refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator. In an aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator may comprise: a storage compartment for storing food; a cooler for supplying cold to the storage compartment; a cell which is provided in an ice-making compartment and is a space in which the phase of a material is changed from a liquid phase to a solid phase; a first tray for providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell; a second tray for providing a second wall forming another portion of the cell; a driving unit for providing a driving force to move the second tray; and a deicing guide which moves together with the second tray to come into contact with a solid material that has undergone phase change in the first tray.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker.Background Art

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance capable of storing food at low temperatures in an internal storage space shielded by a door, and by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold, stored food may be kept in a refrigerated or frozen state.

[0003] Typically, a refrigerator is provided with an ice maker for making ice. The ice maker generates ice by receiving water supplied from a water source or a water tank into a tray and then cooling the water. In addition, the ice maker may release the ice from the ice tray using a heating method or a twisting method. An ice maker that automatically supplies water and releases ice in this manner is formed to open upward to scoop out the molded ice.

[0004] Ice produced in an ice maker of such a structure has at least one flat surface, such as a crescent shape or a cubic shape. On the other hand, if the ice is formed in a spherical shape, it may be more convenient to use the ice and may provide a unique user experience. Furthermore, during storage of the manufactured ice, sticking between ice pieces may be minimized by reducing the contact area between the ice pieces. Recently, attempts have also been made to manufacture transparent ice.Summary of the Invention Technical Problem

[0005] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker that may improve ice-releasing performance in a tray forming a cell.

[0006] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker in which a guide device (ice-releasing guide) that interferes with ice present in a cell during an ice-releasing process is provided so that the ice may be easily separated from the cell.

[0007] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker in which a guide device moving together with a tray is provided and a movement path of the guide device is formed so that it may overlap with ice.

[0008] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker provided with a guide device that may contact ice before the tray moves to an ice-releasing position.

[0009] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker in which a movable pusher is provided as a guide device that may contact ice before the tray reaches an ice-releasing position where the tray contacts a fixed pusher, thereby allowing ice-releasing to be easily performed.

[0010] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker in which a guide device may be provided to contact ice residues frozen around the tray to clean the surroundings of the tray and easily realize a desired ice shape.

[0011] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker that may increase a contact area with ice and prevent circumferential slip of ice by improving the configuration of a guide device.

[0012] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker that may lower a motor load by allowing ice to be sequentially released from a plurality of cells.Technical Solution

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention includes a tray forming a cell and an ice-releasing guide moving together with the tray, wherein the ice-releasing guide may form a movement path overlapping with a solid substance so as to contact the solid substance generated in the cell.

[0014] At least one of the tray or the ice-releasing guide may move.

[0015] For example, at least one of the tray or the ice-releasing guide may perform a rotational motion.

[0016] The tray and the ice-releasing guide may move integrally.

[0017] At least one of the tray or the ice-releasing guide may move linearly.

[0018] A tray cover that supports the tray and moves together with the tray may be included, and the ice-releasing guide may be provided on the tray cover.

[0019] The tray may include a first tray forming at least a part of a cell and a second tray forming another part of the cell.

[0020] The first tray may be a fixed tray.

[0021] The second tray may be a movable tray.

[0022] The ice-releasing guide may be provided integrally with the second tray.

[0023] The ice-releasing guide may contact a substance provided in the first tray. The ice-releasing guide may include a contact bracket. A first heater that allows the substance generated in the cell to be separated from the second tray first may be included.

[0024] The substance separated from the second tray by the first heater is located in the first tray, and the movement path of the ice-releasing guide may overlap with a surface of the substance.

[0025] The ice-releasing guide may move to contact the substance located in the first tray.

[0026] A second heater that allows the substance generated in the cell to be separated from the first tray first may be included.

[0027] The substance separated from the first tray by the second heater is located in the second tray and may be separated from the second tray by a fixed pusher.

[0028] The ice-releasing guide may move to contact a surface of the first tray or may move while being adjacent to the surface of the first tray so that frozen matter generated around the first tray may contact the ice-releasing guide.

[0029] The ice-releasing guide may move based on an axis.

[0030] The ice-releasing guide may include a tip portion forming a point furthest from a center of the axis and a contact portion extending from the tip portion and contacting the solid substance.

[0031] The ice-releasing guide may include a reinforcement portion extending from the contact portion to reinforce the strength of the contact portion.

[0032] The reinforcement portion may extend in both directions with respect to the contact portion.

[0033] The ice-releasing guide may include a groove portion through which the axis may pass.

[0034] The ice-releasing guide may include a support portion supported by a tray cover that supports the second tray.

[0035] The ice-releasing guide may include a plurality of ribs contacting the solid substance.

[0036] A distance between at least one rib among the plurality of ribs and the cell may be less than a distance between another rib and the cell.

[0037] The plurality of ribs may include a first rib located at a center of the ice-releasing guide and a second rib provided on at least one side of the first rib, and the distance between the first rib and the cell may be less than the distance between the second rib and the cell.

[0038] With this configuration, a contact area between the rounded solid substance and the plurality of ribs may be increased, and slipping of the ice in the circumferential direction may be prevented.

[0039] The tray may include a cell and at least one ice-releasing guide for releasing a substance generated in the cell.

[0040] The ice-releasing guide may be disposed adjacent to the cell.

[0041] The ice-releasing guide may be provided movably.

[0042] The ice-releasing guide may include a plurality of ice-releasing guides.

[0043] Shapes or positions of the plurality of ice-releasing guides may be different from each other so that ice-releasing timings in the plurality of cells may be different.

[0044] A drainage portion of a first cell among the plurality of cells may face a first direction, and a drainage portion of a second cell may face a second direction.

[0045] The first direction may face a flow path of water supplied from a water supply part.

[0046] The second direction may be an opposite direction to the first direction.

[0047] The ice-releasing guide may be moved at a position adjacent to the drainage portion of the second cell so that frozen matter of the substance discharged through the drainage portion of the second cell may contact the ice-releasing guide.

[0048] In one aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator may include a storage space in which food is stored, a cooler for supplying cold to the storage space, a cell provided in an ice-making space, the cell being a space where a substance undergoes a phase change from a liquid phase to a solid phase, a first tray providing a first wall forming at least a part of the cell, a second tray providing a second wall forming another part of the cell, a driving part providing a driving force to move the second tray and an ice-releasing guide moving together with the second tray and contacting a solid substance phase-changed in the first tray.

[0049] The movement path of the ice-releasing guide may be formed to meet the solid substance.

[0050] The movement path of the ice-releasing guide may be formed along an outer surface of the first tray so as not to pass through the first tray.

[0051] The movement path of the ice-releasing guide may contact the outer surface of the first tray so as not to pass through the first tray.

[0052] The first tray includes an edge contacting the second tray, and the ice-releasing guide may move in contact with the edge or adjacent to the edge.

[0053] The second tray includes a second contact end contacting a first contact end of the first tray, and during an ice-releasing operation, the second tray may move in a direction in which the second contact end moves away from the first contact end, and the ice-releasing guide may move in a direction closer to the first contact end.

[0054] A second tray case supporting the second tray may be included, and the ice-releasing guide may be provided on the second tray case.

[0055] A shaft providing a center of the second tray is included, and the ice-releasing guide may be disposed adjacent to an axial line of the shaft.

[0056] The ice-releasing guide may include a first part having a recessed shape to surround at least a portion of the shaft and a second part forming a point furthest from the shaft.

[0057] The ice-releasing guide may include a third part extending from the second part, and the third part may form a leading end of the ice-releasing guide so as to contact the solid substance during a moving process of the ice-releasing guide.

[0058] The ice-releasing guide may include a first rib disposed at a position corresponding to a center of the solid substance and a second rib located at a side of the first rib, and a distance from the second rib to the cell is less than a distance from the first rib to the cell.

[0059] A plurality of cells may be formed, and the ice-releasing guide may be provided in a plurality corresponding to the plurality of cells.

[0060] A guide connection part connecting the plurality of ice-releasing guides is included, and the guide connection part may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the shaft forming the center of the ice-releasing guide.

[0061] The plurality of ice-releasing guides may include a first ice-releasing guide located at a first distance from the cell and a second ice-releasing guide located at a second distance from the cell, and the second distance may be greater than the first distance.

[0062] The ice-releasing guide may have a hook shape.

[0063] The ice-releasing guide may include a contact portion contacting residual ice present in the first tray and a guide groove recessed at the contact portion to store the residual ice separated by the contact portion.

[0064] The ice-releasing guide may include a contact portion contacting the solid substance, and the contact portion may include a first part located at a first distance from the cell and a second part located at a side of the first part and located at a second distance from the cell, wherein the second distance may be greater than the first distance.

[0065] A tray cover forming an opening corresponding to the cell is included, and the ice-releasing guide may be provided at a rim of the tray cover so as to be located outside the opening.

[0066] In another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator may include a storage space in which food is stored, a cooler for supplying cold to the storage space, a cell provided in an ice-making space, the cell being a space where a substance undergoes a phase change from a liquid phase to a solid phase, a first tray providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell, a second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the cell, a second tray cover supported by the second tray and forming an opening corresponding to the cell, a driving part providing a driving force to move the second tray, and an ice-releasing guide provided on the second tray cover and moving together with the second tray to separate the solid substance from the first tray.

[0067] The ice-releasing guide may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the opening so as to move in a state of contacting a surface of the first tray or being adjacent to the surface of the first tray.Advantageous Effects

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, ice-releasing performance may be improved in a tray forming a cell by an ice-releasing guide.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing a guide device (ice-releasing guide) that interferes with ice present in a cell during an ice-releasing process, the ice may be easily separated from the cell.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a guide device moving together with a tray may be provided and a movement path of the guide device may be formed to overlap with ice, so that contact between the guide device and the ice may be easily achieved.

[0071] An embodiment of the present invention may provide a refrigerator equipped with a guide device that contacts ice before the tray moves to an ice-releasing position.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a movable pusher may be provided as a guide device that contacts ice before the tray reaches an ice-releasing position where the tray contacts a fixed pusher, thereby allowing ice-releasing to be easily performed.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a guide device capable of contacting ice residues frozen around the tray may be provided to clean the surroundings of the tray and easily realize a desired ice shape.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a configuration of a guide device may be improved to increase a contact area with ice and prevent circumferential slip of the ice.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, ice may be sequentially released from a plurality of cells to lower a motor load.Brief Description of Drawings

[0076] FIG. 1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of first and second tray assemblies and a power transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the second tray assembly and the power transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second tray cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which ice is generated in the second tray assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the ice maker taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 2. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of part "A" of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which an ice-releasing guide contacts ice when the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention moves to an ice-releasing position. FIG. 14 is a view showing a state in which the second tray contacts a pusher (fixed pusher) at a maximum ice-releasing position in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a view showing a state in which the ice maker is in a water supply position. FIG. 16 is a view showing a state in which ice is first separated from the first tray in the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the ice maker further moves to an ice-making position in FIG. 16, and the ice-releasing guide is at a position adjacent to the first tray. FIG. 18 is a view showing a second tray cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a view showing a state in which ice contacts the ice-releasing guide in the ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first tray according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the configuration of the first tray according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 21. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 21. FIG. 25 is a view showing the configuration of a second tray assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a view showing the configuration of a second tray cover according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a side view of the second tray cover of FIG. 26. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29a is a view showing the configuration of a central ice-releasing guide and a tray assembly in the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29b is a view showing the configuration of a side ice-releasing guide and the tray assembly in the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is a view showing a state in which the ice-releasing guide moves and contacts ice in the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a view showing a state in which the side ice-releasing guide moves and contacts frozen matter in the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0077] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same numerals as much as possible even if they are displayed on different drawings. In addition, in describing an embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with an understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] In describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, a, and b may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the component from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the corresponding component is not limited by the term. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," "supported," or "joined" to another component, the component may be directly "connected," "coupled," "supported," or "joined" to the other component, but it should be understood that another component may also be "connected," "coupled," "supported," or "joined" between each component.

