refrigerator

Abstract

This invention relates to a refrigerator. [Solution] An embodiment of the present invention may include a tray having a circumferential surface to which water is supplied, a blade that scrapes the ice generated on the circumferential surface while in contact with the ice, and a compression part that compresses the ice of a first size separated from the circumferential surface by the blade to form a second size larger than the first size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to a refrigerator.

Background Art

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

[0003] In general, a freezer compartment of a refrigerator is provided with an ice maker for producing ice. The ice maker stores water supplied from a water supply source or a water tank in a tray, and then cools the water to generate ice. The ice generated by the ice maker is stored in an ice bin. The ice stored in the ice bin can be taken out by a user who opens the freezer compartment door, approaches the ice bin, and retrieves the ice in the ice bin.

[0004] On the other hand, since ice is formed hard, there is a problem that children, the elderly and infirm, or consumers with weak teeth feel inconvenience when chewing and eating ice. Accordingly, there has been a demand from consumers for ice having a relatively low strength that allows it to be chewed and eaten.

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator capable of producing ice having a strength that allows consumers to chew 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 cool water supplied to the peripheral surface to produce ice with a thin thickness (ice in the first state).

[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] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which the inner diameter of the cylinder is formed to narrow along the direction of ice movement, thereby enabling compression as the ice moves.

[0010] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which a heater is installed in the cylinder, allowing some of the powdered ice and crushed ice transferred to the cylinder to melt, and the melted ice to refreeze and form a single block of molded ice.

[0011] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that supplies a larger amount of heat to the front region adjacent to the cylinder's inlet and a smaller amount of heat to the rear region adjacent to the outlet, so that ice transferred to the cylinder melts in the front region and then refreezes in the rear region.

[0012] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which, before ice is transferred to the cylinder, the cylinder is preheated so that a portion of the ice transferred to the cylinder melts and then refreezes simultaneously with the transfer to the cylinder, and which can be compressed into molded ice with a strength suitable for the user to chew and eat.

[0013] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator with improved energy-saving performance, in which, when ice is transferred to the cylinder, the cylinder is heated so that a portion of the ice transferred to the cylinder moves inside the cylinder, melts, and then refreezes.

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that can provide a temperature sensor capable of sensing the temperature of a cylinder, and that can control the heater by turning it on or off, or adjust the heater's output, based on the value sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0015] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that can control the heater by turning it on or off, or by adjusting the heater output, based on various factors including the internal temperature, whether the door is open or closed, changes in cooling power, whether or not defrosting is performed, and whether or not there is ice.

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that can resolve the issue of the cylinder becoming blocked by compressed ice during the process of compressing ice inside the cylinder by using a heater.

[0017] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which a replaceable discharge pipe is attached to the rear end of a cylinder, thereby allowing the strength and size of molded ice to be adjusted according to the material and size of the discharge pipe.

[0018] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which the discharge pipe is made of an expandable and expandable elastic material, thereby enabling compression of ice in the radial direction and also in the direction of ice transport (axial direction).

[0019] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator capable of producing ice that can maintain its molded shape for a long period of time by increasing the compressive strength of the powdered ice.

[0020] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which ice, which is first compressed as it passes through a cylinder, flows into a discharge pipe after passing through the cylinder's discharge port and is secondarily compressed.

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which ice that secondarily compressed by a piston while flowing into and moving through a discharge pipe passes through an outlet formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the discharge pipe, expands the outlet, and is tertiarily compressed by the force that resists the expansion of the outlet, so that the ice can pass through the discharge pipe in a harder state.

[0022] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which a temperature sensor can be easily mounted on the outer side of a cylinder.

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which a cylinder can be easily coupled to an external fixing component.

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that is provided with a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to a tray, and can cool water present on the peripheral surface of the tray.

[0025] An 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 can be rapidly cooled by the supplied cold air.

[0026] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which at least one of a protrusion and a recess is formed on the peripheral surface so as to improve the ice making performance of the tray, and at least one of the protrusion and the recess can provide a space or surface for ice formation.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which a through portion is formed in the tray so as to increase the cooling area of the tray, and a cold air flow path can be formed at the through portion.

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that includes a water storage tank for storing water, the water storage tank is arranged such that at least a part of the tray is in contact with the water storage tank, so that water can be smoothly supplied to the peripheral surface of the tray. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0029] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a tray having a peripheral surface (or peripheral wall) to which water is supplied, a blade that scrapes off ice on the peripheral surface while in contact with the ice formed on the peripheral surface, and a compression part that compresses ice of a first size separated from the peripheral surface by the blade to mold the ice into a second size larger than the first size.

[0030] The compression part may include a cylinder into which the ice separated from the peripheral surface flows, and a piston that reciprocates by driving of a motor to compress the ice flowing into the cylinder.

[0031] A heater installed in the compression part to provide heat to at least a portion of the compression part may be included.

[0032] The heater may be installed in the cylinder.

[0033] The heater is formed in a line shape, and may be spirally wound around the outer surface of the cylinder.

[0034] The heater may be formed such that the winding interval based on the length direction of the cylinder is different in at least a partial section.

[0035] The heater may be formed such that the winding interval on the other side adjacent to the discharge port of the cylinder is larger than the winding interval on the one side adjacent to the inflow port of the cylinder.

[0036] The heater may be formed such that the amount of heat per unit area is different in at least a partial section based on the length direction of the cylinder.

[0037] The heater may be formed such that the amount of heat per unit area supplied to one side adjacent to the inflow port of the cylinder is larger than the amount of heat per unit area supplied to the other side adjacent to the discharge port of the cylinder.

[0038] The heater may be controlled to turn on at at least one stage before the ice to be compressed is transferred to the cylinder.

[0039] The heater may be controlled to turn on at at least one stage after the ice to be compressed has been transferred to the cylinder.

[0040] The cylinder may be equipped with a temperature sensor on its outer surface for sensing the outer surface temperature of the cylinder.

[0041] The heater may be controlled to turn on if the cylinder temperature, as detected by the temperature sensor, falls below a preset target temperature while the heater is off.

[0042] While the heater is turned on, the heater may be controlled to turn off when the temperature of the cylinder, as detected by the temperature sensor, reaches a preset target temperature.

[0043] The output of the heater may be controlled to vary according to the operating conditions of the refrigerant cycle for maintaining the storage room temperature and the surrounding environment.

[0044] The heater output may be controlled to increase when the cooling force of the refrigerant cycle increases, and to decrease when the cooling force of the refrigerant cycle decreases.

[0045] The cylinder may include an inlet through which ice detached from the circumferential surface flows in, an outlet through which ice compressed inside the cylinder is discharged, and a compression space formed between the inlet and the outlet, in which ice that has flowed into the inlet is compressed as it moves toward the outlet.

[0046] The compression space of the cylinder may be formed such that its diameter gradually decreases in the direction of the discharge port, at least in some sections.

[0047] The cylinder can be made of a metal material that facilitates heat transfer.

[0048] The cylinder may have a sensor mounting portion formed on its outer surface, on which a temperature sensor is attached.

[0049] The sensor mounting portion may have a sensor mounting groove that is open in the vertical direction so as to house a temperature sensor.

[0050] The cylinder may include a discharge pipe connected to the discharge port side, through which the ice discharged from the discharge port is further compressed before being discharged.

[0051] The discharge pipe may be made of an elastic material that has flexibility.

[0052] The discharge pipe may have a connecting portion that is open on one side and connected to the discharge port, and the connecting portion may have a hollow shape and be connected while surrounding the circumferential surface of the cylinder in which the discharge port is formed.

[0053] A groove can be formed on one outer surface of the cylinder surrounded by the connecting portion, with a recessed shape to a predetermined depth and extending along the circumferential direction.

[0054] The connecting portion has a projection that protrudes inward from its inner surface and extends along the inner circumferential surface, and the projection can be inserted into the groove.

[0055] A ring-shaped sealing member may be inserted into the groove.

[0056] The discharge pipe may include a discharge section on one side that extends from the connecting section and on the other side that has an outlet formed for discharging compressed ice.

[0057] The discharge portion may include a first section formed such that its inner diameter gradually decreases from one side connected to the connecting portion to the other side where the outlet is formed.

[0058] The discharge section may include a second section that defines the outlet and is formed such that its inner diameter is kept constant.

[0059] The diameter of the second section may be formed to be less than or equal to the diameter of the first section.

[0060] The diameter of the second section may be smaller than the diameter of the discharge port of the cylinder.

[0061] The cylinder may have at least one extension extending outward from one end where the inlet is formed, and at least one coupling hole may be formed in the extension.

[0062] The tray may include a cold air duct that is positioned to supply cold air toward the circumferential surface of the tray. However, a liquid other than water may be supplied toward the circumferential surface.

[0063] The cold air duct may include portions that extend in the tangential direction of the tray or in a direction corresponding thereto.

[0064] The refrigerator includes a bracket that forms a space for accommodating the tray, and the cold air duct may be coupled so as to be inclined with respect to the bracket.

[0065] The circumferential surface of the tray may include a portion that extends in a rounded shape.

[0066] The circumferential surface of the tray may include portions having an arc shape.

[0067] The circumferential surface of the tray may include portions having a circular shape.

[0068] The tray may include a drum.

[0069] With respect to the tray, a cold air duct may be provided on one side of the tray, and a guide wall may be provided on the other side of the tray to guide the cold air to the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0070] The side of the tray where the cold air duct is provided and the other side of the tray where the guide wall is provided can be opposite each other with respect to the center of the tray. Thus, smooth flow of cold air along the circumferential surface of the tray can be achieved.

[0071] The refrigerator may include a first blade provided on one side of the tray for separating the ice (first state ice) formed on the circumferential surface from the tray.

[0072] The side of the tray on which the cold air duct is provided and the other side of the tray on which the first blade is provided can be opposite each other with respect to the center of the tray. Thus, the first blade can be prevented from acting as resistance to the flow of cold air.

[0073] The refrigerator includes a water tank for supplying water to the tray, and the water tank may be located on the opposite side of the cold air passage that supplies cold air to the circumferential surface of the tray via a cold air duct.

[0074] With respect to the center of the tray, the cold air passage from the cold air duct toward the circumferential surface of the tray and the water storage tank may be positioned on opposite sides of each other. Therefore, the cold air flowing in through the cold air duct can directly act on the water storage tank, preventing the water in the tank from freezing.

[0075] The water storage tank may be located below the tray with respect to the direction of gravity, and the cold air passage may be located above the tray.

[0076] The refrigerator includes a bracket having a wall that supports a water tank, and the bracket may include a portion located in the space between the circumferential surface of the tray and the water tank. The portion of the bracket can prevent cold air from being supplied to the water tank.

[0077] The refrigerator includes a bracket that forms a storage space for trays, the bracket can form an opening into which ice separated from the trays can move.

