Refrigerator

Abstract

This invention relates to a refrigerator. [Solution] An embodiment of the present invention may include a water tank in which a fluid is stored, and a tray having a shell from which the fluid from the water tank is supplied. The refrigerator may further include a heater installed adjacent to the water tank and providing heat to prevent the water in the water tank from freezing. The heater may be installed on the wall of the water tank.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This specification relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a household electric appliance that can store food and drink at a low temperature in an internal storage space shielded by a door. The refrigerator can store the stored food and drink in a refrigerated or frozen state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air.

[0003] In general, a freezer compartment of a refrigerator is provided with an ice maker for making ice. The ice maker cools water to generate ice after containing water supplied from a water supply source or a water tank into a tray. The ice generated by the ice maker is stored in an ice bin. For the ice stored in the ice bin, a user can open the freezer compartment door, approach the ice bin, and take out the ice in the ice bin.

[0004] Meanwhile, since ice is formed to be hard, there has been a problem that children, the elderly and the physically weak, or consumers with weak teeth feel inconvenience when biting and eating ice. Accordingly, there has been a demand from consumers for ice having a relatively low strength that allows the ice to be bitten and eaten.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator capable of producing ice having such a strength that consumers can bite and eat the ice.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that is provided with a tray including a peripheral surface on which ice is generated, and can produce thin-thickness ice (ice in the first state) by cooling water supplied to the peripheral surface.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that can produce powdered ice (second state ice) by providing a blade on one side of the tray to separate the thin ice from the circumferential surface.

[0008] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator capable of compressing powdered ice to produce molded ice (ice in a third state) having a predetermined strength.

[0009] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which the tray is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal material, so that the tray is cooled quickly by the supplied cold air.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator equipped with a water storage tank, wherein at least a portion of a tray is placed in contact with the water storage tank, thereby ensuring a smooth supply of water to the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which a bracket is provided to support a water tank, and the bracket includes a wall that extends toward the space between the circumferential surface of a tray and the water tank, so as to restrict the supply of cold air to the water tank.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that can prevent the water stored in a water tank from freezing by installing a heater in the water tank. In particular, it aims to provide a refrigerator that can prevent the water stored in a water tank from freezing in a temperature environment of 0 degrees Celsius or below.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which heaters are arranged such that the heater output is increased at a position close to the cold air inlet, with reference to the position of the cold air inlet that flows into the ice-making compartment.

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which the wall of the water tank and the wall of the bracket form a coplanar plane, or the wall of the water tank is positioned outside the wall of the bracket, so that ice separated from the wall of the bracket is put into the water tank and ice formation near the wall of the water tank can be prevented.

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which the walls of the water tank, particularly the lower wall, have a recessed structure to prevent interference with the water tank when at least a portion of the tray moves into the internal space of the water tank.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that can sense the temperature of water stored in a water tank and adjust the output of a heater based on the value sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0017] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can supply the optimal amount of heater to a water tank by feedback-controlling the output of the water tank heater according to the conditions.

[0018] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can determine whether or not water needs to be supplied to the water tank by utilizing the temperature of the water tank and take immediate action.

[0019] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can supply the optimal amount of heater to the water tank by performing feedback control according to the operating status of the refrigerator, even without a temperature sensor.

[0020] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which, while the tray rotates, the frozen ice is released by a blade, and the released ice powder is transferred to a compression part, so that water supply, freezing, and ice release can be performed continuously by jet while the tray rotates without any separate waiting time.

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator capable of forming ice over the entire circumferential surface of the tray.

[0022] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which continuous ice making is performed on the entire surface of the tray without standby time, so that a larger amount of flake ice is generated per unit time, the supply amount of flake ice is increased, the generation speed of compressed formed ice can be accelerated as a result, and a user can be provided with a larger amount of formed ice per unit time.

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that maintains the water in the spraying part for spraying water onto the tray at a temperature of 0 degrees or higher so that the spraying part is not blocked when the water in the spraying part freezes.

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that is provided with a temperature sensor capable of sensing the temperature of the water spraying part, and that can perform on / off control of a heater or adjust the output of the heater based on the value sensed by the temperature sensor. [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM]

[0025] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a water storage tank in which water is stored, and a tray having a circumferential surface to which water from the water storage tank is supplied. However, other liquids other than water may be stored in the water storage tank.

[0026] The refrigerator includes a cold air duct that supplies cold air toward the tray, and the water storage tank may be disposed on the opposite side of the flow path of the cold air supplied to the tray.

[0027] With the center of the tray as a reference, the cold air flow path directed from the cold air duct to the tray and the water storage tank may be disposed on opposite sides of each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cold air introduced through the cold air duct from directly acting on the water storage tank and causing the water in the water storage tank to freeze.

[0028] The water storage tank may be located below the tray with the direction of gravity as a reference, and the cold air flow path may be located above the tray.

[0029] The refrigerator may include a bracket having a wall that supports the water storage tank, and the bracket may include a portion located in a space between the peripheral surface (or peripheral wall) of the tray and the water storage tank. The portion of the bracket can prevent cold air from being supplied to the water storage tank.

[0030] The refrigerator may further include a heater installed adjacent to the water storage tank to provide heat so as to prevent water in the water storage tank from freezing.

[0031] The heater may be installed on the wall of the water storage tank.

[0032] The water storage tank includes a plurality of walls defining a storage space, and a portion where the plurality of walls intersect may form a corner of the water storage tank.

[0033] The heater may be installed on at least one of the plurality of walls.

[0034] The one or more walls may include a lower wall forming the bottom surface of the water storage tank.

[0035] The one or more walls may include a side wall forming the side surface of the water storage tank.

[0036] The tray is movably provided, and the water storage tank may include a recessed-shaped wall so as to prevent interference between the tray and the water storage tank when at least a part of the tray is located in the internal space of the water storage tank.

[0037] The recessed-shaped wall may form the bottom surface of the water storage tank.

[0038] The recessed shape may have a U-shape or a V-shape.

[0039] The system includes a bracket that supports the tray, and the bracket can form a cold air inlet that supplies cold air toward the tray.

[0040] Based on the volume (or installation area) of the heaters, the volume (or installation area) of heaters located closer to the cold air inlet may be larger than the volume (or installation area) of heaters located further away from the cold air inlet.

[0041] The heater may have a first portion located closer to the cold air inlet with respect to the center of the tray, and the volume of that portion may be greater than the volume of the second portion located further away from the cold air inlet.

[0042] The heaters may be arranged in a multi-tiered configuration on the wall of the water storage tank.

[0043] The water storage tank is positioned below the tray such that the lower part of the tray is in contact with the water in the water storage tank, and the direction in which the heaters are arranged in multiple stages may be the direction in which the tray and the water storage tank are positioned.

[0044] The water storage tank may include surfaces facing the side wall (or side) of the tray. The surfaces of the water storage tank may constitute walls that form the exterior.

[0045] The heater may be positioned between the side wall of the tray and the surface of the water tank. This prevents ice from forming in the area between the side wall of the tray and the surface of the water tank.

[0046] The tray's side wall includes a blade for separating ice that has formed on it, and the side wall of the tray can overlap the internal space of the water storage tank so that the ice separated from the side wall can flow into the water storage tank.

[0047] The bracket includes a wall that supports the tray, and the wall of the bracket includes a portion that is coplanar with the surface of the water tank, thereby preventing ice separated from the wall of the bracket from being put into the water tank and freezing near the wall of the water tank.

[0048] The refrigerator may include a temperature sensor capable of sensing the temperature of the water stored in the water tank.

[0049] The temperature sensor may be installed on the wall of the water storage tank.

[0050] The temperature sensor may be installed on the outside of the wall of the water storage tank.

[0051] The temperature sensor may be installed inside the wall of the water storage tank.

[0052] The temperature sensor may be positioned eccentrically in one direction with respect to the center of the water storage tank.

[0053] The temperature sensor may be placed on the recessed bottom surface of the water tank. This prevents false readings by the temperature sensor due to cold air supplied to the tray from above the water tank.

[0054] The density of heaters per unit area in the area where the temperature sensor is placed in the water tank may be less than the density in the area where the sensor is not placed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent false readings from occurring in the temperature sensor due to the heat generated by the heaters.

[0055] The refrigerator may include a controller that adjusts the output of the heater based on the value sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0056] The controller can increase the output of the heater to prevent the water in the water tank from freezing if the value detected by the temperature sensor is below a set value.

[0057] If the value detected by the temperature sensor falls below a set value, the system recognizes that there is insufficient water in the water storage tank and controls the water supply device to supply water to the tank.

[0058] The refrigerator may include a water supply device for supplying water to a water tank.

[0059] The water supply device may include water supply pipes.

[0060] The water supply device may include a nozzle.

[0061] The bracket may include a communication portion that allows the water supply device to be drawn into the internal space of the bracket.

[0062] The bracket may include a water supply guide wall that guides the water supplied from the water supply device to the water storage tank.

[0063] The water supply guide wall includes an inclined surface that extends so as to be inclined in the direction toward the water storage tank from the water supply device, and the end of the inclined surface may be positioned adjacent to the water storage tank.

[0064] The circumferential surface of the tray may include a portion that extends in a rounded shape.

[0065] The circumferential surface of the tray may include portions having an arc shape.

[0066] The circumferential surface of the tray may include portions having a circular shape.

[0067] The tray may include a drum.

[0068] In one aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the cabinet, a tray provided in the cabinet or door and having a circumferential surface that receives water to generate ice, and a water tank provided on one side of the tray and supplying water to the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0069] The refrigerator may include a heater installed in the water tank that provides heat to the water tank to prevent the water stored in the tank from freezing.

[0070] The water tank includes a number of surfaces that form a water storage space, and the heater may be installed on at least one of the number of surfaces. The number of surfaces can form a number of walls that form the exterior of the water tank.

[0071] The water tank includes a surface that forms a water storage space, and the heater may be installed on the outside of the surface so as not to come into contact with the water.

[0072] The water storage tank includes a surface that defines the bottom where water is stored (hereinafter referred to as the bottom surface), and the heater may be installed on the bottom surface.

[0073] The water tank includes a surface having a height set to form a water level of the stored water, and the heater may be installed on the surface of the water tank.

[0074] The water tank includes a first surface defining the bottom and a number of second surfaces protruding from the bottom, and the heater may be installed on at least two of the first surface and the number of second surfaces.

[0075] The water tank may include a surface facing one side of the tray, and the heater may be installed on the surface of the water tank to prevent freezing on one side of the tray.

[0076] The water tank includes a surface on which the heater is installed, and the heater may include a number of heater lines arranged in multiple stages on the surface.

[0077] The refrigerator includes an ice-making bracket that houses the tray and forms an opening through which cold air flows in for cooling the tray, and the heater may include a first portion positioned adjacent to the opening and a second portion positioned far away from the opening.

[0078] The installation area of ​​the first part of the heater may be larger than the installation area of ​​the second part of the heater.

[0079] The heater includes a blade positioned adjacent to the circumferential surface of the tray to detach ice formed on the circumferential surface of the tray, and the heater may include a first portion positioned adjacent to the blade and a second portion positioned far away from the blade.

[0080] The installation area of ​​the second part of the heater may be larger than the installation area of ​​the first part of the heater.

[0081] The refrigerator may include a temperature sensor installed on the surface of the water tank for sensing the temperature of the water stored in the water tank.

[0082] The temperature sensor may be installed on the outside of the surface of the water storage tank so as not to come into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank.

[0083] The temperature sensor may be installed on the inside of the surface of the water storage tank at a position lower than the maximum water level of the water storage tank, so as to be in contact with the water stored in the water storage tank.

[0084] The density of heaters per unit area in the region where the temperature sensor is located in the water tank may be less than the density in the region where the temperature sensor is not located.

[0085] The temperature sensor may be positioned eccentrically toward one end of the water storage tank with respect to the center of the water storage tank.

[0086] The tray is provided so as to be movable from a first position to a second position, and the bottom surface of the water tank may have a recessed shape so as not to interfere with the water tank when the tray moves from the first position to the second position.

[0087] The ice-making bracket includes a wall that supports the tray, and the wall of the ice-making bracket may include a portion that forms a coplanar plane with the surface of the water tank so that ice separated from the tray flows into the water tank.

[0088] In another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the cabinet, a tray provided in the cabinet or door and having a circumferential surface that receives a water supply to generate ice, and a water tank provided on one side of the tray and supplying water to the tray, including a bottom surface.

[0089] The refrigerator may include a heater installed at the bottom of the water tank that provides heat to the water tank to prevent the water stored in the tank from freezing.

[0090] The refrigerator may include a temperature sensor installed on the bottom of the water tank for sensing the temperature of the water stored in the tank.

[0091] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a cabinet forming a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the cabinet, a tray rotatably mounted on the door and having a circumferential surface that receives a water supply to generate ice, and a spray unit for spraying water onto the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0092] The spray unit may include a spray nozzle that sprays water onto the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0093] Multiple spraying units may be provided spaced apart along the perimeter of the tray.

[0094] The spray unit is a fixed body, and when the tray rotates, it can spray water onto the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0095] When the tray rotates and water is sprayed from the spray unit onto the circumferential surface of the tray, the rotation of the tray stops and the water sprayed onto the circumferential surface can freeze.

[0096] As the tray rotates, water is sprayed from the spraying unit onto the circumferential surface of the tray, and the water sprayed onto the circumferential surface can freeze at the same time.

[0097] The circumferential surface may have irregularities formed on it.

[0098] The irregularities may include at least one recess that is recessed from the circumferential surface and a projection connected to the recess.

[0099] The protrusion and the recess may be formed to extend in the circumferential direction of the tray.

[0100] The tray may include a blade for scraping off ice that has formed on its circumferential surface. The spray unit may be positioned on the upper part of one side of the tray, and the blade on the lower part of the other side of the tray, with the spray unit positioned on the upper part of one side of the tray, with the spray unit positioned on the upper the tray, with the spray unit positioned on the upper part of the tray, with the spray unit positioned on the upper part of the tray, with the spray unit positioned on the lower part of the other side of the tray, with the spray unit positioned on the upper part of one side of the tray, with the spray unit positioned on the upper part of the tray, with the spray unit positioned on the upper part of the tray, with the spray unit positioned on the upper part of the tray, with the spray unit positioned on the lower part of the other side of the tray, with the spray unit positioned on

[0101] The spray unit may be equipped with an adjustment means for adjusting the amount of water sprayed from the spray unit onto the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0102] The tray is connected to a drive motor and rotates during the process of water being sprayed from the spraying unit, the sprayed water freezing, or the frozen ice being detached. The drive motor may be controlled so that the rotation speed of the tray decreases or the rotation of the tray stops when the water freezes.

[0103] A heater may be installed in the injection unit.

[0104] The heater may be configured in a wire shape and may be wound spirally around the outer surface of the injection unit.

[0105] The injection unit may be equipped with a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the injection unit or the temperature of the water inside the injection unit.

[0106] The heater may be controlled to turn on when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor falls below a preset target temperature while the heater is off, and to turn off when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches a preset target temperature while the heater is on. [Effects of the Invention]

[0107] According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to produce ice that has sufficient strength to be chewed and eaten by consumers, thereby improving consumer satisfaction.

[0108] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray is provided that includes a circumferential surface on which ice is generated, and by cooling the water supplied to the circumferential surface, a thin layer of ice (ice in a first state) can be easily produced.

[0109] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a blade is provided on one side of the tray to separate the thin ice from the circumferential surface, making it easy to produce powdered ice (ice in a second state).

[0110] According to embodiments of the present invention, the powdered ice can be compressed to easily produce molded ice (ice in a third state) having a predetermined strength.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a water storage tank is provided, and the tray is positioned so that at least a portion of it is in contact with the water storage tank, thereby ensuring a smooth supply of water to the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bracket is provided to support the water tank, and the bracket includes a wall that extends toward the space between the circumferential surface of the tray and the water tank, thereby preventing cold air from being supplied to the water tank.

[0113] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the water stored in a water tank from freezing by installing a heater in the tank. In particular, it is possible to prevent the water stored in the tank from freezing in a temperature environment of 0 degrees Celsius or below.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by arranging the heaters so that the heater output is increased at a position close to the cold air inlet, based on the position of the cold air inlet that flows into the ice-making chamber, it is possible to prevent ice formation in the water tank located around the cold air inlet.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the water tank and the wall of the bracket are configured to form a coplanar plane, or the surface of the water tank is positioned outside the wall of the bracket, so that ice separated from the wall of the bracket is deposited into the water tank, and freezing near the surface of the water tank can be prevented.

[0116] According to embodiments of the present invention, since the surface of the water tank, particularly the lower surface, has a recessed structure, it is possible to prevent interference between the tray and the water tank when at least a portion of the tray moves into the internal space of the water tank.

[0117] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a temperature sensor capable of sensing the temperature of water stored in a water tank is provided, and the output of a heater can be easily adjusted based on the value sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0118] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optimal amount of heater can be supplied to the water tank by feedback-controlling the output of the water tank heater according to the conditions.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not water needs to be supplied to the water tank by utilizing the temperature of the water tank and to take immediate action.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present invention, even without a temperature sensor, the optimal amount of heater can be supplied to the water tank by performing feedback control according to the operating status of the refrigerator.

[0121] According to an embodiment of the present invention, water is sprayed onto the circumferential surface of a rotating tray, and the sprayed water can freeze on the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0122] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as the tray rotates, the frozen ice is detached by the blade, and the detached ice powder is transferred to the compression part, allowing for continuous water supply, freezing, and detachment by jet method while the tray rotates without any separate waiting time.

[0123] According to embodiments of the present invention, ice can form on the entire surface of the tray.

[0124] According to an embodiment of the present invention, continuous ice making is performed across the entire surface of the tray without any waiting time, resulting in the generation of a larger amount of powdered ice per unit time. This increases the supply of powdered ice, which in turn speeds up the production rate of compressed molded ice, allowing the user to receive a larger amount of molded ice per unit time.

