refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ice maker and / or a refrigerator comprising the ice maker. The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise an ice maker having a user-operable lever. The lever may be provided to be movable to a position corresponding to at least one of a water supply position, an ice making position, and an ice ejection position of a tray. The lever may be provided to be rotatably operable.

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. The refrigerator may keep stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold. Typically, a refrigerator is provided with an ice maker for making ice.

[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 including the ice maker, in which a manual operation by a user may be performed in at least one of water supply, ice-making, or ice-releasing processes of ice.

[0006] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator including the ice maker, which may facilitate quantitative water supply through manual water supply.

[0007] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator including the ice maker, which may allow a user to obtain ice at a desired time through manual ice releasing.

[0008] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator including the ice maker, which may facilitate a user's manual operation using a lever.

[0009] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator including the ice maker, which may guide a user's ice-releasing operation by providing an alarm to the user through a display when ice making is completed.

[0010] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator including the ice maker, provided with a stopper that may fix a position of a tray during a manual operation process.

[0011] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator including the ice maker, provided with a first stopper provided on a side of a lever operated by a user.

[0012] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator including the ice maker, provided with a second stopper provided on a side of a tray or peripheral parts of the tray.

[0013] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator including the ice maker, provided with a lever for moving the position of a tray and a gear assembly interlocking with the operation of the lever.Technical Solution

[0014] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an ice maker having a lever operable by a user.

[0015] The lever may be provided to be movable corresponding to at least one of a water supply position, an ice-making position, or an ice-releasing position of a tray.

[0016] For example, the lever may be provided to be rotatably operable.

[0017] The lever may be at least in one of a first position corresponding to the water supply position of the tray, a second position corresponding to the ice-making position of the tray, or a third position corresponding to the ice-releasing position of the tray.

[0018] A stopper may be provided to fix the position of the tray so that the tray is not switched to another position when the tray is in any one of the water supply position, the ice-making position, and the ice-releasing position.

[0019] The stopper may include a first stopper provided on the lever operated by the user to limit the movement of the lever.

[0020] The first stopper may be provided on an outer surface of the ice maker for easy access by the user.

[0021] The stopper may include a second stopper provided inside the ice maker to limit the movement of the tray.

[0022] The second stopper may be provided on the tray, a tray supporter, or a lift.

[0023] The tray forms a cell and may include a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the cell.

[0024] The refrigerator may include a controller recognizing completion of ice making based on a temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor, and the controller may provide a guide for an ice-releasing operation to the user by outputting information regarding the completion of ice making on a display.

[0025] A water tank detachably provided to the ice maker may be included.

[0026] The water tank may be coupled to the ice maker when the tray is in the water supply position.

[0027] A driving device for movement of the tray may be included, and the driving device may include a lever operable by the user.

[0028] The driving device may include a gear assembly for transmitting power to the tray in interlocking with the lever.

[0029] From one aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator may include: a storage space in which food is stored; a door for opening and closing the storage space; an ice-making space provided at the door or in the storage space; a cooler for supplying cold to the storage space; a cell provided in the ice-making space, the cell being a space where a substance undergoes a phase change from a liquid phase to a solid phase; and a tray providing a wall forming at least a portion of the cell.

[0030] The refrigerator may include a driving device including a lever operable to move the tray.

[0031] The refrigerator may include a stopper for fixing the position of the tray in a state where the lever is operated so that the tray moves to any one of an ice-making position, a water supply position, and an ice-releasing position.

[0032] The stopper may be provided on at least one of the lever or the tray, or may be provided adjacent to the at least one.

[0033] The lever may be in any one of a first position when the tray is in the ice-making position, a second position when the tray is in the water supply position, and a third position when the tray is in the ice-releasing position.

[0034] The lever may be movably provided to switch from any one of the first, second, and third positions to another position.

[0035] The driving device may include a driving case provided at one side of the tray and including a gear assembly, and a protrusion provided on a first surface of the driving case and interlocking with the gear assembly.

[0036] The lever may be provided on a second surface of the driving case to drive the gear assembly.

[0037] The stopper may be provided on the lever, and the driving case may include a catching part interfering with the stopper.

[0038] The catching part may include a groove in which at least a portion of the stopper is accommodated, and may include a first catching step and a second catching step interfering with the stopper on both sides of the groove.

[0039] The gear assembly may include a reduction gear.

[0040] The refrigerator may include a bracket coupled to the ice-making space and supporting the tray, wherein the stopper is provided on the tray and may interfere with at least a portion of the bracket when the tray moves to the ice-making position, the water supply position, or the ice-releasing position.

[0041] The bracket may include a catching member interfering with the stopper, and the catching member may be made of a flexible material deformable when interfering with the stopper.

[0042] The catching member may include a first point contacting the stopper when the tray is in the water supply position and a second point contacting the stopper when the tray is in the ice-making position.

[0043] The tray may include a first tray providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell and a second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the cell.

[0044] The refrigerator may include an arm coupled to a shaft of the second tray to move together with the second tray, and the stopper may be provided on the arm.

[0045] The tray may include a first tray providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell and a second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the cell.

[0046] The refrigerator may include a lift coupled to a shaft of the second tray and additionally moving to bring the second tray into close contact with the first tray, and the stopper may be provided on the lift.

[0047] The refrigerator may include: a heater provided to be in contact with or adjacent to the tray; a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the cell; and a display for outputting guide information regarding an ice-releasing timing based on a value sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0048] From another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator may include: 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; and a driving device including a lever operable to move the second tray.

[0049] The refrigerator may include a first stopper movably provided on the lever to fix a position of the lever in a state where the lever is operated in order for the second tray to move to any one of an ice-making position, a water supply position, and an ice-releasing position.

[0050] The refrigerator may include a second stopper provided on the tray or provided on a part supporting the tray to fix the position of the tray in a state where the lever is operated in order for the second tray to move to any one of the ice-making position, the water supply position, and the ice-releasing position.

[0051] The lever may be movably provided, and the first stopper may be coupled to the lever so as to be folded or unfolded with respect to the lever.

[0052] Corresponding to when the tray is in the ice-making position, the water supply position, and the ice-releasing position, the lever may be disposed at a plurality of positions, and a catching step interfering with the first stopper at the plurality of positions may be provided at one side of the lever.

[0053] The refrigerator may include a bracket coupled to the ice-making space and supporting the tray, and the second stopper may be arranged to interfere with an elastic member provided on the bracket.

[0054] The refrigerator may include a shaft forming a center of the tray, and the second stopper may be provided on an arm coupled to the shaft and elastically supported by a spring, or on a lift coupled to the shaft and additionally moving to bring the second tray into close contact with the first tray.Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user's manual operation may be easily performed in at least one of water supply, ice-making, or ice-releasing processes of ice.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, quantitative water supply may be easily achieved through manual water supply.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, ice may be easily obtained at a time desired by a user through manual ice releasing.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user's manual operation may be easily performed using a lever.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when ice making is completed, an alarm is provided to the user through a display, thereby may easily guide the user's ice-releasing operation.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a stopper is provided, so that the position of the tray may be easily fixed during a manual operation process.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, unwanted movement at a specific position of the tray may be prevented through the first stopper provided on the side of the lever operated by the user.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, unwanted movement at a specific position of the tray may be prevented through the second stopper provided on the tray or the peripheral parts of the tray.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a lever for moving the position of the tray and a gear assembly interlocking with the operation of the lever are provided, so that power transmission for moving the position of the tray may be easily achieved.Brief Description of Drawings

[0064] FIG. 1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view showing an ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of the ice maker of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a partial configuration of the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a driving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the driving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which a tray is in an ice-making position 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 the tray is in a water supply position according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which the tray is in an ice-releasing position according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is an upper perspective view showing a configuration of an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 (a) is a view showing a state of a lever at an ice-making position of the ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention; (b) is a view showing a state in which the lever is caught by a stopper at the ice-making position of the ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention; (c) is a view showing a state in which the lever is caught by the stopper at a water supply position of the ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and (d) is a view showing a state of the lever at an ice-releasing position of the ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tray is fixed in position by a stopper at the ice-making position of the ice maker of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a view showing a partial configuration of an ice maker according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a view showing a state in which a stopper interferes with a support wall of the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of an ice maker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ice maker of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a view showing a state in which a stopper interferes with a support wall of the ice maker of FIG. 20. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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."

