Ice maker

Abstract

The ice maker includes: a storage tank disposed inside the main frame and storing ice cubes generated by the ice making unit; a feeding screw which is rotatably disposed in the storage tank and rotates to transfer the ice cubes; a coupling assembly detachably connected to one side of the feeding screw, the coupling assembly being in an engaged state in which the coupling assembly is engaged with one side of the feeding screw when the coupling assembly rotates in one direction, and being in an engaged state in which the coupling assembly is disengaged from the one side of the feeding screw when the coupling assembly rotates in the other direction; and the driving motor drives the coupling assembly to rotate in one direction or the other direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ice maker. Background Art

[0002] An ice maker is a device that generates ice by cooling water below 0°C (freezing point) and supplies it to users. Such an ice maker may include an ice-making unit for generating ice, a storage tank for storing the ice generated by the ice-making unit; and a feed screw disposed inside the storage tank. As the ice maker is used for a longer time, the inside of such a storage tank may be contaminated, so it is necessary to clean the inside of the storage tank.

[0003] In conventional ice makers, the storage tank is fixed inside the ice maker, and there is a problem that it is difficult to clean the inside of the storage tank. In other words, due to the internal structure of the ice maker, it is difficult for a user's hand to enter the inside of the storage tank, so it is difficult to clean the inside of the storage tank. In addition, since the feed screw is integrally formed with the storage tank, even if a user's hand enters the inside of the storage tank, it is difficult to clean the lower side of the feed screw.

[0004] In this regard, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0041874 “Ice Water Machine” (Patent Document 1) of the present applicant discloses a layout design: an ice bucket for storing ice and a cold water tank are arranged side by side left and right, and a water purification tank is disposed above them, and discloses an ice water machine that enables a user to easily clean the inside by optimizing the separation convenience of the water purification tank.

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 only focuses on the configuration and separation of the water purification tank from the perspective of cleaning convenience of the cold water tank and the water purification tank, but does not recognize that the ice bucket for storing ice also needs to be cleaned. In other words, Patent Document 1 does not mention that the ice bucket needs to be designed as a detachable structure for easy cleaning of the ice bucket. Therefore, the ice water machine of Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult for a user to reach the ice bucket inside it, and even if the user touches the ice bucket, it is difficult to clean the inside of the ice bucket due to components such as the screw inside the ice-making unit.

[0006] In addition, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0153921 “Ice Maker” (Patent Document 2) of the present applicant discloses an ice-making unit, an ice storage unit for storing ice, and an ice conveying unit disposed inside such an ice storage unit. Patent Document 2 discloses the following content: By disposing the ice-making member (evaporator) of the ice maker in the outer region directly above the ice storage unit, the cleaning convenience of the ice box is improved.

[0007] However, in the ice maker of Patent Document 2, since the frame cover still has a structure that is difficult to disassemble, there are difficulties in accessing the internal storage tank. In addition, since the ice storage part of the ice maker of Patent Document 2 is fixed to the housing assembly of the ice maker, there are still problems in cleaning the inside of the ice storage part even when the ice making member is moved out of the area directly above the ice bin. Therefore, Patent Document 2 also has the problem of difficult cleaning of the ice storage part, and it is necessary to design the ice storage part as a separable structure.

[0008] In addition, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0113084 "Water Purifier" (Patent Document 3) by LG Electronics Inc., the applicant, discloses an ice storage part for storing ice and an auger rotatably supported by the ice storage part. The following is disclosed in Patent Document 3: By designing the ice storage part to be separable from the front of the water purifier main body, the cleaning convenience of the ice storage part is improved. The ice storage part of Patent Document 3 can be separated from the main body of the water purifier by opening an opening / closing part formed on the front surface of the water purifier main body. A driving device for rotating the auger of the ice storage part is disposed in such an opening / closing part, and the driving device is configured to be connected or disconnected from the auger of the ice storage part by opening or closing the opening / closing part.

[0009] However, in Patent Document 3, the driving device for driving the auger is configured to be supported by the opening / closing part, and the opening / closing part is configured to be detachable from the frame for storing ice by a user's operation. Therefore, there may be an operation error between the driving device of the opening / closing part and the auger. Therefore, the following problem exists in Patent Document 3: Due to such an operation error, there may be a misengagement between the driving device and the auger. In addition, since the opening / closing part of Patent Document 3 is opened and closed by a user's manual operation, the connection and disconnection between the driving device and the auger are affected by the user's operation proficiency. In other words, the following problem exists: When a user who is not proficient in the opening and closing operation of the opening / closing part performs the opening or closing of the opening / closing part, there may be a misengagement between the driving device and the auger.

[0010] In addition, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0106331 "Ice Water Machine and Ice Cube Cold Water Heater with Separable Ice Storage Tank" (Patent Document 4) by Jeong Hwi-dong, the applicant, discloses an ice storage container for storing ice, an ice conveying member disposed inside the ice storage container, and a motor for rotating the ice conveying member. In addition, the following is disclosed in Patent Document 4: By designing the ice storage container to be separable toward the front of the ice water machine, the cleaning convenience of the ice storage container is improved.