[0079] Meanwhile, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, the meaning of the description "at least one of components A and B" may be understood as including three embodiments meaning (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B.

[0080] Also, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, the meaning of the description "at least one of components A or B" may be understood as including three embodiments meaning (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. That is, the meaning of the description "at least one of components A or B" may be the same as the meaning of the description "at least one of components A and B."

[0081] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a storage space where items (for example, food, medicine, etc.) are stored. The refrigerator may include a door for opening and closing the storage space. In the refrigerator, the items may be stored in a refrigerated or frozen state. The refrigerator may include an ice-making space in which at least a part of an ice maker to be described later is disposed. The ice-making space may be provided in the storage space and / or the door.

[0082] An ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cell which is a space where the item (for example, water) undergoes a phase change into ice. The ice maker may include a tray assembly. The tray assembly may include a tray, a tray case, or both the tray and the tray case. The tray may include a wall forming at least a part of the cell. The tray case may include a wall connected to the tray, coupled to the tray, supported by the tray, or surrounding at least a part of the tray. The tray case may include at least one of a tray cover or a tray supporter. The tray assembly may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly. The first tray assembly may include a first tray, a first tray case, or both the first tray and the first tray case. The first tray may include a wall forming a first part of the cell. The first tray case may include a wall connected to the first tray, coupled to the first tray, supported by the first tray, or surrounding at least a part of the first tray. The first tray case may include at least one of a first tray cover or a first tray supporter. The second tray assembly may include a second tray, a second tray case, or both the second tray and the second tray case. The second tray may include a wall forming a second part of the cell. The second tray case may include a wall connected to the second tray, coupled to the second tray, supported by the second tray, or surrounding at least a part of the second tray. The second tray case may include at least one of a second tray cover or a second tray supporter. The ice maker may include a bracket. The bracket may cover at least a part of the tray assembly or accommodate at least a part of the tray assembly.

[0083] The ice maker and / or the refrigerator may include a pusher. The pusher may be provided to press the ice and / or the tray assembly so that the ice is separated from the tray assembly. The pusher may include a first edge on which a surface for pressing the ice and / or the tray assembly is formed. The pusher may include a bar extending from the first edge. The pusher may include a second edge located at an end of the bar.

[0084] A pressing part that the pusher presses may be formed on the tray assembly, and the pusher may be configured to apply pressure to one surface of the tray assembly. The pusher may be defined as a non-penetrating pusher.

[0085] The first edge of the pusher may move along a surface of a tray defining at least a part of the cell from a first point outside the cell. The pusher may be defined as a movable pusher. The pusher may be connected to a driving part, a rotation shaft of the driving part, or a tray assembly movable by being connected to the drive part.

[0086] The pusher may additionally press the pressing part after contacting the pressing part at the first point outside the cell. The pusher may be coupled to a fixed end. The pusher may be defined as a fixed pusher.

[0087] The ice maker and / or the refrigerator may include a heater. The heater (for example, a wire heater, a cord heater, a radiant heater, etc.) may supply heat to the cell and / or the storage space. The heater may contact the tray assembly and / or the cell to directly supply heat. The heater may supply heat indirectly (for example, hot or warm air) in a state where the heater is not connected to the tray assembly and / or the cell.

[0088] The ice maker and / or the refrigerator may include a cooler (for example, an evaporator, a refrigerant pipe, a refrigerant valve, a fan, a damper, a thermoelectric module, etc.). The cooler may contact the tray assembly and / or the cell to directly supply cold. The cooler may supply heat (for example, cold or cold air) indirectly in a state where the cooler is not connected to the tray assembly and / or the cell.

[0089] The ice maker and / or the refrigerator may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be provided to detect a temperature of an item (for example, water) or ice in the cell.

[0090] The ice maker and / or the refrigerator may include a driving device. The driving device may be connected to the tray assembly and / or the pusher.

[0091] The refrigerator of the present invention may include a tray assembly forming a portion of a cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice, a cooler for supplying cold to the cell, a water supply part for supplying water to the cell, and a controller.

[0092] The controller may control the cooler to supply cold to the cell after moving the tray assembly to an ice-making position. After the generation of ice in the cell is completed, the controller may control the tray assembly to move in a forward direction to an ice-releasing position in order to remove the ice from the cell. The controller may control the tray assembly to move in a reverse direction to a water supply position after ice-releasing is completed, and then control water supply to start. After the water supply is completed, the controller may control the tray assembly to move to the ice-making position.

[0093] In the present invention, the cell is located inside the storage space and may be defined as a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice. A circumference of the cell is independent of a shape of the cell and means an outer surface of the cell. In another aspect, an outer peripheral surface of the cell may mean an inner surface of a wall forming the cell.

[0094] In the present invention, a tray may be defined as a wall partitioning the cell and the interior of the storage space. The tray may be defined as a wall forming at least a portion of the cell. A plurality of trays may be present. The plurality of trays may be in contact with each other.

[0095] In the present invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly in which a heater is disposed. The heater may be disposed near the tray assembly to heat a cell formed by the tray assembly in which the heater is disposed. The heater may include a heater controlled to be turned on during at least a portion of a period while the cooler supplies cold so that bubbles dissolved in water inside the cell move toward liquid water from a portion where ice is generated, thereby generating transparent ice (hereinafter referred to as a "transparent ice heater"). The heater may include a heater controlled to be turned on during at least a portion of a period after ice-making is completed so that ice may be easily separated from the tray assembly (hereinafter referred to as an "ice-releasing heater").

[0096] In the present invention, the cell may be cooled by the cooler that cools the storage space. For example, the storage space where the cell is located is a freezing space that may be controlled at a temperature lower than 0 degrees, and the cell may be cooled by a cooler that cools the freezing space.

[0097] In the present invention, the cell may be cooled by a cooler other than the cooler that cools the storage space. For example, the storage space where the cell is located is a refrigerating space that may be controlled at a temperature higher than 0 degrees, and the cell may be cooled by a cooler other than the cooler that cools the refrigerating space. The cell may be located in a door that open and closes the storage space.

[0098] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0099] FIG. 1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 14 including a storage space and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

[0100] The storage space may include a refrigerating space 18 and a freezing space 32. The refrigerating space 18 is disposed at an upper side, and the freezing space 32 is disposed at a lower side, so that each storage space may be individually opened and closed by each door. As another example, it is also possible that the freezing space is disposed at the upper side and the refrigerating space is disposed at the lower side. Alternatively, it is also possible that the freezing space is disposed on one of the left and right sides and the refrigerating space is disposed on the other side.

[0101] The freezing space 32 may be divided into first and second spaces (for example, a lower space and an upper space), and a drawer 40 that may be moved in and out of the first space may be provided in the first space.

[0102] The door may include a plurality of doors 10, 20 and 30 for opening and closing the refrigerating space 18 and the freezing space 32. The plurality of doors 10, 20 and 30 may include some or all of doors 10 and 20 that open and close the storage space and a door 30 that opens and closes the storage space in a sliding manner.

[0103] The freezer space 32 may be provided to be separated into two spaces, even if the freezer space 32 is opened and closed by a single door 30. In this embodiment, the freezer space 32 may be referred to as a first storage space, and the refrigerator space 18 may be referred to as a second storage space. An ice maker 200 capable of producing ice may be provided in the freezer space 32. For example, the ice maker 200 may be located in a portion of the freezer space 32 (for example, an upper space).

[0104] An ice bin 600, in which ice produced by the ice maker 200 falls and is stored, may be disposed at one side (for example, a lower side) of the ice maker 200. A user may take the ice bin 600 out of the freezer space 32 and use the ice stored in the ice bin 600. The ice bin 600 may be coupled to one side (for example, an upper side) of a wall partitioning a first space (for example, an upper space) and a second space (for example, a lower space) of the freezer space 32.

[0105] Although not shown, the cabinet 14 is provided with a duct for supplying cold to the ice maker 200 (not shown). The duct guides cold heat-exchanged with refrigerant flowing through an evaporator toward the ice maker 200. For example, the duct is disposed at one side (for example, a rear side) of the cabinet 14 and may discharge cold toward the other side (for example, a front side) of the cabinet 14. The ice maker 200 may be located at one side (for example, a front side) of the duct. Without being limited, an outlet of the duct may be provided on one or more of a first side wall (for example, a rear side wall) and a second side wall (for example, an upper side wall) of the freezing space 32.

[0106] Although it has been described above that the ice maker 200 is provided in the freezing space 32, a space where the ice maker 200 may be located is not limited to the freezing space 32, and the ice maker 200 may be located in various spaces as long as cold may be supplied. Therefore, hereinafter, it will be described that the ice maker 200 is located in the storage space.

[0107] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an ice maker 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a bracket 220 supporting a tray assembly. Each component of the ice maker 200 is provided inside or outside the bracket 220, so that the ice maker 200 may constitute a single assembly.

[0109] The bracket 220 may be coupled to at least one surface of the storage space. The bracket 220 may include a first wall 221 in which a through-hole 226 is formed. At least a portion of the first wall 221 extends in a first direction (for example, a horizontal direction) and may be coupled to one surface of the storage space. A fastening hole 228 through which a fastening member passes may be formed at a corner side of the first wall 221. The bracket 220 may be coupled to the storage space through a fastening member coupled to the fastening hole 228.

[0110] The first wall 221 may include a guide protrusion 228a for guiding an electric wire connected to the ice maker. A plurality of guide protrusions 228a are provided and may be provided in various shapes according to an extension direction of the electric wire.

[0111] The bracket 220 may include two second walls 222 extending in one direction (for example, downward) from both sides of the first wall 221. A space between the two second walls 222 may form a space in which a tray assembly is disposed.

[0112] A driving part 510 may be disposed on the outside of one of the two second walls 222. The other of the two second walls 222 functions as a prevention plate to prevent ice falling into the ice bin 600 or ice stored in the ice bin 600 from falling out, and may form a wall through-hole 222a through which at least a portion of the other of the two second walls 222 is perforated to prevent frost formation.

[0113] The bracket 220 may include a third wall 223 protruding from the first wall 221. The third wall 223 may protrude from the first wall 221 in a direction toward the storage space. The third wall 223 may include a first part 223a extending in a direction corresponding to one direction (for example, a front-rear direction) of the storage space and a second part 223b extending in another direction (for example, a left-right direction) from one end (for example, a front end) of the first part 223a. The third wall 223 may include a hook 223c coupled to one surface (for example, an upper surface) of the storage space. For example, the hook 223c may be provided on the second part 223b.

[0114] A water supply part 240 may be coupled to the second part 223b. The water supply part 240 includes a hook 248, and the hook 248 may be caught at one end (for example, an upper end) of the second part 223b.

[0115] The bracket 220 may be formed with a suction hole 224a through which cold of the storage space is introduced toward the tray assembly. The suction hole 224a may be formed in a side wall of the bracket 220. For example, the suction hole 224a may be formed in a space between the second wall 222 and the third wall 223. From another aspect, the suction hole 224a may be formed by penetrating at least a part of the second wall 222.

[0116] Cold may be sucked from a side of the bracket 220 toward the tray assembly through the suction hole 224a to act as cold for ice making.

[0117] The through-hole 226 of the first wall 221 may function as an outlet through which cold that has passed through the tray assembly is discharged. A plurality of through-holes 226 may be provided and formed in the first direction (for example, a horizontal direction) of the first wall 221.

[0118] The bracket 220 may include a guide wall 225 that guides the cold sucked through the suction hole 224a toward the tray assembly. The guide wall 225 may extend from the third wall 223 toward a center of the bracket 220.

