Ice making device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an ice-making device for generating and supplying ice. Background Art

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

[0003] The refrigerator is provided with an ice-making device for generating ice. The ice-making device includes a tray having an ice-making chamber, and the tray is placed in a freezer compartment or in a space that can receive cold air to generate ice.

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

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

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

[0007] To this end, each ice making chamber of the tray is formed with a take-out hole, and the ejector is formed with an ejector pin that penetrates the take-out hole of each ice making chamber. Thus, as the ejector pins penetrate the take-out holes of the tray, the ice adhering to the take-out holes is ejected, thereby separating the ice from the ice making chambers of the tray.

[0008] In order to smoothly separate ice from the respective ice making chambers, the ejector pins of the ejector need to be accurately moved into the removal holes. If the ejector pins are not accurately moved into the removal holes, they may hit the edges of the removal holes, causing malfunction or possibly damaging the tray, the ejector, or the ejector pins.

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

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

[0011] In particular, when the ejector pin pushes the ice out of the removal hole, there is also the following problem: if the ice cannot be easily separated from the ice making chamber, the position of the corresponding ejector pin will change, thereby causing the entire ejector to twist, resulting in a problem of not being able to move smoothly.

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

[0013] Prior art literature

[0014] Patent Literature

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

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

[0017] Patent Document 3: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0015072 Utility Model Content

[0018] Problem to be solved

[0019] The present invention is proposed to solve the various problems of the prior art. The purpose of the present invention is to guide the ejector so that it does not deviate from a predetermined position during the ice removal operation.

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

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

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

[0023] Technical solutions to the problem

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

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

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

[0027] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member can be molded together with the tray cover to form an integral body.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0036] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, when the ejector is deformed, the guide member can contact the circumference of the ejector pin to guide the ejector pin to move up and down, so that the ejector pin moves to a predetermined position.

[0037] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide members can be respectively arranged at positions symmetrical to each other on the circumference of the ejector pin.

[0038] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, at least a portion of the guide member may be formed to protrude toward the inner side of the communicating hole when viewed from above.

[0039] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the guide member may be located on a plurality of radial sides with respect to the center of the communicating hole when viewed from above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0053] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, the insertion tube can be combined with or pressed into the communication hole of the tray cover.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] According to the ice-making device of the present invention, when the first tray and the second tray are arranged to be opposed to each other and engaged with each other in the upper and lower directions, the taking-out hole can be formed on the top surface of the first tray.

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

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

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

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

[0069] Utility model effect

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

[0071] In the ice making device of the present invention, even if the ejector pin tilts while moving ice in the ice making chamber, the guide member can guide the movement of the ejector pin, thereby preventing malfunction.

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

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

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

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

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

[0077] In the ice-making device of the present invention, the tip of the ejector pin and the inner peripheral surface of the inlet of the insertion tube are formed with an inclined structure, so that they can be spaced as far apart as possible. Therefore, even if a portion of the ejector pin is tilted, the ejector pin can be prevented from colliding with the insertion tube.

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

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

[0080] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0087] Figure 8 It is from Figure 7 Part "B" is an enlarged view of the state of the first ejector omitted.

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

[0089] Figure 10 This is a cutaway perspective view of the main parts of the relationship between the ejector ejector pin and the guide member of the first ejector in the ice making device according to the embodiment of the present utility model.

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

[0091] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the relationship between the ejector ejector pin and the guide member of the first ejector in the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

[0095] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the relationship between the ejector ejector pin and the guide member of the first ejector in the ice-making device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

[0098] Figure 25 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a refrigerator using the ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