[0011] However, Patent Document 4 only discloses that the motor is disposed on the front side of the ice storage container and the ice storage container is detachably mounted to and from the front and rear of the ice water machine, and does not disclose that a user can easily insert a hand into the ice storage container for cleaning by detaching the ice delivery member from the motor. In other words, Patent Document 4 only recognizes the simple detachment of the ice storage container, but even if the ice storage container is separated from the housing, the ice delivery member is not separated, so there may be inconvenience in terms of cleaning.

[0012] In addition, similar to the Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0147419 “Ice Water Machine” (Patent Document 5) of the present applicant, when the ice maker is configured such that other components are disposed in front of the ice storage unit, there is the following problem: due to these other components in the front part, it is difficult to detach the ice storage unit in the front-rear direction. Therefore, it is necessary to change the detachment direction of the ice storage unit to detach the ice storage unit from the side of the ice water machine. However, when detaching the ice storage unit from the side of the ice water machine, there is the following problem: the detachment is restricted by the screw member disposed inside the ice storage unit. In other words, as described in Patent Document 5, since the screw member is disposed inside the ice storage unit and the screw member is connected in such a way as to be rotated by a driving motor, there is a problem that the ice storage unit is difficult to detach from the main body of the ice water machine. Therefore, in such a structure, in order to detach the ice storage unit from the side of the ice water machine, it is necessary to first detach the screw member inside the ice storage unit.

[0013] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0041874 (published on August 23, 2013).

[0014] Patent Document 2: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0153921 (published on November 21, 2022).

[0015] Patent Document 3: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0113084 (published on September 24, 2014).

[0016] Patent Document 4: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0106331 (published on September 3, 2014).

[0017] Patent Document 5: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0147419 (published on December 7, 2021). Summary of the Invention

[0018] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are proposed in the above background, and aim to provide an ice maker capable of easily detaching a storage tank from a main frame of the ice maker.

[0020] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker that can easily disassemble the feed screw from the storage tank, so that the storage tank can be disassembled from the side of the ice maker without interference with other components of the ice maker.

[0021] Means for solving the problem

[0022] The ice maker according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a storage tank configured inside the main frame to store ice cubes generated by the ice making unit; a feed screw rotatably disposed in the storage tank and transferring the ice cubes by rotation; a coupling assembly detachably connected to one side of the feed screw, when the coupling assembly rotates in one direction, it is in an engaged state meshing with one side of the feed screw, and when rotating in the other direction, it is in a disengaged state where the engagement with the one side of the feed screw is released; and a drive motor for driving the coupling assembly to rotate in the one direction or the other direction.

[0023] In addition, the coupling assembly includes: a first coupling having first concavo-convex portions formed on its outer peripheral surface and rotated by the drive motor; and a second coupling having second concavo-convex portions formed inside thereof that can mesh with the first concavo-convex portions of the first coupling, and the second coupling is combined with the first coupling through the engagement of the first concavo-convex portions and the second concavo-convex portions with each other, and the first coupling and the second coupling are configured to be able to rotate together, or the first coupling can rotate in a state where the rotation of the second coupling is restricted.

[0024] In addition, it further includes: a stopper located at a rotation restriction position for restricting the rotation of the second coupling or a rotation allowance position for allowing the rotation of the second coupling, and the second coupling includes: a protruding rib that meshes with the stopper when the drive motor rotates in the one direction in a state where the stopper is located at the rotation restriction position, and in a state where the stopper is located at the rotation restriction position, the rotation of the second coupling is restricted due to the engagement of the protruding rib and the stopper.

[0025] In addition, in a state where the coupling assembly is in the disengaged state and the stopper is located at the rotation limiting position, when the first coupling rotates in the one direction, the protruding rib engages with the stopper to limit the rotation of the second coupling, and the second coupling is moved along the first coupling to approach the feed screw, so that the coupling assembly is switched from the disengaged state to the engaged state. In a state where the coupling assembly is in the engaged state and the stopper is located at the rotation limiting position, when the first coupling rotates in the other direction, the protruding rib engages with the stopper to limit the rotation of the second coupling, and the second coupling is moved along the first coupling to move away from the feed screw, so that the coupling assembly is switched from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

[0026] In addition, when the coupling assembly is in the engaged state, the ice cubes can be discharged from the storage tank to the outside by rotating the feed screw in the one direction through the coupling assembly.

[0027] In addition, it further includes an opening / closing door which is opened to discharge the ice cubes stored in the storage tank to the outside. The stopper is disposed on the opening / closing door, and when the opening / closing door is opened, the stopper is located at the rotation permitted position.

[0028] In addition, the first concave-convex portion has a spiral shape extending in the right-handed thread direction or the left-handed thread direction, the second concave-convex portion has a spiral shape engaging with the first concave-convex portion, and the feed screw includes: a transfer wing extending in a direction opposite to the first concave-convex portion and having a spiral shape.

