Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention can include a cabinet forming a storage compartment, a door opening and closing the cabinet, a tray rotatably provided to the door and having a circumferential surface generating ice by receiving water, a cylinder forming a space accommodating the ice separated from the circumferential surface, a motor providing a driving force to the tray, a gear assembly transmitting the driving force of the motor to the tray, and a piston linearly moving by being linked to the gear assembly to guide the ice separated from the circumferential surface to the cylinder. Thus, it is possible to easily implement driving of the tray and driving of the piston.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This instruction manual pertains to refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is typically a household appliance that stores food at low temperatures in an interior space enclosed by a door. It uses cold air to cool the interior space, thus preserving the stored food in either a refrigerated or frozen state.

[0003] Typically, a refrigerator's freezer compartment includes an ice maker. The ice maker holds water supplied from a water source or tank in a tray, and then produces ice by cooling the water. The ice produced in the ice maker can be stored in an ice bucket. The user can open the freezer door and approach the ice bucket to remove the ice stored therein.

[0004] On the other hand, because ice is relatively hard, there is a risk of tooth damage when children, the elderly, or consumers with weak teeth chew it. Therefore, consumers have always demanded ice with a lower strength, that is, a strength that is easy to chew. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of producing ice of a strength that is chewable by consumers.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator having a tray including a perimeter for generating ice, and capable of producing thin ice (ice in a first state) by cooling water supplied to the perimeter.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of separating thin ice from the circumferential surface by providing a scraper on one side of the tray, and producing powdered ice (ice in a second state).

[0008] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of producing molded ice (ice in a third state) with a specified strength by compressing the powdered ice.

[0009] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator that can perform driving of a tray for moving ice and piston driving for compressing powdered ice by driving a single drive device including a motor.

[0010] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator in which the drive of a motor can be controlled to sequentially execute the drive of a tray for transferring ice and the piston drive for compressing powdered ice.

[0011] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator comprising a first gear that transmits the driving force of a motor to a tray and a second gear that guides the movement of a rack and a piston by means of linkage with the first gear, thereby enabling easy execution of the driving of the tray and the driving of the piston.

[0012] The objective of this invention is also to provide a refrigerator in which the tray rotates in a first direction (for example, counterclockwise) during the ice-moving action and in a second direction (for example, clockwise) during the compression action, thereby enabling the ice-moving action and the compression action to be easily achieved.

[0013] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator comprising a drive gear that transmits the driving force of a motor to a tray and a plurality of driven gears that are linked to the drive gear, thereby enabling easy execution of tray driving and piston driving.

[0014] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator in which the tray rotates in only one direction (for example, counterclockwise or clockwise) during the ice-moving and compression actions, thereby easily achieving the ice-moving and compression actions.

[0015] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator whose tray is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal material, so as to rapidly cool the tray by supplying cold air.

[0016] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a portion of the circumferential surface (first circumferential surface) of the tray is formed with a space or surface for ice making, while a portion of the circumferential surface (second circumferential surface) is not formed with a space or surface for ice making, thereby improving the ice making performance of the tray.

[0017] In particular, the objective is to provide a refrigerator in which the first circumferential surface of the tray is at a first center distance from the center of the tray, thereby allowing the first circumferential surface to be immersed in water in the water storage tank, while the second circumferential surface of the tray is at a second center distance from the center of the tray, thereby preventing the second circumferential surface of the tray from being immersed in water in the water storage tank. In this case, the second center distance is smaller than the first center distance.

[0018] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator having at least one of a recess and a protrusion formed on its circumferential surface, and being able to form a space or surface for generating ice in at least one of the recess and the protrusion, thereby improving the ice-making performance of the tray.

[0019] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator in which tray holes are formed and cold air flow paths are formed in the tray holes to increase the cooling area of ​​the tray.

[0020] Another objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator having a water storage tank and a tray that is at least partially immersed in the water storage tank, thereby enabling smooth water supply to the periphery of the tray.

[0021] The refrigerator of this invention may include a tray with a peripheral surface (or peripheral wall) for supplying water and a motor for driving the tray. However, other liquids, not just water, may also be supplied to the peripheral surface.

[0022] The tray can be configured to be axially connected to the motor and capable of rotation.

[0023] It may include a power transmission device that transmits the driving force of the motor to the tray.

[0024] As an example, the power transmission device may include a gear assembly; the gear assembly may include a first gear connected to the shaft of the motor and a second gear linked to the first gear.

[0025] The motor may include a reversible motor that provides driving force so that the first gear can rotate in both directions.

[0026] The first gear can engage with the tray shaft, thereby causing the tray to rotate.

[0027] The second gear can be linked with a rack for the linear movement of the piston.

[0028] The refrigerator may include a cylinder for containing ice separated from the circumference of the tray; the piston may be configured to reciprocate to compress or recombine the ice contained in the cylinder.

[0029] The refrigerator may include a gear lever supported on the first gear; the gear lever is rotatably disposed on a protrusion of the first gear.

[0030] During the ice-moving action of the tray, the first gear rotates in the first direction (for example, counterclockwise), at which time the first gear and the second gear may not be linked.

[0031] When the piston compresses or re-engages, the first gear rotates in the second direction (clockwise, for example). At this time, the teeth of the first gear and the second gear can be configured such that the first gear and the second gear are linked together.

[0032] The second gear may include an interference protrusion that contacts the gear lever. When the first gear rotates in a first direction, the gear lever passes over the interference protrusion. Then, as the first gear rotates in a second direction, the gear lever pushes the interference protrusion, thereby initiating the linkage between the first gear and the second gear.

[0033] As the second gear rotates in the first direction (for example, counterclockwise), the piston can move toward the cylinder through the linkage of the second gear and the rack, compressing or recombining the ice inside the cylinder.

[0034] As the second gear rotates in the second direction (clockwise, for example), the piston can move away from the cylinder through the linkage of the second gear and the rack.

[0035] As another example, the power transmission device may include a gear assembly; the gear assembly may include a drive gear connected to the shaft of the motor and at least two driven gears that are linked to the drive gear.

[0036] The two driven gears may include a first driven gear and a second driven gear that are linked together.

[0037] The motor may include a unidirectional motor that provides a driving force that causes the drive gear to rotate only in one direction (for example, forward rotation).

[0038] The second gear can engage with the tray shaft, thereby causing the tray to rotate.

[0039] The first gear may include two auxiliary gears; the first auxiliary gear of the two auxiliary gears can guide the compression action of the piston moving toward the cylinder by means of linkage with the first driven gear. The first auxiliary gear may be named the "compression gear".

[0040] The second of the two auxiliary gears can guide the resetting action of the piston, which is moving away from the cylinder, by means of linkage with the second driven gear. This second auxiliary gear can be named the "resetting gear".

[0041] The first auxiliary gear and the second auxiliary gear can be integrally connected to the shaft of the first gear and separated axially.

[0042] The second driven gear can be linked with a rack for the linear movement of the piston.

[0043] The circumference of the tray may include a portion that extends into a curved shape.

[0044] The circumference of the tray may include an arc-shaped portion.

[0045] The circumference of the tray may include a circular portion.

[0046] The tray may include a cylinder.

[0047] From one aspect of the invention, the refrigerator may include: a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the cabinet; a tray rotatably disposed on the door and having a circumferential surface for generating ice by receiving water; a cylinder forming a space for receiving ice separated from the circumferential surface; and a motor for providing driving force to the tray.

[0048] The refrigerator may include: a gear assembly that transmits the driving force of the motor to the tray; and a piston that moves linearly in conjunction with the gear assembly to guide ice separated from the circumferential surface toward the cylinder.

[0049] The refrigerator may include a water tank disposed on one side of the tray and storing water to be supplied to the periphery of the tray.

[0050] The refrigerator may include a scraper, which is configured on one side of the cylinder toward the circumferential surface to contact the ice generated on the circumferential surface.

[0051] The circumferential surface of the tray may include: a first circumferential surface that forms a first center distance from the center of the tray to receive water; and a second circumferential surface that is configured to form a second center distance smaller than the first center distance to not receive water.

[0052] The gear assembly may include a first gear connected to the motor and the tray.

[0053] The gear assembly may include a second gear that is linked to the first gear; the first gear and the second gear may be configured as an incomplete gear with gear teeth formed only on a portion of the outer peripheral surface.

[0054] The motor can be a bidirectional driven motor, capable of achieving rotation in both the first and second directions of the first gear.

[0055] The refrigerator may include: a gear lever rotatably supported on the first gear and configured to contact an interference protrusion of the second gear; and a lever spring including a first end connected to the gear lever and a second end supported on the first gear.

[0056] It may include a bracket that supports the gear assembly; the bracket may include a receiving bracket that supports the central portion of the second gear and a stop that is inserted into a guide slot of the second gear.

[0057] The refrigerator may include a torsion spring having two ends supported by the second gear and the bracket.

[0058] The gear assembly may include a rack that is linked to the second gear and connected to the piston.

[0059] The first gear may include a compression gear section and a reset gear section arranged along the axial direction; the compression gear section and the reset gear section may be connected to a central shaft and rotate together.

[0060] The compression gear section and the reset gear section may be composed of incomplete gears with gear teeth formed only on a portion of the outer peripheral surface.

[0061] The motor may be a unidirectional drive motor, capable of rotating only in the first direction of the first gear.

[0062] The gear assembly may include: a second gear having an axial width greater than that of the compression gear portion, for linkage with the compression gear portion but not with the reset gear portion; and a third gear for linkage with the second gear.

[0063] The third gear may have an axial width greater than that of the reset gear section, so that it can be linked with the reset gear section but not with the compression gear section.

[0064] The refrigerator may include a rack that is linked to the third gear and connected to the piston.

[0065] From another aspect of the invention, the refrigerator may include: a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the cabinet; a tray rotatably disposed on the cabinet or the door and supplied with water; a scraper configured adjacent to the tray to separate ice formed on the tray; and a cylinder extending tangentially along the outer peripheral surface of the tray to contain the ice separated by the scraper.

[0066] The refrigerator may include: a piston that performs movement on one side of the cylinder in a direction toward or away from the cylinder; a motor that generates driving force for the rotation of the tray; and a gear assembly that transmits the driving force of the motor to the piston.

[0067] The gear assembly may include: a first gear connected to the tray and supporting a gear lever; and a second gear linked to the first gear and configured with a protrusion that contacts the gear lever.

[0068] The gear assembly may include: a first gear connected to the tray, including a compression gear section and a reset gear section; a second gear that is linked to the compression gear section of the first gear; and a third gear that is linked to the reset gear section of the first gear.

[0069] According to embodiments of the present invention, ice with a strength that is chewable by consumers can be produced, thereby improving consumer satisfaction.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the invention, a tray is provided with a peripheral surface for generating ice, and thin ice (ice in the first state) can be easily produced by cooling the water supplied to the peripheral surface.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the invention, a scraper is provided on one side of the tray, thereby enabling easy separation of the thin ice from the circumferential surface and the production of powdered ice (ice in a second state).

[0072] According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to easily manufacture molded ice (ice in the third state) with a specified strength by compressing the powdered ice.

[0073] According to embodiments of the present invention, the driving of the tray for moving ice and the piston driving for compressing powdered ice can be easily performed by driving a single drive device including a motor.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving of the tray for transferring the ice and the piston driving for compressing the powdered ice can be easily executed sequentially by controlling the drive of the motor.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first gear is included to transmit the driving force of the motor to the tray and a second gear is included to guide the movement of the rack and piston by means of linkage with the first gear, thereby enabling easy execution of the drive of the tray and the drive of the piston.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tray rotates in a first direction (for example, counterclockwise) during the ice-moving action and in a second direction (for example, clockwise) during the compression action, thereby making the ice-moving action and the compression action easy to achieve.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method includes transmitting the driving force of the motor to a drive gear of the tray and a plurality of driven gears linked to the drive gear, thereby enabling easy execution of the drive of the tray and the drive of the piston.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tray rotates in only one direction (for example, counterclockwise or clockwise) during the ice-moving and compression actions, thereby making the ice-moving and compression actions easy to achieve.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the invention, the tray is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal material, so that the tray can be cooled quickly by the supplied cold air.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the circumferential surface (first circumferential surface) of the tray is formed with a space or surface for ice making, while a portion of the circumferential surface (second circumferential surface) is not formed with a space or surface for ice making, thereby improving the ice making performance of the tray.

