Refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ice maker. The ice maker of the present invention comprises: a tray forming at least a portion of an ice cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater that supplies heat to the ice cell in at least a portion of the ice cell while the ice cell is being cooled, so as to increase the transparency of the ice produced in the ice cell. A step for controlling the heater comprises a plurality of steps, wherein the amount of heating of the heater in some of the plurality of steps is different from the amount of heating of the heater in another portion of the steps performed after some of the plurality of steps, and the amount of ice produced according to the ice production speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This specification relates to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures in an internal storage space enclosed by a door.

[0003] The above refrigerator can store stored food items in a refrigerated or frozen state by cooling the interior of the storage space using cold air.

[0004] Typically, refrigerators are equipped with an ice maker for making ice.

[0005] The above ice maker generates ice by collecting water supplied from a water source or water tank into a tray and then cooling the water.

[0006] In addition, the ice maker can remove the ice that has been frozen from the ice tray by a heating method or a twisting method.

[0007] The ice maker, which automatically supplies and releases water in this manner, is formed to open upwards and scoops up the formed ice.

[0008] Ice produced by an ice maker of this structure has at least one flat surface, such as a crescent shape or a cubic shape.

[0009] Meanwhile, if the ice is formed in a spherical shape, it can be more convenient to use and provide the user with a unique user experience. In addition, when storing the ice, the contact area between the ice cubes can be minimized, thereby minimizing the clumping of the ice.

[0010] An ice maker is disclosed in Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1850918 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 1"), which is a prior art document.

[0011] The ice maker of Prior Art 1 comprises: an upper tray having a plurality of hemispherical upper cells arranged therein and a pair of link guide sections extending upward from both ends; a lower tray having a plurality of hemispherical lower cells arranged therein and rotatably connected to the upper tray; a rotation axis connected to the rear ends of the lower tray and the upper tray to cause the lower tray to rotate relative to the upper tray; a pair of links, one end of which is connected to the lower tray and the other end of which is connected to the link guide sections; and an upper ejecting pin assembly, each connected to the pair of links with both ends fitted into the link guide sections and moving up and down together with the links.

[0012] In the case of Prior Art 1, spherical ice can be produced by a hemispherical upper cell and a hemispherical lower cell, but since the ice is produced simultaneously in the upper cell and the lower cell, the bubbles contained in the water are not completely discharged, and the bubbles are dispersed within the water, resulting in an opaque ice.

[0013] A prior art document, Japanese Patent Publication No. JP 9-269172 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 2"), discloses an ice-making device.

[0014] The ice-making device of Prior Art 2 includes an ice-making plate and a heater that heats the bottom of the water supplied to the ice-making plate.

[0015] In the case of the ice-making device of Prior Art 2, the water on one side and the bottom of the ice-making block is heated by a heater during the ice-making process. Therefore, solidification proceeds on the water surface side, and convection occurs within the water, so that clear ice can be produced.

[0016] As the growth of transparent ice progresses and the volume of water within the ice block decreases, the solidification speed gradually increases, and sufficient convection suitable for the solidification speed cannot be generated.

[0017] Therefore, in the case of prior art 2, when approximately 2 / 3 of the water has solidified, the amount of heating of the heater is increased to suppress the increase in the solidification speed.

[0018] However, according to Prior Art 2, it merely discloses increasing the heating amount of the heater when the volume of water decreases, and does not disclose a structure and heater control logic for producing ice with high transparency while reducing the ice making speed. The problem to be solved

[0019] The present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of producing ice with uniform transparency by reducing the transfer of heat from an adjacent tray to an ice cell formed by another tray through a heater operating during the ice-making process.

[0020] The present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of producing ice with high transparency while reducing the delay in ice making speed.