[0125] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water in the spray nozzle that sprays water onto the tray can be kept at 0 degrees Celsius or higher to prevent the nozzle from freezing and blocking the nozzle.

[0126] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a temperature sensor capable of sensing the temperature of a water injection unit is provided, and the heater can be turned on or off or the output of the heater can be adjusted based on the value sensed by the temperature sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0127] [Figure 1]Figure 1(A) is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1(B) is a drawing showing one door of the refrigerator separated. [Figure 2] Figure 2(A) is a perspective view of the first refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front, and Figure 2(B) is a perspective view of the first refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 3] Figure 3(A) shows the basket and filter separated from the first refrigerator compartment door, and Figure 3(B) shows the ice-making compartment door and cover member separated from the first refrigerator compartment door. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the ice maker located inside the ice-making compartment, with the ice-making compartment door separated from the first refrigerator compartment door. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ice maker and door duct according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker and ice maker bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker and ice-making chamber bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker and ice maker bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the ice-making part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a tray assembly and a water tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11a] Figure 11a is a diagram showing the tray assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when it is in a first position. [Figure 11b] Figure 11b is a diagram showing the tray assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when it is in the second position. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the compression part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a transfer pipe and gear device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a plan view showing the configuration of a transfer pipe and gear device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15a] Figure 15a is a diagram showing the piston according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first position, and how ice released from the tray assembly falls into the transfer pipe. [Figure 15b] Figure 15b is a diagram showing how the piston according to an embodiment of the present invention moves to the second position and the ice in the transfer pipe is compressed by the piston. [Figure 15c] Figure 15c is a diagram showing how the piston according to an embodiment of the present invention moves to the third position and the transfer guide device supplies ice to the transfer pipe. [Figure 15d] Figure 15d is a diagram showing how the piston according to an embodiment of the present invention returns to the first position and the transfer guide device moves to its original position. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing a partial configuration of the ice-making part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a left-side perspective view showing the configuration of a water storage tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a right-hand perspective view showing the configuration of a water storage tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a lower perspective view showing the configuration of a water storage tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a left side view showing the configuration of a water storage tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along line 21-21 in Figure 20. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a bottom view showing the configuration of a water storage tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a front view showing the configuration of a water storage tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24]Figure 24 is a front view showing a water storage tank and heater installed on the bracket of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a left side view showing the configuration of the ice-making part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along line 26-26 in Figure 25. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a front view showing the configuration of the tray, water tank, and heater when the tray according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the first position. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a front view showing the configuration of the tray, water tank, and heater when the tray according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the second position. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the ice-making section when the tray according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the second position. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water storage tank according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an ice-making part according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a control flowchart illustrating a control method for a water storage tank heater according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a control flowchart illustrating a control method for a water tank heater according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a control flowchart illustrating a control method for a water tank heater according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a simplified perspective view showing the structure of an ice-making part according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a simplified front view showing the structure of an ice-making part according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a simplified front view showing the structure of an ice-making part according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0128] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to illustrative drawings. In assigning reference numerals to the components in each drawing, care has been taken to ensure that identical components have the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in other drawings. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function would hinder the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such a detailed description will be omitted.

[0129] Furthermore, in describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. Such terms are merely for distinguishing a component from other components and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component. When it is stated that a component is “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to or connected to the other components, but that other components may also be “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” between each component.

[0130] On the other hand, in the description of the components of the embodiments of the present invention, the phrase "at least one of components A and B" can be understood to include three types of embodiments: (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B.

[0131] Furthermore, in the description of the components of the embodiments of the invention, the phrase "at least one of component A or B" can be understood to include three types of embodiments: (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. In other words, the phrase "at least one of component A or B" is equivalent to the phrase "at least one of component A and B."

[0132] Figure 1(A) is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1(B) is a drawing showing one door of the refrigerator separated, Figure 2(A) is a perspective view of the first refrigerator compartment door according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front, and Figure 2(B) is a perspective view of the first refrigerator compartment door according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear.

[0133] Figure 3(A) shows the basket and filter separated from the first refrigerator compartment door, and Figure 3(B) shows the ice-making compartment door and cover member separated from the first refrigerator compartment door.

[0134] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 may have a storage compartment. The refrigerator 1 may further include a door for opening and closing the storage compartment. The door may be rotatably or movably connected to the cabinet 10.

[0135] The storage room may include a refrigerator 18. The storage room may optionally or additionally include a freezer 19. As an example, Figure 1(B) illustrates a storage room that includes a refrigerator 18 and a freezer 19. The refrigerator 18 and the freezer 19 may be separated by a partition wall.

[0136] The door may include refrigerator doors 20, 30 for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 18. The refrigerator compartment 18 may be opened and closed by one or more refrigerator doors 20, 30. The door may include a freezer door 50 for opening and closing the freezer compartment 19. The freezer compartment 19 may be opened and closed by one or more freezer doors 50.

[0137] In the following explanation, we will describe the case where the refrigerator compartment 18 is opened and closed by the first refrigerator compartment door 20 and the second refrigerator compartment door 30 as an example.

[0138] One or more of the first refrigerator door 20 and the second refrigerator door 30 may include a dispenser 40 for draining water and / or ice. Of course, depending on the type of refrigerator, the freezer door 50 may also be equipped with the dispenser 40.

[0139] At least one of the first refrigerator compartment door 20 and the second refrigerator compartment door 30 may include one or more ice makers 100.

[0140] In the following explanation, we will describe the case in which the ice maker 100 is installed in the first refrigerator compartment door 20 as an example. Of course, it is also possible to install ice makers in the second refrigerator compartment door 30 or the freezer compartment door 50 as needed. In this case, the dispenser 40 and the ice maker may be installed in the same door. Alternatively, additional ice makers may be installed in the refrigerator compartment 18 or the freezer compartment 19.

[0141] Figure 1(B) illustrates that the refrigerator 1 is a bottom-freezer type refrigerator, but it is not limited to this, and the concept of the present invention can be similarly applied to side-by-side type refrigerators and top-mount type refrigerators. In the case of side-by-side type or top-mount type refrigerators, the freezer door may include an ice maker and dispenser, or the refrigerator door may include an ice maker and dispenser.

[0142] The dispenser 40 can be located in front of the first refrigerator door 20. A portion of the dispenser 40 can be recessed backward to provide space in which a container can be placed.

[0143] The dispenser 40 can discharge ice produced by the ice maker 100. At least a portion of the ice maker 100 can be positioned higher than the dispenser 40.

[0144] The first refrigerator compartment door 20 may include an outer case 21. The outer case 21 may form the front exterior. The first refrigerator compartment door 20 may include a door liner 70. The door liner 70 may be directly or indirectly connected to the outer case 21. The door liner 70 can open and close the refrigerator compartment 18.

[0145] With the outer case 21 and the door liner 70 connected, an insulating space may be formed between the outer case 21 and the door liner 70. An insulating material may be provided in the insulating space. The insulating material may be formed by the hardening of a foaming liquid injected from the outside. Alternatively, a vacuum insulating body may be provided in the insulating space. It is also possible for both the insulating material and the vacuum insulating body to be provided in the insulating space.

[0146] The refrigerator 1 may include an ice-making compartment 25 that provides a space for ice to be produced. The ice-making compartment 25 may, for example, be provided in the first refrigerator door 20. The ice maker 100 may be located in the ice-making compartment 25. For example, the door liner 70 may form the ice-making compartment 25. The ice-making compartment 25 may be formed by one side of the door liner 70 being recessed toward the outer case 21.

[0147] The first refrigerator door 20 may further include an ice bin 500 in which ice produced by the ice maker 100 is stored. The ice stored in the ice bin 500 can be discharged to the dispenser 40. The ice bin 500 may be housed in the ice-making compartment 25 together with the ice maker 100. The ice bin 500 may be located below the ice maker 100.

[0148] As an example, the ice-making compartment 25 may be supplied with cold air generated by a cooler. That is, the cooler may be configured to supply cold air to the ice-making compartment 25. Alternatively, the cooler may be configured to operate in order to supply cold air to the ice-making compartment 25. Thus, the ice-making compartment 25 may be cooled by an indirect cooling method using cold air, or as another example, the ice-making compartment 25 may be cooled by a direct cooling method using refrigerant pipes.

[0149] The cooler may be configured to cool the ice-making compartment 25 by including at least one of a refrigerant cycle and a thermoelectric element. For example, cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 19 may be supplied to the ice-making compartment 25.

[0150] The refrigerator 1 may further include a supply channel 16 that guides cold air from the freezer compartment 19 or the space where an evaporator that generates cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 19 is located to the first refrigerator compartment door 20. The refrigerator 1 may also include a discharge channel 17 that guides cold air discharged from the first refrigerator compartment door 20 to the freezer compartment 19 or the space where the evaporator is located. The supply channel 16 and the discharge channel 17 may be provided in the cabinet 10. The cold air circulating in the supply channel 16 and the discharge channel 17 can be flowed by a fan (not shown) located, for example, in the freezer compartment 19 or the space where the evaporator is located.

[0151] A first opening 16a may be formed in the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment 18, forming the end of the supply channel 16. Cold air from the supply channel 16 can be discharged from the supply channel 16 through the first opening 16a. A second opening 17a may be formed in the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment 18, forming the end of the discharge channel 17. Cold air from the supply channel 16 can flow into the discharge channel 16 through the second opening 17a. The first opening 16a and the second opening 17a may be formed in one of the many inner walls of the refrigerator compartment 18.

[0152] The first refrigerator door 20 may include a cold air inlet 75. When the first refrigerator door 20 is closed, the cold air inlet 75 may communicate with the supply passage 16 through the first opening 16a. The first refrigerator door 20 may include a cold air outlet 76. When the first refrigerator door 20 is closed, the cold air outlet 76 may communicate with the discharge passage 17 through the second opening 17a.

[0153] The cold air inlet 75 may be formed on one side of the door liner 70. The one side of the door liner 70 is, but is not limited, the surface facing the inner wall in the refrigerator compartment 18 where the supply passage 16 is located when the first refrigerator compartment door 20 is closed. The cold air outlet 76 may be formed on one side of the door liner 70. The one side of the door liner 70 is, but is not limited, the surface facing the inner wall in the refrigerator compartment 18 where the discharge passage 17 is located when the first refrigerator compartment door 20 is closed.

[0154] One side surface of the door liner 70 may include a first side surface 72 and a second side surface 74 having different widths in the front-rear direction. The front-rear width of the second side surface 74 may be greater than the width of the first side surface 72. One or more of the cold air inlet 75 and the cold air outlet 76 may be formed on the second side surface 74 of the door liner 70. The second side surface 74 may protrude further toward the refrigerator compartment 18 than the first side surface 72.

[0155] The first refrigerator compartment door 20 may include an ice-making compartment door 60 that opens and closes the ice-making compartment 25. The ice-making compartment door 60 may be an insulated door with insulating material inside. The ice-making compartment door 60 may be rotatably connected to the first refrigerator compartment door 20 by a hinge.

[0156] The ice-making compartment door 60 may be equipped with a first basket 62 capable of storing food and beverages. The first refrigerator compartment door 20 may be equipped with a second basket 65. For example, the second basket 65 can be positioned below the first basket 62. The length of the second basket 65 in the front-to-back direction may be shorter than the length of the first basket 62 in the front-to-back direction. The second basket 65 can overlap the dispenser 40 in the front-to-back direction.

[0157] The first refrigerator door 20 may have a component space 63 for housing components. The component space 63 may house one or more of the following: a valve 68 for regulating water flow, a filter (not shown) for purifying water, and a water tank 69 for storing water. The component space 63 may be formed by the door liner 70, or the component space 63 may be formed by a separate wall connected to the door liner 70. The first refrigerator door 20 may include a cover member 64 that covers the component space 63. The component space 63 may be provided with a holder 67 to which the filter is coupled.

[0158] The cover member 64 may include an opening 63. The filter may be coupled to the holder 67 through the opening 63. The second basket 65 can cover the opening 63. When the second basket 65 is separated, the opening 63 can be exposed. The holder 67 can be exposed to the opening 63.

[0159] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the ice maker located inside the ice maker compartment with the ice maker compartment door separated from the first refrigerator compartment door, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ice maker and the cold air circulation duct to the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the refrigerator door 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an ice-making compartment 25 for housing an ice maker 100. The refrigerator door 20 may include a number of walls 80 that define the ice-making compartment 25.

[0161] The aforementioned number of walls can constitute at least a portion of the door liner 70.

[0162] The plurality of walls may include a lower wall 80a defining the lower part of the ice-making compartment 25, an upper wall 80b defining the upper part of the ice-making compartment 25, and two side walls 81 defining both sides of the ice-making compartment 25. The plurality of walls may further include a front wall 80c defining the front of the ice-making compartment 25.

[0163] The lower wall 80a can form a dispensing section 84 for dispensing ice stored in the ice bin 500 to the dispenser 40.

[0164] The ice maker 100 can be located between the upper wall 80b and the ice bin 500. For example, the ice maker 100 may be positioned adjacent to the upper wall 80b.

[0165] The side wall 81 may be provided with a first duct 90 connected to the cold air inlet 75 to supply cold air to the ice-making compartment 25. For example, the first duct 90 may be embedded in the side wall 81 so as not to be exposed to the ice-making compartment 25. The first duct 90 may extend upward from the cold air inlet 75 to the top of the refrigerator door 20 where the ice maker 100 is located.

[0166] The first duct 90 includes a duct discharge section 91 for discharging cold air, and the cold air discharged from the duct discharge section 91 can flow into the cold air duct 400 of the ice maker 100.

[0167] A supply section 82 for guiding cold air to the cold air duct 400 may be formed in the side wall 81. The duct discharge section 91 may be connected to the supply section 82, and the cold air duct 400 may be connected to the duct discharge section 91 via the supply section 82.

[0168] A return section 83 may be formed in the side wall 81 for sending the cold air from the ice-making compartment 25 to the cold air outlet 76. For example, the return section 83 may be formed at the height where the ice bin 500 is located.

[0169] A second duct 95 may be connected to the return section 83. The second duct 95 may include a duct inlet 96 for introducing cold air discharged through the return section 83. The duct inlet 96 may be connected directly or indirectly to the return section 83. For example, the second duct 95 may be embedded in the side wall 81 so as not to be exposed to the ice-making compartment 25. The second duct 95 may extend downward from the return section 83 to the bottom of the refrigerator door 20 and be connected to the cold air outlet 76.

[0170] The ice maker 100 may include an ice-making part 200 that receives a water supply, cools it in a tray assembly 240, and then releases the cooled ice.

[0171] The ice maker 100 may include a compression part 300 that transfers the ice detached from the tray assembly 240 and recombines or compresses the transferred ice to produce ice in a third state. The ice in the third state may have a predetermined thickness. The ice in the third state may have a cylindrical or polygonal prism shape, for example, corresponding to the inner surface shape of the cylinder 360 or discharge pipe 370 described later.

[0172] The ice maker 100 may include a cold air duct 400 that supplies cold air to the ice-making part 200. The cold air duct 400 can be understood as being positioned between the side wall 81 and the tray assembly 240, which will be described later.

[0173] The detailed configuration of the ice maker 100 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0174] Figure 6 is a front perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker and ice-making compartment bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker and ice-making compartment bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an ice maker and ice-making compartment bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, the ice maker 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be installed in the ice-making compartment 25 of the refrigerator door 20. The refrigerator door 20 may include an ice-making compartment plate 85 that forms at least a portion of the wall 80 of the ice-making compartment 25. The ice-making compartment plate 85 may be configured to include the lower wall 80a and the front wall 80c.

[0176] The ice maker 100 may be supported on the front wall 80c of the ice-making chamber 25. The ice maker 100 may be coupled to the front wall 80c by wall couplings 329. Multiple wall couplings 329 may be provided on both sides of the ice maker 100. For example, the wall couplings 329 can be understood as fastening devices provided on the compression part 300.

[0177] The ice maker 100 is supported on the upper part of the front wall 80c, and the ice bin 500 can be located below the ice maker 100. The refrigerator door 20 may include a take-out motor (not shown) that provides driving force to discharge the ice stored in the ice bin 500 to the dispenser 40.

[0178] The wall of the ice-making chamber 25 may include a motor housing 86 that surrounds the extraction motor. The extraction motor is connected to a gear assembly located in front of the front wall 80c, and when the gear assembly is driven by the extraction motor, the auger (not shown) of the ice bin 500 is activated and ice is extracted. The front wall 80c may have a through-hole 87 through which a shaft connecting the gear assembly and the ice bin 500 passes. The ice extracted from the ice bin 500 can be discharged to the dispenser 40 via an extraction section 84 of the lower wall 80a.

[0179] The ice maker 100 may include an ice-making part 200, which includes a first motor 210. The first motor 210 may be referred to as an "ice-making motor" that provides driving force to move the tray assembly 240 (see Figure 9).

[0180] The ice-making part 200 may include ice-making brackets 220 and 230 that form cold air passages. A cold air duct 400 is connected to one side of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230, and the cold air supplied through the cold air duct 400 can flow through the cold air passages formed inside the ice-making brackets 220 and 230. The cold air duct 400 may also be defined as the "first cold air duct," and the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 as the "second cold air duct."

[0181] The first motor 210 may be connected to the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

[0182] The ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may include a first bracket 220 that forms a housing space for the tray assembly 240. A cold air duct 400 is connected to the first bracket 220, and cold air supplied through the cold air duct 400 can flow into the housing space. The cold air duct 400 may include an inlet 420 connected to a supply section 82 of the side wall 81.

[0183] The ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may include a second bracket 230 connected to the first bracket 220, which together with the first bracket 220 forms a cold air passage. For example, one side of the first bracket 220 may be open, and the open side may be covered by the second bracket 230, forming a cold air passage inside it.