[0081] In particular, the first circumference of the tray forms a first center distance from the center of the tray, thereby allowing the first circumference of the tray to be immersed in the water in the water storage tank, while the second circumference of the tray forms a second center distance from the center of the tray that is smaller than the first center distance, thereby allowing the second circumference of the tray to not be immersed in the water in the water storage tank, thereby improving the ice-making performance of the tray.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of a recess and a protrusion is formed on the circumferential surface, and at least one of the recess and the protrusion forms a space or surface for forming ice, thereby improving the ice-making performance of the tray.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray hole is formed in the tray, and a cold air flow path can be formed in the tray hole, thereby increasing the cooling area of ​​the tray.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a water storage tank is provided, and the tray is configured such that at least a portion thereof is immersed in the water storage tank, thereby enabling smooth water supply to the periphery of the tray. Attached Figure Description

[0085] Figure 1 (A) is a front view of a refrigerator illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (B) is a diagram showing the state of the refrigerator with one door separated.

[0086] Figure 2 (A) is a perspective view taken from the front of the first refrigerator compartment door according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (B) is a perspective view viewed from the rear of the first refrigerator door of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 3 (A) is a diagram showing the state of the basket and filter separated from the first refrigerator compartment door. Figure 3 (B) is a diagram showing the state of the ice-making chamber door and cover components separated from the first refrigerator door.

[0088] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ice maker and door pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the ice maker and ice chamber support according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 7 This is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the ice-making section of the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 9a This is a diagram showing the relative configuration of the tray assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention with respect to the water tank when it is in the first position (ice-making position).

[0094] Figure 9b This diagram illustrates the relative configuration of the tray assembly and scraper when the tray assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention is in the second position (ice removal position).

[0095] Figure 9c This is a diagram showing the relative configuration of the tray assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention with respect to the water storage tank when it is in the third position (water supply position).

[0096] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the compression section of an ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the transfer tube and cylinder according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view cut along line 12-12.

[0099] Figure 13 This is a front view showing a portion of the compression section of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 14 This is a front perspective view showing the configuration of the gear assembly and piston according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Figure 15 This is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of the gear assembly and piston according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Figure 16a This is a diagram showing the state in which the first gear of the first embodiment of the present invention rotates in a first direction and the gear lever and the interference protrusion begin to contact.

[0103] Figure 16b This diagram illustrates the state in which the first gear of the first embodiment of the present invention rotates in a first direction and the gear lever passes over the interference protrusion.

[0104] Figure 16c This diagram illustrates the state in which the first gear of the first embodiment of the present invention rotates in a second direction and is linked with the second gear, while the piston moves toward the cylinder.

[0105] Figure 16d This diagram illustrates a state in which the first gear of the first embodiment of the present invention rotates in a first direction and is linked with the second gear, while the piston moves in a direction away from the cylinder.

[0106] Figure 17a This is a cross-sectional view showing the piston in the standby position according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Figure 17b This is a cross-sectional view showing the piston in the compression position according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Figure 18a This is a diagram showing the state of the ice maker when the tray is being moved during ice transfer in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Figure 18b This is a diagram showing the state of an ice maker when ice is compressed by the piston according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Figure 19 This is a front left perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 20 This is a front right perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Figure 21 This is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Figure 22 This is an exploded view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 23 This is a front view showing a portion of the ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the gear assembly and piston according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Figure 25 This is a front view showing the configuration of the gear assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Figures 26a to 26dThis is a diagram illustrating the function of the gear assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 27a This is a diagram showing the state of ice being transferred from the tray in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Figure 27b This is a diagram showing the state in which the piston of the second embodiment of the present invention performs a compression function. Detailed Implementation

[0120] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the constituent elements of each drawing, the same symbols are used as much as possible for the same constituent elements, even though they are labeled in different drawings. Furthermore, in the process of describing the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0121] Furthermore, when describing the constituent elements of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are merely for distinguishing the constituent elements from other constituent elements and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding constituent elements. When a constituent element is described as being "connected," "bonded," or "in contact" with other constituent elements, it should be understood that the aforementioned constituent element can be directly connected to or in contact with the other constituent elements, or that other constituent elements can be "connected," "bonded," or "in contact" between the constituent elements.

[0122] On the other hand, in describing the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention, the statement "at least one of constituent elements A and B" can be understood as including (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) all three embodiments of A and B.

[0123] Furthermore, in describing the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention, the expression "at least one of constituent element A or B" can be understood to include (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) all three embodiments of A and B. That is, "at least one of constituent element A or B" can mean the same as "at least one of constituent element A and B".

[0124] Figure 1 (A) is a front view of a refrigerator illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (B) is a diagram showing the state of the refrigerator with one door separated. Figure 2 (A) is a perspective view taken from the front of the first refrigerator compartment door according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (B) is a perspective view viewed from the rear of the first refrigerator door of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Figure 3 (A) is a diagram showing the state of the basket and filter separated from the first refrigerator compartment door. Figure 3 (B) is a diagram showing the state of the ice-making chamber door and cover components separated from the first refrigerator door.

[0126] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment may include a cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 may have a storage compartment. The refrigerator 1 may also include a door for opening and closing the storage compartment. The door may be rotatably or movably connected to the cabinet 10.

[0127] The storage compartment may include a refrigerator compartment 18. The storage compartment may optionally or additionally include a freezer compartment 19. As an example, in... Figure 1 (B) shows a configuration where the storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment 18 and a freezer compartment 19. The refrigerator compartment 18 and the freezer compartment 19 may be separated by a partition wall.

[0128] The doors may include refrigerator doors 20 and 30 for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 18. The refrigerator compartment 18 can be opened and closed through more than one refrigerator door 20 and 30. The doors may include freezer doors 50 for opening and closing the freezer compartment 19. The freezer compartment 19 can be opened and closed through more than one freezer door 50.

[0129] The following description will take the case where the refrigerator compartment 18 is opened and closed through the first refrigerator compartment door 20 and the second refrigerator compartment door 30 as an example.

[0130] At least one of the first refrigerator door 20 and the second refrigerator door 30 may include a dispenser 40 for draining water and / or ice. Of course, depending on the type of refrigerator, the freezer door 50 may also have the dispenser 40.

[0131] At least one of the first refrigerator door 20 and the second refrigerator door 30 may include one or more ice makers 100.

[0132] The following explanation uses the case where an ice maker 100 is installed on the first refrigerator compartment door 20 as an example. Of course, if needed, ice makers can also be installed on the second refrigerator compartment door 30 and the freezer compartment door 50. In this case, the dispenser 40 and the ice maker can be installed on the same door. Alternatively, an additional ice maker can be installed in the refrigerator compartment 18 or the freezer compartment 19.

[0133] Figure 1Example (B) illustrates a refrigerator 1 that is a bottom-freezing refrigerator; however, it should be understood that, unlike this, the concept of the invention can also be applied to side-by-side refrigerators or top-freezing refrigerators. In the case of a side-by-side or top-freezing refrigerator, the freezer door may include an ice maker and dispenser, or the refrigerator door may include an ice maker and dispenser.

[0134] The dispenser 40 may be located on the front of the first refrigerator door 20. A portion of the dispenser 40 is recessed rearward to provide space for placing containers.

[0135] The dispenser 40 can discharge ice generated by the ice maker 100. At least a portion of the ice maker 100 can be located at a higher position than the dispenser 40.

[0136] The first refrigerator door 20 may include an outer shell 21. The outer shell 21 forms the front appearance of the first refrigerator door 20. The first refrigerator door 20 may include a door liner 70. The door liner 70 may be directly or indirectly connected to the outer shell 21. The door liner 70 can open and close the refrigerator compartment 18.

[0137] With the outer casing 21 connected to the door liner 70, a heat-insulating space can be formed between the outer casing 21 and the door liner 70. A heat-insulating material can be provided in this heat-insulating space. The heat-insulating material can be formed by curing foaming liquid injected from the outside. Alternatively, a vacuum insulation body can be provided in the heat-insulating space. Alternatively, the heat-insulating material and the vacuum insulation body can be provided together in the heat-insulating space.

[0138] The refrigerator 1 may include an ice-making compartment 25 that provides space for ice production. As an example, the ice-making compartment 25 may be located in the first refrigerator door 20. The ice maker 100 may be located in the ice-making compartment 25. As an example, the door liner 70 may form the ice-making compartment 25. The ice-making compartment 25 may be formed by recessing one side of the door liner 70 towards the outer casing 21.

[0139] The first refrigerator door 20 may further include an ice bucket 500 for storing ice generated by the ice maker 100. Ice stored in the ice bucket 500 can be discharged to the dispenser 40. The ice bucket 500 may be housed together with the ice maker 100 in the ice-making chamber 25. The ice bucket 500 may be located below the ice maker 100.

[0140] As an example, the cold air generated by the cooler can be supplied to the ice-making chamber 25. That is, the cooler can be a configuration that supplies cold air to the ice-making chamber 25. Alternatively, the cooler can be a configuration that operates to supply cold air to the ice-making chamber 25. As described above, the ice-making chamber 25 can be cooled by indirect cooling using cold air, and as another example, the ice-making chamber 25 can also be cooled by direct cooling using refrigerant pipes.

[0141] The cooler may be configured to cool the ice-making chamber 25 by including at least one of a refrigerant cycle and a thermoelectric element. As an example, cold air for cooling the freezer chamber 19 may be supplied to the ice-making chamber 25.

[0142] The refrigerator 1 may further include a supply flow path 16, which directs cold air from the freezer compartment 19 or cold air from the space where the evaporator, which generates cold air to cool the freezer compartment 19, is located to the first refrigerator door 20. The refrigerator 1 may include a discharge flow path 17, which directs cold air discharged from the first refrigerator door 20 to the freezer compartment 19 or the space where the evaporator is located. The supply flow path 16 and the discharge flow path 17 may be disposed within the cabinet 10. For example, the cold air circulating in the supply flow path 16 and the discharge flow path 17 may be circulated by a fan (not shown) disposed in the freezer compartment 19 or the space where the evaporator is located.

[0143] A first opening 16a may be formed on the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment 18, forming the end of the supply flow path 16. Cold air from the supply flow path 16 can be discharged from the supply flow path 16 through the first opening 16a. A second opening 17a may be formed on the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment 18, forming the end of the discharge flow path 17. Cold air from the supply flow path 16 can flow into the discharge flow path 16 through the second opening 17a. The first opening 16a and the second opening 17a may be formed on one of the plurality of inner walls of the refrigerator compartment 18.

[0144] The first refrigerator door 20 may include a cold air inlet 75. If the first refrigerator door 20 is closed, the cold air inlet 75 may communicate with the supply flow path 16 via the first opening 16a. The first refrigerator door 20 may include a cold air outlet 76. If the first refrigerator door 20 is closed, the cold air outlet 76 may communicate with the discharge flow path 17 via the second opening 17a.

[0145] The cold air inlet 75 may be formed on one side of the door liner 70. However, it is not limited to this; one side of the door liner 70 may be the side facing the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment 18 where the supply flow path 16 is located when the first refrigerator door 20 is closed. The cold air outlet 76 may be formed on one side of the door liner 70. However, it is not limited to this; one side of the door liner 70 may be the side facing the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment 18 where the discharge flow path 17 is located when the first refrigerator door 20 is closed.

