Ice-making device and refrigerator having same

Abstract

The invention relates to an ice making device and a refrigerator having the same. The ice-making device includes: a first tray in which an extraction hole communicating with the inside of the ice-making chamber is formed; a second tray selectively separated from the first tray; a tray cover coupled to the first tray and having a communication hole formed therein, the communication hole being aligned with the position of the extraction hole of the first tray; a first ejector having an ejector main body movably provided to the tray cover and an ejector lifting pin protruding from the ejector main body and passing through the extraction hole to move the ice in the first tray; and a guide member provided on the tray cover and supporting movement of the ejector pin. The ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a structure capable of accurately moving an ejector pin into an ice-making chamber without colliding with peripheral components even if the ejector pin moves in an inclined state. Therefore, the phenomenon that the ejector cannot operate can be prevented, and the ejector lifting pin or the tray can be prevented from being damaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ice-making device for generating and supplying ice and a refrigerator having the ice-making device. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a household appliance that uses cold air to store objects for a long time. Such a refrigerator is provided with one or more storage chambers for storing objects, and the storage chambers can be configured to be opened and closed by doors.

[0003] The refrigerator is provided with an ice-making device for generating ice, wherein the ice-making device comprises a tray having an ice-making chamber, and such a tray is arranged in a freezing chamber or in a space capable of receiving cold air to generate ice.

[0004] In recent years, ice making devices for making spherical ice have been provided. In this regard, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0058011, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0005782, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0015072, etc. are disclosed.

[0005] Such an ice-making device produces ice by continuously supplying cold air while supplying water into a spherical space formed by the engagement of two corresponding trays.

[0006] On the other hand, the ice making device is provided with an ejector for separating ice from each tray. That is, when ice making is finished, the ice sticking to the ice making chamber of each tray is moved by the ejector.

[0007] To this end, each ice making chamber of the tray is formed with a take-out hole, and the ejector is formed with an ejector pin that passes through the take-out hole of each ice making chamber. Thus, through the action of the ejector, as each ejector pin passes through each take-out hole of the tray, ice attached to the take-out hole is ejected, and ice is separated from each ice making chamber of the tray.

[0008] In order to smoothly separate ice from each ice making chamber, each ejector pin of the ejector needs to be accurately moved into the extraction hole. If the ejector pin cannot be accurately moved into the extraction hole, the ejector pin hits the edge of the extraction hole, which may cause malfunction or damage the tray, the ejector or the ejector pin.

[0009] In the prior art, guide members are provided on both sides of the ejector to support the movement of both ends of the ejector.

[0010] However, if the structure only relies on the guide member, the ejector pin may not be accurately inserted into the extraction hole when the ejector or the guide member is twisted or deformed.

[0011] In particular, when the ejector pin pushes the ice out of the extraction hole, there is also the following problem: if the ice cannot be easily separated from the ice making chamber, the position of the ejector pin will change, thereby causing the entire ejector to be twisted, resulting in a failure in smooth operation.

[0012] In addition, when the ejector pin cannot be accurately inserted into the extraction hole and contacts the inlet side edge of the extraction hole, scratches may occur between the ejector pin and the edge, and foreign matter generated in this process may be provided to the ice making chamber in the extraction hole.

[0013] Prior art literature

[0014] Patent Literature

[0015] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0058011

[0016] Patent Document 2: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0005782

[0017] Patent Document 3: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0015072 Summary of the invention

[0018] Problem to be solved

[0019] The present invention is proposed to solve the various problems of the prior art described above, and an object of the present invention is to guide an ejector so as not to deviate from a predetermined position during an ice removal operation.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to prevent or minimize the abutment between the ejector pin and the tray during the movement of the ejector, thereby preventing the generation of foreign matter due to scratching by the ejector pin.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to stably guide the ejector pins of each row when the ejector pins of the ejector are arranged in a plurality of rows.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to prevent ice from adhering to the structure for guiding the ejector pin.

[0023] Technical solutions to the problem

[0024] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the ejector pin for moving ice in the ice-making chamber may be configured to be supported and moved by the guide member before or from the moment of entering the taking-out hole of the tray.

[0025] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member prevents the ejector pin from colliding with the periphery of the extraction hole or with the inner surface of the extraction hole when the ejector pin moves.

[0026] According to the ice making device of the present invention, the guide member may be provided at the tray cover.

[0027] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be molded together with the tray cover to be integrally formed.

[0028] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be manufactured separately from the tray cover and then combined with the tray cover.

[0029] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member is disposed on the opposite surface between the ejector and the tray cover to guide the ejector pin to move toward the center of the taking-out hole.

[0030] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, a communicating hole may be formed in the tray cover at the same position as the taking-out hole, and the guide member may be disposed around the communicating hole of the tray cover.

[0031] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be provided at the periphery of the communication hole.

[0032] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be located on at least any one radial side with respect to the center of the communication hole.

[0033] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be formed in a structure surrounding at least a portion of the periphery of the communication hole.

[0034] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, in order to prevent the ejector pin from tilting, two or more guide members may be provided.

[0035] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the positions of the plurality of guide members located in the communicating holes adjacent to each other can be determined in consideration of interference therebetween or difficulty in molding.

[0036] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, when the ejector is deformed, the guide member can contact the circumferential surface of the ejector pin to guide the upward and downward movement of the ejector pin, so that the ejector pin moves to a predetermined position.

[0037] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide members may be respectively disposed at positions symmetrical to each other on the circumferential surface of the ejector pin.

[0038] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, at least a portion of the guide member may be formed to protrude toward the inner side of the communication hole in a plan view.

[0039] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be located at a plurality of radial sides with respect to the center of the communication hole in a plan view.

[0040] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be formed to guide the ejector ejector pin to move along the center of the extraction hole before the ejector ejector pin enters the extraction hole.

[0041] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, when a plurality of communication holes are formed in the tray cover, the guide member may not be provided around at least one of the communication holes.

[0042] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be provided at the periphery of the communication hole on the central side among the plurality of communication holes.

[0043] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be provided at the periphery of the communicating holes that are symmetrically provided to each other among the plurality of communicating holes.

[0044] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be formed to guide the movement in a state of contacting with the peripheral edge of the ejector pin.

[0045] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be formed to contact with the periphery of the ejector ejector pin to guide the movement when the ejector is deformed or the ejector ejector pin moves out of a predetermined position.

[0046] According to the ice making device of the present invention, when viewed from the moving direction side of the ejector pin, at least a portion of the guide member may be formed to protrude toward the inner side of the communication hole to be adjacent to or in contact with the ejector pin.

[0047] According to the ice making device of the present invention, the guide member may be formed to prevent the generated ice from being attached to the taking-out hole.

[0048] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the portion of the guide member that protrudes toward the inner side of the communicating hole may be formed to be separated from the surface of the communicating hole.

[0049] According to the ice making device of the present invention, the spaced-apart distance between the guide member and the communication hole may be formed to be higher than the height of water drops in consideration of surface tension.

[0050] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the ejector pin may be formed to be farther away from the inner surface of the insertion tube in which the extraction hole is formed as it approaches the distal end.

[0051] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be formed to be inclined toward the moving direction of the ejector pin as it approaches the distal end.

[0052] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, an insertion tube defining a take-out hole is formed on the first tray, and an ejector pin can pass through the center of the insertion tube to remove ice attached to the ice-making chamber of the first tray.

[0053] According to the ice making device of the present invention, the insertion pipe may be coupled or pressed into the communication hole of the tray cover.

[0054] According to the ice making device of the present invention, the distal end surface of the insertion pipe may be exposed to the surface of the tray cover.

