Ice maker and refrigerator

Abstract

The invention provides an ice maker and a refrigerator. The ice maker includes: a first tray forming a first chamber; a second tray forming a second chamber; and a support to which the first tray is coupled, the second tray moves between a first position in contact with the first tray and a second position separated from the first tray; at the first position, the first chamber and the second chamber form an ice chamber; the ice chamber has a first position in which ice is generated within the ice chamber and a second position in which ice is separated from the ice chamber; the first tray comprises a tray main body forming the first cavity and an extension part extending from the edge of the first cavity to the direction far away from the tray main body; the support member includes a support plate formed with a plate opening for penetrating at least a portion of the tray body.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of the following patent application: Application number: 201911113697.2, Application date: November 14, 2019, Invention name: Ice maker and refrigerator Technical Field

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0011] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0009332 as a prior art document discloses an ice maker.

[0012] The ice making machine of the prior art includes: an upper tray forming an upper outer shape; a lower tray selectively opened and closed with the upper tray below the upper tray; a plurality of shells recessed in a hemispherical shape in the upper tray and the lower tray, and spherical ice is made therein when the upper tray and the lower tray are closed; and a driving unit combined with at least one shaft of the upper tray and the lower tray to separate the upper tray from the lower tray by rotation.

[0013] The upper tray may be provided with a heater to heat the upper tray for ice removal.

[0014] The upper tray may be formed of a metal material, and the heater heats the upper tray made of the metal material to melt a portion of the spherical ice in contact with the surface of the upper tray.

[0015] However, according to the prior art, when the upper tray is formed of a metal material, since the thermal conductivity of the upper tray is large, a large amount of heat is applied to a portion of ice corresponding to the heater of the upper tray when the heater is operated.

[0016] Therefore, the portion of the ice corresponding to the heater melts the most. In this case, if the heater is turned off, the portion of the ice heated by the heater freezes again to the surface of the upper tray, thereby causing a phenomenon in which a portion of the ice is opaque.

[0017] As described above, after the heater is operated, the opacity of ice becomes more serious as the output of the heater increases.

[0018] Furthermore, when ice is frozen after melting once and adheres to the upper tray, the ice is not easily separated from the upper tray, thereby having a disadvantage of reducing ice removal performance. Summary of the invention

[0019] The present embodiment provides an ice maker that prevents a portion of ice from melting due to the heat of a heater for moving ice.

[0020] The present embodiment provides an ice maker that uniformly transfers heat from an upper heater to a plurality of ice chambers.

[0021] This embodiment provides an ice maker to prevent the upper tray from sagging during the ice removal process.

[0022] This embodiment provides an ice maker to prevent a portion of an upper tray from being stretched during an ice removal process.

[0023] The present embodiment provides an ice maker capable of maintaining a state in which an upper ejector and an upper opening of an upper tray are aligned.

[0024] This embodiment provides a refrigerator including the ice maker.

[0025] According to one aspect, an ice maker may include an upper tray forming an upper chamber as a part of an ice chamber; a lower tray forming a lower chamber as another part of the ice chamber and being rotatable relative to the upper tray; and an upper heater located at a periphery of the upper tray for providing heat to the upper chamber.

[0026] The upper tray is a non-metal material, formed of a flexible material, and the upper heater may be a DC heater that receives a DC power supply. As an example, the upper tray may be formed of a silicon material.

[0027] A thickness of at least a portion of the upper tray defining the upper chamber may be thicker than a thickness of the lower tray defining the lower chamber.

[0028] The upper tray may be formed with a receiving portion for receiving the upper heater so that heat gained by the upper heater can be smoothly transferred to the upper chamber, the upper tray and a contact surface of the lower tray. When the upper heater is received in the receiving portion, at least a portion of the upper heater may be configured to overlap with the ice chamber in a vertical direction.

[0029] The upper heater may include an arc portion surrounding the upper chamber and a straight portion connected to the arc portion, so that heat of the upper heater can be uniformly transferred to the entire upper chamber. The arc portion may be configured to overlap the ice chamber in a vertical direction.

[0030] The upper tray may include a plurality of upper chambers, and the upper heater may include an arc plate to surround each of the plurality of upper chambers.

[0031] The ice maker may further include an upper ejector including an ejector pin inserted into the upper chamber to separate ice in the ice chamber from the upper tray; and an upper supporter supporting the upper tray.

[0032] The upper support may support a bottom surface of the upper tray. The upper tray includes a lower protrusion, and the upper support may include a lower slot for receiving the lower protrusion.

[0033] The lower protrusion and the lower slot may be arc-shaped in a horizontal direction.

[0034] The ice maker may further include an upper case supporting a top surface of the upper tray.

[0035] The upper case may be in contact with a top surface of the upper tray.

[0036] The upper tray may include an upper protrusion, and the upper housing may include an upper slot, in which the upper protrusion is received. The upper protrusion and the upper slot may be arc-shaped in a horizontal direction.

[0037] The upper support member may include a plurality of unit guides for guiding the upper ejector to move up and down. Each of the unit guides may be provided with a guide slot, which is penetrated by the upper ejector to guide the upper ejector to move up and down.

[0038] The ice maker may further include an upper housing having a heater coupling portion to which the upper heater is coupled, and a portion of the upper housing may contact a top surface of the upper tray.

[0039] In a state where the upper heater is coupled to the heater coupling portion, the heater coupling portion is received in the receiving portion, and the upper heater may be in contact with a bottom surface of the receiving portion.

[0040] An ice maker according to another aspect may include an upper assembly defining a hemispherical upper chamber, a lower tray having a lower tray defining a hemispherical lower chamber, and an upper heater providing heat to the upper chamber.

[0041] As an example, the upper heater is a DC, and the upper tray may be formed of a silicon material.

[0042] The ice maker may be fixed to a housing provided in a freezing chamber of a refrigerator.

[0043] The ice maker may further include an upper supporter contacting the first surface of the upper tray to support the first surface.

[0044] Also, the ice maker may further include an upper housing contacting the second surface of the upper tray and combined with the upper support.

[0045] The upper tray may include: an upper tray main body forming the upper chamber; and a horizontal extension portion extending from the upper tray main body in a horizontal direction.

[0046] The horizontal extension may be located between a portion of the upper support and a portion of the upper housing.

[0047] The first surface may be a top surface of the horizontally extending portion, and the second surface may be a bottom surface of the horizontally extending portion.

[0048] The upper housing may include an upper plate in contact with the first surface of the horizontally extending portion. The upper plate may include an opening for the upper tray body to pass therethrough.

[0049] The upper support may include a support plate contacting a bottom surface of the horizontal extension portion. The support plate may include an opening through which the upper tray body passes.

[0050] An upper protrusion is provided on the top surface of the horizontal extension portion. An upper slot for accommodating the upper protrusion may be provided on the upper plate. The upper protrusion and the upper slot may extend in a curved shape.

[0051] The upper protrusion and the lower protrusion may be arc-shaped in a horizontal direction.

[0052] A lower protrusion may be provided on the bottom surface of the horizontal extension portion, and a lower slot for accommodating the lower protrusion may be provided on the support plate.

[0053] The upper protrusion and the lower protrusion may be configured to overlap in a vertical direction.

[0054] The horizontally extending portion may have a plurality of upper protrusions spaced apart in the horizontal direction, and may have a plurality of lower protrusions spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

[0055] The upper protrusion may include: a first upper protrusion; and a second upper protrusion located at an opposite side of the first upper protrusion with respect to the upper chamber.

[0056] The lower protrusion may include: a first lower protrusion; and a second lower protrusion located at an opposite side of the first lower protrusion with respect to the upper chamber.

[0057] A distance between the first upper protrusion and the upper chamber may be different from a distance between the second upper protrusion and the upper chamber.

[0058] A distance between the first lower protrusion and the upper chamber may be different from a distance between the second lower protrusion and the upper chamber.

[0059] The support plate may be provided with a fastening boss for fastening a fastening member, the horizontal extension portion may be provided with a through hole for the fastening boss to pass through, and the upper plate may be provided with a sleeve for accommodating the fastening boss passing through the through hole.

[0060] The fastening member may be fastened to the fastening boss received in the sleeve above the sleeve.

[0061] The ice maker of this embodiment may further include an upper ejector having an upper ejector pin, and the upper ejector pin is used to separate the ice from the upper tray after ice making is completed.

[0062] The upper ejector includes an ejector body and an upper ejector pin may extend from the ejector body.

[0063] The upper support member may further include a plurality of unit guides for guiding the upper ejector to move up and down. The plurality of unit guides may extend upward from the support plate.

[0064] The ejector body is passed through each of the unit guides, and a guide slot for guiding the upper ejector to move up and down may be provided.

[0065] The upper housing may be provided with a plurality of through openings for allowing the plurality of unit guides to penetrate therethrough.

[0066] In the upper housing, a portion of the upper plate may form a recessed portion recessed downward.

[0067] The upper tray body may pass through an opening at the bottom of the recessed portion, and a portion of the upper tray passing through the opening may be located in the recessed portion.

[0068] The upper tray body may further include a receiving portion for receiving the recessed portion.

[0069] The upper tray body may include: an upper opening; and an entrance wall extending along a periphery of the upper opening.

[0070] The inlet wall and the upper tray body may be connected by a first connecting rib.

[0071] Two adjacent inlet walls may be connected by a second connecting rib.

[0072] According to another aspect, a refrigerator includes: a box body provided with a storage chamber; and an ice maker for making ice using cold air from the storage chamber, the ice maker including: an upper tray forming a portion of an ice chamber; an upper support member supporting a portion of a bottom surface of the upper tray; an upper shell supporting a portion of a top surface of the upper tray; and an upper heater for providing heat to the upper chamber, the upper tray being formed of a non-metallic material, and the upper heater being a DC heater.

[0073] The upper tray is formed of a non-metal material, and the upper heater may be a DC heater. The upper tray may be formed of a silicon material.

[0074] The ice maker may further include a lower tray forming another portion of the ice chamber and being relatively rotatable relative to the upper tray. A thickness of at least a portion of the upper tray defining the upper chamber may be thicker than a thickness of the lower tray defining the lower chamber.

[0075] According to another aspect, the ice making machine may further include: an upper tray forming an upper chamber as a part of the ice chamber; a lower tray forming a lower chamber as another part of the ice chamber and being rotatable relative to the upper tray; an upper heater located at the periphery of the upper tray and used to provide heat to the upper chamber; an upper ejector including an ejector pin inserted into the upper chamber; and an upper support member supporting the upper tray.

[0076] The upper support may include a plurality of unit guides for guiding up and down movement of the upper ejector.

[0077] The upper ejector passes through each of the unit guides, and a guide slot for guiding the upper ejector to move up and down may be provided.

[0078] According to another aspect, an ice maker may include: an upper tray forming an upper chamber as a part of an ice chamber; a lower tray forming a lower chamber as another part of the ice chamber and being rotatable relative to the upper tray; an upper heater located at a periphery of the upper tray and used to provide heat to the upper chamber; an upper support member contacting a bottom surface of the upper tray to support the bottom surface; and an upper shell contacting a top surface of the upper tray and combined with the upper support member.

[0079] The upper tray may include: an upper tray main body forming the upper chamber; and a horizontal extension portion extending from the upper tray main body in a horizontal direction.

[0080] The upper case may include an upper plate in contact with a top surface of the horizontally extending portion. The upper plate may include an opening for passing the upper tray body therethrough.

[0081] The upper support may include a support plate contacting a bottom surface of the horizontal extension portion. The support plate may include an opening through which the upper tray body passes.

[0082] An upper protrusion may be formed on the top surface of the horizontal extension portion, a lower protrusion may be formed on the bottom surface, an upper slot for inserting the upper protrusion may be formed on the upper plate, and a lower slot for inserting the lower protrusion may be formed on the support plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram of a refrigerator with its door open.

[0085] Figure 3and Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 6 1 is a perspective view of an upper shell of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 7 1 is a bottom perspective view of an upper shell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 8 It is an upper three-dimensional view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Fig. 9 1 is a bottom perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Fig.10 1 is a side view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Fig.11 1 is an upper stereoscopic view of an upper support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Fig.12 1 is a bottom perspective view of an upper support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Fig.13 It is enlarged to show Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a heater incorporating portion of an upper housing.

[0095] Fig.14 The heater is shown in combination with Figure 6 Figure 2 shows the state of the upper housing.

[0096] Fig.15 : is a diagram showing the arrangement of electric wires connected to the heater in the upper case.

[0097] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the upper assembly is assembled.

[0098] Fig.17 1 is a perspective view of a lower component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Fig.18 1 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a lower shell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Fig.19 1 is a bottom perspective view of a lower shell body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Fig. 20 It is an upper perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Fig.21 and Fig. 22 1 is a bottom perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Fig.23 1 is a side view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Fig.24 1 is an upper stereoscopic view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Fig.25 1 is a lower perspective view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Fig.26 It is used to show the state where the lower component is assembled. Fig.17 Cross-sectional view taken along line DD.

[0107] Fig. 27 1 is a top view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Fig.28 The lower heater is shown in combination with Fig. 27 A three-dimensional view of the state of the lower support member.

[0109] Fig.29 This is a diagram showing a state in which the electric wires connected to the lower heater penetrate the upper case in a state in which the lower assembly and the upper assembly are coupled.

[0110] Fig.30 It is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0111] Fig.31 It is shown Fig.30 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which ice making is completed.

