Refrigerator, ice-maker, and ice-making method

Abstract

A refrigerator of the present invention may comprise: an ice nugget maker that divides an ice cube of a predetermined shape into small pieces to make at least two ice flakes, and then compacts the at least two ice flakes to make an ice nugget; and a dispenser that dispenses the ice nugget.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, an ice maker, and an ice-making method. The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, an ice maker, and an ice-making method capable of providing ice nuggets.[Background Art]

[0002] Refrigerators have become an indispensable product in our daily lives. Refrigerators can provide a low-temperature environment. Refrigerators can manufacture and supply ice cubes in a sub-zero temperature environment. The ice cubes can be made by storing water in a storage container of a predetermined shape. The ice cubes can refer to ice provided in chunks of a predetermined size.

[0003] Users can chew and eat the ice cubes directly on a hot day. In this case, it can be hard on the user's teeth. Considering this problem, there is a technology referring to as an embankment technology that provides chewable ice.

[0004] For example, In CN201910438990, 'Ice-making device, method for making chewable ice, and refrigerator' are disclosed. The technology includes the processes of spraying water into a cylinder, freezing the sprayed water into a thin layer, and scraping the frozen ice to provide chewable ice. In addition, a technology is known of pouring water onto a cooling plate and scraping thin ice from the poured water to provide chewable ice.

[0005] These technologies have the problem that they require a separate ice maker for chewing ice to be installed in the refrigerator. These technologies have the problem that they take up space inside the refrigerator. The chewing ice provided by these technologies is wet. Moist chewing ice is inconvenient for the user to eat.[Disclosure] / [Technical Problem]

[0006] The present disclosure is proposed against the background.

[0007] The present disclosure proposes a technology to improve the inconvenience of having to provide a separate device for chewing ice.

[0008] The present disclosure proposes a technology for increasing the usability of the internal space of a refrigerator.

[0009] The present disclosure proposes a technology for maintaining chewable ice in a solid state.

[0010] The present disclosure proposes a technique for providing high quality chewable ice.

[0011] The present disclosure proposes an ice-making technology that satisfies consumer tastes.

[0012] Other tasks of the present disclosure can also be described in [Best Mode].[Technical Solution]

[0013] The refrigerator of an embodiment may include an ice nugget maker that shatters ice cubes of a predetermined shape to make at least two shattered ices and makes ice nuggets by clumping the at least two shattered ices together, and a dispenser that extracts the ice nuggets.

[0014] Optionally, the refrigerator may include an ice cube maker that stores water to make ice cubes. The ice cubes may be made to a predetermined size or larger. The user may eat the ice cubes directly. The user may also take the ice cubes out immediately.

[0015] Optionally, ice cube bin may be included to store frozen ice cubes made by ice cube maker.

[0016] Optionally, the ice nugget maker can receive the ice cubes from at least one of the ice cube maker and the ice cube bin.

[0017] Optionally, the ice cube maker may be placed above the ice nugget maker, so that the ice cubes can be transported by their own weight.

[0018] Optionally, an ice nugget bin for storing the ice nuggets may be included.

[0019] Optionally, the dispenser can be connected to at least one of the ice nugget bin and the ice cube bin, thereby selectively extracting the ice nuggets and the ice cubes.

[0020] Optionally, the ice nugget maker can be placed on the door of the refrigerator.

[0021] Optionally, the ice nugget can be made by melting and then resolidifying the ice at the contact part of the at least two shattered ices. Here, the ice at the contact part can be melted by at least one of heat and pressure. Preferably, pressure can be applied to increase the heat efficiency.

[0022] Optionally, the ice nugget maker may include a crushing part for crushing the ice cubes to provide at least two shattered ices; and an ice-making part for clumping the at least two shattered ices to make ice nuggets.

[0023] Optionally, the crushing part may be located above the ice-making part. The shattered ices can be conveniently moved by their own weight.

[0024] Optionally, a driving part for operating the crushing part and the ice-making part may be included.

[0025] Optionally, the driving part may have a motor providing rotational force; and a shaft rotated by the motor. Optionally, the driving part may include a conversion part converting the rotational motion into a reciprocating motion of the shaft and transmitting the reciprocating motion to at least one of the crushing part and the ice-making part.

[0026] Optionally, the driving part may include a linear actuator that reciprocates and has an output side connected to at least one of the crushing part and the ice-making part.

[0027] Optionally, the driving part may include a motor providing rotational force and having an output side connected to at least one of the crushing part and the ice-making part.

[0028] Optionally, the driving part may be configured such that a single driver can operate the crushing part and the ice-making part together.

[0029] Optionally, the driving part may have different drivers independently operate the crushing part and the ice-making part.

[0030] Optionally, a transport part for transporting the at least two shattered ices from the crushing part to the ice-making part may be provided. Accordingly, an ice nugget can be provided even when the crushing part and the ice-making part are not adjacent.

[0031] The ice maker of the embodiment may include a crushing part that crushes ice cubes to provide at least two shattered ices; and an ice-making part that clumps the at least two shattered ices together to make ice nuggets. By using the ice cubes, ice nuggets can be made in a low moisture state. Here, the low moisture state may mean that there is no or little liquid water. Here, the low moisture may mean that it is not wet.

[0032] Optionally, the at least two shattered ices can be clumped together by pressure.

[0033] The ice maker of the embodiment may include a crushing part that divides ice cubes into at least two shattered ices; and an ice-making part that coagulates the at least two shattered ices and then pressurizes the coagulated shattered ices to make the ice nuggets.

[0034] Optionally, the crushing part may include a box for accommodating the ice cubes; and at least one pusher for rotating within the box to transport the ice cubes.

[0035] Optionally, at least a part of the box may have a circular cross-section.

[0036] Optionally, the device may include a shaft for rotating the pusher.

[0037] Optionally, the box may have a separation plate defining the lower surface.

[0038] Optionally, the separation plate may have a protrusion for crushing ice cubes.

[0039] Optionally, the separation plate may include through-holes provided to allow the shattered ices to move to the ice-making part.

[0040] Optionally, a crushing guide may be provided to guide the ice toward a lower part.

[0041] Optionally, the box may be provided with an upper part larger than the bottom.

[0042] Optionally, the crushing part and the ice-making part may be connected coaxially or in series with a single power source.

[0043] Optionally, the crushing part and the ice-making part can be operated by the same motor.

[0044] Optionally, the vertical height of the crushing part may be greater than the vertical height of the ice-making part.

[0045] Optionally, the crushing part may be placed above the ice-making part.

[0046] Optionally, a driving part for driving at least one of the crushing part and the ice-making part may be provided.

[0047] Optionally, at least a part of the driving part may be placed below the ice-making part.