[0055] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member can be formed to be located at a position spaced apart from the insertion tube. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ice that overflows from the insertion tube and protrudes outside the extraction hole from adhering to the guide member.

[0056] According to the ice making device of the present invention, the distance between the guide member and the distal end surface of the insertion tube can be formed to be higher than the height of water drops in consideration of surface tension so that ice overflowing toward the extraction hole does not adhere to the guide member.

[0057] According to the ice making device of the present invention, the inner circumferential surface of the insertion tube may be inclined to be farther away from the center of the ejector pin as it approaches the inlet, so as to prevent or minimize collision with the insertion tube when the ejector pin enters the extraction hole.

[0058] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, even if the first ejector is deformed or deformed lateral to one side in operation, the ejector pin can be guided by the guide member from the beginning of the operation to assist the first ejector in moving to a predetermined position. The ejector pin can be located inside the end portion of the guide member when not in operation.

[0059] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, in a state where the first ejector moves before reaching a position where ice is completely removed, the guide member may be formed not to contact the ejector body.

[0060] The ice-making device of the present invention can be arranged on the inner side of the refrigerator door.

[0061] According to the ice making device of the present invention, the first tray may be formed into a shape including a tray cover. In this case, the tray cover may be omitted, and the structure provided on the tray cover may be provided on the first tray.

[0062] According to the ice making device of the present invention, the tray may include a first tray providing a portion of an ice making chamber for making ice and a second tray providing another portion of the ice making chamber.

[0063] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the first tray and the second tray may be arranged to be opposed to and engaged with each other in an up-down, left-right, or oblique direction.

[0064] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, when the first tray and the second tray are arranged to face each other and engage with each other in the up-and-down direction, the taking-out hole may be formed on the top surface of the first tray.

[0065] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the tray cover may be formed to supply water into the ice-making chamber of the first tray and to provide cool air to the outer surface of the first tray.

[0066] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the ejector may be formed by an ejector body and an ejector ejector pin.

[0067] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the ejector body can be arranged so that the lifting and lowering movements of both ends thereof are supported.

[0068] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the ejector ejector pin may be formed to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the ejector body.

[0069] Effects of the Invention

[0070] As described above, the ice-making device of the present invention provides the following various effects.

[0071] In the ice making device of the present invention, even if the ejector pin is tilted in the process of moving ice in the ice making chamber, the movement of the ejector pin can be guided by the guide member, thereby preventing malfunction.

[0072] In the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member is provided at the periphery of the communication hole, and thus can be located as close to the ejector pin as possible.

[0073] In the ice-making device of the present invention, the plurality of guide members are provided at positions symmetrical to each other, and thus can guide accurate movement regardless of the tilting direction of the ejector pin.

[0074] In the ice-making device of the present invention, even if the guide member is not provided in each communication hole but is provided only in a part of the communication holes, it is possible to guide the accurate movement of the plurality of ejector pins.

[0075] In the ice-making device of the present invention, as the protruding end is formed on the guide member, the protruding end is as close to the ejector pin as possible, so that the movement of the ejector pin can be more accurately guided.

[0076] In the ice-making device of the present invention, since the bottom surface of the protruding end constituting the guide member is formed to be separated from the surface of the communicating hole, it is possible to prevent ice from being attached to the taking-out hole.

[0077] In the ice making device of the present invention, the tip of the ejector pin or the inner peripheral surface of the inlet of the insertion tube is formed in an inclined structure, so that the ejector pin can be spaced as far as possible from each other. Therefore, even if a part of the ejector pin is inclined, the ejector pin can be prevented from colliding with the insertion tube.

[0078] In the ice-making device of the present invention, since the tip end surface of the guide member is formed to be higher than the tip end surface of the ejector ejector pin when the first ejector is not in operation, the ejector ejector pin can be guided to an accurate position from the initial movement even if there is an inclination of the ejector ejector pin.

[0079] In the ice-making device of the present invention, since the top surface of the guide member does not contact the ejector body during the operation of the first ejector, malfunction can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] Figure 1 2 is a perspective view of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 2 2 is an exploded perspective view of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 3 2 is an exploded view of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 4 2 is a top view of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 5 is from Figure 4 The state diagram of the first ejector is omitted in the state.

[0085] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Magnified view of section "A".

[0086] Figure 7 2 is a front cross-sectional view of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 8 is from Figure 7 An enlarged view of the state of the first ejector is omitted in part "B".

[0088] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 Magnified view of part "B".

[0089] Fig.10 The present invention is a perspective view of the main parts of the relationship between the ejector ejector pin and the guide member of the first ejector in the ice making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Fig.11 It is a cutaway perspective view of the main parts showing the combined state of the first tray and the tray cover in the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Fig.12 This is another example of the relationship between the ejector ejector pin and the guide member of the first ejector in the ice making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Fig.13 It is a top view of another example of the guide member in the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Fig.14 It is a cross-sectional view of another example of the guide member in the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Figures 15 to 17 It is a plan view of a plurality of other examples of the guide member in the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Fig.18 and Fig.19 This is another example of the relationship between the ejector ejector pin and the guide member of the first ejector in the ice making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Figure 20 to Figure 23 It is a plan view showing a plurality of examples of arrangement of guide members in the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Fig.24 This is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the shape of the guide member in the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Fig.25 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator using the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Fig.26 It is an exploded perspective view of a refrigerator door of a refrigerator using the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator door of a refrigerator using the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Description of Reference Numerals

[0102] 10: Cabinet 20: Refrigerator door

[0103] 21: Dispenser 22: Freezer

[0104] 30: Ice room door

[0105] 100: Ice making device 101: Ice making room

[0106] 110: First tray 111: Water supply hole

[0107] 112: Insertion tube 112a: Removal hole

[0108] 113: first through hole 120: second tray

[0109] 131: tray support 131a: placement groove

[0110] 131b: through hole 131c: second through hole

[0111] 132: Combination cover 140: Rotation shaft

[0112] 141: Gear box 150: Rotating connection

[0113] 151: Elastic member

[0114] 200: Pallet cover

[0115] 201: lifting slot 202: connecting hole

[0116] 210: Water supply pipe 220: Cold air guide pipe

[0117] 230: Linkage connector

[0118] 310: first ejector 311: ejector body

[0119] 311a: moving protrusion 311b: receiving groove

[0120] 312: ejector pin 320: second ejector

[0121] 322: Ejector pin

[0122] 400: guide member 401: rib

[0123] 410: protruding end DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0124] A plurality of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which reference numerals are assigned to the components of the various drawings, and it should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as much as possible, even if they are also shown in other drawings.

[0125] Furthermore, in the process of describing the embodiments of the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related well-known configuration or function would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0126] In addition, in the process of describing the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. Such terms are only used to distinguish the constituent element from other constituent elements, and the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding constituent elements are not limited by the terms. When it is mentioned that a constituent element is "connected" or "combined" or "joined" with another constituent element, the constituent element may be directly connected or joined with the other constituent element, but it should be understood that each constituent element may also be "connected" or "combined" or "joined" with other constituent elements.

[0127] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 27 , preferred embodiments of the ice-making device and the refrigerator having the same of the present invention are described.

[0128] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 : is an exploded view of the ice making device of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 2 is a top view of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] As shown in the figure, the ice-making device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention generates and provides spherical ice. For example, such an ice-making device 100 can be applied to a refrigerator or to a device or equipment capable of receiving cold air and water.