[0021] The present embodiment provides a refrigerator that forms transparent ice while having uniform transparency for each unit height of the ice. means of solving the problem

[0022] An ice maker according to one aspect comprises: a tray forming at least a portion of an ice cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater that supplies heat to the ice cell in at least a portion of the ice cell while the ice cell is being cooled, so as to increase the transparency of the ice produced in the ice cell. A step for controlling the heater comprises a plurality of steps, wherein the amount of heat of the heater in some of the plurality of steps is different from the amount of heat of the heater in another portion of the step performed after some of the plurality of steps, and the amount of ice produced according to the ice production speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0023] An ice maker according to another aspect comprises: a tray forming at least a part of an ice cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; The method includes a heater that supplies heat to the ice cell during at least a portion of the cooling process of the ice cell so as to increase the transparency of the ice produced in the ice cell, and the step of controlling the heater includes a plurality of steps, wherein the plurality of steps includes a portion step, a previous step performed before the portion step, and a next step performed after the portion step, wherein the amount of heat of the heater in the portion step is different from one or more of the amount of heat of the heater in the previous step and the amount of heat of the heater in the next step, and so as to maintain the rate at which the water inside the ice cell is frozen within a predetermined range lower than the freezing rate when freezing is performed with the heater off, the amount of ice according to the freezing rate within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of ice when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of ice when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0024] Some of the above steps may start, and once the set time has elapsed, some of the above steps may be terminated.

[0025] In some of the above steps, the amount of heating of the heater may be smaller than the amount of heating of the heater in other of the above steps.

[0026] In some of the above steps, the amount of heating of the heater may be greater than the amount of heating of the heater in other of the above steps.

[0027] Some of the above steps are basic heating steps, and some of the above steps may be additional heating steps performed after the completion of the basic heating step.

[0028] In the next step above, the amount of heating of the heater may be the same as or less than the amount of heating of the heater in the part above or the amount of heating of the heater in the previous step above.

[0029] In the next step above, the amount of heating of the heater may be greater than the amount of heating of the heater in the previous step above.

[0030] The above plurality of steps further include a final step performed after the next step, or the next step is the final step,

[0031] The step of controlling the heater may further include an additional heating step performed after the end of the last step.

[0032] A tray forming at least a portion of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater supplying heat to the ice-making cell in at least a portion of the cooling process of the ice-making cell so as to increase the transparency of the ice produced in the ice-making cell, wherein the ice-making amount according to the ice-making speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0033] An ice maker according to another aspect comprises: a tray forming at least a portion of an ice cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater supplying heat to the ice cell, wherein the step of controlling the heater comprises a plurality of steps, and the amount of heating of the heater is controlled in the plurality of steps so that the rate at which water inside the ice cell is iced is maintained within a predetermined range lower than the ice making speed when ice is performed with the heater turned off, and the amount of ice made according to the ice making speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of ice made when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of ice made when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0034] An ice maker according to another aspect comprises: a tray forming at least a portion of an ice cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater supplying heat to the ice cell. A step for controlling the heater includes a basic heating step and an additional heating step performed after the end of the basic heating step. The basic heating step includes a plurality of steps. In order to maintain the ice-making speed of water inside the ice cell within a predetermined range lower than the ice-making speed when ice is made with the heater off, the ice-making amount according to the ice-making speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0035] An ice maker according to another aspect comprises: a tray forming at least a portion of an ice cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater supplying heat to the ice cell. A step for controlling the heater includes a basic heating step and an additional heating step performed after the end of the basic heating step. The additional heating step includes a plurality of steps. In order to maintain the ice-making speed of water inside the ice cell within a predetermined range lower than the ice-making speed when ice is made with the heater off, the ice-making amount according to the ice-making speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0036] One or more of the above multiple steps may be terminated when a set time has elapsed.

[0037] The heating amount of the heater may be increased in at least some sections while the above plurality of steps are being performed.

[0038] The amount of heating of the heater may be reduced during at least some sections while the above plurality of steps are being performed.

