Ice maker and refrigerator comprising same

Abstract

The invention provides an ice maker and a refrigerator including the same. The ice maker includes: an upper tray including a plurality of upper chambers; the lower tray comprises a plurality of lower chambers; a lower support member supporting a lower portion of the lower tray; and a lower cover that restricts the lower tray and the lower support; the lower tray and the lower support are fixed by a fixing structure that fastens the lower tray and the lower support to each other between the lower chambers adjacent to each other. Therefore, even if the ice chambers deform, unexpected deformation of other structures except for the ice chambers can be reduced, the maximum uniform deformation amount can be provided for each ice chamber, and thus poor ice moving can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an ice maker and a refrigerator comprising the same. Background Art

[0002] A refrigerator is a household appliance that supplies cold air generated by the circulation of a refrigerant to a storage compartment, thereby keeping various types of storage objects fresh in the storage compartment for a long period of time.

[0003] The refrigerator may include an ice maker for making ice using cold air.

[0004] The ice maker may receive water supplied from a water supply source or a water tank into an ice tray to make ice.

[0005] Ice made in an ice maker can be moved using a variety of methods, such as a heating method that heats the ice tray or a twisting method that deforms the shape of the ice tray.

[0006] The ice tray may include one or more ice chambers having corresponding shapes in order to form ice in a desired shape.

[0007] In order to effectively separate the ice from the ice chamber during the ice removal process, an additional mechanism such as an ejector may be used to deform the shape of the ice chamber.

[0008] However, if the shape of the ice chamber is deformed in a state where the ice tray is not normally fixed, other structures other than the ice chamber that need to be deformed may also be deformed together.

[0009] In this way, when other structures other than the ice chamber that needs to be deformed also undergo unexpected deformation, the ice chamber that needs to be moved cannot be properly deformed, and thus poor ice movement may occur.

[0010] In addition, in the case where the ice tray includes a plurality of ice chambers to form a plurality of ices at a time, if the amount of deformation applied to each ice chamber is not uniform, poor ice transfer may also occur.

[0011] In addition, the ice tray may use a flexible material so as to be easily deformed, and thus a fixing structure capable of providing a maximum uniform fixing force to the entire area of ​​the ice tray having the flexible material is required.

[0012] On the other hand, in order to fix the ice tray, an additional fastening member such as a screw may be used.

[0013] However, during the long-term use of the ice maker, if the fastening of the fastening member is released, a problem may occur in which a user may recognize that the fastening of the fastening member is released in addition to the ice being moved. Summary of the invention

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator including the same, which can reduce the possibility of accidental deformation of other structures other than the ice chamber when the ice chamber of the ice tray is deformed.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator including the same, which can provide a maximum uniform deformation amount to each ice cavity when an ice cavity in an ice tray including a plurality of ice cavities is deformed.

[0016] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker having a fixing structure capable of providing a maximally uniform fixing force to the entire area of ​​an ice tray and a refrigerator including the same.

[0017] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker having a fixing structure capable of firmly fixing an ice tray even without an additional fastening member, and a refrigerator including the same.

[0018] An ice machine according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: an upper tray including a plurality of upper chambers; a lower tray including a plurality of lower chambers; a lower support member supporting the lower portion of the lower tray; and a lower cover for restricting the lower tray and the lower support member. In this case, the lower tray and the lower support member are fixed by a fixing structure that fastens the lower tray and the lower support member to each other between the adjacent lower chambers.

[0019] The fixing structure may include: an insertion protrusion formed at the lower tray to protrude toward a lower direction of the lower tray; and a slit portion formed at the lower support member to allow the insertion protrusion to pass therethrough.

[0020] The plurality of lower chambers may be arranged in a plurality of rows including a first row and a second row, and the insertion protrusion may be disposed between the first row and the second row.

[0021] The insertion protrusion may extend continuously between the first column and the second column.

[0022] A plurality of the insertion protrusions may be provided, and the plurality of the insertion protrusions may be discontinuously arranged between the first column and the second column.

[0023] The insertion protrusion may be formed to be bent along the lower chamber.

[0024] The insertion protrusion may pass through a central area of ​​the lower tray.

[0025] The insertion protrusion may include a protrusion body and a hook portion extending from the protrusion body, and a width of the hook portion decreases as approaching a lower direction so as to pass through the slit portion.

[0026] The width of the protrusion body may be smaller than the maximum width of the hook portion.

[0027] Protruding ribs having the same width as the protruding body and the maximum width of the hook portion may be formed at both ends of the insertion protrusion.

[0028] It also includes a lower pusher for pressing the bottom surface of the lower chamber during ice removal, and the fastening direction of the fixing structure and the direction in which the lower pusher presses the bottom surface of the lower chamber may be the same.

[0029] The lower tray may be formed of a material that is more flexible than the upper tray, the lower support, and the lower cover.

[0030] Another embodiment of the ice making machine of the present invention includes: an upper tray including a plurality of upper chambers; a lower tray including a plurality of lower chambers; a lower support member supporting the lower portion of the lower tray; and a lower cover for restricting the lower tray and the lower support member by pressing the lower tray and the lower support member in opposite directions.

[0031] The lower cover may be rotatably assembled to the lower tray and the lower support to surround front and rear surfaces of the lower tray and the lower support.

[0032] The lower cover may include: a front wall, including a first front locking protrusion pressing the lower support member toward the upper direction and a second front locking protrusion pressing the lower tray toward the lower direction; and a back wall, including a first back locking protrusion pressing the lower support member toward the upper direction and a second back locking protrusion pressing the lower tray toward the lower direction.

[0033] An area where the first rear surface locking protrusion contacts the lower support member may be larger than an area where the first front surface locking protrusion contacts the lower support member.

[0034] The first rear surface locking protrusion may extend longer toward the inner side of the lower support member than the first front surface locking protrusion.

[0035] The first rear surface locking protrusion may extend continuously along a plurality of the lower chambers arranged in one direction.

[0036] A plurality of the first front locking protrusions may be provided, and the plurality of the first front locking protrusions are arranged discontinuously along a plurality of the lower chambers arranged in one direction.

[0037] The second rear surface locking protrusion may extend continuously along a plurality of the lower chambers arranged in one direction.

[0038] A plurality of the second front locking protrusions may be provided, and the plurality of the second front locking protrusions may be arranged discontinuously along a plurality of the lower chambers arranged in one direction.

[0039] A refrigerator in another embodiment of the present invention includes: one or more storage chambers; one or more doors for opening and closing the storage chambers; and an ice maker installed in the storage chambers or the doors; the ice maker includes: an upper tray including a plurality of upper chambers; a lower tray including a plurality of lower chambers; a lower support member supporting the lower portion of the lower tray; and a lower cover for limiting the lower tray and the lower support member; the lower tray and the lower support member are fixed by a fixing structure that fastens the lower tray and the lower support member to each other between the lower chambers adjacent to each other.

[0040] The lower cover may press the lower tray and the lower support member in directions opposite to each other.

[0041] The lower cover may be rotatably assembled to the lower tray and the lower support to surround front and rear surfaces of the lower tray and the lower support.

[0042] The ice maker and refrigerator of the present invention are provided with a fixing structure between adjacent lower chambers to fasten the lower tray and the lower support to each other. Therefore, even if the ice chamber is deformed, accidental deformation of other structures outside the ice chamber can be reduced, and each ice chamber is provided with a maximum uniform deformation amount, thereby reducing poor ice transfer.

[0043] In addition, the ice maker and refrigerator of the present invention restrict the lower tray and the lower support member by having the lower cover press the lower tray and the lower support member in opposite directions. Therefore, even if the ice chamber is deformed, it is possible to reduce unexpected deformation of other structures outside the ice chamber, provide each ice chamber with a maximum uniform deformation amount, and reduce poor ice transfer.

[0044] In addition, the ice maker and refrigerator of the present invention are provided with a fixing structure for fastening the lower tray and the lower support member to each other between the adjacent lower chambers, and the lower cover presses the lower tray and the lower support member in opposite directions to restrict the lower tray and the lower support member, thereby being able to provide a maximum uniform fixing force to the entire area of ​​the ice tray.

[0045] In addition, the ice maker and the refrigerator of the present invention are provided with a fixing structure for fastening the lower tray and the lower support to each other between the adjacent lower chambers, and the lower cover presses the lower tray and the lower support in opposite directions to each other to restrict the lower tray and the lower support, thereby providing a fixing structure that can firmly fix the ice tray even without an additional fastening member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 This is a front view of the refrigerator with the door closed.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a front view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0048] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the door with the ice maker installed in the door.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the back side of the door when the ice maker is installed in the door. Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the door from the side.