[0184] The second bracket 230 can form a housing space for accommodating gear assemblies 235 and 236 (see Figure 9), which are interlocked by the drive of the first motor 210.

[0185] The first bracket 220 and the second bracket 230 may be connected in the front-rear direction. The first motor 210 is connected to one side of the second bracket 230, and the gear assemblies 235 and 236 can be driven in conjunction with the first motor 210. For example, the first motor 210 and the second bracket 230 may be arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0186] The ice-making compartment plate 85 may include a support wall 85a for supporting the ice-making part 200. The support wall 85a may constitute the upper part of the ice-making compartment plate 85, and the ice-making part 200 may be supported on the upper part of the ice-making compartment plate 85 via the support wall 85a.

[0187] The ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may include a plate coupling portion 229 supported by the ice-making chamber plate 85. For example, the plate coupling portion 229 may be provided on the first bracket 220 and coupled to a coupling hole 88 formed in the support wall 85a.

[0188] As an example, the plate coupling portion 229 may include ribs protruding from the first bracket 220. However, the plate coupling portions 229 provided on the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may be provided in various forms, such as bosses or fastening holes to which fastening members are coupled. Correspondingly, the coupling holes 88 of the ice-making chamber plate 85 may be provided in the form of ribs or bosses.

[0189] The plate connecting portion 229 may be provided in multiple locations on the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

[0190] The ice-making unit 200 may include a water storage tank 250 for storing water. The water storage tank 250 can supply water to the tray assembly 240.

[0191] The first bracket 220 may include a water supply pipe connecting portion 221b that guides a water supply pipe 120 (see Figure 11a) for supplying water to the water storage tank 250. The water supply pipe connecting portion 221b may be formed on the surface of the first bracket 220 facing the front wall 80c.

[0192] As an example, the water supply pipe 120 may be inserted into the water supply pipe connecting section 221b, and at least a portion of the water supply pipe 120 may extend into the interior of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

[0193] The ice maker 100 may include a compression part 300, which includes a second motor 310. The second motor 310 may be referred to as a “compression motor” that provides driving force to move a piston 335 (see Figure 12) for compressing or recombining ice.

[0194] The compression part 300 may include a first bracket 320 connected to a second motor 310. The first bracket 320 can support components that make up the compression part 300.

[0195] The compression part 300 may include an outlet 328 for discharging ice produced by the ice maker 100 into an ice bin 500. For example, the outlet 328 may be formed on the lower surface of the first bracket 320, and the ice discharged through the outlet 328 may fall into the ice bin 500.

[0196] The compression part 300 may include a cylinder 360 that defines a space for the movement of ice (powdered ice) produced in the ice-making part 200. The ice that flows into the cylinder 360 may be compressed into ice (molded ice) of a predetermined volume by a reciprocating piston 335.

[0197] The compression part 300 is provided on the inlet side of the cylinder 360 and may include a transfer pipe 340 for transferring ice (powdered ice) discharged from the ice-making part 200 to the cylinder 360. A space for containing the powdered ice is formed inside the transfer pipe 340, and the powdered ice can move into the cylinder 360.

[0198] The compression part 300 may include a discharge pipe 370 provided on the outlet side of the cylinder 360, which provides a predetermined resistance force to compress the ice present in the cylinder 360.

[0199] As an example, in order to provide the resistance, the discharge pipe 370 may be formed such that its cross-sectional area is smaller with respect to the direction in which the ice is moving.

[0200] The discharge pipe 370 may be made of an elastically deformable material, such as silicone, in order to provide the resistance.

[0201] The outlet of the discharge pipe 370 is open, and the molded ice, which is compressed or recombined as it passes through the discharge pipe 370, can be discharged through the open outlet of the discharge pipe 370.

[0202] The compression part 300 may be positioned at a set distance from the outlet of the discharge pipe 370 and may include a cutter wall 380 that interferes with the molded ice discharged through the discharge pipe 370. The cutter wall 380 may be supported by the first bracket 320 and positioned adjacent to the upper side of the discharge port 328.

[0203] The cutter wall 380 includes an inclined surface facing the discharge pipe 370, and the molded ice discharged from the discharge pipe 370 may be cut while being interfered with by the inclined surface. The cut ice can then fall into the ice bin 500 through the discharge port 328.

[0204] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the ice-making part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the tray assembly and water tank according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11a is a drawing showing the tray assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first position, and Figure 11b is a drawing showing the tray assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second position.

[0205] First, referring to Figures 9 and 10, the ice-making part 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a tray assembly 240 that forms an ice-making space.

[0206] The tray assembly 240 may include a tray 241 that receives a water supply and performs ice making. The tray 241 may be provided so that it can be moved by power transmitted from the first motor 210. For example, the tray 241 may be provided so as to be rotatable.

[0207] The tray 241 may include circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b (also called circumferential walls) that form water storage spaces. The circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b can be understood to include cells for ice formation.

[0208] As an example, the tray 241 may have the shape of a drum with a circumferential surface. The circumferential surface may form the outer circumferential surface of the drum. That is, the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b can be understood to extend in the circumferential direction to form the outer circumferential surface of the tray 241.

[0209] From another perspective, the tray 241 may have a disc shape or a plate shape including both side walls and a circumferential surface.

[0210] The circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b may include a first circumferential surface 242a that forms a water storage space. The first circumferential surface 242a may form at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the tray 241. When the first circumferential surface 242a is positioned facing the water storage tank 250, it may include a surface that comes into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 250.

[0211] The first circumferential surface 242a may be positioned adjacent to the first blade 280 such that the ice generated on the first circumferential surface 242a comes into contact with the first blade 280.

[0212] The first circumferential surface 242a may include at least one of a first part defining a recessed portion and a second part defining a protruding portion to increase the water contact area (cooling area). The first part may include a recess 241a, and the second part may include a protrusion 241b.

[0213] When the recessed portion of the first circumferential surface 242a is viewed as a reference position, the first circumferential surface 242a can be understood to include the protruding portion 241b, and when the protruding portion of the first circumferential surface 242a is viewed as a reference position, the first circumferential surface 242a can be understood to include the recess 241a.

[0214] The configuration of the recess 241a and the protrusion 241b allows us to understand that the first circumferential surface 242a includes an uneven structure.

[0215] The recesses 241a and protrusions 241b may each be provided in large numbers. The structure may have multiple recesses 241a and multiple protrusions 241b arranged alternately.

[0216] The circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b may include a second circumferential surface 242b. The second circumferential surface 242b may include a surface that does not come into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 250 when it is positioned to face the water storage tank 250.

[0217] The second circumferential surface 242b may be positioned relatively far away from the first blade 280 so that the ice generated on the second circumferential surface 242b does not come into contact with the first blade 280.

[0218] The distance from the center of the tray 241 to the second circumferential surface 242b (center distance) may be smaller than the distance from the center of the tray 241 to the first circumferential surface 242a (center distance). For example, the second circumferential surface 242b may have a shape that is cut out from the edge of the first circumferential surface 242a in a direction toward the center of the tray 241.

[0219] When the first circumferential surface 242a is in a position where it is in contact with cold air and freezes, the second circumferential surface 242b is positioned to face the water storage tank 250. In this case, the second circumferential surface 242b does not come into contact with the water in the water storage tank 250, so the water storage tank 250 is not cooled by the tray 241 which forms a low temperature. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water stored in the water storage tank 250 from freezing.

[0220] The first circumferential surface 242a may be provided in the form of at least one. For example, there may be a plurality of first circumferential surfaces 242a, and the second circumferential surface 242b may be arranged between the plurality of first circumferential surfaces 242a with respect to the circumferential direction of the tray 241.

[0221] The second circumferential surface 242b may be provided in the form of at least one. For example, there may be a plurality of second circumferential surfaces 242b, and the first circumferential surface 242a may be arranged between the plurality of second circumferential surfaces 242b with respect to the circumferential direction of the tray 241.

[0222] The tray 241 may include side walls 244 (also called sides). The side walls 244 may include portions that extend radially from the tray 241.

[0223] The side walls 244 may be provided in multiple quantities, for example, two, to form both sides of the tray 241. The two side walls 244 may be spaced apart in the axial direction of the first motor 210. The circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b may be formed between the two side walls 244.

[0224] The tray 241 may include an inner circumferential wall 244a connected to the side wall 244. The inner circumferential wall 244a can be understood to form the inner circumferential surface of the tray 241 and may include the opposite side of the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b with respect to the side wall 244.

[0225] A bar 249 is connected to the tray 241 as the "central axis" of the tray 241. The bar 249 may have a non-circular shape.

[0226] The bar 249 may be positioned to pass through the center (or center of rotation) of the tray 241. The center of the tray 241 includes a center bracket 243, which may have a shape that surrounds at least a portion of the bar 249.

[0227] The bar 249 is coupled to the gear assemblies 235 and 236 and can rotate in conjunction with the gear assemblies 235 and 236. For example, the bar 249 may be formed integrally with the gear assemblies 235 and 236 or it may be provided separately.

[0228] Another example is suggested. The bar 249 may be removed, and the central shafts protruding from the gear assemblies 235, 236 may be directly coupled to the central bracket 243 of the tray 241.

[0229] The tray 241 may include an extension wall 243a extending from the central bracket 243 toward the side wall 244. The extension wall 243a may, for example, extend radially from the central bracket 243.

[0230] A plurality of extension walls 243a are provided, and the plurality of extension walls 243a may be spaced apart from each other and arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0231] The terms are defined in terms of direction. Throughout the specification, “axial direction” may mean the direction in which the axis of the first motor 210 or the second motor 310 extends, and “radial direction” may mean the direction toward the radius intersecting the axial direction.

[0232] The tray 241 can form tray holes 245. The tray holes 245 can be understood as holes that penetrate the tray 241 in the axial direction. Cold air can flow through the tray holes 245, increasing the cooling area of ​​the tray 241.

[0233] The tray hole 245 can be understood as a space defined by the central bracket 243 and a number of extension walls 243a and inner circumferential walls 244a. A number of tray holes 245 may be formed, and the number of tray holes 245 may be arranged in the circumferential direction of the tray 241.

[0234] The tray assembly 240 may include tray covers 246, 247 connected to the tray 241. The tray covers 246, 247 may be provided on the side walls 244 of the tray 241.

[0235] The tray covers 246 and 247 are arranged to cover at least one side of the tray 241 and can function to prevent water from the water tank 250 from flowing into the tray holes 245 of the tray 241.

[0236] The tray covers 246 and 247 may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity so as to limit ice formation. As an example, the material with low thermal conductivity may be a non-metallic material. Plastic material can be proposed as an example of the non-metallic material.

[0237] The tray covers 246, 247 may include a first tray cover 246 provided on one side wall 244 of the tray 241. The first tray cover 246 may include a first cover wall 246a that covers one side wall 244 of the tray 241. The radial length (or width) of the first cover wall 246a may be formed to be greater than the radial length (or width) of the side wall 244 of the tray 241 in order to prevent water from flowing into the tray holes 245 of the tray 241.

[0238] The first tray cover 246 may include a first through-hole 246b through which the central bracket 243 of the tray 241 passes. The first through-hole 246b may be aligned axially with the central bracket 243 of the tray 241.

[0239] The first tray cover 246 may include a first extension wall 246c extending from the first through-hole 246b toward the first cover wall 246a. The first extension wall 246c may be radially extended so as to cover the extension wall 243a of the tray 241. Multiple first extension walls 246c may be provided corresponding to the extension wall 243a.

[0240] The first tray cover 246 may include a first inner circumferential wall 246d connected to the first cover wall 246a. The first inner circumferential wall 246d can be understood to form the inner circumferential surface of the first tray cover 246.

[0241] The first tray cover 246 may include a first cover fastening portion 246e protruding from the first inner circumferential wall 246d. The first cover fastening portion 246e may include a boss, and a predetermined fastening member may pass through the boss and fasten to a second cover fastening portion 247e of the second tray cover 247. However, the shape of the first cover fastening portion 246e is not limited thereto, and it may be provided in the shape of a rib or a locking projection, as long as it can be coupled with the second cover fastening portion 247e.

[0242] The first tray cover 246 may include a first communication portion 246f that communicates with the tray hole 245 of the tray 241. Cold air can pass through the tray hole 245 via the first communication portion 246f.

[0243] The tray covers 246, 247 may include a second tray cover 247 provided on the other side wall 244 of the tray 241. The second tray cover 247 may include a second cover wall 247a that covers the other side wall 244 of the tray 241. The radial length (or width) of the second cover wall 247a may be formed to be greater than the radial length (or width) of the side wall 244 of the tray 241 in order to prevent water from flowing into the tray holes 245 of the tray 241.

[0244] The configuration of the second tray cover 247 is substantially similar to that of the first tray cover 246. The second tray cover 247 may include a second through-hole 247b having a configuration corresponding to the first through-hole 246b of the first tray cover 246.

[0245] The second tray cover 247 may include a second extension wall 247c having a configuration corresponding to the first extension wall 246c of the first tray cover 246.

[0246] The second tray cover 247 may include a second inner wall 247d having a configuration corresponding to the first inner wall 246d of the first tray cover 246.

[0247] The second tray cover 247 may include a second cover fastening portion 247e having a configuration corresponding to the first cover fastening portion 246e of the first tray cover 246.

[0248] The second tray cover 247 may include a second communication portion 247f that communicates with the tray hole 245 of the tray 241. Cold air can pass through the first communication portion 246f and the tray hole 245 to the second communication portion 247f.

[0249] Let me explain from a different perspective.

[0250] The first tray cover 246 and the second tray cover 247 can be understood as components of a "tray" in a broad sense. In this case, the tray assembly 240 can be referred to as a "tray," and the tray 241 as a "tray part," and the first and second tray covers 246 and 247 can constitute a part of the tray 240.

[0251] Another embodiment will be described. The first and second tray covers 246 and 247 described above may not be provided, and the tray assembly 240 may be configured to include only the tray 241.

[0252] The ice-making part 200 may include a first bracket 220 that forms the first storage space 220a of the tray assembly 240.

[0253] The first bracket 220 may include a first wall 221 supported by the ice-making compartment plate 85. The first wall 221 can be understood as a wall that shields at least a portion of one side of the tray assembly 240.

[0254] In another view, the first wall 221 may be positioned to support the tray 241. The first wall 221 may include an insertion hole 221a into which at least a portion of the tray 241 is inserted to support the tray 241. For example, the center bracket 243 of the tray 241 may be rotatably inserted into the insertion hole 221a.

[0255] The first wall 221 may include a water supply pipe connecting section 221b that guides the water supply pipe 120. The water supply pipe 120 is inserted into the water supply pipe connecting section 221b, and at least a portion of the water supply pipe 120 can be located in the first housing space 220a.

[0256] The first wall 221 can form at least a portion of a wall that guides the flow of cold air that enters through the cold air duct 400.

[0257] The ice-making part 200 may include a second wall 222 connected to the first wall 221. The second wall 222 may be connected to an end of the first wall 221, for example, its upper end, and may protrude in a direction toward the first motor 210. The second wall 222 may form the upper end of the ice-making part 200.

[0258] The ice-making part 200 may include a third wall 223 connected to the first wall 221. The third wall 223 may be connected to an end of the first wall 221, for example, its lower end, and may protrude in a direction toward the first motor 210. The third wall 223 may form the lower end of the ice-making part 200.

[0259] The ice-making part 200 may include a fourth wall 224 and a fifth wall 225 connected to the third wall 223. The fourth wall 224 may be connected to one side of the third wall 223, and the fifth wall 225 may be connected to the other side of the third wall 223. For example, the fourth wall 224 and the fifth wall 225 may protrude from both ends of the third wall 223.

[0260] The ice-making unit 200 may include a second storage space 220b in which a water tank 250 is placed. The second storage space 220b can be understood as the space defined by the third wall 223, the fourth wall 224, and the fifth wall 225. The second storage space 220b may be formed below the first storage space 220a.

[0261] The water storage tank 250 includes a case having a predetermined capacity, and the walls of the case may be provided with a heater 255 that provides heat to prevent the water stored in the water storage tank 250 from freezing. The heater 255 may be referred to as a "water storage tank heater".

[0262] The ice making part 200 may include a water supply guide wall 224a that guides the water supplied from the water supply pipe 120 to the water storage tank 250. The water supply guide wall 224a may form at least a portion of the fourth wall 224.

[0263] The water supply guide wall 224a is positioned adjacent to the discharge portion of the water supply pipe 120, and may include an inclined surface that guides the flow of water discharged from the water supply pipe 120. The inclined surface of the water supply guide wall 224a may extend so as to be inclined with respect to the direction facing the water storage tank 250 at the water supply pipe communication portion 221b.

[0264] The water discharged from the water supply pipe 120 falls onto the inclined surface, and the fallen water can flow downward at a low speed along the inclined surface to flow into the water storage tank 250.

[0265] The ice making part 200 may include a first blade 280 that comes into contact with the ice made in the tray 241 to separate the ice made therein. The first blade 280 may be positioned adjacent to the rotation path of the tray 241. In particular, the first blade 280 may be positioned adjacent to the first circumferential surface 242a when the tray 241 rotates.

[0266] The first blade 280 may be provided on the fifth wall 225. As an example, the water storage tank 250 is disposed on the inner side surface of the fifth wall 225, and the first blade 280 may be coupled to the outer side surface of the fifth wall 225.

[0267] The ice making part 200 may include a second blade 285 that comes into contact with the ice frozen in the tray assembly 240 to separate the frozen ice.

[0268] The second blade 285 may be positioned adjacent to both side walls of the tray assembly 240, that is, adjacent to the both side walls of the tray assembly 240 so as to scrape off ice frozen on the first cover wall 246a and the second cover wall 247a.