[0146] The side of the door liner 70 may include a first side portion 72 and a second side portion 74 with different widths in the front-to-back direction. The front-to-back width of the second side portion 74 may be greater than the width of the first side portion 72. One or more of the cold air inlet 75 and the cold air outlet 76 may be formed on the second side portion 74 of the door liner 70. The second side portion 74 may protrude further toward the refrigerator compartment 18 than the first side portion 72.

[0147] The first refrigerator door 20 may include an ice-making chamber door 60 for opening and closing the ice-making chamber 25. The ice-making chamber door 60 may be an insulated door with internal insulation material. The ice-making chamber door 60 may be rotatably connected to the first refrigerator door 20 by means of hinges.

[0148] The ice-making chamber door 60 may be equipped with a first basket 62 for holding food. The first refrigerator door 20 may be equipped with a second basket 65. For example, the second basket 65 may be located below the first basket 62. The front-to-back length of the second basket 65 may be less than the front-to-back length of the first basket 62. The second basket 65 may overlap with the dispenser 40 in the front-to-back direction.

[0149] The first refrigerator door 20 may have a component space 63 for accommodating components. At least one of the following may be accommodated in the component space 63: a valve 68 for regulating water flow, a water filter (not shown), and a water tank 69. The component space 63 may be formed using the door liner 70. Alternatively, the component space 63 may be formed using an additional wall connected to the door liner 70. The first refrigerator door 20 may include a cover member 64 covering the component space 63. A retainer 67 connected to the filter may be provided in the component space 63.

[0150] The cover member 64 may include an opening 63. The filter can be engaged with the retainer 67 through the opening 63. The second housing 65 can cover the opening 63. If the second housing 65 is detached, the opening 63 can be exposed. The retainer 67 can be exposed from the opening 63.

[0151] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ice maker and door pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The refrigerator door 20 of this embodiment may include an ice-making chamber 25 for accommodating an ice maker 100. The refrigerator door 20 may include a plurality of walls 80 defining the ice-making chamber 25.

[0153] The plurality of said walls may form at least a portion of the door lining 70.

[0154] The plurality of walls may include a lower wall 80a defining the lower portion of the ice-making chamber 25, an upper wall 80b defining the upper portion of the ice-making chamber 25, and two side walls 81 defining the two side portions of the ice-making chamber 25. The plurality of walls may also include a front wall 80c defining the front of the ice-making chamber 25.

[0155] The lower wall 80a may be formed with a dispensing section 84 for dispensing ice stored in the ice bucket 500 into the dispenser 40.

[0156] The ice maker 100 may be located between the upper wall 80b and the ice bucket 500. As an example, the ice maker 100 may be configured to be adjacent to the upper wall 80b.

[0157] The side wall 81 may be provided with a first pipe 90 connected to the cold air inlet 75 to supply cold air to the ice-making chamber 25. As an example, the first pipe 90 may be embedded in the side wall 81 so as not to protrude into the ice-making chamber 25. The first pipe 90 may extend upward from the cold air inlet 75 to the upper part of the refrigerator door 20 where the ice maker 100 is located.

[0158] The first pipe 90 includes a pipe discharge section 91 for discharging cold air, and the cold air discharged from the pipe discharge section 91 can flow into the cold air pipe 400 of the ice maker 100.

[0159] A supply section 82 for directing cold air to the cold air duct 400 may be formed on the side wall 81. The duct discharge section 91 may be connected to the supply section 82, and the cold air duct 400 may be connected to the duct discharge section 91 via the supply section 82.

[0160] A return section 83 for supplying cold air from the ice-making chamber 25 to the cold air outlet 76 can be formed on the side wall 81. As an example, the return section 83 can be formed at the height of the ice bucket 500.

[0161] A second conduit 95 may be connected to the return section 83. The second conduit 95 may include an inlet section 96 for introducing cold air discharged through the return section 83. The inlet section 96 may be directly or indirectly connected to the return section 83. As an example, the second conduit 95 may be embedded in the side wall 81 so as not to be exposed to the ice-making chamber 25. The second conduit 95 may extend downward from the return section 83 to the lower part of the refrigerator door 20 and connect to the cold air outlet 76.

[0162] The ice maker 100 may include an ice-making section 200 (see reference). Figure 8 The ice-making section 200 serves to receive water and place it in the tray assembly 240 (see reference). Figure 8 The function of cooling and transferring the cooled ice.

[0163] The ice maker 100 may include a compression section 300 (see reference). Figure 8 The compression section 300 transfers ice removed from the tray assembly 240 and creates ice in a third state by recombining or compressing the transferred ice. The ice in the third state can be ice with a predetermined thickness. The ice in the third state can correspond to the shape of the inner surface of the cylinder 360 or the discharge tube 370 described later; for example, it can have a cylindrical or polygonal prism shape.

[0164] The ice maker 100 may include a cold air duct 400 for supplying cold air to the ice-making section 200. It can be understood that the cold air duct 400 is configured between the side wall 81 and the tray assembly 240, described later.

[0165] The detailed structure of the ice maker 100 will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0166] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the ice maker and ice chamber support according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a front perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the ice-making section of the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Reference Figures 5 to 8 The ice maker 100 of this embodiment of the invention can be installed in the ice-making chamber 25 of the refrigerator door 20. The refrigerator door 20 may include an ice-making chamber plate 85 forming at least a portion of the wall 80 of the ice-making chamber 25. The ice-making chamber plate 85 may include the lower wall 80a and the front wall 80c.

[0168] The ice maker 100 can be supported on the front wall 80c of the ice-making chamber 25.

[0169] The ice maker 100 can be supported on the upper part of the front wall 80c, and the ice bucket 500 can be located on the lower side of the ice maker 100. The refrigerator door 20 may include a dispensing motor (not shown) to provide driving force for discharging ice stored in the ice bucket 500 to the dispenser 40.

[0170] The wall of the ice-making chamber 25 may include a motor housing 86 surrounding the extraction motor. The extraction motor is connected to a gear assembly located in front of the front wall 80c. If the gear assembly is actuated by the extraction motor, the auger (not shown) of the ice bucket 500 actuates to extract ice. The front wall 80c may have a through-hole 87 through which the shaft connecting the gear assembly and the ice bucket 500 passes. Ice discharged from the ice bucket 500 can be discharged to the dispenser 40 through the extraction part 84 of the lower wall 80a.

[0171] The ice maker 100 may include an ice-making section 200 having a tray assembly 240.

[0172] The ice-making section 200 may include ice-making supports 220 and 230 that form a cold air flow path. A cold air duct 400 is connected to one side of the ice-making supports 220 and 230, and the cold air supplied through the cold air duct 400 can flow through the cold air flow path formed inside the ice-making supports 220 and 230. The cold air duct 400 may also be defined as a "first cold air duct", and the ice-making supports 220 and 230 as a "second cold air duct".

[0173] The ice-making supports 220 and 230 may include a first support 220 that forms a receiving space for the tray assembly 240. A cold air duct 400 may be connected to the first support 220, through which cold air supplied may flow into the receiving space.

[0174] The air conditioning duct 400 may include: a duct body 410 extending from the side wall 81 toward the ice-making brackets 220 and 230; an inlet 420 formed at one end of the duct body 410 and connected to the supply 82 of the side wall 81; and an outlet 430 formed at the other end of the duct body 410, connected to the ice-making brackets 220 and 230, and discharging cold air.

[0175] The ice-making supports 220 and 230 may include a second support 230, which is connected to the first support 220 and together forms a cold airflow path. As an example, one side of the first support 220 is open, and the open side is covered by the second support 230, thereby forming a cold airflow path inside it.

[0176] The internal spaces of the first support 220 and the second support 230 can form a space to accommodate the tray assembly 240.

[0177] The ice-making unit 200 may also include a water storage tank 250 for storing water. The water storage tank 250 can supply water to the tray assembly 240.

[0178] The first support 220 may include a water supply pipe support 221c, which guides a water supply pipe 120 for supplying water to the water storage tank 250 (see reference). Figure 18a The water supply pipe bracket 221c can protrude from the first wall 221 of the first bracket 220.

[0179] The water supply pipe bracket 221c may include a water supply pipe connection portion 221b for inserting the water supply pipe, and at least a portion of the water supply pipe may extend into the interior of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 through the water supply pipe connection portion 221b.

[0180] The ice maker 100 may include a motor 310 that provides driving force for the movement of the tray assembly 240.

[0181] The tray assembly 240 may include a tray 241 for receiving water and performing ice making. The tray 241 may be configured to be movable by receiving power from a motor 310. As an example, the tray 241 may be rotatable.

[0182] The tray 241 may include peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b (also referred to as peripheral walls) that form a water storage space. It can be understood that the peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b include "cells" for generating ice.

[0183] As an example, the tray 241 may be cylindrical with a circumferential surface. The circumferential surface may form the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder. That is, it can be understood that the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b extend in the circumferential direction and form the outer circumferential surface of the tray 241.

[0184] On the other hand, the tray 241 may be in the shape of a disc or a plate, including two side walls and a perimeter.

[0185] The peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b may include a first peripheral surface 242a that is supplied with water. The first peripheral surface 242a may form at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the tray 241. The first peripheral surface 242a may include a surface that is in contact with water stored in the water storage tank 250 when positioned toward the water storage tank 250.

[0186] The first peripheral surface 242a may be configured to be adjacent to the first scraper 280 so that ice formed on the first peripheral surface 242a comes into contact with the first scraper 280.

[0187] The first peripheral surface 242a may include at least one of a first portion defining a recessed portion and a second portion defining a protruding portion to increase the contact area (cooling area) with water. The first portion may include a recessed portion 241a, and the second portion may include a protruding portion 241b.

[0188] If the recessed portion of the first circumferential surface 242a is taken as the reference position, it can be understood that the first circumferential surface 242a includes a protrusion 241b, and if the protrusion of the first circumferential surface 242a is taken as the reference position, it can be understood that the first circumferential surface 242a includes a recessed portion 241a.

[0189] It can be understood that, through the formation of the recessed portion 241a and the protruding portion 241b, the first peripheral surface 242a includes a concave-convex structure.

[0190] The recessed portion 241a and the protruding portion 241b may each have a plurality of them. A structure may have a plurality of recessed portions 241a and a plurality of protruding portions 241b arranged alternately.

[0191] The peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b may include a second peripheral surface 242b connected to the first peripheral surface 242a, to which water is not supplied. The second peripheral surface 242b may include a surface that, when positioned toward the water storage tank 250, does not come into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 250.

[0192] The second peripheral surface 242b can be configured to be relatively far away from the first scraper 280, so that the ice generated on the second peripheral surface 242b does not come into contact with the first scraper 280.

[0193] The distance from the center of the tray 241 to the second circumferential surface 242b (second center distance D2) can be less than the distance from the center of the tray 241 to the first circumferential surface 242a (first center distance D1). As an example, the second circumferential surface 242b can be shaped as if cut from the edge of the first circumferential surface 242a toward the center of the tray 241.

[0194] When the first circumferential surface 242a is in a position where it is in contact with cold air and thus freezes, the second circumferential surface 242b is configured to face the water storage tank 250. At this time, since the second circumferential surface 242b is not in contact with the water in the water storage tank 250, the water storage tank 250 is not cooled by the low-temperature tray 241. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water stored in the water storage tank 250 from freezing.

[0195] The tray 241 may include sidewalls 244 (also referred to as sides). The sidewalls 244 may include portions extending radially along the tray 241. A plurality of sidewalls 244 may be provided, for example, two, to form the two sides of the circumferential surfaces 242a, 242b.