[0130] In particular, the ice making device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention includes a structure that guides the ejector pin 312 so that it can accurately move into the ice making chamber 101 without colliding with surrounding components when the ejector pin 312 moves in an inclined state. For example, the ejector pin 312 can accurately pressurize the ice in the ice making chamber 101 when it moves through the guide member 400, thereby preventing the first ejector 310 from being unable to move and preventing the ejector pin 312 or the trays 110 and 120 from being damaged.

[0131] The ice-making device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in further detail based on each structure.

[0132] First, the ice-making device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include trays 110 and 120 .

[0133] The trays 110 and 120 provide an ice making chamber 101 for receiving and storing water for making ice. The ice making chamber 101 freezes the water supplied into the ice making chamber 101 and generates ice having the same shape as the inner surface of the corresponding ice making chamber 101. In the embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface of the ice making chamber 101 is formed into a spherical shape as an example.

[0134] A plurality of the trays 110 and 120 may be provided. For example, the trays 110 and 120 may be provided as a first tray 110 and a second tray 120 .

[0135] The first tray 110 and the second tray 120 may be configured to face each other and engage with each other.

[0136] For example, the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 may be configured to face each other and engage with each other in the up-down direction. In this case, the first tray 110 may be located at the upper side and the hemispherical ice-making chamber 101 may be arranged to face the lower part, and the second tray 120 may be located at the lower side of the first tray 110 and the hemispherical ice-making chamber 101 may be arranged to face the upper part. That is, the hemispherical ice-making chambers 101 are respectively formed on the opposite surfaces of the first tray 110 and the second tray 120, and spherical ice is generated by cooperating with each other. In the following embodiments, the positions and directions of the various components of the embodiments are described with the structure that the first tray 110 is located at the upper side and the second tray 120 is located at the lower side.

[0137] Although not shown in the drawings, any one of the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 may be formed to provide a curved surface smaller than a hemisphere or a curved surface larger than a hemisphere.

[0138] Although not shown, the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 may be arranged to face each other and engage with each other in the left-right direction (horizontal direction), or may be arranged to face each other and engage with each other in a diagonal or oblique direction.

[0139] Although not shown, at least one of the trays 110 and 120 may reciprocate in a linear direction and engage with the tray on the opposite side. For example, the second tray 120 may move linearly in the vertical direction and engage with or separate from the first tray 110 .

[0140] Although not shown in the drawings, the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 may be configured to move relative to each other.

[0141] On the other hand, a plurality of ice making chambers 101 may also be provided. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the ice-making device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention is taken as an example in which a plurality of ice-making chambers 101 are provided on the trays 110 and 120. Figure 5 is from Figure 4 The state diagram of the first ejector is omitted in the state diagram, Figure 6 yes Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the "A" section. Figure 7 is a front cross-sectional view of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Although not shown, only one ice making chamber 101 may be provided.

[0142] The plurality of ice-making chambers 101 may be formed to form a plurality of columns or a plurality of rows. For example, the respective ice-making chambers 101 may be formed to form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

[0143] Considering that the ice-making chambers 101 are formed in a spherical shape, the plurality of ice-making chambers 101 in each column and row may be arranged to be staggered. For example, when viewed in a plane, a portion of the ice-making chambers 101 in two columns may be arranged between the plurality of ice-making chambers 101 in one column. With such an arrangement, the maximum number of ice-making chambers 101 can be formed in a tray of limited width.

[0144] At least one of the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 may be formed with a water supply hole 111 for supplying water to the ice making chamber 101. For example, the first tray 110 may be formed with a water supply hole 111 (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0145] The water supply hole 111 may be formed in any one of the ice making chambers 101 of the first tray 110. Although not shown, the water supply hole 111 may also be formed in each of the ice making chambers 101 of the first tray 110, or may also be formed in two or more ice making chambers 101.

[0146] The plurality of ice-making chambers 101 may be formed in the same size as each other, or at least one of the ice-making chambers 101 may be formed in a size different from that of the other ice-making chambers 101 .

[0147] On the other hand, in order to improve thermal conductivity, the first tray 110 may be formed of a metal material. In this case, the first tray 110 may be formed by a die-casting method. Alternatively, only a portion of the first tray 110 may be formed of a metal material.

[0148] In addition, the first tray 110 can be set at a fixed position and fixed. Thus, the various components of the ice-making device 100 can be sequentially combined or linked with the first tray 110 as a reference. For example, when the ice-making device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention is set on the door of the refrigerator, the first tray 110 can be fixedly set on the wall surface of the refrigerator door.

[0149] The first tray 110 may be directly fixed to the fixing position, or may be indirectly fixed by using an additional structure.

[0150] The first tray 110 may have a take-out hole 112 a formed therein. An ejector pin 312 of a first ejector 310 described later is inserted into the take-out hole 112 a. The take-out hole 112 a is formed through the outer surface of the first tray 110 to the ice making chamber 101 .

[0151] One extraction hole 112 a may be formed in each ice-making chamber 101 . Specifically, the extraction hole 112 a may be formed to penetrate the center of the ice-making chamber 101 .

[0152] The first tray 110 is provided with an insertion tube 112 defining the extraction hole 112a. That is, the inner side of the insertion tube 112 may be formed as the extraction hole 112a.

[0153] Fig.10 This is a cutaway perspective view of the main parts of the relationship between the ejector ejector pin and the guide member of the first ejector in the ice making device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 It is a cutaway perspective view of the main parts showing the combined state of the first tray and the tray cover in the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] like Figure 2 , Fig. 9 and Fig.11 As shown, the insertion tube 112 is formed to protrude from the outer surface of the first tray 110. For example, the insertion tube 112 protrudes upward from the top surface of the first tray 110, and the inside thereof is provided with a take-out hole 112a penetrating to the ice-making chamber 101. The space from the ice-making chamber 101 to the insertion tube 112 (the space provided with the take-out hole) can be provided as a space for ice in the ice-making chamber 101 to expand. At the same time, a space corresponding to the height of the insertion tube 112 is provided between the top surface of the first tray 110 and the bottom surface of the tray cover 200.

[0155] The second tray 120 may be formed of a bendable and deformable material to facilitate the movement of ice. For example, the second tray 120 may be formed of silicone.

[0156] The second tray 120 may be supported by a tray support 131. The tray support 131 may be formed to surround a bottom surface of the second tray 120, and the tray support 131 may be formed of a material having a stronger rigidity than the second tray 120.

[0157] The tray support 131 is formed with a plurality of curved placement grooves 131a to place the portion of the ice-making chamber 101 formed with the second tray 120. A through hole 131b may be formed at the central side portion of each placement groove 131a. The plurality of ejector pins 322 of the second ejector 320 may pass through the through holes 131b of each placement groove 131a to pressurize the ice-making chamber 101 of the second tray 120.

[0158] The second ejector 320 is fixed to be located at a lower portion than the second tray 120. The plurality of ejector pins 322 of the second ejector 320 are formed to protrude toward the rotation path of the second tray 120. That is, when the second tray 120 rotates, the plurality of ejector pins 322 of the second ejector 320 penetrate through the through holes 131b of the tray support 131 and move the ice attached to the ice making chamber 101 of the second tray 120 placed in the placement groove 131a.

[0159] The second tray 120 and the tray support 131 may be combined with each other to form a single body. A combination cover 132 may be provided for combining the second tray 120 and the tray support 131. The combination cover 132 is formed to clamp the periphery of the second tray 120 and the periphery of the tray support 131 at the same time so that they are combined with each other.

[0160] In addition, the tray support 131 may be rotatably disposed on the first tray 110 using a rotating shaft 140 and a rotating connector 150 .