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 unit for supplying water to the cell; and a controller. The refrigerator may further include a storage space where food is stored, in addition to the cell. The controller may control at least one of the water supply unit or the cooler.

[0080] In the present invention, the cell may be defined as a space located inside the storage space where water undergoes a phase change into ice. The circumference of the cell is independent of the shape of the cell and refers to the outer surface of the cell. In another aspect, the outer peripheral surface of the cell may refer to the inner surface of a wall forming the cell. The center of the cell refers to the center of gravity or the volumetric center of the cell. The center may pass through a line of symmetry of the cell.

[0081] In the present invention, the tray may be defined as a wall partitioning the cell and the inside of the storage space. The tray may be defined as a wall forming at least a portion of the cell. The tray may be configured to surround the cell entirely or only partially. The tray may include a first portion forming at least a portion of the cell and a second portion extending from a certain point of the first portion. A plurality of trays may be present. The plurality of trays may be in contact with each other.

[0082] In the present invention, a refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly configured to move by being connected to a driving part. The driving part is configured to move the tray assembly in at least one axial direction among X, Y, or Z axis or to rotate the tray assembly about at least one axis among X, Y, or Z axis.

[0083] In the present invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly in which the heater is disposed. The heater may be disposed near the tray assembly to heat a cell formed by the tray assembly. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter referred to as a "transparent ice heater") controlled to be turned on during at least a part of a period while the cooler supplies cold so that bubbles dissolved in water inside the cell move from a portion where ice is generated toward water in a liquid state to generate transparent ice. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter referred to as an "ice-releasing heater") controlled to be turned on during at least a part of a period after ice making is completed so that ice may be easily separated from the tray assembly.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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. That is, the refrigerator includes a refrigerating space and a freezing space, and the cell may be located inside the refrigerating space and be cooled by a cooler that cools the freezing space. The cell may be located on a door that opens and closes the storage space.

[0086] In the present invention, a degree of deformation resistance represents a degree to which an object resists deformation caused by an external force applied to the object, and is defined as a value determined by a shape including a thickness of the object, a material of the object, and the like.

[0087] Meanwhile, from the viewpoint of the material of the object, a high degree of deformation resistance of the object may mean that the rigidity of the object is high. Thermal conductivity may be an inherent material property of an object. Even when the material of the object is the same, the degree of deformation resistance may vary depending on the shape of the object or the like. The degree of deformation resistance may be affected by a deformation resistance reinforcement part extending in a direction in which the external force is applied. As the rigidity of the deformation resistance reinforcement part increases, the degree of deformation resistance may increase. As a height of the extended deformation resistance reinforcement part increases, the degree of deformation resistance may increase.

[0088] In the present invention, a degree of restoration represents a degree to which an object deformed by an external force is restored to the shape of the object before the external force was applied after the external force is removed, and is defined as a value determined by a shape including a thickness of the object, a material of the object, and the like.

[0089] Meanwhile, from the viewpoint of the material of the object, a high degree of restoration of the object may mean that the elastic modulus of the object is high. The elastic modulus may be an inherent material property of an object. Even when the material of the object is the same, the degree of restoration may vary depending on the shape of the object or the like.

[0090] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0091] FIG. 1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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. The freezing space 32 may be provided to be separated into two spaces even if the freezing space 32 may be opened and closed by one door 30.

[0096] In this embodiment, the freezing space 32 may be referred to as a first storage space, and the refrigerating space 18 may be referred to as a second storage space.

[0097] A storage space fan for blowing cold into the freezing space 32 may be disposed in the freezing space 32. For example, the storage space fan may be disposed on one wall (e.g., a rear wall) of the freezing space 32. Cold generated in an evaporator (not shown) may be supplied to the freezing space 32 through the storage space fan.

[0098] An ice maker 200 capable of manufacturing ice may be provided in the freezing space 32. For example, the ice maker 200 may be located in a partial space (e.g., an upper space) of the freezing space 32.

[0099] An ice bin 600, in which ice produced by the ice maker 200 falls and is stored, may be disposed at a portion (e.g., a lower part) of the ice maker 200. A user may take the ice bin 600 out of the freezing space 32 and use the ice stored in the ice bin 600. The ice bin 600 may be coupled to one side (e.g., an upper side) of a wall partitioning a first space (e.g., an upper space) and a second space (e.g., a lower space) of the freezing space 32.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] The ice maker 200 may include a display 201 for outputting information regarding the operation of the ice maker. The display 201 may be provided on an outer surface of the ice maker so as to be checkable by a user.

[0103] For example, the display 201 may include at least one of a first display that outputs information through a screen and a second display that outputs information through sound.

[0104] When ice making is completed in the ice maker 200, information indicating the completion of ice making may be output as a screen or sound through the display 201.

[0105] The controller may recognize that the ice making is completed when a temperature of a cell sensed by a temperature sensor (405, see FIG. 12) provided in the tray assembly reaches a predetermined temperature or lower, and control the display 201 to output the information.

[0106] The temperature sensor 405 may be disposed between a plurality of cells.

[0107] For example, the temperature sensor 405 is provided on a second tray wall 410 of a second tray 400 and may be disposed at a point between a plurality of second cells 411a. As an example, the temperature sensor 405 may be disposed to be contactable with the second tray wall 410.

[0108] The display 201 may be provided with an input unit for inputting a user's command.

[0109] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view showing an ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a front view of the ice maker of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the 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 one assembly.

[0111] The bracket 220 may be coupled to at least one surface of the storage space.

[0112] The bracket 220 may include a first wall 221. At least a portion of the first wall 221 extends in one direction (e.g., a vertical direction) and may be coupled to one surface of the storage space. The first wall 221 may form a wall on one surface (e.g., a rear wall) of the bracket 220.

[0113] The bracket 220 may include a second wall 222 provided in front of the first wall 221. At least a portion of the second wall 222 extends in one direction (e.g., a vertical direction) and may form a wall on another surface (e.g., an upper wall) of the bracket 220.

[0114] The bracket 220 may include third walls 223 provided on both sides of the first wall 221. The third walls 223 may form side walls of the bracket 220.

[0115] The third walls 223 may extend in one direction (e.g., forward) from both sides of the first wall 221 to be connected to the second wall 222. An internal space defined by the first to third walls 221, 222 and 223 may form a space where the tray assembly is disposed.

[0116] A suction hole 223a for allowing cold to flow toward the tray assembly may be formed in any one of the two third walls 223. The cold suctioned through the suction hole 223a may flow toward the cells of the tray assembly.

[0117] A driving device 500 including a lever 550 operated by a user to move the position of the tray assembly may be disposed on one side of the other wall among the two third walls 223.

[0118] The driving device 500 may be a manual driving device.

[0119] The driving device 500 may include a driving case 510 and a lever 550 connected to the driving case 510.

[0120] The lever 550 may have a bent shape. For example, the lever 550 may be bent at least once or more at a grip part 551 and extend toward the driving case 510.

[0121] The lever 550 may include a first part 551 that the user may hold. The first part 551 may be referred to as a "handle."

[0122] The lever 550 may include a second part 552 bent from the first part 551 and extending in a direction parallel to an outer surface of the driving case 510. The first part 551 and the second part 552 may be understood as being connected by a first bent portion.

[0123] The lever 550 may include a connecting part 553 coupled to the driving case 510. The connecting part 553 may be bent from the second part 552 toward the driving case 510. The second part 552 and the connecting part 553 may be understood as being connected by a second bent portion.