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

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

[0101] Description of Reference Numerals

[0102] 10: Cabinet 20: Refrigerator door

[0103] 21: Dispenser 22: Freezer

[0104] 30: Ice making room door

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

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

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

[0108] 113: First through hole 120: Second tray

[0109] 131: Tray support 131a: Placement slot

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

[0111] 132: Combination cover 140: Rotation shaft

[0112] 141: Gearbox 150: Rotating connector

[0113] 151: Elastic component

[0114] 200: Pallet cover

[0115] 201: lifting groove 202: connecting hole

[0116] 210: Water supply pipe 220: Air conditioning pipe

[0117] 230: Linkage connector

[0118] 310: First ejector 311: Ejector body

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

[0120] 312: ejector pin 320: second ejector

[0121] 322: ejector pin

[0122] 400: guide member 401: rib

[0123] 410: protruding end DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0124] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements in the drawings, even if they are also shown in other drawings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0136] For example, the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 can be configured to face each other and engage with each other in the vertical direction. In this case, the first tray 110 can be located on the upper side with the hemispherical ice-making chamber 101 facing downward, and the second tray 120 can be located on the lower side of the first tray 110 with the hemispherical ice-making chamber 101 facing upward. In other words, hemispherical ice-making chambers 101 are formed on the opposing surfaces of the first tray 110 and the second tray 120, respectively, and spherical ice is produced by cooperating with each other. In the following embodiments, the positions and directions of the various components of the embodiments are described based on a structure in which the first tray 110 is located on the upper side and the second tray 120 is located on the lower side.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0143] Given the spherical shape of the ice-making chambers 101, the multiple ice-making chambers 101 in each row or column can be arranged so as to be staggered. For example, when viewed from above, portions of ice-making chambers 101 in two rows can be positioned between the multiple ice-making chambers 101 in one row. This arrangement maximizes the number of ice-making chambers 101 within a tray of limited width.

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

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

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

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

[0148] Furthermore, the first tray 110 can be mounted and fixed in a fixed position. Thus, the various components of the ice-making device 100 can be sequentially coupled or linked with each other using the first tray 110 as a reference. For example, if the ice-making device 100 of the present embodiment is mounted on a refrigerator door, the first tray 110 can be fixed to the wall of the refrigerator door.

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

[0150] The first tray 110 may have an ejection hole 112 a formed therein. An ejector pin 312 of a first ejector 310 , described later, is inserted into the ejection hole 112 a. The ejection hole 112 a extends from the outer surface of the first tray 110 to the ice making chamber 101 .

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

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

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

[0154] like Figure 2 、 Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the insertion tube 112 is formed to protrude from the outer surface of the first tray 110. For example, the insertion tube 112 protrudes upward from the top surface of the first tray 110, and its interior is provided with a take-out hole 112a that extends through the ice-making chamber 101. The space between the ice-making chamber 101 and the insertion tube 112 (the space provided with the take-out hole) can be designed to allow space for the ice in the ice-making chamber 101 to expand. Furthermore, a space corresponding to the height of the insertion tube 112 is provided between the top surface of the first tray 110 and the bottom surface of the tray cover 200.

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

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

[0157] The tray support 131 is formed with a plurality of curved seating grooves 131a for accommodating the portion of the ice-making chamber 101 where the second tray 120 is formed. A through-hole 131b may be formed in the center of each seating groove 131a. The plurality of ejector pins 322 of the second ejector 320 can pass through the through-holes 131b of each seating groove 131a to pressurize the ice-making chamber 101 of the second tray 120.

[0158] The second ejector 320 is fixedly positioned below the second tray 120. The plurality of ejector pins 322 of the second ejector 320 are formed to protrude toward the rotation path of the second tray 120. Specifically, when the second tray 120 rotates, the plurality of ejector pins 322 of the second ejector 320 penetrate the through-holes 131b of the tray support 131 and remove ice adhering to the ice making chamber 101 of the second tray 120 seated in the seating grooves 131a.

[0159] The second tray 120 and the tray support 131 may be combined to form a single body. A combining cover 132 may be provided to facilitate combining the second tray 120 and the tray support 131. The combining cover 132 is formed to simultaneously clamp the periphery of the second tray 120 and the periphery of the tray support 131 to combine them.

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

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

[0162] An elastic member 151 is disposed between the other end of the rotating connector 150 and the tray support 131. The elastic member 151 is configured to compress and deform between the elastic member 151 and the tray support 131 under the action of a rotational force generated by the rotation of the rotating connector 150, thereby pressing the tray support 131. When the rotating shaft 140 returns to its original position, the elastic member 151 provides a restoring force, causing the plurality of ice making chambers 101 of the first tray 110 and the second tray 120 to engage and adhere to each other.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0170] On the other hand, the water supply duct 210 or the cold air guide duct 220 provided on the tray cover 200 and the side wall formed with the lifting groove 201 can all be formed from a single body, or at least one of them can be formed from a single body. Although not shown, the tray cover 200 can be formed so that the bottom surface and each peripheral wall are integrally formed, but it can also be configured so that at least one portion is formed separately and then combined or combined using other structures.