[0112] Fig.32 Is in water supply state along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0113] Fig.33 In the ice-making state, Figure 3 Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0114] Fig.34 When ice making is complete, Figure 3 Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0115] Fig.35 In the initial state of ice movement, Figure 3 Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0116] Fig.36 When the ice is moved, Figure 3 Cross-sectional view taken along line BB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention are described in detail through exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to the constituent elements in each drawing, it should be noted that the same constituent elements should have the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is judged that the specific description of the relevant known structure or function may affect the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, its detailed description is omitted.

[0118] Furthermore, in describing the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) and the like may be used. These terms are not used to define the nature, order or sequence of the corresponding constituent elements, but are only used to distinguish the corresponding constituent elements from other constituent elements. It should be noted that when describing that a constituent element is "connected", "combined" or "connected" to another constituent element, the former constituent element may be directly connected or connected to the latter constituent element, however, it can also be understood that there is another constituent element "connected", "combined" or "connected" between the two constituent elements.

[0119] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram of a refrigerator with its door open.

[0120] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a box body 2 forming a storage space; and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

[0121] In detail, the box body 2 forms a storage space divided into upper and lower parts by a partition, and a refrigerating chamber 3 can be formed at the upper part and a freezing chamber 4 can be formed at the lower part.

[0122] Storage components such as drawers, shelves, and baskets may be provided inside the refrigerating chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 4 .

[0123] The door may include a refrigerating chamber door 5 shielding the refrigerating chamber 3 and a freezing chamber door 6 shielding the freezing chamber 4 .

[0124] The refrigerator door 5 may be composed of a pair of doors on the left and right sides and may be opened and closed by rotating. The freezer door 6 may be constructed so as to be able to be pulled out and pushed in in a drawer-like manner.

[0125] Of course, the configuration of the refrigerating chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 4 and the form of the door may vary according to the type of refrigerator. The present invention may be applied to various types of refrigerators without being limited thereto.

[0126] For example, the freezing chamber 4 and the refrigerating chamber 3 may be arranged on the left and right, or the freezing chamber 4 may be located on the upper side of the refrigerating chamber 3 .

[0127] An ice maker 100 may be provided in the freezing chamber 4. The ice maker 100 is used to make ice from supplied water, and may generate spherical ice.

[0128] An ice box 102 may be further provided below the ice maker 100 , and the made ice is stored in the ice box 102 after being removed from the ice maker 100 .

[0129] The ice maker 100 and the ice box 102 may also be installed inside the freezing chamber 4 in a state of being accommodated in a separate housing 101 .

[0130] The user can obtain ice by opening the freezing chamber door 6 and approaching the ice box 102 .

[0131] As another example, the refrigerator door 5 may be provided with a dispenser for extracting purified water or made ice from the outside.

[0132] The ice generated in the ice maker 100 or the ice generated in the ice maker 100 and stored in the ice box 102 is transferred to the water dispenser by the transfer device, so that the user can get ice from the water dispenser.

[0133] Hereinafter, the ice making machine will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0134] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Reference Figures 3 to 5 , the ice making machine 100 may include an upper component 110 and a lower component 200 .

[0136] The lower component 200 may be rotatable relative to the upper component 110. As an example, the lower component 200 may be rotatably connected to the upper component 110.

[0137] The lower assembly 200 may generate spherical ice together with the upper assembly 110 when in contact with the upper assembly 110 .

[0138] That is, the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 form an ice chamber 111 for generating spherical ice. The ice chamber 111 is substantially a spherical chamber.

[0139] It should be clarified that the “spherical or hemispherical shape” in the present invention includes not only the shape of a geometrically complete sphere or hemisphere, but also the shape that is geometrically similar to a complete sphere or hemisphere.

[0140] The upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 may form a plurality of separate ice chambers 111 .

[0141] Hereinafter, a case where three ice chambers 111 are formed by the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 is described as an example, and it should be noted that the number of the ice chambers 111 is not limited.

[0142] In a state in which the ice chamber 111 is formed by the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 , water may be supplied to the ice chamber 111 through the water supply part 190 .

[0143] The water supply part 190 is coupled to the upper assembly 110 and guides water supplied from the outside to the ice chamber 111 .

[0144] After making ice, the lower assembly 200 may rotate in a forward direction. At this time, the spherical ice formed between the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200 may be separated from the upper assembly 110 and the lower assembly 200.

[0145] The ice maker 100 may further include a driving unit 180 to allow the lower assembly 200 to rotate relative to the upper assembly 110 .

[0146] The driving unit 180 may include: a driving motor; and a power transmission part for transmitting the power of the driving motor to the lower assembly 200. The power transmission part may include one or more gears.

[0147] The driving motor may be a motor capable of bidirectional rotation. Therefore, the lower component 200 may be bidirectionally rotated.

[0148] The ice maker 100 may further include an upper ejector 300 to enable ice to be separated from the upper assembly 110 .

[0149] The upper ejector 300 may separate ice closely attached to the upper component 110 from the upper component 110 .

[0150] The upper ejector 300 may include an ejector body 310 and a plurality of upper ejector pins 320 extending from the ejector body 310 in intersecting directions.

[0151] The upper ejection pins 320 may be provided in the same number as the ice chambers 111 .

[0152] Separation preventing protrusions 312 may be provided at both ends of the ejector body 310 to prevent the ejector body 310 from being separated from the connecting unit 350 when the ejector body 310 is combined with the connecting unit 350 described later.

[0153] As an example, a pair of separation preventing protrusions 312 may protrude from the ejector body 310 in opposite directions.

[0154] When the upper push-out pin 320 passes through the upper assembly 110 and is introduced into the ice chamber 111 , the ice in the ice chamber 111 may be pressed.

[0155] The ice pressed by the upper push-out pin 320 may be separated from the upper assembly 110 .

[0156] In addition, the ice maker 100 may further include a lower ejector 400 to separate ice closely attached to the lower assembly 200 .

[0157] The lower ejector 400 may separate ice adhered to the lower assembly 200 from the lower assembly 200 by pressing the lower assembly 200. As an example, the lower ejector 400 may be fixed to the upper assembly 110.

[0158] The lower ejector 400 may include an ejector body 410 and a plurality of lower ejector pins 420 protruding from the ejector body 410. The lower ejector pins 420 may be provided in the same number as the ice chambers 111.

[0159] During the forward rotation of the lower assembly 200 for removing ice, the rotational force of the lower assembly 200 may be transmitted to the upper ejector 300 .

[0160] To this end, the ice maker 100 may further include a connection unit 350 connecting the lower assembly 200 and the upper ejector 300. The connection unit 350 may include one or more connecting rods.

[0161] For example, when the lower assembly 200 rotates forward, the upper ejector 300 descends under the action of the connecting unit 350 , so that the upper ejector pin 320 can press the ice in the ice chamber 111 .

[0162] On the contrary, when the lower assembly 200 rotates in the reverse direction, the upper ejector 300 is lifted up by the connection unit 350 so that the upper ejector 300 returns to the original position.

[0163] Next, the upper component 110 and the lower component 200 are further described in detail.

[0164] The upper assembly 110 may include an upper tray 150 forming a portion of an ice chamber 111 for making ice. As an example, the upper tray 150 defines an upper portion of the ice chamber 111.

[0165] The upper assembly 110 may further include an upper support 170 for fixing the position of the upper tray 150 .

[0166] As an example, the upper support member 170 may support the lower side of the upper tray 150 to restrict movement of the lower side.

[0167] The upper assembly 110 may further include an upper housing 120 for fixing a position of the upper tray 150 .

[0168] The upper tray 150 may be located at a lower side of the upper housing 120 .

[0169] As described above, the upper case 120 , the upper tray 150 , and the upper support 170 aligned in the up-down direction may be fastened by the fastening member.

[0170] That is, the upper tray 150 may be fixed to the upper housing 120 by being fastened by the fastening member.

[0171] As an example, the water supply unit 190 may be fixed to the upper housing 120 .

[0172] The ice maker 100 may further include a temperature sensor 500 for sensing the temperature of water or ice in the ice chamber 111 .

[0173] For example, the temperature sensor 500 may indirectly sense the temperature of water or ice in the ice chamber 111 by sensing the temperature of the upper tray 150 .

[0174] As an example, the temperature sensor 500 may be installed on the upper housing 120 . When the upper tray 150 is fixed to the upper housing 120 , the temperature sensor 500 may be in contact with the upper tray 150 .

[0175] In addition, the lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250 forming another portion of the ice chamber 111 for making ice. As an example, the lower tray 250 defines a lower portion of the ice chamber 111.

[0176] The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower support 270 supporting a lower side of the lower tray 250 .

[0177] The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower housing 210 , at least a portion of which covers an upper side of the lower tray 250 .

[0178] The lower case 210 , the lower tray 250 , and the lower support 270 may be fastened by a fastening member.

[0179] The ice maker 100 may further include a switch 600 for starting / stopping the ice maker 100. When a user operates the switch 600 to a start state, ice can be made by the ice maker 100.

[0180] That is, when the switch 600 is activated, the following processes may be repeatedly performed: an ice making process in which water is supplied to the ice maker 100 to make ice using cold air; and an ice moving process in which the lower assembly 200 is rotated to separate ice.

[0181] On the contrary, when the switch 600 is operated to be in the off state, ice cannot be made by the ice maker 100. As an example, the switch 600 may be provided at the upper housing 120.

[0182] <Upper Shell>

[0183] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an upper shell of an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 1 is a bottom perspective view of an upper shell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0184] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The upper shell 120 can be fixed to the outer shell 101 in the freezing chamber 4 when the upper tray 150 is fixed.

[0185] The upper housing 120 may include an upper plate 121 for fixing the upper tray 150 .

[0186] The upper tray 150 may be fixed to the upper plate 121 in a state where a portion of the upper tray 150 is in contact with a bottom surface of the upper plate 121 .

[0187] The upper plate 121 may be provided with an opening 123 for penetrating a portion of the upper tray 150 .

[0188] For example, when the upper tray 150 is located at the lower side of the upper plate 121 and when the upper tray 150 is fixed to the upper plate 121 , a portion of the upper tray 150 may protrude above the upper plate 121 through the opening 123 .

[0189] Alternatively, the upper tray 150 may be exposed above the upper plate 121 through the opening 123 , rather than protruding above the upper plate 121 through the opening 123 .

[0190] The upper plate 121 may include a recessed portion 122 that is recessed downward. The opening 123 may be formed at a bottom 122 a of the recessed portion 122 .

[0191] Therefore, the upper tray 150 passing through the opening 123 may be located in a space formed by the recessed portion 122 .

[0192] The upper housing 120 may be provided with a portion for combining an upper heater (see Fig.14 The heater combination part 124 of 148) is used to move ice, and the upper heater is used to heat the upper tray 150.

[0193] As an example, the heater combining portion 124 may be provided on the upper plate 121 . The heater combining portion 124 may be located at a lower side of the recessed portion 122 .

[0194] The upper housing 120 may further include a pair of mounting ribs 128 , 129 for mounting the temperature sensor 500 .

[0195] The pair of mounting ribs 128, 129 are Figure 7 The pair of mounting ribs 128 and 129 are arranged to face each other, and the temperature sensor 500 may be located between the pair of mounting ribs 128 and 129 .

[0196] The pair of mounting ribs 128 , 129 may be disposed on the upper plate 121 .

[0197] The upper plate 121 may be provided with a plurality of slots 131 , 132 for coupling with the upper tray 150 .

[0198] A portion of the upper tray 150 may be inserted into the plurality of slots 131 and 132 .

[0199] The plurality of slots 131 , 132 may include: a first upper slot 131 ; and a second upper slot 132 located at an opposite side of the first upper slot 131 with respect to the opening 123 .

[0200] The opening 123 may be located between the first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 .

[0201] The first upper slot 131 and the second upper slot 132 may be Figure 7 Separated in the direction of arrow B.

[0202] The plurality of first upper slots 131 may be arranged spaced apart in the arrow A direction (referred to as the first direction) intersecting the arrow B direction (referred to as the second direction), but is not limited thereto.

[0203] Furthermore, the plurality of second upper slots 132 may be arranged in a spaced relationship in the arrow A direction.

[0204] In the present specification, the arrow A direction is the same direction as the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice chambers 111 .

[0205] As an example, the first upper slot 131 may be formed in a curved shape, so that the length of the first upper slot 131 may be increased.

[0206] As an example, the second upper slot 132 may be formed in a curved shape, so that the length of the second upper slot 132 may be increased.

[0207] When the length of each upper slot 131 , 132 increases, the length of the protrusion (formed on the upper tray) inserted into each upper slot 131 , 132 can be increased, thereby increasing the bonding force between the upper tray 150 and the upper shell 120 .

[0208] The distance from the first upper slot 131 to the opening 123 may be different from the distance from the second upper slot 132 to the opening 123. For example, the distance from the second upper slot 132 to the opening 123 may be shorter than the distance from the first upper slot 131 to the opening 123.

[0209] When each of the upper slots 131 , 132 is viewed from the opening 123 , each of the upper slots 131 , 132 may be in the shape of an arc protruding toward the outside of the opening 123 .

[0210] The upper plate 121 may further include a sleeve 133 for inserting into a fastening boss of the upper support member 170 described later.

[0211] The sleeve 133 may be formed in a cylindrical shape and may extend upward from the upper plate 121 .

[0212] As an example, a plurality of sleeves 133 may be provided on the upper plate 121. The plurality of sleeves 133 may be arranged in a spaced relationship in the direction of arrow A. Furthermore, the plurality of sleeves 133 may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the direction of arrow B.

[0213] Some of the plurality of sleeves 133 may be located between two adjacent first upper slots 131 .