[0048] Optionally, at least a part of the driving part may be placed on the side of the ice-making part.

[0049] Optionally, the ice-making part may include a coagulation box for rotating the shattered ices, at least part of which is circular; and at least one push bar for pushing and rotating the shattered ices in the coagulation box, thereby providing a coagulation action.

[0050] Optionally, the ice-making part may include a discharge part for discharging shattered ices from inside the coagulation box.

[0051] Optionally, the discharge part can discharge the coagulated shattered ices in a tangential direction to the coagulation box.

[0052] The ice-making part of the embodiment may include a coagulation box that rotates and coagulates at least two shattered ices.

[0053] Optionally, ice-making part may include a discharge part that crushes at least two coagulated shattered ices the coagulation box and discharges the ice nugget.

[0054] Optionally, the discharge part may include a collection part for collecting at least two coagulated shattered ices discharged from the coagulation box.

[0055] Optionally, the discharge part may include a pressurizing part for pressurizing the at least two coagulated shattered ices.

[0056] Optionally, the discharge part may include a forming part for forming at least two coagulated shattered ices.

[0057] Optionally, the collection part may extend in a tangential direction of the coagulation box, and the size of the collection part may decrease as it extends.

[0058] Optionally, the discharge part includes at least one push bar that rotates within the coagulation box, and the push bar may be larger on the inside than on the outside.

[0059] The ice-making part and the ice maker can be installed in a refrigerator.

[0060] The ice-making method of the embodiment may include making ice cubes; dividing the ice cubes into small pieces to provide the shattered ices; and collecting the shattered ices to provide ice nuggets.[Advantageous Effect]

[0061] Since the present disclosure provides ice nuggets from ice cubes, additional equipment may be reduced.

[0062] Since the present disclosure provides an ice nugget maker, it is possible to secure a large storage space in a refrigerator.

[0063] The present disclosure prevents the problem of ice nuggets sticking to each other in an ice nugget bin because the ice nuggets are provided only with ice and not with water.

[0064] The present disclosure can provide ice nuggets only in a solid state, thereby satisfying consumer tastes.

[0065] The present disclosure can store a large quantity of solid ice nuggets in a bin.

[0066] Other effects of the present disclosure can also be described in [Specific details for carrying out the disclosure].[Description of Drawings]

[0067] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an ice nugget maker according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view explaining the operation of the crushing part, where FIG. 4(a) is a view explaining a case where a first rod reciprocates, and FIG. 4(b) is a view explaining a case where the first rod rotates. FIG. 5 is a view explaining the de-icing action, and FIG. 5(a), FIG. 5(b), and FIG. 5(c) are views illustrating the de-icing action sequentially. FIG. 6 is a view explaining the interaction between the crushing part and the ice-making part, and FIG. 6(a), FIG. 6(b), FIG. 6(c), and FIG. 6(d) are views illustrating one cycle of the stroke of the first and second loads in sequence. FIG. 7 is a flow chart explaining an ice-making method according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the detailed manufacturing process of ice cube. FIG. 9 is a view simply illustrating the configuration of the ice nugget maker of FIG. 3. FIGS. 10 to 13 are views explaining the configuration of an ice nugget maker according to another embodiment by comparing it with FIG. 9. FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an ice nugget maker according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a front view illustrating an ice nugget maker according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating an ice nugget maker according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18' of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19' of FIG. 15. [Best Mode]

[0068] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the disclosure will be able to easily propose other embodiments included within the scope of the same idea by adding, changing, deleting, and supplementing components, but this may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] In the description of the drawings, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0070] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0071] The attached drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the idea and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, and the like, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0073] When it is said that a component is "connected" or "accessed" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or accessed to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is said that a component is "directly connected" or "directly accessed" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0074] A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0075] In this document, the terms "comprises" or "has" and the like are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0076] In this document, at least a part of the description of one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment. This allows other embodiments to be possible, which can also be embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 1(a), the refrigerator R of the embodiment may include a water supplier a that supplies water. Water may be supplied to the water supplier through an external water supply pipe. The water supplier may include a water purifier that removes impurities.

[0079] The water supplier can supply water to the ice cube maker b. The ice cube maker can have a storage container of a predetermined shape for storing water. The storage container can store water by gravity. The storage container can have a recess having an outer surface shape of an ice cube. The cold air can be supplied to the ice cube maker. The cold air can freeze water. The water in the storage container can freeze to become ice cubes. After freezing, the ice cubes can be separated from the ice cube maker.

[0080] The ice cubes can be stored in an ice cube bin c1. The ice cube bin can store at least one ice cube. The ice cube bin can supply ice cubes when needed.

[0081] At least one of the ice cubes accommodated in the ice cube bin c1 and the ice cubes made in the ice cube ice cube maker b can be supplied to the ice nugget maker 1. The ice nugget maker 1 can make ice nuggets from the ice cubes. The ice nugget maker 1 can finely divide the ice cubes. The ice nugget maker 1 can produce ice nuggets by finely dividing the ice cubes to make shattered ices, and by clumping the shattered ices to make ice nuggets. The ice nugget can refer to clumped shattered ices. The ice nugget can refer to ice having a plurality of pores inside the ice. The ice nugget can refer to ice that breaks easily. The ice nugget can refer to ice that breaks easily when a user chews, thereby preventing tooth damage. Since the ice nugget is ice, the device that makes the ice nugget can be referred to as an ice nugget maker. The ice nugget maker can also be abbreviated as an ice maker.

[0082] The ice nugget made in the ice nugget maker 1 can be stored in the ice nugget bin c2. The ice nugget bin can store at least one ice nugget. The at least one ice nugget can be in a solid state. The at least one ice nugget cannot be bound to each other inside the ice nugget bin.

[0083] Upon user request, at least one of the ice cubes and the ice nuggets can be extracted. A dispenser d for extracting at least one of the ice cubes and the ice nuggets can be included. The dispenser can be connected to at least one of the ice cube bin c1 and the ice nugget bin c2. At least one of the space between the dispenser d and the ice cube bin c1, and the space between the dispenser d and the ice nugget bin c2 can be connected by a chute.

[0084] The refrigerator can provide ice cubes and ice nuggets using water supplied from the outside. The ice nuggets can be made using the ice cubes of the ice cube maker b. Since a separate ice making device for the ice nuggets is not required, the refrigerator can be designed to have a larger storage space for items. This will be explained by comparison. Comparing the first case in which an ice maker for ice nuggets and an ice maker for ice cubes are separately provided with the second case in which only one ice cube maker is provided as in the embodiment, the ice making device can occupy a wider space inside the refrigerator in the first case. Accordingly, the space for accommodating items inside the refrigerator can be secured more widely in the second case.

