least one of the plurality of second main ice-making chambers 221a, and at the other end to the storage chamber.

[0307] This allows water to be supplied to the second main ice-making chamber 221a through the second inlet 225a, while simultaneously allowing air to exit into the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a, thereby maintaining a constant internal pressure and forming neatly shaped ice without bubbles.

[0308] Furthermore, due to the presence of the second connecting hole 2222a, the ice formed in the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a can have a narrow cross-sectional area at the bottom. In other words, because the second connecting hole 2222a is formed with a small size, the portion where the ice formed in the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a connects with the ice formed in the second main ice-making chamber 221a can have a relatively small cross-sectional area. Accordingly, the ice formed in the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a and the ice formed in the second main ice-making chamber 221a can be easily separated at the location where the second connecting hole 2222a is formed.

[0309] Unlike the ice maker according to the previous embodiments of this disclosure, the ice maker according to this embodiment of this disclosure can form ice between the auxiliary ice chamber insert 133a and the second auxiliary ice chamber 222a by allowing excess water supplied to the space formed by the first main ice chamber 121a and the second main ice chamber 221a to flow between the auxiliary ice chamber insert 133a, which extends into the first auxiliary ice chamber 122a, and the second auxiliary ice chamber 222a from the first fixing member 130a.

[0310] In this case, the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a can be formed of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a.

[0311] Therefore, when the second tray 220a is moved to separate from the first tray 120a, the ice formed in the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a is more likely to adhere to the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a.

[0312] In other words, since the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a is formed of a material that has strong adhesion to ice, the ice in the non-essential portion can adhere to the first tray 120a instead of to the movable second tray 220a.

[0313] Figure 20 The diagram shows the arrangement in Figure 15 The heater is located on one side of the first tray shown.

[0314] like Figure 20 As shown, the heater 600 can be arranged or positioned behind the first tray 120a. Although not shown, the heater 600 may have a portion supported by the first housing 110a.

[0315] The heater 600 can be configured to heat the first tray 120a before the second tray 220a is separated from the first tray 120a. Therefore, the ice formed in the first main ice-making chamber 121a of the first tray 120a can be separated from the first tray 120a and move together with the second tray 220a while adhering to it.

[0316] Furthermore, the heater 600 can reheat the first tray 120a when the second tray 220a is separated from the first tray 120a, to transfer the ice formed in the first main ice-making chamber 121a and the second main ice-making chamber 221a to the ice bucket, and then back to the first tray 120a. The heater 600 can be arranged to partially contact the first fixing member 130a to apply heat to the first fixing member 130a. Because the first fixing member 130a is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, the ice remaining in the first fixing member 130a will melt even when a very small portion of the first fixing member 130a is in contact with the heater 600.

[0317] Therefore, the heater 600 can be arranged to melt unnecessary ice S attached to the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a of the first fixing member 130a, to prevent ice from remaining in the first tray 120a and the second tray 220a. This is described in detail herein.

[0318] Figure 21 and Figure 22 It is along Figure 15 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the ice maker taken by line F-F', illustrating the operation of the ice maker.

[0319] refer to Figure 21 Water can be supplied between the first tray 120a and the second tray 220a to form ice I in the first main ice chamber 121a and the second main ice chamber 221a.

[0320] Furthermore, due to the excessive water supply, unnecessary ice S may form on top of ice I. Unlike the ice maker according to previous embodiments of this disclosure, because the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a extends into the interior of the first auxiliary ice-making chamber 122a, the ice maker according to this embodiment of the disclosure may form unnecessary ice between the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a. In other words, a portion of the surface of ice S may contact the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a, and some other portions of the surface of ice S may contact the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a.

[0321] refer to Figure 22When the second tray 220a is moved away from the first tray 120a, the ice I formed in the first main ice-making chamber 121a and the second main ice-making chamber 221a moves along with the second tray 220a while adhering to the second main ice-making chamber 221a. This is because, as described above, the heater 600 is activated to separate the ice I from the first main ice-making chamber 121a before the second tray 220a is moved.

[0322] On the other hand, unnecessary ice S formed between the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a adheres to the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a and separates from the second tray 220a. This is because the adhesion between the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a and the ice S is set to be higher than the adhesion between the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a and the ice S.

[0323] Therefore, ice I formed in the first main ice-making chamber 121a and the second main ice-making chamber 221a and ice S formed in the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a and the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a can be separated.

[0324] The subsequent process can be performed in the same manner as the ice maker according to the previous embodiment of the present disclosure, so that ice I can be completely separated from the first tray 120a or the second tray 220a by means of the second ejector and the first ejector.

[0325] However, unnecessary ice S may still adhere to the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a. Therefore, the second tray 220a can return to the first tray 120a, and the heater 600 can heat the first tray 120a when the second tray 220a is connected to the first tray 120a. Accordingly, the unnecessary ice S can be melted by the heater 600 and will not remain on the first tray 120a.