[0124] The connecting part 553 may pass through the driving case 510 to be connected to a gear assembly (520, see FIG. 7) inside the driving case 510.

[0125] The ice maker 200 may include a water supply guide 240. For example, the water supply guide 240 may be coupled to the first wall 221.

[0126] A water tank (C, see FIG. 8) may be detachably coupled to the water supply guide 240. A user may couple the water tank (C) to the water supply guide 240 for water supply. The water tank (C) may be a dedicated water tank for water supply.

[0127] The water supply guide 240 and the water tank (C) are components for supplying fluid to the tray assembly and may be disposed at a position corresponding to any one of the plurality of cells. Fluid supplied to the one cell may be distributed and introduced into other cells.

[0128] The water supply guide 240 may be supported by a storage space wall 325a of the first tray 300.

[0129] A second pusher 540 may be provided on the first wall 221. The second pusher 540 may include a coupling plate 542 coupled to the bracket 220 and at least one pushing bar 544 provided on the coupling plate 542. A plurality of pushing bars 544 may be connected to the coupling plate 542 while being spaced apart in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction).

[0130] The ice maker 200 may include a first pusher 700 movably provided by receiving power from the driving device 500. The first pusher 700 may operate to separate ice generated in the cell.

[0131] The ice maker 200 may include a guide bar 350 forming a slot 355 that guides the movement of the first pusher 700.

[0132] The ice maker 200 may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly.

[0133] The first tray assembly may include a first tray 300, a first tray case, or both the first tray 300 and the first tray case. For example, in the present embodiment, the first tray assembly may include the first tray 300.

[0134] The second tray assembly may include a second tray 400, a second tray case, or both the second tray 400 and the second tray case.

[0135] The second tray case may include at least one of a second tray supporter or a second tray cover.

[0136] The bracket 220 may define at least a portion of a space accommodating the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0137] The ice maker 200 may include cells 321a and 411a, which are spaces where water undergoes a phase change into ice by cold.

[0138] The first tray 300 may form at least a portion of the cell. The second tray 400 may form another portion of the cell. The cell may include a first cell 321a formed by the first tray 300 and a second cell 411a formed by the second tray 400.

[0139] The first tray 300 may be coupled to the bracket 220.

[0140] The second tray 400 may be disposed to be relatively movable with respect to the first tray 300. For example, the second tray 400 may perform a linear motion or a rotational motion.

[0141] For example, in an 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 come into contact. When the first tray 300 and the second tray 400 contact each other, the cell may be defined.

[0142] On the other hand, in an 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.

[0143] In the present embodiment, the first tray 300 and the second tray 400 may be arranged in one direction (e.g., a vertical direction) while forming the cell. 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.

[0144] A plurality of cells may be defined by the first tray 300 and the second tray 400. For example, the plurality of cells may include three cells.

[0145] When water is cooled by cold in a state where water is supplied to the cell, ice having the same or similar shape as the cell may be generated. For example, the cell may be formed in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a sphere. Of course, the cell may also be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a polygonal shape.

[0146] The first tray 300 may include a plurality of tray parts. The number of the plurality of tray parts may correspond to the number of the plurality of cells.

[0147] The first tray 300 may define the first cell 321a, which is a portion of the cell. Each of the plurality of tray parts may define the first cell.

[0148] The first tray 300 may include a first tray wall 321 forming a portion of the cell. The first tray wall 321 may include a first cell surface 322b forming the first cell 321a.

[0149] The first tray 300 may include a first extension wall 327 extending from the first tray wall 321 in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction). For example, the first extension wall 327 may extend in the first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) around an end of one side (e.g., an upper side) of the first tray wall 321.

[0150] The ice maker 200 may include a first pusher 700. The first pusher 700 may be movably provided by receiving power from the driving device 500. The first pusher 700 may be referred to as a "movable pusher."

[0151] The ice maker 200 may include a guide bar 350 forming a slot 355 that guides the movement of the first pusher 700. For example, the guide bar 350 may be configured to extend in one direction (e.g., upward) from both sides of the first extension wall 327 of the first tray 300.

[0152] A protrusion 740 of the first pusher 700 may be inserted into the slot 355. The protrusion 740 may be guided along the guide slot 355.

[0153] The first pusher 700 may include at least one bar 720. For example, the first pusher 700 may include bars 720 provided in the same number as the number of cells, but is not limited thereto.

[0154] When the ice maker includes a plurality of cells, the first pusher 700 may include a plurality of bars 720. Two adjacent bars 720 may be connected by a connecting member 710.

[0155] For example, the connecting member 710 may extend in a direction in which the plurality of bars 720 are arranged so as to connect ends of one side (e.g., an upper side) of the bars 720 to each other. For example, the connecting member 710 may include a connecting bar. Accordingly, the connecting member 710 may be prevented from interfering with the first tray 300 while the bars 720 are being inserted into the cells.

[0156] The bars 720 may push out ice located in the cells during an ice-releasing process. For example, the bars 720 may be inserted into the cells through openings 324 (through-holes) of the first tray 300.

[0157] The bars 720 may pass through the openings 324 after passing through a storage space wall 325a.

[0158] The openings 324 may communicate with the first cells 321a. Water supply or cold supply may be performed through the openings 324.

[0159] The first tray 300 may include a portion to which a second heater 535 is coupled. The second heater 535 may be disposed on the first tray wall 321 at a position adjacent to the first cell 321a.

[0160] An end (e.g., the lowermost end) of the first tray wall 321 may form a contact surface that contacts the second tray 400.

[0161] The first tray 300 may include an auxiliary storage space 325 communicating with the cell. For example, water overflowing from the cell may be stored in the auxiliary storage space 325.

[0162] The auxiliary storage space 325 may be formed by the storage space wall 325a. The storage space wall 325a may extend in one direction (e.g., upward) around the opening 324.

[0163] The first pusher 700 may pass through the opening 324 after passing through the storage space wall 325a.

[0164] Both side portions of the first pusher 700 may be coupled to links 490. At this time, the first pusher 700 may be movably coupled to the links 490. For example, the link 490 may be coupled to the protrusion 740.

[0165] The link 490 may have a bent or rounded shape. Based on the shape of the link 490, the link 490 may move the first pusher 700 up and down while allowing the movement of the link 490 during the movement of the second tray assembly.

[0166] The link 490 may include one end coupled to the second tray supporter 450 and the other end coupled to the first pusher 700.

[0167] The first pusher 700 may be connected to the other end of the link 490 after passing through the slot 355.

[0168] Due to the movement of the second tray assembly, the links 490 connected to the second tray assembly move together. When the links 490 move, the first pusher 700 connected to the links 490 moves along the slots 355. The link 490 may serve to convert the moving force of the second tray assembly into the moving force of the first pusher 700.

[0169] The second tray case may include, for example, a second tray supporter 450.

[0170] The second tray 400 and the second tray supporter 450 may be coupled by a fastening member.

[0171] At least a portion of the second tray supporter 450 may be located at one side (e.g., a lower side) of the second tray 400.

[0172] The second tray supporter 450 may support the second tray 400 from one side (e.g., a lower side) of the second tray 400. For example, at least a portion of a second tray wall 410 forming the second cell 411a of the second tray 400 may be supported by the second tray supporter 450.

[0173] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a partial configuration of an ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a driving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the driving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5 to 7 together, the second tray supporter 450 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include two extension parts 455. The two extension parts 455 may protrude in one direction (e.g., rearward) from one end (e.g., a rear end) of the second tray supporter 450.

[0175] A through-hole 455a into which a shaft connecting part 463 of an arm 460 is inserted may be formed in each of the extension parts 455.

[0176] The arms 460 may be provided at both ends of a shaft 580.

[0177] A second arm among the two arms 460 may constitute a driven arm.