[0085] FIG. 1(b) is a view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1(b), the refrigerator R may include an ice nugget maker 1. The ice nugget maker may make ice nuggets using ice cubes. The ice nugget made in the ice nugget maker 1 may be stored in an ice nugget bin c2. The ice nugget bin may store at least one ice nugget. The ice nugget may be extracted upon a user's request. The refrigerator may include a dispenser d for extracting the ice nugget. The dispenser d and the ice nugget bin c2 may be connected by a chute.

[0086] The ice nugget maker 1 can put ice cubes. The ice nugget maker 1 can finely divide the ice cubes. The finely divided shattered ices can be clumped together to make ice nuggets. The refrigerator can accommodate a storage container capable of making ice cubes. A user can put the ice cubes made in the storage container into the ice nugget maker 1. The present embodiment can be provided at a lower cost than the embodiment of FIG. 1(a).

[0087] FIG. 1(c) is a view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1(c), the refrigerator R may include an ice nugget maker 1. The ice nugget maker may make ice nuggets using ice cubes. The ice nugget maker may make ice nuggets at the user's request. The ice nugget may be extracted at the user's request. The refrigerator may include a dispenser d for extracting the ice nugget. The dispenser d and the ice nugget maker 1 may be connected by a chute.

[0088] The ice nugget maker 1 can contain ice cubes. The refrigerator can accommodate a storage container capable of making ice cubes. A user can put ice cubes into the ice nugget maker 1. The ice nugget maker 1 can finely divide ice cubes to make ice nuggets. The ice nugget maker may not require a dedicated ice making device for making ice cubes for ice nuggets. Accordingly, ice cubes can be put in to quickly make ice nuggets. The refrigerator of the embodiment may not have a separate ice nugget bin d. The present embodiment can be provided at a lower cost than the embodiments of FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b).

[0089] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 2, a refrigerator R may have a body B having a storage space for storing items. The refrigerator R may have a door D that opens and closes an opening of the body. The door D may have an ice cube maker b. The ice cube maker b may be placed on an upper part of the door D. The ice cube maker b may be placed on the uppermost part of the door D. Here, the door may be in an open state.

[0091] The ice cube maker b may be placed above the ice nugget maker 1. The ice cube bin c1 may be placed above the ice nugget maker 1. The ice nugget maker 1 may be placed above the ice nugget bin c2. The ice nugget maker 1 may be placed below the ice cube transport path e. According to this configuration, the ice cube can be supplied to the ice nugget maker 1 by its own weight.

[0092] The refrigerator of the embodiment exemplifies that an ice cube maker b, an ice cube bin c1, an ice nugget maker 1, and an ice nugget bin c2 are placed on a door. As another embodiment, at least one of the ice cube maker b, the ice cube bin c1, the ice nugget maker 1, and the ice nugget bin c2 may be placed on a body. The configuration of the ice cube maker b, the ice cube bin c1, the ice nugget maker 1, and the ice nugget bin c2 can be cooled by cold air of the refrigerator.

[0093] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an ice nugget maker according to an embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 3, the ice nugget maker 1 can supply ice cubes C. The ice nugget maker 1 can include a crushing part 10 that crushes ice cubes into shattered ices. The ice nugget maker 1 can include a transport part 40 that transports the ice cubes. The ice nugget maker 1 can have an ice-making part 20 that makes shattered ices into ice nuggets. The crushing part can be placed above the ice-making part. The shattered ices can fall by their own weight. The ice nugget maker 1 can include a driving part 30 that drives at least one of the crushing part 10, the transport part 40, and the ice-making part 20.

[0095] The crushing part 10 and the ice-making part 20 can be operated by the driving part 30. The crushing part 10 and the ice-making part 20 can be operated together by one driving part 30. The crushing operation of the crushing part 10 and the ice-making operation of the ice-making part 20 can be operated in time series. For example, ice-making can be performed after crushing is completed. For example, the ice-making cycle can be started after the crushing cycle starts. For example, the compression operation for ice-making can be performed after the crushing operation for shattered ices.

[0096] Each component of the ice nugget maker 1 is described in detail.

[0097] The crushing part 10 can crush the ice cubes C into shattered ices. The crushing part 10 can have a bin 12 for accommodating the ice cubes. The bin 12 can move the ice cubes. The bin 12 can push and pull the ice cubes. The bin can have a support (see 13 of FIG. 4) that comes into contact with the ice cubes. The crushing part 10 can have a first rod 11 that reciprocates the bin 12. The crushing part 10 can have a first supporter 36 that guides the reciprocating motion of the first rod. The first rod 11 can be fastened to a first conversion part 34.

[0098] The first rod 11 can move. Here, the movement may be a reciprocating motion. The first rod can move together with the bin 12. The bin can move while accommodating the ice cube. The support 13 can push and pull the ice cube. The ice cube can be crushed into shattered ices while the ice cube moves. A protrusion can be provided to crush the ice cube. The protrusion can perform at least one of the following actions: scraping the ice cube, crushing the ice cube, dividing the ice cube into small pieces, and cutting the ice cube. The protrusion can move in a different direction from the ice cube. The protrusion may not move while the ice cube moves. The protrusion can be inclined in at least one direction. The protrusion can make shattered ices when the ice cube moves in a direction opposite to at least one direction. The protrusion can produce ice cubes when the ice cubes move to the left based on FIG. 3. The protrusion may not produce ice cubes when the ice cubes move to the right based on the drawing.

[0099] FIG. 4 is a view explaining the operation of the crushing part, where FIG. 4(a) is a view explaining a case where a first rod reciprocates, and FIG. 4(b) is a view explaining a case where the first rod rotates.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 4(a), the first rod 11 and the bin 12 can be fastened to each other. The support 13 can form one body with the bin 12. The support can push and pull the ice cube C. The first rod, the bin, the support, and the ice cube can reciprocate together. When the support moves to the left, the ice cube C can be caught on the protrusion 14 and broken into pieces. The protrusion can be provided on a plate 16 different from the bin. The bin can move relative to the plate. The plate can be placed on the lower side of the bin. The plate cannot move. An opening 15 can be formed in the plate adjacent to the protrusion. The shattered ices formed by breaking ice cubes can fall through the opening 15. When the support moves to the right, the ice cube C can pass through without being caught by the protrusion 14. The protrusion can be inclined in one direction. In the drawing, the protrusion is illustrated as being inclined to the right. The protrusion 14 can be placed on the left side of the opening 15. The support is illustrated as being placed on one side of the bin, but is not limited thereto. The support can be placed at any location in the front, back, left, right, top, or bottom of the bin. The support can be provided in the number necessary to fix and move the ice cube.