[0196] The tray 241 may include an inner peripheral wall 244a connected to the side wall 244. It can be understood that the inner peripheral wall 244a forms the inner peripheral surface of the tray 241, and may include the opposite sides of the peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b with reference to the side wall 244.

[0197] The tray 241 may include a central support 243 forming the center portion (or central axis) of the tray 241. The central support 243 may protrude to both axial sides of the tray 241.

[0198] The central support 243 can engage with the first gear 330 of the compression portion 300. As an example, the central support 243 may include an insertion hole 2431 into which the central support 331 of the first gear 330 is inserted.

[0199] The tray 241 may include an extension wall 243a extending from the central support 243 toward the sidewall 244 on the first circumferential surface 242a. As an example, the extension wall 243a may extend radially from the central support 243. A plurality of extension walls 243a may be provided, and the plurality of extension walls 243a may be separated from each other and arranged in a circumferential direction.

[0200] The sidewall 244 on the second circumferential surface 242b side can be semi-circular and connected to the extension wall 243a on the first circumferential surface 242a side.

[0201] The direction is defined. Throughout the specification, "axial" may refer to the direction in which the shaft of motor 310 extends, and "radial" may refer to the radial direction that intersects the axial direction.

[0202] The tray 241 may have tray holes 245. This can be understood as a hole extending through the tray 241 along its axial direction. The cooling area of ​​the tray 241 can be increased by allowing cold air to flow through the tray holes 245.

[0203] It can be understood that the tray hole 245 is a space defined by the central support 243, a plurality of extending walls 243a, and an inner peripheral wall 244a. A plurality of tray holes 245 can be formed, and these tray holes 245 can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the tray 241.

[0204] The tray assembly 240 may include tray covers 246 and 247 connected to the tray 241. The tray covers 246 and 247 may be disposed on the two side walls 244 of the tray 241.

[0205] The tray covers 246 and 247 can be configured to cover at least one side of the tray 241 and prevent water from flowing into the underwater tray holes 245 of the tray 241 of the water storage tank 250.

[0206] The tray covers 246 and 247 can be made of a material with low thermal conductivity to limit ice formation. As an example, the material with low thermal conductivity may include a non-metallic material. Plastic materials are suggested as examples of such non-metallic materials.

[0207] The tray covers 246 and 247 may include a first tray cover 246 disposed on one side wall 244 of the tray 241 and a second tray cover 247 disposed on the other side wall 244 of the tray 241.

[0208] The first tray cover 246 and the second tray cover 247 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the tray 241. As an example, the first tray cover 246 and the second tray cover 247 may each include portions that can cover the side wall 244, a plurality of extended walls 243a, and an inner peripheral wall 244a of the tray 241.

[0209] The first tray cover 246 and the second tray cover 247 may each include a corresponding cover through-hole connected to the tray hole 245 of the tray 241. Cold air can pass through the cover through-holes of the first tray cover 246 and the second tray cover 247 and the tray hole 245 of the tray 241.

[0210] Explained from different perspectives.

[0211] In a broad sense, the first tray cover 246 and the second tray cover 247 can be understood as a component of a "tray". In this case, the tray assembly 240 can be referred to as a "tray", and the tray 241 can be referred to as a "tray portion", with the first tray cover 246 and the second tray cover 247 forming part of the tray 241.

[0212] Another embodiment will be described. The tray assembly 240 may include only the tray 241 without the first tray cover 246 and the second tray cover 247.

[0213] The ice-making section 200 may include a first support 220 forming a first receiving space of the tray assembly 240.

[0214] The first support 220 may include a first wall 221 supported on the ice-making chamber plate 85. It can be understood that the first wall 221 is a wall that covers at least a portion of one side of the tray assembly 240.

[0215] From different viewpoints, the first wall 221 can be configured to support the tray 241. The first wall 221 may include an insertion hole 221a to allow at least a portion of the tray 241 to be inserted to support it. As an example, the central support 243 of the tray 241 can be rotatably inserted into the insertion hole 221a and engage with the first gear 330 of the compression portion 300.

[0216] The first support 220 may include a rotation guide 221d, which is disposed on the first wall 221 and configured to surround the insertion hole 221a. The rotation guide 221d may be formed in a circumferential direction and protrude from the first wall 221 toward the tray assembly 240.

[0217] At least a portion of the tray assembly 240 may be supported by the rotation guide 221d. As an example, the second tray cover 247 may include a protruding rib projecting toward the first wall 221. The protruding rib may have a shape corresponding to the rotation guide 221d, and the tray assembly 240 may be rotatably supported on the inner circumferential surface of the rotation guide 221d when it rotates.

[0218] The first wall 221 may form at least a portion of the wall that guides the flow of cold air flowing in through the cold air duct 400.

[0219] The ice-making section 200 may include a second wall 222 connected to the first wall 221. The second wall 222 may be connected to an end of the first wall 221, for example, to an upper end, and protrude toward the second support 230. The second wall 222 may form the upper end of the ice-making section 200.

[0220] The ice-making section 200 may include a third wall 223 connected to the first wall 221. The third wall 223 may be connected to an end of the first wall 221, for example, to a lower end, and protrude toward the second support 230. The third wall 223 may form the lower end of the ice-making section 200.

[0221] The ice-making section 200 may include a fourth wall 224 and a fifth wall 225 connected to the third wall 223. The fourth wall 224 may be connected to one side of the third wall 223, and the fifth wall 225 may be connected to the other side of the third wall 223. As an example, the fourth wall 224 and the fifth wall 225 may protrude from both ends of the third wall 223.

[0222] The ice-making section 200 may include a second receiving space in which a water storage tank 250 is placed. This second receiving space can be understood as the space defined by the third wall 223, the fourth wall 224, and the fifth wall 225. The second receiving space may be formed below the first receiving space where the tray assembly 240 is located.

[0223] The water storage tank 250 may include a housing with a predetermined capacity, and a water storage tank heater 255 may be provided on the wall of the housing to provide heat and prevent the water stored in the water storage tank 250 from freezing. Water discharged from the water supply pipe may flow at a low speed along the inclined surface of the fourth wall 224 and flow into the water storage tank 250.

[0224] The ice-making section 200 may include a first scraper 280 that contacts the ice produced by the tray 241 to separate it. The first scraper 280 may be located adjacent to the rotation path of the tray 241. In particular, the first scraper 280 may be located adjacent to the first circumferential surface 242a when the tray 241 rotates.

[0225] The first scraper 280 can be disposed on the fifth wall 225. As an example, a water storage tank 250 can be disposed on the inner side of the fifth wall 225, and the first scraper 280 can be combined with the outer side of the fifth wall 225.

[0226] The ice-making section 200 may include a second scraper 285 that contacts the frozen ice in order to separate the ice frozen in the tray assembly 240.

[0227] The second scraper 285 may be located near the two side walls of the tray assembly 240 to scrape off ice frozen on the two side walls of the tray assembly 240, i.e., frozen on the first tray cover 246 and the second tray cover 247.

[0228] The second scraper 285 can be provided in multiples, and any one of the second scrapers 285 can be disposed on the first wall 221. Another second scraper 285 can be disposed on the support wall 231 of the second bracket 230.

[0229] During the rotation of the tray assembly 240, the ice that comes into contact with the second scraper 285 can be separated from the tray assembly 240, and the separated ice can flow into the water storage tank 250.

[0230] A cold air flow path can be formed inside the first support 220, allowing cold air to flow from the cold air duct 400. At least a portion of the cold air flow path can be formed in the first receiving space 220a.

[0231] The first support 220 may include a first opening 224b, which is connected to the air conditioning duct 400 to form an air inflow section. The first opening 224b may be formed in the fourth wall 224 of the first support 220. The air conditioning duct 400 may be connected to the first opening 224b.

[0232] The first opening 224b and the water reservoir 250 can be located on opposite sides of each other with reference to the center of the tray 241. For example, the first opening 224b can be formed at a position higher than the center of the tray 241, and the water reservoir 250 can be configured at a position lower than the center of the tray 241. With the configuration described above, it is possible to prevent cold air flowing in through the first opening 224b from directly flowing into the water reservoir 250.

[0233] The ice-making section 200 may include a guide wall 226 configured to guide cold air toward the peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241. The guide wall 226 may be disposed on the first wall 221 and be curved in shape corresponding to the curvature of the peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b.

[0234] The first part of the guide wall 226 can be connected to the first wall 221, and the second part can be connected to the second wall 222.

[0235] The guide wall 226 and the first opening 224b can be located on opposite sides of each other with reference to the center of the tray 241. Thus, the air supplied to the outer peripheral surface (circumferential surface) of the tray 241 through the first opening 224b is guided by the guide wall 226 located on the opposite side of the first opening 224b, thereby easily forming a flow of cold air along the outer peripheral surface (circumferential surface) of the tray 241.

[0236] The first support 220 may include a sixth wall 226a protruding from the first wall 221 toward the ice plate 85, i.e., toward the front of the refrigerator. The sixth wall 226a may support the side of the motor 310 disposed on the back side of the first wall 221. It can be understood that the back side of the first wall 221 is the opposite side on which the tray assembly 240 is disposed.

[0237] The sixth wall 226a may include a fastening hole 228 that engages with the ice-making plate 85, through which a specified fastening member can be fastened to the ice-making plate 85.

[0238] The first support 220 may include a seventh wall 226b, which extends downward from the first wall 221 and supports a cutting wall 395. The cutting wall 395 is a component for cutting ice discharged from the cylinder 380, and the ice cut by the cutting wall 395 can fall into the ice bucket 500. The cutting wall 395 may be disposed on the lower side of the cylinder 380.

[0239] The second support 230 may include a support wall 231 that shields the open side of the first support 220. The support wall 231 may form at least one side of the cold airflow path formed inside the ice-making supports 220 and 230.

[0240] The support wall 231 may include a through portion 233 for supporting a central support 243 of the tray assembly 240. That is, a first portion of the central support 243 protruding toward the compression portion 300 can engage with a first gear 330 of the compression portion 300, and a second portion protruding toward the second support 230 can be inserted into and supported in the through portion 233.

[0241] The second support 230 may include a scraper support 235 disposed on the support wall 231, and the second scraper 285 mounted on the scraper support 235. The scraper support 235 is configured to penetrate the support wall 231, and the second scraper 285 may be mounted on the scraper support 235 and protrude toward the side wall of the tray assembly 240, as an example, a first tray cover 246.

[0242] Figure 9aThis diagram illustrates the relative configuration of the tray assembly and the water tank when the tray assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention is in the first position (ice-making position). Figure 9b This diagram illustrates the relative configuration of the tray assembly and scraper when the tray assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention is in the second position (ice removal position). Figure 9c This is a diagram showing the relative configuration of the tray assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention with respect to the water storage tank when it is in the third position (water supply position).

[0243] Reference Figures 9a to 9c The operation of tray assembly 240 will be explained. First, refer to... Figure 9a Driven by the motor 310, the tray assembly 240 can be positioned in the ice-making position. In the ice-making position, the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241 can be located on both sides of the upper part of the water storage tank 250 without being immersed in the water storage tank 250.

[0244] The second circumferential surface 242b can be separated from the upper end of the water storage tank 250 or the maximum water level position of the water storage tank 250 by a set distance S1 to avoid contact with the water in the water storage tank 250. Therefore, in the ice-making position, the tray assembly 240 will not come into contact with the water in the water storage tank 250, thereby preventing the water in the water storage tank 250 from freezing or the transfer of room temperature heat from the water storage tank 250 to the tray assembly 240.

[0245] At the ice-making position, the water supplied to the first peripheral surface 242a can be cooled by the cold air supplied through the cold air pipe 400, and transform into a thin layer of ice. The state of the ice cooled on the first peripheral surface 242a can be designated as the "first state". The ice in the first state can be formed at a predetermined height on the surfaces of the recesses 241a and protrusions 241b provided on the first peripheral surface 242a. It can be understood that the ice in the first state is a layer of ice with a relatively thin thickness.