[0039] In at least some sections of the above additional heating step, the amount of heat from the heater may be equal to or less than the amount of heat from the heater in at least some sections of the above basic heating step.

[0040] A refrigerator according to another aspect comprises: a tray assembly forming part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; a cooler for supplying cold to the ice-making cell; and a heater that supplies heat to the ice-making cell in at least a portion of the cooling process of the ice-making cell so as to increase the transparency of the ice produced in the ice-making cell, wherein the heating amount of the heater or the cooling power of the cooler is varied in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell so as to maintain the ice-making speed of the water inside the ice-making cell within a predetermined range lower than the ice-making speed when the heater is turned off, and the ice-making amount according to the ice-making speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is turned off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is turned off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0041] In the case where the heating amount of the heater or the cooling power of the cooler is varied in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell, it may be a case where the heating amount of the heater is reduced in response to the decrease in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell.

[0042] The case where the heat transfer amount of the above cold and the water in the above ice-making cell is reduced may be a case where the cooling power of the above cooler is reduced.

[0043] It further includes a storage room, which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the above-mentioned cooler, and the case in which the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell is reduced may be when air at a temperature higher than the temperature of the cold in the storage room is supplied to the storage room.

[0044] The device further includes a storage room, which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the above-mentioned cooler, and when the heating amount of the heater is reduced, it may be when the target temperature of the storage room is increased.

[0045] The device further includes a storage room, which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the above-mentioned cooler, and the case where the heating amount of the heater is reduced may be when the operating mode of the storage room is changed from a rapid cooling mode to a normal mode.

[0046] When the heating amount of the above heater is reduced, it may be a case where the output of one or more of the compressor and fan is reduced.

[0047] The case where the heating amount of the above heater is reduced may be a case where the opening degree of the refrigerant valve is reduced.

[0048] In cases where the heating amount of the heater or the cooling power of the cooler varies in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell, the heating amount of the heater may increase in response to the increase in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell.

[0049] The case where the heat transfer amount of the above cold and the water in the above ice-making cell increases may be a case where the cooling power of the above cooler increases.

[0050] It further includes a storage room, which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the above-mentioned cooler, and the case in which the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell is increased may be when air at a temperature lower than the temperature of the cold in the storage room is supplied to the storage room.

[0051] The device further includes a storage room, which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the above-mentioned cooler, and when the heating amount of the above-mentioned heater is increased, it may be when the target temperature of the above-mentioned storage room is lowered.

[0052] The device further includes a storage room, which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the above-mentioned cooler, and when the heating amount of the heater is increased, the operating mode of the storage room may be changed from a normal mode to a rapid cooling mode.

[0053] The case where the heating amount of the above heater is increased may be when the output of one or more of the compressor and the fan is increased.

[0054] The case where the heating amount of the above heater increases may be a case where the opening degree of the refrigerant valve increases.

[0055] The apparatus further includes a storage room defined as a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the above-mentioned cooler, wherein the ice-making cell is located inside the storage room, and the tray assembly is composed of a plurality of trays that can come into contact with each other, comprising a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly, wherein the first tray assembly includes a first tray defined as a wall partitioning the ice-making cell and the interior of the storage room, and a first tray case located between the first tray and the storage room, and the second tray assembly may include a second tray defined as a wall partitioning the ice-making cell and the interior of the storage room, and a second tray case located between the second tray and the storage room.

[0056] The apparatus further includes a bracket defining at least a portion of the space accommodating the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly, wherein the first tray case includes a first tray supporter and a first tray cover, and the first tray cover may be manufactured as a separate article from the bracket and coupled to the bracket or formed integrally with the bracket.

[0057] A refrigerator according to one aspect may include: a storage room in which food is stored; a cooler for supplying cold to the storage room; a first tray forming part of an ice-making cell, which is a space in which water undergoes a phase change into ice by the cold; a second tray forming another part of the ice-making cell, which is connected to a driving unit so as to be in contact with the first tray during the ice-making process and separated from the first tray during the ice-removing process; a heater positioned adjacent to at least one of the first tray and the second tray; and a control unit for controlling the heater and the driving unit.