[0214] Another part of the plurality of sleeves 133 may be disposed between two adjacent second upper slots 132 , or may be disposed to face the area between the two second upper slots 132 .

[0215] The upper housing 120 may further include a plurality of hinge supports 135 , 136 to enable the lower assembly 200 to rotate.

[0216] The plurality of hinge supports 135, 136 may be Figure 7 The hinge supports 135 and 136 are arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A. A first hinge hole 137 may be formed on each of the hinge supports 135 and 136 .

[0217] As an example, the plurality of hinge supports 135 , 136 may extend downward from the upper plate 121 .

[0218] The upper housing 120 may further include a vertical extension portion 140 vertically extending along the periphery of the upper plate 121. The vertical extension portion 140 may extend upward from the upper plate 121.

[0219] The vertical extension portion 140 may include one or more coupling hooks 140 a. The upper housing 120 may be coupled to the housing 101 by the coupling hooks 140 a.

[0220] The water supply portion 190 may be coupled to the vertical extension portion 140 .

[0221] The upper housing 120 may further include a horizontal extension portion 142 extending horizontally toward an outer side of the vertical extension portion 140 .

[0222] The horizontal extension portion 142 may be provided with a threaded fastening portion 142 a protruding outward to threadably fasten the upper housing 120 to the outer shell 101 .

[0223] The upper housing 120 may further include a side peripheral portion 143 . The side peripheral portion 143 may extend downward from the horizontal extension portion 142 .

[0224] The side peripheral portion 143 may be configured to surround the periphery of the lower assembly 200. That is, the side peripheral portion 143 plays a role in preventing the lower assembly 200 from being exposed to the outside. In addition, the side peripheral portion 143 can increase the time that cold air stays around the ice chamber 111.

[0225] In the above, the upper shell 120 is described as being fastened to the separate housing 101 in the freezing chamber 4 . However, differently from this, the upper shell 120 may also be directly fastened to the wall forming the freezing chamber 4 .

[0226] <Upper Tray>

[0227] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the upper part of the upper tray of one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.10 1 is a side view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0228] Reference Figures 8 to 10 , the upper tray 150 may be formed of a flexible material that is a non-metallic material so that it can return to its original shape after being deformed by an external force.

[0229] As an example, the upper tray 150 may be formed of a silicon material. As in the present embodiment, when the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material, during the ice removal process, even if the shape of the upper tray 150 is deformed due to an external force, the upper tray 150 can be restored to its original shape again, so that spherical ice can be formed despite repeated ice replication.

[0230] In the case where the upper tray 150 is formed of a metal material, if an external force is applied to the upper tray 150 to deform the upper tray 150 itself, the upper tray 150 cannot return to its original shape.

[0231] In this case, after the shape of the upper tray 150 is deformed, spherical ice cannot be generated. In other words, spherical ice cannot be repeatedly generated.

[0232] In contrast, as in the present embodiment, when the upper tray 150 has a flexible material capable of returning to its original shape, such a problem can be solved.

[0233] Also, when the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material, the upper tray 150 may be prevented from being melted or thermally deformed due to heat provided by an upper heater described later.

[0234] The upper tray 150 may include an upper tray body 151 forming an upper chamber 152 which forms a portion of the ice chamber 111 .

[0235] The upper tray body 151 may define a plurality of upper chambers 152 .

[0236] As an example, the plurality of upper chambers 152 may define a first upper chamber 152a, a second upper chamber 152b, and a third upper chamber 152c.

[0237] The upper tray body 151 may include three chamber walls 153 forming three independent upper chambers 152a, 152b, and 152c, and the three chamber walls 153 may be formed as one body and connected to each other.

[0238] The first upper chamber 152a, the second upper chamber 152b, and the third upper chamber 152c may be arranged in a row.

[0239] As an example, the first upper chamber 152a, the second upper chamber 152b, and the third upper chamber 152c may be Fig. 9 Arrange in the direction of arrow A as a reference. Fig. 9 The direction of arrow A is Figure 7 The direction of arrow A is the same direction.

[0240] The upper chamber 152 may be formed in a hemispherical shape. That is, the upper portion of the spherical ice may be formed by the upper chamber 152 .

[0241] An upper opening 154 may be formed at an upper side of the upper tray body 151 . The upper opening 154 may communicate with the upper chamber 152 .

[0242] As an example, three upper openings 154 may be formed in the upper tray body 151 .

[0243] Cold air may be guided to the ice chamber 111 through the upper opening 154 .

[0244] Also, water may flow into the ice chamber 111 through the upper opening 154 .

[0245] During the ice removal process, the upper ejector 300 may be introduced into the upper chamber 152 through the upper opening 154 .

[0246] In order to minimize deformation of a peripheral portion of the upper opening 154 in the upper tray 150 during the process in which the upper ejector 300 is introduced through the upper opening 154 , an inlet wall 155 may be provided on the upper tray 150 .

[0247] The entrance wall 155 is disposed along the periphery of the upper opening 154 and may extend upward from the upper tray body 151 .

[0248] The inlet wall 155 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the upper ejector 300 may pass through the inner space of the inlet wall 155 and penetrate the upper opening 154 .

[0249] During the process of the upper ejector 300 being introduced into the upper opening 154 , one or more first connecting ribs 155 a may be provided along the periphery of the inlet wall 155 to prevent deformation of the inlet wall 155 .

[0250] The first connection rib 155a may connect the inlet wall 155 and the upper tray body 151. As an example, the first connection rib 155a may be formed integrally with the periphery of the inlet wall 155 and the outer surface of the upper tray body 151.

[0251] The plurality of first connection ribs 155 a may be disposed along the periphery of the inlet wall 155 , but is not limited thereto.

[0252] The two inlet walls 155 corresponding to the second upper chamber 152b and the third upper chamber 152c may be connected by a second connection rib 162. The second connection rib 162 also serves to prevent the inlet wall 155 from being deformed.

[0253] A water supply guide 156 may be provided at the inlet wall 155 corresponding to any one of the three upper chambers 152a, 152b, 152c.

[0254] The water supply guide 156 may be formed at the inlet wall 155 corresponding to the second upper chamber 152 b formed at the center, but is not limited thereto.

[0255] The water supply guide 156 may be inclined from the inlet wall 155 toward an upward direction away from the second upper chamber 152 b .

[0256] The upper tray 150 may further include a first receiving portion 160 . The heater combining portion 124 of the upper case 120 may be received in the first receiving portion 160 .

[0257] Upper heater (refer to Fig.14 148) is arranged on the heater combination portion 124, so it can also be understood that the upper heater (refer to Fig.14 148) is accommodated in the first accommodation portion 160.

[0258] The first receiving portion 160 may be configured to surround the upper chambers 152a, 152b, 152c. The first receiving portion 160 may be formed by the top surface of the upper tray body 151 being recessed downward.

[0259] The first receiving portion 160 may be located at a lower position than the upper opening 154 .

[0260] The upper tray 150 may further include a second receiving portion 161 (or may be referred to as a sensor receiving portion) receiving the temperature sensor 500 .

[0261] As an example, the second receiving portion 161 may be provided in the upper tray body 151. The second receiving portion 161 may be formed by being recessed downward from the bottom of the first receiving portion 160, but is not limited thereto.

[0262] The second receiving portion 161 may be located between two adjacent upper chambers, for example, between the first upper chamber 152a and the second upper chamber 152b.

[0263] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the upper heater (see Fig.14 148) interferes with the temperature sensor 500.

[0264] In a state where the temperature sensor 500 is received in the second receiving portion 161 , the temperature sensor 500 may be in contact with the outer surface of the upper tray body 151 .

[0265] The chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 may include a vertical wall 153 a and a curved wall 153 b .

[0266] The curved wall 153 b may be in an arc shape in a direction that moves upward and away from the upper chamber 152 .

[0267] The upper tray 150 may further include a horizontal extension portion 164 extending in a horizontal direction from the periphery of the upper tray body 151. As an example, the horizontal extension portion 164 may extend along the periphery of the upper end edge of the upper tray body 151.

[0268] The horizontal extension portion 164 may be in contact with the upper housing 120 and the upper support 170 .

[0269] As an example, the bottom surface 164b (or “first surface”) of the horizontal extension portion 164 may contact the upper support member 170 , and the top surface 164a (or “second surface”) of the horizontal extension portion 164 may contact the upper shell 120 .

[0270] At least a portion of the horizontal extension 164 may be located between the upper housing 120 and the upper support 170 .

[0271] The horizontal extension 164 may include a plurality of upper protrusions 165 , 166 for being inserted into the plurality of upper slots 131 , 132 , respectively.

[0272] The plurality of upper protrusions 165 , 166 may include: a first upper protrusion 165 ; and a second upper protrusion 166 located at an opposite side of the first upper protrusion 165 with respect to the upper opening 154 .

[0273] The first upper protrusion 165 may be inserted into the first upper slot 131 , and the second upper protrusion 166 may be inserted into the second upper slot 132 .

[0274] The first upper protrusion 165 and the second upper protrusion 166 may protrude upward from the top surface 164 a of the horizontal extending portion 164 .

[0275] The first upper protrusion 165 and the second upper protrusion 166 may be Fig. 9 Separated in the direction of arrow B. Fig. 9 The direction of arrow B is Figure 7 The direction of arrow B is the same direction.

[0276] The plurality of first upper protrusions 165 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the arrow A direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0277] Furthermore, the plurality of second upper protrusions 166 may be arranged in a spaced-apart manner in the arrow A direction.

[0278] As an example, the first upper protrusion 165 may be formed in a curved shape. Also, as an example, the second upper protrusion 166 may be formed in a curved shape.

[0279] In the present embodiment, each of the upper protrusions 165 and 166 not only enables the upper tray 150 to be combined with the upper housing 120 , but also prevents the horizontal extension portion 164 from being deformed during the ice making process or the ice moving process.

[0280] At this time, when the upper protrusions 165 and 166 are formed in a curved shape, the intervals between the upper protrusions 165 and 166 and the upper chamber 152 in the length direction are the same or almost the same, so that the deformation of the horizontal extension portion 164 can be effectively prevented.

[0281] As an example, the horizontal deformation of the horizontal extension part 164 is minimized, thereby preventing the horizontal extension part 164 from being stretched and plastically deformed. If the horizontal extension part 164 is plastically deformed, the upper tray body 151 cannot be located at an accurate position when making ice, so the ice is not shaped like a ball.

[0282] The horizontal extension portion 164 may further include a plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168. The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 may be inserted into lower slots of the upper support member 170 described below.

[0283] The plurality of lower protrusions 167 , 168 may include: a first lower protrusion 167 ; and a second lower protrusion 168 located at an opposite side of the first lower protrusion 167 with respect to the upper chamber 152 .

[0284] The first lower protrusion 167 and the second lower protrusion 168 may protrude downward from the bottom surface 164 b of the horizontal extending portion 164 .

[0285] The first lower protrusion 167 may be located on the opposite side of the first upper protrusion 165 with respect to the horizontal extension portion 164. The second lower protrusion 168 may be located on the opposite side of the second upper protrusion 166 with respect to the horizontal extension portion 164.

[0286] The first lower protrusion 167 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the vertical wall 153 a of the upper tray body 151 . The second lower protrusion 168 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the curved wall 153 b of the upper tray body 151 .

[0287] The plurality of lower protrusions 167 and 168 may also be formed in a curved shape. By forming the protrusions 165 , 166 , 167 , and 168 on the top surface 164 a and the bottom surface 164 b of the horizontal extension portion 164 , respectively, the horizontal extension portion 164 can be effectively prevented from being deformed in the horizontal direction.

[0288] The horizontal extension portion 164 may be provided with a through hole 169 for allowing a fastening boss of the upper support member 170 described later to pass therethrough.

[0289] As an example, a plurality of through holes 169 may be provided in the horizontal extension portion 164 .

[0290] A portion of the plurality of through holes 169 may be located between two adjacent first upper protrusions 165 or between two adjacent first lower protrusions 167 .

[0291] Another part of the plurality of through holes 169 may be disposed between the two second lower protrusions 168 , or may be disposed to face the area between the two second lower protrusions 168 .

[0292] <Upper Support Member>

[0293] Fig.11 is an upper stereoscopic view of an upper support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.12 1 is a bottom perspective view of an upper support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0294] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The upper support member 170 can support the upper tray 150 during the ice making process and prevent the upper tray 150 from sagging during the ice moving process.

[0295] The upper supporter 170 may include a support plate 171 contacting the upper tray 150 .

[0296] As an example, the top surface of the support plate 171 may be in contact with the bottom surface 164 b of the horizontal extension portion 164 of the upper tray 150 .

[0297] The support plate 171 may be provided with a plate opening 172 for the upper tray body 151 to pass through. Therefore, when the upper tray body 151 passes through the plate opening 172 , the horizontal extension portion 164 of the upper tray 150 may be placed on the support plate 171 .

[0298] An outer peripheral wall 174 that is bent upward may be provided at the edge of the support plate 171. As an example, the outer peripheral wall 174 may contact at least a portion of the outer periphery of the side surface of the horizontal extension portion 164.

[0299] A top surface of the peripheral wall 174 may be in contact with a bottom surface of the upper plate 121 .

[0300] The support plate 171 may include a plurality of lower slots 176 , 177 .

[0301] The plurality of lower insertion slots 176 , 177 may include a first lower insertion slot 176 into which the first lower protrusion 167 is inserted and a second lower insertion slot 177 into which the second lower protrusion 168 is inserted.