[0029] In addition, a coupling engaging member having a groove shape is formed on the second coupling. The feed screw includes: a screw engaging member formed on the side of the feed screw in a manner to engage with the coupling engaging member. When the coupling assembly is in the engaged state, the screw engaging member engages with the coupling engaging member, thereby preventing relative rotation between the feed screw and the coupling assembly.

[0030] In addition, the screw engaging member has a shape in which the width gradually narrows as it extends toward the end, and the coupling engaging member has a tapered shape gradually inclined outward.

[0031] In addition, a loading / unloading hole for selectively fixing the feed screw is formed on the storage tank. The feed screw includes a magnetic body disposed on the other side of the feed screw. The magnetic body is inserted into the interior of the loading / unloading hole, so that the other side of the feed screw is closely attached to the storage tank.

[0032] Advantages of the Invention

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a coupling assembly that transmits a rotational force to a feed screw disposed inside a storage tank is detachably engaged with the feed screw, enabling the storage tank to be removed from the main frame of the ice maker without interference from the feed screw, and having the effect that a user can easily clean the inside in a state where the storage tank is removed from the ice maker.

[0034] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect that the separation of the feed screw is linked with the door to perform an operation.

[0035] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the coupling assembly, the first coupling and the second coupling are combined by the engagement between the first concave-convex portion of the first coupling and the second concave-convex portion of the second coupling, so that in a state where the first coupling and the second coupling are firmly combined, the second coupling can rotate by the rotation of the first coupling.

[0036] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first coupling rotates in a state where the rotation of the second coupling is restricted by a stopper, so that the coupling assembly and the feed screw can be detachably engaged by the rotation of the feed screw.

[0037] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the stopper is disposed on the opening and closing door, there is an effect that the rotation of the second coupling can be allowed or restricted by the opening and closing of the opening and closing door.

[0038] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the transfer wings of the feed screw are formed in a direction opposite to the screw of the first concave-convex portion and the feed screw rotates in a direction of discharging the ice cubes inside the storage tank, there is an effect that the ice cubes are transferred to the outside of the storage tank while the feed screw rotates in a direction that makes the combination between the first coupling and the second coupling more firm.

[0039] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the screw engaging member has a shape in which the width gradually narrows toward the end and the coupling engaging member has a tapered shape inclined outward, there is an effect that the screw engaging member and the coupling engaging member can be easily engaged with each other.

[0040] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the magnet of the feed screw can be selectively fixed to the loading and unloading hole inside the storage tank, there is an effect that the state where the feed screw is inserted into the loading and unloading hole can be maintained even when the feed screw is separated from the coupling assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 is a front view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side.

[0044] Figure 4 This is for the Figure 5 enlarged view of part A magnified.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a view showing the storage tank, feed screw, coupling assembly, and drive motor of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear side.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a partial exploded perspective view of the coupling assembly and drive motor of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figures 8 to 11 This is a view showing the operating states of the coupling assembly and feed screw of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0049] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical idea of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Moreover, in the process of describing the present invention, when it is considered that a detailed description of a related well-known technical configuration or function will obscure the gist of the present invention, its detailed description will be omitted.

[0051] In addition, when it comes to a certain component "connecting", "supporting", "supplying", "transferring", "contacting" another component, it should be understood that it can directly connect, support, supply, transfer, contact another component, and there may also be other components between the two.

[0052] The terms used in this specification are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not used to limit the present disclosure. Unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, the singular form of the expression includes the plural form of the expression.

[0053] In addition, it should be known in advance that in this specification, descriptions of the upper part, lower part, front, rear, left side, right side, etc. are made based on those shown in the drawings, and will be differently represented when the direction of the corresponding object changes. For the same reason, in the drawings, some components will be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically, and the sizes of the components do not reflect the actual overall size.

[0054] In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the corresponding components are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

[0055] As used in the specification, "including" means to embody specific features, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, without excluding the existence or addition of other specific features, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups.

[0056] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific structure of the ice maker 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0057] The ice maker 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a device that generates ice cubes and provides them to a user. Such an ice maker 10 may include a main frame 11, a main cover 12, a storage tank 100, a feed screw 200, a coupling assembly 300, a drive motor 400, an opening / closing door 500, a stopper 600, an ice making unit 700, a filter 800, a flow channel (not shown), a valve module (not shown), and a controller 900.

[0058] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the main frame 11 provides an overall appearance for the ice maker 10 and may support one or more of the main cover 12, the storage tank 100, the feed screw 200, the coupling assembly 300, the drive motor 400, the opening / closing door 500, the stopper 600, the ice making unit 700, the filter 800, the flow channel, the valve module, and the controller 900. The main frame 11 extends in the vertical direction, and a part of the upper portion may have a shape protruding forward. The main frame 11 may provide an accommodation space for accommodating one or more of the main cover 12, the storage tank 100, the feed screw 200, the coupling assembly 300, the drive motor 400, the opening / closing door 500, the stopper 600, the ice making unit 700, the filter 800, the flow channel, the valve module, and the controller 900.