[0178] The arm 460 may include an arm body 461 having a bent or rounded shape.

[0179] Each of the two arms 460 may include a shaft connecting part 463 that protrudes from the arm body 461 in a direction toward the shaft 580 to be coupled to the shaft 580. The shaft connecting part 463 may pass through the through-hole 455a of the extension part 455.

[0180] The shaft connecting part 463 may be provided at one end of the arm 460.

[0181] Among the two arms 460, a first arm 460 connected to the driving device 500 may include a driving connection part 462. The driving connection part 462 may be axially coupled to the driving device 500. The first arm may constitute a driving arm.

[0182] In the case of the first arm, the driving connection part 462 and the shaft connecting part 463 may be disposed on opposite sides to each other with respect to the arm 460.

[0183] A spring 470 may be connected to the other end of the arm 460. The spring 470 may provide an elastic force to the second tray supporter 450 so that the second tray 400 may maintain a state of being in contact with the first tray 300 at an ice-making position.

[0184] For example, the spring 470 may be a tension spring.

[0185] In a state where the ice maker is at the ice-making position (see FIG. 10), the spring 470 may maintain a compressed state. Also, the spring 470 may maintain the compressed state even when the ice maker moves in a forward direction toward a water supply position or an ice-releasing position.

[0186] On the other hand, when the second tray 400 moves in a reverse direction from the ice-making position, the close contact force between the first tray 300 and the second tray 400 may be improved while overcoming the elastic force of the spring 470.

[0187] However, if the user releases the lever 550 while in the reverse-moved state, there is a possibility of returning to the ice-making position due to the restoring force of the spring 470. However, by forming the elastic modulus of the spring 470 not to be large, the reverse-moved state may be maintained to some extent by the resistance of the gear assembly 520 and the lever 550.

[0188] The other end of the arm 460 may include a spring connection part 465 to which the spring 470 is coupled. The spring connection part 465 may include a coupling hole so that an end of the spring 470 is coupled thereto.

[0189] The second tray supporter 450 may include a link connection part 457a to which the link 490 is coupled. The link connection part 457a is provided on the outer surfaces of both side walls of the second tray supporter 450 so that two links 490 may be coupled to the link connection part 457a respectively.

[0190] While the second tray 400 is moving, the link 490 may be movably coupled to the second tray supporter 450 through the link connection part 457a.

[0191] The second tray supporter 450 may include a spring coupling part 457b for coupling the spring 470. The spring coupling part 457b may include a hook so that the lower end of the spring 470 is caught.

[0192] The ice maker 200 may include a second pusher 540. For example, the second pusher 540 may be coupled to the bracket 220. The second pusher 540 may be referred to as a "fixed pusher."

[0193] The second pushers 540 may be provided in the same number as the number of cells, but are not limited thereto.

[0194] The second pusher 540 may push out ice located in the cell. For example, the second pusher 540 may pass through the second tray supporter 450 to contact the second tray 400 forming the cell and may press the contacted second tray 400.

[0195] The ice maker 200 may include heaters 530 and 535.

[0196] At least one of the heaters 530 and 535 may be disposed in a recessed accommodation space 453a of the second tray supporter 450.

[0197] A first heater 530 (see FIG. 4) for applying heat to the second tray 400 may be included. The first heater 530 may be disposed to be adjacent to or in contact with one side (e.g., a lower side) of the second tray 400 to supply heat to a lower part of the second tray 400.

[0198] The first heater 530 may function as an ice-releasing heater that supplies heat to the second tray 400 during an ice-releasing process, or may operate as a transparent ice heater that helps to generate transparent ice during an ice-making process.

[0199] The first heater 530 may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

[0200] The heaters 530 and 535 may include a second heater 535 (see FIG. 4) controlled to be turned on in at least some section after ice making is completed so that ice may be easily separated from the tray assembly.

[0201] The second heater 535 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the first tray 300. The second heater 535 may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

[0202] For example, the second heater 535 may be disposed to be in contact with the first tray 300 or may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first tray 300 by a predetermined distance. In either case, the second heater 535 may supply heat to the first tray 300, and the heat supplied to the first tray 300 may be transferred to the cell.

[0203] The first tray wall 321 may include a portion to which the second heater 535 is coupled.

[0204] In order to manufacture transparent ice, it is necessary to supply cold to one side (e.g., an upper side) of the tray assembly and to operate a heater at the other side (e.g., a lower side) of the tray assembly.

[0205] For example, the supply of cold may be performed through the opening 324 of the first tray 300, and the supply of heat from the heater may be performed through the first heater 530.

[0206] The second tray 400 may be formed of a non-metallic material. For example, the second tray 400 may be formed of a flexible or soft material that may be deformed in shape when pressed by the second pusher 540. Without being limited thereto, the second tray 400 may be formed of, for example, a silicone material.

[0207] Accordingly, while the second tray 400 is being pressed by the second pusher 540, the second tray 400 is deformed so that the pressing force of the second pusher 540 may be transmitted to the ice. The ice and the second tray 400 may be separated by the pressing force of the second pusher 540.

[0208] If the second tray 400 is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or soft material, the bonding force or adhesive 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.

[0209] When the second tray 400 is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or soft material, after the shape of the second tray 400 is deformed by the second pusher 540, the second tray 400 may be easily restored to its original shape once the pressing force of the second pusher 540 is removed.

[0210] For example, the first tray 300 may be formed of a metal material or a plastic material. In this case, the bonding force or adhesive force per unit area between the first tray 300 and the ice may be relatively strong.

[0211] As another example, the first tray 300 may be formed of a non-metallic material. In this case, the bonding force or adhesive force per unit area between the first tray 300 and the ice may be relatively weak. Accordingly, ice-releasing may be easily performed. Without being limited thereto, the first tray 300 may be formed of, for example, a silicone material.

[0212] The first tray 300 and the second tray 400 may be formed of the same material. In this case, the hardness of the first tray 300 and the hardness of the second tray 400 may be different from each other so that sealing performance is maintained at a contact portion between the first tray 300 and the second tray 400.

[0213] In the case of the present embodiment, since the second tray 400 may be deformed by being pressed by the second pusher 540, the hardness of the second tray 400 may be lower than the hardness of the first tray 300 to facilitate the shape deformation of the second tray 400.

[0214] The first tray 300 may include a plurality of tray parts. The number of the plurality of tray parts may correspond to the number of the plurality of cells.

[0215] The plurality of tray parts may be arranged in a line in one direction (e.g., X-axis direction).

[0216] The first tray 300 may form an upper tray.

[0217] The first tray 300 may include a first cell surface 322b defining a first cell 321a. The second tray 400 may include a second cell surface 410a defining a second cell 411a.

[0218] When the first tray 300 and the second tray 400 are in a closed position, that is, an ice-making position, the first cell 321a and the second cell 411a may be combined to form a cell.

[0219] The second tray 400 may include a second tray wall 410 forming the second cell 411a.

[0220] A first extension wall 420 (see FIG. 8) of the second tray 400 may extend in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) from one end (e.g., an upper end) of the second tray wall 410.

[0221] The second tray 400 may include a peripheral wall 430 extending in one direction (e.g., upward) from the second tray wall 410 and surrounding at least a portion of the first tray wall 321. The peripheral wall 430 may protrude in one direction (e.g., upward) from the first extension wall 420.

[0222] By such a configuration of the second tray 400, it may be possible to reduce leakage of water supplied to the cell between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly while the second tray 400 moves from a water supply position to the ice-making position. In addition, it may be possible to reduce leakage and freezing of water expanding during an ice-making process between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0223] A recessed portion 412 may be formed at one end (e.g., a lower end) of the second tray wall 410. By the recessed portion 412, a desired ice shape may be realized even if the second tray wall 410 is deformed during a process in which ice expands during ice making.

[0224] The ice maker 200 may include a driving device 500 providing a driving force. For example, the driving device 500 may be manually driven.