[0078] The opening is formed on the opposite side of the cold air duct with respect to the tray, allowing the cold air supplied to the tray to easily diffuse through the opening.

[0079] The opening may be defined as the space between a guide wall that guides cold air to the circumferential surface of the tray and the wall of the bracket to which the first blade is connected.

[0080] Based on the direction of cold air flow supplied from the cold air duct, the cross-sectional area on the downstream side of the cold air duct is formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area on the upstream side, so that cold air is concentrated and supplied to the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0081] The tray is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal, and can be rapidly cooled by cold air.

[0082] At least one of a protrusion and a recess is formed on the circumferential surface of the tray, and at least one of the protrusion and recess provides a space or surface for ice formation, improving ice-making performance and allowing the ice formed on the circumferential surface to be easily separated by a blade.

[0083] Due to the configuration of the recess and protrusion, the thickness of the ice formed in the recess is greater than the thickness of the ice formed in the protrusion. When the ice is separated by the blade, the separation of the ice formed in the recess is easily performed using the protrusion as a reference, making it easy to discharge the ice as powder.

[0084] The recess and projection may be arranged axially on the circumferential surface.

[0085] The recesses and protrusions may be formed in large numbers, and the large number of recesses and protrusions may be arranged alternately.

[0086] The tray may be rotatably mounted.

[0087] The tray may include an axis coupling portion provided at the center of the tray to which an axis is coupled, a first tray portion forming the circumferential surface, and a second tray portion extending radially to connect the axis coupling portion and the first tray portion.

[0088] Multiple second tray units may be provided.

[0089] The first tray portion may include an outer circumferential surface forming the circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface facing the axial coupling portion.

[0090] The tray may include perforations through which cold air passes, thereby increasing the cooling area of ​​the tray.

[0091] The through portion may be formed to penetrate the tray in the axial direction.

[0092] The shaft coupling portion, the first tray portion, and the second tray portion can define the through portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0093] 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 increasing consumer satisfaction.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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, thereby easily producing powdered ice (ice in a second state).

[0096] 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.

[0097] In embodiments of the present invention, the inner diameter of the cylinder is formed to narrow along the direction of ice movement, allowing compression to occur as the ice moves.

[0098] In an embodiment of the present invention, a heater is installed in the cylinder, allowing some of the powdered ice and crushed ice transferred to the cylinder to melt, and the melted ice to refreeze into a single block of molded ice.

[0099] In embodiments of the present invention, a larger amount of heat is supplied to the front region adjacent to the inlet side of the cylinder, and a smaller amount of heat is supplied to the rear region adjacent to the discharge port, so that the ice transferred to the cylinder melts in the front region and then refreezes in the rear region.

[0100] In embodiments of the present invention, the cylinder is preheated before ice is transferred to it, allowing a portion of the ice transferred to the cylinder to melt and refreeze simultaneously with its transfer, and to be compressed into molded ice with a suitable strength for the user to chew and eat.

[0101] In this embodiment of the present invention, when ice is transferred to the cylinder, the cylinder is heated, causing a portion of the transferred ice to move inside the cylinder, melt, and then refreeze, thereby improving energy saving performance.

[0102] Embodiments of the present invention provide a temperature sensor capable of sensing the temperature of a cylinder, and can control the heater by turning it on or off, or by adjusting the heater's output, based on the value sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0103] Embodiments of the present invention allow for on / off control of the heater and adjustment of the heater output based on various factors including internal temperature, whether the door is open or closed, changes in cooling power, whether defrosting is performed or not, and whether there is a full load of ice.

[0104] The embodiment of the present invention also has the advantage that, during the process of compressing ice inside the cylinder, if the cylinder becomes blocked by compressed ice, this can be resolved by using a heater.

[0105] In this embodiment of the present invention, a replaceable discharge pipe is attached to the rear end of the cylinder, allowing the strength and size of the molded ice to be adjusted according to the material and size of the discharge pipe.

[0106] In an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge pipe is formed of an expandable and expandable elastic material, allowing the ice to be compressed radially and also in the direction of ice transport (axial direction).

[0107] The embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to produce ice in which the compressed strength of the powdered ice is increased and the molded shape can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0108] In this embodiment of the present invention, ice that has been primarily compressed as it passes through the cylinder may, after passing through the cylinder's discharge port, flow into the discharge pipe and be further compressed.

[0109] In this embodiment of the present invention, ice that flows into the discharge pipe and is secondarily compressed by the piston as it moves through the discharge pipe passes through an outlet that is smaller than the inner diameter of the discharge pipe, causing the outlet to expand. The force resisting the expansion of the outlet then compresses the ice tertiarily, allowing it to pass through the discharge pipe in a harder state.

[0110] An embodiment of the present invention facilitates the attachment of a temperature sensor to the outside of the cylinder.

[0111] In this embodiment of the present invention, the cylinder can be easily connected to an external fixing component.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cold air supply device is provided that supplies cold air to the tray, making it possible to easily cool the water present on the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0113] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tray is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal material, and the tray is rapidly cooled by the supplied cold air.

[0114] According to embodiments of the present invention, at least one of a protrusion and a recess is formed on the circumferential surface of the tray to improve its ice-making performance, and at least one of the protrusion and recess is provided with a space or surface for ice formation, thereby improving the ice-making performance of the tray.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a through-hole is formed in the tray, and a cold air passage is formed in the through-hole, thereby increasing the cooling area of ​​the tray.

[0116] 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 enabling a smooth supply of water to the circumferential surface of the tray.

[0117] In embodiments of the present invention, a bracket is provided to support the water storage tank, and the bracket includes a wall that extends toward the space between the circumferential surface of the tray and the water storage tank, thereby restricting the supply of cold air to the water storage tank and preventing the water stored in the tank from freezing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0118] [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 plan view showing the 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 view showing the configuration of the ice-making part of an ice-making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a right side view showing the configuration of the ice-making part of an ice-making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a front view showing the configuration of the ice-making part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a left-side perspective view showing the configuration of a cold air duct according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a bottom perspective view showing the configuration of a cold air duct according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the ice-making part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a diagram showing Figure 22 with the tray assembly and water tank removed. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along line 24-24 in Figure 8. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along line 25-25 in Figure 8. [Figure 26]Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating how cold air is supplied from the refrigerator door to the ice-making compartment and how the cold air from the ice-making compartment returns to the outside of the refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ice-making part according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ice-making part according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ice-making part according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a side view showing the cylinder and discharge pipe connected according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 30. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a rear perspective view showing the cylinder and discharge pipe connected according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a perspective view showing the cylinder and discharge pipe connected according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a side view of a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a rear perspective view of a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a perspective view of a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylinder and discharge pipe connected according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a side view showing a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a heater and a temperature sensor are provided at various positions. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a side view showing a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a heater and a temperature sensor are provided at various positions. [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a side view showing a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a heater and a temperature sensor are provided at various positions. [Figure 41]Figure 41 is a side view showing a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a heater and a temperature sensor are provided at various positions. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a side view showing a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a heater and a temperature sensor are provided at various positions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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."

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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) shows 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] The aforementioned number of walls can constitute at least a portion of the door liner 70.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The lower wall 80a can form a dispensing section 84 for dispensing ice stored in the ice bin 500 to the dispenser 40.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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. However, the tray assembly 240 may be supplied with a liquid other than water.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] The detailed configuration of the ice maker 100 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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).

[0171] 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."

[0172] The first motor 210 may be connected to the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] The plate connecting portion 229 may be provided in multiple locations on the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] Figure 30 is a side view showing the cylinder and discharge pipe connected according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 31 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 30. Figure 32 is a rear perspective view showing the cylinder and discharge pipe connected according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 33 is a perspective view showing the cylinder and discharge pipe connected according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0190] Referring to Figures 30 to 33, 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.

[0191] The cylinder 360 and the discharge pipe 370 can form a circular cross-section in at least some sections.

[0192] The cylinder 360 and the discharge pipe 370 may be provided in a cylindrical shape or a conical shape in at least a portion of their respective sections.

[0193] 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. The discharge pipe 370 may be made of an elastically deformable material, such as silicone.

[0194] The discharge pipe 370 may be made of a flexible material.

[0195] The discharge pipe 370 may be made of an expandable material.

[0196] The discharge pipe 370 can compress the compressed ice radially and can also compress it in the direction of ice transport (axial direction).

[0197] When powdered ice flows into the discharge pipe 370 and the piston 335 compresses it, the shape of the discharge pipe 370 deforms, and the force resisting deformation of the discharge pipe 370 allows the powdered ice passing through the discharge pipe 370 to be compressed more strongly.

[0198] On the other hand, the cylinder 360 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The cylinder 360 may be made of a metallic material.

[0199] For example, the cylinder 360 may be made of aluminum.

[0200] The cylinder 360 and the discharge pipe 370 may be formed as a single unit.

[0201] The cylinder 360 and the discharge pipe 370 may be detachably coupled.

[0202] In this case, the cylinder 360 and the discharge pipe 370 may be connected to each other by a separate coupling means.

[0203] The cylinder 360 has an inlet 361 on one side where powdered ice flows in, and an outlet 361 on the other side which is open so that compressed molded ice is discharged.

[0204] Furthermore, a compression space 363 is formed inside the cylinder 360, which defines a space in which the powdered ice that flows into the inlet 361 is compressed as it moves toward the discharge port 361.

[0205] One side of the compression space 363 can communicate with the inlet 361, and the other side can communicate with the discharge port 361.

[0206] Furthermore, in the case of the cylinder 360, its diameter may be formed to be the same throughout its entire length, with reference to the direction of transport of the powdered ice.

[0207] Furthermore, the diameter of the cylinder 360 may be variable in a certain section with respect to the direction of transport of the powdered ice.

[0208] Furthermore, the diameter of the cylinder 360 may be variable throughout the entire section, with reference to the direction of transport of the powdered ice.

[0209] As an example, the cylinder 360 may be variable such that its inner diameter gradually decreases from one side to the other in at least a portion of the direction in which the powdered ice is transported.

[0210] As a result, the diameter of the compression space 363 of the cylinder 360 can be varied so that its diameter gradually decreases from one side to the other in at least a portion of the section.

[0211] In other words, the compression space 363 may be formed such that its diameter decreases from one side where the inlet 361 is formed to the other side where the discharge port 361 is formed.

[0212] The diameter of the inlet 361 may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the outlet 361.

[0213] Referring to Figure 30, the diameter d1 of the compression space 363 at a first point adjacent to the inlet 361 from the discharge port 362 may be larger than the diameter d2 of the compression space 363 at a second point adjacent to the discharge port 362 from the inlet 361 (i.e., d1 > d2). In addition, the diameter of the compression space 363 of the cylinder 360 may be variable such that its diameter gradually decreases from one side to the other in a certain section, while its diameter remains constant in the remaining section.