[0050] Figure 6 and Figure 7 They are the front and back stereograms of the ice maker.

[0051] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The three-dimensional views are respectively of the bottom surface of the ice maker before and after ice removal.

[0052] Fig.10 is a rear view of the ice machine with the support mechanism installed.

[0053] Fig.11 and Fig.12 The figures are side cross-sectional views of the ice maker before and after ice transfer.

[0054] Fig.13 It is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker.

[0055] Fig.14 and Fig.15 These are three-dimensional images of the lower cover from various directions.

[0056] Figures 16 to 18 2 are diagrams showing various embodiments of the lower cover.

[0057] Fig.19 and Fig. 20 These are three-dimensional images of the lower tray in various directions.

[0058] Fig.21 is a side view of the lower tray, Fig. 22 It is a side sectional view.

[0059] Figure 23 to Figure 27 are diagrams showing various embodiments of a lower tray.

[0060] Fig.28 and Fig.29 It is a stereoscopic view of the lower support member in various directions.

[0061] Figure 30 to Figure 32 are diagrams showing various embodiments of a lower support member.

[0062] Fig.33 and Fig.34 It is a stereoscopic view of the lower component in various directions.

[0063] Fig.35 and Fig.36 These are top and bottom views of the lower assembly.

[0064] Fig.37 It is a perspective view showing the manner in which the lower cover is coupled.

[0065] Fig.38 and Fig.39 It is a perspective view showing the cross section of the lower cover before and after the connection.

[0066] Fig.40 A side cross-sectional view of a lower assembly of another embodiment is shown.

[0067] Fig.41 and Fig.42 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a fixing structure of a lower tray and a lower support member according to another embodiment.

[0068] Fig.43 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a fixing structure of a lower tray and a lower support member according to still another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Hereinafter, an ice maker and a refrigerator according to several embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0070] First, refer to Figures 1 to 13 , the connection relationship between the ice maker, the refrigerator and the main components constituting the same according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0071] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The refrigerator 1 may be formed of a body 2 including one or more storage rooms inside, one or more first doors 11 located on the front of the body 2 and opening and closing the refrigerating room, and a second door 12 opening and closing the freezing room to form an appearance.

[0072] In this specification, a refrigerator in which a refrigerator compartment is disposed above a freezer compartment is described as an embodiment, but the concept of this embodiment can also be applied to a refrigerator in which a refrigerator compartment is disposed below a freezer compartment, or a refrigerator having only a freezer compartment, or a refrigerator in which a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment are disposed on the left and right. In addition, in this specification, a case in which an ice maker 30 is installed on the first door 11 is described as an embodiment, but the concept of this embodiment can also be applied to a case in which an ice maker 30 is disposed in a storage room such as a freezer compartment or a refrigerator compartment.

[0073] A dispenser portion 13 for dispensing water and / or ice may be disposed on the front side of any one of the first door 11 and the second door 12 .

[0074] The first door 11 may include an outer shell 21 and a door liner 22 combined with the outer shell 21. The door liner 22 may form an ice-making chamber 14, which forms the back of the first door 11 and is provided with an ice-maker 30. The ice-making chamber 14 may be opened and closed by an ice-making chamber door 24, which is rotatably connected using a hinge 23 of the door liner 22.

[0075] The cabinet 2 may include a cold air supply duct hole 2a that is connected to an evaporator (not shown) and supplies cold air to the ice-making chamber 14, and a cold air recovery duct hole 2b that recovers cold air from the ice-making chamber 14. A door supply duct 25 and a door recovery duct 26 may be installed on the first door 11, a cold air inflow hole 25a is provided on one side of the door supply duct 25, a door supply duct hole 25h that is connected to the ice-making chamber 14 is provided on the other side of the door supply duct 25, a cold air outflow hole 26a is provided on one side of the door recovery duct 26, and a door recovery duct hole 26h that is connected to the ice-making chamber 14 is provided on the other side of the door recovery duct 26. When the first door 11 closes the refrigerating chamber, the cold air inflow hole 25a of the door supply duct 25 may be aligned with and connected to the cold air supply duct hole 2a, and the cold air outflow hole 26a of the door recovery duct 26 may be aligned with and connected to the cold air recovery duct hole 2b. The door supply duct 25 and the door recovery duct 26 may extend from an outer sidewall 28 of the door liner 22 to an inner sidewall 27 forming the ice making compartment 14 .

[0076] The ice making chamber 14 may be provided with an ice maker 30, an ice box 20 storing ice ejected from the ice maker 30, and a support mechanism 40. The support mechanism 40 may include a support body 41 supporting and fixing the ice maker 30 and an ice opening 40h for ejecting ice from the ice box 20. The ice opening 40h may be connected to an ice duct hole 15h formed on the inner side wall 27. For example, when a user operates the dispenser portion 13 to remove ice, ice removed from the ice maker 30 and stored in the ice box 20 may be ejected to the outside through the ice opening 40h and the ice duct 15 connected to the ice duct hole 15h and the ice trough 16 of the dispenser portion 13. In addition, the user may also open the first door 11 to directly obtain ice from the ice box 20. An ice discharge module 50 having the function of guiding and crushing ice may be additionally provided in the ice box 20 to facilitate ejection of the stored ice.

[0077] Reference Figures 6 to 13 , the ice maker 30 may include an upper assembly 31 and a lower assembly 32. The upper assembly 31 may include an upper cover 100 and an upper tray 200. The lower assembly 32 may include a lower cover 300, a lower tray 400, and a lower support 500.

[0078] The lower assembly 32 can be rotatably connected to the upper assembly 31 with the connection shaft 850 as a reference. The lower assembly 32 can generate spherical ice together with the upper assembly 31 in a state of contacting the upper assembly 31. The upper assembly 31 having the upper chamber 220 in a hemispherical shape and the lower assembly 32 having the lower chamber 420 in a hemispherical shape can form an ice chamber 33 capable of generating spherical ice by being formed with each other. Hereinafter, the ice chambers 33 are arranged in a first row and a second row, and a case where five ice chambers are arranged in the first row and six ice chambers 33 are arranged in the second row is described as an embodiment, but it is not limited thereto.

[0079] In a state where the upper assembly 31 and the lower assembly 32 form the ice chamber 33, water may be supplied to the ice chamber 33 through the water supply part 130 formed at the upper cover 100. If the lower assembly 32 rotates after ice is generated, spherical ice formed between the upper assembly 31 and the lower assembly 32 may be separated from the ice chamber 33. The lower assembly 32 may be rotated in both directions by the driving unit 800 connected to one side of the upper tray 200.

[0080] An upper ejector 600 including an upper ejector pin 620 may be provided on the upper assembly 31 to enable ice to be separated from the upper assembly 31. The upper ejector pins 620 may be provided in the same number as the ice chambers 33. If the upper ejector pins 620 are introduced into the ice chambers 33 through the upper assembly 31 and press the ice, the pressed ice may be separated from the upper assembly 31.

[0081] In addition, a lower ejector 700 including a lower ejector pin 720 may be provided to separate the ice in close contact with the lower assembly 32. The same number of lower ejector pins 720 as the number of ice chambers 33 may be provided. As an example, the lower ejector 700 may be fixed to the upper assembly 31. When the lower assembly 32 rotates, the lower ejector 700 presses the bottom surface of the lower chamber 420 to deform the shape, thereby separating the ice from the lower chamber 420.

[0082] During the rotation of the lower assembly 32 for moving ice, the rotation force of the lower assembly 32 may be transmitted to the upper ejector 600. To this end, the ice maker 30 may further include a connection unit 830 connecting the lower assembly 32 and the upper ejector 600.

[0083] For example, when the lower assembly 32 rotates in one direction, the upper ejector 600 descends under the action of the connecting unit 830, so that the upper ejector pin 620 can press the ice. In addition, when the lower assembly 32 rotates in the other direction, the upper ejector 600 rises under the action of the connecting unit 830, so that it can be reset to the original position.

[0084] Hereinafter, each component constituting the ice maker 30 will be described in further detail.

[0085] The upper cover 100 may include: a cover body 110 including a front portion 111 extending in the up-down direction and a side wall portion 112 formed on both sides of the front portion 111; an inclined portion 113 disposed at the rear of the cover body 110; and a rear portion 114 ending at the rear of the inclined portion 113. A unit guide portion 140 opening in the up-down direction is formed on the side wall portion 112 so as to guide the up-down movement of the upper ejector 600. An air guide portion 120 including an air guide hole 120h communicating with the door supply duct hole 25h and receiving cold air may be formed on one side of the cover body 110. The air guide portion 120 is communicated with the lower portion of the water supply portion 130, and the cold air supplied through the air guide portion 120 may flow toward the front portion 111 along the bottom surface of the inclined portion 113. As the cover body 110 , the air guide portion 120 , and the water supply portion 130 of the upper cover 100 are formed as one body, not only the number of parts and labor can be reduced, but also the generation of assembly tolerance can be reduced.