[0101] FIG. 4(a) can be preferably applied to the embodiment of FIG. 2. This embodiment can be preferably applied to an ice nugget maker having a first conversion part 34 that converts a rotational motion into a reciprocating motion.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 4(b), the first rod 11 can rotate. The first rod can be connected to a driving shaft of a motor M. The first rod can be directly or indirectly connected to the motor. The first rod 11 can rotate. The first rod can be fastened to a support 13. The support 13 can press the ice cube C with a predetermined force. The support can move as one with the ice cube. The first rod, the support, and the ice cube can rotate together. The support 13 can provide a part of the bin 12. The rotational motion of the motor M can be converted into the rotational motion of the ice cube. The ice cube can be broken into small pieces by the protrusion 14 during rotation. The shattered ices can be extracted out through the opening 15.

[0103] The embodiment of FIG. 4(b) may be suitable for crushing ice cubes. Specifically, the ice-making part 20 may preferably operate slowly in order to compress the shattered ices. The crushing part 10 may preferably operate quickly in order to crush the ice cubes into shattered ices. The driving speed of the ice-making part may be slower than the crushing speed of the crushing part. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4(a), the present embodiment can rotate the shattered ices. Accordingly, the crushing part can be operated at high speed. This is because there may be no change of direction for the reciprocating motion. Accordingly, the crushing part can be operated at a different speed from the ice-making part. Accordingly, the crushing action of the ice cubes can be performed reliably.

[0104] Each embodiment of FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b) is described in more detail in FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0105] This is explained again with reference to FIG. 3.

[0106] The shattered ices can be transported through the transport part 40. The transport part 40 can transport the shattered ices from the crushing part 10 to the ice-making part 20. The shattered ices can move downward along the transport part due to their own weight. The transport part can have a path extending in the direction of gravity. The transport part can be narrower at the lower part than at the upper part. The transport part 40 can be connected to the opening 15. The transport part can be connected to the opening of the ice-making part 20.

[0107] The plate 16 can separate the crushing part 10 and the ice-making part 20. The plate 16 and the transport part 40 can be coupled to each other.

[0108] The ice-making part 20 can compress at least two shattered ices that are not joined to each other. The ice-making part 20 can be a compression part that compresses at least two shattered ices. The shattered ices can be broken and separated into at least two shattered ices by the compression force of the compression part. Accordingly, smaller shattered ices can be obtained. Smaller shattered ices can improve the user's eating experience. The at least two shattered ices can be pressed against each other by the compression force of the compression part. The surface of the at least two shattered ices can melt and become water at the contact part of the at least two shattered ices. It can be understood that the ice melts due to the pressure. The water on the bonding surface can solidify again and become ice by the cold air of the shattered ices and / or the cold air of the refrigerator. The at least two shattered ices can be joined to each other by the ice on the re-solidified surface. The part where the at least two shattered ices are joined to each other can be joined more weakly than the interior of the shattered ices. This is because the area where the at least two shattered ices are joined is smaller than the interior of the shattered ices. Since the at least two shattered ices are weakly joined, it can be convenient for the user to eat the ice nugget right away. When the user chews the ice nugget, the teeth can be protected. Through the compression action, the melting action, and the solidification action, the at least two shattered ices can be clumped together. The ice nugget can be provided by clumping together a predetermined number or more of the shattered ices.

[0109] The ice-making part 20 may have a compression container 23 that compresses at least two shattered ices. The compression container may have an empty space therein. A piston 22 may reciprocate inside the compression container 23. The piston 22 may be connected to a second rod 21. The ice-making part 20 may have a second supporter 37 that guides the reciprocating motion of the second rod. The second rod 21 may be connected to a second conversion part 35. The second conversion part 35 may convert the rotational motion into the reciprocating motion. The compression container 23 may have a pre-compression accommodation part 24 that accommodates the shattered ices before compression. The compression container 23 may have a post-compression accommodation part 25 that accommodates the compressed shattered ices. The pre-compression accommodation part 24 and the post-compression accommodation part 25 may be connected to each other. The pre-compression accommodation part 24 may have the same cross-sectional area in the longitudinal direction. The post-compression accommodation part 25 may have a shape that tapers in the longitudinal direction. The post-compression accommodation part 25 may narrow toward the outlet. By this structure, the compressive force between at least two shattered ices may be increased. The piston may reciprocate inside the pre-compression accommodation part 24. The piston 22 may push at least two shattered ices. The pushing force of the piston may act as a compressive force that compresses the contact parts of the at least two shattered ices.

[0110] The second rod 21 can reciprocate. The piston can reciprocate. The piston can compress the ice cubes inside the pre-compression accommodation part 24. At least two shattered ices can be combined with each other by the compression force. By combining at least two shattered ices, an ice nugget N can be made. The ice nugget can be extruded by the piston. One ice nugget can be made by one stroke of the piston. At least one ice nugget can be made by one crushing operation of ice cubes by the crushing part 10, one conveying operation of the shattered ices by the transport part, and one compression operation of the ice-making part 20. The stroke can be repeated until all the ice cubes are gone.

[0111] FIG. 5 is a view explaining the ice-making action, and FIG. 5(a), FIG. 5(b), and FIG. 5(c) are views illustrating the ice-making action sequentially.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 5, shattered ices S can be accommodated in a compression container 23. A cover 26 can be provided at the outlet end of the compression container 23. The cover can be provided to apply pressure to the contact part of the shattered ices. The cover 26 can be provided with an opening / closing structure.

[0113] The cover 26 may be provided with a structure in which the internal space becomes narrower, like the post-compression accommodation part 25. The shattered ices may have both fluid properties and powder properties. The shattered ices may not easily flow out by the post-compression accommodation part 25. The shattered ices may receive a compressive force by the post-compression accommodation part 25. High pressure may be applied to the contact part between at least two shattered ices. The piston 22 may push the accommodated shattered ices S. A compressive force may be applied to the shattered ices. A large pressure may be applied to the contact part of the shattered ices. The cover 26 may be closed in order to apply a high pressure to the contact part of the shattered ices.

[0114] The cover 26 can be opened by a signal that at least one of a certain period of time has elapsed, a certain pressure has been applied, and a certain temperature has been reached is accomplished. Pressure can be applied for a certain period of time while the cover 26 is closed. Pressure can be applied to a contact part between at least two shattered ices. An ice nugget can be made by melting ice at the contact part of the shattered ices and re-solidifying water. The piston 22 can be pushed further while the cover 26 is open. The piston can extrude the ice nugget. When the cover 26 is the post-compression accommodation part 25, a pressure equal to or greater than a certain value can be applied. The ice nugget can be extruded through a narrow outlet end and extracted by the pressure.