[0119] The bracket 220 may include a blocking plate 227a that prevents the cold sucked through the suction hole 224a from being discharged from the bracket 220 without heading toward the tray assembly. As an example, the blocking plate 227a may extend in one direction (for example, upward) from the first wall 221.

[0120] The bracket 220 may include a stopper 250 contacting the second tray assembly. The stopper 250 extends in another direction (for example, downward) from the first wall 221 and may be disposed to contact at least a portion of the second tray assembly. The stopper 250 may have the shape of a bar.

[0121] The bracket 220 may include a fourth wall 224 to which the pusher 540 is coupled. The fourth wall 224 extends in one direction (for example, downward) from one end (for example, a rear end) of the first wall 221 and may form a wall of one surface (for example, a rear surface) of the bracket 220.

[0122] The ice maker 200 may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly. The first tray assembly may include a first tray 300 and a first tray case. The second tray assembly may include a second tray 400 and a second tray case.

[0123] The bracket 220 may define at least a part of a space accommodating the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0124] The bracket 220 may be disposed, for example, on one side wall (for example, an upper side wall) of the freezing space 32. A water supply part 240 may be disposed on the bracket 220. The water supply part 240 may guide water supplied from one side (for example, an upper side) to the other side (for example, a lower side) of the water supply part 240. A water supply pipe (not shown) through which water is supplied may be disposed at one side (for example, an upper side) of the water supply part 240.

[0125] The water supply part 240 may be supported by the bracket 220. The water supply part 240 may include a hook 248 coupled to the bracket 220. As an example, the hook 248 may be caught on the second part 223b of the bracket 220.

[0126] The ice maker 200 may include a cell 360 (refer to FIG. 11) which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice by the cold. The first tray 300 may form at least a portion of the cell 360. The second tray 400 may form another portion of the cell 360. The cell 360 may include a first cell formed by the first tray 300 and a second cell formed by the second tray 400.

[0127] The first tray 300 may be coupled to the bracket 220. The second tray 400 may be disposed to be relatively movable with respect to the first tray 300. The second tray 400 may perform linear motion or rotational motion.

[0128] During the ice-making process, the second tray 400 moves with respect to the first tray 300, so that the first tray 300 and the second tray 400 may contact each other. When the first tray 300 and the second tray 400 contact each other, the cell 360 may be defined.

[0129] During the ice-releasing process after completion of ice making, the second tray 400 moves with respect to the first tray 300, so that the second tray 400 may be spaced apart from the first tray 300.

[0130] The first tray 300 and the second tray 400 may be arranged in one direction (for example, a vertical direction) in a state where the cell 360 is formed. Accordingly, the first tray 300 may be referred to as an upper tray, and the second tray 400 may be referred to as a lower tray.

[0131] A plurality of cells 360 may be defined by the first tray 300 and the second tray 400. As an example, the plurality of cells 360 may include three cells 360.

[0132] When water is cooled by the cold while water is supplied to the cell 360, ice of the same or similar shape as the cell 360 may be generated. As an example, the cell 360 may be formed in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a sphere. Of course, it is also possible that the cell 360 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a polygonal shape.

[0133] The first tray 300 may include a plurality of tray parts 300a, 300b and 300c. The number of the plurality of tray parts 300a, 300b and 300c may correspond to the number of the plurality of cells 360.

[0134] Each of the plurality of tray parts 300a, 300b and 300c may form at least a portion of one cell. Based on a total surface area of one cell 360, a surface area of a portion of the cell formed by each tray part may be smaller than a surface area of another portion of the cell formed by the second tray 400.

[0135] The second tray case may include, for example, a second tray cover 480 and a second tray supporter 450. The second tray 400, the second tray supporter 450, and the second tray cover 480 may be coupled by a fastening member.

[0136] At least a portion of the second tray cover 480 may be located at one side (for example, an upper side) of the second tray 400. The second tray cover 480 may include a cover wall 481 forming an opening 482.

[0137] The opening 482 may be formed through at least a portion of the second tray cover 480 so that at least a portion of the second tray 400 passes through the opening. The opening 482 may be formed to have a predetermined curvature corresponding to a shape of an outer circumferential surface of the cell 360.

[0138] The cover wall 481 may be placed on one side (for example, an upper side) of a first extension wall 420 of the second tray 400. The first extension wall 420 may include a tray protrusion 429 contacting the second tray cover 480.

[0139] The tray protrusion 429 extends in one direction (for example, upward) from the first extension wall 420, and a plurality of tray protrusions may be provided at a corner side of the first extension wall 420.

[0140] The second tray cover 480 may include a protrusion receiving part 486 protruding in one direction (for example, upward) from the cover wall 481 to receive the tray protrusion 429. The tray protrusion 429 may pass through the cover wall 481 and be inserted into the protrusion receiving part 486. A protrusion 566 of a lift 560 may contact one surface (for example, a bottom surface) of the first extension wall 420.

[0141] A tray projecting part 427a provided at both sides of a tray wall of the second tray 400 may be provided on the first extension wall 420. The tray projecting part 427a may protrude in one direction (for example, upward) from the first extension wall 420.

[0142] The second tray cover 480 is formed through the cover wall 481, and a guide hole 481b in which the tray projecting part 427a is received may be formed. Assembly of the second tray 400 and the second tray cover 480 may be guided through the guide hole 481b.

[0143] The second tray cover 480 may include a cover fastening part 485 protruding in one direction (for example, downward) from the cover wall 481. A plurality of cover fastening parts 485 are provided along a periphery of one surface (for example, a bottom surface) of the cover wall 481, and may be coupled to at least one of a fastening part 425 of the second tray 400 or a supporter fastening part 456 of the second tray supporter 450. In a state where the cover fastening part 485 is coupled to the fastening part 425 and the supporter fastening part 456, a fastening member may be fastened at one side (for example, a lower side) of the second tray supporter 450.

[0144] The second tray cover 480 is provided on the cover wall 481 and may include an ice-releasing guide 487 that helps release ice during an ice-releasing process.

[0145] The ice-releasing guide 487 may be provided at a portion (for example, a rear portion) of the cover wall 481. For example, the ice-releasing guide 487 may be disposed at a position adjacent to an axial line of a shaft 520. The ice-releasing guide 487 may have a groove portion 487a surrounding at least a portion of the shaft 520. The groove portion 487a may be referred to as a first part.

[0146] During an ice-releasing process, the second tray cover 480 may move. For example, the second tray cover 480 may rotate.

[0147] During a moving process of the second tray cover 480, a distance that the ice-releasing guide 487 moves may be less than a distance that a front portion of the second tray cover 480 moves. A plurality of ice-releasing guides 487 may be provided to correspond to the number of the plurality of cells 360.

[0148] During an ice-releasing process, if ice is attached to the first tray 300, the ice-releasing guide 487 may press the ice to be separated from the first tray 300.

[0149] During an ice-releasing process, the ice-releasing guide 487 may function to remove residual ice attached to the first tray 300 or residual ice present in a contact area between the first tray 300 and the second tray 400. The ice-releasing guide 487 may be referred to as a "movable pusher" or a "first pusher."

[0150] At least a portion of the second tray supporter 450 may be located at one side (for example, a lower side) of the second tray 400. The second tray supporter 450 may support the second tray 400 at one side (for example, a lower side) of the second tray 400. For example, at least a portion of a wall forming a second cell of the second tray 400 may be supported by the second tray supporter 450.

[0151] The second tray supporter 450 may include two first walls 451 forming both side surfaces. The two extension parts 455 may be respectively provided at one end (for example, a rear end) of the first wall 451.

[0152] The second tray supporter 450 may include a second wall 452 connecting the other ends (for example, front ends) of the two first walls 451. The second wall 452 may form one surface portion (for example, a front portion) of the second tray supporter 450.

[0153] The second tray supporter 450 may include a third wall 453 forming another surface (for example, an upper surface) of the second tray supporter 450. The first extension wall 420 of the second tray 400 may be seated on the third wall 453. A first coupling portion 459a, to which a first edge (422a, see FIG. 11) of the second tray 400 is coupled, may be formed on the third wall 453.

[0154] A second coupling portion 459b, to which a protrusion (422c, see FIG. 11) of the second tray 400 is coupled, may be formed on the third wall 453. An insertion portion 458a, into which a second edge (422b, see FIG. 11) of the second tray 400 is coupled, may be formed on the third wall 453. The insertion portion 458a may include a groove recessed from the third wall 453 so that the second edge 422b is inserted.

[0155] The second tray supporter 450 may include at least one of a fourth wall 454 or a fifth wall 458 extending in one direction (for example, downward) from the third wall 453. The fourth wall 454 is one wall (for example, a rear wall) of the second tray supporter 450, and the fifth wall 458 may be understood as another wall (for example, an internal wall) spaced apart from the fourth wall 454 in one direction (for example, forward). The insertion portion 458a may be a space formed between the fourth wall 454 and the fifth wall 458.

[0156] The extension part 455 of the second tray supporter 450 may include two extension parts 455 forming a through-hole 455a into which holders 531 and 532 are inserted.

[0157] The ice maker 200 may include a pusher 540. For example, the pusher 540 may be coupled to the bracket 220. The pusher 540 may be referred to as a "fixed pusher" or a "second pusher." The pusher 540 may be provided in the same number as the cells 360, but is not limited thereto.

[0158] The pusher 540 may push out ice located in the cell 360. For example, the pusher 540 may pass through the second tray supporter 450 to contact the second tray 400 forming the cell 360 and may press the contacted second tray 400.

[0159] The ice maker 200 may include heaters 490 and 495.

[0160] The heaters 490 and 495 may include a first heater 490 disposed in a recessed receiving space 453a of the second tray supporter 450 to apply heat to the second tray 400 during an ice-making process. The first heater 490 may be disposed adjacent to or in contact with one side (for example, a lower side) of the second tray 400 so as to supply heat to a portion (for example, a lower portion) of the second tray 400.

[0161] The first heater 490 may operate to assist in releasing ice or generating transparent ice. The first heater 490 may be referred to as a "transparent ice heater." The first heater 490 may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

[0162] The heaters 490 and 495 may include a second heater 495 controlled to be turned on during at least a portion of a period after ice-making is completed so that ice may be easily separated from the tray assembly. The second heater 495 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the first tray 300. The second heater 495 may be, for example, a wire-type heater. The second heater 495 may be referred to as an "ice-releasing heater."

[0163] The second heater 495 may be covered by the bracket 220. Accordingly, fluid discharged through the first tray 300 may be prevented from contacting the second heater 495.

[0164] The bracket 220 may include a heater fixing part (221b, see FIG. 11) for coupling the second heater 495. The heater fixing part 221b may protrude in one direction (for example, downward) from a coupling wall (221a, see FIG. 11) of the bracket 220. The coupling wall 221a may form a wall to which the first tray 300 is coupled.

[0165] The lift 560 may be coupled to the shaft 520 or the holders 531 and 532. The lift 560 may move together with the shaft 520 and the holders 531 and 532. A plurality of lifts 560 may be provided on both sides of the shaft 520.

[0166] The lift 560 may include a support bar 561 supporting a lower portion of the second tray 400. The support bar 561 may be disposed on the outside of a side wall of the second tray supporter 450.

[0167] The lift 560 may include an extension portion 563 coupled to the holders 531 and 532. The extension portion 563 may form a through-hole 564 into which the holders 531 and 532 are inserted.

[0168] The lift 560 may include a protrusion 566 protruding from the support bar 561 in a direction toward the second tray 400. The protrusion 566 may press one surface (for example, a bottom surface) of the tray protrusion 429 of the second tray 400 to bring the second tray 400 into close contact with the first tray 300.

[0169] At the ice-making position of the tray assembly, the lift 560 may further move in one direction (for example, upward) based on the axial line of the shaft 520 so that the second tray 400 is in close contact with the first tray 300.