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

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

[0173] The tray cover 200 is formed with a communication hole 202 that is aligned with the position of the extraction hole 112 a of the first tray 110 .

[0174] When there are plural extraction holes 112 a , plural communication holes 202 are also provided and the communication holes 202 and the extraction holes 112 a are positioned in the same manner. At least one of the communication holes 202 may communicate with the water supply hole 111 of the first tray 110 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0186] The ejector pin 312 is preferably formed so as not to collide with the top surface of the insertion tube 112 during insertion into the extraction hole 112a. In other words, it is preferable to prevent malfunction of the first ejector 310 caused by collision of the ejector pin 312 with the top surface of the insertion tube 112.

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

[0188] As an example, Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, to prevent malfunction of the first ejector 310, the distal end (lower end) of the ejector pin 312 can be formed to gradually tilt inward toward the distal end. This can minimize the problem of the ejector pin 312 colliding with the top surface of the insertion tube 112 during insertion into the insertion tube 112.

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

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

[0191] On the other hand, the first ejector 310 may be configured to be linked with the second tray 120. For example, when the second tray 120 rotates about the rotation axis 140 and separates from the first tray 110, the first ejector 310 may be configured to move downward and pressurize the ice adhering to the ice making chamber 101 of the first tray 110, thereby removing the ice.

[0192] To facilitate the linkage between the first ejector 310 and the second tray 120, a linkage connector 230 may be provided. To this end, one end of the linkage connector 230 is rotatably connected to the side walls of a tray support 131 that supports the second tray 120. The other end of the linkage connector 230 may be connected to a movable protrusion 311a of the first ejector 310 that penetrates the lifting slot 201 of the tray cover 200 and is exposed. Consequently, if the second tray 120 rotates about the rotation axis 140, one end of the linkage connector 230 may be pulled downward, causing the movable protrusion 311a connected to the other end of the linkage connector 230 to move downward.

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

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

[0195] Of course, even without the guide member 400, the movable protrusions 311a formed on the side surfaces of the ejector body 311 of the first ejector 310 move along the lifting grooves 201 formed on the side walls of the tray cover 200 and are guided to move upward and downward. However, the movable protrusions 311a and the lifting grooves 201 alone cannot eliminate the problem of tilting of the ejector pins 312 caused by twisting or bending of the ejector body 311. With this in mind, the guide member 400 ensures that the plurality of ejector pins 312 can be accurately moved into the removal hole 112a even if the ejector body 311 is twisted or bent.

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

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

[0198] In particular, the guide member 400 may be preferably located around the communicating hole 202 formed on the top surface of the tray cover 200. That is, by forming the guide member 400 at a position as close as possible to the communicating hole 202, space in other areas of the top surface of the tray cover 200 can be used in various ways.

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

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

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

[0202] Then, the guide member 400 can be formed into various shapes to guide the ejector pin 312 to the center of the extraction hole 112a as much as possible. In other words, the guide member 400 can be formed to provide a better guiding effect according to the installation position or the surrounding structure.

[0203] As an example, Figures 6 to 11 The guide member 400 can be positioned around the communication hole 202 in the top surface of the tray cover 200, with at least a portion thereof configured to selectively contact the ejector pin 312. Specifically, if the ejector pin 312 moves out of its predetermined position during its descent (e.g., if the ejector pin tilts due to bending deformation of the ejector body), the guide member 400 can contact the ejector pin 312 and guide it to the predetermined position. Such a guide member 400 can be formed as a structure having the same thickness as its width, or as a plate structure having a larger area and a thickness less than its width, or as a block structure such as a rod or bar.

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

[0205] The shape of an example of such a guide member 400 can preferably be such that a movement failure of the ejector pin 312 can be prevented with a simple structure.

[0206] As another example, Figure 12 As shown, the guide member 400 can be formed into a tubular structure with a portion gradually expanding toward the upper portion of the top surface of the tray cover 200. Specifically, the guide member 400 is formed into a funnel shape, with the inner diameter decreasing toward the communicating hole 202, to ensure that the ejector pin 312 can be positioned as it descends. The funnel-shaped guide member 400 can be integrally formed on the top surface of the tray cover 200 or coupled using an additional coupling structure.