[0059] The accommodation space of the main frame 11 may include a tank accommodation space for accommodating the storage tank 100. Such a tank accommodation space may be formed to extend from the left side surface or the right side surface of the main frame 10 into the interior of the main frame 11. In other words, the tank accommodation space may be a space with the left side surface or the right side surface of the main frame 10 open. Such a tank accommodation space may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the storage tank 100, and the storage tank 100 is inserted into the tank accommodation space and can be supported by the main frame 11.

[0060] The main cover 12 can be detachably fixed to the main frame 11 to cover the open left or right side of the main frame 11. Fixing such a main cover 12 to the open left or right side of the main frame 11 can prevent the storage tank 100, coupling assembly 300, drive motor 400, opening and closing door 500, and stopper 600 disposed inside the main frame 11 from being exposed to the outside. In other words, the main cover 12 can form a part of the appearance of the ice maker 10 by covering the open left or right side of the main frame 11.

[0061] The storage tank 100 can provide an ice storage space for storing the ice cubes generated by the ice making unit 700. The storage tank 100 can have a shape corresponding to the tank accommodation space of the main frame 11, and such a storage tank 100 can be inserted into the tank accommodation space of the main frame 11. In addition, the lower part of the storage tank 100 can be formed such that its length in the front-rear direction gradually increases from the lower end to the upper end. In other words, for the storage tank 100, the storage area of the ice storage space can gradually widen from its lower part to the upper part.

[0062] Refer to Figure 4 , a loading and unloading hole 110 can be formed inside the storage tank 100. Such a loading and unloading hole 110 can be disposed on the inner surface at the rear side of the storage tank 100. A magnetic body 240 of a feed screw 200 to be described later can be inserted into the loading and unloading hole 110. Since the magnetic body 240 of the feed screw 200 is inserted into the loading and unloading hole 110, the feed screw 200 can be supported by the storage tank 100. Such a loading and unloading hole 110 can be made of a metal material for bonding with the magnetic body 240.

[0063] Refer to Figure 5 , the feed screw 200 is disposed inside the storage tank 100, and it can transfer ice cubes to discharge the ice cubes stored in the storage tank 100 to the outside of the storage tank 100. Such a feed screw 200 can include a screw shaft 210, transfer wings 220, screw engaging members 230, and a magnetic body 240.

[0064] The screw shaft 210 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction of the storage tank 100 and can be disposed inside the storage tank 100 in the front-rear direction. Such a screw shaft 210 can be supported by the storage tank 100 in a rotatable manner. The screw shaft 210 can rotate in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0065] The transfer wing 220 can be supported by the screw shaft 210 and rotate together with the screw shaft 210 to transfer ice cubes. The transfer wing 220 can be a screw extending along the screw shaft 210 in the right-handed thread direction or the left-handed thread direction. Such a transfer wing 220 can be a screw formed in a direction opposite to that of the first concave-convex portion 311 of the coupling assembly 300 to be described later. For example, when the first concave-convex portion 311 of the coupling assembly 300 is formed in the right-handed thread direction, the transfer wing 220 can be formed in the left-handed thread direction, and when the first concave-convex portion 311 of the coupling assembly 300 is formed in the left-handed thread direction, the transfer wing 220 can be formed in the right-handed thread direction.

[0066] The screw engaging member 230 is disposed on one side of the screw shaft 210 and can be detachably engaged with the coupling assembly 300 to be described later. Herein, one side of the screw shaft 210 can be the front-side end portion of the screw shaft 210, and the other side of the screw shaft 210 can be the rear-side end portion of the screw shaft 210. One side of the screw shaft 210 can extend in a manner protruding outward from the front side of the storage tank 100. Such a screw engaging member 230 can have a shape in which the width gradually narrows as it extends toward the front side of the storage tank 100.

[0067] The magnet 240 can have a magnetic force for closely adhering to the storage tank 100. The magnet 240 is formed on the other side of the screw shaft 210 and can be inserted into the loading and unloading hole 110 of the storage tank 100. Such a magnet 240 can be closely adhered by the magnetic force in a state of being inserted into the loading and unloading hole 110 of the storage tank 100, and can prevent the other side of the feed screw 200 from being arbitrarily detached from the loading and unloading hole 110. In other words, even if the engagement between the feed screw 200 and the coupling assembly 300 is released, the other side of the screw shaft 210 can be maintained in a state of being inserted into the loading and unloading hole 110 by the magnetic force of the magnet 240. When the engagement with the coupling assembly 300 is released, one side of the feed screw 200 may bend downward due to the weight of the feed screw 200 itself, but since the feed screw 200 is fixed to the loading and unloading hole 110 by the magnet 240, the posture toward the coupling assembly 300 can be maintained. Therefore, when the feed screw 200 and the coupling assembly 300 are separated from each other in a state where the engagement between the feed screw 200 and the coupling assembly 300 is released and then the feed screw 200 and the coupling assembly 300 approach each other, since the feed screw 200 is fixed to the loading and unloading hole 110 by the magnet 240, even if the user does not grasp the feed screw 200, the feed screw 200 and the coupling assembly 300 can be engaged with each other. In addition, the user can separate the feed screw 200 from the storage tank 100 by applying an external force greater than the magnetic force of the magnet 240 to the feed screw 200.