[0246] If a set time has elapsed at the ice-making position, the motor 310 can drive the tray assembly 240 to rotate. As an example, such as Figure 9a As shown, the tray assembly 240 can rotate counterclockwise.

[0247] During the rotation of the tray assembly 240, when the first circumferential surface 242a is located at the position of the first scraper 280, the first scraper 280 can come into contact with the ice generated on the first circumferential surface 242a. During this contact process, the ice can be separated from the first circumferential surface 242a and removed.

[0248] The removed ice can flow into the compression section 300, and more particularly into the transfer tube 370. The removed ice is in a powdery state, and this state I1 of the ice can be named the "second state".

[0249] If in Figure 9b If the tray assembly 240 is further rotated in this state, then as Figure 9c As shown, the first circumferential surface 242a rotates past the water supply position. As it passes the water supply position, water can be supplied to the first circumferential surface 242a.

[0250] In detail, if in Figure 9a If the position tray assembly 240 rotates counterclockwise, then the first circumferential surface 242a will be in... Figure 9b The ice was moved to the correct position, completing the first circumference of the ice-moving process on surface 242a. Figure 9c The position shifts. At this time, the first circumferential surface 242a is immersed in the water in the water storage tank 250. The water in contact with the first circumferential surface 242a can exist on the first circumferential surface 242a due to surface tension.

[0251] If the tray assembly 240 rotates further after water is supplied to the first circumferential surface 242a, the tray assembly 240 can return to Figure 9a The position is then adjusted, and the ice-making process is repeated.

[0252] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the compression section of the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the transfer tube and cylinder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view cut along line 12-12. Figure 13 This is a front view showing a portion of the compression section according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 This is a front perspective view showing the configuration of the gear assembly and piston according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of the gear assembly and piston according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0253] Reference Figures 10 to 15 The ice maker 100 of this embodiment may include a compression section 300 having a piston 365 to compress or recombine ice separated from the tray assembly 240. The piston 365 may be moved by the drive of the motor 310.

[0254] The compression section 300 may include a first bracket 320 connected to the motor 310. The first bracket 320 may support the components constituting the compression section 300 and includes an open end.

[0255] The open end can be shielded by the first wall 221 of the first support 220 of the ice-making section 200. That is, the first support 320 and the first support 220 of the ice-making section 200 can form a space for the component of the compression section 300.

[0256] The first bracket 320 may include a first wall 321, which has a through hole 321a for inserting the motor shaft 312 of the motor 310. The motor shaft 312 can be connected to the center portion (or central shaft) of the first gear 330, i.e., the central bracket 331, through the through hole 321a.

[0257] The compression section 300 may include a power transmission device for transmitting the driving force of the motor 310 to the piston 365. The power transmission device may include a gear assembly.

[0258] The gear assembly may include a first gear 330, which is a drive gear that engages with and rotates on the motor shaft 312. The first gear 330 may include a first gear body 330a, which has an outer peripheral surface forming a first gear portion 333.

[0259] The first gear 330 may include a central support 331 forming a central portion, the central support 331 protruding from a first surface of the first gear body 330a toward the tray assembly 240.

[0260] A shaft groove 336 for engaging with the motor shaft 312 may be formed on the second surface of the first gear body 330a. The second surface may form the back surface of the first surface.

[0261] The first gear 330 may include a lever protrusion 334 disposed at a position radially separated from the central support 331. The lever protrusion 334 may protrude from the first gear 330, and the gear lever 350 may be rotatably connected to the lever protrusion 334.

[0262] The gear lever 350 may include a lever body 351, which forms an insertion hole 352 for the lever protrusion 334 to be inserted. The lever body 351 is rotatable about the lever protrusion 334.

[0263] The gear lever 350 may include a first portion 354 forming a first end of the lever body 351 and a second portion 355 forming a second end. The first portion 354 may extend in one direction from the insertion hole 352, while the second portion 355 may extend in another direction from the insertion hole 352.

[0264] The first gear 330 may include an outer peripheral surface on which a first gear portion 333 is disposed. The first gear portion 333 may include a plurality of gear teeth. The first gear portion 333 may be disposed only on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first gear 330, rather than the entire outer peripheral surface. That is, the first gear portion 333 may form an incomplete gear portion. As an example, the first gear portion 333 may be disposed only in a region forming a central angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the center of the first gear 330.

[0265] The second portion 355 can be configured to protrude radially more than the gear portion 333 of the first gear 330. Thus, when the portion of the first gear 330 that does not form a gear portion faces and rotates with the second gear 340, even if there is no linkage between the first gear 330 and the second gear 340, the second portion 355 can still contact a part of the second gear 340, for example, by contacting the interference protrusion 345.

[0266] The compression portion 300 may include a lever spring 337 connected to the gear lever 350. The lever spring 337 may be connected to the first portion 354 and elastically support the gear lever 350. As an example, the lever spring 337 may include a tension spring.

[0267] The first gear 330 may include a spring protrusion 335 connected to the lever spring 337. The spring protrusion 335 may protrude from the first gear 330 and be located radially separated from the central support 331. The spring protrusion 335 and the lever protrusion 334 may be configured to be circumferentially separated.

[0268] One end of the joystick spring 337 can be connected to the gear joystick 350, and the other end of the joystick spring 337 can be connected to the spring protrusion 335.

[0269] The gear assembly may include a second gear 340, which is a driven gear that is coupled to the first gear 330. The second gear 340 may include a second gear body 340a, which has an outer peripheral surface forming a second gear portion 343.

[0270] The second gear 340 may include a central support 342 forming a central portion (or central shaft). The central support 342 may be rotatably supported by a receiving support 323 of the first support 320. The receiving support 323 may include a receiving groove into which the central support 342 can be inserted.

[0271] The second gear 340 may include an outer peripheral surface on which the second gear portion 343 is disposed. The second gear portion 343 may include a plurality of gear teeth. The second gear portion 343 may be disposed only on a portion of the outer peripheral surface, rather than the entire outer peripheral surface of the second gear 340. That is, the second gear portion 343 may form an incomplete gear portion. As an example, the second gear portion 343 may be disposed only in a region forming a central angle of approximately 270 degrees with respect to the center of the second gear 340.

[0272] The second gear 340 may include a first protrusion 349, which may be configured at a radially separated position from the central support 342 and support one end of the gear spring 348. The first protrusion 349 may protrude from the second gear 340 toward the first support 320.

[0273] The gear spring 348 is a component that provides restoring force to guide the second gear 340 to rotate in one direction; for example, it may include a torsion spring.

[0274] The other end of the gear spring 348 can be supported on the second protrusion 329 of the first bracket 320. The second protrusion 329 can protrude from the first bracket 320 toward the second gear 340.

[0275] The first bracket 320 may include a stop 325 for setting the rotational limit of the second gear 340. The stop 325 may protrude from the first bracket 320 toward the second gear 340 and be inserted into the guide groove 346 of the second gear 340.

[0276] The guide groove 346 can be arc-shaped and formed along the circumferential direction with a predetermined center distance separated from the central support 342 as a reference.

[0277] During the rotation of the second gear 340, the stop 325 can move in the guide groove 346 and restrict further rotation of the second gear 340 when it contacts the end of the guide groove 346.

[0278] The second gear 340 may include an interference protrusion 345 disposed at a position radially separated from the central support 342. The interference protrusion 345 may protrude from the second gear 340 toward the tray assembly 240.

[0279] The interference protrusion 345 is the part that contacts the gear operating lever 350 when the first gear 330 rotates. When the gear operating lever 350 lifts the interference protrusion 345, the second gear 340 begins to rotate and can be linked with the first gear 330. That is, the interference protrusion 345 is a component that interferes with the gear operating lever 350 of the first gear 330 in order to enable the second gear 340 to start linking with the first gear 330.

[0280] The compression portion 300 may include a rack 360 that is linked to the second gear 340. The rack 360 may extend along the tangential direction of the second gear 340 and may move upward or downward as the second gear 340 rotates.

[0281] Here, "above" can refer to the direction away from the ground relative to the floor where the refrigerator body is installed. Conversely, "below" can be understood as the direction closer to the ground.

[0282] The rack 360 may include a plurality of rack teeth 362 that are linked to the second gear portion 343 of the second gear 340. The plurality of rack teeth 362 may be arranged in a straight line.

[0283] The first support 320 may include a track groove 326 for guiding the linear movement of the rack 360. The track groove 326 may be formed on the side of the rack 360 and extend elongated along the vertical direction of the first support 320.

[0284] The rack 360 may include a track 364 that is inserted into and moves within the track slot 326. As an example, the track 364 may be configured at a side end of the rack 360.

[0285] The compression section 300 may include a piston support 363 connecting the rack 360 and the piston 365. The piston support 363 may be disposed at the upper end of the rack 360, and the piston 365 may be configured to be connected to the piston support 363 and extend downward. The piston 365 and the rack 360 may move integrally.

[0286] When the second gear 340 is in the first direction (for example, ... Figure 13 When the second gear 340 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction (based on the reference direction), the rack 360 and the piston 365 can move towards the direction closer to the cylinder 380. Conversely, when the second gear 340 rotates in a second direction (for example, in the counter-clockwise direction), the rack 360 and the piston 365 can move towards the direction closer to the cylinder 380. Figure 13 When rotated (in a clockwise direction based on the reference), the rack 360 and the piston 365 can move away from the cylinder 380.

[0287] The compression section 300 may include a cylinder 380 defining the movement space of the ice (powder ice) generated by the ice-making section 200. Ice flowing into the interior of the cylinder 380 may be compressed into ice (shaped ice) with a predetermined volume by a reciprocating piston 335.

[0288] The cylinder 380 can extend downward along the tangent direction of the first circumferential surface 242a to form a space for containing ice.

[0289] The cylinder 380 may include a portion extending in a direction corresponding to the discharge direction of ice separated from the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241. As an example, ice separated by the first scraper 280 falls downwards, and the cylinder 380 may include a downwardly extending portion to allow the falling ice to pass through the cylinder 380.

[0290] The compression section 300 may include a transfer tube 370 disposed on the inlet side of the cylinder 380 and used to transfer ice (powder ice) discharged from the ice-making section 200 into the cylinder 380. A space for accommodating the powder ice may be formed inside the transfer tube 370, and the powder ice may move into the interior of the cylinder 380.

[0291] The compression section 300 may include a discharge pipe 390 disposed on the outlet side of the cylinder 380 and providing a specified resistance to compress the ice present in the cylinder 380.

[0292] As an example, to provide the aforementioned resistance, the discharge tube 390 can be configured to have a smaller cross-sectional area relative to the direction of ice movement. The discharge tube 390 can be made of an elastically deformable material, such as silicon, to provide the aforementioned resistance.

[0293] The outlet of the discharge pipe 390 can be opened, and the molded ice that is compressed or recombined when passing through the discharge pipe 390 can be discharged through the open outlet of the discharge pipe 390.

[0294] The cutting wall 395 can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the outlet of the discharge pipe 390 and interfere with the molded ice discharged through the discharge pipe 390.

[0295] The cutting wall 395 may include an inclined surface facing the discharge pipe 390, through which the shaped ice discharged from the discharge pipe 390 can be cut by interfering with the inclined surface. Furthermore, the cut ice can fall into the ice bucket 500.

[0296] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The configuration of the transfer tube 370 and the cylinder 380 will be described in more detail below.

[0297] The transfer tube 370 may include a transfer body 371 that forms an inlet 370a into which powdered ice separated from the tray 241 flows. The inlet 370a may be configured adjacent to the tip portion of a first scraper 280 that scrapes ice from the first circumferential surface 242a.