[0161] To this end, first through holes 113 for the rotation shaft 140 to pass through may be formed on both sides of the first tray 110, and second through holes 131c for the two ends of the rotation shaft 140 to pass through may be formed on the tray support 131. At the same time, one end of the rotation connector 150 is combined with the end of the rotation shaft 140 and rotates together with the rotation shaft 140, and the other end of the rotation connector 150 is connected to press the tray support 131 and rotate it.

[0162] An elastic member 151 is provided between the other end of the rotating connector 150 and the tray support 131. The elastic member 151 may be formed to be compressed and deformed between the tray support 131 and press the tray support 131 under the action of the rotational force according to the rotation of the rotating connector 150. When the rotating shaft 140 returns to the original position, the elastic member 151 provides a restoring force and makes the plurality of ice making chambers 101 of the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 bite and fit each other.

[0163] On the other hand, a gear box 141 may be connected to the rotating shaft 140 , and the rotating shaft 140 may be configured to receive a driving force from a driving source (not shown) and rotate.

[0164] Then, the ice making device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a tray cover 200 .

[0165] The tray cover 200 may be used to supply water to the ice making chamber 101 of the first tray 110. To this end, the tray cover 200 may be provided with a water supply pipe 210 for supplying water.

[0166] The water supply pipe 210 may be formed to supply water through the water supply hole 111 formed in the first tray 110. For example, the water supply pipe 210 may be formed to flow water to the water supply hole 111 directly above the water supply hole 111 or flow water to the water supply hole 111 from any side of the water supply hole 111.

[0167] In addition, the tray cover 200 may guide cool air to pass through the first tray 110. To this end, the tray cover 200 may be provided with a cool air guide duct 220 for guiding cool air to flow toward the first tray 110.

[0168] The cool air guide duct 220 may be formed to receive cool air from any side of the tray cover 200 and guide the cool air to the first tray 110. For example, the cool air guide duct 220 may be formed to supply the cool air to a space between a top surface of the first tray 110 and a bottom surface of the tray cover 200.

[0169] In addition, the tray cover 200 can support the movement of the first ejector 310 described later. To this end, lifting grooves 201 can be formed on both side walls of the tray cover 200, and the lifting grooves 201 are used for the lifting and moving of the linkage connecting member 230, and the linkage connecting member 230 enables the first ejector 310 to move.

[0170] On the other hand, the water supply pipe 210 or the cold air guide pipe 220 provided on the tray cover 200 and the side wall formed with the lifting groove 201 may be formed of a single body, or at least one of them may be formed of a single body. Although not shown in the figure, the tray cover 200 may be formed so that the bottom surface and each peripheral wall are formed as one body, but it may also be formed so that at least any one part is formed separately and combined or combined using other structures.

[0171] The tray cover 200 may be provided with a water supply pipe 210 , a cold air guide pipe 220 , and a lifting groove 201 , or at least one of them.

[0172] The tray cover 200 may be combined with the first tray 110. If the tray cover 200 is fixed to a fixed position, the tray cover 200 may be combined with the first tray 110.

[0173] The tray cover 200 is formed with a communication hole 202 that coincides with the position of the take-out hole 112 a of the first tray 110 .

[0174] When there are a plurality of the extraction holes 112 a , a plurality of the communication holes 202 are also provided and the positions of the communication holes 202 and the extraction holes 112 a coincide with each other. At least any one of the communication holes 202 may communicate with the water supply hole 111 of the first tray 110 .

[0175] The insertion tube 112 formed in the first tray 110 can be inserted into the communication hole 202. The insertion tube 112 is pressed into the inner circumference of the communication hole 202, and the first tray 110 and the tray cover 200 can be firmly combined with each other through such press-fitting.

[0176] The distal end surface of the insertion tube 112 may be formed to be exposed from the bottom surface of the tray cover 200. That is, the distal end surface of the insertion tube 112 may be formed to have the same height as the surface of the bottom surface of the tray cover 200 (the top surface in the drawing), or may be formed to be further protruded from the surface of the bottom surface of the tray cover 200.

[0177] Although not shown, the insertion tube 112 may be formed to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the tray cover 200. In this case, only the extraction hole may be formed in the first tray 110, and the insertion tube 112 may be configured to be pressed into the extraction hole.

[0178] Then, the ice-making device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a first ejector 310 .

[0179] The first ejector 310 may be provided to move ice in the ice making chamber 101 of the first tray 110 . That is, even if ice is attached to the ice making chamber 101 of the first tray 110 , the first ejector 310 may separate the ice from the ice making chamber 101 .

[0180] Such a first ejector 310 may be provided to be movable from an upper side of the tray cover 200 toward the tray cover 200 .

[0181] The first ejector 310 can be supported by the tray cover 200 and move up and down. To this end, moving protrusions 311 a can be formed on both sides of the first ejector 310 , and the moving protrusions 311 a move along the lifting grooves 201 formed on the two side walls of the tray cover 200 .

[0182] The first ejector 310 includes an ejector body 311 and an ejector ejector pin 312 .

[0183] The ejector body 311 may be defined as a main body of the first ejector 310. The moving protrusions 311a are formed on both sides of the ejector body 311.

[0184] The ejector pin 312 protrudes from the ejector body 311. The ejector pin 312 may protrude from the bottom surface of the ejector body 311 toward the center of the extraction hole 112a formed in the first tray 110 (or the center of the communication hole 202 of the tray cover 200). That is, the ejector pin 312 passes through the extraction hole 112a of the first tray 110 to pressurize the ice in the ice making chamber 101 and remove the ice from the ice making chamber 101.

[0185] The ejector pins 312 are provided in plural numbers so that one ejector pin 312 can pass through each extraction hole 112 a , respectively. Each ejector pin 312 can be provided to be opposite to each extraction hole 112 a .

[0186] The ejector pin 312 is preferably formed so as not to collide with the top surface of the insertion tube 112 during insertion into the extraction hole 112a. That is, it is preferable to prevent the first ejector 310 from malfunctioning due to the ejector pin 312 colliding with the top surface of the insertion tube 112.

[0187] In order to reduce the problem of collision between the first ejector 310 and the top surface of the insertion tube 112, various structures other than the guide member 400 described later may be provided.

[0188] As an example, Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, in order to prevent the first ejector 310 from malfunctioning, the tip (lower side) of the ejector pin 312 can be formed to be gradually inclined inward toward the tip. Thus, the problem of the ejector pin 312 colliding with the top surface of the insertion tube 112 during its insertion into the insertion tube 112 can be minimized.

[0189] As another example, Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in order to prevent the first ejector 310 from malfunctioning, the inner circumference of the insertion tube 112 can be formed to gradually tilt outward toward the upper end. Thus, the problem of the ejector ejector pin 312 colliding with the top surface of the insertion tube 112 during the process of being inserted into the insertion tube 112 can be minimized.

[0190] As another example, in order to prevent malfunction of the first ejector 310 , a guide member 400 described later may be provided. This will be described in further detail in the description of the guide member 400 .

[0191] On the other hand, the first ejector 310 may be configured to be linked with the second tray 120. For example, when the second tray 120 rotates with the rotation axis 140 as a reference and separates from the first tray 110, the first ejector 310 moves downward and pressurizes the ice in the ice making chamber 101 attached to the first tray 110 to move the ice.

[0192] In order to link the first ejector 310 with the second tray 120, a linkage connector 230 may be provided. To this end, one end of the linkage connector 230 may be rotatably connected to the two side walls of the tray support 131 supporting the second tray 120. The other end of the linkage connector 230 may be connected to the moving protrusion 311a of the first ejector 310 exposed by penetrating the lifting groove 201 of the tray cover 200. Therefore, if the second tray 120 rotates with the rotating shaft 140 as a reference, one end of the linkage connector 230 may be pulled downward to cause the moving protrusion 311a connected to the other end of the linkage connector 230 to move downward.