[0170] The second tray cover 480 may include a protrusion receiving part 486 into which the tray protrusion 429 is inserted. One surface (for example, an upper surface) of the protrusion receiving part 486 may be supported by the stopper 250.

[0171] The ice maker 200 may include a driving part 510 providing a driving force. The second tray 400 may receive the driving force from the driving part 510 and move relative to the first tray 300. The driving part 510 may include a driving motor.

[0172] The ice maker 200 may include a shaft 520 passing through the through-hole 455a of the second tray supporter 450. The shaft 520 extends between the two extension parts 455 and may be moved by receiving power from the driving part 510.

[0173] The driving part 510 may include a motor and a plurality of gears.

[0174] A full ice detection lever 550 may be connected to the driving part 510. The full ice detection lever 550 is moved by power provided from the driving part 510 and may detect ice stored in the ice bin 600 during the moving process.

[0175] The driving part 510 may include a cam that is moved or rotated by receiving the driving power of the motor. The ice maker 200 may include a sensor for detecting the movement or rotation of the cam.

[0176] A controller of the refrigerator may determine the position of the second tray 400 (or the second tray assembly) based on the type and pattern of signals output from the sensor. That is, since the second tray 400 and the cam are moved by the motor, the water supply position, ice-making position, and ice-releasing position of the second tray 400 may be distinguished and determined based on a detection signal from a magnet provided on the cam.

[0177] The second tray 400 may be formed of a non-metallic material. As an example, when pressed by the pusher 540, the second tray 400 may be formed of a flexible or soft material whose shape may be deformed. Although not limited, the second tray 400 may be formed of, for example, a silicone material.

[0178] While the second tray 400 is being pressed by the pusher 540, the second tray 400 is deformed and the pressing force of the pusher 540 is transmitted to the ice, and the ice may be separated from the second tray 400 by the pressing force of the pusher 540.

[0179] If the second tray 400 is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or soft material, a coupling force or an adhesion force between the ice and the second tray 400 may be reduced, so that the ice may be easily separated from the second tray 400.

[0180] If the second tray 400 is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or soft material, after the second tray 400 is deformed by the pusher 540, when the pressing force of the pusher 540 is removed, the second tray 400 may be easily restored to its original shape.

[0181] As an example, the first tray 300 may be formed of a metal material or a plastic material. In this case, the coupling force or adhesion force per unit area between the first tray 300 and the ice may be relatively strong. However, since the first cell formed inside the first tray 300 has a small surface area (or ice contact area), ice releasing may be easily performed.

[0182] As another example, the first tray 300 may be formed of a non-metallic material. In this case, the coupling force or adhesion force per unit area between the first tray 300 and the ice may be relatively weak. Therefore, the ice releasing may be easily performed. Although not limited, the first tray 300 may be formed of, for example, a silicone material.

[0183] The first tray 300 and the second tray 400 may be formed of the same material. In this case, a hardness of the first tray 300 and a hardness of the second tray 400 may be different so that sealing performance is maintained at a contact portion between the first tray 300 and the second tray 400.

[0184] In the case of this embodiment, since the second tray 400 is pressed by the pusher 540 to undergo shape deformation, the hardness of the second tray 400 may be lower than the hardness of the first tray 300 so that the shape deformation of the second tray 400 is easy.

[0185] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of first and second tray assemblies and a power transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the second tray assembly and the power transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0186] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, a first tray 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of tray parts 300a, 300b and 300c. The number of the plurality of tray parts 300a, 300b and 300c may correspond to the number of the plurality of cells 360.

[0187] The plurality of tray parts 300a, 300b and 300c may be arranged in a line in one direction (for example, the X-axis direction). The first tray 300 may form an upper tray.

[0188] The first tray 300 may include a first tray wall 310 forming a portion of the cell 360. For example, the first tray wall 310 may define a first cell 310b.

[0189] The first tray wall 310 may include a first cell wall 311 defining a first cell surface 310a. An inner circumferential surface of the first cell wall 311 forms the first cell surface 310a, and the first cell surface 310a may be understood as defining an outer circumferential surface of the first cell 310b.

[0190] The first tray wall 310 may include a first opening 310c. The first opening 310c forms an end (for example, a lower end) of the first tray wall 310 and may contact the second tray 400.

[0191] An edge (for example, a lower end edge) of the first tray wall 310 may form a contact end 319 contacting the second tray 400. The second tray 400 may form a contact end 412a (see FIG. 15) contacting the contact end 319. The contact end 412a may form an edge (for example, an upper end edge) of a second part 412 of the second tray 400. The contact end 319 of the first tray 300 may be referred to as a "first contact end," and the contact end 412a of the second tray 400 may be referred to as a "second contact end."

[0192] The first tray wall 310 may include a first extension wall 313 extending in one direction (for example, upward) from a portion of the periphery of the first cell wall 311. For example, the first extension wall 313 may constitute at least one of a portion of a wall (for example, a front wall) or another portion of a wall (for example, a side wall) of the first tray 300.

[0193] The first tray wall 310 may include a second extension wall 314 extending in one direction (for example, upward) from another portion of the periphery of the first cell wall 311. For example, the second extension wall 314 may constitute a portion of a wall (for example, a rear wall) of the first tray 300. The second extension wall 314 may be located inside a peripheral wall 430, specifically a second extension wall 431 of the second tray 400.

[0194] In the ice-making position of the tray assembly, one end (for example, an upper end) of the second extension wall 314 of the first tray 300 may be located higher than one end (for example, an upper end) of the second extension wall 431 of the second tray 400.

[0195] In the relative positional relationship between the second extension wall 314 of the first tray 300 and the second extension wall 431 of the second tray 400, a gap between the second extension wall 314 and the second extension wall 431 may increase toward one direction (for example, upward). According to this configuration, when the second tray 400 moves in a forward direction from the ice-making position to the ice-releasing position or in a reverse direction from the ice-releasing position to the ice-making position, a phenomenon of interference with the first tray 300 may be prevented.

[0196] The first tray 300 may include a guide wall 315 extending from the first tray wall 310. The guide wall 315 may extend in a direction toward the bracket 220.

[0197] The guide wall 315 may form a through-hole 315a. The through-hole 315a may be formed through from the first cell surface 310a of the first tray wall 310 to an outer surface of the guide wall 315. During an ice-making process, bubbles in the cell 360 are discharged through the through-hole 315a, so that an air pocket phenomenon in the cell 360 may be prevented.

[0198] The guide wall 315 may include a drainage portion 315b connected to the through-hole 315a and passing through in one direction (for example, forward) of the guide wall 315. The drainage portion 315b sends fluid discharged through the through-hole 315a to the outside of the first tray 300 to prevent residual ice from being formed in the through-hole 315a. For example, the drainage portion 315b may include a drainage hole.

[0199] One surface (for example, a bottom surface) of the drainage portion 315b may include an inclined surface 315c extending inclinedly toward a side of the through-hole 315a.

[0200] The first tray 300 includes a space 318 defined by the first cell wall 311, the first extension wall 313, the second extension wall 314, and the guide wall 315, and the space 318 may form a storage space where fluid discharged through the drainage portion 315b is stored.

[0201] A second heater 495 may be disposed in the first tray 300. The second heater 495 may be disposed in contact with or adjacent to a surface of the first tray 300. The space 318 may form a heater receiving part for the second heater 495.

[0202] One surface (for example, a bottom surface) of the space 318 may form a heater seating part 318a on which the second heater 495 is seated. The second heater 495 may be placed on the heater seating part 318a. The second heater 495 may be disposed along the periphery of the guide wall 315.

[0203] The first tray 300 is formed with a plurality of fastening grooves 316a and 316b to which fastening members are coupled. The plurality of fastening grooves 316a and 316b may include a first fastening groove 316a provided in the second extension wall 314 and a second fastening groove 316b provided in the guide wall 315.

[0204] The first tray 300 may include a coupling protrusion 313b extending in one direction (for example, upward) from the first extension wall 313. The coupling protrusion 313b is inserted into the bracket 220 and may guide the assembly of the first tray 300 and the bracket 220.

[0205] The first tray 300 may include a coupling groove 313a recessed at one end (for example, an upper end) of the first extension wall 313. The coupling groove 313a is coupled to the bracket 220 and may guide the assembly of the first tray 300 and the bracket 220.

[0206] The second tray 400 is disposed at one side (for example, a lower side) of the first tray 300. The second tray 400 and the first tray 300 may together form the cell 360. The second tray 400 may define a second cell that is a portion of the cell 360.

[0207] The second tray 400 may include a plurality of tray parts 401a, 401b and 401c corresponding to the plurality of tray parts 300a, 300b and 300c of the first tray 300. Each tray part of the first tray 300 and each tray part of the second tray 400 may contact each other to form the cell 360.

[0208] The second tray 400 may include a second tray wall 410 forming each tray part 401a, 401b and 401c and defining the second cell. A plurality of second tray walls 410 are provided to define a plurality of second cells, and the plurality of second tray walls 410 may be arranged in one direction (for example, the X-axis direction).

[0209] The second tray 400 may include a second opening 413. The second opening 413 forms an end (for example, an upper end) of the second tray 400 and may contact the first tray 300. The second tray 400 may include a first extension wall 420 extending in a first direction (for example, a horizontal direction) toward the outside of the second tray wall 410. The first extension wall 420 may be seated on the third wall 453 of the second tray supporter 450.

[0210] The second tray wall 410 may include a first part 411 located at one side (for example, a lower side) of the first extension wall 420 based on the first extension wall 420. The first part 411 may form one region (for example, a lower region) of the cell 360. The first part 411 may be received in the receiving space 453a of the second tray supporter 450 and be supported by the second tray supporter 450.

[0211] The second tray wall 410 may include a second part 412 located at one side (for example, an upper side) of the first extension wall 420 based on the first extension wall 420. The second part 412 may form a portion of another region (for example, an upper region) of the cell 360. An end (for example, an upper end) of the second part 412 may form the second opening 413.

[0212] The second part 412 may be provided with a reinforcement rib 436 for strength reinforcement. The reinforcement rib 436 extends in one direction (for example, the Z-axis direction), and a plurality of reinforcement ribs may be disposed in another direction (for example, a circumferential direction) of the second part 412.

[0213] The second tray 400 may include a peripheral wall 430 extending along the periphery of the end (for example, the upper end) of the second tray wall 410. For example, the peripheral wall 430 may be formed integrally with the second tray wall 410 and extend in one direction (for example, upward) from one end (for example, the upper end) of the second tray wall 410.

[0214] The peripheral wall 430 may include a second extension wall 431 extending in one direction (for example, upward) from the second part 412. The second tray 400 may include a separation wall 432 provided between the plurality of second extension walls 431. A plurality of separation walls 432 may be provided.

[0215] The second tray 400 may include a third extension wall 1433 that guides fluid supplied from the water supply part 240 into the cell 360. The third extension wall 1433 may include a first wall part 1434 extending in a direction in which the plurality of tray parts 401a, 401b and 401c are arranged.

[0216] The third extension wall 1433 may include a second wall part 1435 extending from both ends of the first wall part 1434 and connected to the second extension wall 431 of the second tray 400.

[0217] A power transmission device may be disposed at one side (for example, a rear side) of the second tray 400 and the second tray cover 480.

[0218] The power transmission device may include a shaft 520 connected to the driving part 510 to move. The shaft 520 may extend in a direction in which the plurality of tray parts 300a, 300b and 300c of the first tray 300 are arranged or in a direction in which the plurality of tray parts 401a, 401b and 401c of the second tray 400 are arranged.

[0219] The power transmission device may include a holder 530 provided at an end of the shaft 520 to transmit power from the driving part 510 to the shaft 520.