[0214] As an example, a decreasing section may be formed where the diameter of the compression space 363 decreases in line with the direction of movement of the ice powder, from one side where the inlet 361 into which the ice powder flows is formed to the other side, and a maintaining section may be formed where the diameter of the compression space 363 is kept constant from the decreasing section to the discharge port 362.

[0215] As described above, when the diameter of the compression space 363 of the cylinder 360 is formed to gradually decrease, the cross-sectional area of ​​the compression space 363 decreases from the inlet 361 to the outlet 362. This allows for more reliable compression of the ice powder moving through the compression space 363, resulting in the formation of hard molded ice.

[0216] Furthermore, as described above, if the diameter of the inlet 361 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the outlet 362, the powdered ice can flow more easily into the inside of the cylinder 360.

[0217] A discharge pipe 370 is formed on the other side of the cylinder 360 on which the discharge port 362 is formed.

[0218] The ice, which has been primarily compressed in the cylinder 360 and then discharged through the discharge port 362, flows into the discharge pipe 370, is further compressed, and then discharged.

[0219] The discharge pipe 370 has a connecting portion 371 on one side which is connected to the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360.

[0220] The connecting portion 371 is hollow and open on both sides.

[0221] The connecting portion 371 may be formed to surround the other end of the cylinder 360 on which the discharge port 362 is formed.

[0222] In other words, the other end of the cylinder 360 on which the discharge port 362 is formed may be fitted into and fixed to the connecting portion 371.

[0223] The connecting portion 371 may be made of an elastic material and fixed in place while covering the outside of the discharge port 361 side of the cylinder 360 by the elastic restoring force of the connecting portion 371 itself.

[0224] In this case, the other end of the cylinder 360 (right end in Figure 30) into which the connecting portion 371 is fitted and joined may be formed such that its outer diameter is kept constant so that its overall area is in close contact with the connecting portion 371.

[0225] Figure 34 is a side view of a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 35 is a rear perspective view of a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 36 is a perspective view of a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cylinder and a discharge pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected.

[0226] Referring to Figures 34 to 37, a groove 364 can be formed on the other end of the cylinder 360 (right end in reference to Figure 31) on the outer surface, with a predetermined depth of concave shape on the inside and extending along the circumferential direction.

[0227] Furthermore, in the case of the connecting portion 371, a projection 3711 can be formed that protrudes from the inner surface and extends along the inner circumferential surface.

[0228] Referring to Figures 31 and 37, the projection 3711 and the groove 364 can form a rectangular cross-section.

[0229] As another example, the projection 3711 and the groove 364 can form a cross-section in which at least a portion is curved.

[0230] When the projection 3711 of the connecting portion 371 is fitted into the groove 364 of the cylinder 360, the coupling force between the cylinder 360 and the discharge pipe 370 is improved, and the discharge pipe 370 can remain connected to the cylinder 360 without separating during the ice compression process.

[0231] Furthermore, a groove 364 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 360, which is concave inward to a predetermined depth and extends along the circumferential direction, and a sealing member may be inserted into the groove.

[0232] As an example, the sealing member may be made of an O-ring.

[0233] The sealing member may be formed such that a portion of it is fitted into the groove 364, and the other portion protrudes outward from the cylinder 360.

[0234] When the connecting portion 371 of the discharge pipe 370 is fitted to the other end of the cylinder 360, a part of the sealing member is fitted into the groove 364, and the other part is in contact with the inner surface of the connecting portion 371, and can make contact while pressing against the inner surface of the connecting portion 371.

[0235] Therefore, the configuration of the sealing member improves the bonding force between the cylinder 360 and the discharge pipe 370, and during the process of compressing the ice, the discharge pipe 370 can remain connected to the cylinder 360 without separating.

[0236] As a variation, a separate groove 364 may not be formed on the outer surface of the cylinder 360, and a sealing member may be inserted between the connecting portion 371 of the discharge pipe 370 and the other end of the cylinder 360.

[0237] Furthermore, a separate fixing ring or the like can be used to press the discharge pipe 370 against the cylinder 360 along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the discharge pipe 370, thereby fixing it in place. In addition, various other fixing means may be provided within the range that allows the discharge pipe 370 to be fixed to the cylinder 360.

[0238] Furthermore, the discharge pipe 370 extends from the connecting portion 371 in the direction from which ice is discharged, and a discharge portion 372 is formed into which compressed ice is discharged.

[0239] One side of the discharge section 372 is connected to the connecting section 371, and an open outlet 373 is formed on the other side.

[0240] In other words, the outlet 373 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 373 of the discharge pipe 370.

[0241] The discharge portion 372 is formed such that its inner diameter gradually decreases from one side connected to the connecting portion 371 to the other side where the outlet 373 is formed, and a first section 3721 is formed that is inclined.

[0242] Furthermore, the discharge section 372 may be extended from the first section 3721, and a second section 3722 may be formed which defines the outlet 373 and maintains a constant inner diameter.

[0243] As described above, if the inner diameter of the first section 3721 of the discharge section 372 is formed to gradually decrease in the direction of the outlet 373, the compression of the ice powder moving through the first section 3721 of the discharge section 372 may be more reliable, resulting in the formation of hard molded ice.

[0244] The hard, compressed molded ice can then be formed to have a constant diameter as it passes through the second section 3722, and then discharged to the outside of the discharge pipe 370 via the outlet 373.

[0245] The diameter of the second section 3722 may be formed to be less than or equal to the diameter of the first section 3721.

[0246] Referring to Figure 37, the inner diameter d1 of the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360 may be formed to be larger than the inner diameter d2 of the outlet 373 of the discharge pipe 370.

[0247] In other words, the diameter of the second section 3722 may be formed to be smaller than the inner diameter d1 of the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360.

[0248] Furthermore, in the case of the discharge section 372 of the discharge pipe 370, the inner diameter of one end (right side as referenced in Figure 37) may be formed to be the same as the inner diameter of the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360, and the inner diameter of the other end (left side as referenced in Figure 37) may be formed to be the same as the inner diameter of the outlet 373.

[0249] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the discharge section 362 can be gradually reduced from one side (right side relative to Figure 37) to the other side (left side relative to Figure 37) to form the second section 3721.

[0250] After passing through the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360, the ice that flows into the discharge pipe 370 is in a primarily compressed state. This ice can be further compressed in the discharge pipe 370 by the piston 335.

[0251] The ice, which is then secondarily compressed by the piston 335 in the discharge pipe 370, must pass through the outlet 373, which is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter d1 of the discharge pipe 370.

[0252] Then, the secondarily compressed ice passes through the outlet 373, which is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter d1 of the discharge pipe 370, causing the outlet 373 to expand. The force that tries to prevent the outlet 373 from expanding causes the ice to be compressed tertiarily, and it passes through the discharge pipe 370 in a harder state.

[0253] Furthermore, the cylinder 360 may have a sensor mounting portion 365 formed on its outer surface, on which a temperature sensor is attached.

[0254] The sensor mounting portion 365 may be molded integrally with the cylinder 360.

[0255] The sensor mounting portion 365 may be formed from a separate component from the cylinder 360, or it may be integrally coupled to the cylinder 360.

[0256] The temperature sensor may be installed to sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the cylinder 360, the temperature around the cylinder 360, or the temperature inside the cylinder 360.

[0257] Furthermore, the sensor mounting portion 366 may have a sensor mounting groove 3651 formed therein so that the temperature sensor can be installed.

[0258] As an example, the sensor mounting portion 365 and the sensor mounting groove 3651 may be extended in the vertical direction.

[0259] Furthermore, a stepped portion 3611 can be formed at one end of the cylinder 360 where the inlet 361 is formed, with the stepped portion 3611 being formed outward in a concave shape along the periphery of the inlet 361.

[0260] Furthermore, at least one extension 366 can be formed at one end of the cylinder 360 where the inlet 361 is formed, so as to protrude outward from the outer surface.

[0261] At least one coupling hole 3661 may be formed in the extension 366.

[0262] Multiple extensions 366 may be formed on the outer surface of one end of the cylinder 360.

[0263] The extension 366 may extend from the upper side of the outer surface of the cylinder 360 so as to be inclined to both sides.

[0264] The extension portion 366 may extend downward from the lower side of the outer surface of the cylinder 360.

[0265] The extension portion 366 may be formed to fix the cylinder 360 to other components.

[0266] Meanwhile, the discharge pipe 370 made of the elastic material can be applied to various positions of various ice making machines from which ice is discharged.

[0267] As an example, it can be applied to various known types of ice making machines that are provided with or not provided with an auger.

[0268] In addition, it can be applied to various ice making machines that are provided with a piston and a cylinder and have a mode of compressing ice inside the cylinder.

[0269] Furthermore, it can also be applied to an ice making machine that directly generates small crushed ice, or after small crushed ice is separately supplied, aggregates the crushed ice to store or supply it as formed ice of a large size.

[0270] Meanwhile, in the process where crushed ice flows into the cylinder 360 as described above, and the inflowing crushed ice is compressed by the piston 335 to generate formed ice, it is necessary to supply heat so that the ice is aggregated more firmly.

[0271] If compression is performed without applying heat to the cylinder, the ice will not aggregate sufficiently and easily breakable ice will be generated, so there is a risk that the characteristics of nugget ice, which is crushed ice formed into one lump, will be lost.

[0272] Furthermore, when ice freezes inside the cylinder and the cylinder is blocked, it is also necessary to supply heat to the cylinder to clear the blockage.

[0273] If the blockage of the cylinder by ice cannot be resolved, ice making can no longer be performed, and there is a risk of damage to components such as the piston and the cylinder.

[0274] In the present invention, to improve this, a heater can be attached to the cylinder to produce ice that can maintain a certain strength.

[0275] More specifically, by adding a heater to the outside of the cylinder, the surface of the ice in contact with the inside of the cylinder is slightly melted, and then it refreezes to produce ice that maintains its shape while having a suitable strength for chewing and eating.

[0276] Furthermore, if the cylinder becomes blocked by the compressed ice during the ice compression process, a heater can be used to resolve this issue.

[0277] In more detail, the cylinder blockage problem can be solved by adding a heater to the outside of the cylinder to slightly melt the surface of the compressed ice that has formed inside the cylinder, and then pushing out the compressed ice.

[0278] Figures 38 to 42 are side views showing a cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a heater and a temperature sensor are provided at various positions.

[0279] More specifically, Figure 38 is a side view showing a cylinder with heaters spaced differently along its length and a temperature sensor installed on the discharge side; Figure 39 is a side view showing a cylinder with heaters installed on the inlet side and a temperature sensor on the discharge side; Figure 40 is a side view showing a cylinder with heaters installed on both the inlet and center sides and a temperature sensor on the discharge side; Figure 41 is a side view showing a cylinder with heaters installed on the inlet side and a temperature sensor on the center side; and Figure 42 is a side view showing a cylinder with heaters installed on the discharge side and a temperature sensor on the inlet side.