[0302] The plurality of first lower slots 176 may be arranged in the support plate 171 at intervals in the direction of arrow A. Also, the plurality of second lower slots 177 may be arranged in the support plate 171 at intervals in the direction of arrow A.

[0303] The lower slots 176 and 177 may also be arc-shaped in the horizontal direction.

[0304] In this embodiment, the horizontal extension portion 164 is supported on the support plate 171 with the lower protrusions 167 and 168 inserted into the lower slots 176 and 177, thereby preventing the horizontal extension portion 164 from being stretched during the ice moving process, thereby preventing the upper tray 150 from sagging.

[0305] The support plate 171 may further include a plurality of fastening bosses 175. The plurality of fastening bosses 175 may protrude upward from the top surface of the support plate 171.

[0306] Each of the fastening bosses 175 may pass through the through hole 169 of the horizontal extension portion 164 to be introduced into the sleeve 133 of the upper housing 120 .

[0307] In a state where the fastening boss 175 is introduced into the sleeve 133 , the top surface of the fastening boss 175 may be located at the same height as the top surface of the sleeve 133 , or at a lower height.

[0308] As an example, the fastening member fastened to the fastening boss 175 may be a bolt ( Figure 3 The bolt B1 may include a main body and a head having a diameter greater than that of the main body. The bolt B1 may be fastened to the fastening boss 175 from above the fastening boss 175.

[0309] During the process of fastening the main body of the bolt B1 to the fastening boss 175 , when the head contacts the top surface of the sleeve 133 or the head contacts the top surface of the sleeve 133 and the top surface of the fastening boss 175 , the assembly of the upper component 110 can be completed.

[0310] The upper supporter 170 may further include a plurality of unit guides 181 , 182 for guiding the connection unit 350 connected to the upper ejector 300 .

[0311] As an example, the plurality of unit guides 181, 182 may be Fig.12 The two components are spaced apart in the direction of arrow A as a reference.

[0312] The unit guides 181 and 182 may extend upward from the top surface of the support plate 171. Each of the unit guides 181 and 182 may be connected to the peripheral wall 174.

[0313] Each of the unit guides 181 and 182 may include a guide slot 183 extending in the up-down direction.

[0314] In a state where both ends of the ejector body 310 of the upper ejector 300 pass through the guide slot 183 , the connection unit 350 may be connected to the ejector body 310 .

[0315] Therefore, during the rotation of the lower assembly 200 , when the rotational force is transmitted from the connection unit 350 to the ejector body 310 , the ejector body 310 may move up and down along the guide slot 183 .

[0316] The horizontal extension portion 164 of the upper tray 150 is placed on the support plate 171 of the upper support member 170, thereby preventing the upper tray 150 from sagging downward when the pressing force of the ejector body 310 is transmitted to the ice attached to the upper tray 150 during ice removal.

[0317] <Upper Heater Combination Structure>

[0318] Fig.13 It is enlarged to show Figure 6 Figure 1 shows the heater incorporation portion of the upper housing. Fig.14 The heater is shown in combination with Figure 6 Figure 1. The state of the upper housing. Fig.15 : is a diagram showing the arrangement of electric wires connected to the heater in the upper case.

[0319] Reference Fig. 9 , Figures 13 to 15 The heater combining portion 124 may include a heater receiving groove 124 a for receiving the upper heater 148 .

[0320] As an example, the heater receiving groove 124 a may be formed by partially recessing a bottom surface of the recessed portion 122 of the upper housing 120 upward.

[0321] The heater receiving groove 124 a may extend along a periphery of the opening 123 of the upper housing 120 .

[0322] As an example, the upper heater 148 may be a wire type heater. Therefore, the upper heater 148 may be bent to correspond to the shape of the heater receiving groove 124a so as to be received in the heater receiving groove 124a.

[0323] The upper heater 148 may be a DC heater that receives a DC power supply. The upper heater 148 may be activated to remove ice.

[0324] Regarding the upper heater 148, when a DC heater is used, the output of the heater is lower than when an AC heater is used.

[0325] When the heat of the upper heater 148 is transferred to the upper tray 150 , ice may be separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150 .

[0326] If the upper tray 150 is formed of a metal material and the upper heater 148 uses an AC heater, the heat of the upper heater 148 can be smoothly transferred to the upper chamber 152 through the upper tray 150 , so that ice can be easily separated from the upper tray 150 .

[0327] Since the thermal conductivity of the upper tray 150 is high and the heat of the upper heater 148 is large, a portion of the ice corresponding to the upper heater 148 melts.

[0328] When a portion of the ice is melted in this manner, after the upper heater 148 is turned off, the portion of the ice melted by the upper heater 148 will adhere to the surface of the upper tray 150 again, thereby causing a phenomenon in which the ice becomes opaque.

[0329] That is, an opaque band having a shape corresponding to the upper heater 148 is formed on the periphery of the ice.

[0330] Also, when ice is frozen in a melted state and combined with the upper tray 150 again, there is a high possibility that the ice cannot be easily separated from the upper tray 150 during the subsequent ice removal process of the upper ejector.

[0331] However, in the case of this embodiment, a DC heater whose output is low itself is used, and the upper tray 150 is formed of a silicon material which is a non-metallic material, so the heat transferred to the upper tray 150 is reduced and the thermal conductivity of the upper tray 150 itself is also reduced.

[0332] Since the heat is not concentrated locally on the ice and a small amount of heat is slowly applied to the ice, not only can the ice be effectively separated from the upper tray, but also an opaque band can be prevented from being formed on the periphery of the ice.

[0333] The upper heater 148 may be disposed to surround the periphery of the plurality of upper chambers 152 so that heat of the upper heater 148 can be uniformly transferred to each of the plurality of upper chambers 152 of the upper tray 150 .

[0334] The upper heater 148 may contact the periphery of each of the plurality of chamber walls 153 respectively forming the plurality of upper chambers 152. At this time, the upper heater 148 may be located at a position lower than the upper opening 154.

[0335] The heater receiving groove 124 a is recessed in the recessed portion 122 , and thus, the heater receiving groove 124 a may be defined by an outer wall 124 b and an inner wall 124 c .

[0336] When the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 124 a , the diameter of the upper heater 148 may be formed to be greater than the depth of the heater accommodating groove 124 a so that the upper heater 148 may protrude to the outside of the heater combining portion 124 .

[0337] In a state where the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 124 a , a portion of the upper heater 148 protrudes to the outside of the heater accommodating groove 124 a , and thus the upper heater 148 may contact the upper tray 150 .

[0338] An anti-detachment protrusion 124d may be provided on one or more of the outer wall 124b and the inner wall 124c to prevent the upper heater 148 accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 124a from detaching from the heater accommodating groove 124a.

[0339] As an example, Fig.13 2 shows a case where a plurality of anti-separation protrusions 124d are provided on the inner wall 124c.

[0340] The anti-separation protrusion 124d may protrude from an end of the inner wall 124c toward the outer wall 124b.

[0341] At this time, the protruding length of the anti-detachment protrusion 124d can be formed to be less than 1 / 2 of the interval between the outer wall 124b and the inner wall 124c, so that the insertion of the upper heater 148 is not hindered by the anti-detachment protrusion 124d, and the upper heater 148 is prevented from easily detaching from the heater accommodating groove 124a.

[0342] like Fig.14 As shown, in a state where the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove 124 a , the upper heater 148 may be divided into an upper arc portion 148 c and an upper straight portion 148 d .

[0343] That is, the heater receiving groove 124a includes an arc portion and a straight portion, and corresponding to the arc portion and the straight portion of the heater receiving groove 124a, the upper heater 148 may be divided into an upper arc portion 148c and an upper straight portion 148d.

[0344] The upper arc portion 148 c is a portion disposed along the periphery of the upper chamber 152 , and is a portion curved in an arc shape in the horizontal direction.

[0345] The upper straight portion 148 d is a portion connecting the upper arc portions 148 c corresponding to each upper chamber 152 .

[0346] The upper arc portion 148 c may include a first upper arc portion 148 e corresponding to the first upper chamber 152 a and the third upper chamber 152 c at both sides of the outermost periphery of the plurality of upper chambers 152 .

[0347] The first upper arc portion 148e may be connected by a pair of upper straight portions 148d. That is, the upper straight portions 148d may be connected to both ends of one first upper arc portion 148e.

[0348] The length of the first upper arc portion 148e is formed to be longer than the length of each of the upper straight portions 148d. A pair of upper straight portions 148d connected to both ends of the first upper arc portion 148e may be arranged substantially in parallel.

[0349] A distance R2 between the pair of upper straight portions 148d is smaller than twice (2*R1) the radius of curvature of the first upper arc portion 148e.

[0350] The larger the distance R2 between the pair of upper straight portions 148 d is, the farther the upper straight portion 148 d is from the upper chamber 152 . Thus, it takes a longer time for the heat of the upper straight portion 148 d to be transferred to the upper chamber 152 .

[0351] However, according to this embodiment, the distance R2 between the pair of upper straight portions 148d is less than twice the radius of curvature of the first upper arc portion 148e, thereby reducing the spacing between the pair of upper straight portions 148d and the upper chamber 152, thereby enabling the heat of the upper straight portions 148d to be quickly transferred to the upper chamber 152.

[0352] A distance R2 between the pair of upper straight portions 148 d may be formed to be equal to or greater than a curvature radius R1 of the first upper arc portion 148 e .

[0353] The smaller the distance R2 between the pair of upper straight portions 148d, the greater the bending amount at the boundary between the upper straight portion 148d and the first upper arc portion 148e, so not only is the possibility of wire breakage high, but heat may also be unnecessarily concentrated between the two adjacent upper chambers.

[0354] However, as in the present embodiment, if the distance R2 between the pair of upper straight portions 148d is formed to be equal to or greater than the curvature radius R1 of the first upper arc portion 148e, the above-mentioned problem can be prevented.

[0355] The upper arc portion 148c may further include a second upper arc portion 148f, which corresponds to the second upper chamber 152b, and the second upper chamber 152b is located between the first upper chamber 152a and the third upper chamber 152c on both sides of the outermost periphery of the plurality of upper chambers 152.

[0356] As an example, a pair of second upper arc portions 148f may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, because each second upper arc portion 148f needs to be connected to the first upper arc portion 148e via the upper straight portions 148d on both sides.

[0357] The length of the second upper arc portion 148f may be shorter than the length of the first upper arc portion 148e. The upper straight portion 148d may be connected to both sides of the second upper arc portion 148f.

[0358] The upper heater 148 is located at a lower position than the upper opening 154 , and thus a line connecting two separated points of the upper arc portion 148 c may pass through the upper chamber 152 .

[0359] The upper arc portion 148 c of the upper heater 148 is likely to be detached from the heater receiving groove 124 a , and therefore, the anti-detachment protrusion 124 d may be configured to contact the upper arc portion 148 c .

[0360] A through opening 124e may be provided on the bottom surface of the heater receiving groove 124a. When the upper heater 148 is received in the heater receiving groove 124a, a portion of the upper heater 148 may be located in the through opening 124e. As an example, the through opening 124e may be located in a portion facing the anti-detachment protrusion 124d.

[0361] When the upper heater 148 is bent in a circular arc in the horizontal direction, the tension of the upper heater 148 increases and may be broken, and the upper heater 148 is likely to be separated from the heater receiving groove 124a.

[0362] However, as in the present embodiment, when the heater accommodating groove 124a forms a through opening 124e, a portion of the upper heater 148 can be located in the through opening 124e, thereby reducing the tension of the upper heater 148 and preventing the upper heater from detaching from the heater accommodating groove 124a.

[0363] like Fig.15 As shown, the power input terminal 148 a and the power output terminal 148 b of the upper heater 148 can pass through the heater through hole 125 formed in the upper shell 120 in a parallel arrangement.

[0364] The upper heater 148 is accommodated at the lower side of the upper housing 120 , and thus, a power input terminal 148 a and a power output terminal 148 b of the upper heater 148 may extend upward to pass through the heater through hole 125 .

[0365] The power input terminal 148a and the power output terminal 148b passing through the heater through hole 125 may be connected to a first connector 129a.

[0366] The first connector 129a may be connected to a second connector 129c to which two electric wires 129d connected in a manner corresponding to the power input terminal 148a and the power output terminal 148b are connected.

[0367] The upper plate 121 of the upper housing 120 may be provided with the upper heater 148 , the first connector 129 a , the second connector 129 c , and the first guide 126 for guiding the electric wire 129 d .

[0368] As an example, Fig.15 FIG. 1 shows that the first guide portion 126 guides the first connector 129 a .

[0369] The first guide portion 126 extends upward from the top surface of the upper plate 121 , and an upper end portion thereof may be bent in a horizontal direction.

[0370] Therefore, the upper curved portion of the first guide portion 126 restricts the first connector 129 a from moving upward.

[0371] The electric wire 129 d may be bent into a substantially “U” shape to prevent interference with surrounding structures, and then may be led out to the outside of the upper housing 120 .

[0372] The electric wire 129d extends in a state of being bent more than once, and therefore, the upper housing 120 may further include electric wire guides 127 and 128 for fixing the position of the electric wire 129d.

[0373] The wire guides 127 and 128 may include a first guide 127 and a second guide 128 arranged to be spaced apart in a horizontal direction. The first guide 127 and the second guide 128 may be bent in a direction corresponding to a bending direction of the wire 129d to minimize damage to the bent wire 129d.

[0374] That is, the first guide 127 and the second guide 128 may include a curved portion, respectively.