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

[0208] As another example, Figure 15 As shown, the guide member 400 may also be formed in an arc shape, covering a portion of the perimeter of the communication hole 202 in the top surface of the tray cover 200. In this case, the length of the arc provided by the arc-shaped guide member 400 can vary depending on the surrounding components. For example, the length of the arc can be varied depending on the rotation radius of the second tray 120, the diameter of the communication hole 202, the outer diameter of the ejector pin 312, and the like. Only one arc-shaped guide member 400 may be provided per communication hole 202, or two or more arc-shaped guide members may be provided per communication hole 202.

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

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

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

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

[0213] As another example, the plurality of guide members 400 may be arranged so as not to oppose each other relative to the center of the communicating hole 202. Specifically, to minimize tilting of the ejector pin 312 in all directions using only a minimum number of guide members 400, the plurality of guide members 400 may be preferably arranged so as not to oppose each other. For example, as shown in the embodiment, the guide members 400 may be symmetrically arranged within a certain angular range relative to the center of the communicating hole 202.

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

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

[0216] That is, based on the center of the communication hole 202 , the number of guide members 400 disposed on the front side may be greater than the number of guide members 400 disposed on the rear side.

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

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

[0219] In this manner, when multiple ice-making chambers 101 are arranged in multiple rows and staggered, the distance between adjacent extraction holes 112a (or connecting holes 202) may make it difficult to simultaneously install two guide members 400. To account for this, guide members 400 are formed around the periphery of not all connecting holes 202, but only around the periphery of some connecting holes 202. In other words, when multiple connecting holes 202 are provided, guide members 400 may not be installed around at least one of the connecting holes 202.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0233] Of course, the protruding end 410 of the guide member 400 can be formed to protrude so as to contact the circumferential surface of the ejector pin 312. However, such a structure poses a risk that foreign matter generated by the continuous friction between the protruding end 410 and the ejector pin 312 may fall through the removal hole 112a into the ice making chamber 101. Therefore, the protruding end 410 preferably protrudes to a degree that prevents the protruding end 410 and the ejector pin 312 from contacting each other.

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

[0235] If the protruding end 410 is formed to protrude into the extraction hole 112a, the bottom surface of the protruding end 410 may be arranged to contact the top surface of the insertion tube 112 forming the extraction hole 112a. This poses a risk of ice expanding within the insertion tube 112 adhering to the bottom surface of the protruding end 410. In view of this, the guide member 400 is preferably formed to prevent ice generated in the extraction hole 112a from adhering.

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

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

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

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

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

[0241] For this reason, Figure 8As shown, the distal end surface (top surface) of the guide member 400 can be formed to be located higher than the distal end surface (bottom surface) of the ejector pin 312 when the first ejector 310 is not in operation. In other words, by forming the guide member 400 as high as possible, the ejector pin 312 of the first ejector 310 can be guided by the guide member 400 from the initial operation.

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

[0243] In consideration of this, the guide member 400 is preferably formed so as not to come into contact with the ejector body 311 even when the first ejector 310 descends to the lowest position (moves to the position where ice is completely removed).

[0244] As an example, Figure 18 As shown, the guide member 400 can be formed at a height such that even when the first ejector 310 is lowered to the lowest position (moved to the position where ice is completely removed), it does not contact the ejector body 311. With this structure, the guide member 400 does not interfere with the operation of the first ejector 310.

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

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

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

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

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

[0250] like Figure 22 As shown, the guide members 400 can be arranged in different radial directions relative to the respective communicating holes 202. In other words, the guide members 400 can be arranged at complementary positions. Therefore, even if the ejector pins 312 have different disengagement directions, the plurality of guide members 400 can still be used to correct the disengagement.

[0251] like Figure 23 As shown, the guide members 400 may be formed to be arranged at different radial sides according to the communication holes 202 of each row. In this case, the guide members 400 may also be arranged at complementary positions and guide the movement of the ejector pins 312 having different disengagement directions.

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

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

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

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

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

[0257] When the preset amount of water is supplied, the drive source rotates the rotating shaft 140, causing the rotating connector 150 to rotate as well. This rotation of the rotating connector 150 eliminates the pressing force of the elastic member 151, and the restoring force of the elastic member 151 causes the second tray 120 to move toward the first tray 110. As a result, the second tray 120 is completely attached to the first tray 110, so that the ice making chambers 101 disposed between the two trays 110, 120 form separate compartments.

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

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

[0260] The cooling air may be provided continuously or intermittently within a preset time, and the cooling air supply may be interrupted if the preset time has elapsed.