[0269] A plurality of the second blades 285 are provided, and any one of the second blades 285 may be provided on the first wall 221. Another one of the second blades 285 may be provided on the outer wall of the second bracket 230, for example, on the outer wall of the gear bracket 231.

[0270] The first blade 280 and the second blade 285 may be disposed at positions spaced apart from each other, for example, opposite to each other with respect to the center of the tray assembly 240. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the cold air flow path formed in the ice making part 200 is obstructed by the first and second blades 280, 285.

[0271] Specifically, the cold air introduced through the cold air duct 400 flows from the region where the second blade 285 is located to the opposite region where the first blade 280 is located, with the center of the tray assembly 240 as a reference. If the first and second blades 280, 285 are disposed in any one side region with respect to the center of the tray assembly 240, there arises a problem that these blades act as flow path resistance. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by disposing the first and second blades 280, 285 on both sides of the tray assembly 240, the effect of reducing the resistance to cold air flow is achieved.

[0272] Ice that has come into contact with the second blade 285 during the rotation of the tray assembly 240 is separated from the tray assembly 240, and the separated ice can flow into the water storage tank 250.

[0273] The second blade 285 may be positioned adjacent to the water tank 250 so that ice separated from the second blade 285 can flow into the water tank 250. For example, with respect to the height relative to the ground on which the refrigerator is supported, the water tank 250 may be positioned below the tray assembly 240, and the second blade 285 may be positioned lower than the center of the tray assembly 240.

[0274] In another view, the second blade 285 may be positioned to overlap vertically with the open upper end of the water tank 250. The open upper end of the water tank 250 can be understood as the end into which water flows.

[0275] A cold air passage may be formed inside the first bracket 220 through which cold air flowing in from the cold air duct 400 flows. At least a portion of the cold air passage may be formed in the first containment space 220a.

[0276] The first bracket 220 may include a first opening 224b to which the cold air duct 400 is connected and which forms a cold air inlet. The first opening 224b may be formed in the fourth wall 224 (also called the side wall) of the first bracket 220. For example, the first opening 224b may be formed on the side to which the water supply guide wall 224a is provided and located above the water supply guide wall 224a.

[0277] The first opening 224b and the water tank 250 can be located on opposite sides of the tray 241 with respect to its center. For example, the first opening 224b may be formed at a higher position than the center of the tray 241, and the water tank 250 may be positioned at a lower position than the center of the tray 241. With such a configuration, cold air flowing in through the first opening 224b is prevented from flowing directly into the water tank 250.

[0278] The ice-making part 200 may include a guide wall 226 positioned to guide cold air towards the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241. The guide wall 226 may be provided on the first wall 221 and may be formed in a rounded shape corresponding to the curvature of the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b.

[0279] The first portion of the guide wall 226 may be connected to the first wall 221, and the second portion may be connected to the second wall 222.

[0280] The guide wall 226 and the first opening 224b can be positioned on opposite sides of the tray 241 with respect to its center. Therefore, the air supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the tray 241 through the first opening 224b is guided by the guide wall 226 located opposite the first opening 224b, making it easy to form a cold air flow along the outer circumferential surface of the tray 241.

[0281] The space between the guide wall 226 and the first blade 280 forms a second opening 227 (see Figure 25) through which the ice powder separated from the tray 241 is discharged, and the cold air guided by the guide wall 226 can diffuse into the ice-making chamber 25 through the second opening 227.

[0282] The ice-making part 200 may include gear assemblies 235 and 236 that are interlocked with the first motor 210. The gear assemblies 235 and 236 may include a drive gear 235 connected to the first motor 210 and a driven gear 236 that is interlocked with the drive gear 235.

[0283] The number of teeth on the drive gear 235 is formed to be fewer than the number of teeth on the driven gear 236, so that the gear assemblies 235 and 236 can constitute a reduction gear. Therefore, the torque for rotating the tray assembly 240 can be increased.

[0284] The ice-making part 200 may include a second bracket 230 that houses the gear assemblies 235 and 236. The second bracket 230 can shield one open side of the first bracket 220 to form a cold air passage within the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

[0285] The second bracket 230 may include a gear bracket 231 that supports the gear assemblies 235 and 236. The gear bracket 231 includes a bracket wall 231a that covers one open side of the first bracket 220, and the bracket wall 231a can form at least one surface of a cold air passage.

[0286] The gear assemblies 235 and 236 may be rotatably supported on the bracket wall 231a. A hole is formed in the first center 235a of the drive gear 235 to which the shaft of the first motor 210 is connected, and the shaft of the first motor 210 may be supported on the bracket wall 231a via the hole.

[0287] The bar 249 may be connected to the second center 236a of the driven gear 236 via the bracket wall 231a. The second center 236a of the driven gear 236 may have a hole formed in it to which the bar 249 is connected, and the bar 249 may be supported by the bracket wall 231a via the hole.

[0288] The first central part 235a and the second central part 236a may each include brackets that form holes.

[0289] The second bracket 230 may include a gear cover 232 connected to the gear bracket 231. The gear cover 232 can shield one open side of the gear bracket 231. The gear bracket 231 and the gear cover 232 can constitute a "gear housing".

[0290] As an example, the gear cover 232 may be fastened to the gear bracket 231. The gear bracket 231 may include a first fastening portion 231b fastened to the gear cover 232, and the gear cover 232 may include a second fastening portion 232a fastened to the first fastening portion 231b. A predetermined fastening member may be coupled to the first fastening portion 231b and the second fastening portion 232a.

[0291] The gear bracket 231 may include a first coupling portion 231c fastened to the first bracket 220. The first bracket 220 may include a second coupling portion 222a fastened to the first coupling portion 231c. A predetermined fastening member may be coupled to the first coupling portion 231c and the second coupling portion 222a.

[0292] The gear cover 232 may be coupled to the first motor 210. The first motor 210 includes a fastening rib 215, and the gear cover 232 may include a fastening boss 237 coupled to the fastening rib 215. A predetermined fastening member may pass through the fastening rib 215 and be coupled to the fastening boss 237.

[0293] The gear cover 232 may include a first through portion 232b through which the shaft of the first motor 210 passes. The shaft of the first motor 210 may be coupled to the first central portion 235a of the drive gear 235 via the first through portion 232b. The first central portion 235a of the drive gear 235 may be rotatably supported by the first through portion 232b.

[0294] The gear cover 232 may include a second through portion 232c in which the second central portion 236a of the driven gear 236 is supported. The second central portion 236a of the driven gear 236 may be rotatably supported by the second through portion 232c.

[0295] When the first motor 210 rotates, the drive gear 235 and the driven gear 236 move in conjunction, allowing the bar 249 connected to the driven gear 236 to rotate. The rotation of the bar 249 allows the tray assembly 240 to rotate.

[0296] The operation of the tray assembly 240 will be explained with reference to Figures 11a and 11b. Figure 11a shows the tray assembly 240 in the ice-making position (first position), and Figure 11b shows the tray assembly 240 in the water supply position (second position).

[0297] Referring to Figure 11a, the tray assembly 240 can be positioned in the ice-making position based on the drive of the first motor 210. In the ice-making position, the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241 can be positioned in the first housing space 220a of the first bracket 220 without contacting the water tank 250. As an example, as shown in Figure 11a, the two first circumferential surfaces 242a can be positioned on both sides of the upper part of the water tank 250.

[0298] At the ice-making location, the water supplied to the first circumferential surface 242a by the cold air supplied through the cold air duct 400 can be cooled and undergo a phase change to a thin ice state. The state of ice cooled on the first circumferential surface 242a can be referred to as the "first state". The ice in the first state may be formed at a predetermined height on the surface of the recess 241a and protrusion 241b provided on the first circumferential surface 242a. The ice in the first state can be understood as ice having a thin layer.

[0299] Once the time set at the ice-making position has elapsed, the first motor 210 is driven, allowing the tray assembly 240 to rotate. As an example, as shown in Figure 11a, the tray assembly 240 can rotate in a counterclockwise direction.

[0300] During the rotation of the tray assembly 240, when the first circumferential surface 242a is in the position of the first blade 280, the first blade 280 can come into contact with the ice formed on the first circumferential surface 242a. During this contact process, the ice is separated from the first circumferential surface 242a and released.

[0301] The detached ice can flow into the compression section 300, particularly the transfer pipe 340. The detached ice has the form of powdered ice, and this state of ice can be referred to as the "second state".

[0302] The de-icing process may be carried out over a period of time during which the tray 241 rotates once (360 degrees) so that the ice generated on the two first circumferential surfaces 242a is separated by the first blade 280.

[0303] Meanwhile, during this process, the first circumferential surface 242a, from which ice removal has been completed, rotates further and passes through the water supply position as shown in Figure 11b. Water can be supplied to the first circumferential surface 242a as it passes through the water supply position.

[0304] More specifically, at the position shown in Figure 11a, the tray assembly 240 rotates counterclockwise, and ice is removed from the first circumferential surface 242a, moving to the position shown in Figure 11b. At this time, the first circumferential surface 242a comes into contact with the water in the water tank 250. The water that comes into contact with the first circumferential surface 242a remains on the first circumferential surface 242a due to surface tension.

[0305] Such water supply operations may be carried out until water is supplied to the two first circumferential surfaces 242a. That is, when the tray assembly 240 rotates once at the position shown in Figure 11a, the water supply operation will occur simultaneously with the ice removal operation.

[0306] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the compression part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the transfer pipe and gear device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 is a plan view showing the configuration of the transfer pipe and gear device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15a is a diagram showing the piston according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first position, with ice released from the tray assembly falling into the transfer pipe; and Figure 15b is a diagram showing the piston according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second position, with the ice in the transfer pipe being compressed by the piston.

[0307] First, referring to Figures 12 to 14, the ice maker 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a compression part 300 for compressing or recombining ice (powdered ice, ice in a second state) that has been separated from the ice-making part 200.

[0308] The compression part 300 may include a second motor 310 for providing driving force. The second motor 310 may include a motor shaft 312.

[0309] The compression part 300 may include a pinion gear 315 coupled to the motor shaft 312 and rotated by the drive of the second motor 310. The pinion gear 315 may include a shaft coupling portion 314 coupled to the motor shaft 312.

[0310] The compression part 300 may include a rack gear 330 that interlocks with the pinion gear 315. The rack gear 330 may include a bar-shaped rack body 331 and a first gear 332 formed on the rack body 331 that interlocks with the pinion gear 315.

[0311] The rack gear 330 may include a rail 334 that guides the movement of the rack gear 330. For example, the rail 334 may be provided at the lower end of the rack body 331. The rail 334 can move along a rail groove 324a provided in the fastening wall 324 of the first bracket 320.

[0312] The compression part 300 may include a piston 335 that moves together with the rack gear 330. The piston 335 may include a portion that extends in a direction corresponding to the extension direction of the rack gear 330 and may be configured to reciprocate. The piston 335 may also move towards the inlet side of the cylinder 360, and at least a portion of the piston 335 may move so as to be inserted into the cylinder 360.

[0313] As an example, the piston 335 may have a substantially cylindrical shape corresponding to the internal shape of the second part 342 of the transfer pipe 340.

[0314] The compression part 300 is provided on one side of the piston 335 and may include a coupling bracket 336 that connects the piston 335 and the rack gear 330. The coupling bracket 336 may be coupled to the rack body 331. The coupling bracket 336 includes a rack fastening portion 336a, and the rack body 331 may include a bracket fastening portion 331a. A predetermined fastening member can connect the rack fastening portion 336a and the bracket fastening portion 331a.

[0315] The compression part 330 may include a transfer pipe 340 that forms a containment space 341a for the second state of ice (powdered ice). The transfer pipe 340 may be located on the inlet side of the cylinder 360.

[0316] The transfer pipe 340 may include a first part 341 having the containment space 341a. The first part 341 may have an opening to allow ice in the second state to flow in.

[0317] The transfer pipe 340 may include a second part 342 having an internal space that communicates with the housing space 341a. A piston 335 may be inserted into the second part 342.

[0318] The second part 342 may have an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the piston 335 so that it can reciprocate when the piston 335 is inserted. For example, the second part 342 may have a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0319] The second part 342 can be located below the transfer pipe 340 with respect to the direction of gravity. Ice flowing into the first part 341 can move downward due to gravity and flow into the internal space of the second part 342. The piston 335 can reciprocate within the internal space of the second part 342.

[0320] The transfer pipe 340 may be supported by the first bracket 320. The transfer pipe 340 may include a fastening portion 343 provided on the first part 341. The fastening portion 343 may be connected to the transfer pipe fastening portion 321d of the first bracket 320 by a predetermined fastening member. The upper part of the transfer pipe 340 can be stably supported by the first bracket 320 by fastening the fastening portion 343 and the transfer pipe fastening portion 321d.

[0321] The fastening portion 343 may be provided in multiple quantities, and these multiple fastening portions 343 may be provided on the upper and lower parts of the transfer pipe 340. Figure 13 shows multiple fastening portions 343a, 343b, and 343c.

[0322] The transfer pipe 340 includes a projection 344, and the first bracket 320 may include a projection groove 321e that accommodates the projection 344. The projection 344 may be located lower than the fastening portion 343, for example, on the second part 342. After inserting the projection 344 into the projection groove 321e and performing a preliminary assembly, the fastening portion 343 can be fastened to the transfer pipe fastening portion 321d.

[0323] The compression part 300 may include a movable lever 350 to guide the movement of ice within the transfer pipe 340. For example, the lever 350 may be rotatably mounted. The lever 350 may be referred to as a "transfer guide device".

[0324] The lever 350 may include a rotating bar 351 that forms the center of rotation of the lever 350. The rotating bar 351 may be rotatably inserted into a bar support portion 345 of the transfer pipe 340. The bar support portion 345 may have the shape of a rib protruding from the first part 341 and having a recessed groove into which the rotating bar 351 is inserted.

[0325] The lever 350 may include a plate 352 extending from the rotating bar 351. The plate 352 may be located in the center of the rotating bar 351. The plate 352 can rotate around the rotating bar 351 so that it can move inside the transfer pipe 340.

[0326] The transfer pipe 340 can form an opening 341b through which the plate 352 passes. The plate 352 can move in or out of the transfer pipe 340 through the opening 341b.

[0327] The transfer pipe 340 may include a stopper 347 provided on the outside of the opening 341b. The stopper 347 may have a shape that is bent along at least a portion of the plate 352. The stopper 347 can limit the distance the plate 352 moves when it moves outside the transfer pipe 340. The plate 352 can move outside the opening 341b to a position where it is interfered with by the stopper 347.

[0328] The plate 352 may include a rounded portion 352a that extends with a set curvature. The direction in which the rounded portion 352a is bent may correspond to a downward direction inside the transfer pipe 340.

[0329] The rounded portion 352a pressurizes the ice inside the transfer pipe 340 downwards. Therefore, the ice in the first part 341 can be easily moved to the second part 342 by the lever 350.

[0330] A hole 354 may be formed in the rounded portion 352a. The hole 354 is to prevent the rounded portion 352a from blocking the movement of ice into the transfer pipe 340, thereby restricting its movement to the lower part of the transfer pipe 340. The ice can then move to the lower part of the rounded portion 352a through the hole 354.

[0331] The compression part 300 may include a spring 358 that provides a restoring force to the lever 350. The spring 358 may be provided at one end of the rotating bar 351. As an example, the spring 358 may include a torsion spring.

[0332] The spring 358 can provide a restoring force so that when the lever 350 is moved inside the transfer pipe 340 by the interlocking with the second gear 333 and the interlocking with the second gear 333 is released, the lever 350 returns to the outside of the transfer pipe 340.

[0333] The rotating bar 351 may be provided with a spring support portion 351a, and one side of the spring 358 may be supported by the spring support portion 351a.

[0334] The spring support portion 351a can protrude in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the rotating bar 351 at positions adjacent to both ends of the rotating bar 351. The restoring force of the spring 358 is transmitted to the lever 350 via the spring support portion 351a.

[0335] The compression part 300 may include a third gear 355 that transmits power to the lever 350. The third gear 355 may be connected to the other end of the rotating bar 351. The other end can be understood as the end of the rotating bar 351 opposite to the end to which the spring 358 is provided.

[0336] The third gear 355 can be linked to a second gear 333 provided on the rack gear 330. The second gear 333 may be located to the side of the first gear 332. The first gear 332 and the second gear 333 may be arranged axially on the upper surface of the rack body 331.

[0337] The first gear 332 may be configured to have gear teeth for a predetermined length in the direction from the first end to the second end of the rack body 331, that is, in the direction toward the cylinder 360. The second gear 333 may be configured to have gear teeth for a predetermined length in the direction from the second end to the first end of the rack body 331. The number of gear teeth of the second gear 333 may be less than the number of gear teeth of the first gear 332.

[0338] The compression part 300 may include a cylinder 360 located on the outlet side of the transfer pipe 340. Ice that has accumulated at the bottom of the transfer pipe 340 can be moved into the cylinder 360 by the piston 335.

[0339] The cylinder 360 can also be understood as constituting a part of the transfer pipe in a broad sense, as it guides the transfer of ice. Therefore, the transfer pipe 340 can be referred to as the "first transfer pipe," and the cylinder 360 can be referred to as the "second transfer pipe."

[0340] The compression part 300 may include a discharge pipe 370 provided on the outlet side of the cylinder 360, which provides a force to compress or recombine the ice transported within the cylinder 360. For example, the discharge pipe 370 may be configured such that its cross-sectional area decreases in the direction from which the ice is discharged.

[0341] The discharge pipe 370 may be made of an elastically deformable material that provides resistance in the direction opposite to the direction of ice transport. For example, the discharge pipe 370 may be made of silicon.

[0342] The ice powder in the cylinder 360 may be compressed or recombined by pressurizing one side of the ice with a piston 335 and providing resistance to the other side with a discharge pipe 370. The compressed ice powder is formed into ice of a predetermined shape (third state ice, molded ice) and can be discharged through the discharge section of the discharge pipe 370.