[0086] An upper ejector 600 may be disposed on the upper cover 100. The upper ejector 600 may include an upper ejector body 610 extending in one direction and a plurality of upper ejector pins 620 protruding in the lower direction of the upper ejector body 610. An upper rib 611 extending in one direction may be formed on the upper portion of the upper ejector body 610. Upper ejector guides 640 are formed on both sides of the upper ejector body 610, so that the upper ejector 600 can be moved in the up and down directions along the unit guides 140 of the upper cover 100. In addition, anti-separation protrusions 630 for preventing the upper ejector body 610 from being separated from the connection unit 830 when the upper ejector body 610 is combined with the connection unit 830 may be provided on both sides of the upper ejector body 610.

[0087] The upper tray 200 may be disposed at the lower portion of the upper cover 100. The upper tray 200 may include a plurality of upper chambers 220 formed in a lower direction of the upper plate 210. An inflow guide portion 230 including an inflow opening 230h for inserting the upper ejection pin 620 may be formed in an upper direction of the upper chamber 220. A water supply guide portion 231 may be formed in one of the inflow guide portions 230, and the water supply guide portion 231 is formed such that a part of the area thereof is split in a direction toward the water supply portion 130, and guides water passing through the water supply portion 130 to flow into the ice chamber 33. The upper cover 100 may include one or more pin guide portions 150, which extend in an upper direction and are disposed at the peripheral portion of the inflow guide portion 230 of the upper tray 200. The pin guide portion 150 may guide the upper ejection pin 620 to be correctly inserted into the inflow guide portion 230.

[0088] A concave hot wire insertion portion 250 may be formed at the upper portion of the upper tray 200 to surround the peripheral portions of the plurality of upper chambers 220. A hot wire (not shown) is disposed at the hot wire insertion portion 250 so that ice can be more easily separated from the upper chamber 220 during ice removal. A hot wire cover 900 may be disposed on the hot wire (not shown). The hot wire cover 900 is composed of a hot wire cover body portion 910, which has a closed curve shape composed of a flat body portion 912 and a curved body portion 911. The hot wire cover 900 as a whole may be formed to have a shape similar to the peripheral shape of the plurality of upper chambers 220.

[0089] A driving unit support part 260 that supports and combines the driving unit 800 may be formed at one side of the upper tray 200. The driving unit support part 260 may include a bending part 261 extending from one side of the upper plate 210 to be bent toward the upper direction and the outer direction, and a combining part 262 combined with the driving unit 800.

[0090] A pair of insertion portions 805 protruding toward the coupling portion 262 are formed at the upper region of the driving unit 800, and the insertion portions 805 are inserted into a pair of insertion holes 262h formed at the coupling portion 262, so that the driving unit 800 can be guided to be easily coupled to the coupling portion 262. A fixing portion 804 protruding toward the upper direction and including a fixing hole 804h may be formed at the upper region of the driving unit 800. The driving unit 800 may be fixed to the coupling portion 262 by means of an additional fastening member passing through the fixing hole 804h of the fixing portion 804 and fastened to the fastening portion 263 formed at the upper region of the coupling portion 262. The driving unit 800 may include: a first rotating shaft 801 providing a driving force to rotate the lower assembly 32; and a second rotating shaft 802 providing a driving force to rotate the full ice rod 870.

[0091] A pair of fastening parts 240 extending backward and bent upward may be formed on both sides of the rear of the upper plate 210 of the upper tray 200. A pair of fastening holes 240h may be formed in the fastening parts 240. The ice maker 30 may be fixed to the support mechanism 40 by means of the pair of fastening parts 240 of the upper tray 200. Figure 3 and Fig.10 The support mechanism 40 includes a support body 41 extending in the up-down direction, and a fastening body 45 including a pair of insertion openings 42 through which the fastening portion 240 of the upper tray 200 can pass to the rear can be formed on the back of the support body 41. For example, if the ice maker 30 is to be installed on the support mechanism 40, it can be installed in the following way: the fastening portion 240 of the upper tray 200 with a bent shape is inserted through the insertion opening 42 of the support mechanism 40, and then pushed from the bottom to the upper direction. In this case, a guide rib 47 is formed at the upper end of the fastening body 45 so that the boundary surface of the upper region of the fastening portion 240 can be guided. The ice maker 30 can be fixed to the support mechanism 40 by means of an additional fastening member that passes through the fastening hole 240h of the fastening portion 240 and is fastened to the fastening body 45.

[0092] A pair of protrusions 280 protruding forward may be formed on the front surface of the upper plate 210 of the upper tray 200. The pair of protrusions 280 can ensure a distance from a structure located in front of the ice maker 30. A pair of hinge support members 270 protruding downward and having hinge holes 270h formed in the left and right directions may be provided on both sides of the bottom surface of the upper plate 210 of the upper tray 200. A tray bushing 840 may be combined with each hinge support member 270.

[0093] The upper tray 200 may be formed of a metal material. For example, as the upper tray 200 is manufactured using a metal material in a die-casting manner, it may be formed to have high rigidity. As described above, as the upper tray 200 is formed of a material having high rigidity, not only the deformation of the upper chamber 220 may be minimized, but also the upper tray 200 may function as a supporting member for supporting the driving unit 800.

[0094] The lower assembly 32 may include a lower tray 400 including a plurality of lower chambers 420 , a lower support 500 supporting a lower portion of the lower tray 400 , and a lower cover 300 fixing the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 .

[0095] A pair of hinge bodies 530 for connecting with the hinge support 270 of the upper cover 100 may be arranged on both sides of the lower support 500. The hinge hole 531 of the hinge body 530 may be connected with the hinge hole 270h of the hinge support 270. The hinge holes 531 of the pair of hinge bodies 530 may respectively penetrate the shaft connection part 811 of the first link 810 and the shaft connection part 821 of the second link 820. A connecting shaft 850 extending in one direction may be arranged between the shaft connection part 811 of the first link 810 and the shaft connection part 821 of the second link 820 arranged facing each other. A rotating shaft connection part 813 is formed on one side of the first link 810 arranged adjacent to the driving unit 800. The rotating shaft connection part 813 can transmit the driving force of the driving unit 800 to the lower component 32 by connecting with the rotating protrusion 803 of the first rotating shaft 801 formed on the driving unit 800.

[0096] A pair of coupling shafts 512 protruding toward the outer side may be formed on both sides of the lower support member 500. Each coupling shaft 512 may be coupled to a support member coupling hole 832 formed on one side of a pair of connecting units 830. An ejector coupling hole 831 coupled to the anti-separation protrusion 630 of the upper ejector 600 may be formed on the other side of each connecting unit 830. The anti-separation protrusion 630 of the upper ejector 600 may be coupled to the ejector coupling hole 831 of the connecting unit 830 in a state of being located outside the unit guide 140 of the upper cover 100. If the rotational force is transmitted from the connecting unit 830 to the upper ejector 600 when the lower assembly 32 rotates, the upper ejector 600 may move in the up and down directions along the unit guide 140 of the upper cover 100.

[0097] The first connecting rod 810 and the second connecting rod 820 can be connected to the lower support member 500 through a pair of elastic members 860, respectively. As an example, the elastic member 860 can be a coil spring. One end of each elastic member 860 can be connected to the spring connection holes 812 and 822 of the first connecting rod 810 and the second connecting rod 820, and the other end can be connected to the elastic member coupling portion 513 formed on both sides of the lower support member 500. For example, a recessed stopper 514 can be formed at the lower part of the elastic member coupling portion 513 to connect the other end of the elastic member. The elastic member 860 can provide elastic force to the lower support member 500 so that the upper tray 200 and the lower tray 400 remain in contact.

[0098] A lower ejector 700 may be disposed at the lower portion of the lower assembly 32. The lower ejector 700 may separate the ice adhering to the lower assembly 32 from the lower assembly 32 by pressing the lower assembly 32. The lower ejector 700 may include a lower ejector body 710 and a plurality of lower ejector pins 720 protruding from the lower ejector body 710. The lower ejector pins 720 may be provided in the same number as the ice chambers 33. The lower ejector 700 may be fixed to the upper assembly 31, but is not limited thereto, and the lower ejector 700 may also be fixed to the support mechanism 40. If the lower assembly 32 rotates in the direction in which the lower ejector 700 is disposed during the ice removal process, the bottom surfaces of the lower chambers 420 of the lower tray 400 formed in the lower assembly 32 are respectively pressed and deformed by the lower ejector 700, thereby being able to separate the ice adhering to the lower chambers 420.