[0068] Refer to Figures 5 to 9, the coupling assembly 300 can be selectively engaged or disengaged with the screw engaging member 230 disposed on one side of the feeding screw 200. The coupling assembly 300 can be disposed on the front side inside the main frame 11. Such a coupling assembly 300 can include a first coupling 310 and a second coupling 320.

[0069] The first coupling 310 can be rotated by the drive shaft 410 of the drive motor 400 to be described later. Such a first coupling 310 can be arranged on the same axis as the screw shaft 210 of the feeding screw 200 and the drive shaft 410 of the drive motor 400. The first coupling 310 can rotate about an axis extending in a direction parallel to the screw shaft 210 of the feeding screw 200. A first uneven portion 311 can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of such a first coupling 310.

[0070] The first uneven portion 311 can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first coupling 310 so as to extend in the length direction of the first coupling 310. For example, the first uneven portion 311 can be formed in a spiral shape extending in the right-handed thread direction or the left-handed thread direction. In addition, the first uneven portion 311 can have both the shape of a groove and a protrusion, or can also have only the shape of a groove or a protrusion.

[0071] The second coupling 320 can rotate together with the first coupling 310, or can move forward or backward along the length direction of the first coupling 310. Such a second coupling 320 can be arranged on the same axis as the first coupling 310, and can also be arranged on the same axis as the drive shaft 410 of the drive motor 400. The second coupling 320 can rotate about an axis extending in a direction parallel to the screw shaft 210 of the feeding screw 200. A connection groove for connecting with the first coupling 310 can be formed inside the second coupling 320, and a second uneven portion 321 meshing with the first uneven portion 311 of the first coupling 310 can be formed on the inner surface of the connection groove. In addition, a protruding rib 322 and a coupling engaging member 323 can be formed on the second coupling 320.

[0072] The second uneven portion 321 is formed on the inner surface of the connection groove of the second coupling 320 so as to extend in the length direction of the second coupling 320. For example, as in the present invention Figure 7As shown, such a second uneven portion 321 may be a pair of protrusions that engage with the grooves of the first uneven portion 311 and are formed at positions opposite to each other. In addition, the shape of the second uneven portion 321 is not limited to a pair of protrusion shapes, and it may also be formed in a spiral shape corresponding to the first uneven portion 311. In other words, when the first uneven portion 311 is formed in a right-handed thread direction, the second uneven portion 321 may also be formed in a right-handed thread direction, and when the first uneven portion 311 is formed in a left-handed thread direction, the second uneven portion 321 may also be formed in a left-handed thread direction. In addition, the second uneven portion 321 may have both a groove and a protrusion shape, or may have only one of a groove or a protrusion shape.

[0073] The protruding rib 322 can limit the rotation of the second coupling 320 by contacting a stopper 600 to be described later. Such a protruding rib 322 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second coupling 320 so as to extend in the outer direction of the second coupling 320, and it may be formed along the length direction of the second coupling 320. The protruding rib 322 may protrude toward the opening / closing door 500.

[0074] The coupling engaging member 323 can selectively engage with the screw engaging member 230 of the feed screw 200. The coupling engaging member 323 may have a groove shape that is recessed toward the inner side of the second coupling 320. The coupling engaging member 323 may be formed on the inner surface of the second coupling 320 opposite to the screw engaging member 230. Such a coupling engaging member 323 may be formed in a conical shape that is more inclined outward toward the feed screw 200 side. In other words, since the screw engaging member 230 is formed in a shape where the upper and lower widths gradually narrow as the distance from the feed screw 200 increases, the coupling engaging member 323 that engages with the screw engaging member 230 may be formed so as to gradually incline outward toward the feed screw 200 side.

[0075] The second coupling 320 and the feed screw 200 may be in an engaged state (a state where the coupling engaging member 323 of the second coupling 320 and the screw engaging member 230 of the feed screw 200 are engaged with each other) or a disengaged state (a state where the engagement between the coupling engaging member 323 of the second coupling 320 and the screw engaging member 230 of the feed screw 200 is released).

[0076] Further refer to Figure 10, in the disengaged state, when the protruding rib 322 contacts the stopper 600 and restricts the rotation of the second coupling 320, if the drive shaft 410 of the drive motor 400 operates in a rotating manner in one direction, the first coupling 310 connected to the drive shaft 410 can also rotate in one direction. When the first coupling 310 rotates in one direction, the second coupling 320 is restricted from rotating due to the contact between the protruding rib 322 and the stopper 600, and thus can move toward the screw engagement member 230 along the length direction of the first coupling 310. In other words, due to the relative rotation of the first coupling 310 with respect to the second coupling 320, the second coupling 320 is pushed toward the screw engagement member 230 side, and the coupling engagement member 323 and the screw engagement member 230 can engage with each other.