[0298] The transfer tube 370 may include a guide surface 373 that contacts the first scraper 280. The guide surface 373 may be disposed on one side of the inlet 370a, allowing ice separated by the first scraper 280 to flow along the guide surface 373 through the inlet 370a into the interior of the transfer tube 370. An ice-containing space 370b may be formed inside the transfer tube 370.

[0299] The transfer tube 370 may include a first fastening part 372a that engages with the first support 220 of the ice-making section 200. The transfer tube 370 may include a second fastening part 372b that engages with the cylinder 380.

[0300] The cylinder 380 is fastened to the outlet side of the transfer tube 370 and extends downward, forming an internal space for accommodating ice. Ice accumulated in the lower part of the transfer tube 370 can be moved into the interior of the cylinder 380 by the piston 335.

[0301] From the perspective of guiding the transfer of ice, the cylinder 380 can also be understood as part of the transfer tube. Therefore, the transfer tube 370 can be named the "first transfer tube", and the cylinder 380 can be named the "second transfer tube".

[0302] The cylinder 380 may include a cylinder body 381 that forms a containment space for ice. The inner wall of the cylinder body 381 may be formed with a smaller cross-sectional area along the direction of ice ejection to facilitate the compression or recombination of ice within the cylinder body 381.

[0303] The cylinder 380 may include a cylinder fastening part 383 that is fastened to the first bracket 220.

[0304] The compression section 300 may include a discharge pipe 390 disposed on the outlet side of the cylinder 380 and providing a force that compresses or recombines the ice transferred therein in the cylinder 380.

[0305] The discharge tube 390 may include: a discharge tube body 391, which is coupled to the cylinder 380; and an inclined portion 392, which forms at least a portion of the discharge tube body 391, and whose cross-sectional area decreases along the direction of ice discharge. The discharge tube 390 may include a discharge port 393 for discharging compressed or recombined ice.

[0306] One side of the ice present in the cylinder 380 is pressurized by the piston 365, while the other side is resisted by the discharge pipe 390, thereby enabling the compression or recombination of the powdered ice. The compressed powdered ice can be formed into ice with a predetermined shape (ice in the third state, I2, shaped ice) and discharged through the discharge section of the discharge pipe 370.

[0307] Figure 16a This diagram illustrates the state in which the first gear of the first embodiment of the present invention rotates in a first direction and the gear lever and the interference protrusion begin to contact. Figure 16b This diagram illustrates the state in which the first gear of the first embodiment of the present invention rotates in a first direction and the gear lever passes over the interference protrusion. Figure 16c This diagram illustrates a state in which the first gear of the first embodiment of the present invention rotates in a second direction and is linked with the second gear, while the piston moves toward the cylinder. Figure 16d This diagram illustrates a state in which the first gear of the first embodiment of the present invention rotates in a first direction and is linked with the second gear, while the piston moves in a direction away from the cylinder.

[0308] Figure 17a This is a cross-sectional view showing the piston in the standby position according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17b This is a cross-sectional view showing the piston in the compression position according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0309] Figure 18a This is a diagram showing the state of the ice maker when transferring ice from a tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18b This is a diagram showing the state of an ice maker when ice is compressed by the piston according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0310] Referring to Figures 16 to 18, the operation of tray 241, gear assembly, and piston 365 is described.

[0311] Figure 16a The configuration of the gear assembly is shown when the tray 241 is in the ice-making position. In the ice-making position of the tray 241, the first gear portion 333 of the first gear 330 and the second gear portion 343 of the second gear 340 can be in a position where they are not linked to each other.

[0312] At the ice-making position of the tray 241, the second gear 340 can be applied by the restoring force of the gear spring 348. Figure 16a The force that attempts to rotate clockwise is limited to rotation counterclockwise unless an external force is present.

[0313] Furthermore, because the stop 325 interferes with the end of the guide groove 346, the second gear 340 cannot rotate further clockwise. Therefore, unless an external force is applied, the second gear 340 can remain stationary. Figure 16a The state.

[0314] If in Figure 16a When the motor 310 is driven in one direction (positive direction), causing the first gear 330 to rotate, the tray 241 can rotate counterclockwise due to the first gear 330. When the first gear 330 is in the positive direction, the gear lever 350 can also rotate together.

[0315] By rotating the tray 241, ice can be moved based on the first scraper 280 on the first circumferential surface 242a. Specifically, the tray 241 can be rotated from... Figure 18a The ice is moved when the ice-making position is rotated counterclockwise.

[0316] When the first gear 330 rotates, the first gear portion 333 of the first gear 330 and the second gear portion 343 of the second gear 340 can be located in a position where they are not linked to each other.

[0317] Figure 16b The first gear 330 is shown to be from Figure 16a When the position is rotated approximately one full turn (360 degrees), the second part 355 of the gear control lever 350 can contact the interference protrusion 345 of the second gear 340.

[0318] However, because the stop 325 and the end of the guide groove 346 are in a state of interference, the second gear 340 will not rotate in a clockwise direction, and the second part 355 of the gear operating lever 350 can pass over the interference protrusion 345.

[0319] The joystick spring 337 can be stretched due to the resistance of the second portion 355 as it passes over the interference protrusion 345. That is, the second portion 355 can pass over the interference protrusion 345 due to the supporting force of the joystick spring 337.

[0320] The state in which the second part 355 crosses the interference protrusion 345 is equivalent to Figure 16a The state.

[0321] After that, Figure 16a In this state, the motor 310 can be driven in the opposite direction. Driven by the motor 310, the first gear 330 can rotate clockwise, and the second part 355 can also rotate clockwise.

[0322] The second part 355 can apply pressure to the interference protrusion 345 during rotation. That is, in Figure 16a In this state, the second part 355 can push the interference protrusion 345 upward. At this time, since the force exceeding the restoring force of the gear spring 348 acts on the second gear 340, the second gear 340 can rotate slightly in the counterclockwise direction.

[0323] As the second gear 340 rotates, the second gear portion 343 of the second gear 340 can rotate slightly counterclockwise to a position where it can engage with the first gear portion 333 of the first gear 330. When the second gear portion 343 rotates, it begins to engage with the first gear 330, which rotates clockwise.

[0324] Figure 16c The diagram shows the first gear 330 and the second gear 340 linked together, with the second gear 340 rotating counterclockwise. At this time, the second gear 340 is subjected to a rotational force exceeding the restoring force of the gear spring 348.

[0325] The rack 360 can move downwards as the second gear 340 rotates, and the piston 365 can move downwards together with the rack 360 and pass through the internal space of the transfer tube 370 to the inlet side of the cylinder 380. During this process, the powdered ice inside the transfer tube 370 can flow into the internal space of the cylinder 380 and be compressed or recombine (the process of ice compression or recombination).

[0326] The compression position of piston 365 during the compression or recombination process of the ice is as follows: Figure 17b As shown, the status of tray 241 is as follows: Figure 18b As shown.

[0327] At least a portion of the piston 365 can enter the interior space of the cylinder 380 to compress the ice. However, alternatively, the piston 365 may move only to the inlet side of the cylinder 380 without entering the interior of the cylinder.

[0328] like Figure 17b As shown, when the piston 365 reaches the compression position, the stop 325 is disturbed by the end of the guide groove 346 of the second gear 340, thus preventing the piston 365 from descending further.

[0329] After the piston 365 reaches the compression position, the motor 310 drives in the positive direction again, such as... Figure 16dAs shown, through the linkage of the first gear 330 and the second gear 340, the first gear 330 can rotate counterclockwise and the second gear 340 can rotate clockwise.

[0330] As the second gear 340 rotates, the rack 360 and the piston 365 rise, and the piston 365 can return to its original position. Figure 17a and Figure 18a The standby position is shown. On the other hand, when the second gear 340 rotates clockwise, the restoring force of the gear spring 348 can easily exert its effect on the second gear 340.

[0331] As described above, the ice making, ice transfer, and ice compression based on piston 365 can be easily achieved by the linkage of motor 310, gear assembly 330, 340, 360 and piston 365.

[0332] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in a portion of its structure; therefore, the description will focus on the differences, while the parts identical to the first embodiment will refer to the description and reference numerals of the first embodiment.

[0333] Figure 19 This is a front left perspective view showing the structure of an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 This is a front right perspective view showing the structure of an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 This is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 This is an exploded view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 This is a front view showing a portion of the ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0334] Reference Figures 19 to 23 The ice maker 100a of the second embodiment of the present invention may include a motor 1310 that generates driving force and a tray assembly 1240 that is configured to be movable by the motor 1310.

[0335] The ice maker 100a may include ice-making supports 1220 and 1280 that form a cold air flow path. A cold air duct 400a may be connected to one side of the ice-making supports 1220 and 1280, and the cold air supplied through the cold air duct 400a may flow through the cold air flow path formed inside the ice-making supports 1220 and 1280.

[0336] The air conditioning duct 400a may include: a duct body 1410 extending from the side wall 81 toward the ice-making brackets 1220 and 1280; an inlet 1420 formed at one end of the duct body 1410 and connected to the supply 82 of the side wall 81; and an outlet 1430 formed at the other end of the duct body 1410 and connected to the ice-making brackets 1220 and 1280 to discharge air conditioning.

[0337] The ice-making supports 1220 and 1280 may include: a first support 1220 that supports the gear assembly 1250; and a second support 1280 disposed on one side of the first support 1220 and supporting the tray assembly 1240. The tray assembly 1240 may be configured in the space between the first support 1220 and the second support 1280.

[0338] The ice maker 100a may include a water storage tank 1210 for storing water. The water storage tank 1210 can supply water to the tray assembly 240.

[0339] The first support 1220 may include a water supply pipe support 1221c, which guides a water supply pipe (not shown) for supplying water to the water storage tank 1210. The water supply pipe support 1221c may protrude from the first wall 1221 of the first support 1220.

[0340] The water supply pipe bracket 1221c may include a water supply pipe connecting portion 1221b for inserting the water supply pipe, and at least a portion of the water supply pipe may extend into the interior of the ice-making brackets 1220 and 1280 through the water supply pipe connecting portion 1221b.

[0341] The tray assembly 1240 may include a tray 241 for making ice by receiving water. As an example, the tray 1241 may be configured to rotate. The tray 1241 may form a circumferential surface that forms a water storage space.

[0342] The tray 1241 may include peripheral surfaces 1242a and 1242b (also referred to as peripheral walls). As an example, the tray 1241 may be cylindrical in shape with peripheral surfaces. The peripheral surfaces may form the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder. That is, it can be understood that the peripheral surfaces 1242a and 1242b extend in the circumferential direction and form the outer peripheral surface of the tray 1241.

[0343] The peripheral surfaces 1242a and 1242b may include a first peripheral surface 1242a that is supplied with water. The first peripheral surface 1242a may form at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the tray 241. The first peripheral surface 1242a may include the surface that is in contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 1210 when positioned toward the water storage tank 1210.

[0344] The first peripheral surface 1242a may be configured to be adjacent to the scraper 1290 so that the ice generated on the first peripheral surface 1242a comes into contact with the scraper 1290.

[0345] The peripheral surfaces 1242a and 1242b may include a second peripheral surface 1242b, which is connected to the first peripheral surface 1242a and is not supplied with water. The second peripheral surface 1242b may include a surface that, when located facing the water storage tank 1210, will not come into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 1210.

[0346] The second circumferential surface 1242a can be configured to be relatively far away from the scraper 280 to avoid the ice generated on the second circumferential surface 1242b from contacting the first scraper 1290.

[0347] When the first circumferential surface 1242a is in a position where it is in contact with cold air and freezes, the second circumferential surface 1242b is configured to face the water storage tank 1210. At this time, the second circumferential surface 1242b will not come into contact with the water in the water storage tank 1210, and therefore the water storage tank 1210 will not be cooled by the low-temperature tray 1241. Thus, it is possible to prevent the water stored in the water storage tank 1210 from freezing.