[0099] Protrusions 750 protruding outward may be formed on both sides of the lower ejector body 710. Each protrusion 750 may be fixed by a support retainer 43 formed on the front of the support mechanism 40. In addition, a groove 751 is formed on one side of each protrusion 750, and by combining the groove 751 with the protrusion 44 formed on the support mechanism 40, the movement of the lower ejector 700 in the left and right directions can be more firmly restricted. In addition, a fastening boss 740 extending backward is formed at the rear of the lower ejector body 710, and the fastening boss 740 can be fastened to the fastening hole 46 formed in the support mechanism 40 using an additional fastening member such as a screw. Thus, the lower ejector body 710 can be fixed by the support mechanism 40 so that the movement in the front-back direction is restricted.

[0100] A pair of fastening parts 730 including fastening holes 730h may be formed on both sides of the upper region of the lower ejector body 710. A pair of ejector connecting parts 290 extending and bent outward may be formed at the rear of the upper tray 200 to cover the fastening part 730 of the lower ejector body 710. Fastening holes 290h are formed in each ejector connecting part 290, which can be fastened with the fastening holes 730h of the fastening part 730 formed in the lower ejector body 710 using additional fastening members such as screws. Thus, the lower ejector 700 can be fixed to the upper assembly 31. A pair of ejector connecting guide parts 291 may be arranged at the rear of the upper cover 100, and the ejector connecting guide parts 291 extend in the downward direction and are located in front of the upper region of the lower ejector 700 to guide the fixed position of the lower ejector 700.

[0101] The amount of ice stored in the ice box 20 can be detected by the full ice rod 870. The full ice rod 870 may include: a detection portion 871, which is long and extends in one direction, and the ends of both sides are bent and extended; and a pair of hook portions 872, which are respectively formed at the ends of the two sides of the bend of the detection portion 871. The hook portion 872 formed on one side can be connected to the first rotating shaft 801 of the driving unit 800 to receive the driving force from the driving unit 800, and the hook portion 872 formed on the other side can be inserted into the rod through hole 121h of the rod receiving portion 121 extending from the air guide portion 120 of the upper cover 100 in the downward direction to be locked and combined. It should be noted that the rod receiving portion 121 can be formed as an additional structure that is not integrated with the upper cover 100 and is installed on the inner side wall 27 of the first door 11, or it can be formed as a through hole provided on the inner side wall 27 of the first door 11 itself for the hook portion 872 to be locked and combined.

[0102] Below, refer to Figures 14 to 40 , the lower cover 300, the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 constituting the lower assembly 32 are further described in detail.

[0103] Reference Figures 19 to 27 , the lower tray 400 may be formed of a flexible material that can be restored to its original shape after being deformed by an external force. For example, the lower tray 400 may be formed of a silicon material. If the lower tray 400 is formed of a silicon material, even if an external force is applied to the lower tray 400 during the ice moving process, causing the shape of the lower tray 400 to be deformed, the lower tray 400 can be restored to its original shape. Therefore, even if the ice forming process is repeated, spherical ice can be formed.

[0104] The lower tray 400 may include a plurality of lower chambers 420. The respective lower chambers 420 may be connected to each other through the chamber connection part 421. Therefore, the plurality of lower chambers 420 connected through the chamber connection part 421 may substantially form most of the body of the lower tray 400.

[0105] The plurality of lower chambers 420 may be arranged in a plurality of rows. For example, the first row of lower chambers 420a may have a plurality of chambers arranged along the first row, and the second row of lower chambers 420b may have a plurality of chambers arranged along the second row. The plurality of lower chambers 420 arranged in the same row may be configured to contact each other on the side, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed such that one lower chamber 420 is separated from an adjacent lower chamber 420 by a specified distance. The first row of lower chambers 420a and the second row of lower chambers 420b are arranged in the left-right direction corresponding to the long side of the lower tray 400, and the first row of lower chambers 420a and the second row of lower chambers 420b are configured to be staggered from each other in the front-to-back direction, thereby improving space efficiency. In this specification, the first row and the second row are described as an embodiment, but more rows of lower chambers 420 may be configured following the second row, such as a third row, a fourth row, etc.

[0106] A pressure receiving portion 423 may be formed at the lower end of each lower chamber 420. The pressure receiving portion 423 may be an area that contacts the lower ejector pin 720 when the lower tray 400 is deformed by the lower ejector 700. The pressure receiving portion 423 is formed at the center of the lower chamber 420 so that the lower chamber 420 can be deformed as uniformly as possible when deformed by the lower ejector pin 720. In addition, the pressure receiving portion 423 is formed in a planar shape having an area larger than the area in contact with the lower ejector pin 720 and is formed to have a predetermined thickness, so that the wear of the lower region of the lower chamber 420 due to repeated deformation can be reduced.

[0107] Reference Fig.23 , an insertion protrusion 440 protruding in the downward direction may be formed between the plurality of lower chambers 420 adjacent to each other. The insertion protrusion 440 may be formed between the first column of lower chambers 420a and the second column of lower chambers 420b. The insertion protrusion 440 may be formed to extend long in the left-right direction. For example, the insertion protrusion 440 may be continuously extended to overlap with the plurality of first column lower chambers 420a and the plurality of second column lower chambers 420b in the front-to-back direction of the lower tray 400. The insertion protrusion 440 is fastened to a slit portion 540 that passes through the lower support member 500 described later, thereby constituting a fixing structure that fastens the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 to each other. The insertion protrusion 440 is fastened with the slit portion 540 of the lower supporter 500 in a hook-coupling manner, thereby fixing the lower tray 400 and the lower supporter 500 to each other even without an additional fastening member.

[0108] The insertion protrusion 440 may be disposed between the plurality of lower chambers 420 adjacent to each other and may be curved along the lower chambers 420. As the insertion protrusion 440 is curved as described above, the contact area between the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 may be increased, thereby more effectively preventing the lower tray 400 from being separated from the lower support 500.

[0109] In addition, as the insertion protrusion 440 is formed in a curved manner along the lower outer peripheral surface of the lower chamber 420, the distance between the insertion protrusion 440 and the center of each lower chamber 420 can be constant. Therefore, even when the lower ejector 700 presses the lower chamber 420, each lower chamber 420 will not be affected by the shape of the insertion protrusion 440, and the deformation amount that can make each lower chamber 420 deform uniformly to the maximum extent can be ensured. It should be noted that the shape of the insertion protrusion 440 is not limited to this, and it can also be formed to have a straight line shape without bending between adjacent lower chambers 420.

[0110] The insertion protrusion 440 may include: a protrusion body 446 extending in the downward direction to pass through the slit portion 540 of the lower support member 500; and a hook portion 441 connected to the lower portion of the protrusion body 446. The hook portion 441 may be formed so that the width decreases as it approaches the downward direction. Thus, the hook portion 441 of the insertion protrusion 440 can easily pass through the slit portion 540 of the lower support member 500. The width of the protrusion body 446 may be formed to be narrower than the maximum width of the hook portion 441. For example, at the connection portion between the protrusion body 446 and the hook portion 441, the protrusion body 446 may include a concave portion 442 that is concave inwardly from the uppermost end of the hook portion 441. By forming the concave portion 442 as described above, the width of the protrusion body 446 may be formed to be narrower than the maximum width of the hook portion 441, and a step portion 445 may be formed at the uppermost end of the hook portion 441. The step portion 445 of the hook portion 441 formed as described above allows the hook portion 441 that passes through the slit portion 540 of the lower support member 500 to be hooked and engaged with the slit portion 540 , thereby preventing the lower tray 400 from being separated.

[0111] On the other hand, protruding ribs 443 extending in the up-down direction may be formed at both ends of the insertion protrusion 440. In the area where the protruding ribs 443 are formed, the recessed portion 442 may not be formed on the side of the protruding body 446. Therefore, the protruding ribs 443 may be formed so that the width of the protruding body 446 is the same as the maximum width of the hook portion 441. With the protruding ribs 443 formed at both ends of the insertion protrusion 440 as described above, the strength of both end portions of the insertion protrusion 440 can be increased, and when the insertion protrusion 440 is inserted into the slit portion 540 of the lower support member 500, the insertion workability can be improved.

[0112] The insertion protrusion 440 as described above may extend to pass through the central area based on the long side of the lower tray 400. By extending the insertion protrusion 440 to pass through the central area of ​​the lower tray 400 as described above, the fixing force of the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 in the central area can be effectively ensured.