[0225] The second tray 400 may move relatively with respect to the first tray 300 by receiving the driving force of the driving device 500.

[0226] The ice maker 200 may include a shaft 580 passing through the through-hole 455a of the second tray supporter 450. The shaft 580 extends between the two extension parts 455 and may be moved by receiving a driving force from the driving device 500.

[0227] The driving device 500 may include a driving case 510 forming an exterior and a lever 550 connected to the driving case 510 and operable by a user.

[0228] The lever 550 is connected to a first surface of the driving case 510, and a protrusion 554 movably provided according to the movement of the lever 550 may be included on a second surface. For example, the protrusion 554 may be rotatably provided.

[0229] For example, the first surface and the second surface may form surfaces facing each other, that is, opposite surfaces.

[0230] The protrusion 554 may protrude from the second surface.

[0231] For example, the lever 550 may rotate. However, the lever 550 is not limited to rotating and may be provided to be movable, such as by linear movement.

[0232] The protrusion 554 may be connected to the driving connection part 462 of the arm 460. The protrusion 554 rotates according to the movement of the lever 550, and the driving connection part 462 may move together with the protrusion 554.

[0233] The driving case 510 may include a gear assembly 520 interlocking with the lever 550. The gear assembly 520 may constitute a reduction gear assembly.

[0234] The gear assembly 520 may be accommodated inside the driving case 510.

[0235] The gear assembly 520 may include a first gear 521 coupled to the connecting part 553 of the lever 550. The connecting part 553 may pass through the driving case 510 to be coupled to the center of the first gear 521.

[0236] The first gear 521 may constitute a driving gear.

[0237] The gear assembly 520 may include a second gear 523 interlocking with the first gear 521. The second gear 523 may constitute a first driven gear.

[0238] The second gear 523 is larger than the first gear 521 and may have more gear teeth than the first gear 521. In a process in which power is transmitted from the first gear 521 to the second gear 523, the number of rotations of the gear may decrease.

[0239] A gear shaft 524 forming a rotation center of the second gear 523 is provided at the center of the second gear 523, and the gear shaft 524 may be rotatably supported by the driving case 510.

[0240] The gear assembly 520 may include a third gear 525 interlocking with the second gear 523. The third gear 525 may constitute a second driven gear.

[0241] The third gear 525 is larger than the second gear 523 and may have more gear teeth than the second gear 523. In a process in which power is transmitted from the second gear 523 to the third gear 525, the number of rotations of the gear may decrease.

[0242] The protrusion 554 may be connected to the center of the third gear 525. The protrusion 554 is centrally coupled to the third gear 525 and may protrude to the outside through the driving case 510.

[0243] By such a configuration of the gear assembly 520, a reduced rotational force interlocking with the movement of the lever 550 may be transmitted to the arm 460.

[0244] Although the drawings show that the gear assembly 520 is composed of three gears, the number of gears is not limited to three in the spirit of the present invention, and a gear assembly composed of two or four or more gears may be provided.

[0245] FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which a tray is in an ice-making position 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 the tray is in a water supply position according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which the tray is in an ice-releasing position according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

[0246] First, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the ice maker 200 may be in an ice-making position where the first tray 300 and the second tray 400 are in a closed state.

[0247] The ice-making position is a reference position of the ice maker 200 and may be understood as a state in which the second part 552 of the lever 550 is in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) position. At this time, the lever 550 may also be understood as being in a reference position.

[0248] At the reference position, the second part 552 of the lever 550 may be in a position parallel to one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the driving case 510. At this time, the lever 550 is defined as being in a state of 0 degrees.

[0249] At the ice-making position, the lever 550 may be operated to move the ice maker to a water supply position, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The lever 550 may be operated to move in a forward direction (counterclockwise based on FIG. 10) with respect to the connecting part 553 from the ice-making position of FIG. 8.

[0250] For example, the lever 550 may be operated to be rotatable. The lever 550 may be rotated at least one full turn or more. At this time, the second part 552 may be in a position inclined downward with respect to one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the driving case 510.

[0251] A first angle θ1 between the second part 552 and the one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the driving case 510 may be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees. That is, the user may rotate the lever 550 by 360 degrees to 450 degrees.

[0252] To allow the user to easily perceive the water supply position of the ice maker, an indicator representing the water supply position and guide information for moving to the water supply position may be provided on the driving case 510.

[0253] Due to the reduction effect of the gear assembly 520, the second tray 400 may move by a relatively small angle. For example, the second tray 400 may rotate counterclockwise by approximately 20 to 25 degrees.

[0254] Accordingly, even if the user moves the lever within a certain range rather than by an exact angle, the second tray 400 may move to a position where water supply is possible.

[0255] The degree of reduction of the second tray 400 may be adjusted according to the gear arrangement of the gear assembly 520.

[0256] At the water supply position, the user may perform water supply by coupling a water cup (C) containing water to the water supply guide 240.

[0257] When a preset amount of water supply is completed through the water cup, the second tray 400 may wait for a predetermined time so that water spreads and is supplied from any one cell 321a and 411a to the other cells 321a and 411a. At this time, the water may flow along the peripheral wall 430 of the second tray 400.

[0258] Since water supply is performed while the second tray 400 is moved in the forward direction by the predetermined angle, the water may easily spread to the plurality of cells 321a and 411a.

[0259] When the water supply is completed, the user may move the lever 550 in the reverse direction (clockwise based on FIG. 8). For example, the user may move the lever 550 in the reverse direction until resistance is felt due to the first and second trays 300 and 400 contacting each other at the ice-making position.

[0260] Due to the reverse movement of the lever 550, the second tray 400 may return to the ice-making position as shown in FIG. 8.

[0261] To allow the user to easily perceive the ice-making position of the ice maker, an indicator representing the ice-making position and guide information for moving to the ice-making position may be provided on the driving case 510.

[0262] The user may input an ice-making command through the input unit provided on the display 201. When the ice-making command is input, the first heater 530 is driven, and ice making for manufacturing transparent ice may be performed.

[0263] When the ice making is completed, information indicating the completion of ice making may be output through the display 201.

[0264] When ice making is completed, the user may perform an ice-releasing operation.

[0265] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an operation of the lever 550 for moving the ice maker from the ice-making position of FIG. 8 to an ice-releasing position may be performed.

[0266] The lever 550 may be operated to move in the forward direction (counterclockwise based on FIG. 12) with respect to the connecting part 553 from the ice-making position of FIG. 8.

[0267] For example, the lever 550 may be rotated at least five full turns or more. At this time, the second part 552 may be in a position inclined downward with respect to one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the driving case 510.

[0268] A second angle θ2 between the second part 552 and the one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the driving case 510 may be between 180 degrees and 270 degrees. That is, the user may rotate the lever 550 by 1,980 degrees to 2,070 degrees.

[0269] To allow the user to easily perceive the ice-releasing position of the ice maker, an indicator representing the ice-releasing position and guide information for moving to the ice-releasing position may be provided on the driving case 510.

[0270] Due to the reduction effect of the gear assembly 520, the second tray 400 may move by a relatively small angle. For example, the second tray 400 may move counterclockwise by approximately 110 to 120 degrees. Accordingly, even if the user rotates the lever within a certain range rather than by an exact angle, the second tray 400 may move to a position where ice-releasing is possible.

[0271] The degree of reduction of the second tray 400 may be adjusted according to the gear arrangement of the gear assembly 520.

[0272] According to the forward movement of the second tray 400, the links 490 move together with the second tray 400, and the first pusher 700 may move in one direction (e.g., downward).

[0273] The first pusher 700 may descend to a position inside the cells 321a and 411a. The bars 720 of the first pusher 700 may be in a position passing through the openings 324.

[0274] According to the movement of the first pusher 700, the ice (I) is pressed by the first pusher 700 and may be separated from the first tray 300.