[0220] The holder 530 is a driving holder and may include a first holder 531 axially coupled to the driving part 510. The first holder 531 may be coupled to a first end of the shaft 520. An insertion hole 521 into which the first holder 531 is inserted may be formed at the first end of the shaft 520.

[0221] An insertion hole 521 into which a second holder 532 is inserted may also be formed at a second end of the shaft 520, which is the end opposite the first end. The first holder 531 is coupled to a motor shaft of the driving part 510 and extends in a direction toward the shaft 520. The first holder 531 passes through a first through-hole 564 of the lift 560 and a second through-hole 455a of the second tray supporter 450 to be coupled to the insertion hole 521 of the shaft 520.

[0222] The first holder 531 may include an insertion bar 531a coupled to the insertion hole 521 at the first end of the shaft 520. The first holder 531 may include a projecting portion 531b protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the insertion bar 531a. An end of the projecting portion 531b may be supported by the end of the shaft 520. A plurality of projecting portions 531b may be provided to protrude from both sides of the outer circumferential surface of the insertion bar 531a.

[0223] At least a portion of the insertion bar 531a or the projecting portion 531b may be inserted into the first through-hole 564 of the lift 560.

[0224] The holder 530 is a driven holder and may include a second holder 532 coupled to the second end of the shaft 520. The second holder 532 may be coupled to the insertion hole 521 formed at the second end of the shaft 520.

[0225] The second holder 532 differs from the first holder 531 only in that the motor shaft of the driving part 510 is not coupled to the second holder 532. The structure in which the second holder 532 passes through the first through-hole 564 of the lift 560 and the second through-hole 455a of the second tray supporter 450 to be coupled to the insertion hole 521 of the shaft 520 is the same as that of the first holder 531.

[0226] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second tray cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which ice is generated in the second tray assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0227] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, a second tray cover 480 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a cover wall 481 forming an opening 482 into which a portion of the second tray 400 is inserted.

[0228] The second tray cover 480 may include an ice-releasing guide 487 provided on the cover wall 481. The ice-releasing guide 487 may be provided to contact manufactured ice for releasing the ice. As another example, the ice-releasing guide 487 may be provided to remove residual ice present on or around the surface of the tray assembly.

[0229] The ice-releasing guide 487 may be provided at a rim side of the cover wall 481. For example, the ice-releasing guide 487 may be disposed at an edge side of a portion (for example, the rear) of the second tray cover 480 where the shaft 520 is placed.

[0230] Directions are defined as follows. In the tray assembly, the part where the shaft 520 is located may be understood as a rear part, and the side opposite the rear part may be understood as a front part. Therefore, when the shaft 520 rotates, it may be understood that the front part of the second tray 400 moves downward around the shaft 520.

[0231] A plurality of ice-releasing guides 487 may be provided. The plurality of ice-releasing guides 487 may be arranged in one direction (for example, the X-axis direction) in which the plurality of cells 360 are arranged, corresponding to the plurality of cells 360. That is, the plurality of ice-releasing guides 487 may be disposed in the X-axis direction in which the plurality of tray parts 401a, 401b and 401c are arranged.

[0232] The plurality of ice-releasing guides 487 may be connected to each other by a guide connection part 488. The guide connection part 488 may extend in a rounded manner to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 520. For example, the guide connection part 488 may include a connection bar. Each of the plurality of ice-releasing guides 487 is movably provided for releasing ice generated in the plurality of cells 360, and the ice-releasing guide 487 may contact ice during movement.

[0233] During the moving process, the ice-releasing guide 487 may move along the surface of the first tray 300. For example, the ice-releasing guide 487 may move along the surface shape of the first tray 300 while in contact with or adjacent to the surface of the first tray 300.

[0234] The ice-releasing guide 487 may have a groove portion 487a surrounding at least a portion of the shaft 520. The groove portion 487a is formed at an end (for example, a lower end) of the ice-releasing guide 487 and may be formed in a rounded shape with a predetermined curvature corresponding to the curvature of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 520. The groove portion 487a may be understood as a portion connected to the guide connection part 488 and coupled to the shaft 520.

[0235] The ice-releasing guide 487 may include a tip 487b located at the furthest point from the center C2 of the shaft 520. The tip 487b may be referred to as a second part. The ice-releasing guide 487 may extend from the groove portion 487a in a direction toward the first tray 300, i.e., upward. The tip 487b may be formed at one end (for example, an upper end) of the ice-releasing guide 487.

[0236] The ice-releasing guide 487 may include a contact portion 487c that contacts ice during the moving process. The contact portion 487c may be formed at a portion extending in one direction (for example, downward) from the tip 487b. The contact portion 487c may be referred to as a third part. That is, the distance between the contact portion 487c and the groove portion 487a may be less than the distance between the tip 487b and the groove portion 487a.

[0237] The ice-releasing guide 487 may include a support part 487d connected to the cover wall 481. The support part 487d forms a portion of one end (for example, a lower end) of the ice-releasing guide 487 and may be connected to one surface (for example, an upper surface) of the cover wall 481. The support part 487d may be referred to as a fourth part.

[0238] The ice-releasing guide 487 may include a first reinforcement part 487e extending in one direction (for example, downward) from the contact portion 487c. An end (for example, a lower end) of the first reinforcement part 487e may be connected to the cover wall 481.

[0239] The first reinforcement part 487e may extend inclinedly toward one side (for example, downward). Due to the inclined configuration of the first reinforcement part 487e, the cross-sectional area of the ice-releasing guide 487 may be configured to increase from the tip 487b toward one direction (for example, downward).

[0240] The ice-releasing guide 487 may include a second reinforcement part 487f extending in one direction (for example, downward) from an end (for example, a rear end) of the tip 487b. Since the first reinforcement part 487e and the second reinforcement part 487f are configured to extend in one direction (for example, forward and backward) from the contact portion 487c, the width of the ice-releasing guide 487 in one direction (for example, forward and backward) may be formed large.

[0241] The first reinforcement part 487e and the second reinforcement part 487f may be referred to as a fifth part and a sixth part, respectively. Accordingly, damage to the ice-releasing guide 487 due to pressure or impact occurring when the ice-releasing guide 487 contacts ice or residual ice may be prevented.

[0242] Each of the plurality of ice-releasing guides 487 may include at least one rib. The groove portion 487a, tip 487b, contact portion 487c, support part 487d, and first and second reinforcement parts 487e and 487f described above may be formed on the rib.

[0243] The rib may include a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs may include a first rib 4871 disposed at a position close to the center of the cell 360. During the process of moving the ice-releasing guide 487, the first rib 4871 may contact a center-side surface of the ice.

[0244] The plurality of ribs may include a second rib 4872 disposed spaced apart at one side of the first rib 4871. The second rib 4872 may be disposed at a position spaced apart in one circumferential direction from the center of the cell 360. During the process of moving the ice-releasing guide 487, the second rib 4872 may contact a surface spaced apart in one circumferential direction from the center-side surface of the ice.

[0245] The plurality of ribs may include a third rib 4873 disposed spaced apart at the other side of the first rib 4871. The third rib 4873 may be disposed at a position spaced apart in the other circumferential direction from the center of the cell 360. During the process of moving the ice-releasing guide 487, the third rib 4873 may contact a surface spaced apart in the other circumferential direction from the center-side surface of the ice.

[0246] The second rib 4872 and the third rib 4873 may be disposed on both sides of the first rib 4871. The first rib 4871 may be referred to as a "central rib," and the second and third ribs 4872 and 4873 may be referred to as "side ribs." For example, the gap between the first rib 4871 and the second rib 4872 may be the same or substantially the same as the gap between the first rib 4871 and the third rib 4873.

[0247] A distance from the second rib 4872 to the cell 360 or the opening 482 is less than a distance from the first rib 4871 to the cell 360 or the opening 482. A distance from the third rib 4873 to the cell 360 or the opening 482 is less than a distance from the first rib 4871 to the cell 360 or the opening 482. For example, the distance between the second rib 4872 and the cell 360 may be the same or substantially the same as the distance between the third rib 4873 and the cell 360.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 9, a distance from the contact portion 4872c of the second rib 4872 to the cell 360 is less than a distance from the contact portion 4871c of the first rib 4871 to the cell 360.

[0249] Referring to FIG. 10, the ice (I1, I2, I3) generated in each cell 360 may be formed in a substantially spherical shape. Considering the outer circumferential surface of the sphere, the cell 360 may be formed convexly toward the ice-releasing guide 487 based on a center of the cell 360. Therefore, when the ice-releasing guide 487 moves toward the ice, it is likely to first contact the surface corresponding to the center of the sphere.

[0250] If the first to third ribs 4871, 4872 and 4873 are arranged in a straight line in one direction (for example, the X-axis direction), only the first rib 4871, which is closest to the center of the spherical ice, contacts the ice. Meanwhile, the second and third ribs 4872 and 4873 located at sides of the first rib 4871 remain spaced apart from the ice, making it difficult for the second and third ribs 4872 and 4873 to actually provide the pressing force required for ice-releasing.

[0251] Therefore, by positioning the second and third ribs 4872 and 4873 relatively closer to the cell 360, the first to third ribs 4871, 4872 and 4873 may be guided to contact the surface of the ice together when the ice-releasing guide 487 makes in contact with the ice.

[0252] In this way, the distances from the first to third ribs 4871, 4872 and 4873 to the cell 360 are differentiated such that the first to third ribs 4871, 4872 and 4873 correspond to the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the ice. This increases the contact area between the ice-releasing guide 487 and the ice and prevents the ice from slipping in the circumferential direction.

[0253] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the ice maker taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 2, FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of part "A" of FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is a view showing the ice-releasing guide contacting ice when the ice maker according to the first embodiment moves to an ice-releasing position, FIG. 14 is a view showing the second tray contacting a pusher (fixed pusher) at the maximum ice-releasing position in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a view showing the ice maker in a water supply position.

[0254] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first tray 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention forms at least a portion of the cell 360, and the second tray 400 may form another portion of the cell 360.

[0255] The inner circumferential surface of the cell 360 may include a first cell surface 310a formed by the first tray 300 and a second cell surface 410a formed by the second tray 400. The first cell surface 310a and the second cell surface 410a may extend in one direction (for example, a circumferential direction) to form the cell 360.

[0256] Based on a center C1 of the cell 360, a diameter D1 of the cell 360 may be formed to be greater than a diameter D2 of a portion where the first cell surface 310a and the second cell surface 410a contact each other. The portion where the first cell surface 310a and the second cell surface 410a contact each other may be understood as a boundary between the first tray 300 and the second tray 400.

[0257] The diameter D2 may form the diameter of the first opening of the first tray 300. The first opening of the first tray 300 may form an end (for example, a lower end) of the first tray 300. The diameter D2 may form the diameter of the second opening 413 of the second tray 400. The second opening 413 of the second tray 400 may form an end (for example, an upper end) of the second tray 400.

[0258] Based on the center C1 of the cell 360, a circumferential length of the first cell surface 310a may be formed to be less than a circumferential length of the second cell surface 410a. Based on the center C1 of the cell 360, a central angle formed by the first cell surface 310a may be formed to be less than a central angle formed by the second cell surface 410a.

[0259] FIG. 11 shows the tray assembly in the ice-making position.

[0260] The second tray cover 480 may form an opening 482 through which the second tray wall 410 of the second tray 400 passes. The inner circumferential surface of the opening 482 and the outer circumferential surface of the second tray 400 may be spaced apart by a set distance △S1 without contacting each other. According to this configuration, the degree of internal deformation of the second tray 400 may be reduced.

[0261] An ice-releasing guide 487 may be provided at the rear of the cell 360. One surface (for example, a bottom surface) of the ice-releasing guide 487 may be connected to the cover wall 481 of the second tray cover 480. The ice-releasing guide 487 may extend in one direction (for example, upward) from the shaft 520 toward the bracket 220.