[0280] The configurations of the cylinder 360 and heater 390 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 38 to 42.

[0281] First, the heater 390 is configured to be installed on the cylinder 360, and since it supplies heat to the cylinder 360, it can be referred to as a "cylinder heater".

[0282] The cylinder 360 may have various shapes, and as an example, may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0283] Here, the inner diameter or outer diameter of the cylinder 360 may be variable in at least a partial section along the axial direction (longitudinal direction).

[0284] As an example, the inner diameter or outer diameter of the cylinder 360 may be formed to decrease in at least a partial section along the ice transfer direction.

[0285] The heater 390 may be provided in various forms.

[0286] As an example, the heater 390 may be provided in a line form. The heater 390 may be configured as a cord heater.

[0287] As another example, the heater 390 may be configured as a planar heater.

[0288] In addition, various embodiments of the heater 390 are possible within the range that can convert electrical energy into thermal energy to supply heat to the cylinder 360.

[0289] When the heater 390 is configured in a line form, the heater 390 may be installed on the outer surface of the cylinder 360.

[0290] The heater 390 may be installed on the outer surface of the cylinder 360 in a winding manner.

[0291] The heater 390 may be formed in a wire shape and spirally wound around the outer surface of the cylinder 360.

[0292] The heater 390 may be installed so as to surround the outer surface of the cylinder 360 several times.

[0293] The heater 390 may be wound spirally around the outer surface of the cylinder 360.

[0294] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be wound in a diagonal pattern when viewed from the side of the cylinder 360.

[0295] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be provided as one unit or as two or more units.

[0296] Furthermore, if multiple heaters 390 are provided, the multiple heaters 390 may be controlled collectively or individually.

[0297] The heater 390 may be wound around the outer surface of the cylinder 360 and then fixed to the outer surface of the cylinder 360 while being covered with aluminum tape or the like.

[0298] The heater 390 may be embedded inside the cylinder 360 so as not to be exposed from the outer or inner circumferential surface, or it may be installed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 360.

[0299] The cylinder 360 may be made of a thermally conductive material.

[0300] For example, the cylinder 360 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum.

[0301] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be connected to an electric wire, and the heater 390 may be turned on and off by a separate control unit, which may control the output of the heater 390 and the on / off time of the heater 390.

[0302] A discharge pipe 370 may be formed at the outlet end of the cylinder 360.

[0303] Furthermore, the discharge pipe 370 may be made of a non-metallic material.

[0304] In this case, the heater 390 may not be provided in the discharge pipe 370, but only in the cylinder 360.

[0305] Furthermore, in the case of the cylinder 360, a portion may be made of a metal material, and another portion may be made of a non-metallic material.

[0306] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be provided only in the portion of the cylinder 360 that is made of metal.

[0307] As an example, the cylinder 360 may be made of aluminum, which has high thermal conductivity and high strength.

[0308] Referring to Figure 40, when the heater 390 is wound around the outer surface of the cylinder 360, the spacing of the heaters 390 can be kept constant.

[0309] Referring to Figure 40, when the heater 390 is wound onto the outer surface of the cylinder 360, the heater 390 may be wound over the entire length of the cylinder 360.

[0310] Furthermore, when the heater 390 is wound around the outer surface of the cylinder 360, the heater 390 may be wound around only a portion of the cylinder 360.

[0311] Referring to Figures 39 and 41, the heater 390 may be wound only on one side adjacent to the inlet 361 of the cylinder 360.

[0312] Referring to Figure 42, the heater 390 may be wound only on the side adjacent to the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360.

[0313] As another example, the heater 390 may be wound only in the central part located between the inlet 361 and the outlet 362 of the cylinder 360.

[0314] When the heater 390 is wound around the outer surface of the cylinder 360, the spacing of the heater 390 may be formed to differ for each section.

[0315] The heater 390 may be formed such that the spacing between the windings differs in at least some sections, with reference to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 360.

[0316] The heater 390 may have a larger winding spacing on one side adjacent to the inlet 361 of the cylinder 360 than the winding spacing on the other side adjacent to the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360.

[0317] Referring to Figure 38, the heater 390 may be wound at a first interval d3 on one side adjacent to the inlet 361 of the cylinder 360, and at a second interval d4 on the other side adjacent to the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360.

[0318] Here, the second interval d4 may be formed to be larger than the first interval d3.

[0319] In other words, the heater 390 may be wound more densely on one side adjacent to the inlet 361 of the cylinder 360, and less densely on the other side adjacent to the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360.

[0320] In this case, when power is supplied to the heater 390, a larger amount of heat is supplied to the inlet 361 side, causing the temperature on the inlet 361 side to rise more. Relatively, a smaller amount of heat is supplied to the outlet 362 side, causing the temperature on the outlet 362 side to rise only slightly.

[0321] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be formed such that the amount of heat per unit area differs in at least some sections, with reference to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 360.

[0322] The heater 390 may be configured such that the amount of heat supplied per unit area to one side adjacent to the inlet 361 of the cylinder 360 is greater than the amount of heat supplied per unit area to the other side adjacent to the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360.

[0323] Furthermore, when the heater 390 is wound around the outer surface of the cylinder 360, the output of the heater 390 may be configured to differ for each section.

[0324] For example, the heater 390 may output at a first intensity on one side adjacent to the inlet 361 of the cylinder 360, and at a second intensity on the other side adjacent to the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360.

[0325] Here, the first strength may be set to be greater than the second strength.

[0326] In other words, the heater 390 may be output at a higher intensity on one side adjacent to the inlet 361 of the cylinder 360 to supply a high amount of heat, and output at a lower intensity on the other side adjacent to the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360 to supply a lower amount of heat.

[0327] In this case, when power is supplied to the heater 390, a larger amount of heat is supplied to the inlet 361 side, causing the temperature on the inlet 361 side to rise more. Relatively, a smaller amount of heat is supplied to the outlet 362 side, causing the temperature on the outlet 362 side to rise only slightly.

[0328] As yet another example, if a heater 390 is provided, or if a heater 390 is not provided, a water flow channel can be formed inside the cylinder 360 to supply water to the ice inside the cylinder 360. The supplied water may then melt the ice inside the cylinder 360 and refreeze to form hard ice.

[0329] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on and off at set time intervals, or its output may be controlled.

[0330] The heater 390 may be switched on or off in response to external factors, or its output may be controlled.

[0331] For example, the external factor may be the temperature of the cylinder.

[0332] If the cylinder 360 is equipped with a temperature sensor, the heater can be controlled according to the cylinder temperature to maintain a constant temperature in the cylinder.

[0333] Furthermore, if the cylinder is not equipped with a temperature sensor, the amount of heater power itself can be controlled.

[0334] However, if the temperature of cylinder 360 rises excessively, the compression force of piston 335 may increase.

[0335] More specifically, if the temperature of cylinder 360 rises excessively, the ice inside cylinder 360 will melt excessively. When the excess melted ice refreezes, pores will not form between the ice particles, and hard, molded ice like ordinary ice will be produced, which can increase the compressive force of piston 335.

[0336] Furthermore, if the temperature of cylinder 360 rises excessively, the ice inside cylinder 360 will melt excessively, reducing the amount of ice compressed by the piston, increasing the time the piston remains in the cylinder, and potentially increasing the compressive force of piston 335.

[0337] Therefore, it is necessary to set the optimal temperature range of the cylinder 360 so that molded ice with a suitable strength for the user to chew and eat is produced, and the compressive force of the piston 335 remains within an appropriate range.

[0338] Referring to Figures 38 to 42, a temperature sensor 368 is installed inside or outside the cylinder 360.

[0339] As an example, a temperature sensor 368 is housed and installed in a sensor mounting groove 3651 of a sensor mounting portion 365 formed on the outer surface of the cylinder 360.

[0340] The temperature sensor 368 can sense the temperature outside the cylinder 360.

[0341] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be turned on or off according to the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 368, or its output may be controlled.

[0342] For example, the control unit can control the heater 390 to turn on or increase its output if the temperature of the cylinder 360 or the temperature around the cylinder 360, as sensed by the temperature sensor 368, is lower than a preset reference temperature.

[0343] As another example, the control unit can control the heater 390 to turn off or reduce its output if the temperature of the cylinder 360 or the temperature around the cylinder 360, as sensed by the temperature sensor 368, is higher than a preset reference temperature.

[0344] Referring to Figure 41, the temperature sensor 368 may be formed in the center of the cylinder 360 with respect to its length.

[0345] Furthermore, referring to Figure 42, the temperature sensor 368 may be formed on one side adjacent to the inlet 361 side with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 360.

[0346] Furthermore, referring to Figures 38 to 40, the temperature sensor 368 may be formed on the other side of the cylinder 360 so as to be adjacent to the discharge port 362 side, with reference to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 360.

[0347] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 368 may be installed in a position that does not overlap with the heater 390.

[0348] As an example, as shown in Figure 39, the heater 390 is formed on one side adjacent to the inlet 361 side with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 360, and the temperature sensor 368 may be formed in the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 360, or on the other side adjacent to the discharge port 362 side.

[0349] As another example, as shown in Figure 42, the heater 390 is formed adjacent to the discharge port 362 side with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 360, and the temperature sensor 368 may be formed in the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 360, or on the other side adjacent to the discharge port 362 side.

[0350] As yet another example, as shown in Figure 41, the heater 390 may be formed in the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 360, and the temperature sensor 368 may be formed on one side adjacent to the inlet 361 side or on the other side adjacent to the discharge port 362 side, excluding the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 360.

[0351] On the other hand, the heater 390 may be installed so that its density differs along the length of the cylinder 360.

[0352] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be installed so as to have a variable density along the length of the cylinder 360.

[0353] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be installed such that its density increases or decreases along the length of the cylinder 360.

[0354] Furthermore, the cylinder 360 is divided into a region with a relatively high density of heaters 390 and a region with a low density of heaters 390, and the temperature sensor 368 may be installed in the region with a low density of heaters 390.

[0355] As an example, with respect to the longitudinal center of the cylinder 360, the density of heaters 390 is formed higher in the region adjacent to the inlet 361, and the density of heaters 390 is formed relatively lower in the region adjacent to the discharge port 362, or heaters 390 may not be formed at all.

[0356] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 368 may be installed in a position adjacent to the discharge port 362 where the heater 390 is formed with a low density.

[0357] The temperature sensor 368 can measure the temperature of the outer surface of the cylinder 360 on the side of the discharge port 362.

[0358] As a variation, the temperature sensor 368 can also measure the temperature of the outer surface of the discharge pipe on the discharge pipe side.