[0193] Then, the ice making device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a guide member 400 .

[0194] The guide member 400 is provided to guide the ejector pin 312 of the first ejector 310 to accurately move into the extraction hole 112 a.

[0195] Of course, even without the guide member 400, the moving protrusions 311a formed on both sides of the ejector body 311 of the first ejector 310 move along the lifting grooves 201 formed on both side walls of the tray cover 200 and are guided to move up and down. However, the problem of the inclination of each ejector pin 312 caused by the twisting or bending deformation of the ejector body 311 cannot be eliminated only by the moving protrusions 311a and the lifting grooves 201. In view of this, even if the twisting or bending deformation of the ejector body 311 occurs, the plurality of ejector pins 312 can be accurately moved into the extraction hole 112a by using the guide member 400.

[0196] Such a guide member 400 may be formed at various positions. For example, the guide member 400 may be provided at least at any one of the tray cover 200 and the first tray 110 .

[0197] As an example, Figures 5 to 11 As shown, the guide member 400 may be formed on the top surface of the tray cover 200 and support the ejector ejector pin 312 of the first ejector 310 passing through the extraction hole 112 a.

[0198] In particular, the guide member 400 may be preferably located at the periphery of the communication hole 202 formed on the top surface of the tray cover 200. That is, by forming the guide member 400 at a position maximally adjacent to the communication hole 202, the space at other locations on the top surface of the tray cover 200 can be used in various ways.

[0199] Although not shown in the drawings, the guide member 400 may also be provided on the insertion tube 112 of the first tray 110 .

[0200] In this case, the guide member 400 may be combined or formed as one body with the insertion tube 112 and support the ejector ejector pin 312 of the first ejector 310 passing through the extraction hole 112 a.

[0201] Although not shown in the drawings, the guide member 400 may be provided at least at any one or both of the opposing surfaces between the tray cover 200 and the first ejector 310 .

[0202] Then, the guide member 400 may be formed in various shapes to guide the ejector pin 312 to the center of the extraction hole 112a as much as possible. That is, the guide member 400 may be formed to provide a better guiding effect according to the setting position or the surrounding structure.

[0203] As an example, Figures 6 to 11 The guide member 400 shown may be located around the communicating hole 202 in the top surface of the tray cover 200, and at least a portion thereof is formed to selectively contact the ejector pin 312. That is, when the ejector pin 312 is out of the predetermined position during the downward movement (for example, when the ejector pin is tilted due to the bending deformation of the ejector body), the guide member 400 can contact the ejector pin 312 and guide it to the predetermined position. Such a guide member 400 may be formed as a structure having the same thickness as the width or a plate structure having a thickness less than the width and a larger area, or may be formed as a block structure like a rod or a bar.

[0204] If, in the case where the guide member 400 is formed as a plate structure, the guide member 400 may further be formed with ribs 401 for enhancing strength (see Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ) to prevent deformation when contacting the ejector pin 312. The rib 401 may be formed to prevent deformation in the thickness direction of the guide member 400.

[0205] Such an example of the guide member 400 may preferably have a shape capable of preventing the ejector ejector pin 312 from moving improperly with a simple structure.

[0206] As another example, Fig.12 As shown, the guide member 400 may be formed into a tube structure having a portion gradually expanding toward the upper portion of the top surface of the tray cover 200. That is, the guide member 400 is formed into a funnel shape with a smaller inner diameter as it approaches the communicating hole 202, so that the predetermined position can be corrected during the descent of the ejector pin 312. The funnel-shaped guide member 400 may be formed integrally on the top surface of the tray cover 200 or may be combined using an additional combination structure.

[0207] As another example, Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the guide member 400 may also be formed as an annular structure surrounding the periphery of the communication hole 202 in the top surface of the tray cover 200 .

[0208] As another example, Fig.15 As shown, the guide member 400 may also be formed in an arc shape covering a portion of the periphery of the communication hole 202 in the top surface of the tray cover 200. In this case, the length of the arc provided by the arc-shaped guide member 400 may be different depending on the components of the periphery. For example, the length of the arc may be formed differently depending on the rotation radius of the second tray 120, the diameter of the communication hole 202, or the outer diameter of the ejector pin 312. The arc-shaped guide member 400 may be provided only one at one communication hole 202, or two or more at one communication hole 202.

[0209] When the guide member 400 is formed as a block or plate structure, it can be arranged radially from the periphery of the communication hole 202 in the top surface of the tray cover 200. Thus, even if the ejector pin 312 is inclined toward the outside of the communication hole 202, it can be guided toward the inside of the communication hole 202.

[0210] In order to more stably support the ejector pin 312, at least two guide members 400 of the block or plate structure may be provided. That is, considering that the ejector pin 312 may be tilted in various directions, the ejector pin 312 can be accurately supported regardless of the tilting direction of the ejector pin 312.

[0211] In the case where a plurality of guide members 400 are provided, each of the guide members 400 may be formed at various positions.

[0212] For example, the plurality of guide members 400 may be formed at mutually symmetrical positions with reference to the center of any one of the communicating holes 202 or the center of the ejector pin 312. Therefore, when the ejector pin 312 passing between the guide members 400 is out of the predetermined position, it contacts the guide members 400 and is forcibly guided by the guide members 400 to accurately move to the extraction hole 112a.

[0213] As another example, the plurality of guide members 400 may also be arranged so as not to be opposite to each other with the center of the communicating hole 202 as the reference. That is, in order to prevent the ejector pin 312 from tilting in all directions to the greatest extent by using only the minimum number of guide members 400, the plurality of guide members 400 may preferably be arranged so as not to be opposite to each other. For example, as shown in the embodiment, when viewed with the center of the communicating hole 202 as the reference, the guide members 400 may be arranged symmetrically within a certain angle range.

[0214] The configuration angles of the plurality of guide members 400 may be different depending on the number of guide members 400 provided in the communicating holes 202. Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the communicating hole 202 is provided with three or more guide members 400, they may be arranged at equal intervals. Figure 6 As shown, when only two guide members 400 are provided in the communication hole 202, the intervals between them may not be equal.

[0215] In the case where the connecting hole 202 is provided with only two guide members 400, Fig.17 As described above, the guide member 400 may be formed to be arranged only on the front side with the center of the corresponding connecting hole 202 as a reference. In the process of the second tray 120 rotating and separating from the first tray 110, the thrust to the front side will further act due to the vector force along the rotation direction. If such a phenomenon continues and repeats, the ejector ejector pin 312 may be disengaged from the predetermined position due to the distortion of the ejector. In view of this, it is preferred to configure more guide members 400 on the front side as the direction side in which the second tray 120 moves.

[0216] That is, with the center of the communicating hole 202 as a reference, the number of the guide members 400 disposed on the front side may be greater than the number of the guide members 400 disposed on the rear side.

[0217] When the communicating hole 202 is provided with a plurality of guide members 400 , the guide members 400 may be formed at different side circumferential surfaces that can support the ejector pin 312 in consideration of mutual interference or difficulty in forming.

[0218] On the other hand, the spherical ice-making chambers 101 provided to the trays 110 and 120 are arranged in a plurality of rows and staggered with each other so as to be able to produce as much ice as possible, as has been mentioned in the above description.