[0262] The end of the ice-releasing guide 487, i.e., the tip 487b, may be located in a bracket groove 221f of the bracket 220. The groove 221f is recessed from one surface (for example, a bottom surface) of the coupling wall 221a, and at least a portion of the tip 487b may be located inside the groove 221f.

[0263] When the ice-releasing guide 487 moves, the tip 487b may be withdrawn from the groove 221f. The groove 221f may be formed so as not to interfere with the ice-releasing guide 487.

[0264] The ice-releasing guide 487 may be located spaced apart from the sides of the second extension wall 314 of the first tray 300 and the second extension wall 431 of the second tray 400.

[0265] The distance from the center of the shaft 520 to the tip 487b of the ice-releasing guide 487, i.e., the radius R L , may be greater than the radius of any other part of the ice-releasing guide 487.

[0266] The contact portion 487c may be formed at the end (for example, the front end) of the tip 487b based on the moving direction of the ice-releasing guide 487. The moving path of at least a portion of the ice-releasing guide 487 may be formed to interfere with or overlap the surface of the ice attached to the first tray 300.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 13, during the ice-releasing process, ice may be attached to the first tray 300. To address this, the first heater 490 operates to lower the degree of adhesion of the ice attached to the second tray 400.

[0268] As the first heater 490 operates, the ice is separated from the second cell surface 410a of the second tray 400 and may be discharged through the second opening 413 of the second tray 400 during the moving process of the second tray 400. At this time, the second tray 400 may be deformed in a direction in which the second opening 413 expands to discharge the ice. To this end, the second tray 400 may be made of, for example, a flexible or ductile material.

[0269] When the second tray 400 moves, the ice-releasing guide 487 may move around the shaft 520. The ice-releasing guide 487 may move along the surface or the corner (edge) of the first tray 300.

[0270] Among the entire parts of the ice-releasing guide 487, the contact portion 487c may move along the surface shape of the first tray 300 while forming the end (for example, the front end) of the ice-releasing guide 487. In this process, the contact portion 487c may remove frozen material (hereinafter, "excess ice") on the surface of the first tray 300 that has formed excessively.

[0271] For example, the contact portion 487c may move while being slightly spaced apart from the surface of the first tray 300. As another example, the contact portion 487c may move while in contact with the surface of the first tray 300.

[0272] As the second tray 400 moves further in the forward direction, the contact portion 487c starts to contact the ice attached to the first tray 300 and may press the ice. The ice may be separated from the first tray 300 by this pressing.

[0273] During the moving process of the ice-releasing guide 487, after the contact portion 487c moves along the surface of the first tray 300, the tip 487b may subsequently move along the surface or the corner (edge) of the first tray 300. The tip 487b may move while being slightly spaced apart from or in contact with the surface of the first tray 300.

[0274] At the position where the contact portion 487c presses the ice, the tip 487b may be located at the edge adjacent to the first opening 310c of the first tray 300. That is, the tip 487b may not contact the ice because it is located at a part (for example, the rear) of the contact portion 487c based on the moving direction of the second tray 400.

[0275] Referring to FIG. 14, after the contact portion 487c presses the ice and the ice is separated from the first tray, the second tray 400 may move slightly further in the forward direction toward a maximum ice-releasing position.

[0276] The separated ice falls and is stored in the ice bin 600, and the end (for example, the lower end) of the second tray 400 may be deformed by contacting the pusher 540. Even if a case occurs where the ice is separated from the first tray 300 but remains in the second tray 400 when the second tray 400 moves to the ice-releasing position, the ice may be separated from the second tray 400 by the pressing of the pusher 540.

[0277] When the ice-releasing operation is completed at the position in FIG. 14, the second tray assembly moves in the reverse direction and may return to the ice-making position as shown in FIG. 11. When the water supply operation starts at the position in FIG. 11, the second tray assembly may move in the forward direction by a predetermined angle, for example, about 10° to 20°, toward the water supply position as shown in FIG. 15. At the water supply position, fluid is supplied through the water supply part 240, and fluid may be supplied to the plurality of cells 360.

[0278] Among the plurality of cells 360, water may be supplied to the central cell 360 through the water supply part 240. When water supply is complete, the system may wait for a predetermined time so that water spreads and is supplied from the central cell 360 to the cells 360 on both sides. At this time, water may flow through a water supply passage 1435 inside the third extension wall 1433.

[0279] When the predetermined time elapses, the second tray assembly moves in the reverse direction to the ice-making position as shown in FIG. 11 and may perform the ice-making operation. During the ice-making process, cold air is supplied to the ice maker, and the first heater 490 operates to produce transparent ice.

[0280] FIG. 16 is a view showing a state in which ice is first separated from the first tray in the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the ice maker in FIG. 16 moves further to the ice-releasing position, so that the ice-releasing guide is at a position adjacent to the first tray.

[0281] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, after ice-making is completed, the ice generated during the ice-releasing process is separated from the first tray 300 and may be located in the second tray 400. To this end, when ice-making is complete, the second heater 495 disposed in the first tray 300 may be driven for a predetermined time. By driving the second heater 495, the degree of adhesion of the ice contacting the first tray 300 may be lowered.

[0282] When the driving part 510 drives forward by a predetermined angle, the contact between the ice and the first tray 300 is separated, and the ice I may move while being located in the second tray 400. Meanwhile, since the adhesion force (or contact area) between the ice and the second tray 400 is formed to be greater than the adhesion force (or contact area) between the ice and the first tray 300, the ice and the first tray 300 may be easily separated during the ice-releasing process.

[0283] When the second tray 400 moves in the forward direction, the ice-releasing guide 487 of the second tray cover 480 may move forward together with the second tray 400.

[0284] The ice-releasing guide 487 may move along the outer surface of the second extension wall 314 of the first tray 300. At this time, the ice-releasing guide 487 may move while contacting the second extension wall 314 or while remaining adjacent to it without contact.

[0285] The contact portion 487c of the ice-releasing guide 487 may move to the contact end 319 of the first tray 300 or to a position adjacent to the contact end 319. During this process, ice debris Id that may exist on or around the contact end 319 may be separated from the tray assembly.

[0286] FIG. 18 is a view showing a second tray cover according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a view showing ice contacting the ice-releasing guide in the ice maker according to the second embodiment.

[0287] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the second tray cover 480a according to the second embodiment may include a cover wall 481 forming an opening 482. For the description of the opening 482, the description of the first embodiment may be applied.

[0288] The second tray cover 480a may include an ice-releasing guide 1487 provided on the cover wall 481 to assist in releasing ice during the ice-releasing process.

[0289] The ice-releasing guide 1487 may be provided at a portion (for example, the rear part) of the cover wall 481. A plurality of ice-releasing guides 1487 may be provided to correspond to the number of the plurality of cells 360.

[0290] The plurality of ice-releasing guides 1487 may be connected to each other by a guide connection part 488. The guide connection part 488 may extend in a rounded manner to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 520.

[0291] During the ice-releasing process, if ice is attached to the first tray 300, the ice-releasing guide 1487 may press the ice to separate the ice from the first tray 300. The ice-releasing guide 1487 may function to remove residual ice attached to the first tray 300 or residual ice existing in the contact area between the first tray 300 and the second tray 400.

[0292] The ice-releasing guide 1487 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the axis of the shaft 520. The ice-releasing guide 1487 may have a groove portion 1487a surrounding at least a portion of the shaft 520. The groove portion 1487a is formed at an end (for example, a lower end) of the ice-releasing guide 1487 and may be formed in a rounded shape with a predetermined curvature corresponding to the curvature of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 520. The groove portion 1487a may be understood as a portion that is connected to the guide connection part 488 and coupled to the shaft 520.

[0293] The ice-releasing guide 1487 may include a tip 1487b located at the furthest point from the center of the shaft 520. The ice-releasing guide 1487 may extend from the groove portion 1487a in one direction (for example, upward) toward the first tray 300. The tip 1487b may be formed at one end (for example, an upper end) of the ice-releasing guide 1487.

[0294] The ice-releasing guide 1487 may include a contact portion 1487c that contacts ice during the moving process. The contact portion 1487c may be formed at a portion extending in one direction (for example, downward) from the tip 1487b. The contact portion 1487c may form a portion of one surface (for example, an upper surface) of the ice-releasing guide 1487.

[0295] The ice-releasing guide 1487 may include a support part 1487d connected to the cover wall 481. The support part 1487d forms a portion of the other end (for example, a lower end) of the ice-releasing guide 1487 and may be connected to one surface (for example, an upper surface) of the cover wall 481.

[0296] The ice-releasing guide 1487 may include a first reinforcement part 1487e extending in one direction (for example, downward) from the contact portion 1487c. The end (for example, the lower end) of the first reinforcement part 1487e may be connected to the cover wall 481. The ice-releasing guide 1487 may include a second reinforcement part 1487f extending from one end (for example, the rear end) of the tip 1487b.

[0297] The contact portion 1487c of each of the plurality of ice-releasing guides 1487 may include an inclined surface, a bent surface, or a rounded surface. The contact portion 1487c may include a first part 1487c1 formed at a position close to the center of the cell 360. As the ice-releasing guide 1487 moves, the first part 1487c1 may contact the center-side surface of the ice.

[0298] The contact portion 1487c may include a second part 1487c2 extending to one side of the first part 1487c1. The second part 1487c2 may be disposed at a position spaced apart in one circumferential direction from the center of the cell 360. During the process in which the ice-releasing guide 1487 is moved, the second part 1487c2 may come into contact with a surface spaced apart in one circumferential direction from the center-side surface of the ice.

[0299] The contact portion 1487c may include a third part 1487c3 extending to the other side of the first part 1487c1. The third part 1487c3 may be disposed at a position spaced apart in the other circumferential direction from the center of the cell 360. During the process in which the ice-releasing guide 1487 is moved, the third part 1487c3 may come into contact with a surface spaced apart in the other circumferential direction from the center-side surface of the ice.

[0300] The second and third parts 1487c2 and 1487c3 may be disposed on both sides of the first part 1487c1. The first part 1487c1 may be referred to as a "central contact portion," and the second and third parts 1487c2 and 1487c3 may be referred to as "side contact portions."

[0301] The second and third parts 1487c2 and 1487c3 may extend in an inclined, bent, or rounded manner in a direction that gets closer to the cell 360 from the first part 1487c1.

[0302] A distance from the second part 1487c2 to the cell 360 or the opening 482 may be less than a distance from the first part 1487c1 to the cell 360 or the opening 482. A distance from the third part 1487c3 to the cell 360 or the opening 482 may also be less than a distance from the first part 1487c1 to the cell 360 or the opening 482.

[0303] Referring to FIG. 19, the ice I1, I2, I3 generated in each cell 360 may be formed in a substantially spherical shape. Considering the outer circumferential surface of the sphere, the cell 360 may be formed convexly toward the ice-releasing guide 1487 based on the center of the cell 360. Therefore, when the ice-releasing guide 1487 moves toward the ice, it is likely to first contact the surface corresponding to the center of the sphere.

[0304] If the first to third parts 1487c1, 1487c2 and 1487c3 are arranged in a straight line in one direction (for example, the X-axis direction), only the first part 1487c1, which is closest to the center of the spherical ice, contacts the ice. Meanwhile, the second and third parts 1487c2 and 1487c3 remain spaced apart from the ice, making it difficult for the second and third parts 1487c2 and 1487c3 to actually provide the pressing force required for ice-releasing.

[0305] Therefore, by positioning the second and third parts 1487c2 and 1487c3 relatively closer to the cell 360 side, the first to third parts 1487c1, 1487c2 and 1487c3 may be guided to contact the surface of the ice together when the ice-releasing guide 1487 makes in contact with the ice. In this way, by differentiating the distances from the first to third parts 1487c1, 1487c2 and 1487c3 to the cell 360 such that the first to third parts (1487c1, 1487c2, 1487c3) correspond to the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the ice, the contact area between the ice-releasing guide 1487 and the ice is increased, and the slipping of the ice in the circumferential direction may be prevented.