[0359] According to this, the ice is partially melted in the front half of the cylinder 360 where the heater 390 is formed with a high density, and the melted ice in the rear half of the cylinder 360 where the heater 390 is formed with a low density or where the heater 390 is not formed refreezes to produce molded ice.

[0360] As another example, with respect to the longitudinal center of the cylinder 360, the density of the heater 390 may be lower in the region adjacent to the inlet 361, and relatively higher in the region adjacent to the discharge port 362.

[0361] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 368 may be installed in a position adjacent to the inlet 361 where the density of the heater 390 is low.

[0362] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 368 can measure the temperature of the outer surface of the cylinder 360 on the inlet 361 side.

[0363] As described above, if the density of the heater 390 is relatively high in the region adjacent to the discharge port 362, some of the ice at the end of the cylinder 360 will melt, which may reduce the compressive force required of the piston 335 when it compresses the ice inside the cylinder.

[0364] In the present invention, in front of the cylinder 360 adjacent to the inlet 361, some of the powdered ice or crushed ice that flows into the cylinder 360 must be melted in order to form block-shaped molded ice, and in rear of the cylinder 360 adjacent to the discharge port 362, the melted ice must be refreezed and the powdered ice or crushed ice must be aggregated into a single block.

[0365] Therefore, the heater 390 can be configured to provide more heat to the front of the cylinder 360 adjacent to the inlet 361, and to provide relatively less heat, or no heat at all, to the rear of the cylinder 360 adjacent to the discharge port 362.

[0366] The following describes the heater control method.

[0367] First, the heater 390 is controlled to turn on at any one stage before the powdered ice is transferred to the cylinder 360, thereby preheating the cylinder 360.

[0368] Then, once the cylinder 360 reaches a temperature above the set temperature while preheated, powdered ice is transferred into the cylinder 360.

[0369] Furthermore, as the temperature of cylinder 360 rises, some of the ice powder transported inside cylinder 360 that comes into contact with the inner wall of cylinder 360 or is adjacent to the inner wall of cylinder 360 can melt.

[0370] In this case, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to vary in stages.

[0371] The output of the heater 390 may be controlled to increase.

[0372] The output of the heater 390 may be controlled to decrease while increasing.

[0373] The output of the heater 390 may be controlled to decrease.

[0374] The output of the heater 390 may be controlled to vary depending on the position of the ice powder moving into the cylinder 360.

[0375] As an example, the heater 390 may be controlled to output a first amount of heat when the ice powder moving to the cylinder 360 is in a first position.

[0376] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be controlled to output a second heat quantity greater than the first heat quantity when the powder ice moving in the cylinder 360 is located in a second position that is behind the first position (adjacent to the cylinder) with respect to its direction of movement.

[0377] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be controlled to output a smaller amount of heat than the first amount when the powder ice moving in the cylinder 360 is in a second position that is located after the first position (adjacent to the cylinder) with respect to its direction of movement.

[0378] The output of the heater 390 may be controlled to vary depending on the time.

[0379] In this case, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to vary in stages according to time.

[0380] Furthermore, before the powdered ice is transferred to the cylinder, the cylinder may be preheated to improve heating efficiency.

[0381] In other words, the heater may be controlled to turn on at least one of the stages before the ice powder is transferred to the cylinder.

[0382] First, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on while the tray 241 is rotating.

[0383] For example, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on when the first peripheral surface 242a of the tray 241 is in contact with the water in the water storage tank 250.

[0384] Alternatively, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on when water is supplied to the periphery of the tray 241.

[0385] Alternatively, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on when the tray 241 is stopped.

[0386] In other words, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on when the rotation of the tray 241 stops and ice is formed on the circumferential surface of the tray 241.

[0387] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on at the stage when the ice generated on the circumferential surface of the tray 241 is detached from the tray 241, or at a stage after the ice has been detached.

[0388] In other words, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on while the ice generated on the periphery of the tray 241 is separated from the tray 241 by the blade 280.

[0389] Alternatively, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on while the tray 241 is in motion after the ice generated on the periphery of the tray 241 has been separated from the tray 241.

[0390] For example, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on when the ice (powdered ice) separated from the tray 241 is placed in the transfer pipe 350 before it is transferred to the cylinder 360.

[0391] Furthermore, while the ice (powdered ice) separated from the tray 241 is contained in the transfer pipe 350 before being transferred to the cylinder 360, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on when the lever 350 is operated to transfer the powdered ice towards the cylinder 360.

[0392] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, after the powdered ice is transferred to the cylinder 360, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on, thereby raising the temperature of the cylinder 360.

[0393] As the temperature of the cylinder 360 rises, some of the ice powder inside the cylinder 360 that is in contact with the inner wall of the cylinder 360 or adjacent to the inner wall of the cylinder 360 can melt.

[0394] In this case, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to vary in stages.

[0395] The output of the heater 390 may be controlled to increase.

[0396] The output of the heater 390 may be controlled to decrease while increasing.

[0397] The output of the heater 390 may be controlled to decrease.

[0398] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on or off according to the temperature of the cylinder 360, or its output may be controlled to be variable.

[0399] The temperature sensor 368 senses the temperature of the cylinder 360.

[0400] The temperature of the cylinder 360, as detected by the temperature sensor 368, is input to the control unit, and the heater 390 may be turned on or off, or its output may be controlled to be variable, so that the temperature of the cylinder 360 remains constant.

[0401] For example, if the temperature of the cylinder 360 detected by the temperature sensor 368 is lower than a preset reference temperature, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn off or its output may be reduced.

[0402] Furthermore, if the temperature of the cylinder 360 detected by the temperature sensor 368 is higher than a preset reference temperature, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on or its output may be increased.

[0403] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on or off according to the temperature of any part of the refrigerator 1, such as the internal temperature, the door temperature, or the evaporator temperature, or its output may be controlled to be variable.

[0404] In this case, the temperature sensor 368 may be omitted.

[0405] For example, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on or off according to the temperature of the ice-making chamber 25, or its output may be controlled to be variable.

[0406] Alternatively, the output of the heater 390 according to the temperature of the ice-making compartment 25 may be pre-mapped and stored in the control unit, and then the output of the heater 390 may be controlled in real time to vary according to the temperature of the ice-making compartment 25.

[0407] Furthermore, to improve energy-saving efficiency, the cylinder 360 can be heated only when necessary.

[0408] The heater 390 may be controlled to turn on after the ice has been transferred to the cylinder 360.

[0409] First, ice is transferred to cylinder 360, and the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on when the ice inside cylinder 360 is being compressed.

[0410] For example, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on at the stage when the piston 335 is operating and the ice in the cylinder 360 is being compressed.

[0411] In other words, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on when the piston 335 is in motion.

[0412] For reference, the difference in molded ice produced by the output of the cylinder heater is as follows:

[0413] First, as the output of heater 390 increases, the cylinder temperature rises.

[0414] Furthermore, the higher the temperature of the cylinder, the faster the ice in contact with the inner surface of the cylinder melts. As a result, a larger amount of ice inside the cylinder melts.

[0415] As the amount of melted ice in the cylinder increases, the density of the re-freezing molded ice increases, and the diameter of the molded ice decreases. Furthermore, the more melted ice there is in the cylinder, the harder the molded ice becomes, with a transparent surface.

[0416] Conversely, if the cylinder temperature is kept low, the ice inside the cylinder will either not melt at all, or only a very small portion will melt.

[0417] Furthermore, because refreezing does not occur within the cylinder, the density decreases, and even if the ice is compressed within the cylinder, the compression is not effective, resulting in the formation of ice that easily crumbles even after compression.

[0418] When this type of ice is discharged outside the discharge pipe, it easily breaks apart and does not easily maintain its shape.

[0419] Therefore, the cylinder temperature must be maintained within an appropriate temperature range so that molded ice of the appropriate strength is produced.

[0420] According to the present invention, one ice-making cycle can be defined as the process in which ice is made in tray 241, the made ice is separated from the tray surface, the separated powdered ice or crushed ice is transported, the transported powdered ice or crushed ice is compressed inside a cylinder, and then the compressed molded ice is discharged.

[0421] Then, once the Nth ice-making cycle is complete, the N+1th ice-making cycle begins.

[0422] During the ice-making cycle, the output of the heater 390 can be kept constant.

[0423] Furthermore, the temperature of the cylinder 360 can be kept constant while the ice-making cycle is being performed.

[0424] On the other hand, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to be variable while the ice-making cycle is being performed.

[0425] First, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on and off while the ice-making cycle is in progress, and then controlled to turn on when ice is transferred to the cylinder 360.

[0426] For example, when the heater 390 is turned on, its output may be controlled to gradually increase. In this case, the graph showing the change in the heater 390's output over time can show an upward curve.

[0427] According to this, the ice-making and ice-release efficiency of molded ice can be improved.

[0428] As another example, when the heater 390 is turned on, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to decrease while gradually increasing. In this case, the graph of the change in the output of the heater 390 over time can draw an upward-facing parabola.

[0429] According to this method, the efficiency of ice making and detachment for molded ice can be improved, as can the energy saving efficiency.

[0430] On the other hand, while the ice-making cycle is being performed, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn on and off, and the heater 390 may be turned on before the ice is transferred to the cylinder 360 to preheat the cylinder 390.

[0431] For example, when the heater 390 is turned on, its output may be controlled to gradually decrease. In this case, the graph of the change in the heater 390's output over time can show a downward curve.

[0432] According to this method, powdered ice or crushed ice is transferred into the cylinder while the cylinder temperature is preheated, improving the efficiency of ice making and release for molded ice, as well as improving energy saving efficiency.

[0433] As another example, when the heater 390 is turned on, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to increase while it is gradually decreasing. In this case, the graph of the change in the output of the heater 390 over time can draw a downward-facing parabola.

[0434] According to this method, powdered ice or crushed ice is transferred into the cylinder while the cylinder temperature is preheated, improving the efficiency of ice making and release within the cylinder, as well as improving energy saving efficiency. Furthermore, increasing the heater output after it has been reduced can further improve the efficiency of ice making.

[0435] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be controlled so that its output is variable in accordance with the operation of the piston 335.

[0436] For example, when the piston 335 operates to compress the ice inside the cylinder 360, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to increase.

[0437] As another example, if the piston 335 is in the standby position, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to be maintained or reduced.

[0438] The output of the heater 390 may be controlled to be variable in conjunction with the movement position of the piston 335, the stroke distance of the piston 335, the movement position of the lever 350, the rotation position of the tray 241, and the operation of surrounding parts.

[0439] Furthermore, as described above, when the heater 390 is turned on, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn off when the temperature of the cylinder 360, as measured by the temperature sensor 368, reaches a preset reference temperature.

[0440] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be controlled to turn off when the elapsed time after it has been turned on reaches a reference time.

[0441] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be controlled so that its output is variable in response to various factors.

[0442] 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.

[0443] The heater 390 may be controlled so that its output is variable in response to changes in the cooling force.