[0219] In this way, when a plurality of ice making chambers 101 are arranged in a plurality of rows and staggered with each other, the distance between adjacent extraction holes 112a (or communication holes 202) may be difficult to simultaneously provide two guide members 400. Considering this, the guide members 400 are not formed on the peripheries of all the communication holes 202, but are only formed on the peripheries of a portion of the communication holes 202. That is, when a plurality of the communication holes 202 are provided, the guide members 400 may not be provided on more than one of the communication holes 202.

[0220] As an example, when two communicating holes 202 are provided adjacent to each other in the same row (horizontal direction in the drawing), the guide member 400 may be formed on the periphery of any one of the communicating holes 202 .

[0221] As another example, when three or more communicating holes 202 adjacent to each other in the same row (horizontal direction in the drawing) are provided, the guide member 400 is formed around the peripheral edge of the communicating hole 202 located in the middle.

[0222] As another example, in the case where mutually adjacent communicating holes 202 are provided in different rows (vertical direction in the drawing), the guide member 400 may be formed on the periphery of any one of the communicating holes 202 .

[0223] As another example, when three or more adjacent communication holes 202 are respectively provided in different rows (in the vertical direction in the drawing), at least one guide member 400 may be provided in each row.

[0224] The embodiment of the present invention shows that the guide members 400 are respectively formed on the periphery of the communication hole 202 located in the middle of any column and on the peripheries of two communication holes 202 located on both sides of another column.

[0225] On the other hand, the guide members 400 formed in the communicating holes 202 of each row may be arranged so as to be located in directions different from each other with respect to the center of the communicating hole 202 .

[0226] As an example, refer to Figure 5 In the lower column in the accompanying drawings, with the center of the connecting hole 202 as a reference, guide components 400 can be formed on both sides of the lower side, and in the upper column in the accompanying drawings, with the center of the connecting hole 202 as a reference, guide components 400 can be formed on both sides of the upper side.

[0227] Although not shown in the drawings, the guide members 400 may be formed in directions different from each other in all the communication holes 202 .

[0228] In addition, the guide member 400 is preferably used to guide the ejector pin 312 to rise and fall along the center of the communicating hole 202 (or the center of the extraction hole) as much as possible.

[0229] That is, the guide member 400 is preferably configured to be disposed as close to the periphery of the ejector pin 312 as possible, and to be able to immediately contact the periphery of the ejector pin 312 when the ejector pin 312 is out of the predetermined position.

[0230] To this end, at least a portion of the guide member 400 may be formed to protrude to the inner side of the communication hole 202 when viewed from above. Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, a portion of the guide member 400 protrudes further inward than the communicating hole 202 , so that the ejector pin 312 will not be separated from the communicating hole 202 .

[0231] Preferably, the guide member 400 may be formed with a protruding end 410 that is consistent with the inner circumference of the insertion tube 112 in the communicating hole 202 or protrudes further inward (toward the extraction hole) than the inner circumference of the insertion tube 112 (see Figure 8 That is, the protruding end 410 can fundamentally prevent the ejector pin 312 from colliding with the top surface of the insertion tube 112 during the downward movement.

[0232] At this time, the end surface (the surface opposite to the peripheral surface of the ejector pin) of the protruding end 410 constituting the guide member 400 may be inclined or multi-stage inclined or curved so as to get closer to the ejector pin 312 from the top surface downward. Therefore, even if the ejector pin 312 is inclined, it can be gradually guided to a predetermined position as the ejector pin 312 descends.

[0233] Of course, the protruding end 410 of the guide member 400 may be formed to be protruding so as to be able to contact the peripheral surface of the ejector pin 312. However, such a structure has the risk that foreign matter generated by the continuous friction between the protruding end 410 and the ejector pin 312 may fall into the ice making chamber 101 through the extraction hole 112a. For this reason, it is preferred that the protruding end 410 protrudes to such an extent that the protruding end 410 and the ejector pin 312 do not contact each other.

[0234] On the other hand, the protruding end 410 is formed to be the same as the inner peripheral surface of the extraction hole 112a or to be further protruded inward when viewed from a plane. Figure 8When viewed as a reference, the protrusion distance t of the protrusion end 410 may be formed to be the same as or thicker than the thickness of the insertion tube 112. Therefore, the ejector pin 312 guided to the protrusion end 410 can be prevented from colliding with the insertion tube 112.

[0235] When the protruding end 410 is formed to protrude into the extraction hole 112a, the bottom surface of the protruding end 410 may be arranged to contact the top surface of the insertion tube 112 forming the extraction hole 112a. Therefore, there is a risk that ice expanded in the insertion tube 112 adheres to the bottom surface of the protruding end 410. In view of this, the guide member 400 is preferably formed to prevent ice generated in the extraction hole 112a from adhering.

[0236] To this end, the bottom surface of the protruding end 410 of the guide member 400 is separated from the surface of the communicating hole 202 or the top surface of the insertion tube 112, but is preferably formed to be as close to the surface of the communicating hole 202 or the top surface of the insertion tube 112 as possible. Figure 8 As shown, the spacing distance (d) between the bottom surface of the protruding end 410 and the surface of the connecting hole 202 or the top surface of the insertion tube 112 is preferably formed so that the bottom surface of the protruding end 410 is as adjacent to the surface of the connecting hole 202 or the top surface of the insertion tube 112 as possible but separated to a degree that ice will not adhere.

[0237] In particular, the spacing distance d can be determined in consideration of the height of the water droplets under the surface tension. That is, even when the insertion tube 112 is filled with water, the bottom surface of the protruding end 410 is preferably located at a position higher than the height of the water droplets under the surface tension.

[0238] Then, the guide member 400 is preferably formed to prevent the ejector pin 312 from being tilted before the ejector pin 312 enters the extraction hole 112 a.

[0239] To this end, the guide member 400 may protrude upward from the top surface of the tray cover 200 so as to be able to guide the movement of the ejector pin 312 from the upper side of the extraction hole 112 a.

[0240] In particular, the guide member 400 is preferably formed to prevent the ejector pin 312 from tilting when the ejector pin 312 starts to move.

[0241] For this reason, Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , the end surface (top surface) of the guide member 400 may be formed to be located at a higher position than the end surface (bottom surface) of the ejector pin 312 when the first ejector 310 is not in motion. That is, by forming the guide member 400 as high as possible, the ejector pin 312 of the first ejector 310 can be guided by the guide member 400 from the beginning of the motion.

[0242] In the case where the guide member 400 is formed too high, the top surface of the guide member 400 may contact the bottom surface of the ejector body 311 when the first ejector 310 is in motion. In this case, the first ejector 310 cannot continue to descend and the maximum descending distance of the first ejector 310 may be limited.

[0243] In view of this, the guide member 400 is preferably formed so as not to contact the ejector body 311 even if the first ejector 310 is lowered to the lowest position (moved to the position where ice is completely removed).

[0244] As an example, Fig.18 As shown, the guide member 400 can be formed at a height that does not contact the ejector body 311 even when the first ejector 310 is lowered to the lowest position (moved to the position where ice is completely removed). With such a structure, interference caused by the guide member 400 does not occur when the first ejector 310 moves.

[0245] As another example, Fig.19 As shown, a receiving groove 311b may be formed in a recessed or through-hole manner on the bottom surface of the ejector body 311 of the first ejector 310, and the receiving groove 311b may receive a portion of the guide member 400 when the first ejector 310 is in motion. With such a structure, interference caused by the guide member 400 does not occur when the first ejector 310 is in motion.

[0246] On the other hand, the guide member 400 may be provided only on one radial side based on the center of the communicating hole 202. That is, the ejector pin 312 inserted into the communicating hole 202 may be guided to the center of the extraction hole 112a by only one guide member 400.