[0343] The molded ice discharged from the discharge section is intercepted by a cutter wall 380 located a set distance away from the discharge pipe 370, and in this process the molded ice is cut. The distance between the discharge pipe 370 and the cutter wall 380 can be determined according to the size of the ice desired by the consumer. The cut molded ice can flow into the ice bin 500 through the discharge port 328 of the first bracket 320.

[0344] The compression part 300 may include compression brackets 320, 327 for supporting the numerous components described above.

[0345] The compression brackets 320, 327 may include a first bracket 320 that forms a first through-hole 321a through which the motor shaft 312 of the second motor 310 can pass. The first bracket 320 may include a first wall 321 that extends toward the ice-making compartment plate 85. For example, the first wall 321 may form upper and lower walls that extend in the vertical direction. The first through-hole 321a may be formed in the first wall 321.

[0346] The first bracket 320 may include a second wall 322 that forms an outlet 328. The second wall 322 may be connected to the lower end of the first bracket 320 and extend away from the ice-making compartment plate 85. For example, the second wall 322 may form a lateral wall that extends laterally.

[0347] The compression brackets 320 and 327 may include a second bracket 327 coupled to the first bracket 320. A space may be formed between the first bracket 320 and the second bracket 327 in which the rack gear 330 and piston 335 are located.

[0348] The first wall 321 may include a number of fastening points.

[0349] The aforementioned number of fastening portions may include a first fastening portion 321b that is coupled to the first fastening portion 328a of the second bracket 327. The first fastening portion 321b may include a boss that protrudes from the first wall 321 and to which a fastening member is coupled. The first fastening portion 328a of the second bracket 327 may include a hole into which the fastening member is inserted.

[0350] The aforementioned number of fastening portions may include a second fastening portion 321c that is coupled to a second fastening portion 328b of the second bracket 327. The second fastening portion 321c may be formed on a fastening wall 324 provided at a position spaced apart from the first wall 321 in the direction toward the second bracket 327. For example, the second fastening portions 328b and 321c may include holes. A predetermined fastening member may be fastened to the second fastening portions 328b and 321c.

[0351] The upper surface of the fastening wall 324 may include a guide surface that guides the sliding of the coupling bracket 336. Since the coupling bracket 336 is supported by the guide surface, stable reciprocating motion of the rack gear 330 and piston 335 is achieved. Of course, the coupling bracket 336 may be positioned at a slight distance from the upper surface of the fastening wall 324.

[0352] The fastening wall 324 may include a rail groove 324a that guides the movement of the rail 334 of the rack gear 330. The rail groove 324a may be formed on one of the many faces that define the fastening wall 324, facing the rack gear 330. At least a portion of the rail 334 is inserted into the rail groove 324a, and the rail 334 can move along the rail groove 324a.

[0353] The second bracket 327 may include a bracket wall 328 that covers at least a portion of the rack gear 330 and the piston 335. The bracket wall 328 may include a second through hole 329 through which the central part 315a of the pinion gear 315 is rotatably supported. For example, the central part 315a may be inserted into the second through hole 329.

[0354] Next, with reference to Figures 15a and 15b, the process by which the powdered ice produced in the ice-making section 200 and supplied to the compression section 300 is compressed will be explained.

[0355] The position of the piston 335 shown in Figure 15a is defined as the first position. In the first position, the second motor 310 is stopped, and the first motor 210 of the ice-making part 200 is driven to supply powdered ice I1 to the transfer pipe 340. The state shown in Figure 15a is maintained for a first set time.

[0356] After the first set time has elapsed, when the second motor 310 is driven in the forward direction, the interlocking of the pinion gear 315 and the first gear 332 causes the piston 335 to move toward the cylinder 360 (piston forward), and in this process as well, as in 15b, the powdered ice that has accumulated in the lower part of the transfer pipe 340, i.e., the second part 342, is moved into the inside of the cylinder 360.

[0357] In Figure 15b, the piston 335 is shown to move to the inlet side of the cylinder 360; however, at least a portion of the piston 335 may be inserted into the cylinder 360 in a different manner. The position of the piston 335 in Figure 15b is defined as the second position.

[0358] When the second motor 310 is driven in the reverse direction in the state shown in Figure 15b, the piston 335 can move away from the cylinder 360 (reverse piston movement). The rack gear 330 moves together with the piston 335, and at the end of the movement of the rack gear 330, the second gear 333 can be linked with the third gear 355. Therefore, the third gear 355 rotates clockwise with respect to Figure 15c, and as a result, the lever 350 rotates clockwise with respect to the rotating bar 351.

[0359] When the lever 350 rotates, the plate 352 and the round portion 352a move to the storage space 341a of the transfer pipe 340, thereby transferring the powdered ice present in the transfer pipe 340. As an example, the ice present in the upper part of the transfer pipe 340, i.e., the first part 341 side, can be pressed downwards and moved to the lower part of the transfer pipe 340, i.e., the second part 342 side. The position of the piston 335 in Figure 15c is defined as the third position.

[0360] When the second motor 310 is driven in the forward direction in the state shown in Figure 15c, the piston 335 can move in a direction that brings it closer to the cylinder 360. When the rack gear 330 moves to allow the piston 335 to move, the linkage between the second gear 333 and the third gear 355 is released, and the restoring force of the spring 358 causes the lever 350 to move to the upright position shown in Figure 15a. The piston 335 can then return to the first position.

[0361] Through the process shown in Figures 15a to 15d, the powdered ice is compressed or recombined within the internal space of the cylinder 360 to produce molded ice I2 (see Figure 15b). The molded ice I2 can be discharged through the discharge pipe 370 when sufficient pressure is applied by the piston 335 to pass through the discharge pipe 370.

[0362] The ice discharged from the discharge pipe 370 is cut to a predetermined size while being interfered with by the cutter wall 380, and the cut ice is put into the ice bin 500.

[0363] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing a partial configuration of the ice-making part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0364] Referring to Figure 16, the ice-making part 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a water storage tank 250 in which water is stored.

[0365] The water storage tank 250 may be installed on the first bracket 220. For example, the water storage tank 250 may be supported by a number of walls provided on the first bracket 220.

[0366] The aforementioned number of walls may include a third wall 223 that supports the bottom surface of the water storage tank 250.

[0367] The plurality of walls may include a fourth wall 224 and a fifth wall 225 that support both sides of the water storage tank 250. The distance between the fourth wall 224 and the fifth wall 225 may be formed to be slightly larger than the width of the water storage tank 250 in the lateral direction.

[0368] The first bracket 220 includes a first wall 221 facing the front of the water tank 250, and at least a portion of the heater 255 can be positioned between the first wall 221 and the front of the water tank 250.

[0369] The rear portion of the first bracket 220 may be open. The open rear portion of the first bracket 220 may be covered by the second bracket 230.

[0370] The second bracket 230 includes a gear bracket 231, which may include a bracket wall 231a facing the rear surface of the water tank 250. At least another portion of the heater 255 may be located between the bracket wall 231a and the rear surface of the water tank 250.

[0371] Thus, the water storage tank 250 is installed in the space defined by the first bracket 220 and the second bracket 230, for example, in the lower space, and is stably supported by the first and second brackets 220 and 230.

[0372] Another embodiment may be proposed.

[0373] It is also possible to utilize the closed lower space defined by the first bracket 220 and the second bracket 230 as a water storage space, without providing a separate water storage tank 250.

[0374] The ice-making unit 200 may include a movable tray 241. As the tray 241 moves, at least a portion of the tray 241 can move into the internal space of the water storage tank 250.

[0375] The tray 241 may include a first circumferential surface 242a that receives the water stored in the water tank 250. The first circumferential surface 242a can form a contact section that comes into contact with the water stored in the water tank 250.

[0376] The first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241 may include a portion that extends in a rounded shape. For example, the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray may include a portion that has an arc shape.

[0377] The tray 241 may include a second circumferential surface 242b that forms a non-contact section that does not come into contact with the water stored in the water tank 250.

[0378] The second circumferential surface 242b may have a shape different from that of the first circumferential surface 242a. For example, the curvature or radius of curvature of the second circumferential surface 242b may be formed to be different from that of the first circumferential surface 242a.

[0379] The distance from the center of the tray 241, i.e., the center bracket 243, to the first circumferential surface 242a may be greater than the distance from the center bracket 243 to the second circumferential surface 242a. Therefore, during the rotation of the tray 241, the first circumferential surface 242a may be located in the internal space of the water storage tank 250, while the second circumferential surface 242b may no longer be located in the internal space of the water storage tank 250.

[0380] The tray 241 may have a drum shape.

[0381] The water storage tank 250 is located below the tray 241 and may include an open upper end through which at least a portion of the tray 241 passes. During the process of supplying water to the water storage tank 250, the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241 can come into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 250 through the open upper end of the water storage tank 250.

[0382] The ice-making part 200 includes a first opening 224b through which cold air flows in, and a cold air duct 400 may be connected to the first opening 224b. A cold air flow path is defined from the first opening 224b toward the circumferential surfaces 242a, 242b of the tray 241, and the water tank 250 may be located on the opposite side of the flow path of cold air supplied to the tray 241.

[0383] The first opening 224b may be positioned on the first side with respect to the center of the tray 241, and the water storage tank 250 may be positioned on the second side with respect to the center of the tray 241. For example, the first opening 224b may be positioned above the tray 241, and the water storage tank 250 may be positioned below the tray 241. Therefore, the cold air flowing in through the cold air duct 400 can directly act on the water storage tank 250, preventing the water in the water storage tank 250 from freezing.

[0384] A first blade 280 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the tray 241. The first blade 280 may be installed on the fifth wall 225 of the first bracket 220. The fifth wall 225 may be positioned to face one side of the water storage tank 250.

[0385] The tip 225a, i.e., the upper end, of the fifth wall 225 can face the circumferential surface of the tray 241. The distance between the tip 225a and the circumferential surface of the tray 241 may be small. Of course, the tray 241 and the tip 225a can be separated by a distance that does not interfere with the rotation of the tray 241. This configuration prevents cold air flowing along the circumferential surface of the tray 241 from being supplied to the water storage tank 250.

[0386] The configurations of the water storage tank 250 and the heater 255 will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0387] Figure 17 is a left perspective view showing the configuration of a water tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a right perspective view showing the configuration of a water tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 is a lower perspective view showing the configuration of a water tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 is a left side view showing the configuration of a water tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along line 21-21 in Figure 20; and Figure 22 is a bottom view showing the configuration of a water tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0388] Referring to Figures 17 to 22, the water storage tank 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a water storage space 250a. For example, the water storage tank 250 may have the shape of a case with an open top.

[0389] The water storage tank 250 includes a number of surfaces that form the storage space 250a, and the portions where these surfaces intersect can form corners of the water storage tank 250. The surfaces of the water storage tank 250 can constitute walls that form the exterior of the water storage tank 250.

[0390] The aforementioned number of surfaces may include the first surface 251. For example, the first surface 251 may form one side wall of the water tank 250 and be positioned to face the fifth wall 225 of the first bracket 220.

[0391] The numerous faces of the water tank 250 may include a second face 252. For example, the second face 252 may be provided in multiple quantities to form the front and rear faces of the water tank 250 and extend from both sides of the first face 251. The front and rear faces of the water tank 250 can be understood as walls facing the side walls of the tray assembly 240.

[0392] One of the numerous second surfaces 252 is positioned to face the first wall 221 of the first bracket 220, and can form the front wall of the water tank 250. Another of the numerous second surfaces 252 is positioned to face the gear bracket 231 of the second bracket 230, and can form the rear wall of the water tank 250.

[0393] The numerous surfaces of the water storage tank 250 may include a third surface 253. For example, the third surface 253 may form another side wall of the water storage tank 250 and be positioned to face the fourth wall 224 of the first bracket 220.

[0394] The numerous surfaces of the water storage tank 250 may include a fourth surface 254. For example, the fourth surface 254 may form the bottom surface of the water storage tank 250 and be positioned to face the third wall 223 of the first bracket 220.

[0395] The length of the second surface 252 in one direction may be greater than the length of the first surface 251 in one direction. For example, the direction may be vertical. The lower end of the second surface 252 may be supported by the third wall 223 of the first bracket 220 and positioned lower than the first surface 251.

[0396] The lower end of the third surface 253 may be formed at the same height as the lower end of the second surface 252.

[0397] The fourth surface 254 of the water storage tank 250 can have a recessed shape to prevent interference between the circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241 and the water storage tank 250 when at least a portion of the tray 241 is located in the internal space of the water storage tank 250 during the process of the tray 241 moving.

[0398] The aforementioned recessed shape may be U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0399] The ice-making unit 200 may include a heater 255 installed adjacent to the water tank 250 that provides heat to prevent the water in the water tank 250 from freezing. For example, the heater 255 may include a cord heater that extends to a predetermined length.

[0400] The heater 255 may be installed on the surface of the water storage tank 250. For example, the heater 255 may be installed on at least one wall among the many surfaces 251 to 254 of the water storage tank 250.

[0401] The heater 255 may be installed on the outer surface of the water storage tank 250. Therefore, the heater 255 will not come into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 250.

[0402] If the heater 255 is installed on the inner surface of the water storage tank 250, that is, on the inner surface of the water storage tank 250 where the water storage space 250a is formed, the water temperature may rise rapidly and the ice-making performance may deteriorate. Therefore, the heater 255 can be installed on the outer surface of the water storage tank 250 to provide heat.

[0403] The heater 255 may include a number of parts (hereinafter referred to as heater parts) that are distinguished according to their installation location. For example, the number of heater parts may be connected to each other to form a single unit, and terminals may be provided at both ends of the number of heater parts to receive an electric supply.

[0404] As another example, the numerous heater parts may be composed of separate heaters, with electrical terminals connected to both ends of each heater. The output of each heater may be controlled independently, and the output of each heater may be the same or different.

[0405] The heater 255 may include a portion positioned in the space between the surface of the water storage tank 250 and the surrounding components, with respect to the water storage tank 250, to prevent ice formation on the surrounding components.

[0406] The numerous heater parts mentioned above will now be described.

[0407] The heater 255 may include a first part 256a positioned between the side wall of the tray assembly 240 and one of a number of second surfaces 252 of the water tank 250. The one of the second surfaces 252 may be positioned to face the side wall of the tray assembly 240, and the first part 256a may be positioned outside the one of the second surfaces 252.

[0408] If ice forms in the space between the side wall of the tray assembly 240 and the surface of the water tank 250, a restraining force may be generated on the tray assembly 240, potentially limiting its rotation. Therefore, the heat supplied from the first part 256a can prevent the formation of ice.

[0409] The heater 255 may include a second part 256b positioned between one of the many second surfaces 252 of the water tank 250 and the second bracket 230. The other second surface 252 may be positioned to face the second bracket 230, and the second part 256b may be positioned outside the other second surface 252.

[0410] The first part 256a and the second part 256b of the heater 255 provide a predetermined amount of heat to a number of second surfaces 252 of the water tank 250, i.e., the front and rear surfaces, and the provided heat prevents ice from forming on the side walls of the tray assembly 240.

[0411] In particular, the side walls of the tray assembly 240 form a low temperature, which can facilitate the cooling of the second surface 252 of the water storage tank 250. Furthermore, a cold air passage is formed between the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 and the second surface 252 of the water storage tank 250, increasing the surface area of ​​the second surface 252 exposed to cold air. Therefore, the second surface 252 is likely to form a low temperature.

[0412] Therefore, the heater 255 may include at least the first and second parts 256a and 256b installed on the numerous second surfaces 252, and the output of the first and second parts 256a and 256b may form the largest output among the numerous heater parts.

[0413] The heater 255 may include a third part 257 that provides heat to the fourth surface 254 of the water tank 250. The third part 257 may include portions that are bent or rounded to correspond to the recessed shape of the fourth surface 254.

[0414] The third part 257 provides a predetermined amount of heat to the bottom surface of the water storage tank 250, and due to the property that hot heat rises, it becomes easy to maintain the temperature of the water stored in the storage space 250a above 0 degrees Celsius. In particular, it is possible to maintain the temperature of the water above 0 degrees Celsius even in the temperature environment of the ice-making part 200 which is below 0 degrees Celsius.

[0415] The surface of the water storage tank 250 may include a groove 252a through which the heater 255 passes. The groove 252a is formed between the second surface 252 and the third surface 253, and a portion of the heater 255 may extend from the outer surface of the second surface 252 to the bottom surface of the fourth surface 254 via the groove 252a. The groove 252a may be formed on both sides of the water storage tank 250.

[0416] As an example, the portion of the heater 255 to which the first part 256a and the third part 257 are connected can pass through any one of the numerous grooves 252a.

[0417] The portion of the heater 255 to which the second part 256b and the third part 257 are connected can pass through one of the other grooves 252a.

[0418] The first part 256a, the second part 256b, and the third part 257 of the heater 255 may be formed as a single unit. With respect to the extension path of the heater 255, the third part 257 can be located between the first and second parts 256a and 256b. That is, both ends of the third part 257 may be connected to the first and second parts 256a and 256b, respectively.

[0419] The heater 255 includes both ends 255a and 255b, which can be extended outside the ice-making part 200 and connected to an electrical device. For example, the first end 255a of the two ends 255a and 255b can form the end of the first part 256a, and the second end 255b can form the end of the second part 256b.

[0420] The ice-making unit 200 may include a temperature sensor 260 that can sense the temperature of the water stored in the water tank 250.

[0421] The temperature sensor 260 may be installed on the surface of the water storage tank 250. For example, the temperature sensor 260 may be installed on the fourth surface 254 of the water storage tank 250. The temperature sensor 260 can indirectly sense the water temperature through the temperature of the surface of the water storage tank 250.