[0275] One end (e.g., a lower end) of the second tray 400 may be deformed by contacting the pusher 540. The ice in the second tray 400 may be separated from the second tray 400 by the pressing of the pusher 540.

[0276] The ice-releasing position of the second tray 400 shown in FIG. 12 may be referred to as a "maximum ice-releasing position."

[0277] The second tray 400 may be formed of a flexible or soft material that may be deformed in shape when pressed by the second pusher 540.

[0278] During the ice-releasing process, at least one of the first heater 530 or the second heater 535 may be driven to assist in ice-releasing. The ice separated from the second tray 400 may fall and be stored in the ice bin 600.

[0279] When ice-releasing is completed, the user may move the lever 550 in the reverse direction (clockwise based on FIG. 12). For example, the user may move the lever 550 in the reverse direction until resistance is felt due to the first and second trays 300 and 400 contacting each other at the ice-making position.

[0280] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. Since these other embodiments differ from the first embodiment only in some configurations, the description will focus on the differences, and for parts identical to the first embodiment, the description and reference numerals of the first embodiment are cited.

[0281] FIG. 14 is an upper perspective view showing a configuration of an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 15 (a) is a view showing a state of a lever at an ice-making position of the ice maker according to the second embodiment; FIG. 15 (b) is a view showing a state in which the lever is caught by a stopper at the ice-making position of the ice maker according to the second embodiment; FIG. 15 (c) is a view showing a state in which the lever is caught by the stopper at a water supply position of the ice maker according to the second embodiment; and FIG. 15 (d) is a view showing a state of the lever at an ice-releasing position of the ice maker according to the second embodiment.

[0282] First, referring to FIG. 14, an ice maker 200a according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a driving device 500a providing a driving force to move the position of the ice maker. The driving device 500a may be a manually driven driving device.

[0283] The driving device 500a may include a driving case 510 in which a gear assembly 520 is provided. For the description of the gear assembly 520, the description of the first embodiment is cited.

[0284] The driving device 500a may include a lever 550a operable by a user.

[0285] The lever 550a may be configured as, for example, a knob-type lever.

[0286] A recessed portion 515 in which the lever 550a is located may be formed in the driving case 510. The recessed portion 515 is recessed from an outer surface of the driving case 510, and the lever 550a may be inserted into the recessed portion 515.

[0287] The driving device 500a may include a stopper 556 for fixing the position of the lever 550a. The stopper 556 may be movably coupled to the lever 550a.

[0288] For example, the stopper 556 is coupled to the lever 550a and may be provided to be slidable toward an outer direction of the lever 550a.

[0289] When operating the lever 550a, the stopper 556 may be in a state of being retracted into the lever 550a. On the other hand, in a state where the lever 550a is moved to a predetermined position, i.e., a water supply position, an ice-making position, or an ice-releasing position, the stopper 556 may be extended to the outside of the lever 550a to fix the position of the lever 550a.

[0290] The driving device 500a may include a catching part 570 that engages with the stopper 556. The catching part 570 may be located at one side (e.g., a lateral side) of the lever 550a. For example, the catching part 570 may include a catching rib or a catching bracket.

[0291] The catching part 570 includes a groove 573 in which at least a portion of the stopper 556 is accommodated, and may include catching jaws 571 and 572 on both sides of the groove that interfere with the stopper 556.

[0292] The catching jaws 571 and 572 may include a first catching jaw 571 and a second catching jaw 572. The groove 573 may be formed between the first and second catching jaws 571 and 572.

[0293] FIG. 15 (a) shows the arrangement of the lever 550a and the gear assembly 520 when the ice maker 200a is in the ice-making position (see FIG. 8), which is a reference position.

[0294] In the ice-making position, the lever 550a may be arranged in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction). To distinguish between the left end and the right end of the lever 550a, "A" may be displayed as an indicator at the left end, and "B" may be displayed at the right end. However, the symbolic representation of the indicator is not limited thereto.

[0295] The ice-making position may be a state in which the first tray 300 and the second tray 400 are in contact and have moved slightly further in the reverse direction when the user turns the lever 550a all the way in the reverse direction (clockwise based on FIG. 15a). At this time, the spring 470 is tensioned by a predetermined length, so that the first and second trays 300 and 400 may be in a tightly contacted state.

[0296] FIG. 15 (b) shows a state in which the user has extended the stopper 556 from the lever 550a and coupled the stopper 556 to the catching part 570 to fix the ice-making position.

[0297] The stopper 556 may be extended by sliding to one side (e.g., a lateral side) of the lever 550a. A portion of the stopper 556 extended to the outside of the lever 550a may be caught by the catching part 570. For example, the extended portion is inserted into the groove 573 and may be interfered with by the first and second catching jaws 571 and 572.

[0298] By the stopper 556 being caught by the catching part 570, the state in which the first and second trays 300 and 400 are in tight contact at the ice-making position may be maintained.

[0299] FIG. 15 (c) shows a state in which the lever 550a is moved in the forward direction (counterclockwise based on FIG. 15 (c)) from the ice-making position of FIG. 15 (a) to be at the water supply position (see FIG. 10).

[0300] For example, the lever 550a may move in the forward direction by 180 degrees from the state of the ice-making position. Guide information may be provided on the driving case 510 to inform the user to move 180 degrees counterclockwise to move to the water supply position.

[0301] For example, when the lever 550a undergoes 1 / 2 rotation (rotates by 180 degrees), the second tray 400 may rotate by approximately 20 degrees due to the reduction of the gear assembly 520 and move to the water supply position.

[0302] However, the rotation angle when moving to the water supply position is not limited thereto, and the movement angle of the lever 550a and the movement angle of the second tray 400 according to the movement of the lever 550a may be adjusted differently through the adjustment of the reduction ratio of the gear assembly 520.

[0303] In a state where the ice maker has moved to the water supply position, the user may couple the stopper 556 to the catching part 570 and perform a water supply operation using a water cup (C). By the coupling action of the stopper 556, movement of the tray assembly during the water supply process may be prevented.

[0304] FIG. 15 (d) shows a state in which the lever 550a is moved in the forward direction (counterclockwise based on FIG. 15 (d)) from the ice-making position of FIG. 15 (a) to be at the ice-releasing position (see FIG. 12).

[0305] For example, the lever 550a may be rotated 5 turns (1,800 degrees) from the state of the ice-making position. Guide information may be provided on the driving case 510 to inform the user to rotate 1,800 degrees counterclockwise to move to the ice-making position.

[0306] When the lever 550a rotates 5 turns (rotates by 1,800 degrees), the second tray 400 may move by approximately 115 degrees due to the reduction of the gear assembly 520 and move to the ice-releasing position.

[0307] However, the rotation angle when moving to the ice-releasing position is not limited thereto, and the movement angle of the lever 550a and the movement angle of the second tray 400 according to the movement of the lever 550a may be adjusted differently through the adjustment of the reduction ratio of the gear assembly 520.

[0308] In a state where the ice maker has moved to the ice-releasing position, the user may couple the stopper 556 to the catching part 570 and maintain the ice-releasing position state for a predetermined period of time.

[0309] By such a configuration and action, after the user manually operates the lever, the state of a specific position of the lever or the ice maker may be easily maintained without continuously holding the lever.

[0310] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tray is fixed in position by a stopper at the ice-making position of the ice maker of FIG. 16.

[0311] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a stopper 440 provided on the tray assembly side in addition to the stopper 556 provided on the lever side.

[0312] The stopper 556 may be named a "lever stopper," an "outer stopper," or a "first stopper" in that it is provided on the side of the lever 550 operated by the user. The stopper 440 may be named a "tray-side stopper," an "inner stopper," or a "second stopper."

[0313] The stopper 440 may be provided on the second tray 400. For example, the stopper 440 is provided on the second tray wall 410 and may be configured to protrude from the second tray wall 410.

[0314] At least a portion of a bracket 220a is located at a side of the second tray 400, and the bracket 220a may include a catching member 230 that engages with the stopper 440.