[0444] The aforementioned 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 390 may be controlled to increase, and when the cooling force decreases, the output of the heater 390 may also be controlled to decrease.

[0445] Furthermore, the heater 390 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.

[0446] In other words, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to increase when the target temperature of the freezer chamber 19 decreases, and the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to decrease when the target temperature of the freezer chamber 19 increases.

[0447] 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 390 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.

[0448] In other words, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to increase when the target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 18 decreases, and the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to decrease when the target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 18 increases.

[0449] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be controlled so that its output is variable when the temperature RT of the space in which the refrigerator is installed changes.

[0450] In other words, the output of the heater 390 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 390 may be controlled to increase when the temperature RT of the space in which the refrigerator is installed increases.

[0451] Furthermore, the heater 390 may be controlled to vary its output depending on whether the refrigerator door is open or not.

[0452] The term "refrigerator door" can refer to both the freezer door and the refrigerator door.

[0453] Generally, when a refrigerator door is opened, the temperature inside the refrigerator rises.

[0454] Therefore, when the opening of the refrigerator door is detected, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to be reduced.

[0455] 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.

[0456] In this case, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to increase when the opening of the refrigerator door is detected.

[0457] Furthermore, after the refrigerator door is opened, if door load response operation is performed and the cooling power increases, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to increase, and if the door load response operation ends and the cooling power decreases, the output of the heater 390 may also be controlled to decrease.

[0458] Furthermore, before the defrosting operation begins, the internal temperature may be lowered in advance to prevent the internal temperature from rising during the defrosting operation, and the output of the heater 390 may be increased as the cooling power increases.

[0459] Furthermore, when the cooling power decreases due to deep cooling, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to decrease, and when the cooling power increases due to the end of deep cooling, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to increase.

[0460] Additionally, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to increase when the refrigerator power is initially turned on.

[0461] Alternatively, the output of the heater 390 may be controlled to decrease when full ice is detected, and to increase when full ice detection is released.

[0462] In situations where ice is not being produced for reasons other than full ice, the output of heater 390 may be controlled to decrease, and when ice production resumes, the output of heater 390 may be controlled to increase.

[0463] The compression part 300 is 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 includes an inclined surface facing the discharge pipe 370, and the molded ice discharged from the discharge pipe 370 can be cut while being interfered with by the inclined surface. The cut ice can then fall into the ice bin 500.

[0464] 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.

[0465] 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.

[0466] 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.

[0467] The tray 241 may include circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b (also called circumferential walls) that form a water storage space. The circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b can be understood to include cells for ice formation.

[0468] 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.

[0469] From another perspective, the tray 241 may have a disc shape or a plate shape including both side walls and a circumferential surface.

[0470] 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.

[0471] 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.

[0472] 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.

[0473] 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.

[0474] The configuration of the recess 241a and the protrusion 241b allows us to understand that the first circumferential surface 242a includes an uneven structure.

[0475] The recesses 241a and protrusions 241b may each be provided in large numbers. The structure may have multiple recesses 241a (see Figure 17) and multiple protrusions 241b (see Figure 17) arranged alternately.

[0476] 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.

[0477] 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.

[0478] 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.

[0479] When the first circumferential surface 242a is in a position where it comes into 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.

[0480] 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.

[0481] 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.

[0482] 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.

[0483] 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.

[0484] 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.

[0485] 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.

[0486] 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.

[0487] 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.

[0488] 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.

[0489] 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.

[0490] 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.

[0491] 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.

[0492] 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.

[0493] 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.

[0494] 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.

[0495] 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.

[0496] 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.

[0497] 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.

[0498] 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.

[0499] 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.

[0500] 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.

[0501] 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.

[0502] The first tray cover 246 may include a first communication hole 246f that communicates with the through hole 245 of the tray 241. Cold air can pass through the through hole 245 via the first communication hole 246f.

[0503] 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 of the second cover wall 247a may be formed to be greater than the radial length 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.

[0504] 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 bar coupling portion 247b having a configuration corresponding to the first bar coupling portion 246b of the first tray cover 246.

[0505] 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.

[0506] 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.

[0507] 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.

[0508] The second tray cover 247 may include a second communication hole 247f that communicates with the through hole 245 of the tray 241. Cold air can pass through the first communication hole 246f and the through hole 245 to the second communication hole 247f.

[0509] Let me explain from a different perspective.

[0510] 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.

[0511] 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.

[0512] The ice-making part 200 may include a first bracket 220 that forms the first storage space 220a of the tray assembly 240.

[0513] 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.

[0514] 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.

[0515] 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.

[0516] 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.

[0517] 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.

[0518] 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.

[0519] 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.

[0520] 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.

[0521] The water storage tank 250 includes a case having a predetermined capacity, and the walls of the case may be provided with a water storage tank heater 255 that provides heat to prevent the water stored in the water storage tank 250 from freezing.

[0522] The ice-making section 200 may include a water supply guide wall 224a that guides 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.

[0523] 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 at the water supply pipe connecting portion 221b so as to be inclined in the direction facing the water storage tank 250.

[0524] 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 and into the water storage tank 250.

[0525] The ice-making part 200 may include a first blade 280 that contacts the ice made in the tray 241 to separate the ice made in the tray 241. 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.

[0526] The first blade 280 may be provided on the fifth wall 225. For example, a water tank 250 may be located on the inner surface of the fifth wall 225, and the first blade 280 may be coupled to the outer surface of the fifth wall 225.

[0527] The ice-making part 200 may include a second blade 285 that comes into contact with the frozen ice in order to separate the ice formed in the tray assembly 240.

[0528] The second blade 285 can be positioned adjacent to both side walls of the tray assembly 240 so as to scrape off ice that has frozen onto the side walls of the tray assembly 240, i.e., the first cover wall 246a and the second cover wall 247a.

[0529] Multiple second blades 285 are provided, and any one of the second blades 285 may be provided on the first wall 221. Another second blade 285 may be provided on the outer wall of the second bracket 230, for example, on the outer wall of the gear bracket 231.

[0530] The first blade 280 and the second blade 285 may be positioned at a distance from each other, for example, facing each other with respect to the center of the tray assembly 240. This configuration prevents the cold air passage formed in the ice-making part 200 from being obstructed by the first and second blades 280 and 285.

[0531] More specifically, the cold air flowing in 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 reference to the center of the tray assembly 240. If the first and second blades 280 and 285 were arranged in only one region with reference to the center of the tray assembly 240, the problem would arise that these blades would act as flow resistance. Therefore, in this embodiment, by arranging the first and second blades 280 and 285 on both sides of the tray assembly 240, the effect of reducing resistance to cold air flow is achieved.

[0532] As the tray assembly 240 rotates, any ice that comes into contact with the second blade 285 is separated from the tray assembly 240, and the separated ice can flow into the water storage tank 250.

[0533] 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.

[0534] 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.

[0535] 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.

[0536] 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.

[0537] 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.

[0538] 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.

[0539] 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.

[0540] 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.

[0541] The space between the guide wall 226 and the first blade 280 forms a second opening 227 (see Figure 17) 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.

[0542] 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.

[0543] 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.

[0544] 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.

[0545] 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.

[0546] 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.

[0547] 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.

[0548] The first central part 235a and the second central part 236a may each include brackets that form holes.

[0549] 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".

[0550] For example, the gear cover 232 may be fastened to the gear bracket 231. The gear bracket 231 includes a first fastening portion 231b that is fastened to the gear cover 232, and the gear cover 232 may include a second fastening portion 232a that is fastened to the first fastening portion 231b. A predetermined fastening member may be connected to the first fastening portion 231b and the second fastening portion 232a.

[0551] 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 connected to the first coupling portion 231c and the second coupling portion 222a.

[0552] The gear cover 232 may be coupled to the first motor 210. The first motor 210 includes fastening ribs 215, and the gear cover 232 may include fastening bosses 237 coupled to the fastening ribs 215. A predetermined fastening member may penetrate the fastening ribs 215 and be coupled to the fastening bosses 237.

[0553] The gear cover 232 may include a first through-hole 232b through which the shaft of the first motor 210 passes. The shaft of the first motor 210 may be coupled to the first center 235a of the drive gear 235 via the first through-hole 232b. The first center 235a of the drive gear 235 may be rotatably supported in the first through-hole 232b.

[0554] The gear cover 232 may include a second through-port 232c that supports the second central part 236a of the driven gear 236. The second central part 236a of the driven gear 236 may be rotatably supported in the second through-port 232c.

[0555] 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.

[0556] 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).

[0557] 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.

[0558] 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.

[0559] 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.

[0560] 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.

[0561] 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".

[0562] 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.

[0563] 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.

[0564] 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.

[0565] 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.

[0566] 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.

[0567] 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.

[0568] The compression part 300 may include a second motor 310 for providing driving force. The second motor 310 may include a motor shaft 312.

[0569] 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.

[0570] 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.

[0571] 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.

[0572] 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.

[0573] 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.

[0574] 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.

[0575] 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.

[0576] 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.

[0577] 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.

[0578] 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.

[0579] 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.

[0580] 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.

[0581] 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.

[0582] 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.

[0583] 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".

[0584] 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.

[0585] 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.

[0586] 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.

[0587] 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.

[0588] 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.

[0589] 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.

[0590] 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.

[0591] 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.

[0592] 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.

[0593] 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.

[0594] 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.

[0595] 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.

[0596] 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.

[0597] 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.

[0598] 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.

[0599] 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."

[0600] Furthermore, the cylinder 360 may have a decreasing section where the diameter of the compression space 363 decreases in line with the direction of movement of the ice powder, from one side where the inlet 361 into which the ice powder flows is formed to the other side, and a maintaining section where the diameter of the compression space 363 is maintained constant from the decreasing section to the discharge port 362.

[0601] As described above, when the diameter of the compression space 363 of the cylinder 360 is formed to gradually decrease, the cross-sectional area of ​​the compression space 363 decreases from the inlet 361 to the outlet 362. This allows for more reliable compression of the ice powder moving through the compression space 363, resulting in the formation of hard molded ice.

[0602] Furthermore, as described above, if the diameter of the inlet 361 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the outlet 362, the powdered ice can easily flow into the inside of the cylinder 360.

[0603] 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.

[0604] The discharge pipe 370 may be made of an elastically deformable material that provides resistance in the direction opposite to the direction of ice transfer. For example, the discharge pipe 370 may be made of silicone.

[0605] 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.

[0606] 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.

[0607] The discharge pipe 370 is made of an elastic material such as silicone.

[0608] Furthermore, the discharge pipe 370 is formed such that its inner diameter gradually decreases in the direction of the outlet 373, thereby ensuring more reliable compression of the ice powder moving through the discharge pipe 370 and enabling the formation of hard molded ice.