[0422] The temperature sensor 260 may be installed on the outside of the surface of the water storage tank 250. For example, the temperature sensor 260 may be placed on the outside of the fourth surface 254 of the water storage tank 250, that is, on the bottom surface of the fourth surface 254.

[0423] The temperature sensor 260 may be positioned between the second surfaces 252 on both sides of the water storage tank 250. Since the second surfaces 252 are supported by the third wall 223 of the first bracket 220, the cold air around the tray 241 is blocked by the second surfaces 252 and its flow to the temperature sensor 260 is restricted. Therefore, it is prevented that cold air will flow to the temperature sensor 260 and cause false readings.

[0424] The temperature sensor 260 may be positioned eccentrically in one direction with respect to the center of the water storage tank 250. The direction in which the temperature sensor 260 is eccentric may be a direction that is closer to the first opening 224b. That is, by installing the temperature sensor 260 in an area where there is a high risk of the water storage tank 250 being excessively cooled by the cold air flowing in through the first opening 224b and sensing the water temperature, it is possible to determine whether or not the temperature of the water storage tank 250 is maintained at 0 degrees or higher.

[0425] As an example, the temperature sensor 260 may be installed in a position closer to the first opening 224b than to the first blade 280, which are located opposite each other with respect to the center of the tray 241.

[0426] The refrigerator may include a controller that adjusts the output of the heater 255 based on a value sensed by the temperature sensor 260. The controller can increase the output of the heater 255 to prevent the water in the water tank 250 from freezing when the value sensed by the temperature sensor 260 is below a set value.

[0427] On the other hand, if the value detected by the temperature sensor 260 is below a set value, the system recognizes that there is insufficient water in the water storage tank 250 and controls the water supply device to supply water to the water storage tank 250 via the water supply pipe 120. This is because when there is insufficient water, the heat capacity of the water storage tank 250 is likely to decrease, causing the temperature to drop.

[0428] Figure 23 is a front view showing the configuration of a water storage tank and heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 24 is a front view showing the water storage tank and heater installed on the bracket of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0429] First, referring to Figure 23, the heater 255 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include heater lines arranged in multiple stages on the surface of the water tank 250. For example, at least one of the first part 256a and the second part 256b of the heater 255 may include heater lines arranged in multiple stages.

[0430] The water storage tank 250 is positioned below the tray 241 such that the lower part of the tray 241 is in contact with the water in the water storage tank 250, and the direction in which the heaters 255 are arranged in multiple stages may be the direction in which the tray and water storage tank are arranged, for example, in the vertical direction.

[0431] The heater 255 may include a number of heater lines, including a first line 2561 positioned adjacent to the open upper end of the water tank 250, and a second line 2562 that moves away from the first line 2561 in the direction toward the fourth surface 254 forming the bottom surface.

[0432] The height H1 from the lower end of the water storage tank 250 to the bottom surface of the water storage tank 240, i.e., the fourth surface 254, is defined as the first height. The lower end of the water storage tank 250 can be understood as the lower end of the second surface 252 or the lower end of the third surface 253, and is shown in Figure 23 by the extension line It will be displayed as JPEG2026169207000002.jpg7169.

[0433] The height H2 of the heater 255 up to the second line 2562, relative to the lower end of the water storage tank 250, can be defined as the second height, and the height H3 of the heater 255 up to the first line 2561 can be defined as the third height. Of course, the third height may be greater than the second height.

[0434] Thus, the heater 255, by including a number of heater lines 2561, 2562 arranged in multiple stages, can uniformly transfer heat across the surface of the water tank 250.

[0435] The fourth surface 254 may have a recessed shape so as not to interfere with the water tank 250 when at least a portion of the tray 241 moves into the water tank 250.

[0436] The fourth surface 254 may include a first inner surface portion 254a that extends downward from the first surface 251. The first inner surface portion 254a may extend downward from the lower end of the first surface 251 at a first angle and have a first length.

[0437] The fourth surface 254 may include a second inner surface 254b that extends in the direction from the first inner surface 254a toward the third surface 253. For example, the second inner surface 254b may extend horizontally without inclination. The second inner surface 254b may form the deepest bottom portion of the water tank 250.

[0438] The fourth surface 254 may include a third inner surface 254c that extends to incline upward from the second inner surface 254b toward the third surface 253. The third inner surface 254c may extend to incline upward at a second angle from the end of the second inner surface 254b and have a second length.

[0439] The first angle may be greater than the second angle, and the first length may be shorter than the second length.

[0440] The tray 241 can move into the internal space of the water tank 250 via the first surface 251 side of the water tank 250 during the rotation process. At this time, the tray 241 can rotate while remaining adjacent to the water tank 250 to the extent that it does not interfere with the upper edge of the first surface 251. This is because if the rotation path of the tray 241 is excessively far from the upper edge of the water tank 250, cold air will flow into the water tank 250 through the separated space, which may cause the water tank 250 to freeze.

[0441] To prevent interference with the bottom surface of the water tank when the tray 241 moves into the water tank 250 via the first surface 251, the downward inclination angle (first angle) of the first inner surface 254a can be made relatively larger, and its length (first length) can be made shorter.

[0442] On the other hand, after the tray 241 has passed the second inner surface portion 254b, which is the lowest bottom surface, the length (second length) of the third inner surface portion 254c can be made longer so as not to interfere with the third inner surface portion 254c, and the angle of upward inclination (second angle) can be made relatively smaller.

[0443] Because the inclined shape of the fourth surface 254 causes the bottom of the water storage tank 250 to sink downwards, water collects at the lowest sinking end of the water storage tank 250, facilitating the supply of water to the tray 241 and minimizing residual water.

[0444] Next, referring to Figure 24, the heater 255 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be arranged along the perimeter of the water storage tank 250.

[0445] The installation area of ​​the heater 255 may be formed to differ depending on the region of the water storage tank 250. That is, the volume (amount) in which the heater 255 is installed may be formed to differ from one another based on a number of regions of the water storage tank 250.

[0446] Based on the installation area (or volume) of the heater 255, the installation area of ​​the heater 255 located closer to the first opening 224b of the first bracket 220 may be larger than the installation area of ​​the heater 255 located further away from the first opening 224b.

[0447] The center of the tray 241 and the center of the water tank 250 may be eccentric relative to each other. The direction of eccentricity may be the direction in which air flows in through the first opening 224b and is discharged through the second opening 227, i.e., the left-right direction.

[0448] As an example, an extension line passing through the center of the tray 241 JPEG2026169207000003.jpg7169 can pass through a point on the water tank 250 that is closer to the first surface 251 than to the third surface 253.

[0449] Extension line passing through the center of tray 241 Using JPEG2026169207000004.jpg7169 as a reference, the first part A of the water storage tank 250 located closer to the first opening 224b forms a lower temperature than the second part B of the water storage tank 250 located further from the first opening 224b. Therefore, the installation area of ​​the heater 255 installed in the first part A can be made larger than the installation area of ​​the heater 255 installed in the second part B.

[0450] Therefore, the heater 255 can provide more heat to the first part A of the water storage tank 250 than to the second part B. Thus, it becomes easier to maintain the overall temperature of the water storage tank 250 above 0 degrees.

[0451] The first blade 280 for releasing ice formed on the circumferential surface of the tray 241 is an extension line passing through the center of the tray 241. It may be positioned opposite the first aperture 224b with reference to JPEG2026169207000005.jpg7169.

[0452] Based on the installation area of ​​the heater 255, the installation area of ​​the heater 255 installed in the second part B of the water tank 250, which is located closer to the first blade 280, may be smaller than the installation area of ​​the heater 255 installed in the first part A of the water tank 250, which is located further away from the first blade 280.

[0453] Since the first blade 280 releases the ice after ice making is complete, if too much heat is supplied to the first blade 280, the ice that has been made may melt. Therefore, in order to avoid supplying too much heat to the first blade 280, the installation area of ​​the heater 260 can be made smaller in the area close to the first blade 280 (area A).

[0454] With respect to point 242a1 where the first circumferential surface 242a and the second circumferential surface 242b of the tray 241 intersect, the angle between the tangent to the first circumferential surface 242a and the tangent to the second circumferential surface 242b can form an acute angle. If the angle forms an obtuse angle, water droplets may condense at point 242a1, potentially causing unintended freezing.

[0455] To solve these problems, in this embodiment, the angle is made acute to prevent the aggregation of water droplets at point 242a1.

[0456] Figure 25 is a left side view showing the configuration of the ice-making part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along line 26-26 in Figure 25.

[0457] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, both ends of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 according to the embodiment of the present invention can form openings through which cold air passes. A first opening 224b connected to the discharge section 430 of the cold air duct 400 may be formed at one end of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230. A second opening 227 may be formed at the other end of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

[0458] The first opening 224b can be understood as an opening for cold air inflow, and the second opening 227 as an opening for cold air discharge. The second opening 227 can function as an opening through which condensed ice released from the tray 241 is discharged.

[0459] The first opening 224b is formed on one side of the first bracket 220, and the circumferential surfaces 242a, 242b of the tray 241, in particular at least a portion of the first circumferential surface 242a, may be positioned to face the first opening 224b.

[0460] The second opening 227 may be formed on the other side of the second bracket 220. The other side of the second bracket 220 may be the opposite side from the side on which the first opening 224b is formed. That is, one side and the other side of the second bracket 220 may be arranged to face each other. The cold air flowing in through the first opening 224b cools the tray 241 as it passes over the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241 and is discharged through the second opening 227.

[0461] The second opening 227 can be defined as the space between the guide wall 226 provided on one side of the first bracket 220 and the first blade 280. The guide wall 226 is formed in a rounded shape corresponding to the curvature of the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241, and can guide the cold air flowing along the second wall 222 of the first bracket 220 toward the first circumferential surface 242a.

[0462] In other words, the second opening 227 can be understood as the space between the guide wall 226 and the fifth wall 225 to which the first blade 280 is mounted.

[0463] The first blade 280 may include a blade body 281 mounted on the fifth wall 225 and a tip 283 provided at the end of the blade body 281. The tip 283 may have a shape that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​its tip portion so that it can scrape off ice formed on the first circumferential surface 242a.

[0464] As an example, the first circumferential surface 242a may have a number of valleys 241a and a number of peaks 241b arranged alternately in the axial direction. The chips 283 may be provided in a number of units spaced apart in the axial direction such that at least a portion of each chip 283 is inserted into the number of valleys 241a.

[0465] The end of the blade body 281 may include a flat surface to scrape off the ice that forms on the ridge portion 241b.

[0466] The ice formed on the first circumferential surface 242a is detached by the first blade 280, and the detached ice powder is discharged through the second opening 227, allowing the discharged ice powder to flow into the compression part 300.

[0467] The first bracket 220 may include a first accommodation space 220a in which the tray assembly 240 is housed. The axial width of the first accommodation space 220a may be larger than the axial width of the tray assembly 240.

[0468] A cold air channel may be formed between the outer wall of the tray assembly 240 and the walls of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230, through which cold air flows.

[0469] As an example, the first tray cover 246 and the gear bracket 231 of the tray assembly 240 may be separated by a first distance S1, and a first side channel may be formed in the space separated by the first distance.

[0470] The second tray cover 247 of the tray assembly 240 and the first wall 221 of the first bracket 220 are separated by a second distance S2, and a second side channel may be formed in the space separated by the second distance. In this way, the cold air supplied through the first and second side channels can cool the side walls of the tray assembly 240, so that the tray 241 is cooled quickly and the ice-making performance is improved.

[0471] The tray 241 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity to facilitate cooling. For example, the tray 241 may be made of a metal material. Examples of such metal materials include steel or aluminum.

[0472] The ice-making part 200 may include a second blade 285 for separating ice that has formed on the side walls of the tray assembly 240. Multiple second blades 285 may be provided to scrape off the ice generated on both side walls of the tray assembly 240.

[0473] One of the aforementioned number of second blades 285 may be mounted on the first wall 221 of the first bracket 220, and another may be mounted on the wall of the gear bracket 231.

[0474] The side walls of the tray assembly 240 can overlap with the internal space of the water storage tank 250 so that when the tray assembly 240 rotates, ice separated from the side walls of the tray assembly 240 by the second blade 285 can flow into the water storage tank 250.

[0475] Let me suggest another example. The first and second tray covers 246 and 247 may be removed, in which case the sidewalls of the tray assembly 240 may mean the sidewalls of tray 241.

[0476] Figure 27 is a front view showing the configuration of the tray, water tank, and heater when the tray according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the first position; Figure 28 is a front view showing the configuration of the tray, water tank, and heater when the tray according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the second position; and Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the ice-making part when the tray according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the second position.

[0477] Referring to Figure 27, when the tray 241 according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the first position (ice-making position), the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241 faces sideways, and the second circumferential surface 242b can face upward and downward. At this time, the first circumferential surface 242a is exposed to the cold air passage inside the ice-making brackets 220 and 230, so that the water supplied to the first circumferential surface 242a is ice-made.

[0478] The lower end of the second circumferential surface 242b can face the water storage tank 250. Since the distance from the center of the second circumferential surface 242b to the center of the tray 241 is small, the second circumferential surface 242b will not come into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 250.

[0479] As an example, an extension line passing through the maximum water level of the water storage tank 250 JPEG2026169207000006.jpg7169 is referred to as the "first extension line," and is an extension line that passes through the lowest end 240a of the tray assembly 240 at the first position of the tray 241. When JPEG2026169207000007.jpg7169 is referred to as the "second extension," the said second extension JPEG2026169207000008.jpg7169 is the first extension line It may be formed at a higher position than JPEG2026169207000009.jpg7169. Therefore, the water can pass through the water storage tank 250 without water being supplied to the second circumferential surface 242b.

[0480] The first and second tray covers 246 and 247 described above may be provided selectively. If the first and second tray covers 246 and 247 are provided, the lowest ends of the first and second tray covers 246 and 247 covering the second circumferential surface 242b form the lowest end of the tray assembly 240 and will not come into contact with the water stored in the water tank 250.

[0481] If the first and second tray covers 246 and 247 are not provided, the lowest end of the second circumferential surface 242b of the tray 241 will form the lowest end of the tray assembly 240 and will not come into contact with the water stored in the water tank 250.

[0482] As the tray 241 is further rotated counterclockwise from its first position, the ice formed on the first circumferential surface 242a is detached by the first blade 280, and the first circumferential surface 242a and the second circumferential surface 242b are transformed into the second position shown in Figure 28.

[0483] Referring to Figures 28 and 29, when the tray 241 according to an embodiment of the present invention is in the second position (water supply position), the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241 can face upward and downward, and the second circumferential surface 242b can face sideways.

[0484] Of the two first circumferential surfaces 242a, the lower first circumferential surface 242a can face the water storage tank 250. The distance from the center of the first circumferential surface 242a to the center of the tray 241 may be such that the first circumferential surface 242a can come into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 250.

[0485] The extension line passing through the lowest end of the first circumferential surface 242a at the second position of the tray 241 When JPEG2026169207000010.jpg7169 is referred to as the "third extension," the said third extension JPEG2026169207000011.jpg7169 shows the first extension line passing through the maximum water level of the water storage tank 250. It may be formed at a lower position than JPEG2026169207000012.jpg7169. Therefore, water from the water storage tank 250 will be supplied to the first circumferential surface 242a. As an example, the first circumferential surface 242a may be wetted and a water film may be formed.

[0486] As the tray 241 rotates, the first and second positions of the tray 241 may appear repeatedly. Therefore, the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241 is supplied with water to form a space or surface for ice making, while the second circumferential surface 242b is not supplied with water and ceases to form a space or surface for ice making.

[0487] Figure 30 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water storage tank according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0488] Referring to Figure 30, a water storage tank 250 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a temperature sensor 260a installed on the inner surface of the water storage tank. For example, as shown in Figure 30, the temperature sensor 260a may be installed on the inner surface of the second surface 252.

[0489] Let me suggest another example. The temperature sensor 260a may be installed on the first surface 251 or the third surface 253.

[0490] The height at which the temperature sensor 260a is installed in the water storage tank 250 is the maximum water level of the water storage tank 250. It may be formed at a lower position than JPEG2026169207000013.jpg7169. In this case, the temperature sensor 260a can come into contact with the water stored in the water tank 250 and directly sense the water temperature.

[0491] Let me propose another example. The height at which the temperature sensor 260a is installed in the water storage tank 250 is the maximum water level of the water storage tank 250. It may be formed at a higher position than JPEG2026169207000014.jpg7169. In this case, the temperature sensor 260a can indirectly sense the water temperature through the surface of the water storage tank 250 without coming into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 250.

[0492] The density of the heater 255 per unit area in the area where the temperature sensor 260a is located in the water storage tank 250 may be less than the density in the area where the temperature sensor 260a is not located. Therefore, it is possible to prevent false detections from occurring in the temperature sensor 260a due to the heat generated by the heater 255.

[0493] Figure 30 shows how the temperature sensor 260a is positioned adjacent to the first surface 251. The installation area (or volume) of the heater 255 in the region adjacent to the first surface 251 may be smaller than the installation area (or volume) of the heater 255 in the region adjacent to the third surface 253.

[0494] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an ice-making part according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0495] Referring to Figure 31, an ice-making part 200a according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may include a first wall 1221 supporting a tray assembly 240. The first wall 1221 can be understood as a configuration corresponding to the first wall 221 of the first bracket 220 described in a previous embodiment.

[0496] The first wall 1221 may include a first part 1223 that forms the upper part of the first wall 1221. The first part 1223 may include a projection 1221a1 that forms the insertion hole 1221a.

[0497] The first wall 1221 may include a second part 1224 that extends axially from the first part 1223 with a step.

[0498] The first wall 1221 may include a third part 1225 that extends from the second part 1224 to cover the outer area of ​​the heater 1255. The lower end of the third part 1225 may form the lower end of the first wall 1221.