[0113] In addition, as the insertion protrusion 440 is arranged between a plurality of adjacent lower chambers 420 , even if each lower chamber 420 is deformed by the lower ejector 700 , the lower tray 400 will not detach from the lower support member 500 , and a uniform deformation can be applied to each lower chamber 420 .

[0114] As described above, as the fastening direction of the fixing structure that fastens the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 is formed to be the same as the direction in which the lower ejector 700 presses the bottom surface of the lower chamber 420, even when the lower ejector 700 presses the lower chamber 420, the lower tray 400 can be more effectively prevented from detaching from the lower support member 500.

[0115] exist Fig.23 In the figure, the case where the insertion protrusion 440 is formed between the first column lower chambers 420a and the second column lower chambers 420b is shown as an embodiment, but is not limited to this. The insertion protrusion 440 can be configured between the first column lower chambers 420a adjacent to each other and / or between the second column lower chambers 420b adjacent to each other.

[0116] As another example, refer to Fig.24 The insertion protrusions 440 may be disposed discontinuously between the first row of lower chambers 420a and the second row of lower chambers 420b. For example, a plurality of insertion protrusions 440 may be arranged at predetermined intervals. Protrusion ribs 443 may be formed at both ends of each insertion protrusion 440.

[0117] As another embodiment, refer to Fig.25In addition to the insertion protrusion 440 disposed between the first column lower chamber 420a and the second column lower chamber 420b, a lower auxiliary protrusion 444 may be formed on the outer side of the first column lower chamber 420a and / or the second column lower chamber 420b. The lower auxiliary protrusion 444 may be formed to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first column lower chamber 420a and / or the second column lower chamber 420b. As described above, with the additional formation of the lower auxiliary protrusion 444 on the outer side of the first column lower chamber 420a and / or the second column lower chamber 420b, in addition to the central area of ​​the first column lower chamber 420a and the second column lower chamber 420b, the outer area of ​​the first column lower chamber 420a and the second column lower chamber 420b can also be fixed by hooking, so that when the lower chamber 420 is deformed, a more uniform deformation amount can be provided to each lower chamber 420.

[0118] As another embodiment, refer to Fig.26 , the insertion protrusion 440 may be formed between the first column lower chambers 420a adjacent to each other and between the second column lower chambers 420b adjacent to each other. For example, the insertion protrusion 440 passing between the first column lower chambers 420a adjacent to each other and between the second column lower chambers 420b adjacent to each other may be continuously extended and formed. However, it is not limited thereto, and the insertion protrusion 440 passing between the first column lower chambers 420a adjacent to each other and between the second column lower chambers 420b adjacent to each other may be discontinuously extended and formed. A prescribed separation space may be formed between the first column lower chambers 420a adjacent to each other and between the second column lower chambers 420b adjacent to each other, and the insertion protrusion 440 may be formed along the separation space as described above. The insertion protrusion 440 may extend to intersect with the direction in which the plurality of first column lower chambers 420a are arranged and the direction in which the plurality of second column lower chambers 420b are arranged. In addition, the insertion protrusions 440 may be provided in plurality and may be arranged along the direction in which the plurality of first column lower cavities 420a are arranged and the direction in which the plurality of second column lower cavities 420b are arranged. Fig.26 In the figure, the first row of lower chambers 420a and the second row of lower chambers 420b adjacent to each other in the up-down direction are shown to be connected to each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto and they may be spaced apart from each other to have a predetermined space.

[0119] As another embodiment, refer to Fig. 27, the plurality of lower chambers 420 may be grouped into a first group of lower chambers 420c and a second group of lower chambers 420d, and the insertion protrusions 440 may be formed in the separation spaces between the groups. For example, a portion of the plurality of first column lower chambers 420a adjacent to each other and a plurality of second column lower chambers 420b adjacent to each other may be grouped into a first group of lower chambers 420c. In this case, the plurality of lower chambers 420 belonging to the first group of lower chambers 420c may be configured to be connected to each other, but are not limited thereto, and may be spaced apart from each other even within the same group to have a prescribed separation space. Similarly, a portion of the plurality of first column lower chambers 420a adjacent to each other and a plurality of second column lower chambers 420b adjacent to each other may be grouped into a second group of lower chambers 420d. In this case, the plurality of lower chambers 420 belonging to the second group of lower chambers 420d may be arranged to be connected to each other, but are not limited thereto, and may be arranged to be separated from each other to have a predetermined separation space even within the same group. The insertion protrusion 440 may be extended to intersect the direction in which the plurality of first column lower chambers 420a are arranged and the direction in which the plurality of second column lower chambers 420b are arranged.

[0120] The lower tray 400 may further include a peripheral wall 410 extending upward along the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the plurality of lower chambers 420. The peripheral wall 410 may be formed in a shape surrounding the periphery of the plurality of lower chambers 420. The peripheral wall 410 may include a first wall 411 having a curved surface and a second wall 412 having a flat surface. For example, the first wall 411 and the second wall 412 may be configured to intersect and surround the plurality of lower chambers 420 in sequence, but is not limited thereto. The first wall 411 may protrude more toward the outside than the second wall 412. Therefore, the first walls 411 adjacent to each other may be connected to each other by a wall connecting portion 413 extending outward from the upper end of the second wall 412.

[0121] The peripheral wall 410 located in front of the lower tray 400 may be referred to as a front wall 414, and the peripheral wall 410 located in the rear of the lower tray 400 may be referred to as a rear wall 415. For example, the front wall 414 may be a vertical wall extending vertically in the upper direction, and the rear wall 415 may be a curved wall that curves in a direction that is farther away from the lower chamber 420 as it approaches the upper side. In addition, the uppermost end of the front wall 414 may be formed to be higher than the uppermost end of the rear wall 415. For example, the peripheral wall 410 may be formed to increase in height on the side surface as it approaches the front.

[0122] The lower cover plate 430 may be formed to extend in a horizontal direction toward the outer side of the peripheral wall 410. A pair of first upper protrusions 431 protruding toward the upper direction of the lower cover plate 430 may be respectively arranged on both side surfaces of the peripheral wall 410.

[0123] In addition, one or more second upper protrusions 432 protruding toward the upper direction of the lower cover plate 430 may be arranged in front of the peripheral wall 410. When a plurality of second upper protrusions 432 are arranged, the second upper protrusions 432 adjacent to each other may be arranged to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. For example, each second upper protrusion 432 may be arranged between a plurality of lower chambers 420 adjacent to each other.

[0124] A pair of side limiting parts 433 that protrude toward the outer side of the lower cover plate 430 and extend in the up-down direction may be disposed on both side surfaces of the peripheral wall 410. The side limiting parts 433 may be disposed between the first upper protrusion 431 and the second upper protrusion 432. The side limiting parts 433 may limit the lower tray 400 from moving in the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction, when it is combined with the lower cover 300 and the lower support member 500. The side limiting parts 433 protrude toward the side of the lower cover plate 430, and the up-down length of the side limiting parts 433 may be formed to be greater than the thickness of the lower cover plate 430. As an example, a part of the side limiting parts 433 may be located at a position higher than the top surface of the lower cover plate 430, and another part may be located at a position lower than the bottom surface of the lower cover plate 430. Therefore, a part of the side limiting parts 433 may contact the side surface of the lower cover 300, and another part may contact the side surface of the lower support member 500.

[0125] At least one lower protrusion 450 protruding downward may be disposed at the lower portion of the rear region of the lower tray 400. When a plurality of lower protrusions 450 are disposed, the adjacent lower protrusions 450 may be disposed at a predetermined distance. For example, each lower protrusion 450 may be disposed between the adjacent plurality of lower chambers 420.

[0126] A lower extension 460 extending in a downward direction may be formed at the rear of the lower tray 400. The lower extension 460 may be formed to extend in the left-right direction of the lower tray 400. The lower extension 460 may be placed on a step 570 of a lower support member 500 described later. Therefore, the lower extension 460 may guide the coupling position of the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500. In addition, a plurality of rear protrusions 461 protruding in an outer direction may be formed at the rear of the lower extension 460. The plurality of rear protrusions 461 may be spaced apart from each other and arranged in the left-right direction of the lower extension 460. Each rear protrusion 461 may be configured to correspond to the first column of the lower chambers 420a. Each rear protrusion 461 may be inserted into an insertion hole 323 of the lower cover 300 described later.