[0609] The hard, compressed molded ice then passes through the section where the inner diameter is kept constant, and after being molded to have a constant diameter, it is discharged to the outside of the discharge pipe 370 via the outlet 373.

[0610] In other words, according to the present invention, ice that has been primarily compressed by the piston 335 as it passes through the cylinder 360 flows into the discharge pipe 370. The ice that flows into the discharge pipe 370 is pressurized on one side by the piston 335 and resisted on the other side by the elastic discharge pipe 370, resulting in stronger compression or recombination of the powdered ice. The compressed powdered ice is then formed into ice having a predetermined shape (third-state ice, molded ice) and discharged through the outlet 373 of the discharge pipe 370.

[0611] After passing through the discharge port 362 of the cylinder 360, the ice that flows into the discharge pipe 370 is in a state where it has been primarily compressed by the piston 335 inside the cylinder 360. This ice can be further compressed by the piston 335 in the discharge pipe 370.

[0612] The ice, which is secondarily compressed by the piston 335 in the discharge pipe 370, then passes through the outlet 373, which is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the discharge pipe 370.

[0613] At this time, the ice, which has been secondarily compressed, passes through the outlet 373, which is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the discharge pipe 370, causing the outlet 373 to expand. The force that tries to prevent the outlet 373 from expanding causes the ice to be compressed tertiarily, and it is able to pass through the discharge pipe 370 in a harder state.

[0614] The compression part 300 may include compression brackets 320, 327 for supporting the numerous components described above.

[0615] 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.

[0616] 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.

[0617] 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.

[0618] The first wall 321 may include a number of fastening points.

[0619] 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.

[0620] 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.

[0621] 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.

[0622] 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.

[0623] 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.

[0624] 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.

[0625] 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.

[0626] 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.

[0627] 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.

[0628] 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.

[0629] 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.

[0630] 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.

[0631] 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.

[0632] 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.

[0633] Figure 16 is a plan view showing the configuration of the ice-making part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 17 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 18 is a right side view showing the configuration of the ice-making part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 19 is a front view showing the configuration of the ice-making part of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0634] First, referring to Figure 16, the ice-making part 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cold air duct 400 that supplies cold air to the internal spaces of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230. The internal spaces of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 can form a cold air passage.

[0635] The cold air duct 400 may be connected to the first duct 90 and placed in the space between the first duct 90 and the first bracket 220.

[0636] The cold air duct 400 may include an inlet 420 for introducing cold air. The inlet 420 may be connected to the end of the first duct 90.

[0637] The cold air duct 400 may include a discharge section 430 that discharges cold air into the cold air passage. The discharge section 430 is connected to a first opening 224b of the first bracket 220, and the cold air discharged from the discharge section 430 can flow into the interior of the first bracket 220 through the first opening 224b.

[0638] The inlet portion 420 may be formed at one end of the cold air duct 400, and the outlet portion 430 may be formed at the other end of the cold air duct 400. The one end and the other end can form opposite ends.

[0639] The cold air duct 400 may include a duct body 440 that extends from the inlet 420 toward the outlet 430 and guides the flow of cold air. The inlet 420 and the outlet 430 may be formed at both ends of the duct body 440.

[0640] The duct body 440 may be configured such that its width or flow cross-sectional area changes with respect to the direction of cold air flow. For example, the duct body 440 may be formed so that the downstream width w2 of the cold air flow is smaller than the upstream width w1.

[0641] In other words, the flow cross-sectional area on the downstream side of the duct body 440 may be formed to be smaller than the flow cross-sectional area on the upstream side. With this configuration, the flow velocity of the cold air flowing in through the inlet 420 increases and is supplied to the internal space of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

[0642] The width or flow cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet portion 420 may be formed to be larger than the width or flow cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge portion 430.

[0643] The sides of the duct body 440 may be formed to be inclined by a first angle θ1 with respect to a virtual first extension line l1, such that the width or flow cross-sectional area of ​​the duct body 440 changes. The first extension line l1 can be understood as a horizontal extension line from one side of the first bracket 220 to the other side.

[0644] Referring to Figure 19, the duct body 440 may be extended so as to be inclined upward by a second angle θ2 with respect to a virtual second extension line l2 and connected to the first opening 224b, in order to easily supply cold air to the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241, particularly the upper circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241.

[0645] The second extension line l2 can be understood as a horizontal extension line extending from one side of the first bracket 220 to the other side. For example, the second extension line l2 may be a horizontal extension line passing through the inlet 420. In Figure 19, the second extension line l2 is shown passing through the lower end of the inlet 420, but it may be defined to pass through the middle or upper end as well as the lower end.

[0646] The duct body 440 may be extended so as to be inclined with respect to the first duct 90.

[0647] A cold air passage is defined between the upper part of the tray 241 and the second wall 222 of the first bracket 220, formed along the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b. The inclined shape of the duct body 440 allows cold air to be easily supplied to the cold air passage, while preventing it from flowing into the water tank 250 located below the tray 241. Therefore, freezing of the water tank 250 due to cold air is prevented.

[0648] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, both ends of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 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.

[0649] 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.

[0650] 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.

[0651] In other words, the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241 can be exposed to the outside of the first bracket 220 through the first opening 224b. In another view, the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b can be understood as being positioned to face the outside of the ice maker through the cold air duct 400. With such a configuration, cold air flowing in through the cold air duct 400 is easily supplied to the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b through the first opening 224b. In addition, ice separated from the first circumferential surface 242a by the first blade 280 can be easily discharged to the outside of the first bracket 220.

[0652] The second opening 227 may be formed on the other side of the second bracket 230. The other side of the second bracket 230 may be the opposite side from the side on which the first opening 224b is formed. That is, the one side and the other side of the second bracket 230 may be arranged to face each other. Cold air flowing in through the first opening 224b can cool the tray 241 as it passes over the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241 and be discharged through the second opening 227.

[0653] The second opening 227 can also 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.

[0654] 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.

[0655] 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 that forms on the first circumferential surface 242a.

[0656] As an example, the first circumferential surface 242a may have a number of recesses 241a and a number of protrusions 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 recesses 241a.

[0657] The end of the blade body 281 may include a flat surface to scrape off the ice that forms on the protrusion 241b.

[0658] 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, which can then flow into the compression part 300.

[0659] 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.

[0660] 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.

[0661] 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.

[0662] 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.

[0663] 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.

[0664] Figure 20 is a left-side perspective view showing the configuration of a cold air duct according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 21 is a bottom perspective view showing the configuration of a cold air duct according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0665] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the cold air duct 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be located between the side wall 81 of the ice-making chamber 25 and the tray assembly 240. In another view, the cold air duct 400 may be located between the side wall 81 of the ice-making chamber 25 and the ice-making brackets 220, 230, in particular the first bracket 220.

[0666] The cold air duct 440 may include a duct bracket 410 connected to the side wall 81 of the ice-making chamber 25, and a duct body 440 extending from the duct bracket 410 and forming a cold air passage inside.

[0667] The duct bracket 410 may include fastening holes 415 that are fastened to the side wall 81. A predetermined fastening member may be connected to the side wall 81 via the fastening holes 415. The duct bracket 410 may be positioned to surround the inlet 420 of the cold air duct 400.

[0668] The first duct 90 (see Figure 5) may be embedded in the side wall 81, and the duct discharge section 91 formed at the end of the first duct 90 may be connected to the side wall 81. The cold air flowing through the first duct 90 can be discharged through the duct discharge section 91 and flow into the duct body 440 through the inlet section 420.

[0669] The duct body 440 may include a number of walls 441 to 444. For example, the number of walls may include a first wall 441 forming one side wall of the duct body 440, a second wall 442 forming the bottom wall, a third wall 443 forming the other side wall, and a fourth wall 444 forming the top wall. Flow channels for cold air to pass through may be formed inside the first to fourth walls 441 to 444.

[0670] An inlet 420 may be formed at one end of the duct body 440, and an outlet 430 may be formed at the other end. The duct body 440 may extend so as to be inclined from the inlet 420 toward the outlet 430.

[0671] Since the first duct 90 extends upward from the bottom of the first refrigerator door 20 to guide the flow of cold air, the cold air duct 400 may extend from the upper end of the first duct 90 so as to be inclined upward laterally to smoothly guide the cold air to the ice maker 100. For this purpose, the second wall 442 and the fourth wall 444 may extend so as to be inclined upward from the inlet 420 toward the outlet 430.

[0672] Figure 22 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the ice-making part according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23 is a diagram showing the tray assembly and water tank removed from Figure 22; Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view cut along 24-24 in Figure 8; Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view cut along 25-25 in Figure 8; and Figure 26 is a diagram showing how cold air is supplied to the ice-making compartment and how the cold air from the ice-making compartment is returned to the outside of the refrigerator door in a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0673] Referring to Figures 22 to 26, the cold air duct 400 may be connected to the first bracket 220. For example, the discharge section 430 of the cold air duct 400 may be arranged to connect to the opening 224b of the first bracket 220.

[0674] The outer circumferential surface of the tray assembly 240 may be positioned to face the opening 224b. The cold air duct 400 may be coupled to the first bracket 220 so that the cold air flowing in through the opening 224b is supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the tray assembly 240.

[0675] The distance from the opening 224b to the outer surface of the tray assembly 240 may be smaller than the distance from the opening 224b to the water tank 250. Therefore, the cold air flowing in through the opening 224b is directed toward the outer surface of the tray assembly 240 and is restricted from flowing directly into the water tank 250.

[0676] When the cold air duct 400 defines an extension line l3 corresponding to the direction in which it extends from the side wall 81 of the ice-making chamber 25 to the ice-making brackets 220 and 230, the extension line l3 may be in contact with or in a direction corresponding to the extension line l4 of the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241. Therefore, the cold air discharged from the cold air duct 400 will be supplied in a direction toward the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241.

[0677] When defining a radial extension line lc passing through the center of the tray 241, the extension line lc may be extended to bisect the tray 241. For example, the extension line lc can be understood as a radial extension line passing through the bar 249 of the tray assembly 240.

[0678] With respect to the extension line lc, the first opening 224b and the second opening 227 of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may be positioned opposite each other. Therefore, cold air flowing in through the first opening 224b can pass through the circumferential surface of the tray 241 and then be discharged through the second opening 227.

[0679] With respect to the extension line lc, the cold air duct 400 and the guide wall 226 may be positioned opposite each other. The guide wall 226 may include a portion that extends circumferentially to guide the flow of cold air outward, separated by a set distance from the outer circumference of the tray 241.

[0680] With this configuration, the cold air flowing to the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241 can easily maintain its flow along the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b by the guide wall 226. The cold air can then flow through the guide wall 226 to the lower part of the tray 241 where the first blade 280 is located.

[0681] With respect to the extension line lc, the cold air duct 400 and the first blade 280 may be positioned opposite each other. With respect to the flow of cold air, the first blade 280 may be positioned downstream of the guide wall 226.