[0115] This is explained again with reference to FIG. 3.

[0116] The driving part 30 may include a motor 31. The motor 31 may rotate a shaft 32. The shaft may be a crank shaft. One side of the crank shaft 32 may be supported by the motor 31. The other side of the crank shaft 32 may be supported by a shaft 33. A conversion part that converts a rotational motion of the shaft into a reciprocating motion of the rod may be fastened to the shaft. The conversion part may be a connecting rod. One end of the conversion part may be capable of rotating. The other end of the conversion part may be capable of reciprocating. The conversion part may include a first conversion part 34 that provides reciprocating power to the crushing part 10. The conversion part may include a second conversion part 35 that provides reciprocating power to the ice-making part 20. The first and second conversion parts 34, 35 may be connected to the first and second rods 11, 12. The first and second rods may be reciprocated by the conversion parts. The first and second conversion parts 34, 35 may be connected to different positions of the shaft 32. Here, the different positions may refer to positions relative to the longitudinal direction of the shaft and / or angles relative to the rotational direction of the shaft. The reciprocating other ends of the first and second conversion parts 34, 35 may have strokes that are different in phase from each other.

[0117] When the motor 31 rotates, the shaft 32 can rotate. The rotation angle of the shaft 32 and the stroke positions of each of the conversion parts 34, 35 can have a corresponding relationship. For example, when the shaft 32 is at 0 degrees, the stroke position of the first conversion part 34 can be 0 degrees. When the shaft 32 is at 0 degrees, the stroke position of the second conversion part (35) can be 90 degrees. The phases of the first and second conversion parts 34, 35 can be different from each other. The phases of each of the first and second conversion parts 34, 35 can be the same as the stroke phases of the first and second rods 11, 12.

[0118] FIG. 6 is a view explaining the interaction between the crushing part and the ice-making part, and FIG. 6(a), FIG. 6(b), FIG. 6(c), and FIG. 6(d) are views illustrating one cycle of the stroke of the first and second loads in sequence.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 6(a), the piston 22 can move slowly. The position of the piston 22 may be adjacent to the top dead center and the stroke direction may be changing. The shattered ices may be placed in front of the piston. The bin 12 may move quickly to the right. Here, the speed of the bin moving quickly and the speed of the piston moving slowly may be relative concepts. This may be due to the fact that, in the movement of the crankshaft and the connecting rod, the speed of the piston end varies according to the rotational angle of the crankshaft. In other words, the relative speed may be indicated according to the variable speed of the reciprocating motion as the rotational motion is converted into the reciprocating motion. The same applies to the following description. The shattered ices may not be crushed while the bin moves to the right. The protrusion 14 may be inclined in one direction to the right.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 6(b), the bin 21 can move slowly. The position of the bin 21 can be adjacent to the bottom dead center and the stroke direction can be changing. The shattered ices can be compressed by the piston. The piston 22 can move quickly to the right. Here, the speeds of the bin and the piston can be relative concepts.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 6(c), the piston 22 can move slowly. The position of the piston 22 may be adjacent to the bottom dead center and the stroke direction may be changing. The shattered ices may be completely compressed by the piston. The compressed shattered ices may have reached the state of an ice nugget. One of the stacked ice nuggets may be pushed and extruded. The bin 12 may move quickly to the left. Here, the speeds of the bin and the piston may be relative concepts. The shattered ices may be crushed as the bin moves to the left.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 6(d), the bin 12 can move slowly. The position of the bin 12 can be adjacent to the top dead center and the stroke direction can be changing. The piston 22 can move quickly to the left. Here, the speed of the bin and the piston can be relative concepts. As the piston moves to the left, the shattered ices can be drawn into the compression container 23.

[0123] By going through the process, one cycle of providing an ice nugget can be completed.

[0124] FIG. 7 is a flow chart explaining an ice-making method according to an embodiment.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 7, the ice-making method of the embodiment first makes shattered ices (S1). Here, the ice cubes may refer to ice chunks solidified by pouring water into a predetermined mold. The ice cubes may be divided into small pieces to make ice cubes (S2). The ice cubes may be split into pieces using a predetermined method to manufacture shattered ices. The shattered ices may be chunks. The shattered ices may be broken ice. An ice nugget may be made by gathering at least two shattered ices (S3).

[0126] The at least two shattered ices can be clumped by applying pressure. The pressure applied to the at least two shattered ices can dissolve the contact part between the shattered ices with water. The amount of the dissolved ice may be very small. When the pressure is removed, the water can re-solidify to allow the at least two shattered ices to adhere. The at least two shattered ices can be clumped by applying heat. The heat applied to the at least two shattered ices can dissolve the contact part between shattered ices with water. The amount of the dissolved ice may be very small. When the heat is removed, the water can re-solidify to allow the at least two shattered ices to adhere.

[0127] The amount of ice melting at the contact part of the at least two shattered ices may be very small. Even with a very small amount of ice, it may be possible to adhere the at least two shattered ices to each other. Energy efficiency can be increased by melting only a very small amount of ice. By re-solidifying the very small amount of ice after melting, the at least two shattered ices can be easily separated. This makes it convenient for the user to eat the ice nugget. Damage to the user's teeth can be prevented. The ice nugget maker and / or the ice nugget bin can be placed in a freezer. The ice nugget maker and / or the ice nugget bin can be placed in a door of a refrigerator. Cold air for freezing can be supplied to the refrigerator door. Accordingly, adhesion between ice nuggets due to water can be prevented.

[0128] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the detailed manufacturing process (S1) of ice cube.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 8, first, water can be injected into a storage container and stored (S11). The water may not move inside the storage container. The storage container may be placed in a freezer or on a door of a refrigerator. Since the water does not move inside the storage container, it can be easily solidified into ice. The water can be accommodated in the storage container by gravity. The storage container may have a groove that is recessed along the direction of gravity. Water can be accommodated in the groove. Cold air can be supplied to the storage container (S12). The cold air supply can be performed by blowing cold air. After a predetermined period of time, ice cubes corresponding to the shape of the container can be formed in the storage container (S13).

[0130] The ice cubes made by the method may not contain liquid water. The ice cubes may be separated from each other and thus easy to handle. The ice cubes may exist only as solid ice. Accordingly, they may not coagulate together during post-processing.

[0131] FIG. 9 is a view simply illustrating the configuration of the ice nugget maker of FIG. 3. FIGS. 10 to 13 are views explaining the configuration of an ice nugget maker according to another embodiment by comparing it with FIG. 9.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 9, the driving part 30 can change the rotational motion of the motor M into a reciprocating motion for the first and second rods 11, 21. The arrows on both sides indicate the reciprocating motion. The stroke phases of the first and second rods 11, 21 can be different from each other. The driving part can use a crank shaft and a connecting rod. Accordingly, the rotational motion can be converted into a reciprocating motion.