[0247] In this way, when only one guide member 400 is provided, the guide member 400 may be provided at the peripheries of all the communication holes 202 provided in the tray cover 200 , or only at the peripheries of a part of the communication holes 202 .

[0248] like Fig. 20As shown, in the case where the guide members 400 are provided at the peripheries of all the communication holes 202 , the guide members 400 may be formed to be arranged on the same direction side in the radial direction of the communication holes 202 .

[0249] like Fig.21 As shown, when the guide member 400 is provided only on the periphery of a portion of the communicating holes 202, it may not be provided on adjacent communicating holes 202. In this case, the guide members 400 may also be formed on the same direction sides of the communicating holes 202, respectively.

[0250] like Fig. 22 As shown, the guide members 400 may be formed to be arranged at different direction sides in the radial direction of each communication hole 202. That is, each guide member 400 may be configured to be arranged at a position complementary to each other. Therefore, even if each ejector pin 312 has a different disengagement direction, the plurality of guide members 400 can correct it.

[0251] like Fig.23 As shown, the guide members 400 may be formed to be arranged at different radial sides according to the communicating holes 202 of each column. In this case, each guide member 400 may also be arranged at a complementary position to guide the movement of the ejector pins 312 having different disengagement directions.

[0252] like Fig.24 As shown, the protruding height of the guide member 400 may also be configured to be small. That is, the guide member 400 may be protruded higher than the insertion tube 112 penetrating the surface of the tray cover 200 or may be protruded only to a height that can guide the ejector pin 312 into the extraction hole 112a of the insertion tube 112.

[0253] Hereinafter, the ice making and ice moving process using the ice making device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0254] First, during ice making operation, the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 are disposed adjacent to each other. At this time, the second tray 120 is combined to surround the first tray 110, and the opposing surfaces between the two trays 110 and 120 are disposed to be partially separated.

[0255] In this state, if water is supplied to the water supply pipe 210 , the water is guided by the water supply pipe 210 and supplied to the water supply hole 111 formed with the first tray 110 .

[0256] In addition, the water supplied into the ice making chamber 101 through the water supply hole 111 is provided between the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 , and the same amount of water is supplied to all the ice making chambers 101 through the partition between the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 .

[0257] Furthermore, when the supply of the preset amount of water is terminated, the rotating shaft 140 is rotated by the driving of the driving source, and the rotating connector 150 is rotated together. When the pressing force of the elastic member 151 is eliminated by the rotation of the rotating connector 150, the second tray 120 moves toward the first tray 110 under the action of the restoring force of the elastic member 151. Thus, the second tray 120 is completely attached to the first tray 110, and therefore, the ice making chambers 101 disposed between the two trays 110 and 120 constitute compartments separated from each other.

[0258] Next, cold air is supplied to the cold air guide duct 220. The cold air is guided by the cold air guide duct 220 and provides the cold air to the first tray 110. More specifically, the cold air is supplied to a space formed between the top surface of the first tray 110 and the bottom surface of the tray cover 200 through the cold air guide duct 220.

[0259] Thus, the first tray 110 is cooled by heat conduction with the cold air, and the water in the ice making chamber 101 therein is frozen.

[0260] The cold air can be provided continuously or intermittently within a preset time, and the cold air supply is interrupted if the preset time has passed.

[0261] In addition, if the cold air supply is interrupted, the driving source is activated to rotate the rotating shaft 140. When the rotating shaft 140 rotates, the rotating connector 150 coupled to the rotating shaft 140 rotates together and pressurizes the elastic member 151. As a result, as the tray support 131 connected to the elastic member 151 rotates, the second tray 120 is separated from the first tray 110.

[0262] Then, by the rotation of the rotating shaft 140 and the pressurization of the elastic member 151 by the rotating connector 150 , the tray support 131 rotates around the rotating shaft 140 and rotates the second tray 120 , thereby the second tray 120 is detached from the first tray 110 .

[0263] In addition, when the rotating shaft 140 rotates and causes the tray supporting member 131 to rotate, the linkage connecting member 230 is linked and causes the ejector body 311 of the first ejector 310 to move downward.

[0264] Through the downward movement of the ejector body 311, the plurality of ejector pins 312 of the first ejector 310 move downward toward the inside of the extraction hole 112a of the first tray 110. At this time, the two moving protrusions 311a formed on the two side surfaces of the ejector body 311 receive the downward movement force through the linkage connection member 230. Thus, the two moving protrusions 311a move downward along the lifting grooves 201 formed on the two side walls of the tray cover 200.

[0265] In addition, the ejector pin 312 inserted into the extraction hole 112a of the first tray 110 strikes or presses the ice in the ice making chamber 101 connected to the extraction hole 112a, and moves the ice from the ice making chamber 101. Therefore, the ice is separated from the ice making chamber 101 and falls downward.

[0266] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned ice moving action, the ejector body 311 may be deformed or bent due to the difference in pressure between the two linkage connectors 230 provided on the two movable protrusions 311a, or due to unexpected interference and tilting to either side during the downward movement of the two movable protrusions 311a along the lifting groove 201, or due to various other reasons.

[0267] In this way, when the ejector body 311 is deformed or bent, each ejector pin 312 will also be tilted.

[0268] However, when the ejector pins 312 are tilted, the ejector pins 312 contact the guide member 400 formed on the tray cover 200, and are guided by the guide member 400 to move downward. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ejector pins 312 from being properly inserted into the extraction hole 112a and causing malfunction.

[0269] As described above, in the process of the ejector pin 312 moving the ice in the ice making chamber 101, the ice making device 100 of the present invention can be guided by the guide member 400 even if it is tilted, thereby preventing malfunction.

[0270] In addition, in the ice-making device 100 of the present invention, since the guide member 400 is disposed at the periphery of the communication hole 202, it can be disposed as close to the ejector pin 312 as possible with a minimum size.

[0271] In addition, in the ice-making device 100 of the present invention, since the plurality of guide members 400 are provided at mutually symmetrical positions, the ejector ejector pin 312 can be guided to move accurately regardless of the tilting direction of the ejector ejector pin 312 .

[0272] In addition, in the ice-making device 100 of the present invention, even if the guide member 400 is not provided in every communication hole 202 but is provided in only a part of the communication holes 202 , it is still possible to guide the accurate movement of the plurality of ejector pins 312 .

[0273] In addition, in the ice-making device 100 of the present invention, since the protruding end 410 is formed on the guide member 400 and is as close to the ejector pin 312 as possible, the movement of the ejector pin 312 can be guided more accurately.

[0274] In addition, in the ice-making device 100 of the present invention, the bottom surface of the protruding end 410 constituting the guide member 400 is formed to be separated from the surface of the communicating hole 202, so that the ice in the extraction hole 112a can be prevented from being attached.

[0275] In addition, in the ice making device 100 of the present invention, the tip of the ejector pin 312 or the inner peripheral surface of the tip of the insertion tube 112 is formed into an inclined structure, so that they can be spaced as far as possible from each other. Therefore, even if a part of the ejector pin 312 is inclined, the ejector pin 312 can be prevented from colliding with the insertion tube 112.

[0276] In addition, in the ice-making device 100 of the present invention, the top surface of the guide member 400 is formed to be higher than the bottom surface of the ejector pin 312 when the first ejector 310 is not in operation. Therefore, even if the ejector pin 312 is tilted, the ejector pin 312 can be guided to the correct position from the initial movement.

[0277] In addition, in the ice-making device 100 of the present invention, when the first ejector 310 operates, the ejector body 311 does not contact the top surface of the guide member 400, thereby preventing malfunction.

[0278] On the other hand, the ice-making device 100 of the present invention can be used alone, but can also be additionally provided in various household electrical appliances.