[0077] In the state where the coupling engagement member 323 and the screw engagement member 230 are fully engaged by the rotation of the first coupling 310 in one direction, the rotation of the first coupling 310 in one direction with respect to the second coupling 320 is not allowed. In other words, in the state where the coupling engagement member 323 and the screw engagement member 230 are fully engaged, when the drive motor 400 rotates, the feed screw 200 rotates together with the coupling assembly 300.

[0078] The drive motor 400 can provide a rotational force to the feed screw 200 and the coupling assembly 300. Such a drive motor 400 can be disposed in the front side internal accommodation space of the main frame 11. Through the coupling assembly 300, the drive shaft 410 of the drive motor 400 rotates in a state of being connected to the screw shaft 210 of the feed screw 200, thereby rotating the feed screw 200.

[0079] Among them, when the first concave-convex portion 311 and the second concave-convex portion 321 are formed along the left-handed thread direction, when observing the drive shaft 410 from the drive motor 400 side, one direction of rotation of the drive shaft 410 can be the clockwise direction. In other words, when the drive shaft 410 rotates in one direction, if the second coupling 320 wants to move toward the screw engagement member 230 side along the length direction of the first coupling 310, it is necessary to disengage the engagement between the first concave-convex portion 311 and the second concave-convex portion 321. Therefore, when observing the drive shaft 410 from the drive motor 400 side, one direction of rotation of the drive shaft 410 can be the clockwise direction. If the first concave-convex portion 311 and the second concave-convex portion 321 are formed along the right-handed thread direction, when observing the drive shaft 410 from the drive motor 400 side, then one direction of rotation of the drive shaft 410 can be the counterclockwise direction. In addition, one direction of rotation of the drive shaft 410 can be the rotation direction for the feed screw 200 to transfer ice cubes to the outside of the storage tank 100.

[0080] In the engaged state, when the protruding rib 322 contacts the stopper 600 and restricts the rotation of the second coupling 320, if the drive shaft 410 of the drive motor 400 operates in a manner of rotating in the other direction, the first coupling 310 connected to the drive shaft 410 can also rotate in the other direction. When the first coupling 310 rotates in the other direction, the second coupling 320 is restricted from rotating due to the contact between the protruding rib 322 and the stopper 600, so it can move away from the screw engagement member 230 along the length direction of the first coupling 310. In other words, due to the relative rotation of the first coupling 310 with respect to the second coupling 320, the second coupling 320 moves away from the screw engagement member 230, and since the engagement between the coupling engagement member 323 and the screw engagement member 230 is released, the second coupling 320 and the feed screw 200 can be in a disengaged state.

[0081] Wherein, when the first concave-convex portion 311 and the second concave-convex portion 321 are formed along the left-handed thread direction, when observing the drive shaft 410 from the drive motor 400 side, the other direction of rotation of the drive shaft 410 can be the counterclockwise direction. In other words, when the drive shaft 410 rotates in the other direction, if the second coupling 320 wants to move away from the screw engagement member 230 along the length direction of the first coupling 310, the first concave-convex portion 311 and the second concave-convex portion 321 need to engage with each other, so when observing the drive shaft 410 from the drive motor 400 side, the other direction of rotation of the drive shaft 410 can be the counterclockwise direction. If the first concave-convex portion 311 and the second concave-convex portion 321 are formed along the right-handed thread direction, when observing the drive shaft 410 from the drive motor 400 side, the other direction of rotation of the drive shaft 410 can be the clockwise direction.

[0082] The opening / closing door 500 is opened to communicate the inside of the storage tank 100 with the outside of the ice maker 10, and a discharge path for discharging the ice stored in the storage tank 100 to the outside of the ice maker 10 can be provided. The opening / closing door 500 can be arranged in the front-side internal accommodation space of the main frame 11 and can be arranged adjacent to the front side of the storage tank 100. Such an opening / closing door 500 can be rotated by means of a rotation motor 510 and can be opened or closed by rotation.

[0083] The stopper 600 can be located at a rotation-limiting position that restricts the rotation of the second coupling 320 or a rotation-permitting position that allows the rotation of the second coupling 320, thereby restricting or allowing the rotation of the second coupling 320. When the stopper 600 is located at the rotation-limiting position, if the second coupling 320 rotates, the stopper 600 interferes with the protruding rib 322 of the second coupling 320, and the rotation of the second coupling 320 can be restricted. In addition, when the stopper 600 is located at the rotation-permitting position, if the second coupling 320 rotates, the stopper 600 does not interfere with the protruding rib 322 of the second coupling 320, and the rotation of the second coupling 320 can be allowed. The stopper 600 can be disposed on the opening / closing door 500. The stopper 600 can have a protruding shape that extends upward from the upper part of the opening / closing door 500.

[0084] Referring Figure 10 and Figure 11 , when the stopper 600 is disposed on the opening / closing door 500, it can be located at the rotation-limiting position or the rotation-permitting position according to the movement of the opening / closing door 500. When the opening / closing door 500 closes the ice discharge path, the stopper 600 is located at the rotation-limiting position and contacts the protruding rib 322, thereby restricting the rotation of the second coupling 320. When the stopper 600 is located at the rotation-limiting position, if the first coupling 310 rotates, the second coupling 320 will not rotate and will be moved forward or backward along the length direction of the first coupling 310.