[0348] The tray 1241 may include sidewalls disposed on both sides of the peripheral surfaces 1242a and 1242b, and the tray assembly 1240 may include a tray cover 1248 that covers the sidewalls. The tray cover 1248 may be coupled to both sides of the tray 1241. The tray cover 1248 may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity, and may be constructed as a row of non-metallic materials. The non-metallic material may include plastic materials.

[0349] The tray 1241 may include an inner peripheral wall 1244a, which is connected to the side wall and forms the inner peripheral surface of the tray 1241. The inner peripheral wall 1244a may form opposite sides of the peripheral surfaces 1242a and 1242b.

[0350] The tray 1241 may include a central support 1243 forming the center portion (or central axis) of the tray 1241. The central support 1243 may protrude to both axial sides of the tray 241.

[0351] The central support 1243 can be coupled with the drive gear 1251. As an example, the central support 1243 may include an insertion hole 1243a for inserting the gear shaft 1270 of the drive gear 1251.

[0352] The tray 1241 may include an extension wall 1244b extending from the central support 1243 toward the inner peripheral wall 1244a. As an example, the extension wall 1244b may extend radially from the central support 1243. A plurality of extension walls 1244b may be provided, and the plurality of extension walls 1244b may be spaced apart from each other and arranged in a circumferential direction.

[0353] The tray 1241 may have tray holes 1245. This can be understood as a hole extending through the tray 1241 along its axial direction. Cool air can flow through the tray holes 1245, thereby increasing the cooling area of ​​the tray 1241.

[0354] It can be understood that the tray hole 1245 is a space defined by the central support 1243, a plurality of extending walls 1244b, and an inner peripheral wall 1244a. A plurality of tray holes 1245 can be formed, and these tray holes 1245 can be arranged along the circumference of the tray 1241.

[0355] The first bracket 1220 may include a first wall 1221 supporting the motor 1310. The first wall 1221 may include an insertion hole through which the motor shaft 1312 of the motor 1310 passes, and the motor shaft 1312 passes through the first wall 1221 and is engaged with the center of the drive gear 1251.

[0356] Driven gears 1260 and 1265 can be rotatably supported on the first wall 1221. As an example, the center portion (or central shaft) of the driven gears 1260 and 1265 can be inserted into the support hole of the first wall 1221.

[0357] The ice maker 100a may include a second wall 1222 and a third wall 1223 connected to both ends of the first wall 1221. The second wall 1222 and the third wall 1223 may provide a support structure for supporting some components constituting the ice maker 100a.

[0358] The second wall 1222 may form at least a portion of the water supply bracket 1221c. The second wall 1222 may include a guide surface 1226, which is obliquely disposed inside the water supply bracket 1221c and guides water discharged from the water supply pipe toward the water storage tank 1210. The discharge end of the guide surface 1226 may be configured adjacent to the water storage tank 1210.

[0359] The water storage tank 1210 may be disposed on the underside of the tray assembly 1240. The water storage tank 1210 may include a housing with a specified capacity, and water discharged from the water supply pipe may flow along the guide surface 1226 and into the water storage tank 1210.

[0360] The water storage tank 1210 can form a water storage space 1210a, and can include a first support platform 1211 of a support cylinder 1360. The first support platform 1211 can be configured as the two ends of a support cylinder bracket 1365 on both sides of the front end of the water storage tank 1210.

[0361] The water storage tank 1210 may include a second support platform 1212 that supports the support wall 1366 of the cylinder 1360. The second support platform 1212 may be disposed between two first support platforms 1211 and may be formed by a recess in the front end portion of the water storage tank 1210.

[0362] It can be understood that the support wall 1366 of the cylinder 1360 is a component that extends from the cylinder support 1365 toward the front end of the water storage tank 1210, so as to guide a portion of the ice separated from the tray 1241 into the water storage tank 1210 if it cannot flow into the cylinder 1360.

[0363] The water storage tank 1210 may include a support bracket 1218 supported by a second bracket 1280. The support bracket 1218 may be configured adjacent to the rear end of the water storage tank 1210.

[0364] The second bracket 1280 may include a support groove 1288, which is formed in the cover wall 1281 and supports the water storage tank 1210. The support bracket 1218 of the water storage tank 1210 can be inserted into the support groove 1288 and supported.

[0365] A first temperature sensor 1390 may be provided in the cylinder 1360. The first temperature sensor 1390 is supported on the cylinder support 1365, and for example, the temperature of the cylinder 1360 can be sensed by contacting the surface of the cylinder 1360.

[0366] A second temperature sensor 1395 may be provided in the water storage tank 1210. The second temperature sensor 1395 may be disposed on the wall of the water storage tank that defines the water storage space 1210a and sense the temperature of the water storage tank or the temperature of the water stored in the water storage tank.

[0367] The ice maker 100a may include a scraper 1290 that contacts the manufactured ice in order to separate the manufactured ice from the tray 1241. The scraper 1290 may be located adjacent to the rotation path of the tray 1241. In particular, the scraper 1290 may be located adjacent to the first circumferential surface 1242a when the tray 1241 rotates.

[0368] The ice maker 100a may include a transfer tube connection portion 1295 for engaging the scraper 1290 with the transfer tube 1340. The transfer tube connection portion 1295 may extend toward both sides of the scraper 1290 and engage with one side of the transfer tube 1340. The transfer tube connection portion 1295 may be integrally formed with the scraper 1290.

[0369] The second support 1280 may include a cover wall 1281 that shields one side of the tray assembly 1240. The cover wall 1281 may be formed on at least one side of the cold airflow path formed inside the ice-making supports 1220, 1280.

[0370] The cover wall 1281 may include a through portion 1283 that supports a central support 1243 of the tray assembly 1240. The tray assembly 1240 may rotate about the central support 1243.

[0371] The tray assembly 1240 and the water tank 1210 can be configured in the space between the second bracket 1280 and the gear cover 1230.

[0372] The gear cover 1230 can be configured to cover one side of the gear assembly 1250. The gear assembly 1250 can be disposed in the space between the first bracket 1220 and the gear cover 1230.

[0373] The gear cover 1230 may include a hole through which the gear shaft 1270 passes, and the gear shaft 1270 may be coupled to the tray assembly 1240 through the hole in the gear cover 1230.

[0374] The transfer tube 1340 can be disposed in the space between the second support 1280 and the gear cover 1230. The transfer tube 1340 can be integrally formed with the gear cover 1230 or attached to one side of the gear cover 1230. The second support 1280 can be connected to the transfer tube 1340 using a specified fastening member.

[0375] The transfer tube 1340 may include a side that engages with the scraper 1290, which can be understood as the side facing the peripheral surfaces 1242a and 1242b. The end of the transfer tube 1340, for example, the upper end, may include an inlet 1345 for ice inflow (see reference). Figure 27a ).

[0376] The cylinder 1360 may be disposed in the space between the second support 1280 and the gear cover 1230. The cylinder 1360 may include an inlet 1362, which is coupled to the end of the transfer tube 1340, through which ice transferred by the transfer tube 1340 flows in. The cylinder 1360 may include a cylinder support 1365 coupled to the transfer tube 1340.

[0377] The ice maker 100a may include a movable piston 1350 to compress or recombine ice separated from the tray assembly 240. The piston 1350 may be moved by the drive of the motor 1310.

[0378] The piston 1350 may be disposed outside the transfer tube 1340 and configured to move into the transfer tube 1340, for example being capable of... Figure 22 Move downwards in a straight line from the reference point.

[0379] The ice maker 100a may include a power transmission device for transmitting the driving force of the motor 1310 to the piston 1350. The power transmission device may include a gear assembly 1250.

[0380] The gear assembly 1250 may include a drive gear 1251 that rotates by engaging with the motor shaft 1312. The gear assembly 1250 may include a gear shaft 1270 that engages with the drive gear 1251 and extends into the tray assembly 1240.

[0381] The gear shaft 1270 can be engaged with the central support 1243 of the tray 1241. If the motor 310 is driven, the driving force of the motor 310 can be transmitted to the tray assembly 1240 through the drive gear 1251, thereby causing the tray 1241 to rotate.

[0382] The gear assembly 1250 may include driven gears 1260 and 1265 that are linked with the drive gear 1251. The driven gears 1260 and 1265 may include a first driven gear 1260 and a second driven gear 1265 that are linked with each other.

[0383] For ease of explanation, the driving gear 1251 can be named "first gear", the first driven gear 1260 can be named "second gear", and the second driven gear 1265 can be named "third gear".

[0384] The gear assembly 1250 may include a rack 1330 that is linked to the second driven gear 1265. The rack 1330 may include: a rack body 1331 that extends vertically in a direction corresponding to the movement direction of the piston 1350; and a plurality of rack teeth 1332 formed on the rack body 1331 and linked to the second driven gear 1265 (see reference). Figure 26a ).

[0385] The ice maker 100a may include a piston support 1355 connecting the rack 1330 and the piston 1350. The piston support 1355 may be disposed at the upper end of the rack 1330, and the piston 1350 may be configured to be connected to the piston support 1355 and extend downward. The piston 1350 and the rack 1330 can move together via the piston support 1355.

[0386] The first support 1220 may include a first track groove 1227 for guiding the linear movement of the rack 1330. The first track groove 1227 may be disposed on one side of the rack 1330 and is formed elongated along the vertical direction of the first support 1220.

[0387] The gear cover 1230 may include a second track groove 1236 for guiding the linear movement of the rack 1330. The track groove 1236 may be disposed on the other side of the rack 1330 and is formed elongated along the vertical direction of the gear cover 1230.

[0388] The rack 1330 may include a track 1335 that is inserted into and moves into the first track groove 1227 and the second track groove 1236. As an example, the track 1335 may be configured at both ends of the rack 1330.

[0389] Ice flowing into the interior of the transfer tube 1340 can be compressed into ice (shaped ice) with a specified volume by the reciprocating piston 1350. The cylinder 1360 can extend downward along the tangential direction of the first circumferential surface 242a to form an ice-containing space.

[0390] The cylinder 1360 may include a portion extending in a direction corresponding to the discharge direction of ice separated from the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241.

[0391] The ice maker 100a may include a dispensing pipe 1370 disposed on the outlet side of the cylinder 1360 and providing a predetermined resistance to compress the ice present in the cylinder 1360. The description of the dispensing pipe 1370 refers to the description of the dispensing pipe of the first embodiment.

[0392] The ice maker 100a may include a cutting wall 1380 supported by the gear cover 1230. The cutting wall 1380 may be configured at a predetermined distance from the outlet of the discharge pipe 1370 and may interfere with the shaped ice discharged through the discharge pipe 1370. The cutting wall 1380 may include an inclined surface facing the discharge pipe 1370.

[0393] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the gear assembly and piston according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 This is a front view showing the configuration of the gear assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0394] Reference Figure 24 and Figure 25 The gear assembly 1250 of the second embodiment of the present invention may include a drive gear 1251 connected to the motor 1310 and a first driven gear 1260 and a second driven gear 1265 linked to the drive gear 1251.

[0395] This can be understood as the drive gear 1251 being oriented in one direction (for example, ...). Figure 25 A rotating gear that rotates in a counterclockwise direction (based on a reference point).

[0396] The drive gear 1251 may include a compression gear 1252 and a reset gear 1255. The gear shaft 1270 of the drive gear 1251 can be engaged with the compression gear 1252 and the reset gear 1255, and the compression gear 1252 and the reset gear 1255 can rotate together when the drive gear 1251 rotates. The gear shaft 1270 may be referred to as the "central shaft".

[0397] As an example, the compression gear 1252 can be disposed between the reset gear 1255 and the motor 1310. The compression gear 1252 and the reset gear 1255 can be disposed separately in the axial direction.