[0375] One or more of the first guide 127 and the second guide 128 may include an upper guide 127 a extending toward the other guide to restrict the electric wire 129 d located between the first guide 127 and the second guide 128 from moving in an upper direction.

[0376] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the upper assembly is assembled.

[0377] Reference Fig.14 and Fig.16 In a state where the upper heater 148 is coupled to the heater coupling portion 124 of the upper housing 120 , the upper housing 120 , the upper tray 150 , and the upper support member 170 may be coupled to each other.

[0378] The first upper protrusion 165 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the first upper insertion slot 131 of the upper housing 120 , and the second upper protrusion 166 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the second upper insertion slot 132 of the upper housing 120 .

[0379] Then, the first lower protrusion 167 of the upper tray 150 is inserted into the first lower insertion slot 176 of the upper support member 170 , and the second lower protrusion 168 of the upper tray is inserted into the second lower insertion slot 177 of the upper support member 170 .

[0380] At this time, the fastening boss 175 of the upper support member 170 is received in the sleeve 133 of the upper housing 120 through the through hole 169 of the upper tray 150. In this state, the bolt B1 can be fastened to the fastening boss 175 from above.

[0381] When the bolt B1 is fastened to the fastening boss 175 , the head of the bolt B1 is located higher than the upper plate 121 .

[0382] On the contrary, the hinge supports 135 and 136 are located lower than the upper plate 121 , so that the upper assembly 110 or the connecting unit 350 can be prevented from interfering with the head of the bolt B1 during the rotation of the lower assembly 200 .

[0383] During the assembly of the upper assembly 110, the plurality of unit guides 181, 182 of the upper support member 170 are inserted through the through openings ( Figure 6 139a, 139b) protrude above the upper plate 121.

[0384] The upper ejector 300 passes through the guide slots 183 of the unit guides 181 and 182 protruding above the upper plate 121 in the manner described above.

[0385] Therefore, the upper ejector 300 is lowered while being located at the upper side of the upper plate 121 and is introduced into the interior of the upper chamber 152 , thereby separating the ice in the upper chamber 152 from the upper tray 150 .

[0386] When the upper assembly 110 is assembled, the heater coupling portion 124 coupled with the upper heater 148 is received in the first receiving portion 160 of the upper tray 150 .

[0387] In a state where the heater combining portion 124 is accommodated in the first accommodation portion 160 , the upper heater 148 is in contact with a bottom surface 160 a of the first accommodation portion 160 .

[0388] As in this embodiment, when the upper heater 148 is accommodated in the concave heater coupling part 124 and contacts the upper tray body 151 , heat transferred from the upper heater 148 to other parts other than the upper tray body 151 can be minimized.

[0389] At least a portion of the upper heater 148 may be disposed to overlap with the upper chamber 152 in a vertical direction, so that heat of the upper heater 148 is smoothly transferred to the upper chamber 152 .

[0390] In this embodiment, the upper arc portion 148 c of the upper heater 148 may overlap with the upper chamber 152 in the up-down direction.

[0391] As an example, the curvature radius R1 of the upper arc portion 148 c is formed to be smaller than the radius R5 of the upper chamber 152 .

[0392] In a state in which the upper tray 150 is supported by the upper support member 170 , the upper heater 148 may be located at a lower position than the support plate 170 .

[0393] <Lower housing>

[0394] Fig.17 is a three-dimensional diagram of a lower component of an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.18 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the lower shell of an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.19 1 is a bottom perspective view of a lower shell body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0395] Reference Figures 17 to 19 , the lower assembly 200 may include a lower tray 250 .

[0396] The lower tray 250 may form the ice chamber 111 together with the upper tray 150 .

[0397] The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower support 270 supporting the lower tray 250. In a state where the lower tray 250 is seated on the lower support 270, the lower support 270 and the lower tray 250 may rotate together.

[0398] The lower assembly 200 may further include a lower housing 210 for fixing a position of the lower tray 250 .

[0399] The lower case 210 may surround the periphery of the lower tray 250 , and the lower support 270 may support the lower side of the lower tray 250 .

[0400] The connection unit 350 may be coupled to the lower support member 270 .

[0401] The connecting unit 350 may include: a first connecting rod 352, which receives power from the driving unit 180 and is used to rotate the lower support member 270; and a second connecting rod 356, which is connected to the lower support member 270, so as to transmit the rotational force of the lower support member 270 to the upper ejector 300 when the lower support member 270 rotates.

[0402] The first link 352 and the lower support member 270 may be connected by an elastic member 360. As an example, the elastic member 360 may be a coil spring.

[0403] One end of the elastic member 360 is connected to the first connecting rod 352 , and the other end is connected to the lower supporting member 270 .

[0404] The elastic member 360 provides elastic force to the lower support 270 to maintain the upper tray 150 in contact with the lower tray 250 at the ice making position.

[0405] In this embodiment, a first connecting rod 352 and a second connecting rod 356 may be disposed on both sides of the lower support member 270 .

[0406] Any one of the two first links 352 is connected to the driving unit 180 to receive a rotational force from the driving unit 180 .

[0407] The two first connecting rods 352 can be connected by a connecting shaft ( Figure 5 370) connection.

[0408] A hole 358 through which the ejector body 310 of the upper ejector 300 can pass may be formed at the upper end portion of the second link 356 .

[0409] The lower housing 210 may include a lower plate 211 for fixing the lower tray 250 .

[0410] The lower tray 250 may be fixed in a state where a portion of the lower tray 250 contacts the bottom surface of the lower plate 211 .

[0411] The lower plate 211 may be provided with an opening 212 for allowing a portion of the lower tray 250 to pass therethrough.

[0412] For example, when the lower tray 250 is located at the lower side of the lower plate 211 and when the lower tray 250 is fixed to the lower plate 211 , a portion of the lower tray 250 may protrude above the lower plate 211 through the opening 212 .

[0413] The lower housing 210 may further include a peripheral wall 214 penetrating through the lower plate 211 and surrounding the lower tray 250 .

[0414] The peripheral wall 214 may include a vertical wall 214 a and a curved wall 215 .

[0415] The vertical wall 214a is a wall vertically extending upward from the lower plate 211. The curved wall 215 is a wall in the shape of an arc that gradually moves away from the opening 212 upward from the lower plate 211.

[0416] The vertical wall 214a may include a first coupling slot 214b for coupling with the lower tray 250. The first coupling slot 214b may be formed by the upper end of the vertical wall 214a being recessed downward.

[0417] The curved wall 215 may include a second coupling slot 215 a for coupling with the lower tray 250 .

[0418] The second coupling slot 215 a may be formed by the upper end of the curved wall 215 being recessed downward.

[0419] The lower housing 210 may further include a first fastening boss 216 and a second fastening boss 217 .

[0420] The first fastening boss 216 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the lower plate 211. As an example, a plurality of first fastening bosses 216 may protrude downward from the lower plate 211.

[0421] The plurality of first fastening bosses 216 may be Fig.18 The two electrodes are arranged spaced apart in the direction of arrow A as a reference.

[0422] The second fastening boss 217 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the lower plate 211. As an example, a plurality of second fastening bosses 217 may protrude from the lower plate 211. The plurality of second fastening bosses 217 may be arranged in a Fig.17 The two electrodes are arranged spaced apart in the direction of arrow A as a reference.

[0423] The first fastening boss 216 and the second fastening boss 217 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of arrow B.

[0424] In this embodiment, the length of the first fastening boss 216 and the length of the second fastening boss 217 may be different. For example, the length of the second fastening boss 217 may be longer than the length of the first fastening boss 216 .

[0425] The first fastening member may be fastened to the first fastening boss 216 from an upper side of the first fastening boss 216. In contrast, the second fastening member may be fastened to the second fastening boss 217 from a lower side of the second fastening boss 217.

[0426] During the process of fastening the first fastening member to the first fastening boss 216 , the curved wall 215 is provided with a groove 215 b for moving the fastening member so that the first fastening member does not interfere with the curved wall 215 .

[0427] The lower housing 210 may further include a slot 218 for coupling with the lower tray 250 .

[0428] A portion of the lower tray 250 may be inserted into the slot 218. The slot 218 may be located near the vertical wall 214a.

[0429] As an example, multiple slots 218 may be Fig.18 The slots 218 are spaced apart in the direction of arrow A. Each of the slots 218 may be formed in a curved shape.

[0430] The lower housing 210 may further include a receiving groove 218a for inserting a portion of the lower tray 250. The receiving groove 218a may be formed by recessing a portion of the lower plate 211 toward the curved wall 215.

[0431] The lower housing 210 may further include an extension wall 219 that contacts a portion of a side periphery of the lower plate 211 when combined with the lower tray 250. The extension wall 219 may extend in a straight line in the arrow A direction.

[0432] <Lower Tray>

[0433] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the upper portion of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.21 and Fig. 22 is a bottom perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.23 1 is a side view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0434] Reference Figure 20 to Figure 23 , the lower tray 250 may be formed of a flexible material, and the lower tray 250 may return to its original shape after being deformed by an external force.

[0435] As an example, the lower tray 250 may be formed of silicon material.

[0436] As in the present embodiment, when the lower tray 250 is formed of silicon material, during the ice removal process, even if an external force is applied to the lower tray 250 to deform the shape of the lower tray 250, the lower tray 250 can be restored to its original shape again. Therefore, spherical ice can be generated despite the reverse ice formation.

[0437] If the lower tray 250 is formed of a metal material, when an external force is applied to the lower tray 250 to deform the lower tray 250 itself, the lower tray 250 cannot be restored to its original shape again.

[0438] In this case, after the shape of the lower tray 250 is deformed, spherical ice cannot be generated. In other words, spherical ice cannot be repeatedly generated.

[0439] In contrast, as in the present embodiment, when the lower tray 250 has a flexible material capable of returning to its original shape, such a problem can be solved.

[0440] Also, when the lower tray 250 is formed of a silicon material, it is possible to prevent the lower tray 250 from being melted or thermally deformed due to heat provided by a lower heater described later.

[0441] The lower tray 250 may include a lower tray body 251 forming a lower chamber 252 as a portion of the ice chamber 111 .

[0442] The lower tray body 251 may define a plurality of lower chambers 252 .

[0443] As an example, the plurality of lower chambers 252 may include a first lower chamber 252a, a second lower chamber 252b, and a third lower chamber 252c.

[0444] The lower tray body 251 may include three chamber walls 252 d forming three independent lower chambers 252 a , 252 b , and 252 c , and the three chamber walls 252 d may be formed as one body and form the lower tray body 251 .

[0445] The first lower chamber 252a, the second lower chamber 252b, and the third lower chamber 252c may be arranged in a row. As an example, the first lower chamber 252a, the second lower chamber 252b, and the third lower chamber 252c may be arranged in a row. Fig. 20 Arrange in the direction of arrow A as a reference.

[0446] The lower chamber 252 may be formed in a hemispherical shape. That is, the lower portion of the spherical ice may be formed by the lower chamber 252 .

[0447] The lower tray 250 may further include a first extension portion 253 extending in a horizontal direction from an upper end edge of the lower tray body 251. The first extension portion 253 may be continuously formed along the periphery of the lower tray body 251.

[0448] The lower tray 250 may further include a peripheral wall 260 extending upward from a top surface of the first extension portion 253 .

[0449] In this embodiment, the first extension portion 253 extends from the lower tray 250 , and the peripheral wall 260 extends from the first extension portion 253 , so that the bottom surface of the upper tray body 151 can contact the top surface 251 e of the lower tray body 251 .

[0450] Furthermore, the outer wall 260 does not interfere with the upper tray body 151 , and can surround the upper tray body 151 disposed on the top surface 251 e of the lower tray body 251 .

[0451] The peripheral wall 260 may include: a first wall 260 a surrounding the vertical wall 153 a of the upper tray body 151 ; and a second wall 260 b surrounding the curved wall 153 b of the upper tray body 151 .

[0452] The first wall 260a is a vertical wall extending vertically from the top surface of the first extension portion 253. The second wall 260b is a curved wall formed in a shape corresponding to the upper tray body 151. That is, the second wall 260b may be an arc in a direction from the first extension portion 253 toward the upper side away from the lower chamber 252.

[0453] The lower tray 250 may further include a second extension portion 254 extending from the peripheral wall 260 in a horizontal direction.

[0454] The second extension portion 254 may be located at a higher position than the first extension portion 253. Therefore, the first extension portion 253 and the second extension portion 254 form a step.

[0455] The second extension portion 254 may include a first upper protrusion 255 for being inserted into the insertion slot 218 of the lower housing 210. The first upper protrusion 255 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the peripheral wall 260 in a horizontal direction.

[0456] As an example, the first upper protrusion 255 may protrude upward from the top surface of the second extending portion 254 at a position adjacent to the first wall 260 a .

[0457] The plurality of first upper protrusions 255 may be Fig. 20 The first upper protrusion 255 is configured to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A as a reference, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the first upper protrusion 255 may extend in a curved shape. That is, the first upper protrusion 255 may be arc-shaped in the horizontal direction.

[0458] The second extension portion 254 may further include a first lower protrusion 257 for being inserted into a protrusion groove of a lower support member 270 described later. The first lower protrusion 257 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the second extension portion 254.

[0459] The plurality of first lower protrusions 257 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A, but is not limited thereto.

[0460] As an example, the first lower protrusion 257 may be arc-shaped in the horizontal direction.

[0461] The first upper protrusion 255 and the first lower protrusion 257 may be located at opposite sides with respect to the upper and lower sides of the second extension portion 254. At least a portion of the first upper protrusion 255 may overlap with the first lower protrusion 257 in the upper and lower directions.