[0133] The crushing part 10 can crush ice cubes into shattered ice by using the reciprocating motion of the first rod 11. The transport part 40 can transport the shattered ice to the ice-making part 20 by using gravity. The one-way arrow indicates the direction of gravity. The ice-making part 20 can make the shattered ice into ice nuggets by using the reciprocating motion of the second rod 21.

[0134] FIG. 10 is an embodiment having a linear actuator.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 10, the driving part 30 can directly induce a reciprocating motion using a linear actuator P. The linear actuator may refer to a driver that performs a reciprocating motion. Various drivers such as a plunger, a solenoid, and a push rod can be used as the linear actuator.

[0136] The first load 11 can be connected to a first linear actuator 30a. The second load 21 can be connected to a second linear actuator 30b. Each of the first and second loads can be connected to a respective linear actuator. The same linear actuator can be connected to the first and second loads. The output of one linear actuator can be switched and selectively applied to the first and second loads.

[0137] According to this embodiment, the driving part can be simply implemented. Accordingly, the capacity of the inside of the refrigerator can be increased. The speeds of the crushing part 10 and the ice-making part 20 can be made different. For example, the crushing part 10 can be operated quickly, and the ice-making part 20 can be operated slowly. Each unit can be operated at a speed suitable for the properties of the crushing part and the ice-making part.

[0138] FIG. 11 is an embodiment in which the rotational force of a motor is applied to the crushing part.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 11, the ice nugget maker of the present embodiment can apply a crushing part 10 similar to the crushing part of FIG. 4(b).

[0140] The rotational power of the motor can be transmitted to the support 13. The support can rotate the ice cube. The ice cube can be crushed while rotating. A spring 19 can be placed between the motor 30c, M and the support 13 in the crushing part 10. The spring 19 can push the ice cube to the protrusion 14. Even if the ice cube becomes small, the ice cube can be crushed.

[0141] Since the spring 19 crushes and pushes ice cubes, the shattered ices can also be pushed into the ice-making part 20. The shattered ices that pass through the opening 15 can be pushed and moved into the inside of the compression container 23. Accordingly, a separate transport part 40 may not be required.

[0142] FIG. 12 is an embodiment in which different powers are applied to the crushing part and the ice-making part.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 12, the crushing part 10 can crush ice cubes by the rotational force of the motor 30d, M. The ice-making part 20 can make ice nuggets by the reciprocating motion of the linear actuator 30b, P. According to the present embodiment, the crushing operation for ice cubes can be performed at high speed. The ice cubes can be processed into small and even shattered ices at high speed. According to the present embodiment, the ice-making operation utilizing the adhesion between ice cubes can be performed at low speed. Sufficient time can be ensured for melting and solidification of the contact part of the shattered ices.

[0144] FIG. 13 is an example in which the crushing part and the ice-making part are directly operated by a motor.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 13, the crushing part is the same as the embodiment of FIG. 11. The ice-making part can be performed by the rotational motion of the motor 30c2, M2.

[0146] FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment. The refrigerator of FIG. 14 may have a different ice nugget maker 1 than the refrigerator of FIG. 2. In other words, in this embodiment, the embodiment of the ice nugget maker may be different. The other descriptions may be applied to the refrigerator of FIG. 2 as is.

[0147] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an ice nugget maker according to an embodiment.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 15, the ice nugget maker 1 can supply ice cubes C. The ice nugget maker 1 can include a crushing part 10 that crushes ice cubes into shattered ices. The ice nugget maker 1 can include an ice-making part 20 that crushes shattered ices into ice nuggets. The crushing part can be placed above the ice-making part. The shattered ices can fall by their own weight. The ice nugget maker 1 can include a driving part 30 that drives at least one of the crushing part 10 and the ice-making part 20. A single shaft of the driving part can rotate the crushing part and the ice-making part together. The ice nugget maker according to the embodiment of FIG. 15 may not include the transport part 40 of the ice nugget maker according to the embodiment of FIG. 3. In the ice nugget maker of this embodiment, the shattered ices crushed by the crushing part can be placed directly in the ice-making part 20. Accordingly, there is no need to transport the shattered ices to the transport part 40. In the ice nugget maker of this embodiment, the crushed shattered ices can be placed in the ice-making part at the same time as the crushing.

[0149] The operation of the driving part 30 with respect to the crushing part 10 and the ice-making part 20 can be applied as described in the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0150] Each component of the ice nugget maker 1 is described in detail. FIG. 16 is a front view illustrating an ice nugget maker. FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating an ice nugget maker. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18' of FIG. 17.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 18, the crushing part 10 can crush the ice cubes C into shattered ices S. The crushing part 10 can include a crushing box 111 that accommodates the ice cubes. The crushing box 111 can move the ice cubes. The crushing box can be provided in a round shape. The crushing box can be provided in a cylindrical shape. At least a part of the crushing box can have a circular cross-section. A separation plate 115 can be provided on the bottom of the crushing box 111. The separation plate 115 can define a lower surface of the crushing part 110. The separation plate 115 can define an upper surface of the ice-making part 20.

[0152] The separation plate 115 may be provided with a protrusion 116. The protrusion may perform at least one of the following functions: scraping the ice cubes, breaking the ice cubes into pieces, dividing the ice cubes into small pieces, and cutting the ice cubes. The protrusion may be a picker. The protrusion may perform the function by picking the ice cubes. The ice cubes may pass through the protrusion. The protrusion may not move while the ice cubes move. The protrusion may be inclined in one direction. The protrusion may be inclined in the direction in which the ice cubes approach. The protrusion may make shattered ices when the ice cubes move. A through-hole 117 may be provided adjacent to the protrusion 116. The through-hole 117 may connect the internal space of the crushing box 111 and the ice-making part 20. The shattered ices may move through the through-hole.