[0306] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 20, the ice maker 200b may include a first tray 900 forming at least a portion of the cell 360.

[0307] The ice maker 200b may include a second tray 400b forming another portion of the cell 360. A plurality of cells 360 may be defined by the first tray 900 and the second tray 400b. For example, the plurality of cells 360 may include three cells 360.

[0308] The ice maker 200b may include a second tray cover 480b and a second tray supporter 450b. For the description of the second tray cover 480b and the second tray supporter 450b, the details described in the previous embodiment may be applied.

[0309] The ice maker 200b may include a lift 560 as a contact mechanism that moves based on the center of the shaft 520 so that the second tray assembly may be brought into close contact with the first tray 900. For the description of the lift 560, the details described in the previous embodiment may be applied.

[0310] The ice maker 200b may include a first heater 490. For the description of the first heater 490, the details described in the previous embodiment can be applied.

[0311] The ice maker 200b may include a first tray supporter 350. At least a portion of the first tray supporter 350 may be located at one side (for example, the lower side) of the first tray 900.

[0312] The first tray supporter 350 may include a supporter wall 351 forming an opening 352. The supporter wall 351 may be placed at one side (for example, the lower side) of the second extension wall 915 of the first tray 900.

[0313] The opening 352 may be formed through at least a portion of the first tray supporter 350 so that at least a portion of the first tray 900 passes through the opening 352. The opening 352 may be formed to have a predetermined curvature corresponding to the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the cell 360.

[0314] The first tray supporter 350 may include a tray coupling part 354 protruding in one direction (for example, upward) from the supporter wall 351. A plurality of tray coupling parts 354 may be provided along the perimeter of one surface (for example, the upper surface) of the supporter wall 351 and may be inserted into the fastening part 915a of the first tray 900. The fastening part 915a may include a groove or a hole.

[0315] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first tray according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the configuration of the first tray according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 21, and FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 21.

[0316] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 24, the first tray 900 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may define a first cell 910b, which is a portion of the cell 360. Considering the ice maker 200b provided with a plurality of cells 360, the first tray 900 may include a plurality of first cells 910b.

[0317] The first tray 900 may include a first tray wall 910 forming a part of the cell 360. The first tray wall 910 may include a first cell wall 911 defining a first cell surface 910a. An inner peripheral surface of the first cell wall 911 forms the first cell surface 910a, and the first cell surface 910a may be understood as defining an outer peripheral surface of the first cell 910b.

[0318] The first tray wall 910 may include a first opening 910c. The first opening 910c forms an end (for example, a lower end) of the first tray wall 910 and may contact the second tray 400b.

[0319] The first tray wall 910 may include a first extension wall 913 extending upward from a portion of the perimeter of the first cell wall 911. A plurality of first extension walls 913 may be provided on both sides of the first cell wall 911.

[0320] An opening 913a is formed between the plurality of first extension walls 913, and the first cell wall 911 may be exposed to an outside of the first tray 900 through the opening 913a.

[0321] The first tray wall 910 may include a second extension wall 915 connected to one end (for example, an upper end) of the first extension wall 913 and extending in a first direction (for example, a horizontal direction). The second extension wall 915 may extend from one side (for example, an upper side) of the plurality of first cells 910b. A fastening part 915a coupled to the first tray supporter 350 may be formed on the second extension wall 915.

[0322] The first tray wall 910 may include a first connection wall 916 extending from the second extension wall 915 and connecting a space between the plurality of first cells 910b.

[0323] The first tray wall 910 may include a second connection wall 917 extending to be recessed from the second extension wall 915 and connected to the first cell wall 911. The second connection wall 917 may be connected to the perimeter of the first cell wall 911.

[0324] The second connection wall 917 may include a first wall 917a extending in a first direction (for example, a horizontal direction) from the rear of the first cell wall 911. The second connection wall 917 may include a second wall 917b extending from the first wall 917a toward one side in an inclined or rounded manner. The second connection wall 917 may include a third wall 917c extending from the first wall 917a toward the other side in an inclined or rounded manner.

[0325] The first tray 900 may include a drainage guide 918 extending toward one side (for example, the upper side) of the first cell wall 911. The drainage guide 918 may include a guide wall.

[0326] The drain guide 918 is disposed to surround at least a portion of through-holes 911a, 911b and 911c, so that fluid discharged through the through-holes 911a, 911b and 911c may be guided to an outside of the first cell wall 911. The through-holes 911a, 911b and 911c may be understood as parts for discharging air during an ice-making process in order to prevent an air pocket phenomenon in the cell 360.

[0327] The drain guide 918 may include a first drain guide 918a provided on an outside of the first cell 910b at a central side among a plurality of central cells 360. The first drain guide 918a may be configured to cover a first part (for example, a side part) and a second part (for example, a rear part) of the first through-hole 911a and to be open toward a third part (for example, a front part). The fluid discharged through the first through-hole 911a is prevented from flowing to the first part (for example, the side part) and the second part (for example, the rear part) of the first cell wall 911 by the first drain guide 918a, and may be discharged toward the third part (for example, the front part).

[0328] A space part 919a may be formed between the first drain guide 918a and the first wall 917a.

[0329] The first cell wall 911 forming the first cell 910b at the central side may form a guide surface through which fluid discharged from the water supply part 240 flows down. Therefore, even if fluid is discharged through the first through-hole 911a and exists as residual ice on the first cell wall 911, the residual ice is washed away by the fluid supplied from the water supply part 240, so that a problem caused by the residual ice may not occur.

[0330] The end of the first drainage guide 918a is connected to the first extension wall 913, and the portion where the first drainage guide 918a and the first extension wall 913 are connected may define the opening 913a. The first extension wall 913 may be connected to both ends of the first drainage guide 918a.

[0331] The drainage guide 918 may include a second drainage guide 918b and a third drainage guide 918c provided outside the left and right first cells 910b among the plurality of central cells 360. The second drainage guide 918b and the third drainage guide 918c may have the same configuration.

[0332] The second drain guide 918b may be provided on the outside of the first cell 910b at the first side. The third drain guide 918c may be provided on the outside of the first cell 910b at the second side. Hereinafter, the second drain guide 918b will be described as a standard, and the description thereof may be equally applied to the third drain guide 918c.

[0333] The second drainage guide 918b may be configured to cover a first part (for example, a side part) and a second part (for example, a front part) of the second through-hole 911b, while remaining open toward a third part (for example, a rear part). Water supply through the water supply part 240 is not performed to the first cell wall 911 defining the first cell 910b at the first side, and as described above, water may be supplied as fluid supplied to the central cell is branched through a water spreading phenomenon.

[0334] Therefore, when residual ice occurs on the first cell wall 911 at the first side, washing by water supply is limited. To solve this, the second drain guide 918b may guide fluid discharged through the second through-hole 911b to flow to one side (for example, a rear side) of the first cell wall 911.

[0335] A drainage opening 917d may be formed in the second connection wall 917 of the portion defining the first cell 910b on the first side. The drainage opening 917d may be formed at an end (for example, a lower end) of the first wall 917a. Due to the drainage opening 917d, the end of the first wall 917a and the first cell wall 911 may be spaced apart.

[0336] The fluid guided toward one side (for example, the rear) of the first cell wall 911 by the second drainage guide 918b may flow through the drainage opening 917d. However, the fluid does not flow into the interior of the cell 360, but may flow around the second extension wall 431 of the second tray 400b (refer to FIG. 29b).

[0337] In the space between the first tray 900 and the second extension wall 431, a channel through which fluid flows may be formed. To form this channel, the second connection wall 917 of the first tray 900 and the second extension wall 431 of the second tray 400b may be spaced apart from each other. Fluid or residual ice existing in the channel may be interfered with and removed by the ice-releasing guide 2487 during the ice-releasing process.

[0338] The third drainage guide 918c is provided outside the first cell wall 911 defining the first cell 910b on the second side, and may be configured to cover a first part (for example, a side part) and a second part (for example, a front part) of the third through-hole 911c while remaining open toward a third part (for example, a rear part).

[0339] FIG. 25 is a view showing the configuration of a second tray assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 26 is a view showing the configuration of a second tray cover according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 27 is a side view of the second tray cover of FIG. 26, and FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0340] Referring to FIGS. 25 to 28, the second tray assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a second tray 400b, a second tray supporter 450b, and a second tray cover 480b.

[0341] The second tray cover 480b may include an ice-releasing guide 2487 provided on the cover wall 481. The ice-releasing guide 2487 may be provided to contact the produced ice for ice-releasing. As another example, the ice-releasing guide 2487 may be provided to remove residual ice existing on the surface of or around the tray assembly.

[0342] The ice-releasing guide 2487 may be provided on the rim side of the cover wall 481. For example, the ice-releasing guide 2487 may be disposed on the edge side of the second tray cover 480 where the shaft 520 is placed.

[0343] A plurality of ice-releasing guides 2487 may be provided. The plurality of ice-releasing guides 2487 may be arranged in one direction (for example, the X-axis direction) in which the plurality of cells 360 are arranged, corresponding to the plurality of cells 360.

[0344] The plurality of ice-releasing guides 2487 may be connected to each other by a guide connection part 488. The guide connection part 488 may extend in a rounded manner to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 520.

[0345] Each of the plurality of ice-releasing guides 2487 is movably provided for ice-releasing of ice produced in the plurality of cells 360, and the ice-releasing guide 2487 may contact the ice during movement.

[0346] During the moving process, the ice-releasing guide 2487 may move along the surface of the first tray 900. For example, the ice-releasing guide 2487 may move along the surface shape of the first tray 900 while in contact with the surface of the first tray 900 or in a state adjacent to the surface of the first tray 900.

[0347] The ice-releasing guide 2487 may have a groove portion 2488a that surrounds at least a portion of the shaft 520 and constitutes a first part. The groove portion 2488a is formed at an end (for example, a lower end) of the ice-releasing guide 2487 and may be formed in a rounded shape with a predetermined curvature corresponding to the curvature of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 520.

[0348] The ice-releasing guide 2487 may include a tip 2488b located at the furthest point based on the center of the shaft 520 and constituting a second part. The ice-releasing guide 2487 may extend in a substantially fan-like shape from the groove portion 2488a toward one side (for example, upward). The tip 2488b may form a point on the outer circumferential surface of the fan shape.

[0349] The ice-releasing guide 2487 may include a contact portion 2488c that contacts ice during the moving process and constitutes a third part. The contact portion 2488c may be formed at a portion extending in one direction (for example, downward) from the tip 2488b. The contact portion 2488c may be formed at one end (for example, a leading end) based on the moving direction of the ice-releasing guide 2487.

[0350] The distance between the contact portion 2488c and the groove portion 2488a may be less than the distance between the tip 2488b and the groove portion 2488a.

[0351] The ice-releasing guide 2487 may include a guide groove 2488d recessed from the contact portion 2488c and constituting a fourth part. Due to the guide groove 2488d, the contact portion 2488c may have a hook shape that protrudes sharply at one end (for example, the leading end) of the ice-releasing guide 2487. The guide groove 2488d may provide a space for collecting residual ice removed when the ice-releasing guide 2487 removes residual ice on the side of the first tray 900.

[0352] The ice-releasing guide 2487 may include a support part 2488e connected to the cover wall 481 and constituting a fifth part. The support part 2488e forms a portion of one end (for example, a lower end) of the ice-releasing guide 2487 and may be connected to one surface (for example, an upper surface) of the cover wall 481.

[0353] The ice-releasing guide 2487 may include a first reinforcement part 2488f extending in one direction (for example, downward) from the guide groove 2488d. The end (for example, the lower end) of the first reinforcement part 2488f may be connected to the cover wall 481.