[0326] Figure 23 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the first fixing member in the ice maker of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0327] Unlike the ice maker of a refrigerator according to a previous embodiment of the present disclosure, the ice maker of a refrigerator according to this embodiment of the present disclosure may include an extension 134a.

[0328] The extension 134a can extend from the first fixing member 130a to the second tray 220a. The extension 134a can be received in the second auxiliary ice-making chamber 222a. That is, non-essential ice S can contact the auxiliary ice-making chamber insert 133a and the extension 134a.

[0329] This can increase the probability that unnecessary ice S will adhere to the first tray 120a when the second tray 220a separates from the first tray 120a.

[0330] Several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above; however, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the true scope of protection is defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: Storage room; and An ice maker, arranged in the storage chamber, the ice maker comprising: Supporting framework; A pressure-applying member is arranged inside the support frame; A first tray, connectable to the support frame, and including a first main ice-making chamber and a first auxiliary ice-making chamber, the first auxiliary ice-making chamber being formed to extend upward from the first main ice-making chamber; and The second tray, which is movable, is connectable to the support frame and to the first tray to form a spherical ice chamber. The second tray includes a second main ice-making chamber and a second auxiliary ice-making chamber. The second main ice-making chamber is connectable to the first main ice-making chamber to form the spherical ice chamber. The second auxiliary ice-making chamber is formed to extend upward from the second main ice-making chamber and has a portion that contacts the first auxiliary ice-making chamber. When the second tray is moved to separate the second main ice-making chamber of the second tray from the first main ice-making chamber of the first tray forming the spherical ice chamber, the pressure-applying member applies pressure to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber of the second tray.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The second auxiliary ice-making chamber includes: A protrusion, which is formed to extend upward to interfere with the pressure-applying member when the pressure is applied to the second auxiliary ice-making chamber by the pressure-applying member.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising: A first housing, configured to receive the first tray; A first fixing member is configured to cover at least one side of the first tray to attach the first tray to the first housing, the first fixing member being attachable to the first housing; A second housing, configured to receive the second tray; and A second fixing member is configured to cover at least one side of the second tray to attach the second tray to the second housing, the second fixing member being capable of being attached to the second housing.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The second auxiliary ice-making chamber also includes a discharge groove formed in the protrusion, which allows excess water to flow out of the second auxiliary ice-making chamber.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein: The second fixing member includes a first discharge portion formed at an angle on its top surface to allow water discharged along the discharge groove to flow downwards, and The second housing includes a second discharge section formed at an angle on its top surface to be connected to the first discharge section.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The second auxiliary ice-making chamber includes an extension that is formed to extend toward the first auxiliary ice-making chamber so as to be received in the first auxiliary ice-making chamber.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: A water supply guide member is available for mounting on the support frame and is configured to extend between the first tray and the second tray to guide water supplied from the water supply unit to the first main ice chamber and the second main ice chamber.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein: The first tray includes a first inlet configured to receive at least a portion of the water supply guiding member to allow water supplied by the water supply device to be introduced into the first main ice-making chamber of the first tray. The second tray includes a second inlet configured to receive at least another portion of the water supply guide member to allow water supplied by the water supply device to be introduced into the second main ice-making chamber of the second tray, and the second inlet faces the first inlet.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein: The first main ice-making chamber is one of a plurality of first main ice-making chambers. The second main ice-making chamber is one of a plurality of second main ice-making chambers. The first tray includes a first connecting portion formed to be recessed inward between the plurality of first main ice-making chambers to allow water introduced into the first main ice-making chamber through the first inlet to flow to adjacent first main ice-making chambers. The second tray includes a second connecting portion that is recessed inward between the plurality of second main ice-making chambers to allow water introduced into the second main ice-making chamber through the second inlet to flow to an adjacent second main ice-making chamber.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The second auxiliary ice-making chamber is connected to at least one of the plurality of second main ice-making chambers and is also connected to the storage chamber.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The first auxiliary ice-making chamber includes a first ramp, which is configured to extend upwards at an angle gradually away from the second auxiliary ice-making chamber, and The second auxiliary ice-making chamber includes a second ramp, which is formed to extend upward at an angle gradually away from the first auxiliary ice-making chamber.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein, The first slope is formed to extend at a gentler angle than the second slope.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: A heater, located behind the first tray, is provided to heat the first tray before the second tray is moved.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: Multiple transmission gears, configured to rotate by receiving power from a motor, are respectively arranged on both sides of the support frame. and A rack, which meshes with the plurality of drive gears to be moved horizontally, thereby moving the second tray.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein, The pressure-applying member is configured to connect the plurality of transmission gears.

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