[0153] The crushing box can rotate the ice cubes. The ice cubes above can press the ice cubes below. When the ice cubes above press the ice cubes below and rotate them, the ice cubes can be pressed against the protrusions with greater force. A pusher 112 can be provided to ensure that the ice cubes C rotate well. The pusher 112 can have a part extending radially from the crushing box 111. At least two pushers can be provided. Four pushers can be provided. The pushers can partition the crushing box. The crushing box can become smaller in size from top to bottom. The crushing box can have a size w1 at the upper end that is larger than a size w2 at the lower end. The ice cubes above can press the ice cubes below with greater force. The height H1 of the crushing part can be larger than the height H2 of the ice-making part. The ice cubes above can press the ice cubes below with greater force. Accordingly, the crushing action of the protrusion 116 for making shattered ices can be performed more smoothly. A cone-shaped upper and lower crushing guide 113 can be provided at the center of the crushing box 111. The upper and lower crushing guide can perform the following functions: first, guiding the ice cubes to the protrusion 116, and second, concentrating the weight of the upper ice cubes on the lower ice cubes with a small amount of weight. Accordingly, the lower ice cubes can be crushed better. A left and right crushing guide 114 can be provided at the lower part of the pusher 112. The left and right crushing guides 114 can move by pressing the ice cubes. The lower ends of the left and right crushing guides 114 can be spaced apart from the separation plate by a predetermined distance upward. The lower ends of the left and right crushing guides can be spaced apart from the upper ends of the separation plate. Accordingly, the left and right crushing guides can press the ice cubes.

[0154] The crushing part 10 and the ice-making part 20 can be aligned vertically. At least a part of the driving part 30 can be aligned vertically with the ice-making part 20. At least a part of the driving part 30 can be aligned left and right with the ice-making part 20. The driving part can have a power source 132. The power source can be, for example, a motor. The motor can be, for example, an electric motor. The driving part can include a reduction part 131 connected to the power source. The reduction part 131 can reduce the driving speed of the power source 132. The reduction part can amplify the output of the power source. The reduction part 131 can include a gear train. The gear train can include at least two reduction gears in series. The reduction part 131 can be connected to the lower side of the power source. The reduction part 131 can be connected to the lower side of the ice-making part 120. Accordingly, a compact ice-making device configuration can be provided.

[0155] The driving part 30 may include an upwardly extending shaft 122 (see FIG. 19). The shaft 122 may rotate the ice-making part. The shaft 122 may rotate the pusher 112. The shaft 122 and the reduction part 131 may be connected to each other. A single shaft 122 may rotate the crushing part and the ice-making part together. Accordingly, the driving part may require a large force. Therefore, the reduction part may be preferably applied. Different driving parts or different shafts may respectively drive the crushing part and the ice-making part. Accordingly, the size of the ice-making device may be increased.

[0156] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19' of FIG. 15. FIG. 19 illustrates the configuration of an ice-making part. The ice-making part can clump together the shattered ices S. The ice-making part can melt the boundaries of the shattered ices and then freeze them to provide an ice nugget N. The ice-making part can apply pressure to two or more of the shattered ices.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 19, the ice-making part 20 may have a round internal space. The internal space may provide a coagulation box 121 at least partly circular. The coagulation box may have a cylindrical internal space. The shattered ices inside the coagulation box may coagulate with each other. The internal space of the coagulation box 121 may have a configuration suitable for coagulation. The coagulation box may have a height smaller than its width. The coagulation box may have a vertical size smaller than its horizontal size. Accordingly, the vertical shaft 122 may smoothly coagulate the shattered ices. The shaft 122 may extend in the vertical direction. The shaft may rotate in the horizontal direction. The shaft may allow more shattered ices to come into contact with each other. Accordingly, more shattered ices may come into contact with each other and coagulate. The shaft 122 of the coagulation box can extend vertically approximately in the center. A push bar 123 can be fastened to the shaft. The push bar 123 can have a star shape. The push bar 123 can be thicker at the center than at the edge. Accordingly, the movement space of the inner shattered ices can be provided smaller. Accordingly, the ice cubes can be pushed further outward by centrifugal force. Accordingly, the coagulation action of the shattered ices can be promoted.

[0158] The shaft and the push bar can rotate counterclockwise. The shattered ices can be dispersed and combined while moving. The dispersion and combination can be repeated. Accordingly, the shattered ices can be coagulated with each other. The chunks of the shattered ices can be partitioned from each other by the push bars. At least three or more of the push bars can be provided. At least one space can be provided by the two push bars. The shattered ices can enter the space through the discharge part 124. A set of shattered ices can be coagulated with each other in the space. The side of the push bar 123 can have a continuous shape. Accordingly, the collection action can be performed more smoothly when the coagulated shattered ices are discharged. The shattered ices can collide with each other or fall off from each other. The shattered ices can have an interface that melts, an interface that freezes, and break. The height H1 of the crushing part may be greater than the height H2 of the ice-making part. The internal space of the ice-making part H2 may be narrowed. Accordingly, ice nuggets N can be made more easily with a high density. By these actions, the shattered ices can be prepared to become ice nuggets N. For example, shattered ices that have been broken and become smaller can fill in the gap between large ice cubes. For example, the surfaces of a pair of shattered ices that have collided and fallen off each other may have flat edges in the shape of a wedge. The flat edges can promote recrystallization in the collection action. The ice nugget preparation process can be performed by the coagulation action.

[0159] The push bar 123 can discharge the coagulated shattered ices. The shattered ices can be discharged through the discharge part. When the shattered ices are discharged, the coagulated shattered ices can become ice nuggets.

[0160] Hereinafter, the operation of turning shattered ices into ice nuggets will be described in detail. In the coagulation box 121, shattered ices can be coagulated with each other by the push bar 123. The coagulated shattered ices can be discharged through the discharge part 124. The shattered ices can become ice nuggets while being discharged. In order to provide ice nuggets, the discharge part can be divided into three parts. The discharge part 124 can include a collection part 241 that collects coagulated shattered ices, a pressurizing part 242 that pressurizes the collected coagulated shattered ices, and a forming part 243 that forms the pressurized coagulated shattered ices. The collection part 241 can extend from the wall of the coagulation box. The collection part can be provided by expanding the internal space of the coagulation box. The collection part can provide a predetermined internal space. The collection part can be provided by a single outer wall. The outer wall may extend in the tangential direction of the coagulation box. The coagulated shattered ices may be discharged in the tangential direction of the coagulation box. The internal space of the collection part may be connected to the gap between the push bars. The push bar 123 may be thicker at the center than at the edge. Accordingly, the coagulated shattered ices discharged by centrifugal force may be better collected. At least two coagulated shattered ices may be collected by the collection part. The pressurizing part 242 may pressurize at least two coagulated ices collected by the collection part. The pressurizing part 242 may have a cross-sectional area that decreases as it goes toward the discharge end. The inlet end of the pressurizing part may be smaller in size than the discharge end. The coagulated shattered ices at the inlet end may push the shattered ices at the discharge end in the discharge direction. The pressurizing part may increase the density of the internal shattered ices. The height H1 of the crushing part may be greater than the height H2 of the ice-making part. The internal space of the ice-making part H2 can be narrowed. Accordingly, high-density ice nuggets N can be made more easily. The pressurizing part can pressurize an interface between ice cubes. The pressurizing part can cause the shattered ices to break. The pressurizing part can clump the ice cubes. The outer wall of the pressurizing part can extend from the outer wall of the collection part. The outer wall of the pressurizing part can be continuous with the outer wall of the collection part. The shattered ices placed inside the pressurizing part can have a large size dispersion. For example, there can be 1 shattered ice having a size of 15, 11 shattered ices having a size of 10, 5 shattered ices having a size of 5, and 10 shattered ices having a size of 1. For example, among the shattered ices, the shattered ices having a size of 10 may be the most numerous. The dispersion of the sizes of the shattered ices may mean that the shattered ices are divided into different sizes. The dispersion of the sizes of the shattered ices inside the pressurizing part may be larger than the dispersion of the sizes of the shattered ices inside the collection part. The dispersion of the sizes of the shattered ices inside the collection part may be larger than the dispersion of the sizes of the shattered ices inside the coagulation box. The shattered ices inside the coagulation box may have a larger dispersion while being transported by the push bar. The forming part 243 may have the same or nearly the same sizes at the inlet end and outlet end. The inlet end of the forming part 243 may be slightly larger than the outlet end. The forming part 243 may form the shattered ices pressurized in the pressurizing part into a predetermined shape. The sectional shapes of the inlet end and outlet end of the forming part 243 may be the same. The cross-sectional area of the forming part may be circular. The outer circumference of the forming part may be round. The internal pressure of the forming part may be the greatest compared to other parts of the discharge part. The forming part may discharge one ice nugget when one push bar 123 passes through the collection part 241 once. The ice nugget may have a shape of a predetermined cross-section having a predetermined length.