[0085] In addition, when the opening / closing door 500 opens the ice discharge path, the stopper 600 is located at the rotation-permitting position and does not contact the protruding rib 322, thereby allowing the rotation of the second coupling 320. When the stopper 600 is located at the rotation-permitting position, the coupling engagement member 323 of the second coupling 320 and the screw engagement member 230 can be fully engaged, and the feed screw 200 can rotate through the coupling assembly 300. The feed screw 200 rotates through the coupling assembly 300, so that the ice stored inside the storage tank 100 can be discharged to the outside of the storage tank 100. Only when the coupling engagement member 323 of the second coupling 320 and the screw engagement member 230 of the feed screw 200 are engaged with each other, the opening / closing door 500 will open and the stopper 600 will be located at the rotation-permitting position.

[0086] The ice-making unit 700 can generate ice by cooling the water supplied by the ice-making machine 10. Such an ice-making unit 700 can be disposed inside the main frame 11. Such an ice-making unit 700 is disposed above the storage tank 100 and can supply the generated ice to the storage tank 100.

[0087] The filter 800 can provide purified water by filtering the source water externally supplied to the ice maker 10. The filter 800 can be configured inside the main frame 11. The purified water filtered in such a filter 800 can be transferred to the ice making unit 700 to become ice cubes, or discharged outside the ice maker 10 to be provided to the user. The purified water generated by the filter 800 can include one or more of warm water, cold water, and filtered water that is not heated or cooled.

[0088] The flow channel can provide a channel through which the source water and the purified water can flow. Such a flow channel can include a source water flow path and a purified water flow path.

[0089] The source water flow path can provide a channel through which the source water discharged from the source water supply source can flow. In addition, the source water flow path can be connected to the filter 800. Through such a source water flow path, the source water can flow toward the filter 800.

[0090] The purified water flow path can provide a channel through which the purified water discharged from the filter 800 can flow. In addition, the purified water flow path can be connected to the purified water discharge port that discharges the purified water outside the ice maker 10. Through such a purified water flow path, the purified water discharged from the filter 800 can flow toward the purified water discharge port to be discharged outside the ice maker 10.

[0091] The valve module can be a plurality of valve modules that selectively open and close to regulate the flow of the source water and the purified water in the flow channel. Such a plurality of valve modules can include a first valve module and a second valve module. The first valve module is provided in the source water flow path to open and close so that the source water can flow into the filter 800. The second valve module is provided in the purified water flow path to open and close so that the purified water discharged from the filter 800 can flow toward the purified water discharge port.

[0092] The controller 900 can control one or more of the drive motor 400, the opening and closing door 500, and the ice making unit 700. In addition, the controller 900 can control the valve module of the flow channel configured inside according to the user's operation so as to be able to discharge water or ice cubes outside the ice maker 10. Such a controller 900 can be implemented by a computing device including a microprocessor, and this implementation method is well known to those skilled in the art, so further description is omitted.

[0093] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 5 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 ,the operation state of the ice maker 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0094] With reference to Figure 5, when the user presses the ice ejection lever of the ice maker 10 in the state before taking out the ice from the ice maker 10, the drive motor 400 operates, causing the drive shaft 410 to rotate in one direction, and the coupling assembly 300 connected to the drive shaft 410 can also rotate in one direction. When the protruding rib 322 of the second coupling 320 contacts the stopper 600 due to the rotation of the coupling assembly 300 in one direction, the rotation of the second coupling 320 is restricted.

[0095] Refer to Figure 10 , in the state where the rotation of the second coupling 320 is restricted, when the drive motor 400 continues to operate in such a way that the drive shaft 410 rotates in one direction, the second coupling 320 moves toward the screw engagement member 230 side along the length direction of the first coupling 310, and the coupling engagement member 323 of the second coupling 320 and the screw engagement member 230 of the feed screw 200 can be engaged with each other.

[0096] Refer to Figure 11 , in the state where the coupling engagement member 323 of the second coupling 320 and the screw engagement member 230 of the feed screw 200 are engaged with each other, the opening / closing door 500 rotates through the operation of the rotation motor 510, and the ejection path for ejecting ice to the outside of the ice maker 10 can be opened. When the stopper 600 is in the rotation-permitted position due to the opening of the opening / closing door 500, the coupling assembly 300 can rotate. When the coupling assembly 300 rotates, the feed screw 200 connected to the coupling assembly 300 rotates, so that the ice stored inside the storage tank 100 can be ejected to the outside of the ice maker 10 through the ejection path.

[0097] When the ice ejection to the outside of the ice maker 10 ends, the opening / closing door 500 closes the ejection path, and the stopper 600 can be in the rotation-restricted position. When the stopper 600 is in the rotation-restricted position, the rotation of the second coupling 320 can be restricted. In the state where the rotation of the second coupling 320 is restricted, when the drive motor 400 operates to rotate the drive shaft 410 in the other direction, the second coupling 320 moves toward the drive motor 400 side along the length direction of the first coupling 310, and the engagement between the coupling engagement member 323 of the second coupling 320 and the screw engagement member 230 of the feed screw 200 can be released.