[0279] For example, the ice-making device 100 of the present invention may be applied to a refrigerator. Thus, when the ice-making device 100 of the present invention is applied to a refrigerator, it may be disposed in a storage chamber of a cabinet or in a refrigerator door that selectively opens and closes the storage chamber.

[0280] In particular, the ice-making device 100 of the present invention has a simple overall structure and can minimize its size, and thus can be installed in a refrigerator door having a dispenser.

[0281] Below, refer to Figure 25 to Figure 27 , an example in which the ice-making device 100 of the present invention is applied to a refrigerator door is described.

[0282] Here, Fig.25 is a perspective view of a refrigerator using an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.26 is an exploded perspective view of a refrigerator door of a refrigerator using an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 27 2 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator door of a refrigerator using the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0283] First, the refrigerator includes a body 10 having a storage chamber and a refrigerator door 20 selectively opening and closing the storage chamber.

[0284] A dispenser 21 may be provided on an outer surface (a surface exposed to the room) of the refrigerator door 20. The dispenser 21 is a device for supplying ice made in the ice making device 100 to a user.

[0285] A refrigerator 22 for storing ice may be provided on the inner surface (surface exposed to the storage chamber) of the refrigerator door 20. The refrigerator 22 may be located above the dispenser 21 and configured to supply ice to the dispenser 21.

[0286] The ice-making device 100 of the present invention may be disposed on the upper side of the freezer 22 in the refrigerator door 20. At this time, at least a portion of the top surface of the freezer 22 is open, and the ice-making device 100 is configured to allow ice separated from the ice-making chamber 101 to fall due to the opening of the second tray 120. That is, after ice is made by the ice-making device 100, the ice removed from the ice-making chamber 101 is stored in the freezer 22 through the open top surface of the freezer 22.

[0287] The ice-making device 100 may be provided in the same structure as the ice-making device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention described above. In this case, the first tray 110 constituting the ice-making device 100 is fixedly disposed on the inner wall of the refrigerator door 20. At this time, the first tray 110 may be directly fixed to the inner wall of the refrigerator door 20, or may be disposed on the inner wall of the refrigerator door 20 by adding an additional structure for fixing.

[0288] Alternatively, the tray cover 200 may be fixed to the inner wall of the refrigerator door 20 instead of the first tray 110 , and the first tray 110 may be disposed on the tray cover 200 .

[0289] In addition, the cold air guide duct 220 of the tray cover 200 constituting the ice making device 100 may be configured to pass through a duct communication hole 20a formed on the side wall of the refrigerator door 20 (see Fig.25 ) to receive cold air.

[0290] In addition, the water supply pipe 210 constituting the tray cover 200 of the ice making device 100 may be configured to receive water from a water supply line (not shown) connected to the refrigerator door 20 .

[0291] On the other hand, a space for installing the ice-making device 100 and the freezer 22 is provided on the inner wall surface of the refrigerator door 20 , and the space is configured to be selectively opened and closed by an ice-making chamber door 30 .

[0292] Therefore, the ice made in the ice making device 100 is separated and dropped from the ice making chamber 101 by the separation action between the two trays 110 and 120 and the ice moving action of each ejector, and is stored in the freezer 22 in the refrigerator door 20. When the amount of ice stored in the freezer 22 is less than the set amount, the ice making device 100 repeats the ice making and ice moving operations, and when the amount of ice stored in the freezer 22 is more than the set amount, the ice moving operation is interrupted.

[0293] In addition, when the operation of the dispenser 21 occurs, the ice in the ice chest 22 is discharged through the dispenser 21 .

[0294] In this way, the ice-making device 100 of the present invention can be applied to the refrigerator door 20, and when the amount of ice in the refrigerator 22 is insufficient, it can perform the function of making ice and providing ice to the refrigerator 22.

[0295] On the other hand, components other than the guide member 400 in the ice-making device 100 of the present invention may be implemented in other forms other than the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0296] As an example, although not shown, the tray cover 200 and the first tray 110 may be formed as a single body. That is, the first tray 110 may be integrally formed with the structure of the tray cover 200 (eg, the cold air guide duct 220 or the water supply duct 210).

[0297] In the case where the structure of the tray cover 200 is formed on the first tray 110 , the guide member 400 may also be directly formed on the first tray 110 .

[0298] As another example, although not shown, the second tray 120 and the tray support 131 may be provided as one body. In this case, the coupling cover 132 is not required or the coupling cover 132 may be formed as one body.

[0299] As another example, the first ejector 310 or the second ejector 320 may not be provided. That is, although not shown, instead of the first ejector 310 or the second ejector 320, the ice attached to the first tray 110 or the second tray 120 may be moved to the ice making chamber 101 by applying heat or using other structures.

[0300] Although it is described above that all the constituent elements constituting the embodiment of the present invention are combined into one or acted by combining, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. That is, as long as it is within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all its constituent elements can also be combined and acted in more than one selective combination. In addition, unless otherwise mentioned, the terms "including" or "constituting" or "having" etc. described above indicate that the corresponding constituent elements may be contained, and therefore should be interpreted as not excluding other constituent elements but may include other constituent elements. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical or scientific terms have the same meaning as the meaning generally understood by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Like the terms defined in the dictionary, commonly used terms should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning of the context of the relevant technology, and unless clearly defined in the present invention, should not be interpreted as ideal or overly formalized meanings.

[0301] The above description is to illustrate the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs can make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, but to illustrate the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention shall be interpreted by the attached claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto shall be interpreted as included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice-making device, wherein: include: A first tray, providing a portion of an ice-making chamber for making ice, and having a take-out hole communicating with the interior of the ice-making chamber; a second tray providing another portion of the ice making chamber for making ice and selectively separable from the first tray; a tray cover, combined with the first tray and formed with a communicating hole whose position is consistent with the taking-out hole of the first tray; a first ejector having an ejector body and an ejector pin, wherein the ejector body is movably disposed on the tray cover, and the ejector pin protrudes from the ejector body and passes through the removal hole to move ice in the ice making chamber of the first tray; as well as A guide member is provided on the tray cover and supports the movement of the ejector pin.

2. The ice-making device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide member is provided at a periphery of a communication hole formed in the tray cover.

3. The ice-making device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide member is formed to be located on at least one radial side with respect to the center of the communication hole to guide the movement of the ejector pin.

4. The ice-making device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice making chamber and the taking-out hole of the first tray are arranged in plural numbers, The tray cover has a plurality of communicating holes which are arranged to be consistent with the positions of the respective taking-out holes. The ejector pins are arranged in plural numbers and are arranged to be opposite to the respective communicating holes.

5. The ice-making device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide member is provided at the periphery of the communicating holes formed at the center side of the tray cover or at the periphery of the communicating holes formed at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the center side.

6. The ice-making device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide member is formed with a protruding end, and when viewed from the moving direction side of the ejector pin, at least a portion of the protruding end protrudes toward the inner side of the communication hole and is adjacent to or in contact with the ejector pin.

7. The ice-making device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end portion of the ejector pin is formed to be gradually inclined inwards toward the end.

8. The ice-making device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the guide member facing the ejector pin is inclined so as to gradually approach the ejector pin in the moving direction of the ejector pin.

9. The ice-making device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first tray is provided with an insertion tube which provides the extraction hole and is inserted into the communication hole. The guide member is formed to be located at a position spaced apart from the insertion tube.

10. The ice-making device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distal end surface of the guide member is formed to be higher than the distal end surface of the ejector ejector pin when the first ejector is not in operation.

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