[0161] Among the collection part, the pressurizing part, and the forming part, the size a of the collection part may be the largest. The size b of the pressurizing part 242 may be smaller than the size of the collection part. The size c of the forming part 243 may be the smallest among the various parts of the discharge part.

[0162] Ice nuggets discharged through the discharge part 124 can be stored in an ice bin. The ice nuggets can fall by gravity. Ice nuggets can be continuously made by the operation of the ice-making part.[Industrial applicability]

[0163] According to the present disclosure, ice nuggets can be made using ice cubes.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: an ice nugget maker finely dividing ice cubes of a predetermined shape to make at least two shattered ices and clumping the at least two shattered ices to make ice nuggets; and a dispenser extracting the ice nuggets.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: at least one of an ice cube maker storing water to make ice cubes, and an ice cube bin storing ice cubes made in the ice cube maker, wherein the ice nugget maker receives the ice cubes from at least one of the ice cube maker and the ice cube bin.

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, further comprising: an ice nugget bin storing the ice nuggets, wherein the dispenser is connected to at least one of the ice nugget bin and the ice cube bin to be capable of selectively extracting the ice nuggets and the ice cubes.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the ice nugget maker is placed on the refrigerator door.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the ice nuggets are made by melting the ice at the contact part between at least two shattered ices using at least one of heat and pressure and then solidifying the ice again.

6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the ice nugget maker includes: a crushing part crushing the ice cube to provide at least two shattered ices; an ice-making part making ice nuggets by clumping together at least two shattered ices; and a driving part operating the crushing part and the ice-making part.

7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the driving part includes: a motor providing rotational force; a shaft rotating by the motor; and a conversion part that converts the rotational motion of the shaft into a reciprocating motion and transmits the reciprocating motion to at least one of the crushing part and the ice-making part, or wherein the driving part includes: a linear actuator reciprocating and having an output side connected to at least one of the crushing part and the ice-making part, or wherein the driving part includes a motor providing rotational force and having an output side connected to at least one of the crushing part and the ice-making part.

8. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the driving part has a single driver operating the crushing part and the ice-making part together, or wherein the driving part have different drivers independently operating the crushing part and the ice-making part.

9. The refrigerator of claim 6, further comprising: a transport part transporting at least two shattered ices from the crushing part to the ice-making part.

10. The ice maker of claim 6, wherein the crushing part includes a box accommodating the ice cubes; and at least one pusher rotating within the box to transport the ice cubes; and includes a separation plate defining a lower surface of the box; a projection provided on the separation plate to crush ice cubes; and a through-hole provided in the separation plate so that the shattered ices move to the ice-making part.

11. The ice maker of claim 10, wherein at least one of a configuration in which at least a part of the box has a circular cross-section; a configuration in which includes a shaft for rotating the pusher; and a configuration an upper part of the box is larger than a lower part thereof; is satisfied.

12. The ice maker of claim 6, wherein at least one of a configuration in which the crushing part and the ice-making part are coaxially connected; a configuration in which the vertical height of the crushing part is higher than the vertical height of the ice-making part; a configuration in which the crushing part is placed above the ice-making part; a configuration in which at least a part of the driving part is placed below the ice-making part; and a configuration in which at least a part of the driving part is placed on the side of the ice-making part; is satisfied.

13. The ice maker of claim 6 wherein the ice-making part includes: a coagulation box rotating the shattered ices, at least some of which are circular; and at least one push bar pushing and rotating the shattered ices in the coagulation box.

14. The ice maker of claim 13, wherein at least one of a configuration which includes a discharge part that discharges the shattered ices of the coagulation box in a tangential direction of the coagulation box, and a configuration in which at least one of the push bars is larger on the inside than on the outside; is satisfied.

15. The ice maker of claim 6, wherein the ice-making part includes: a coagulation box coagulating at least two shattered ices by rotating them; and a discharge part clumping together at least two coagulated shattered ices within the coagulation box to discharge ice nuggets.

16. The ice maker of claim 15, wherein the discharge part includes: a collection part collecting at least two coagulated shattered ices discharged from the coagulation box; a pressurizing part pressurizing at least two coagulated shattered ices collected in the collection part; and a forming part forming at least two coagulated shattered ices that are pressurized in the pressurizing part.

17. The ice maker of claim 16, wherein at least one of a configuration in which the collection part extends in the tangential direction of the coagulation box; a configuration in which the pressurized part is larger than the forming part; and a configuration in which the collection part is larger than the pressurizing part; is satisfied.

18. An ice maker comprising: a crushing part crushing ice cubes to provide at least two shattered ices; and an ice-making part making ice nuggets by clumping together at least two shattered ices.

19. An ice-making method comprising: crushing the frozen ice cubes to provide shattered ices; and collecting the shattered ices to provide ice nuggets.

20. The ice-making method of claim 19, wherein the collecting the shattered ices to provide ice nuggets includes: coagulating at least two shattered ices to provide coagulated shattered ices, and pressurizing the coagulated shattered ices to provide ice nuggets.

Images