[0261] If the cold air supply is interrupted, the drive source activates, rotating shaft 140. As shaft 140 rotates, rotating connector 150 coupled to shaft 140 rotates together, pressurizing elastic member 151. Consequently, as tray support 131 coupled to elastic member 151 rotates, second tray 120 is separated from first tray 110.

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

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

[0264] As the ejector body 311 descends, the plurality of ejector pins 312 of the first ejector 310 move downward toward the removal hole 112a of the first tray 110. At this time, the two movable protrusions 311a formed on the side surfaces of the ejector body 311 receive the downward force through the linkage connector 230. As a result, the two movable protrusions 311a descend along the lifting slots 201 formed on the two side walls of the tray cover 200.

[0265] Furthermore, the ejector pin 312 inserted into the extraction hole 112a of the first tray 110 strikes or pressurizes the ice in the ice making chamber 101 connected to the extraction hole 112a, thereby moving the ice out of the ice making chamber 101. As a result, the ice is separated from the ice making chamber 101 and falls downward.

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

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

[0268] However, when the ejector pins 312 tilt as described above, the ejector pins 312 come into contact with the guide members 400 formed on the tray cover 200 and are guided downward by the guide members 400. This prevents the ejector pins 312 from being properly inserted into the ejection holes 112a and causing malfunctions.

[0269] As described above, in the ice making device 100 of the present invention, when the ejector pin 312 moves ice in the ice making chamber 101 , even if the ejector pin 312 tilts, the guide member 400 can guide the movement, thereby preventing malfunction.

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

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

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

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

[0274] Furthermore, in the ice making device 100 of the present invention, the bottom surface of the protruding end 410 constituting the guide member 400 is formed to be spaced apart from the surface of the communicating hole 202, thereby preventing ice from adhering to the extraction hole 112a.

[0275] Furthermore, in the ice-making device 100 of the present invention, the distal end of the ejector pin 312 or the inner circumferential surface of the distal end of the insertion tube 112 is formed into an inclined structure, so that they can be spaced as far apart as possible. Therefore, even if a portion of the ejector pin 312 is tilted, the ejector pin 312 can be prevented from colliding with the insertion tube 112.

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

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

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

[0279] For example, the ice making device 100 of the present invention can be applied to a refrigerator. In this way, when the ice making device 100 of the present invention is applied to a refrigerator, it can be set in the storage chamber of the box or on a refrigerator door that selectively opens and closes the storage chamber.

[0280] In particular, the ice-making device 100 of the present invention has a simple overall structure and can be minimized in size, so it can be installed in a refrigerator door with a dispenser.

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

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

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

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

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

[0286] The ice-making device 100 of the present invention can be installed above the ice bin 22 in the refrigerator door 20. In this case, at least a portion of the top surface of the ice bin 22 is open, and the ice-making device 100 is configured so that ice removed from the ice-making chamber 101 falls out when the second tray 120 is opened. In other words, after ice is made by the ice-making device 100, the ice removed from the ice-making chamber 101 is stored in the ice bin 22 through the open top surface of the ice bin 22.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0300] Although it has been described above that all the constituent elements constituting the embodiments of the present invention are combined into one or act by combining, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. That is, as long as it is within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all its constituent elements may also be selectively combined and act in more than one manner. In addition, unless otherwise mentioned, the terms "including" or "constituting" or "having" described above indicate that the corresponding constituent elements may be contained therein, and therefore should be interpreted as not excluding other constituent elements but as possibly including other constituent elements. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical or scientific terms have the same meaning as that generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Like terms defined in dictionaries, commonly used terms should be interpreted as being consistent with the meaning of the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted as ideal or overly formalized meanings unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0301] The above description is intended to illustrate the technical concept of the present invention, and a person skilled in the art in the art to which the present invention belongs may make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention, but to illustrate the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the scope of equivalents thereto shall be interpreted as included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

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

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

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

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

5. The ice making device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide member is provided at a peripheral edge of each of the communicating holes formed at a center side of the tray cover or at a peripheral edge of each of the communicating holes formed at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the center side.

6. The ice making device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide member has a protruding end formed therein. When viewed from the moving direction of the ejector pin, at least a portion of the protruding end protrudes toward the inside of the communication hole and is adjacent to or in contact with the ejector pin.

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

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

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

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

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