[0682] The cold air duct 400 may be positioned to supply cold air along the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241 in a manner corresponding to the rotational direction of the tray 241. As cold air is supplied along the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b, a portion of the circumferential surface located upstream of the cold air may remain in a liquid state, while ice will gradually form on other portions of the circumferential surface located downstream of the cold air.

[0683] After the tray 241 is cooled for a set time at the ice-making position shown in Figure 24, the tray 241 rotates, for example, in a counterclockwise direction. During this process, the ice on the first surface 242a, which has been sufficiently formed by the cold air, is released by the first blade 280.

[0684] As the tray 241 continues to rotate, the ice on the opposite first surface 242a is further cooled before being detached by the first blade 280. This configuration and operation improve ice-making performance.

[0685] The first blade 280 and the second blade 285 may be positioned opposite each other with respect to the extension line lc. The first wall 221 of the first bracket 220 may be provided with a blade bracket 221c on which the second blade 285 is mounted. The blade bracket 221c may protrude from the first wall 221 from one side wall of the tray assembly 240.

[0686] The second blade 285 may be additionally provided between the other side wall of the tray assembly 240 and the outer wall of the gear bracket 231.

[0687] By arranging the first and second blades 280 and 285 opposite each other with respect to the center of the tray 241, the rotational resistance of the tray 241 caused by the first and second blades 280 and 285 is distributed, improving the rotational performance of the tray 241. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the cold air passage formed on the outer circumference of the tray 241 from being obstructed by the first and second blades 280 and 285.

[0688] The cold air duct 400 and the water tank 250 may be positioned on opposite sides of the center of the tray 241. For example, the cold air duct 400 may be located above the center of the tray 241, and the water tank 250 may be located below the center of the tray 241. Therefore, the cold air supplied through the cold air duct 400 is supplied to the circumferential surfaces 242a and 242b located above the center of the tray 241, and is limited to being supplied to the water tank 250. Thus, freezing of the water tank 250 is prevented.

[0689] Cold air passages may be formed between the side walls of the tray assembly 240 and the ice-making brackets 220 and 230. A first side wall passage 238a may be formed between the gear bracket 231 and one side wall of the tray assembly 240, and a second side wall passage 238b may be formed between the first wall 221 of the first bracket 220 and the other side wall of the tray assembly 240. The first and second side wall passages 238a and 238b improve the cooling performance of the tray 241.

[0690] The following describes another embodiment of the present invention.

[0691] Figure 27 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ice-making part according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0692] Referring to Figure 27, the tray assembly 240a according to an embodiment of the present invention may include circumferential surfaces 1242a and 1242b. The circumferential surfaces 1242a and 1242b may include a first circumferential surface 1242a that receives water to form ice, and a second circumferential surface 1242b that extends from the first circumferential surface 1242a and has a center distance shorter than the center distance of the first circumferential surface 1242a.

[0693] The first circumferential surface 1242a may be positioned to come into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 250 when it is positioned to face the water storage tank 250. On the other hand, the second circumferential surface 1242b may be positioned so as not to come into contact with the water stored in the water storage tank 250 when it is positioned to face the water storage tank 250.

[0694] The first circumferential surface 1242a may be positioned adjacent to the first blade 280 such that the first blade 280 contacts the ice on the first circumferential surface 1242a when passing around the first blade 280. Alternatively, the second circumferential surface 1242b may be positioned at a distance from the first blade 280 such that the first blade 280 does not interfere with the second circumferential surface 1242b when passing around the first blade 280.

[0695] The area of ​​the first circumferential surface 1242a may be larger than the area of ​​the second circumferential surface 1242b.

[0696] This embodiment is characterized in that, compared to the previous embodiment, the first and second circumferential surfaces 1242a and 1242b are provided singly, and the first circumferential surface has a larger area than the first circumferential surface of the previous embodiment. Therefore, the amount of ice produced in this embodiment can be greater than the amount of ice produced in the previous embodiment.

[0697] The direction in which the cold air duct 400 extends can be in contact with or corresponding to the first circumferential surface 1242a, so that the cold air supplied from the cold air duct 400 is directly supplied to the first circumferential surface 1242a. For other configurations of the ice maker, refer to the description of the previous embodiment.

[0698] Figure 28 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ice-making part according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0699] Referring to Figure 28, a tray assembly 240b according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may include a circumferential surface 2242.

[0700] As an example, water may be supplied to the entire surface area of ​​the circumferential surface 2242 to generate ice.

[0701] The ice-making section according to this embodiment is characterized in that the water storage tank 250 and heater 255 are removed, and water is supplied directly to the circumferential surface 2242 via the water supply pipe 120a. The amount of water supplied via the water supply pipe 120a may be small so that the water supplied from the water supply pipe 120a does not discharge to the underside of the tray assembly 240b.

[0702] The water supply pipe 120a may be positioned to supply water toward the upper end of the tray assembly 240b. For example, the discharge portion of the water supply pipe 120a may be formed slightly higher than the upper end of the tray assembly 240b.

[0703] The water supply pipe 120a may extend through the second wall 222 of the first bracket 220 into the internal space of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

[0704] The water supplied to the upper end of the tray assembly 240b can spread along the circumferential surface 2242 toward the lower end of the tray assembly 240b due to gravity. Since the amount of water flowing along the circumferential surface 2242 is small, the water spreads gradually along the circumferential surface 2242 and is prevented from separating from the circumferential surface 2242.

[0705] A cold air duct 400a may be connected to the sides of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 to supply cold air. The cold air duct 400a is positioned at approximately the height of the center C of the tray assembly 240b, and the cold air discharged from the cold air duct 400a can cool the circumferential surface 2242 located at the center height of the tray assembly 240b.

[0706] Furthermore, the cold air can easily cool the water present on the circumferential surface 2242 as it flows toward the upper and lower ends of the tray assembly 240b.

[0707] Figure 29 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ice-making part according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0708] Referring to Figure 29, the configuration of tray assembly 240c according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is based on the description of tray assembly 240 described above.

[0709] A water tank 250 may be positioned on one side of the tray assembly 240, for example, on the lower side. The vertical direction is defined. The vertical direction can be defined relative to the ground on which the refrigerator 1 or cabinet 10 is placed. For example, the refrigerator 1 or cabinet 10 can be understood as being placed above the ground. The vertical direction can correspond to the direction of gravity. Such definitions of direction can be applied similarly throughout the specification.

[0710] Since the water storage tank 250 is located below the tray assembly 240, ice separated from the side wall 244 of the tray assembly 240 can fall into the water storage tank 250.

[0711] A cold air duct 400b for supplying cold air may be connected to the sides of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230. The cold air duct 400b is positioned approximately higher than the center C of the tray assembly 240c, and the cold air discharged from the cold air duct 400b can flow adjacent to the upper end of the tray assembly 240c. As an example, cold air can be supplied to the circumferential surface formed at the upper end of the tray assembly 240c.

[0712] In other words, the water storage tank 250 may be located on one side of the tray assembly 240c, and the cold air duct 400b may be arranged to supply cold air toward the other side, which is opposite to the one side of the tray assembly 240c.

[0713] With this configuration, since the cold air duct 400b is located relatively far away from the water storage tank 250, it is possible to prevent the cold air discharged from the cold air duct 400b from being directly supplied to the water storage tank 250. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water in the water storage tank 250 from freezing.

[0714] Another embodiment may be proposed.

[0715] In previous embodiments, the ice maker 100 was described as being mounted on the refrigerator door 20, but it may also be mounted on the freezer door 50 or placed inside the freezer compartment 19.

Claims

1. Cabinets forming a storage room, A door for opening and closing the aforementioned cabinet, A tray rotatably mounted in the cabinet or door, having a circumferential surface that receives water to generate ice, An ice-making bracket that houses the tray and forms a path for cold air to cool the tray, A blade that scrapes the ice generated on the circumferential surface while in contact with the ice on the circumferential surface, A refrigerator including a compression part that compresses ice of a first size detached from the circumferential surface by the blade to form it into a second size larger than the first size.

2. The aforementioned compression part is A cylinder through which ice detached from the aforementioned circumferential surface flows, A refrigerator according to claim 1, comprising a piston that compresses ice flowing into the cylinder while reciprocating under the drive of a motor.

3. The cylinder is An inlet through which ice detached from the aforementioned circumferential surface flows in, The cylinder has an outlet from which the compressed ice is discharged, The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising a compression space formed between the inlet and the outlet, wherein ice flowing into the inlet is compressed as it moves toward the outlet.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the compression space of the cylinder is formed such that the diameter at a first point adjacent to the inlet is larger than the diameter at a second point adjacent to the discharge port.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the compression space of the cylinder is formed such that its diameter gradually decreases in the direction of the discharge port in at least a portion of the section.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 3, further comprising a discharge pipe connected to the discharge port side of the cylinder, through which ice discharged from the discharge port is further compressed before being discharged.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the discharge pipe is made of an elastic material that is expandable and contractible.

8. The discharge pipe has a connecting portion which is open on one side and connected to the discharge port. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the connecting portion has a hollow shape and is connected while surrounding the circumferential surface of the cylinder in which the discharge port is formed.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the discharge pipe includes a discharge section on one side that extends from the connecting section and on the other side that has an outlet formed for discharging compressed ice.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the discharge portion includes a first section formed such that its inner diameter gradually decreases from one side connected to the connecting portion to the other side where the outlet is formed.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the discharge section includes a second section that defines the outlet and is formed such that its inner diameter is kept constant.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the diameter of the second section is formed to be less than or equal to the diameter of the first section, and the diameter of the second section is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the discharge port of the cylinder.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 2, comprising a heater installed in the compression part and providing heat to at least a portion of the compression part.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the heater is formed in a wire shape and is wound spirally on the outer surface of the cylinder.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the heater is configured such that the winding spacing on the other side adjacent to the discharge port of the cylinder is greater than the winding spacing on the one side adjacent to the inlet of the cylinder.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the heater is configured such that the amount of heat supplied per unit area to one side adjacent to the inlet of the cylinder is greater than the amount of heat supplied per unit area to the other side adjacent to the outlet of the cylinder.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the heater is controlled to turn on at least one stage before the ice to be compressed is transferred to the cylinder, or at least one stage after the ice to be compressed is transferred to the cylinder.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the cylinder is provided with a temperature sensor on its outer surface for sensing the outer surface temperature of the cylinder.

19. The refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein when the heater is turned off and the temperature of the cylinder detected by the temperature sensor falls below a preset target temperature, the heater is controlled to turn on, and when the heater is turned on and the temperature of the cylinder detected by the temperature sensor reaches a preset target temperature, the heater is controlled to turn off.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein the output of the heater is controlled to vary according to the operating conditions of the refrigerant cycle for maintaining the storage chamber temperature and the surrounding environment.

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