[0462] A plurality of through holes 256 may be formed in the second extending portion 254 .

[0463] The plurality of through holes 256 may include: a first through hole 256 a through which the first fastening boss 216 of the lower housing 210 passes; and a second through hole 256 b through which the second fastening boss 217 of the lower housing 210 passes.

[0464] As an example, the plurality of first through holes 256a may be Fig. 20 They are arranged separated in the direction of arrow A.

[0465] Furthermore, the plurality of second through holes 256b may be Fig. 20 They are arranged separated in the direction of arrow A.

[0466] The plurality of first through holes 256 a and the plurality of second through holes 256 b may be located at opposite sides with respect to the lower chamber 252 .

[0467] A portion of the plurality of second through holes 256 b may be located between two adjacent first upper protrusions 255 . Also, a portion of the plurality of second through holes 256 b may be located between two first lower protrusions 257 .

[0468] The second extension portion 254 may further include a second upper protrusion 258. The second upper protrusion 258 may be located at an opposite side of the first upper protrusion 255 with respect to the lower chamber 252.

[0469] The second upper protrusion 258 may be disposed horizontally apart from the peripheral wall 260. As an example, the second upper protrusion 258 may protrude upward from the top surface of the second extension portion 254 at a position adjacent to the second wall 260b.

[0470] The plurality of second upper protrusions 258 may be Fig. 20 The two components are spaced apart in the direction of arrow A, but are not limited to this.

[0471] The second upper protrusion 258 may be received in the receiving groove 218a of the lower housing 210. In a state where the second upper protrusion 258 is received in the receiving groove 218a, the second upper protrusion 258 may contact the curved wall 215 of the lower housing 210.

[0472] The peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may include a first coupling protrusion 262 for coupling with the lower case 210 .

[0473] The first coupling protrusion 262 may protrude horizontally from the first wall 260a of the peripheral wall 260. The first coupling protrusion 262 may be located at an upper side of a side surface of the first wall 260a.

[0474] The first coupling protrusion 262 may include a neck portion 262 a having a smaller diameter than other portions, and the neck portion 262 a may be inserted into a first coupling slot 214 b formed in the peripheral wall 214 of the lower housing 210 .

[0475] The peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250 may further include a second coupling protrusion 260 c for coupling with the lower case 210 .

[0476] The second coupling protrusion 260c may protrude in a horizontal direction from the second wall 260b of the peripheral wall 260. The second coupling protrusion 260c may be located at a lower position than an upper end portion of the peripheral wall 260.

[0477] The second coupling protrusion 260 c may be inserted into a second coupling slot 215 a formed in the peripheral wall 214 of the lower housing 210 .

[0478] The second extension portion 254 may further include a second lower protrusion 266. The second lower protrusion 266 may be located at an opposite side of the first lower protrusion 257 with respect to the lower chamber 252.

[0479] The second lower protrusion 266 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the second extension portion 254. As an example, the second lower protrusion 266 may extend in a straight line.

[0480] A portion of the plurality of first through holes 256 a may be located between the second lower protrusion 266 and the lower chamber 252 .

[0481] The second lower protrusion 266 may be received in a guide groove formed in a lower support member 270 to be described later.

[0482] The second extension portion 254 may further include a side restriction portion 264. The side restriction portion 264 restricts the lower tray 250 from moving in a horizontal direction when the lower tray 250 is combined with the lower housing 210 and the lower support member 270.

[0483] The side restriction portion 264 protrudes from the second extending portion 254 toward the side, and the upper and lower lengths of the side restriction portion 264 are formed to be greater than the thickness of the second extending portion 254 .

[0484] As an example, a portion of the side restriction portion 264 is located at a position higher than the top surface of the second extending portion 254 , and another portion of the side restriction portion 264 is located at a position lower than the bottom surface of the second extending portion 254 .

[0485] Therefore, a portion of the side restriction portion 264 may contact the side of the lower housing 210 , and another portion may contact the side of the lower support 270 .

[0486] <Lower Support>

[0487] Fig.24 is an upper stereoscopic view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.25 is a lower stereoscopic view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.26 It is used to show the state where the lower component is assembled. Fig.17 Cross-sectional view taken along line DD.

[0488] Reference Figure 24 to Figure 26 , the lower support member 270 may include a support member body 271 supporting the lower tray 250 .

[0489] The support body 271 may include three chamber receiving parts 272 for receiving three chamber walls 252d of the lower tray 250. The chamber receiving parts 272 may be formed in a hemispherical shape.

[0490] The support body 271 may include a lower opening 274 , and during the ice removal process, the lower opening 274 is used to allow the lower ejector 400 to pass through. As an example, three lower openings 274 may be provided on the support body 271 corresponding to the three chamber accommodating portions 272 .

[0491] A reinforcing rib 275 for increasing strength may be provided along the periphery of the lower opening 274 .

[0492] Furthermore, two adjacent chamber accommodating parts 272 among the three chamber accommodating parts 272 may be connected by a connecting rib 273. Such a connecting rib 273 may enhance the strength of the chamber accommodating part 272.

[0493] The lower support member 270 may further include a first extension wall 285 extending horizontally from an upper end of the support member body 271 .

[0494] The lower support member 270 may further include a second extension wall 286 forming a step with the first extension wall 285 at an edge of the first extension wall 285 .

[0495] A top surface of the second extension wall 286 may be located at a higher position than the first extension wall 285 .

[0496] The first extension portion 253 of the lower tray 250 may be disposed on the top surface 271a of the support body 271, and the second extension wall 286 may surround the side of the first extension portion 253 of the lower tray 250. At this time, the second extension wall 286 may contact the side of the first extension portion 253 of the lower tray 250.

[0497] The lower support member 270 may further include a first protrusion groove 287 for receiving the first lower protrusion 257 of the lower tray 250 .

[0498] The first protrusion groove 287 may extend in a curved shape. As an example, the first protrusion groove 287 may be formed on the second extension wall 286 .

[0499] The lower support member 270 may further include a first fastening groove 286 a to which the first fastening member B2 passing through the first fastening boss 216 of the upper housing 120 is fastened.

[0500] As an example, the first fastening groove 286 a may be disposed on the second extending wall 286 .

[0501] The plurality of first fastening grooves 286 a may be arranged at intervals on the second extension wall 286 in the direction of arrow A. A portion of the plurality of first fastening grooves 286 a may be located between two adjacent first protruding grooves 287 .

[0502] The lower support member 270 may further include a boss through hole 286 b for allowing the second fastening boss 217 of the upper housing 120 to pass through.

[0503] As an example, the boss through hole 286b may be provided in the second extension wall 286. A sleeve 286c that passes through the boss through hole 286b and surrounds the second fastening boss 217 may be provided in the second extension wall 286. The sleeve 286c may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open bottom.

[0504] The first fastening member B2 may pass through the first fastening boss 216 from above the lower housing 210 and then be fastened to the first fastening groove 286 a .

[0505] The second fastening member B3 may be fastened to the second fastening boss 217 from below the lower support 270 .

[0506] The lower end of the sleeve 286 c may be located at the same height as the lower end of the second fastening boss 217 , or may be located at a lower position than the lower end of the second fastening boss 217 .

[0507] Therefore, during the fastening process of the second fastening member B3, the head of the second fastening member B3 may contact the second fastening boss 217 and the bottom surface of the sleeve 286c, or contact the bottom surface of the sleeve 286c.

[0508] The lower support member 270 may further include an outer wall 280 disposed to surround the lower tray body 251 while being spaced apart from the outer side of the lower tray body 251 .

[0509] As an example, the outer wall 280 may extend downward along an edge of the second extending wall 286 .

[0510] The lower support member 270 may further include a plurality of hinge bodies 281 , 282 for connecting to each of the hinge supports 135 , 136 of the upper housing 120 .

[0511] The plurality of hinge bodies 281, 282 may be Fig.24 The hinge bodies 281 and 282 are spaced apart in the direction of arrow A. Each of the hinge bodies 281 and 282 may further include a second hinge hole 281a.

[0512] The shaft connection portion 353 of the first connecting rod 352 may pass through the second hinge hole 281 a , and the connecting shaft 370 may be connected to the shaft connection portion 353 .

[0513] The interval between the plurality of hinge bodies 281, 282 is smaller than the interval between the plurality of hinge supports 135, 136. Therefore, the plurality of hinge bodies 281, 282 may be located between the plurality of hinge supports 135, 136.

[0514] The lower support member 270 may further include a coupling shaft 283, and the second link 356 may be rotatably connected to the coupling shaft 283. The coupling shaft 283 may be disposed on both sides of the outer wall 280, respectively.

[0515] The lower support member 270 may further include an elastic member coupling portion 284 for coupling the elastic member 360. The elastic member coupling portion 284 may form a space capable of accommodating a portion of the elastic member 360. The elastic member 360 is accommodated in the elastic member coupling portion 284, thereby preventing the elastic member 360 from interfering with the surrounding structure.

[0516] The elastic member coupling portion 284 may include a locking portion 284 a for locking the lower end of the elastic member 360 .

[0517] <Joining structure of lower heater>

[0518] Fig. 27 is a top view of a lower support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.28 The lower heater is shown in combination with Fig. 27 A three-dimensional diagram of the state of the lower support member, Fig.29 This is a diagram showing a state in which the electric wires connected to the lower heater penetrate the upper case in a state in which the lower assembly and the upper assembly are coupled.

[0519] Reference Figure 27 to Figure 29 The ice maker 100 of this embodiment may further include a lower heater 296 for applying heat to the lower tray 250 during the ice making process.

[0520] The lower heater 296 provides heat to the lower chamber 252 during ice making, so that ice in the ice chamber 111 begins to freeze from the upper side.

[0521] Furthermore, since the lower heater 296 generates heat during the ice making process, the bubbles in the ice chamber 111 move downward during the ice making process, and when ice making is completed, the other parts except the lowermost end of the spherical ice can be made transparent. That is, according to this embodiment, substantially transparent spherical ice can be generated.

[0522] As an example, the lower heater 296 may be a wire type heater.

[0523] The lower heater 296 may be disposed at the lower support 270 . The lower heater 296 may contact the lower tray 250 to provide heat to the lower chamber 252 .

[0524] As an example, the lower heater 296 may be in contact with the lower tray body 251. The lower heater 296 may be disposed to surround three chamber walls 252d of the lower tray body 251.

[0525] The lower supporter 270 may further include a heater coupling portion 290 for coupling the lower heater 296 .

[0526] The heater combining portion 290 may include a heater receiving groove 291 recessed downward from the chamber receiving portion 272 of the lower tray body 251 .

[0527] By the recess of the heater receiving groove 291 , the heater combining part 290 may include an inner wall 291 a and an outer wall 291 b .

[0528] As an example, the inner wall 291 a may be formed in a ring shape, and the outer wall 291 b may be disposed to surround the inner wall 291 a.

[0529] When the lower heater 296 is received in the heater receiving groove 291 , the lower heater 296 may surround at least a portion of the inner wall 291 a .

[0530] The lower opening 274 may be located in the area formed by the inner wall 291a. Therefore, when the chamber wall 252d of the lower tray 250 is accommodated in the chamber accommodating portion 272, the chamber wall 252d may contact the top surface of the inner wall 291a. The top surface of the inner wall 291a is a circular arc surface corresponding to the hemispherical chamber wall 252d.

[0531] When the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 291 , the diameter of the lower heater 296 can be formed to be larger than the recessed depth of the heater accommodating groove 291 , so that a portion of the lower heater 296 protrudes to the outside of the heater accommodating groove 291 .

[0532] An anti-detachment protrusion 291 c may be provided on one or more of the outer wall 291 b and the inner wall 291 a to prevent the lower heater 296 accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 291 from detaching from the heater accommodating groove 291 .

[0533] Fig. 27 It is shown in FIG. 2 that the anti-separation protrusion 291c is arranged on the inner wall 291a.

[0534] The diameter of the inner wall 291 a is smaller than the diameter of the chamber accommodating portion 272 , and therefore, during the assembly of the lower heater 296 , the lower heater 296 moves along the surface of the chamber accommodating portion 272 and is accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 291 .

[0535] That is, the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove 291 from the upper side of the outer wall 291b toward the inner wall 291a. Therefore, the anti-separation protrusion 291c is preferably formed on the inner wall 291a to prevent the lower heater 296 from interfering with the anti-separation protrusion 291c during the process of being accommodated in the heater accommodation groove 291.

[0536] The anti-separation protrusion 291c may protrude from an upper end portion of the inner wall 291a toward the outer wall 291b.

[0537] The protruding length of the anti-separation protrusion 291c may be formed to be less than 1 / 2 of the interval between the outer wall 291b and the inner wall 291a.

[0538] like Fig.28 As shown, in a state where the lower heater 296 is accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 291 , the lower heater 296 may be divided into a lower arc portion 296 a and a lower straight portion 296 b .

[0539] The lower arc portion 296a is a portion disposed along the periphery of the lower chamber 252 and is a portion curved in an arc shape in the horizontal direction.

[0540] The lower straight portion 296 b is a portion connecting the lower arc portions 296 a corresponding to each lower chamber 252 .

[0541] The lower arc portion 296 a may include first lower arc portions 296 c and 296 d , and the first lower arc portions 296 c and 296 d correspond to the first upper chamber 252 a and the third upper chamber 252 c at both sides of the outermost periphery of the plurality of lower chambers 252 .