[0499] With the configuration of the second part 1224 and the third part 1225, the first wall 1221 may be bent and extended outward from the water tank 250 by the size of the heater 255.

[0500] The first part 1223 of the first wall 1221 may include a portion that forms a coplanar plane with the surface of the water tank 250, for example, the second surface 252. For example, an extension line extending the inner surface of the first part 1223. JPEG2026169207000015.jpg7169 can pass through the inner surface of the second surface 252 of the water storage tank 250. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent ice separated from the first wall 1221 or the side wall of the tray assembly 240 from being introduced into the water storage tank 250 and freezing near the surface of the water storage tank 250.

[0501] The ice-making part 200a may include a gear bracket 1231 that supports the tray assembly 240. The gear bracket 1231 can be understood as a configuration corresponding to the gear bracket 231 described in a previous embodiment.

[0502] The gear bracket 1231 may include a first part 1233 that forms the upper part of the gear bracket 1231. The first part 1233 may include a projection 1231a1 that forms the insertion hole 1231a.

[0503] The gear bracket 1231 may include a second part 1234 that extends axially from the first part 1233 with a step.

[0504] The gear bracket 1231 may include a third part 1235 that extends from the second part 1234 to cover the outer area of ​​the heater 1255. The lower end of the third part 1235 may form the lower end of the gear bracket 1231.

[0505] With the configuration of the second part 1234 and the third part 1235, the gear bracket 1231 may be bent and extended outward from the water tank 250 by the size of the heater 255.

[0506] The first part 1233 of the gear bracket 1231 may include a portion that forms a coplanar plane with the surface of the water tank 250, for example, the second surface 252. For example, an extension line extending the inner surface of the first part 1233. JPEG2026169207000016.jpg7169 can pass through the inner surface of the second surface 252. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent ice separated from the side wall of the gear bracket 1231 or tray assembly 240 from being deposited into the water tank 250 and freezing near the surface of the water tank 250.

[0507] Figure 32 is a control flowchart illustrating a control method for a water tank heater according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 33 is a control flowchart illustrating a control method for a water tank heater according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 34 is a control flowchart illustrating a control method for a water tank heater according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0508] Referring to Figures 32 to 34, in the present invention, a water reservoir 250 is formed at the lower end of the drum-shaped tray 241 in order to apply water to the surface of the tray 241. A certain amount of water is supplied, and as the tray 241 rotates, the lower end of the tray 241 comes into contact with the water in the water reservoir 250.

[0509] In this case, the water storage tank 250 is located in a storage room below 0 degrees Celsius, and the water in the water storage tank 250 may freeze. To prevent this, a heater 255 can be placed at the bottom or side of the water storage tank 250 to prevent freezing, and the heater 255 can be controlled using a temperature sensor 260.

[0510] In other words, the present invention relates to a refrigerator control method, which is a method for controlling a heater 255 installed in a water storage tank 250 provided for supplying water to tray 241, to prevent water from freezing.

[0511] To achieve this, a temperature sensor 260 can be attached to the water storage tank 250 to control the heater 255 so that the water temperature in the water storage tank 250 remains above 0 degrees Celsius.

[0512] Furthermore, a separate temperature sensor can be used to determine whether or not there is water in the water tank and control whether or not to supply water.

[0513] For example, if there is no water in the water tank 250, or if the water level in the water tank 250 falls below a preset minimum level, the temperature sensor 260 will not come into contact with water and will be exposed to air, causing the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 260 to drop rapidly. The control unit, which is connected to the temperature sensor 260 and the heater 255, will then be able to determine whether there is no water in the water tank 250 or if the water level in the water tank 250 is below a preset minimum level and take appropriate action.

[0514] On the other hand, if the temperature sensor 260 is installed at the bottom of the water storage tank 250 and adjacent to the heater 255, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 260 will increase rapidly if there is no water, and the control unit can determine that there is no water in the water storage tank 250 or that the water level in the water storage tank 250 is lower than a preset minimum water level and take appropriate action.

[0515] On the other hand, if the water storage tank 250 is not equipped with a temperature sensor, the heater output or heat output can be varied according to the environment of the refrigerator.

[0516] For example, the heater 255 can be controlled by selecting its output or heat output according to the temperature of the ice-making compartment. In defrost mode, the ice-making operation can be stopped, and the output or heat output of the heater 255 can be reduced.

[0517] Furthermore, if the system detects that the ice tank is full, ice making is unnecessary. Therefore, after using up all the water in the storage tank, the heater 255 can be turned off to minimize power consumption.

[0518] Referring to Figure 32, the initial control of the heater 255 is initiated (S101).

[0519] Then, water from the water storage tank 250 adheres to tray 241, and ice is made on tray 241 (S102).

[0520] The ice formed on the periphery of tray 241 is separated from tray 241 and then compressed in compression part 300 (S103).

[0521] In this process, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 260 is compared with a preset reference temperature to determine whether there is no water in the water storage tank 250 or whether the water level in the water storage tank 250 is lower than a preset minimum water level (S105).

[0522] For example, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 260 is lower than a preset reference temperature, it can be determined that there is no water in the water storage tank 250 or that the water level in the water storage tank 250 is lower than a preset minimum water level.

[0523] As another example, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 260 is higher than a preset reference temperature, it can be determined that there is no water in the water storage tank 250 or that the water level in the water storage tank 250 is lower than a preset minimum water level.

[0524] If, at the S105 stage, it is determined that there is no water in the water storage tank 250 or that the water level in the water storage tank 250 is lower than a preset minimum water level, water is supplied to the water storage tank 250 (S106).

[0525] In this case, water may be supplied only up to the set capacity.

[0526] Then, once water is supplied, step S102 may be carried out again.

[0527] On the other hand, if, in step S105, it is determined that there is water in the water storage tank 250 or that the water level in the water storage tank 250 is higher than a preset minimum water level, the output or heat quantity of the heater 255 may be controlled without supplying water to the water storage tank 250 (S104).

[0528] In this case, the output or heat output of the heater 255 may be controlled so that the water in the water storage tank 250 can be maintained at 0 degrees Celsius or higher.

[0529] The heater 255 is controlled by feedback control based on the temperature information of the water tank sensed by the temperature sensor 260.

[0530] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than a preset first reference temperature, the output of the heater can be controlled to increase.

[0531] Furthermore, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a preset first reference temperature, the system can be controlled to supply water to the water storage tank.

[0532] Furthermore, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a preset second reference temperature, the output of the heater can be controlled to decrease.

[0533] Furthermore, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a preset second reference temperature, the system can be controlled to supply water to the water storage tank.

[0534] Here, the second reference temperature may be greater than or equal to the first reference temperature.

[0535] Here, the first reference temperature may be greater than or equal to the second reference temperature.

[0536] Referring to Figure 33, first the temperature of the water tank is measured by the temperature sensor 260 (S201).

[0537] Then, it is determined whether the temperature of the water tank is lower than a predetermined reference temperature (T target) (S202).

[0538] If, in step S302, the temperature of the water tank is lower than a preset reference temperature (T target), the output or heat quantity of the heater 255 is controlled to increase (S203).

[0539] On the other hand, in step S302, if the temperature of the water tank is higher than a preset reference temperature (T target), the output or heat quantity of the heater 255 is controlled to decrease (S204).

[0540] Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to determine whether or not water needs to be supplied to the water tank based on the temperature change of the water tank measured by the temperature sensor.

[0541] First, ice is made in the aforementioned tray.

[0542] Then, the temperature sensor detects the temperature in units of time.

[0543] Furthermore, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at each stage, and the meaning of "unit time" can refer to the time interval between at least one stage in which molded ice is generated and any one other stage that follows.

[0544] For example, it is possible to sense the temperature of the ice maker tray before ice making begins and the temperature after ice making is completed.

[0545] As another example, it is possible to sense the temperature before ice making takes place in the ice-making tray, and the temperature after ice making is complete in the ice-making tray, after the ice has been released, and after compression is complete in the compression part.

[0546] When the temperature is detected by the aforementioned temperature sensor, the temperature change per unit time is calculated.

[0547] Then, it is possible to determine whether or not water supply is necessary based on the temperature change value per unit time.

[0548] If, during the aforementioned determination stage, the temperature change value per unit time is lower than a preset first reference value (for example, -2°C), water can be supplied to the water storage tank.

[0549] On the other hand, if, at the judgment stage, the temperature change value per unit time is higher than a preset first reference value (for example, -2°C), ice making can be continued without supplying water to the water tank.

[0550] Furthermore, if, at the aforementioned determination stage, the temperature change value per unit time is higher than a preset second reference value (for example, +2°C), water can be supplied to the water storage tank.

[0551] On the other hand, if, at the aforementioned determination stage, the temperature change value per unit time is lower than a preset second reference value (for example, +2°C), ice making can be continued without supplying water to the water tank.

[0552] Referring to Figure 34, first the temperature of the water tank is measured by the temperature sensor 260 (S301).

[0553] As an example, the temperature of the water tank is measured before the ice-making and compression operations are performed, and then the temperature of the water tank is measured after the ice-making and compression operations are performed.

[0554] Then, it is determined whether the temperature of the water tank has risen or fallen by a certain amount (for example, ±2°C) after the ice-making and compression operation (S302).

[0555] Specifically, the temperature change of the water tank is measured before and after the ice-making and compression operations.

[0556] If, in step S302, the temperature of the water storage tank becomes higher or lower than a certain temperature (for example, ±2°C) after the ice-making and compression operation, it is determined that there is no water in the water storage tank 250 or that the water level in the water storage tank 250 is lower than a preset minimum water level, and water is supplied to the water storage tank 250 (S303).

[0557] On the other hand, if the temperature of the water tank in step S102 is not higher or lower than a certain temperature (for example, ±2°C) after the ice-making and compression operation, it is determined that there is water in the water tank 250 or that the water level in the water tank 250 is higher than a preset minimum water level, and ice making is performed without supplying water to the water tank 250 (S304).

[0558] Furthermore, the output or heat output of the heater 255 may be controlled while ice making is taking place.

[0559] In this system, to prevent the water tank from freezing, the heater can be controlled to increase the heater output when the water tank temperature is below a set value, and to decrease the heater output when the temperature is above the set value, thereby maintaining a constant temperature.

[0560] If the water tank's temperature sensor is exposed to air, a rapid drop in temperature can trigger a determination that there is no water, allowing for water supply to be initiated.

[0561] Furthermore, if the water tank temperature sensor is installed adjacent to the heater, it can detect a rapid rise in temperature and determine that there is no water, allowing for water supply.

[0562] Furthermore, apart from temperature factors detected by the temperature sensor, the heater 255 may be controlled so that its output varies according to a variety of factors.

[0563] Here, the meaning of variable heater output includes the ability to switch the heater from the ON state to the OFF state or from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0564] The heater 255 may be controlled so that its output is variable in response to changes in the cooling force.

[0565] The cooling force can refer to the output of the compressor, the opening degree of the damper that controls the flow of cold air, the opening degree of the refrigerant valve, the output of the fan, etc. When the cooling force increases, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to increase, and when the cooling force decreases, the output of the heater 255 may also be controlled to decrease.

[0566] Furthermore, the heater 255 may be controlled so that its output is variable when the target temperature of the freezer compartment 19 changes due to a change in the notch of the freezer compartment 19.

[0567] In other words, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to increase when the target temperature of the freezer chamber 19 decreases, and the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to decrease when the target temperature of the freezer chamber 19 increases.

[0568] Furthermore, in the case of a refrigerator that uses one compressor and two evaporators to lower the temperature of the freezer compartment 19 and the refrigerator compartment 18, the heater 255 may be controlled so that its output is variable when the target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 18 changes due to a change in the notch of the refrigerator compartment 18.

[0569] In other words, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to increase when the target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 18 decreases, and the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to decrease when the target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 18 increases.

[0570] Furthermore, the heater 255 may be controlled so that its output is variable when the temperature RT of the space in which the refrigerator is installed changes.

[0571] In other words, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to decrease when the temperature RT of the space in which the refrigerator is installed decreases, and the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to increase when the temperature RT of the space in which the refrigerator is installed increases.

[0572] Furthermore, the heater 255 may be controlled to vary its output depending on whether the refrigerator door is open or not.

[0573] The term "refrigerator door" can refer to both the freezer door and the refrigerator door.

[0574] Generally, when a refrigerator door is opened, the temperature inside the refrigerator rises.

[0575] Therefore, when the opening of the refrigerator door is detected, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to be reduced.

[0576] Conversely, if the temperature RT of the space in which the refrigerator is installed is lower than the internal temperature, opening the refrigerator door may actually lower the internal temperature.

[0577] In this case, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to increase when the opening of the refrigerator door is detected.

[0578] Furthermore, after the refrigerator door is opened, if door load response operation is performed and the cooling power increases, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to increase, and if the door load response operation ends and the cooling power decreases, the output of the heater 255 may also be controlled to decrease.

[0579] Furthermore, before the defrosting operation begins, the internal temperature may be lowered in advance to prevent it from rising during the defrosting operation, and the output of the heater 255 may be increased when the cooling power increases.

[0580] Furthermore, when the cooling power decreases due to deep cooling, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to decrease, and when the cooling power increases due to the end of deep cooling, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to increase.

[0581] Furthermore, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to increase when the refrigerator power is initially turned on.

[0582] Alternatively, the output of the heater 255 may be controlled to decrease when full ice is detected, and to increase when full ice detection is released.

[0583] In situations where ice is not being produced for reasons other than full ice, the output of heater 255 may be controlled to decrease, and when ice production resumes, the output of heater 255 may be controlled to increase.

[0584] If the water tank heater is turned on at excessive power, the water temperature inside the tank will rise, reducing the amount of ice produced and thus lowering ice-making performance.

[0585] On the other hand, if the output of the water tank heater is insufficient, the water temperature inside the tank may drop, causing ice to form and potentially stopping ice production.

[0586] In the present invention, the optimal amount of heater can be supplied to the water tank by feedback control of the output of the water tank heater according to the conditions.

[0587] Furthermore, the temperature of the water tank can be used to determine whether or not water needs to be supplied to the tank, allowing for immediate action to be taken.

[0588] Furthermore, even without a temperature sensor, the optimal amount of heater can be supplied to the water tank by using feedback control based on the refrigerator's operating status.

[0589] Figure 35 is a simplified perspective view showing the structure of an ice-making part according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 36 is a simplified front view showing the structure of an ice-making part according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 37 is a simplified front view showing the structure of an ice-making part according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0590] In the following description, the refrigerator of the present invention can be implemented such that all components except the spray unit 260 are identical or similar to those shown in Figures 1 to 15d.

[0591] Furthermore, various combinations are possible depending on the shape of the tray, the presence or absence of a water tank, and the presence or absence of an injection unit, thereby enabling a variety of embodiments.

[0592] In other words, the water tank is provided, and the injection unit 260 is provided separately, and the water supply from the water tank and the water supply from the injection unit 260 may be performed simultaneously or selectively.

[0593] Furthermore, while the following description will explain an embodiment in which water is sprayed from the spray unit 260 onto the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition to this, various other water supply embodiments besides the spraying method can be considered within the scope in which water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0594] Referring to Figures 35 to 37, in the embodiment of the present invention, ice can be made without a water storage tank.

[0595] Alternatively, instead of a water storage tank, an injection unit 260 that sprays fluid (water) towards the tray 241 may be installed on one side of the tray 241.

[0596] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, an embodiment is also possible in which the injection unit 260 is provided in addition to the water storage tank.

[0597] The tray 241 may be a rotating body, while the injection unit 260 may be a stationary body.

[0598] The injection unit 260 may be equipped with an injection nozzle 261 that sprays water onto the tray 241.

[0599] The injection unit 260 may be equipped with a pump, motor, etc., so that water is ejected through the injection nozzle 261.

[0600] The injection unit 260 may be equipped with an adjustment means for adjusting the size of the water droplets ejected via the injection nozzle 261.

[0601] The injection unit 260 may be equipped with an adjustment means for adjusting the amount of water injected from the injection unit onto the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0602] The injection unit 260 is connected to a water supply tank 270 that stores the water supplied to the tray 241, and can receive water via a water supply hose 271.

[0603] The injection unit 260 is directly connected to a water source and can receive water from the water source via a water supply hose 271.

[0604] The spray unit 260 can spray water onto the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 while remaining in a fixed position.

[0605] The spray unit 260 can spray water onto the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 while moving along the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0606] The injection unit 260 may be arranged in one location.

[0607] Multiple injection units 260 may be provided.

[0608] The injection units 260 may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0609] Furthermore, the spray unit 260 is positioned adjacent to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241. If a large amount of water is sprayed at once, there is a risk that the water may not accumulate on the tray 241 but flow off and freeze onto other parts, or that all the water sprayed onto the tray 241 will not freeze and will flow off.

[0610] On the other hand, if an excessively small amount of water is sprayed onto the periphery 242 of the tray 241, a problem arises in which the amount of ice produced decreases.

[0611] Therefore, it is necessary to spray an appropriate amount of water uniformly only onto the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0612] For this purpose, the size and position of the spray nozzle 261, the size of the sprayed water droplets, the pressure at which the water is sprayed, and the amount of water sprayed can be set in various ways.

[0613] Furthermore, if the tray 241 rotates too quickly, a problem may arise where the water sprayed onto the tray 241 does not freeze completely before defrosting occurs.

[0614] On the other hand, if the rotation speed of tray 241 is too slow, problems arise where the ice-making speed and amount of ice produced decrease.

[0615] For this reason, the rotation speed of tray 241 also needs to be set appropriately.

[0616] For example, if the internal temperature is lower than the reference temperature, the drive motor can be controlled to increase the rotation speed of the tray 241, and if the internal temperature is higher than the reference temperature, the rotation speed of the tray 241 can be controlled to decrease.