[0354] The ice-releasing guide 2487 may include a second reinforcement part 2488g extending in a circumferential direction from one end (for example, the rear end) of the tip 2488b. The second reinforcement part 2488g may form a portion of the fan-shaped outer circumferential surface.

[0355] Since the strength of the ice-releasing guide 2487 may be reinforced by the configuration of the first reinforcement part 2488f and the second reinforcement part 2488g, it is possible to prevent the ice-releasing guide 2487 from being damaged by pressure or impact generated when the ice-releasing guide 2487 contacts ice or residual ice. The first reinforcement part 2488f and the second reinforcement part 2488g may constitute a fifth part and a sixth part of the ice-releasing guide.

[0356] The plurality of ice-releasing guides 2487 may be formed with different distances from the cell 360. Therefore, while the plurality of ice-releasing guides 2487 are moving, sequential ice-releasing may be performed in the plurality of cells 360.

[0357] The plurality of ice-releasing guides 2487 may include a first ice-releasing guide 2487a disposed at a position corresponding to the central cell 360. The plurality of ice-releasing guides 2487 may include a second ice-releasing guide 2487b and a third ice-releasing guide 2487c disposed at positions corresponding to the cells 360 on both sides.

[0358] The first ice-releasing guide 2487a may be provided between the second ice-releasing guide 2487b and the third ice-releasing guide 2487c. The first ice-releasing guide 2487a may be referred to the "central guide," and the second and third ice-releasing guides 2487b and 2487c may be referred to "side guides." The second ice-releasing guide 2487b and the third ice-releasing guide 2487c may have the same shape.

[0359] The first ice-releasing guide 2487a may be at a position relatively close to the cell 360, and the second and third ice-releasing guides 2487b and 2487c may be located at a distance relatively far from the cell 360. That is, the distance between the first ice-releasing guide 2487a and its corresponding cell 360 may be less than the distance between the second ice-releasing guide 2487b and its corresponding cell 360.

[0360] Based on the contact portion 2488c provided in the ice-releasing guide 2487, a distance from the first contact portion 2488c1 provided in the first ice-releasing guide 2487a to the cell 360 is less than a distance from the second contact portion 2488c2 provided in the second and third ice-releasing guides 2487b and 2487c to the cell 360.

[0361] The first angle Θ1 formed by the first contact portion 2488c1 with respect to an extension line ℓ1 passing through the support part 2488e in one direction (for example, the vertical direction) may be less than the second angle Θ2 formed by the second contact portion 2488c2. According to this configuration, when the second tray cover 480b moves, ice-releasing guide 2487a first contacts the ice first to perform ice-releasing, and thereafter, the second ice-releasing guide 2487b and the third ice-releasing guide 2487c contact the ice to perform ice-releasing. That is, since sequential ice-releasing may be performed, the motor load may be reduced by decreasing the ice-releasing force.

[0362] Referring to FIG. 28, the bracket 220 may include a support wall 229 for supporting the first tray 900. The support wall 229 may extend in one direction (for example, downward) from the coupling wall (221a, refer to FIG. 11).

[0363] The support wall 229 may perform a function of preventing ice-releasing failure due to deformation of the first tray 900 during an ice-releasing process by reducing a degree of deformation of the first tray 900. Herein, the first tray 900 may be composed of a flexible or soft material.

[0364] The support wall 229 may include a first support wall 229a supporting the drain guide 918 of the first tray 900. The first support wall 229a may have a shape bent corresponding to a shape of the drain guide 918.

[0365] The first support wall 229a may contact the drain guide 918. The first support wall 229a may extend along the bent drain guide 918. The first support wall 229a may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the drain guide 918.

[0366] The support wall 229 may include a second support wall 229b supporting the second connection wall 917 of the first tray 900. The second support wall 229b may have a shape bent corresponding to a shape of the second connection wall 917.

[0367] The second support wall 229b may contact the second connection wall 917. The second support wall 229b may extend along the second connection wall 917. The second support wall 229b may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the second connection wall 917.

[0368] By reinforcing the degree of deformation resistance of the second connection wall 917, the amount of deformation of the second connection wall 917 may be reduced when the ice-releasing guide 2487 contacts the first tray 900.

[0369] In the central first cell 910b, water supply may be performed through the water supply part 240. Water is first supplied to the central first cell 910b, and thereafter, additional fluid may be branched and supplied (water-spreading) to the first side cell and the second side cell along the water supply passage 1435 inside the third extension wall 1433.

[0370] FIG. 29a is a view showing the configuration of a central ice-releasing guide and a tray assembly in an ice maker according to the third embodiment, FIG. 29b is a view showing the configuration of side ice-releasing guides and a tray assembly in the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 30 is a view showing the ice-releasing guide moving and contacting ice in the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 31 is a view showing the side ice-releasing guides moving and contacting frozen material in the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0371] Referring to FIGS. 29a and 29b, the first ice-releasing guide 2487a provided at a portion (for example, the rear) of the central cell 360 is located at a relatively close distance from the cell 360. The first ice-releasing guide 2487a, particularly the first contact portion 2488c1, may be at a position spaced apart from the edge of the first tray 900 by a first set distance △S2.

[0372] On the other hand, the second ice-releasing guide 2487b or the third ice-releasing guide 2487c provided at a portion (for example, the rear) of the side cells 360 is located at a relatively far distance from the cell 360. The second ice-releasing guide 2487b, particularly the second contact portion 2488c2, may be at a position spaced apart from the edge of the first tray 900 by a second set distance △S3.

[0373] The second set distance △S3 may be larger than the first set distance △S2.

[0374] When the second tray 400b moves to the ice-releasing position, the first contact portion 2488c1 of the first ice-releasing guide 2487a may move along the surface of the first tray 900. The first ice-releasing guide 2487a may contact the first tray 900 or reach a position adjacent to the first tray 900 earlier than the second and third ice-releasing guides 2487b and 2487c.

[0375] When the first ice-releasing guide 2487a moves while in contact with or adjacent to the first tray 900, ice debris existing on the first tray 900 side may be separated by the first ice-releasing guide 2487a.

[0376] The separated ice debris is stored in the guide groove 2488d of the first ice-releasing guide 2487a and may be discharged in the opposite direction of the cell 360.

[0377] As the first ice-releasing guide 2487a continues to move, the first ice-releasing guide 2487a may separate the ice from the first tray 900 by contacting the made ice or the edge portion of the first tray 900. At this time, the first tray 900 may be deformed, and the separated ice may be stored in the ice bin 600 (refer to FIG. 30).

[0378] Meanwhile, in the central cell 360, fluid is discharged through the first through-hole 911a, and frozen material may exist in the discharged first through-hole 911a. The frozen material may be removed by the water supplied during the next water supply operation.

[0379] The second ice-releasing guide 2487b and the third ice-releasing guide 2487c may move along the surface of the first tray 900. The second ice-releasing guide 2487b and the third ice-releasing guide 2487c may contact the first tray 900 or reach a position adjacent to the first tray 900 later than the first ice-releasing guide 2487a.

[0380] For example, when the first ice-releasing guide 2487a passes the edge of the first tray 900 and starts to contact the made ice, the second ice-releasing guide 2487b and the third ice-releasing guide 2487c may contact the first tray 900 or reach a position adjacent to the first tray 900.

[0381] When the second and third ice-releasing guides 2487b and 2487c move while in contact with or adjacent to the first tray 900, ice debris existing on the first tray 900 side may be separated by the second and third ice-releasing guides 2487b and 2487c (refer to FIG. 31). The separated ice debris is stored in the guide groove 2488d of the second and third ice-releasing guides 2487b and 2487c and may be discharged in the opposite direction of the cell 360.

[0382] Meanwhile, residual drainage ice may exist in the drainage opening 917d. When the second and third ice-releasing guides 2487b and 2487c pass through the drainage opening 917d, the residual drainage ice may be contacted and separated by the second and third ice-releasing guides 2487b and 2487c.

[0383] The separated residual drainage ice is stored in the guide groove 2488d of the second and third ice-releasing guides 2487b and 2487c and may be discharged in the opposite direction of the cell 360. By such action, the separation of the made ice is facilitated, and ice debris or residual drainage ice may be easily removed from the first tray 900.Industrial Applicability

[0384] The present invention relates to an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker. Since ice-releasing performance may be improved in a tray forming a cell by an ice-releasing guide, the industrial applicability is significant.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a storage space in which food is stored; a door for opening and closing the storage space; an ice-making space provided in the door or the storage space; a cooler for supplying cold to the storage space; a cell provided in the ice-making space, defining a space where a substance undergoes a phase change from a liquid state to a solid state; a first tray providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell; a second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the cell; a driving part providing a driving force to move the second tray; and an ice-releasing guide that moves together with the second tray and has a portion that contacts the solid-state substance phase-changed in the first tray.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a moving path of the ice-releasing guide is formed to meet the solid-state substance.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a moving path of the ice-releasing guide is formed along an outer surface of the first tray so as not to pass through the first tray.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a moving path of the ice-releasing guide contacts an outer surface of the first tray so as not to pass through the first tray.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the first tray includes an edge contacting the second tray, and the ice-releasing guide moves while contacting the edge or being adjacent to the edge.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the second tray includes a second contact end contacting a first contact end of the first tray, and wherein during an ice-releasing operation, the second tray moves in a direction in which the second contact end moves away from the first contact end, and the ice-releasing guide moves in a direction approaching the first contact end.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a second tray case supporting the second tray, wherein the ice-releasing guide is provided on the second tray case.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a shaft providing a center for the second tray, wherein the ice-releasing guide is disposed adjacent to an axis of the shaft.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the ice-releasing guide includes a first part having a recessed shape to surround at least a portion of the shaft, and a second part forming a point furthest from the shaft.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the ice-releasing guide includes a third part extending from the second part, and wherein the third part forms a leading end of the ice-releasing guide so as to contact the solid-state substance during the moving process of the ice-releasing guide.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the ice-releasing guide includes a first rib disposed at a position corresponding to the center of the solid-state substance and a second rib located at a side of the first rib, and wherein a distance from the second rib to the cell is less than a distance from the first rib to the cell.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of cells are formed, and a plurality of ice-releasing guides are provided corresponding to the plurality of cells.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, further comprising a guide connection part connecting the plurality of ice-releasing guides, wherein the guide connection part is disposed to surround at least a portion of a shaft forming a center of the ice-releasing guide.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of ice-releasing guides include a first ice-releasing guide located at a first distance from the cell and a second ice-releasing guide located at a second distance from the cell, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the ice-releasing guide has a hook shape.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the ice-releasing guide includes a contact portion contacting residual ice present on the first tray, and a guide groove recessed from the contact portion to collect the residual ice separated by the contact portion.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the ice-releasing guide includes a contact portion contacting the solid-state substance, wherein the contact portion includes a first part located at a first distance from the cell and a second part located at a side of the first part and located at a second distance from the cell, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a tray cover forming an opening corresponding to the cell, wherein the ice-releasing guide is provided at a rim of the tray cover to be located outside the opening.

19. A refrigerator comprising: a storage space in which food is stored; a door for opening and closing the storage space; an ice-making space provided in the door or the storage space; a cooler for supplying cold air to the storage space; a cell provided in the ice-making space, defining a space where a substance undergoes a phase change from a liquid state to a solid state; a first tray providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell; a second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the cell; a second tray cover supported by the second tray and forming an opening corresponding to the cell; a driving part providing a driving force to move the second tray; and an ice-releasing guide provided on the second tray cover, the ice- releasing guide moving together with the second tray to separate the solid-state substance from the first tray.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein the ice-releasing guide is disposed at a position spaced apart from the opening so as to move while contacting a surface of the first tray or being adjacent to the surface of the first tray.

Images