[0542] The first lower arc portions 296c and 296d may be connected by a pair of lower straight portions 296b. That is, the lower straight portions 296b may be connected to both ends of each of the first lower arc portions 296c and 296d.

[0543] The length of the first lower arc portions 296c, 296d is formed to be longer than the length of each lower straight portion 296b.

[0544] A pair of lower straight portions 296b connected to both ends of the first lower arc portions 296c and 296d may be arranged substantially in parallel.

[0545] A distance R4 between the pair of lower straight portions 296b is smaller than twice (2*R3) the radius of curvature of the first lower arc portions 296c and 296d.

[0546] The larger the distance R4 between the pair of lower straight portions 296b, the longer the length of each lower straight portion 296b itself. On the contrary, when the length of the first lower arc portion 296c, 296d becomes shorter, when observing the lower heater 296 as a whole, the length of the lower heater 296 becomes shorter.

[0547] When the length of the lower heater 296 is shortened, the amount of heat transferred to the lower chamber 252 through the lower heater 296 is small.

[0548] Also, when the distance R4 between the pair of lower straight portions 296 b increases, the distance between the lower straight portion 296 b and the lower chamber 252 increases, so that the time taken for the heat of the lower straight portion 296 b to reach the lower chamber 252 increases.

[0549] However, according to this embodiment, the distance R4 between the pair of lower straight portions 296b is less than twice the radius of curvature of the first lower arc portions 296c, 296d, and thus the spacing between the pair of lower straight portions 296b and the lower chamber 252 is reduced, thereby enabling the heat of the lower straight portions 296b to be quickly transferred to the lower chamber 252.

[0550] A distance R4 between the pair of lower straight portions 296 b may be equal to or greater than a curvature radius R3 of the first lower arc portions 296 c and 296 d .

[0551] The smaller the distance R4 between the pair of lower straight portions 296b, the greater the bending amount at the boundary between the lower straight portion 296b and the first lower arc portions 296c, 296d. Therefore, not only is the possibility of wire breakage high, but heat may also be unnecessarily concentrated between two adjacent lower chambers.

[0552] However, as in the present embodiment, if the distance R4 between the pair of lower straight portions 296b is formed to be equal to or greater than the curvature radius R3 of the first lower arc portions 296c, 296d, the above-mentioned problem can be prevented.

[0553] The lower arc portion 296a may further include a second lower arc portion 296e corresponding to the second lower chamber 252b.

[0554] As an example, a pair of second lower arc portions 296e may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, because each second lower arc portion 296e needs to be connected to the first lower arc portions 296c and 296d via the lower straight portions 296b on both sides.

[0555] The length of the second lower arc portion 296e may be shorter than the length of the first lower arc portions 296c and 296d.

[0556] In the lower heater 296 , the lower arc portion 296 a is more likely to be detached from the heater receiving groove 291 , and thus, the detachment prevention protrusion 291 c may be configured to contact the lower arc portion 296 a .

[0557] A through opening 291d may be provided on the bottom surface of the heater receiving groove 291. When the lower heater 296 is received in the heater receiving groove 291, a portion of the lower heater 296 may be located in the through opening 291d. As an example, the through opening 291d may be located in a portion facing the anti-detachment protrusion 291c.

[0558] When the lower heater 296 is bent in a circular arc in the horizontal direction, the tension of the lower heater 296 increases and may be broken, and the lower heater 296 is likely to be separated from the heater receiving groove 291.

[0559] However, as in the present embodiment, when the heater receiving groove 291 forms a through opening 291d, a portion of the lower heater 296 can be located in the through opening 291d, thereby reducing the tension of the lower heater 296 and preventing the lower heater 296 from detaching from the heater receiving groove 291.

[0560] The lower support member 270 may include: a first guide groove 293 for guiding a power input terminal 296 g and a power output terminal 296 h of a lower heater 296 accommodated in the heater accommodating groove 291 ; and a second guide groove 294 extending in a direction crossing the first guide groove 293 .

[0561] As an example, the first guide groove 293 may extend from the heater receiving groove 291 in the direction of arrow B.

[0562] The second guide groove 294 may extend from an end of the first guide groove 293 in a direction of arrow A. In this embodiment, the direction of arrow A is a direction parallel to an extending direction of the rotation center axis C1 of the lower assembly 200 .

[0563] Reference Fig.28 The first guide groove 293 may extend from any one of the left and right chamber accommodating parts among the three chamber accommodating parts except the central part.

[0564] As an example, Fig.28FIG. 2 shows a state where the first guide groove 293 extends from the chamber accommodating portion located on the left side among the three chamber accommodating portions. That is, the portion extending from the first lower arc portion 296 d on the left side can be accommodated in the first guide groove 293 .

[0565] like Fig.28 As shown, the power input terminal 296g and the power output terminal 296h of the lower heater 296 may be accommodated in the first guide groove 293 in a side-by-side arrangement.

[0566] The power input terminal 296g and the power output terminal 296h of the lower heater 296 may be connected to a first connector 297a.

[0567] The first connector 297a may be connected to a second connector 297b to which two electric wires 298 connected in a manner corresponding to the power input terminal 296g and the power output terminal 296h are connected.

[0568] In the present embodiment, when the first connector 297 a and the second connector 297 b are connected, the first connector 297 a and the second connector 297 b are received in the second guide groove 294 .

[0569] The electric wire 298 connected to the second connector 297 b is led out from the end of the second guide groove 294 to the outside of the lower support member 270 through the lead-out slot 295 formed in the lower support member 270 .

[0570] According to the present embodiment, the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are accommodated in the second guide groove 294. Therefore, when the lower assembly 200 is assembled, there is an advantage that the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are not exposed to the outside.

[0571] As described above, if the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b are not exposed to the outside, during the rotation of the lower component 200, the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b can be prevented from interfering with the surrounding structure and preventing the first connector 297a and the second connector 297b from separating.

[0572] Furthermore, the first connector 297 a and the second connector 297 b are accommodated in the second guide groove 294 , so that a portion of the electric wire 298 is located in the second guide groove 294 , and another portion is located outside the lower support member 270 through the lead-out slot 295 .

[0573] At this time, the second guide groove 294 extends in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis C1 of the lower assembly 200 , and therefore, a portion of the electric wire 298 also extends in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis C1 .

[0574] Another portion of the electric wire 298 extends from the outer side of the lower support member 270 in a direction intersecting the rotation center axis C1.

[0575] According to such arrangement of the electric wires 298 , during the rotation of the lower assembly 200 , almost no tensile force is applied to the electric wires 298 , but a torsional force is applied.

[0576] Compared with the case where the tensile force is applied to the electric wire 298, the possibility of the electric wire 298 being broken is extremely low when the torsional force is applied.

[0577] In the case of this embodiment, during the rotation of the lower component 200, the lower heater 296 maintains a fixed position and applies a torsional force to the electric wire 298, thereby preventing damage to the lower heater 296 and preventing the electric wire 298 from being broken.

[0578] The power input terminal 296g and the power output terminal 296h of the lower heater 296 are located at the first guide groove 293. At this time, heat is also generated at the power input terminal 296g and the power output terminal 296h, so the heat provided to the chamber accommodating portion on the left side where the first guide groove 293 extends is greater than the heat provided to other chamber accommodating portions.

[0579] In this case, if the amount of heat supplied to each chamber accommodation portion is different, the transparency of the produced spherical ice may also differ from ice to ice after ice making and ice removal are completed.

[0580] Therefore, the chamber accommodating portion farthest from the first guide groove 293 among the three chamber accommodating portions (for example, the right chamber accommodating portion) may be further provided with a detour accommodating groove 292 to minimize the situation where the difference in transparency of each ice becomes large.

[0581] As an example, the bypass receiving groove 292 may be configured in a shape that extends outward from the heater receiving groove 291 , bends, and then is connected to the heater receiving groove 291 .

[0582] When a portion 296 e of the lower heater 296 is additionally accommodated in the bypass accommodation groove 292 , the contact area between the chamber wall of the chamber accommodation portion 272 accommodated on the right side and the lower heater 296 can be increased.

[0583] Therefore, a protrusion 292 a for fixing the position of the lower heater 296 accommodated in the bypass accommodation groove 292 may be additionally provided in the right chamber accommodation portion 272 .

[0584] As an example, a portion 296 f of the first lower arc portion 296 c located on the right side may be located in the detour accommodating groove 292 .

[0585] Reference Fig.29 When the lower component 200 is combined with the upper shell 120 of the upper component 110, the wire 298 led out to the outside of the lower support member 270 passes through the wire through-slot 138 formed in the upper shell 120, so that it can extend upward from the upper shell 120.

[0586] The wire through-slot 138 may be provided with a limiting guide 139 for limiting the movement of the wire 298 passing through the wire through-slot 138. The limiting guide 139 is formed in a shape bent multiple times, and the wire 298 may be located within an area formed by the limiting guide.

[0587] Fig.30 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Fig.31 It is shown Fig.30 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which ice making is completed.

[0588] Fig.30 The state where the upper tray is in contact with the lower tray is shown in FIG.

[0589] First, refer to Fig.30 The ice chamber 111 is completed by the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 being in contact with each other in the up-down direction.

[0590] The bottom surface 151 a of the upper tray body 151 contacts the top surface 251 e of the lower tray body 251 .

[0591] At this time, in a state where the top surface 251 e of the lower tray body 251 is in contact with the bottom surface 151 a of the upper tray body 151 , the elastic force of the elastic member 360 is applied to the lower support 270 .

[0592] The elastic force of the elastic member 360 is applied to the lower tray 250 through the lower support 270 , so that the top surface 251 e of the lower tray body 251 presses the bottom surface 151 a of the upper tray body 151 .

[0593] Therefore, in a state where the top surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 and the bottom surface 151a of the upper tray body 151 are in contact with each other, the surfaces are pressed against each other, thereby increasing the adhesion force.

[0594] As described above, when the adhesion between the top surface 251e of the lower tray body 251 and the bottom surface 151a of the upper tray body 151 increases, since there is no gap between the two surfaces, it is possible to prevent the formation of thin strip-shaped ice along the periphery of the spherical ice after ice making is completed.

[0595] The thickness of at least a portion of the chamber wall 153 forming the upper chamber 152 in the upper tray body 151 may be thicker than the thickness of the chamber wall 253 forming the lower chamber 252 in the lower tray body 251 .

[0596] During ice making, when the lower heater 296 is operated, ice begins to freeze from the upper chamber 152. Water may expand during the phase change to ice.

[0597] In the case of this embodiment, it is necessary to start from the upper chamber 152 side and increase toward the lower chamber 252 side in order to improve the transparency of the produced ice and produce ice having the same shape as the ice chamber.

[0598] If the upper tray body 151 is deformed when expansion force of ice is applied to the upper tray body 151 , ice may not be generated in the lower chamber 252 .

[0599] As in this embodiment, when the thickness of at least a portion of the chamber wall 153 forming the upper chamber 152 in the upper tray body 151 is thicker than the thickness of the chamber wall 253 forming the lower chamber 252 in the lower tray body 251, the expansion of the upper tray body 151 can be minimized under the expansion force of the ice. Therefore, the ice can be increased from the upper chamber 152 side to the lower chamber 252 side.

[0600] The first extension portion 253 of the lower tray 250 is disposed on the top surface 271 a of the support member body 271 of the lower support member 270 . The second extension wall 286 of the lower support member 270 contacts the side surface of the first extension portion 253 of the lower tray 250 .

[0601] The second extension portion 254 of the lower tray 250 may be disposed on the second extension wall 286 of the lower support member 270 .

[0602] In a state where the bottom surface 151 a of the upper tray body 151 is placed on the top surface 251 e of the lower tray body 251 , the upper tray body 151 may be accommodated in the inner space of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250 .

[0603] At this time, the vertical wall 153 a of the upper tray body 151 is arranged to face the vertical wall 260 a of the lower tray 250 , and the curved wall 153 b of the upper tray body 151 is arranged to face the curved wall 260 b of the lower tray 250 .

[0604] The outer surface of the cavity wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250. That is, a space is formed between the outer surface of the cavity wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 and the inner surface of the peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250.

[0605] The water supplied by the water supply part 190 is contained in the ice chamber 111, and when the amount of the supplied water is greater than the volume of the ice chamber 111, the water that cannot be contained in the ice chamber 111 is stored in the space between the outer surface of the chamber wall 153 of the upper tray body 151 and the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 260 of the lower tray 250.

[0606] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the amount of water supplied is greater than the volume of the ice chamber 111, water can be prevented from overflowing from the ice maker 100.

[0607] In addition, the lower tray body 251 may be further provided with a heater contact portion 251 a for increasing a contact area with the lower heater 296 .

[0608] The heater contact portion 251a may protrude from the bottom surface of the lower tray body 251. As an example, the heater contact portion 251a may be formed in a ring shape on the bottom surface of the lower tray body 251. The bottom surface of the heater contact portion 251a may be a flat surface.

[0609] In a state where the lower heater 296 contacts the heater contact portion 251 a , the lower heater 296 may be located at a position lower than a middle point of the height of the lower chamber 252 , but is not limited thereto.

[0610] The lower tray body 251 may further include a convex portion 251 b formed by convexly protruding upward from a portion of the lower side. That is, the convex portion 251 b may be configured to protrude toward the inner side of the ice chamber 111 .

[0611] A recessed portion 251 c is formed at the lower side of the protruding portion 251 b so that the thickness of the protruding portion 251 b is substantially the same as the thickness of other portions of the lower tray body 251 .

[0612] In this specification, “substantially the same” is a concept that includes completely the same thing and things that are not completely the same thing but are similar in almost no difference.