[0398] The compression gear portion 1252 may include an outer peripheral surface having a plurality of gear teeth 1253a, 1253b, 1253c, and 1253d. The plurality of gear teeth may be provided only on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the compression gear portion 1252, rather than on the entire outer peripheral surface. That is, the compression gear portion 1252 may form an incomplete gear portion. As an example, the compression gear portion 1252 may be provided only in a region forming a central angle of approximately 60 degrees with respect to the center of the compression gear portion 1252.

[0399] The reset gear portion 1255 may include an outer peripheral surface having a plurality of gear teeth 1256a, 1256b, 1256c, and 1256d. The plurality of gear teeth may be provided only on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the reset gear portion 1255, rather than the entire outer peripheral surface. That is, the reset gear portion 1255 may form an incomplete gear portion. As an example, the reset gear portion 1255 may be provided only in a region forming a central angle of approximately 60 degrees with respect to the center of the reset gear portion 1255.

[0400] With the central axis 1270 of the drive gear 1251 as a reference, the plurality of gear teeth 1253a, 1253b, 1253c, 1253d of the compression gear section 1252 and the plurality of gear teeth 1256a, 1256b, 1256c, 1256d of the reset gear section 1255 can be formed in the circumferential direction with a phase difference.

[0401] As an example, the phase difference formed by the plurality of gear teeth of the compression gear section 1252 and the reset gear section 1255 in the circumferential direction is such that when the drive gear 1251 is in one direction (with... Figure 25 When rotating in a counterclockwise direction (based on the reference), the plurality of gear teeth 1253a, 1253b, 1253c, and 1253d of the compression gear section 1252 first engage with the first driven gear 1260, and then the plurality of gear teeth 1256a, 1256b, 1256c, and 1256d of the reset gear section 1255 engage with the second driven gear 1265.

[0402] In detail, refer to Figure 25 The first gear tooth 1253a disposed on one side of the plurality of gear teeth of the compression gear section 1252 and the first gear tooth 1256a disposed on one side of the plurality of gear teeth of the reset gear section 1255 can have a phase difference with reference to the center C of the drive gear 1251.

[0403] The first extension line connecting the center C of the drive gear 1251 and the first gear tooth 1253a of the compression gear 1252 1 and, the second extension line connecting the center C of the drive gear 1251 and the first gear tooth 1256a of the reset gear portion 1255. 2 can form a set angle θ1. As an example, the set angle can be approximately 30 degrees.

[0404] The first driven gear 1260 may be configured to be driven in conjunction with the compression gear section 1252. Conversely, the first driven gear 1260 may be configured not to be driven in conjunction with the reset gear section 1255.

[0405] The first driven gear 1260 may include a central support 1262. The central support 1262 may protrude from the first driven gear 1260 and be supported on the first support 1220. The first driven gear 1260 may include an outer peripheral surface forming a plurality of gear teeth 1263. The plurality of gear teeth 1263 may be formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the first driven gear 1260.

[0406] The second driven gear 1265 can be configured to be driven in conjunction with the reset gear section 1255. Conversely, the second driven gear 1265 can be configured not to be driven in conjunction with the compression gear section 1252.

[0407] The first driven gear 1260 and the second driven gear 1265 can be configured to be linked together.

[0408] The plurality of gear teeth formed on the first driven gear 1260 may have an axial width to engage with the gear teeth of the compression gear section 1252 and the gear teeth of the second driven gear 1265. That is, the axial width W1 of the gear teeth of the first driven gear 1260 may be greater than the axial width W2 of the gear teeth of the compression gear section 1252.

[0409] In other words, the plurality of gear teeth formed on the first driven gear 1260 may include a first portion that is linked to the gear teeth of the compression gear portion 1252 and a second portion that is linked to the gear teeth of the second driven gear 1265. The first portion and the second portion may be arranged axially.

[0410] The plurality of gear teeth formed on the second driven gear 1265 may have an axial width to engage with the gear teeth of the first driven gear 1260 and the gear teeth of the reset gear portion 1255. That is, the axial width W3 of the gear teeth of the second driven gear 1265 may be greater than the axial width W4 of the gear teeth of the reset gear portion 1255.

[0411] In other words, the plurality of gear teeth formed on the second driven gear 1265 may include a first portion that is linked to the gear teeth of the first driven gear 1260 and a second portion that is linked to the gear teeth of the reset gear portion 1255. The first portion and the second portion may be arranged axially.

[0412] Figures 26a to 26d This is a diagram illustrating the function of the gear assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27a This diagram illustrates the state during ice removal from the tray in the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27b This is a diagram showing the state in which the piston of the second embodiment of the present invention performs a compression function.

[0413] Reference Figure 25 , Figures 26a to 27b When the drive gear 1251 is Figure 25 When rotating counterclockwise with reference to the reference, the drive gear 1251 can rotate independently without being linked with the first driven gear 1260 and the second driven gear 1265.

[0414] The state of the drive gear 1251 when rotating alone is as follows: Figure 26a As shown, at this time, the tray assembly 1240 is as follows: Figure 27a As shown, it rotates counterclockwise via the drive gear 1251.

[0415] exist Figure 27a In this state, ice can be moved (ice-moving action) on the first circumferential surface 1242a of the tray 1241 as the tray assembly 1240 rotates. That is, the first circumferential surface 1242a can rotate in a state configured to be adjacent to the scraper 1290, and the scraper 1290 can separate ice by contacting the ice on the first circumferential surface 1242a.

[0416] The ice-moving action can be performed during the period when the first circumferential surface 1242a passes through the scraper 1290. The first circumferential surface 1242a can be formed only on a portion of the outer circumferential surface (first center angle, θ) of the entire outer circumferential surface (center angle of 360 degrees) of the tray 1241. 11 The region of ). As an example, such as Figure 27b As shown, the first center angle θ 11 It can have a value of approximately 220 to 240 degrees.

[0417] The second circumferential surface 1242b can be used as an example of the second central angle θ in the region corresponding to the remaining outer circumferential surface. 12 The region is formed. As an example, the second center angle θ 12 It can have a value of approximately 120 to 140 degrees.

[0418] During the ice-moving process, the tray 1241 rotates, while the first driven gear 1260 and the second driven gear 1265 do not rotate, so the rack 1330 and the piston 1350 can remain stationary without moving.

[0419] On the other hand, the first circumference 1242a of the tray 1241 that has undergone ice removal can be directly immersed in the water in the water storage tank 1210 and is in a water supply state (water supply process). That is, the water supply process to the tray 1241 can be continuously carried out after the ice removal process.

[0420] After the tray 241 rotates to perform this ice-moving process, the drive gear 1251 can continue to rotate, and the compression gear 1252 can begin to engage with the first driven gear 1260. The state at this time is as follows: Figure 26b As shown.

[0421] The first driven gear 1260 can be linked with the compression gear portion 1252 of the drive gear 1251 to rotate in a clockwise direction, and the second driven gear 1265 can be linked with the first driven gear 1260 to rotate in a clockwise direction.

[0422] The rack 1330 can move downward in conjunction with the second driven gear 1265, and the piston 1350 can move downward toward the cylinder 1360. The piston 1350 can move inside the transfer tube 1340 and push the ice inside the transfer tube 1340 into the cylinder 1360 (compression process).

[0423] This compression process can be performed during the interval when the first driven gear 1260 is engaged with the compression gear section 1252. At this time, the tray 1241 is in the following state: Figure 27b As shown. Figure 27b The image shows the piston 1350 in its maximum compression position. The compression process can be performed during the interval in region "A" of the second circumferential surface 1242a passing the side of the scraper 1290, as an example, during the interval in which the tray 1241 rotates approximately 60 degrees.

[0424] If the compression process is complete, then as follows Figure 26c As shown, the linkage between the compression gear 1252 and the first driven gear 1260 is released, and the reset gear 1255 and the second driven gear 1265 begin to link together.

[0425] The second driven gear 1265 can be linked with the reset gear 1255 to rotate clockwise, and the first driven gear 1260 can be linked with the second driven gear 1265 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0426] As the second driven gear 1265 rotates counterclockwise, the rack 1330 can move upwards, and the piston 1350 can move away from the cylinder 1360, for example, moving upwards. Thus, the piston 1350 can return to its reset position (reset process). The state of the piston 1350 returning to its reset position is as follows: Figure 26d As shown.

[0427] When the piston 1350 performs the reset process Figure 27b Region B of the second circumferential surface 1242b shown passes the side of scraper 1290.

[0428] If the drive gear 1251 rotates further after the reset process is completed, the linkage between the drive gear 1251 and the first driven gear 1260 and the second driven gear 1265 can be stopped. Figure 26d If the drive gear 1251 rotates slightly further in this state, the linkage between the drive gear 1251 and the first driven gear 1260 and the second driven gears 1260 and 1265 can be stopped.

[0429] After the piston 1350 has reset, an ice-making process can be performed to freeze the water supplied to the first circumferential surface 1242a of the tray 1241. During this ice-making process, the motor 1310 can be stopped, thereby halting the rotation of the drive gear 1251, the first driven gear 1260, and the second driven gear 1265, and placing the assembly in a standby state. At this time, the tray assembly 1240 is in the following state: Figure 27a As shown.

[0430] If the ice-making process is carried out for a set time (for example, a time value between 30 seconds and 1 minute), it can be recognized as ice-making completed, and the motor 1310 will be driven.

[0431] With the drive of the motor 1310, it is possible to begin according to Figure 26a The drive of the gear assembly and according to Figure 27a The tray 1241 rotates, and the ice-moving process of the tray 1241 is performed again. This ice-moving process, compression process, reset process, and ice-making process can be performed repeatedly.

[0432] As described above, with the drive of the motor 1310, the drive gear 1251 rotates in one direction, thereby realizing the rotation of the tray 1241. Furthermore, through the linkage of the compression gear part 1252 and the reset gear part 1255 of the drive gear 1251 with the first driven gear 1260 and the second driven gear 1265, the ice-moving process, compression process, reset process and ice-making process of the tray 1241 can be easily executed.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, wherein, include: The container forms a storage room; Door, used to open and close the enclosure; A tray, rotatably mounted on the door, has a circumferential surface that generates ice by receiving water; A cylinder, forming a space to contain ice that has separated from the circumference; The motor provides driving force to the tray; The gear assembly transmits the driving force of the motor to the tray; as well as The piston moves linearly in conjunction with the gear assembly to guide ice separated from the circumferential surface toward the cylinder.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a water storage tank, which is disposed on one side of the tray and stores water to be supplied to the periphery of the tray.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a scraper, which is configured on one side of the cylinder toward the circumferential surface to contact the ice generated on the circumferential surface.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The circumference of the tray includes: A first circumferential surface, forming a first center distance with the center of the tray, is used to receive water; and The second circumferential surface is configured to form a second center distance smaller than the first center distance, so as not to receive water.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The gear assembly includes a first gear connected to the motor and the tray.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, The gear assembly includes a second gear that is linked to the first gear; The first gear and the second gear are configured as incomplete gears with gear teeth formed only on a portion of their outer peripheral surfaces.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, The motor is a bidirectional drive motor, capable of enabling the first gear to rotate in both directions.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, Also includes: A gear lever, rotatably supported on the first gear, is configured to contact an interference protrusion of the second gear; and The lever spring includes a first end connected to the gear lever and a second end supported on the first gear.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, It also includes a bracket that supports the gear assembly; The bracket includes a receiving bracket that supports the central part of the second gear and a stop that is inserted into the guide slot of the second gear.

10. A refrigerator, wherein, include The container forms a storage room; Door, used to open and close the enclosure; A tray, rotatably mounted on the box or the door; A scraper, configured adjacent to the tray, to separate the ice formed on the tray; A cylinder, extending tangentially along the outer periphery of the tray, holds ice separated by the scraper; The piston moves on one side of the cylinder in a direction toward or away from the cylinder; A motor generates a driving force for rotating the tray; as well as The gear assembly transmits the driving force of the motor to the piston.

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