[0127] On the other hand, the lower support member 500 may include a support member body 523 supporting the lower tray 400. The support member body 523 may include a plurality of chamber accommodating parts 520 for accommodating a plurality of lower chambers 420 of the lower tray 400. Each chamber accommodating part 520 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the bottom surface shape of the lower chamber 420. A lower opening 521 for the lower pusher 700 to pass through during the ice removal process may be formed in the inner center area of ​​the chamber accommodating part 520. Therefore, a lower opening 521 may be formed in each chamber accommodating part 520. The bottom surface of the lower chamber 420 of the lower tray 400 may be exposed to the outside through the lower opening 521. In this case, the outer diameter of the pressure receiving part 423 located at the bottom surface of the lower chamber 420 may be formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the lower opening 521. Thus, a partition 526 may be formed between the pressure receiving portion 423 and the lower opening 521 along the peripheral portion of the pressure receiving portion 423. With the partition 526 formed between the pressure receiving portion 423 and the lower opening 521 as described above, even when the lower ejector 700 deforms the pressure receiving portion 423, the entire pressure receiving portion 423 can be uniformly deformed.

[0128] A reinforcement body 524 for improving strength may be formed along the bottom periphery of the lower opening 521. In addition, a connection rib 525 for improving strength by connecting a plurality of adjacent reinforcement bodies 524 may be formed on the bottom surface of the lower support member 500.

[0129] The lower support member 500 may further include a support member plate 510 extending in the horizontal direction at the upper end of the support member body 523. A slit portion 540 extending in the left-right direction may be formed in the central area of ​​the support member plate 510. The insertion protrusion 440 of the lower tray 400 may be inserted into the slit portion 540. The hook portion 441 of the insertion protrusion 440 may pass through the slit portion 540, and the protrusion body 446 of the insertion protrusion 440 may be located in the slit portion 540. Therefore, the width of the slit portion 540 may be formed to be substantially similar to the protrusion body 446. The slit portion 540 may be configured to correspond to the position of the insertion protrusion 440, and may be formed in an open shape so that the insertion protrusion 440 can be inserted and fixed. Rib slits 541 having a width greater than the width of the slit portion 540 may be formed at both ends of the slit portion 540, respectively, so that the protrusion ribs 443 of the insertion protrusion 440 can be inserted.

[0130] As another example, Fig.31 The slit portion 540 of the lower support member 500 shown may be formed so as to allow Fig.24 The corresponding structure of the insertion protrusion 440 of the lower tray 400 shown is inserted and fixed. Therefore, the slit parts 540 of the lower support member 500 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, so that they can be arranged discontinuously.

[0131] As another embodiment, Fig.32 The lower support member 500 shown in FIG. 5 may be formed with an auxiliary slit portion 557 on the outer side of the chamber accommodating portion 520. The auxiliary slit portion 557 may be formed to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the chamber accommodating portion 520. The auxiliary slit portion 557 may be formed to allow Fig.25 The lower auxiliary protrusion 444 of the lower tray 400 is shown inserted into and fixed to the corresponding structure.

[0132] One or more recessed portions 555 recessed in a downward direction may be disposed in the upper rear area of ​​the support plate 510. In the case where a plurality of recessed portions 555 are disposed, adjacent recessed portions 555 may be disposed to be spaced apart by a specified distance. For example, each recessed portion 555 may be disposed between a plurality of chamber accommodating portions 520 adjacent to each other. In the case where the lower tray 400 is combined with the lower support 500, the lower protrusion 450 of the lower tray 400 may be placed and combined with the recessed portion 555 of the support plate 510. Therefore, the recessed portion 555 may have a shape corresponding to the lower protrusion 450 and may be formed at a corresponding position.

[0133] One or more latching grooves 550 may be formed on the front bottom surface of the lower support member 500. In the case where a plurality of latching grooves 550 are provided, adjacent latching grooves 550 may be provided to be spaced apart by a specified distance. For example, each latching groove 550 may be provided to correspond to each chamber accommodating portion 520. The latching groove 550 may be formed to be recessed upward from the front surface of the support member plate 510 having a specified thickness. The first front latching protrusion 311 of the lower cover 300 described later may be latched and coupled to the latching groove 550 of the lower support member 500.

[0134] A pair of hinge bodies 530 protruding rearward and including hinge holes 531 may be respectively disposed on both sides of the lower support member 500. Both sides of the lower support member 500 may be terminated by outer walls 511, and a pair of coupling shafts 512 protruding outward and elastic member coupling portions 513 may be respectively formed on the outer walls 511 on both sides. In addition, side protrusions 560 protruding outward may be formed at the lower ends of the outer walls 511 on both sides.

[0135] A step portion 570 supporting the lower extension portion 460 of the lower tray 400 may be formed at the rear of the lower support 500. The step portion 570 may be formed to extend in the left-right direction of the lower support 500 to have a shape corresponding to the lower extension portion 460 of the lower tray 400. The uppermost end of the step portion 570 is formed to be lower than the uppermost end of the support plate 510, so that a step may be formed at the rear region of the support plate 510.

[0136] On the other hand, the lower cover 300 may include a lower cover plate 303 for fixing the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500. A portion of the lower tray 400 may be in contact with and fixed to the bottom surface of the lower cover plate 303. A hollow portion 305 may be formed on the inner side of the lower cover plate 303 so that a portion of the lower tray 400 including the lower chamber 420 can be exposed and penetrated. As an example, in a state where the lower tray 400 is located at the lower side of the lower cover plate 303, when the lower tray 400 is fixed to the lower cover plate 303, a portion of the lower tray 400 may protrude toward the upper side of the lower cover plate 303 through the hollow portion 305.

[0137] The lower cover 300 may further include an inner wall 340 surrounding the lower tray 400 penetrating the lower cover plate 303. The inner wall 340 may be formed in a shape surrounding the lower chamber 420 along a shape of a lower outer circumferential surface of the lower chamber 420 of the lower tray 400.

[0138] A front wall 310 extending downward may be formed on the front of the lower cover plate 303, a rear wall 320 extending downward may be formed on the rear, and a pair of side walls 330 may be formed between the front wall 310 and the rear wall 320. A curved end wall 319 surrounding the corners of the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 may be disposed between the front wall 310 and the side walls 330.

[0139] The side wall 330 may be formed as a short side having a shorter length than the rear wall 320 and the front wall 310, and the rear wall 320 and the front wall 310 may be formed as a long side having a relatively longer length than the side wall 330. In addition, the rear wall 320 may extend a relatively shorter length than the front wall 310, but is not limited thereto.

[0140] A first back locking protrusion 321 extending in a direction in which the back wall 320 extends may be formed in the inner lower region of the back wall 320, and a second back locking protrusion 322 extending in a direction in which the back wall 320 extends may be formed in the inner upper region. The first back locking protrusion 321 and the second back locking protrusion 322 may be formed to protrude in the inner direction of the lower cover 300. The first back locking protrusion 321 may be formed to protrude more in the inner direction than the second back locking protrusion 322.

[0141] The first rear locking protrusion 321 may be formed to be bent from the lower end of the rear wall 320 extending downward toward the inner side of the lower cover 300. The top surface of the distal end of the first rear locking protrusion 321 is formed to have a curved surface, so that when combined with the lower support member 500 described later, it can facilitate the combination and contact. The first rear locking protrusion 321 may contact the bottom surface of the lower support member 500.

[0142] The second back locking protrusion 322 is formed in the upper area of ​​the back wall 320 extending in the downward direction, but this is not limited to the uppermost area of ​​the back wall 320. For example, it can be configured at a predetermined distance from the uppermost area of ​​the back wall 320 in the downward direction. It should be noted that it can be located in a relatively upper area based on the entire length of the back wall 320 in the up-down direction. The ends of both sides of the second back locking protrusion 322 can be connected to the inner wall 340 extending in the lower direction of the lower cover 303. Thus, even when the second back locking protrusion 322 is subjected to a strong load, the deformation of the back wall 320 can be minimized. The second back locking protrusion 322 and the back wall 320 can support the outer side surface of the rear wall 415 of the lower tray 400.

[0143] A plurality of insertion holes 323 may be formed in the rear wall 320. For example, the plurality of insertion holes 323 may be arranged to be arranged in a direction between the first rear locking protrusion 321 and the second rear locking protrusion 322. The insertion holes 323 may be formed to penetrate in the front-rear direction of the lower cover 300. The rear protrusion 461 of the lower tray 400 may be inserted and fixed in each of the insertion holes 323.

[0144] One or more first front locking protrusions 311 may be formed in the inner lower area of ​​the front wall 310, and the first front locking protrusions 311 protrude toward the inner side of the lower cover 300. When the lower cover 300 is combined with the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500, the first front locking protrusions 311 may be fixed by being locked or hooked into the locking grooves 550 of the lower support 500. When a plurality of first front locking protrusions 311 are provided, the first front locking protrusions 311 adjacent to each other may be arranged to be spaced apart by a specified distance. For example, each first front locking protrusion 311 may be arranged to correspond to each lower chamber 420.