[0617] Furthermore, if the internal temperature is higher than the reference temperature, it is possible to control the system so that the rotation of tray 241 is temporarily stopped.

[0618] In other words, the rotation speed of the tray 241 can be controlled so that the water sprayed from the spray unit 260 onto the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 freezes sufficiently before reaching the blade 280.

[0619] The tray 241 is connected to a drive motor and rotates during the process of water being sprayed from the spray unit 260, the sprayed water freezing, or the frozen ice being detached. The drive motor may be controlled so that the rotation speed of the tray 241 decreases or the rotation of the tray 241 stops when the water freezes.

[0620] For example, the peripheral surface 242 of the tray 241 may be formed smoothly without any irregularities.

[0621] As another example, the circumferential surface 242 can have irregularities formed in at least a portion of its surface so that the supplied water is fixed in place without flowing off.

[0622] The aforementioned irregularities may be formed in various directions and forms, such as in the circumferential direction and the axial direction.

[0623] The circumferential surface 242 may be positioned adjacent to the blade 280 such that the ice generated on the circumferential surface 242 comes into contact with the blade 280.

[0624] The ice-making part 220 may include a blade 280 that comes into contact with the frozen ice in order to separate the ice formed in the tray assembly 240. In this case, the blade 280 and the jetting part 260 can be positioned in opposite directions to each other.

[0625] For example, the blade 280 may be positioned at the lower part of one side with respect to the rotation center of the tray 241, and the spray unit 260 may be positioned at the upper part of the other side.

[0626] Using Figure 36 as a reference, when the tray 241 rotates counterclockwise, the spray unit 260 sprays water from the upper right side of the tray 241, and the blade 280 is positioned at the lower left side of the tray 241 to perform ice removal.

[0627] When the spray unit 260 sprays water from the upper right side of the tray 241, the tray 241 rotates counterclockwise. As a result, the water supplied to the tray 241 remains on the upper side of the tray 241 for the duration of its 1 / 2 turn rotation, and does not flow off the tray 241. During this time, ice can be made on the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0628] Furthermore, if the blade 280 is positioned as far away from the injection unit 260 as possible, the water supplied to the tray 241 will remain on the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 as far as possible until it is detached from the blade 280, allowing for slightly more thorough ice making before detachment occurs.

[0629] In this sense, with reference to Figure 36, when the tray 241 rotates counterclockwise, the spray unit 260 can spray water from the upper right side of the tray 241, and the blade 280 can be positioned at the lower center or lower right side of the tray 241 to remove ice.

[0630] The blade 280 can be positioned adjacent to the rotation path of the tray 241. In particular, the blade 280 can be positioned adjacent to the circumferential surface 242 when the tray 241 rotates. The circumferential surface 242 can have irregularities 241a and 241b formed in the axial direction.

[0631] Referring to Figure 35, the tray 241 can rotate based on the drive of the drive motor.

[0632] Furthermore, the injection unit 260 can inject and supply water to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 via the injection nozzle 261.

[0633] As described above, when the tray 241 rotates, even if the spray unit 260 is fixed and water is sprayed, water will be supplied to the entire circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0634] Then, the water supplied to the circumferential surface 242 is cooled by the cold air supplied through the cold air duct and can undergo a phase change to a thin ice state. The state of ice cooled on the circumferential surface 242 can be referred to as the "first state". The ice in the first state is formed at a predetermined height on the surface of the irregularities 241a and 241b provided on the circumferential surface 242.

[0635] As described above, while ice is being made from the water supplied to the circumferential surface 242, the tray 241 can either stop or rotate.

[0636] More specifically, after water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241, the drive motor may be controlled so that the tray 241 does not rotate and stops rotating while ice is being made on the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0637] Furthermore, after water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 while the tray 241 is rotating, the drive motor may be controlled to maintain the rotational motion of the tray 241 while ice making is taking place.

[0638] Furthermore, after water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 while the tray 241 is rotating at a first speed, the drive motor may be controlled so that the rotational speed of the tray 241 decreases to a second speed lower than the first speed while ice making is taking place.

[0639] Furthermore, after water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 while the tray 241 is rotating at a first speed, the drive motor may be controlled so that the rotational speed of the tray 241 increases to a third speed higher than the first speed while ice making is taking place.

[0640] Furthermore, after water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 while the tray 241 rotates in one direction, the drive motor may be controlled to maintain the rotational movement of the tray 241 in one direction while ice making is performed.

[0641] Furthermore, after water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 while the tray 241 rotates in one direction, the drive motor may be controlled to rotate the tray 241 in a direction opposite to the aforementioned one direction while ice making is taking place.

[0642] As an example, the tray 241 can be stopped while ice is being made from the water supplied to the circumferential surface 242, as described above.

[0643] In other words, after water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241, the drive motor may be controlled so that the tray 241 does not rotate and stops rotating while ice is being made on the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0644] After water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241, ice making can be completed after a set time has elapsed. Once ice making is complete on the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241, the drive motor may be controlled to rotate the tray 241 again.

[0645] When the tray 241 rotates again, the blade 280 can come into contact with the ice formed on the circumferential surface 242. During this contact process, the ice is separated from the circumferential surface 242 and released.

[0646] The detached ice can flow into the compression section 300, particularly the transfer pipe 340. The detachment process may be carried out by rotating the tray 241 one or more rotations (360-degree rotations) so that the ice formed on the circumferential surface 242 is separated by the blade 280.

[0647] Meanwhile, during this process, the circumferential surface 242 from which ice has been removed rotates further, allowing water to be sprayed again from the injection unit 260 and supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0648] The water supplied to the circumferential surface 242 will be present on the irregularities 241a and 241b due to surface tension. This water supply operation may be continued until the tray 241 rotates 360 degrees or more, and water is supplied to the entire circumferential surface 242.

[0649] When water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241, the tray 241 stops and ice making resumes. At this time, the tray rotates during the water supply phase, stops during the ice making phase, and rotates during the ice release phase.

[0650] As another example, as described above, the tray 241 can continue to rotate while ice is being made from the water supplied to the circumferential surface 242. That is, after water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 while it is rotating, the drive motor may be controlled to maintain the rotational motion of the tray 241 while ice is being made.

[0651] After water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241, ice making can be completed after a set time has elapsed.

[0652] When water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241, ice making may also be performed simultaneously on the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0653] While the tray 241 rotates once, water is sprayed from the spray unit 260, allowing water to be supplied to the tray 241 and ice to be made simultaneously, thus completing the ice-making process.

[0654] While the tray 241 rotates once, water is sprayed from the spray unit 260, and water supply and ice making are performed on the tray 241 simultaneously. After the water supply from the spray unit 260 stops, the tray 241 may rotate further to complete ice making.

[0655] The blade 280 can come into contact with the ice formed on the circumferential surface 242. During this contact process, the ice will be separated from the circumferential surface 242 and detached.

[0656] The ice removal process may be carried out by rotating the tray 241 one or more times (360-degree rotation) so that the ice generated on the circumferential surface 242 is separated by the blade 280.

[0657] The circumferential surface 242 from which ice removal has been completed can rotate further, allowing water to be sprayed again from the injection unit 260 and supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0658] The water supplied to the circumferential surface 242 will be present on the irregularities 241a and 241b due to surface tension. This water supply operation may be continued until the tray 241 rotates 360 degrees or more, and water is supplied to the entire circumferential surface 242.

[0659] Water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 while ice making is performed simultaneously.

[0660] In the above embodiment, when the tray 241 rotates once, water supply, ice making, and ice release may occur simultaneously. Therefore, continuous ice making and ice release are possible.

[0661] In other words, as the tray 241 rotates continuously, water is sprayed from the spray unit 260 located on one side of the tray 241 onto the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241. When water is sprayed onto the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241, the sprayed water is turned into ice, and the ice formed on the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 is then released by the blade 280.

[0662] Water is sprayed from the spray unit 260 onto the circumferential surface 242 from which the ice has been released, and the process of ice formation and release is repeated on the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0663] In the above embodiment, when the tray 241 rotates once, water supply and ice making may be performed simultaneously, and when the tray 241 rotates additionally, ice making may continue while ice is being released.

[0664] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the blade 280 may be provided in a movable manner. The blade 280 can move away from the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 and then move closer to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241.

[0665] In an embodiment in which water supply, ice making, and ice release are performed simultaneously when the tray 241 rotates once, the blade 280 can maintain a fixed state in the first position.

[0666] On the other hand, in an embodiment in which water supply and primary ice making are performed when the tray 241 rotates once, and secondary ice making continues as the tray 241 rotates further, followed by ice removal, the blade 280 may wait at a second position located further away from the first position on the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241, and move to the first position when ice making is complete to remove the ice from the circumferential surface 242.

[0667] On the other hand, if the water storage tank is omitted as described above and the injection unit 260 is provided, there is a risk that the water flowing into the injection unit 260 may freeze due to the ambient temperature, or the injection nozzle 261 may become blocked, making water injection difficult.

[0668] To solve these problems, the present invention includes a heater 265 to maintain the water temperature in the injection unit 260 at 0 degrees Celsius or higher.

[0669] First, the heater 265 is installed in the injection unit 260 and supplies heat to the injection unit 260, so it can be called an "injection unit heater".

[0670] The injection unit 260 can have a variety of shapes, but as an example, it may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0671] The heater 265 may be provided in various forms. For example, the heater 265 may be provided in a line configuration. The heater 265 may also be provided as a cord heater.

[0672] As another example, the heater 265 may be provided as a planar heater.

[0673] The heater 265 can be configured in various ways, as long as it can convert electrical energy into thermal energy and supply heat to the injection unit 260.

[0674] If the heater 265 is configured in a line configuration, the heater 265 may be installed on the outer surface of the injection unit 260.

[0675] The heater 265 may be installed on the outer surface of the injection unit 260 in a winding manner.

[0676] The heater 265 may be configured in a linear form and may be wound spirally around the outer surface of the injection unit 260.

[0677] The heater 265 may be installed so as to surround the outer surface of the injection unit 260 multiple times.

[0678] The heater 265 may be wrapped around the outer surface of the injection unit 260, then covered with aluminum tape or the like, and fixed to the outer surface of the injection unit 260.

[0679] The heater 265 may be embedded inside the injection unit 260 or installed on the inner surface of the injection unit 260 so as not to be exposed on the outer or inner surface of the injection unit 260.

[0680] The injection portion 260 may be made of a thermally conductive material. For example, the injection portion 260 may be made of a metallic material such as aluminum.

[0681] The heater 265 may be connected to an electric wire, and the heater 265 may be turned on and off by a separate control unit, which may control the output of the heater 265 and the on / off time of the heater 265.

[0682] The control unit can control the heater 265 so that the temperature of the injection unit 260 or the temperature of the water inside the injection unit 260 is maintained at 0 degrees or higher.

[0683] The injection unit 260 is equipped with a separate temperature sensor that can sense the temperature of the injection unit 260 or the temperature of the water inside the injection unit 260, and the control unit can control the heater 265 based on the temperature information sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0684] For example, the control unit can control the heater 265 to turn on if the temperature of the injection unit 260 or the temperature of the water inside the injection unit 260, as detected by the temperature sensor, is 0 degrees or lower.

[0685] As another example, the control unit can control the heater 265 to turn off if the temperature of the injection unit 260 or the temperature of the water inside the injection unit 260, as sensed by the temperature sensor, is 0 degrees or higher.

[0686] As yet another example, the control unit can control the output of the heater 265 to increase if the temperature of the injection unit 260 or the temperature of the water in the injection unit 260, as sensed by the temperature sensor, is 0 degrees or less.

[0687] As yet another example, the control unit can control the output of the heater 265 to be lowered if the temperature of the injection unit 260 or the temperature of the water inside the injection unit 260, as sensed by the temperature sensor, is 0 degrees or higher.

[0688] Furthermore, when water is supplied to the circumferential surface 242 of the tray 241 using the above-described injection method, a problem may arise in which water is also injected around the circumferential surface 242, causing it to freeze. To prevent such a problem, barrier walls can be installed on both sides of the circumferential surface 242 to prevent the water injected from the injection unit 260 from detaching from or flowing off the outside of the circumferential surface 242.

[0689] The barrier wall may be formed in such a manner that it does not interfere with the blade 280 during the rotation process of the tray 241.

[0690] In order to prevent interference between the barrier wall and the blade 280 during the rotation process of the tray 241, it is also possible to perform ice making by alternately switching the rotation direction of the tray 241 to both sides.

[0691] According to the present invention described above, water is sprayed onto the circumferential surface of a rotating tray, and the sprayed water can freeze on the circumferential surface of the tray. As the tray rotates, the frozen ice is detached by a blade, and the detached ice is transferred to a compression section. Therefore, water supply, freezing, and detachment using the spray method are performed continuously while the tray rotates without any separate waiting time.

[0692] Furthermore, ice can form across the entire surface of the tray. Therefore, continuous ice making without waiting time across the entire surface of the tray generates a larger amount of powdered ice per unit time, increasing the supply of powdered ice and consequently accelerating the production rate of compressed molded ice, allowing the user to receive a larger amount of molded ice per unit time.

Claims

1. Cabinets forming a storage room, A door for opening and closing the aforementioned cabinet, A tray provided in the cabinet or door, having a circumferential surface that receives water to generate ice, A water storage tank is provided on one side of the tray and supplies water to the circumferential surface of the tray, A refrigerator comprising: a heater installed in the water storage tank and providing heat to the water storage tank to prevent the water stored in the water storage tank from freezing.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the water tank includes a plurality of surfaces that form a water storage space, and the heater is installed on at least one of the plurality of surfaces.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the water tank includes a surface that forms a water storage space, and the heater is installed on the outside of the surface so as not to come into contact with the water.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the water tank includes a bottom surface defining a bottom where water is stored, and the heater is installed on the bottom surface.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the water tank includes a face wall having a height set to form a water level of stored water, and the heater is installed on the face of the water tank.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the water tank includes a first surface defining a bottom surface and a number of second surfaces protruding from the bottom surface, and the heater is installed on at least two of the first surface and the number of second surfaces.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the water tank includes a surface facing one side of the tray, and the heater is installed on the surface of the water tank to prevent freezing on one side of the tray.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the water tank includes a surface on which the heater is installed, and the heater includes a number of heater lines arranged in multiple stages on the surface of the water tank.

9. Includes an ice-making bracket that houses the tray and forms an opening through which cold air flows in for cooling the tray, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the heater includes a first portion positioned adjacent to the opening and a second portion positioned far from the opening.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the installation area of ​​the first part of the heater is larger than the installation area of ​​the second part of the heater.

11. The tray includes a blade positioned adjacent to the circumferential surface of the tray to release the ice formed on the circumferential surface of the tray, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the heater includes a first portion positioned adjacent to the blade and a second portion positioned far away from the blade.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the installation area of ​​the second part of the heater is larger than the installation area of ​​the first part of the heater.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, comprising a temperature sensor installed on the surface of the water storage tank for sensing the temperature of the water stored in the water storage tank.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the temperature sensor is installed on the outside of the surface of the water tank so as not to come into contact with the water stored in the water tank.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the temperature sensor is installed on the inside of the surface of the water tank at a position lower than the maximum water level of the water tank so as to be in contact with the water stored in the water tank.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the density per unit area of ​​the heater in the area where the temperature sensor is located in the water tank is smaller than the density in the area where the temperature sensor is not located.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged eccentrically toward one end of the water storage tank with respect to the center of the water storage tank.

18. The tray is provided so as to be movable from a first position to a second position. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the water tank has a recessed shape so as not to interfere with the water tank when the tray moves from the first position to the second position.

19. Includes an ice-making bracket having a wall that supports the tray, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the wall of the ice-making bracket includes a part that forms a plane with the surface of the water tank so that ice separated from the tray flows into the water tank.

20. Cabinets forming a storage room, A door for opening and closing the aforementioned cabinet, A tray provided in the cabinet or door, having a circumferential surface that receives water to generate ice, A water storage tank is provided on one side of the tray and supplies water to the tray, including the bottom surface. A heater is installed on the bottom of the water storage tank and provides heat to the water storage tank to prevent the water stored in the tank from freezing. A refrigerator comprising a temperature sensor installed on the bottom of the water storage tank for sensing the temperature of the water stored in the water storage tank.

21. The refrigerator according to claim 20, wherein the output of the heater is controlled to increase when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a preset first reference temperature.

22. The refrigerator according to claim 20, wherein if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a preset first reference temperature, water is supplied to the water storage tank.

23. The refrigerator according to claim 20, wherein the output of the heater is controlled to decrease when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is higher than a preset second reference temperature.

24. The refrigerator according to claim 20, wherein if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a preset second reference temperature, water is supplied to the water storage tank.

25. Cabinets forming a storage room, A door for opening and closing the aforementioned cabinet, A tray provided in the cabinet or door, having a circumferential surface that receives water to generate ice, A refrigerator comprising: a spray nozzle for spraying water onto the circumferential surface of the tray.

26. The refrigerator according to claim 25, wherein a plurality of the spray nozzles are provided spaced apart along the perimeter of the tray.

27. The tray includes a blade for scraping off ice that has formed on its circumferential surface. The refrigerator according to claim 25, wherein the spray nozzle is positioned on one side of the tray and the blade is positioned on the other side of the tray, with respect to the axial direction of the tray.

28. The system further includes a drive motor that applies rotational force to the tray, The aforementioned drive motor is During the process in which water is sprayed from the spray nozzle, the sprayed water freezes, or the frozen ice is detached from the tray, the tray is driven to rotate. The refrigerator according to claim 25, wherein, during the process of the water freezing, the rotation speed of the tray is controlled to be reduced or the rotation of the tray is stopped.

29. The refrigerator according to claim 25, further comprising a heater installed in the injection nozzle.

30. The refrigerator according to claim 25, further comprising a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the injection nozzle or the temperature of the water inside the injection nozzle.

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