[0613] The protrusion 251 b may be disposed to face the lower opening 274 of the lower support member 270 in the up-down direction.

[0614] The diameter D1 of the protrusion 251 b may be formed to be smaller than the diameter D2 of the lower opening 274 .

[0615] In the state where water is supplied to the ice chamber 111, when cold air is supplied to the ice chamber 111, liquid water changes into solid ice. At this time, water expands during the process of changing into ice, and the expansion force of water is transmitted to the upper tray body 151 and the lower tray body 251, respectively.

[0616] In the case of this embodiment, another portion of the lower tray body 251 is surrounded by the support member body 271, and a portion corresponding to the lower opening 274 of the support body 271 (hereinafter, referred to as a "corresponding portion") is not surrounded.

[0617] If the lower tray body 251 is formed in a complete hemispherical shape, when the expansion force of the water is applied to a portion of the lower tray body 251 corresponding to the lower opening 274 , the corresponding portion of the lower tray body 251 is deformed toward the lower opening 274 .

[0618] In this case, before ice making, the water supplied to the ice chamber 111 exists in a spherical shape, but after the formation of ice is completed, due to the deformation of the corresponding portion of the lower tray body 251, additional ice having a convex shape corresponding to the space generated by the deformation of the corresponding portion is generated on the spherical ice.

[0619] Therefore, in this embodiment, considering the deformation of the lower tray body 251, a convex portion 251b is formed on the lower tray body 251 so that the manufactured ice can be as close to a complete spherical shape as possible.

[0620] In this case of the present embodiment, before ice making, water supplied to the ice chamber 111 does not have a spherical shape, but after ice making is completed, the convex portion 251b of the lower tray body 251 is deformed toward the lower opening 274 side, so that spherical ice can be generated.

[0621] In the present embodiment, the diameter D1 of the protrusion 251 b is formed to be smaller than the diameter D2 of the lower opening 274 , so the protrusion 251 b can be deformed and located inside the lower opening 274 .

[0622] In addition, the heat of the upper heater 148 needs to be effectively transferred to the contact portion between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 so that the lower tray 250 can be effectively separated from the upper tray 150 during the ice removal process.

[0623] Therefore, the upper heater 148 may be located closer to the contact surface between the lower tray 250 and the upper tray 150 than the upper opening 154 .

[0624] Next, the ice making process of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0625] Fig.32 Is in water supply state along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line BB of Fig.33 In the ice-making state, Figure 3 Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0626] Fig.34 When ice making is complete, Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line BB of Fig.35 In the initial state of ice movement, Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line BB of Fig.36 When the ice is moved, Figure 3 Cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0627] Reference Figure 32 to Figure 36 , first, the lower assembly 200 is rotated to the water supply position.

[0628] In the water supply position of the lower assembly 200 , the top surface 251 e of the lower tray 250 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 151 e of the upper tray 150 .

[0629] The bottom surface 151 e of the upper tray 150 may be located at the same or similar height as the rotation center C2 of the lower assembly 200 , but is not limited thereto.

[0630] In this embodiment, the direction of rotating the lower assembly 200 for ice removal (counterclockwise based on the drawing) is referred to as a positive direction, and the opposite direction (clockwise) is referred to as a negative direction.

[0631] In the water supply position of the lower assembly 200 , the angle formed by the top surface 251 e of the lower tray 250 and the bottom surface 151 e of the upper tray 150 may be approximately 8 degrees, but is not limited thereto.

[0632] In the state as described above, water supplied from the outside is guided by the water supply part 190 and supplied to the ice chamber 111 .

[0633] At this time, water may be supplied to the ice chamber 111 through one of the plurality of upper openings 154 of the upper tray 150 .

[0634] In a state where water supply is completed, a portion of the supplied water fills up the lower chamber 252 , and another portion of the supplied water may be stored in a space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 .

[0635] As an example, the volume of the upper chamber 152 may be the same as the volume of the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250. In this case, the water between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250 may completely fill the upper tray 150. Of course, the volume of the upper chamber 152 may be greater than the volume of the space between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250.

[0636] In the case of the present embodiment, the lower tray 250 does not have a passage for communicating the three lower chambers 252 with each other.

[0637] As described above, even if the lower tray 250 does not have a channel for moving water, since the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250 is separated from the bottom surface 151e of the upper tray 150, during the water supply process, when water fills up a specific lower chamber, the water can flow along the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250 to other lower chambers.

[0638] Therefore, the plurality of lower chambers 252 of the lower tray 250 may be respectively filled with water.

[0639] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the lower tray 250 does not have a passage for communicating with the lower chamber 252, it is possible to prevent additional ice from being formed in a convex shape on the periphery of ice after ice making is completed.

[0640] When the water supply is completed, Fig.33 As shown, the lower assembly 200 rotates in the reverse direction. When the lower assembly 200 rotates in the reverse direction, the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250 approaches the bottom surface 151e of the upper tray 150.

[0641] At this time, the water between the top surface 251 e of the lower tray 250 and the bottom surface 151 e of the upper tray 150 is distributed to the inside of each of the plurality of upper chambers 152 .

[0642] When the top surface 251e of the lower tray 250 and the bottom surface 151e of the upper tray 150 are completely in close contact with each other, the upper chamber 152 is filled with water.

[0643] The position of the lower assembly 200 in a state where the top surface 251 e of the lower tray 250 is in contact with the bottom surface 151 e of the upper tray 150 may be referred to as an ice making position.

[0644] Ice making starts when the lower assembly 200 moves to the ice making position.

[0645] During ice making, the pressing force of water is smaller than the force for deforming the convex portion 251 b of the lower tray 250 , and thus, the convex portion 251 b is not deformed but maintains the original shape.

[0646] When ice making starts, the lower heater 296 is turned on. When the lower heater 296 is turned on, the heat of the lower heater 296 is transferred to the lower tray 250.

[0647] Therefore, if ice making is performed in a state in which the lower heater 296 is activated, ice is made from the upper left side in the ice chamber 111 .

[0648] That is, water in the ice chamber 111 turns into ice starting from the upper opening 154. Ice is generated starting from the upper side in the ice chamber 111, and therefore, air bubbles in the ice chamber 111 move downward.

[0649] The ice chamber 111 is formed in a spherical shape, and thus a horizontal cross-sectional area is different according to a height of the ice chamber 111 .

[0650] Therefore, the output of the lower heater 296 may be varied according to the height of ice generated in the ice chamber 111 .

[0651] The horizontal cross-sectional area gradually increases from the upper side toward the lower side, increases to the maximum at the boundary between the upper tray 150 and the lower tray 250, and then decreases toward the lower side.

[0652] In the ice chamber 111 , while ice is generated from the upper side toward the lower side, the ice contacts the top surface of the convex portion 251 b of the lower tray 250 .

[0653] In this state, if ice continues to form, Fig.34As shown, the convex portion 251b is pressed and deformed, and when ice making is completed, spherical ice can be generated.

[0654] The control unit (not shown) may determine whether ice making is completed based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 500 .

[0655] When or before ice making is completed, the lower heater 296 may be turned off.

[0656] When ice making is completed, the upper heater 148 is first started to remove the ice. When the upper heater 148 is started, the heat of the upper heater 148 is transferred to the upper tray 150, so that the ice can be separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray 150.

[0657] As described above, the upper heater 148 is a DC heater and the upper tray 150 is formed of silicon material. Therefore, the upper tray 150 can be separated from the surface of ice by the heat of the upper heater 148 and the phenomenon of local concentrated melting of ice can be prevented.

[0658] When the upper heater 148 is operated for a set time, the upper heater 148 is turned off, and the lower assembly 200 may be rotated in a forward direction by operating the driving unit 180 .

[0659] like Fig.35 As shown, when the lower assembly 200 rotates in the forward direction, the lower tray 250 is spaced away from the upper tray 150 .

[0660] The rotation force of the lower assembly 200 is transmitted to the upper ejector 300 through the connection unit 350. At this time, the upper ejector 300 descends through the unit guides 181 and 182, thereby introducing the upper ejector pin 320 into the upper chamber 152 through the upper opening 154.

[0661] In the ice removal process, before the upper push pin 320 presses the ice, the ice may be separated from the upper tray 150. That is, the ice may be separated from the surface of the upper tray 150 by the heat of the upper heater 148.

[0662] In this case, the ice may be rotated together with the lower assembly 200 while being supported by the lower tray 250 .

[0663] Alternatively, there may be a case where ice is not separated from the surface of the upper tray 150 even if heat of the upper heater 148 is applied to the upper tray 150 .

[0664] Therefore, when the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the forward direction, ice may be separated from the lower tray 250 in a state of being closely attached to the upper tray 150 .

[0665] In this state, during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, the upper push pin 320 passing through the upper opening 154 presses the ice in close contact with the upper tray 150, thereby separating the ice from the upper tray 150. The ice separated from the upper tray 150 can be supported by the lower tray 250 again.

[0666] In a state where ice is supported by the lower tray 250 , when the ice rotates together with the lower assembly 200 , the ice may be separated from the lower tray 250 due to its own weight even if no external force is applied to the lower tray 250 .

[0667] Even during the rotation of the lower assembly 200, ice is not separated from the lower tray 250 due to its own weight. Fig.36 As shown, when the lower tray 250 is pressed by the lower ejector 400 , ice may also be separated from the lower tray 250 .

[0668] Specifically, during the rotation of the lower assembly 200 , the lower tray 250 comes into contact with the lower ejection pin 420 .

[0669] When the lower assembly 200 continues to rotate in the forward direction, the lower ejection pin 420 presses the lower tray 250, thereby deforming the lower tray 250, and the pressing force of the lower ejection pin 420 is transmitted to the ice, thereby separating the ice from the surface of the lower tray 250. The ice separated from the surface of the lower tray 250 may fall downward and be stored in the ice box 102.

[0670] After the ice is separated from the lower tray 250 , the lower assembly 200 is rotated in the reverse direction again by the driving unit 180 .

[0671] During the reverse rotation of the lower assembly 200 , when the lower ejection pin 420 is spaced apart from the lower tray 250 , the deformed lower tray may be restored to its original shape.

[0672] During the reverse rotation of the lower assembly 200 , the rotation force is transmitted to the upper ejector 300 through the connecting unit 350 , so that the upper ejector 300 rises and the upper ejector pin 320 is disengaged from the upper chamber 152 .

[0673] When the lower assembly 200 reaches the water supply position, the driving unit 180 stops, and water supply starts again.

[0674] According to the proposed embodiment, a DC heater is used as an upper heater to provide heat to the upper tray, and the upper tray is formed of a non-metallic material, so that not only the upper tray can be separated from the ice, but also the phenomenon that heat is concentrated on a part of the ice and a part of the ice is prevented from melting.

[0675] As an example, when the upper tray is formed of a silicon material, plastic deformation of the upper tray can be prevented even if ice is repeatedly formed.

[0676] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the upper heater includes an arc portion surrounding the upper chamber, so that the heat of the upper heater can be uniformly transferred to the entire upper chamber.

[0677] Also, in the case where the upper tray includes a plurality of upper chambers, since the upper heater includes an arc portion surrounding each of the plurality of upper chambers, heat of the upper heater can be uniformly transferred to the plurality of ice chambers.

[0678] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the upper tray is supported by the upper support member, so when the ejection pin of the upper ejector is inserted into the upper chamber to press the ice, the upper tray can be prevented from sagging.

[0679] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, a protrusion is formed on the horizontal extension portion of the upper tray, and a slot for inserting the protrusion is provided on the upper support member, thereby preventing the horizontal extension portion from being elongated during the ice moving process, thereby maintaining the upper ejector aligned with the upper opening of the upper tray.

[0680] Also, the unit guide for guiding the upper ejector is provided at the upper support member, so that the moving force of the upper ejector transmitted to the upper housing can be minimized, thereby preventing deformation of the upper housing.

Claims

1. An ice making machine, wherein: include: a first tray forming a first chamber; a second tray forming a second chamber; as well as a support member combined with the first tray; the second tray moves between a first position in contact with the first tray and a second position separated from the first tray; In the first position, the first chamber and the second chamber form an ice chamber; In the first position, ice is generated in the ice chamber, and in the second position, ice is separated from the ice chamber; The first tray comprises a tray body forming the first cavity and an extension portion extending from an edge of the first cavity in a direction away from the tray body; The support member includes a support plate having a plate opening formed therein for allowing at least a portion of the tray body to penetrate therethrough.

2. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: At the first position, one surface of the tray body that passes through the plate opening contacts the second tray.

3. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The first tray is formed of a flexible material.

4. The ice making machine according to claim 3, wherein: At least a portion of the first tray is thicker than the second tray, or at least a portion of the first tray has less flexibility than the second tray.

5. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The extension includes a protrusion; The support plate is formed with a slot for inserting the protrusion.

6. The ice making machine according to claim 5, wherein: The ice chamber is spherical, and the protrusion and the slot are curved.

7. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a housing incorporating the first tray; The housing includes a housing plate formed with a tray opening exposing at least a portion of an outer surface of the tray body; The extending portion is disposed between the housing plate and the supporting plate.

8. The ice making machine according to claim 7, wherein: The extension includes a protrusion; The housing plate is formed with a slot for inserting the protrusion.

9. The ice making machine according to claim 7, wherein: The support member includes a coupling boss protruding from the support plate; A through opening is formed in the extension portion for allowing the coupling boss to penetrate; The housing plate includes a sleeve for inserting the coupling boss penetrating the through opening.

10. A refrigerator comprising the ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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