[0315] The bracket 220a is a configuration corresponding to the bracket 220 described in the first embodiment and may be coupled to at least one surface of the storage space.

[0316] The catching member 230 is supported by the bracket 220a and may have a shape extending in one direction (e.g., a vertical direction).

[0317] The catching member 230 may be connected to support walls 229a and 229b of the bracket 220a. The support walls 229a and 229b may include a first support wall 229a that extends in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) and constitutes a partial wall (e.g., an upper wall) of the bracket 220a.

[0318] The support walls 229a and 229b may include a second support wall 229b extending in one direction (e.g., downward) from the first support wall 229a.

[0319] The catching member 230 may be provided on the second support wall 229b. For example, the catching member 230 may be attached to an inner surface of the second support wall 229b.

[0320] The catching member 230 may be composed of an elastic material or a deformable flexible material. For example, the catching member 230 may be composed of rubber, silicone, or a soft synthetic resin.

[0321] The stopper 440 may press the catching member 230 while interfering with the catching member 230. The catching member 230 is deformed by the pressing of the stopper 440 and may form a groove for receiving a portion of the stopper 440. The stopper 440 may be coupled while inserted into the groove of the catching member 230.

[0322] At the water supply position or the ice-making position of the ice maker, the stopper 440 may remain coupled to the catching member 230.

[0323] For example, the force (frictional force) with which the stopper 440 is coupled to the catching member 230 may be greater than the force caused by the weight of the water and the tray assembly during the water supply process.

[0324] The force (frictional force) with which the stopper 440 is coupled to the catching member 230 may be greater than the restoring force of the spring 470 during the ice-making process.

[0325] At the ice-releasing position of the ice maker, the stopper 440 may be spaced apart from the catching member 230.

[0326] The force (frictional force) with which the stopper 440 is coupled to the catching member 230 may be less than the force with which the user moves the lever 550. That is, when the user moves the lever 550, the stopper 440 may be released from the catching member 230.

[0327] FIG. 16 shows a state in which the stopper 440 is fixed at a first point (P1) of the catching member 230 at the water supply position of the ice maker.

[0328] FIG. 17 shows a state in which the stopper 440 is fixed at a second position (P2) of the catching member 230 at the ice-making position of the ice maker. For example, the second point (P2) may be formed at a higher position than the first point (P1).

[0329] FIG. 18 is a view showing a partial configuration of an ice maker according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a view showing a state in which a stopper interferes with a support wall of the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0330] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, an ice maker 200b according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a stopper 440b as a "tray-side stopper."

[0331] The stopper 440b may be provided on the arm 460.

[0332] The stopper 440b is provided on an arm body 461 of the arm 460 and may protrude laterally from the arm body 461.

[0333] The stopper 440b may move together with the arm 460 during the position-moving process of the ice maker.

[0334] At least a portion of a bracket 220b may be located at a side of the second tray 400. The bracket 220b is a configuration corresponding to the bracket 220 described in the first embodiment and may be coupled to at least one surface of the storage space.

[0335] The bracket 220b may include a catching member 230b that engages with the stopper 440b. For the description of the catching member 230b, the description of the catching member 230 of the second embodiment is cited.

[0336] The catching member 230b may be connected to support walls 229a and 229b of the bracket 220b. The support walls 229a and 229b may include a first support wall 229a extending in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) and constituting a partial wall (e.g., an upper wall) of the bracket 220b.

[0337] The support walls 229a and 229b may include a second support wall 229b extending in one direction (e.g., downward) from the first support wall 229a.

[0338] The catching member 230b may be provided on the second support wall 229b. For example, the catching member 230b may be attached to an inner surface of the second support wall 229b.

[0339] The stopper 440b may press the catching member 230b while interfering with the catching member 230b. The catching member 230b is deformed by the pressing of the stopper 440b and may form a groove for receiving a portion of the stopper 440b. The stopper 440b may be coupled while inserted into the groove of the catching member 230b.

[0340] At the water supply position or the ice-making position of the ice maker, the stopper 440b may remain coupled to the catching member 230b.

[0341] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of an ice maker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ice maker of FIG. 20; and FIG. 22 is a view showing a state in which a stopper interferes with a support wall of the ice maker of FIG. 20.

[0342] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 22, an ice maker 200c according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a first tray 300 and a second tray 400.

[0343] 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 321a and 411a.

[0344] Each tray part may form at least a part of one cell.

[0345] At least a portion of a second tray cover 480 may be located at one side (e.g., an upper side) of the second tray 400.

[0346] The second tray cover 480 may include a cover wall 481 forming an opening 482. The opening 482 may be formed by penetrating 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 482.

[0347] At least a portion of a second tray supporter 450 may be located at the other side (e.g., a lower side) of the second tray 400.

[0348] The second tray supporter 450 may support the second tray 400 from the other side (e.g., 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.

[0349] The ice maker 200 may include a lift 560 as a contact mechanism for increasing the degree of contact between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly. The lift 560 may be understood as a contact mechanism that moves or rotates with respect to the center of the shaft 580 so that the second tray assembly may be brought into close contact with the first tray 300.

[0350] The lift 560 is coupled to the shaft 580 and the holders 531 and 532, so that the lift 560 may move or rotate together with the shaft 580 and the holders 531 and 532.

[0351] The shaft 580 may be coupled to the driving device 500. The shaft 580 may be coupled to a protrusion 554 of the driving device 500. For the description of the driving device 500, the description of the driving device 500 of the first embodiment is cited.

[0352] A plurality of lifts 560 may be provided on both sides of the shaft 580. The plurality of lifts 560 may be located outside both side walls of the second tray supporter 450.

[0353] The lift 560 may include a support bar 561 supporting a part (e.g., a lower part) of the second tray 400. The support bar 561 may be disposed outside the side wall of the second tray supporter 450.

[0354] The lift 560 may include an extension part 563 coupled to the holders 531 and 532. The extension part 563 may form a first through-hole 564 into which the holders 531 and 532 are inserted.

[0355] The lift 560 may include a projection 566 protruding from the support bar 561 in a direction toward the second tray 400. The projection 566 may press one surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the second tray 400 to bring the second tray 400 into close contact with the first tray 300.

[0356] At the ice-making position of the tray assembly, the lift 560 may move further in one direction (e.g., upward) with respect to the axis of the shaft 580 so that the second tray 400 is brought into close contact with the first tray 300.

[0357] In this process, the projection 566 provides a force toward the first tray 300 to the second tray 400, and the second tray 400 may transmit a force for close contact with the second tray cover 480 in one direction (e.g., upward).

[0358] The holder may include a first holder 531 as a driving holder that is axially coupled to the driving part 510. The first holder 531 may be coupled to a first end of the shaft 580. An insertion hole into which the first holder 531 is inserted may be formed at the first end of the shaft 580.

[0359] The holder may include a second holder 532 as a driven holder coupled to a second end of the shaft 580. An insertion hole into which the second holder 532 is inserted may also be formed at the second end of the shaft 580, that is, the end opposite to the first end.

[0360] The first holder 531 or the second holder 532 may include a bar-shaped insertion bar.

[0361] The first holder 531 or the second holder 532 may include a protrusion protruding from the insertion bar.

[0362] The inner area of the second through-hole 455a may be formed larger than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the insertion bar and the protrusion to such an extent that the insertion bar and the protrusion may move while inserted into the through-hole 455a of the second tray supporter. According to this configuration, the first holder 531 may be at a position where it may move further within the second through-hole 455a, i.e., a position where it may idle.

[0363] The user may further move the lever 550 of the driving device 500 to cause the holders 531 and 532 and the lift 560 to move further.

[0364] The support bar 561 may extend in a Y-axis direction, which is a direction crossing the extending direction of the shaft 580, for example, a vertical direction. The Y-axis direction is named the "longitudinal direction" of the second tray 400, and the X-axis direction may be named the "width direction" of the second tray 400.