[0145] One or more second front locking protrusions 312 may be formed in the inner upper area of ​​the front wall 310, and the second front locking protrusions 312 may protrude toward the inner side of the lower cover 300. The second front locking protrusions 312 may be formed to extend in one direction along the left-right direction of the front wall 310. However, it is not limited thereto, and the second front locking protrusions 312 may also be formed in a plurality. In the case where the second front locking protrusions 312 are configured in a plurality, the second front locking protrusions 312 adjacent to each other may be configured to be separated by a specified distance. For example, each second front locking protrusion 312 may be located at the upper part of the first front locking protrusion 311 corresponding to the first front locking protrusion 311.

[0146] A receiving portion 313 may be formed between the front wall 310 and the inner wall 340 of the lower cover 300. When the lower cover 300 covers the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500, the receiving portion 313 receives and surrounds the front area of ​​the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500. A recessed portion 314 may be formed in the receiving portion 313 of the lower cover 300 for receiving the second upper protrusion 432 formed in front of the lower tray 400. The recessed portion 314 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the second upper protrusion 432 and may be arranged at a corresponding position. Therefore, the plurality of recessed portions 314 may be respectively arranged between the plurality of lower chambers 420 adjacent to each other.

[0147] A pair of first insertion portions 331 may be formed at the lower portions of both sides where the side walls 330 of the lower cover 300 are located. The first insertion portion 331 may be formed in a shape that is recessed toward the upper direction to have a predetermined recessed space. The first upper protrusion 431 of the lower tray 400 may be inserted and fixed to the first insertion portion 331. Therefore, the first insertion portion 331 may be formed in a corresponding shape that enables the first upper protrusion 431 to be inserted and fixed.

[0148] The lower cover 300 may be formed as an integral closed curve having a hollow portion 305 therein. However, the lower cover 300 is not limited thereto and may be formed in a form that can be assembled in a form that can be separated from each other. Fig.16 , the front wall 310 and the back wall 320 of the lower cover 300 are separated and can be formed into a first lower cover 301 and a second lower cover 302 respectively. The first lower cover 301 and the second lower cover 302 separated from each other as described above can be assembled into one lower cover 300 by combining with a fastening part 350 such as a hook. In addition, as another example, refer to Fig.17 The two side walls 330 of the lower cover 300 are separated to form a first lower cover 301 and a second lower cover 302. The first lower cover 301 and the second lower cover 302 separated from each other as described above can be assembled into one lower cover 300 by combining with a fastening part 350 such as a hook.

[0149] The lower assembly 32 may first be combined with the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500, and then the lower cover 300 may be assembled to the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 in a rotational manner. In the case of assembling the lower cover 300 in a rotational manner, the back wall 320 of the lower cover 300 may first be brought into contact with the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500, so that the rear areas of the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 are locked and combined between the first back locking protrusion 321 and the second back locking protrusion 322 to be pressed. Then, the front wall 310 of the lower cover 300 may be rotated in a downward direction with the back wall 320 of the lower cover 300 as an axis, and finally, the front areas of the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 may be hooked and combined between the first front locking protrusion 311 and the second front locking protrusion 312 formed on the front wall 310 of the lower cover 300 to be pressed.

[0150] The lower cover 300 assembled into the lower assembly 32 surrounds the front and back sides of the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500, and presses the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 in opposite directions, respectively, so as to restrict the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500. That is, the front wall 310 of the lower cover 300 may include: a first front locking protrusion 311, which presses the lower support 500 in the upper direction; and a second front locking protrusion 312, which presses the lower tray 400 in the lower direction; the back wall 320 of the lower cover 300 may include: a first back locking protrusion 321, which presses the lower support 500 in the upper direction; and a second back locking protrusion 322, which presses the lower tray 400 in the lower direction.

[0151] Specifically, the first front locking protrusion 311 and the second front locking protrusion 312 of the lower cover 300 can respectively press the bottom surface of the support plate 510 of the lower support 500 and the top surface of the lower cover plate 430 of the lower tray 400. In addition, the first back locking protrusion 321 and the second back locking protrusion 322 of the lower cover 300 can respectively press the bottom surface of the step portion 570 of the lower support 500 and the top surface of the lower extension portion 460 of the lower tray 400.

[0152] The lower cover 300 presses both the front and rear of the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500, but preferably, during assembly, the support force of the portion providing the rotation axis is made greater. For example, after the lower cover 300 is assembled, the deformation of the lower cover 300 is minimized, so that the locking or hooking of the lower cover 300 is not easily released. Therefore, preferably, in the case of the back wall 320 of the lower cover 300, the binding force is firmly maintained by preventing the deformation to the maximum extent, and in the case of the front wall 310 of the lower cover 300, it is formed to be relatively more deformed than the back wall 320, so that the rotational connection can be easily performed. That is, the hook connection by means of the front wall 310 of the lower cover 300 can be an assembly structure that utilizes the deformation amount below the plastic deformation or damage of the lower cover 300, and the locking connection by means of the back wall 320 of the lower cover 300 can be an assembly structure that adopts a strong fixation and support with maximum non-deformation.

[0153] The area where the first rear locking protrusion 321 contacts the lower support member 500 may be larger than the area where the first front locking protrusion 311 contacts the lower support member 500. In addition, the first rear locking protrusion 321 may extend further toward the inner side of the lower support member 500 than the first front locking protrusion 311. Thus, the rear wall 320 formed with the first rear locking protrusion 321 may be less deformed than the front wall 310 formed with the first front locking protrusion 311.

[0154] The first back side locking protrusion 321 may extend continuously along a plurality of lower chambers 420 arranged in one direction, but is not limited thereto. Fig.18 , the first back locking protrusions 321 may be provided in plurality and arranged discontinuously along the plurality of lower chambers 420 arranged in one direction. In addition, the second back locking protrusions 322 may be provided in plurality and arranged discontinuously along the plurality of lower chambers 420 arranged in one direction. Even in the case where the first back locking protrusions 321 and the second back locking protrusions 322 are arranged discontinuously as described above, the contact area between the first back locking protrusions 321 and the lower support member 500 may be formed to be larger than the contact area between the first front locking protrusions 311 and the lower support member 500.

[0155] The lower assembly 32 as described above can improve assembly workability and strength for maintaining fastening force by making the direction of assembling the lower cover 300, i.e., the rotation direction, and the direction of the vertical force applied to the lower tray 400 by the lower ejector 700 when ice is removed after the lower cover 300 is assembled different from each other.

[0156] On the other hand, after the lower assembly 32 is assembled, a portion of the peripheral wall 410 of the lower tray 400 may be formed to protrude upward from the inner wall 340 of the lower cover 300. In this case, the uppermost end of the peripheral wall 410 of the lower tray 400 may protrude to be separated from the uppermost end of the inner wall 340 of the lower cover 300 by a predetermined distance. As described above, by separating the uppermost end of the peripheral wall 410 of the lower tray 400 and the uppermost end of the inner wall 340 of the lower cover 300 by a distance, the lower tray 400 made of a flexible material can be prevented from being folded or rolled up during the assembly process.

[0157] Fig.40 1 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the combination of the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500. For example, an insertion protrusion 580 protruding toward the upper direction is formed in the central area of ​​the lower support member 500, and a protrusion insertion portion 470 into which the insertion protrusion 580 of the lower support member 500 can be inserted can be formed at the lower portion of the lower tray 400 corresponding thereto. Thus, the lower support member 500 and the lower tray 400 can be hooked together. As described above, the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 can be fixed by a fixing structure that fastens the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 to each other between the lower chambers 420 adjacent to each other.

[0158] Below, refer to Fig.41 and Fig.42 , describing another embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] One or more auxiliary insertion protrusions 448 protruding outward may be additionally formed on the lower surface of each lower chamber 420 .

[0160] exist Fig.41 and Fig.42 , it is shown that one auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 is formed in each lower chamber 420 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. A plurality of auxiliary insertion protrusions 448 may be formed in each lower chamber 420 .

[0161] The auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may be formed in a protrusion shape protruding toward an outer direction from a lower surface of the lower chamber 420 formed in a hemispherical shape.

[0162] In this case, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may be formed to have a hook shape to be hook-coupled with the lower supporter 500 .

[0163] As an example, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may be formed in a shape similar to the insertion protrusion 440 including a protrusion body 446 , a hook portion 441 , a recessed portion 442 , a step portion 445 and the like.

[0164] The auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may have a hook shape smaller in size than the insertion protrusion 440 .