[0098] Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the ice maker 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0099] The coupling assembly 300 is disposed inside the storage tank 100 to transfer ice cubes to the outside of the ice maker 10 and transmit rotational force to the feed screw 200, and is formed to selectively engage with the feed screw 200, so that the storage tank 100 can be detached from the main frame 11 of the ice maker 10 without interference from the coupling assembly 300. Since the storage tank 100 can be detached from the main frame 11 of the ice maker 10, the user can more effectively clean the inside of the storage tank 100.

[0100] In addition, the feed screw 200 is detachably disposed in the loading and unloading hole 110 of the storage tank 100, so that the feed screw 200 can be detached from the storage tank 100. Since the feed screw 200 can be detached from the storage tank 100, the user can more effectively clean the lower side of the feed screw 200 of the storage tank 100.

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with the above specific embodiments, these are only examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and should be understood to have the broadest scope following the technical idea disclosed in this specification. Those skilled in the art can implement patterns of unspecified shapes by combining / replacing the disclosed embodiments, but this still does not depart from the scope of the present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art can easily change or deform based on the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and such changes or deformations also clearly fall within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, Comprising: A storage tank, disposed inside the main frame, for storing the ice cubes generated by the ice-making unit. A feeding screw, rotatably disposed in the storage tank, for transferring the ice cubes by rotation. A coupling assembly, detachably connected to one side of the feeding screw. When the coupling assembly rotates in one direction, the coupling assembly is in an engaged state meshing with the one side of the feeding screw. When the coupling assembly rotates in the other direction, the coupling assembly is in a disengaged state where the engagement with the one side of the feeding screw is released, and A driving motor, for driving the coupling assembly to rotate in the one direction or the other direction.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein The coupling assembly includes: A first coupling, rotated by the driving motor, and having a first concave-convex portion formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and A second coupling, having a second concave-convex portion formed inside thereof that can mesh with the first concave-convex portion of the first coupling. The second coupling is combined with the first coupling through the meshing of the first concave-convex portion and the second concave-convex portion with each other; The first coupling and the second coupling are configured to be able to rotate together, or the first coupling can rotate in a state where the rotation of the second coupling is restricted.

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, wherein Further comprising: A stopper, located at a rotation-restricted position for restricting the rotation of the second coupling or a rotation-permitted position for allowing the rotation of the second coupling; The second coupling includes: A protruding rib, which meshes with the stopper when the driving motor rotates in the one direction in a state where the stopper is located at the rotation-restricted position; In a state where the stopper is located at the rotation-restricted position, the rotation of the second coupling is restricted due to the meshing of the protruding rib and the stopper.

4. The ice maker according to claim 3, wherein In a state where the coupling assembly is in the disengaged state and the stopper is located at the rotation-restricted position, when the first coupling rotates in the one direction, the protruding rib meshes with the stopper to restrict the rotation of the second coupling, and the second coupling is transferred along the first coupling to approach the feeding screw, so that the coupling assembly is switched from the disengaged state to the engaged state. In a state where the coupling assembly is in the engaged state and the stopper is located at the rotation-restricted position, when the first coupling rotates in the other direction, the protruding rib meshes with the stopper to restrict the rotation of the second coupling, and the second coupling is transferred along the first coupling to move away from the feeding screw, so that the coupling assembly is switched from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

5. The ice maker according to claim 4, wherein When the coupling assembly is in the engaged state, by rotating the coupling assembly in the one direction, the feeding screw discharges the ice cubes to the outside of the storage tank.

6. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, Further comprising: An opening and closing door, which is opened to discharge the ice stored in the storage tank to the outside; The stopper is disposed on the opening and closing door, When the opening and closing door is opened, the stopper is located at the rotation allowable position.

7. The ice maker according to claim 2, wherein, The first concave and convex portion has a spiral shape extending in a right-handed thread direction or a left-handed thread direction, The second concave and convex portion has a spiral shape meshing with the first concave and convex portion, The feed screw includes: Transfer wings, which extend in a direction opposite to the first concave and convex portion and have a spiral shape.

8. The ice maker according to claim 2, wherein, A coupling engaging member having a groove shape is formed in the second coupling, The feed screw includes: A screw engaging member, which is formed on the side of the feed screw in a manner of meshing with the coupling engaging member. When the coupling assembly is in the meshing state, the screw engaging member meshes with the coupling engaging member, thereby preventing relative rotation between the feed screw and the coupling assembly.

9. The ice maker according to claim 8, wherein, The screw engaging member has a shape in which the width gradually narrows as it extends towards the end, The coupling engaging member has a tapered shape that gradually inclines outward.

10. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, A loading and unloading hole for selectively fixing the feed screw is formed in the storage tank, The feed screw includes a magnetic body, and the magnetic body is disposed on the other side of the feed screw, The magnetic body is inserted into the interior of the loading and unloading hole, such that the other side of the feed screw is in close contact with the storage tank.

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