[0365] The extension part 563 forms one part (e.g., a rear part) of the lift 560, and the support bar 561 may extend in one direction (e.g., forward) from the extension part 563. The support bar 561 may move in one direction (e.g., a vertical direction) with respect to the center of the extension part 563.

[0366] The projection 566 is provided on the support bar 561 and may come into contact with the second tray 400. For example, the projection 566 may protrude from one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the support bar 561 in a direction toward the second tray 400.

[0367] The projection 566 may press one surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of a tray projection 429 of the second tray 400 to bring the second tray 400 into close contact with the first tray 300.

[0368] When the holders 531 and 532 move further while the first tray 300 and the second tray 400 are in contact with each other and in the ice-making position, the lift 560 coupled to the holders 531 and 532 may move further in the movement direction of the holders 531 and 532.

[0369] The lift 560 may move until the protrusions of the holders 531 and 532 interfere with the ends of the through-holes 455a of the second tray supporter 450. At this time, the second tray supporter 450 may not move. That is, the holders 531 and 532 and the lift 560 may idle inside the second through-holes 455a.

[0370] The projection 566 moves upward with respect to the center of the extension part 563 or the holders 531 and 532 and may press one surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the second tray 400.

[0371] During this pressing process, either the projection 566 or the second tray 400 may be deformed. For example, the projection 566 is brought into close contact with the second tray 400, and at this time, the second tray 400 may be deformed.

[0372] A plurality of projections 566 may be provided. Among the plurality of projections 566, a first projection 566a located relatively close to the holders 531 and 532 has a relatively small movement distance, and may press a first tray projection 429a.

[0373] On the other hand, among the plurality of projections 566, a second projection 566b located relatively far from the holders 531 and 532 has a relatively large movement distance, and may press a second tray projection 429b.

[0374] The projection 566 presses one surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the tray projection 429 and may provide a force toward the first tray 300 to the second tray 400 through the tray projection 429. Accordingly, the second tray 400 transmits a force that brings it into close contact with the second tray cover 480 in one direction (e.g., upward), and the second tray 400 may be brought into close contact with the first tray 300.

[0375] The tray projection 429 is located inside a projection receiving part 486 of the second tray cover 480, and during the deformation process of the second tray 400, the tray projection 429 may contact the projection receiving part 486.

[0376] Since one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the projection receiving part 486 is supported by the stopper 250, when the second tray 400 transmits the force for close contact with the second tray cover 480 in one direction (e.g., upward), the one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the projection receiving part 486 may act as a fixed support surface by the stopper 250. That is, the second tray 400 may be brought into close contact with the first tray 300 through the fixed support surface.

[0377] Any one of the two lifts 560 may include a stopper 440c as a "tray-side stopper."

[0378] The stopper 440c is provided on the support bar 561 and may protrude laterally from the support bar 561. The stopper 440c may move together with the arm 460 during the position-moving process of the ice maker.

[0379] At least a portion of a bracket 220c may be located at a side of the second tray 400. The bracket 220c is a configuration corresponding to the bracket 220 described in the first embodiment and may be coupled to at least one surface of the storage space.

[0380] The bracket 220c may include a catching member 230c that engages with the stopper 440c. For the description of the catching member 230c, the description of the catching member 230 of the second embodiment is cited.

[0381] The catching member 230c may be connected to support walls 229a and 229b of the bracket 220c. The support walls 229a and 229b may include a first support wall 229a extending in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) and constituting a partial wall (e.g., an upper wall) of the bracket 220c. The support walls 229a and 229b may include a second support wall 229b extending in one direction (e.g., downward) from the first support wall 229a.

[0382] The catching member 230c may be provided on the second support wall 229b. For example, the catching member 230c may be attached to an inner surface of the second support wall 229b.

[0383] The stopper 440c may press the catching member 230c while interfering with the catching member 230c. The catching member 230c is deformed by the pressing of the stopper 440c and may form a groove for receiving a portion of the stopper 440c. The stopper 440c may be coupled while inserted into the groove of the catching member 230c.

[0384] At the water supply position or the ice-making position of the ice maker, the stopper 440c may remain coupled to the catching member 230c.Industrial Applicability

[0385] The present invention relates to an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker. Since manual operation by a user may be easily performed in at least one of the processes of water supply, ice making, or ice-releasing, 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 and being a space where a substance undergoes a phase change from a liquid phase to a solid phase; a tray providing a wall that forms at least a portion of the cell; a driving device including a lever operable to move the tray; and a stopper for fixing a position of the tray in a state where the lever is operated so that the tray moves to any one position among an ice-making position, a water supply position, or an ice-releasing position, wherein the stopper is provided on at least one of the lever or the tray, or is provided adjacent to the at least one of the lever or the tray.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the lever is capable of being at any one position among: a first position when the tray is at the ice-making position; a second position when the tray is at the water supply position; or a third position when the tray is at the ice-releasing position.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the lever is movably provided to switch from any one of the first, second, or third positions to another.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the lever is rotatably provided.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the driving device comprises: a driving case provided at one side of the tray and including a gear assembly; and a protrusion provided on a first surface of the driving case and interlocking with the gear assembly, and wherein the lever is provided on a second surface of the driving case to rotate the gear assembly.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the stopper is provided on the lever, and the driving case includes a catching part that interferes with the stopper.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the catching part includes: a groove in which at least a portion of the stopper is accommodated; and first and second catching jaws provided on both sides of the groove and configured to be interfered with the stopper.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the gear assembly includes a reduction gear.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a bracket coupled to the ice-making space and supporting the tray, wherein the stopper is provided on the tray and interferes with at least a portion of the bracket when the tray moves to the ice-making position, the water supply position, or the ice-releasing position.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the bracket includes a catching member that interferes with the stopper, and wherein the catching member is formed of a flexible material to be deformable when interfering with the stopper.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the catching member includes a first point contacting the stopper when the tray is at the water supply position, and a second point contacting the stopper when the tray is at the ice-making position.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the tray comprises a first tray providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell, and a second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the cell, wherein the refrigerator further comprising an arm coupled to a shaft of the second tray to move together with the second tray, and wherein the stopper is provided on the arm.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the tray comprises a first tray providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell, and a second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the cell, wherein the refrigerator further comprising a lift coupled to a shaft of the second tray and further rotating to bring the second tray into close contact with the first tray, and wherein the stopper is provided on the lift.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a heater provided to contact or be adjacent to the tray, and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the cell.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, further comprising a display for outputting guide information regarding an ice-releasing timing based on a value sensed by the temperature sensor.

16. 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 and 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 that forms at least a portion of the cell; a second tray providing a second wall that forms another portion of the cell; a driving device including a lever operable to move the second tray; a first stopper movably provided on the lever to fix a position of the lever in a state where the lever is operated to move the second tray to any one position among an ice-making position, a water supply position, and an ice-releasing position; and a second stopper provided on the second tray or on a component supporting the tray to fix a position of the second tray in a state where the lever is operated to move the second tray to any one position among the ice-making position, the water supply position, and the ice-releasing position.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein the lever is movably provided, and the first stopper is coupled to the lever to be folded or unfolded relative to the lever.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein the lever is capable of being disposed at a plurality of positions corresponding to when the tray is at the ice-making position, the water supply position, and the ice-releasing position, and wherein the refrigerator comprises a catching jaw provided at one side of the lever and configured to be interfered with the first stopper at the plurality of positions. .

19. The refrigerator according to claim 16, further comprising a bracket coupled to the ice-making space and supporting the tray, wherein the second stopper is disposed to interfere with an elastic member provided on the bracket.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 16, further comprising a shaft forming a center of the tray, wherein the second stopper is provided on an arm coupled to the shaft and elastically supported by a spring, or on a lift coupled to the shaft and further rotating to bring the second tray into close contact with the first tray.

Images