[0165] When compared with the insertion protrusion 440 that protrudes toward the lower direction, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may protrude to extend toward a direction away from the direction in which the insertion protrusion 440 extends.

[0166] As an example, each auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may extend downward and toward the outside direction of the lower tray 400 instead of the inside direction.

[0167] Therefore, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may be formed to extend toward the lower outer diagonal direction.

[0168] In this case, each auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may be formed on an outer peripheral surface of each lower chamber 420 away from the insertion protrusion 440 disposed between the first column lower chambers 420 a and the second column lower chambers 420 b of each lower chamber 420 .

[0169] As described above, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 extends in a direction different from the direction in which the insertion protrusion 440 extends rather than in the same direction, so that the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 can achieve hook connection in the up and down directions and hook connection in the diagonal direction, thereby enabling the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 to have a stronger fastening force.

[0170] The lower support member 500 may be formed with an auxiliary slit portion 548 into which the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 is inserted.

[0171] The auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 can pass through the auxiliary slit portion 548 and be fastened and fixed in a hook-joined manner.

[0172] The lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 may be fastened in a hook-coupling manner by an auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 formed at the lower chamber 420 and an auxiliary slit portion 548 formed at the lower support 500 .

[0173] For example, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may have a male structure, and the auxiliary slit portion 548 may have a female structure.

[0174] As described above, the lower chamber 420 and the lower support member 500 are fastened in a hook-joint manner through the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 and the auxiliary slit portion 548, thereby preventing deformation of the lower chamber 420 that may occur after the lower ejector 700 presses the pressed portion 423 of the lower chamber 420 to remove ice from the lower chamber 420.

[0175] That is, after the lower ejector 700 presses the pressed portion 423 of the lower chamber 420 to remove ice from the lower chamber 420, the lower chamber 420 needs to return to its original hemispherical shape, but in the event of a defect, the lower chamber 420 may not be able to return to its original hemispherical shape.

[0176] However, by forming a connection structure that is fastened to the lower support member 500 in the lower chamber 420 itself as in an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to create a structure in which the close contact between the lower chamber 420 and the lower support member 500 is not released even when the lower ejector 700 presses the pressure-receiving portion 423 of the lower chamber 420.

[0177] Below, refer to Fig.43 , describing yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] An insertion protrusion 580 protruding upward is formed at the center area of ​​the lower support member 500 , and a protrusion insertion portion 470 into which the insertion protrusion 580 of the lower support member 500 can be inserted may be formed at the lower portion of the lower tray 400 corresponding thereto.

[0179] Thus, the lower support 500 and the lower tray 400 may be hook-coupled. As described above, the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 may be fixed by a fixing structure that fastens the lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 to each other between the lower chambers 420 adjacent to each other.

[0180] For example, the insertion protrusion 580 may have a male structure, and the protrusion insertion portion 470 may have a female structure.

[0181] In this case, one or more auxiliary insertion protrusions 448 protruding outward may be additionally formed on the lower surface of each lower cavity 420 .

[0182] In addition, an auxiliary slit portion 548 into which the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 is inserted may be formed in the lower support member 500 .

[0183] The auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 can pass through the auxiliary slit portion 548 and be fastened and fixed in a hook-joined manner.

[0184] The lower tray 400 and the lower support 500 may be fastened in a hook-coupling manner by an auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 formed at the lower chamber 420 and an auxiliary slit portion 548 formed at the lower support 500 .

[0185] For example, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may have a male structure, and the auxiliary slit portion 548 may have a female structure.

[0186] Fig.43The auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 and the auxiliary slit portion 548 formed in Fig.42 The structure described in is the same as that described in , so repeated description is omitted.

[0187] On the other hand, when compared with the insertion protrusion 580 protruding upward based on the state in which the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 are combined, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may protrude to extend in a direction away from the direction in which the insertion protrusion 580 extends.

[0188] As an example, each auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may extend downward and toward the outside direction of the lower tray 400 instead of the inside direction.

[0189] Therefore, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 may be formed to extend toward the lower outer diagonal direction.

[0190] As described above, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 extends in a direction different from the direction in which the insertion protrusion 580 of the lower support member 500 extends rather than in the same direction, so that the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 can achieve hook connection in the up and down directions and hook connection in the diagonal direction, thereby enabling the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 to have a stronger fastening force.

[0191] As described above, the lower chamber 420 and the lower support member 500 are fastened in a hook-joint manner through the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 and the auxiliary slit portion 548, thereby preventing deformation of the lower chamber 420 that may occur after the lower ejector 700 presses the pressed portion 423 of the lower chamber 420 to remove ice from the lower chamber 420.

[0192] In addition, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the directions of the male and female coupling structures of the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 near the central area and near the outer area are different.

[0193] Specifically, near the central area, the insertion protrusion 580 of the lower support member 500 is a male structure, and a protrusion insertion portion 470 as a female structure for the insertion protrusion 58 to be fastened may be formed on the lower tray 400 .

[0194] Furthermore, near the outer area, the auxiliary insertion protrusion 448 of the lower tray 400 may be a male structure, and the auxiliary slit portion 548 of the lower support member 500 may be a female structure.

[0195] As described above, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the lower tray 400 and the lower support member 500 can be fastened to have opposite male and female bonding structures respectively near the central area and near the outer area outside the central area, so that the directions of the fastening forces cross each other in the central area and the peripheral area, so that they can be fastened to have a stronger fastening force.

[0196] On the other hand, the ice maker 30 as described above may include an upper assembly 31 and a lower assembly 32 , in which case the upper assembly 31 may be referred to as a first assembly 31 and the lower assembly 32 may be referred to as a second assembly 32 .

[0197] Likewise, the upper cover 100 and the upper tray 200 may be referred to as a first cover 100 and a first tray 200 , respectively, and the lower cover 300 and the lower tray 400 may be referred to as a second cover 300 and a second tray 400 , respectively.

[0198] In addition, the ice maker 30 may perform the ice removal process by rotating the second tray 400 about one axis while the first tray 200 is fixed, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0199] In another embodiment, the ice maker 30 may also perform the ice moving process by causing the first tray 200 or the second tray 400 to reciprocate along a straight line.

[0200] For example, the first tray 200 may be fixed and the second tray 400 may be driven to reciprocate linearly in the vertical direction. Conversely, the second tray 400 may be fixed and the first tray 200 may be driven to reciprocate linearly in the vertical direction.

[0201] That is, the first tray 200 or the second tray 400 may reciprocate in the vertical direction.

[0202] In addition, as another example, the first tray 200 can be fixed and the second tray 400 can be driven in a linear reciprocating manner in the left-right direction or the front-back direction. Conversely, the second tray 400 can be fixed and the first tray 200 can be driven in a linear reciprocating manner in the left-right direction or the front-back direction.

[0203] That is, the first tray 200 or the second tray 400 may reciprocate in a horizontal direction.

[0204] The various embodiments of the heat wire cover 900 described above may also be similarly applied to the ice maker 30 in which the ice moving process is performed by reciprocating the first tray 200 or the second tray 400 in a linear direction.

Claims

1. An ice making machine, wherein: include: an upper tray including a plurality of upper chambers; a lower tray including a plurality of lower chambers; a lower support member supporting a lower portion of the lower tray; and a lower cover to constrain the lower tray and the lower support; The lower tray and the lower support are fixed by a fixing structure that fastens the lower tray and the lower support to each other between the lower chambers adjacent to each other.

2. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed structure comprises: an insertion protrusion formed on the lower tray to protrude toward a lower direction of the lower tray; and A slit portion is formed in the lower support member to allow the insertion protrusion to pass through.

3. The ice making machine according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of lower chambers are arranged in a plurality of rows including a first row and a second row; The insertion protrusion is arranged between the first column and the second column.

4. The ice making machine according to claim 3, wherein: The insertion protrusions extend continuously between the first column and the second column.

5. The ice making machine according to claim 3, wherein: A plurality of the insertion protrusions are provided, and the plurality of the insertion protrusions are discontinuously arranged between the first row and the second row.

6. The ice making machine according to claim 2, wherein: The insertion protrusion is formed to be bent along the lower chamber.

7. The ice making machine according to claim 2, wherein: The insertion protrusion passes through a central area of ​​the lower tray.

8. The ice making machine according to claim 2, wherein: The insertion protrusion comprises: a raised body; and The hook portion extends from the protruding body, and the width of the hook portion decreases as it approaches the lower portion so as to pass through the slit portion.

9. The ice making machine according to claim 8, wherein: The width of the protruding body is smaller than the maximum width of the hook portion.

10. The ice making machine according to claim 9, wherein: Protruding ribs having the same width of the protruding body and the maximum width of the hook portion are formed at both ends of the insertion protrusion.

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