[0058] The control unit controls the second tray to move to the ice-making position after the water supply to the ice-making cell is completed, and controls the cooler to supply cold to the ice-making cell; the control unit controls the second tray to move in the forward direction to the ice removal position and then move in the reverse direction to remove the ice from the ice-making cell after the ice generation in the ice-making cell is completed, and the control unit can start the water supply after the second tray moves to the water supply position in the reverse direction after the ice removal is completed.

[0059] The above control unit can control the heater to be turned on during at least a portion of the section in which the cooler supplies cold so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move toward the liquid state water in the ice-making section to create transparent ice.

[0060] The refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell. It may further include a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making cell.

[0061] The above control unit can control the heating amount of the heater to increase when the amount of heat transfer between the cold in the storage room and the water in the ice-making cell increases, and to decrease the heating amount of the heater when the amount of heat transfer between the cold in the storage room and the water in the ice-making cell decreases, so that the rate at which the water inside the ice-making cell is frozen can be maintained within a predetermined range lower than the freezing rate when freezing is performed with the heater turned off.

[0062] The amount of ice produced according to the ice production speed within the above-mentioned predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), where a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0063] a1 may be 0.29 or more and 0.42 or less, or b1 may be 0.64 or more and 0.81 or less. Alternatively, a1 may be 0.35 or more and 0.42 or less, or b1 may be 0.64 or more and 0.81 or less. Preferably, a1 may be 0.25 and b1 may be 0.64.

[0064] More preferably, a1 may be 0.29 and b1 may be 0.57. Preferably, a1 may be 0.29 and b1 may be 0.49.

[0065] According to another aspect of the refrigerator, the control unit can control one or more of the cooling amount of the cooler and the heating amount of the heater to vary according to the mass per unit height of the water in the ice-making cell so that the rate at which the water inside the ice-making cell is ice-making is maintained within a predetermined range lower than the ice-making speed when ice-making is performed with the heater turned off.

[0066] The amount of ice produced according to the ice production speed within the above-mentioned predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), where a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0067] The above control unit can control the cold supplied by the cooler when the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell is large to be greater than the cold supplied by the cooler when the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell is small.

[0068] The above control unit can control the heat supplied by the heater such that when the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell is large, the heat supplied by the heater is smaller than when the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell is small.

[0069] a1 may be 0.29 or greater and 0.42 or less, or b1 may be 0.64 or greater and 0.81 or less. Preferably, a1 may be 0.29 and b1 may be 0.49.

[0070] According to another aspect of the refrigerator, the control unit can control the heater so that the rate at which the water inside the ice-making cell is ice-making is maintained within a predetermined range lower than the ice-making speed when ice-making is performed with the heater turned off, and the step for controlling the heater may include a basic heating step and an additional heating step performed after the basic heating step.

[0071] In at least some sections of the additional heating steps, the control unit can control the heater so that it operates with a heating amount equal to or lower than the heating amount of the heater in the basic heating step.

[0072] The amount of ice produced according to the ice production speed within the above-mentioned predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), where a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0073] The above basic heating step includes a plurality of steps, and the control unit can control the process so that when a certain amount of time elapses or when the value measured by the second temperature sensor reaches a reference value, the process proceeds from the current step to the next step among the plurality of steps of the basic heating step. The last step of the basic heating step may be terminated when the value measured by the second temperature sensor reaches a reference value.

[0074] The additional heating step comprises a plurality of steps, and the control unit may control the process so that when a certain amount of time elapses or when the value measured by the second temperature sensor reaches a reference value, the process proceeds from the current step to the next step among the plurality of steps of the additional heating step. The first step of the additional heating step may be terminated when a certain amount of time has elapsed.

[0075] a1 may be 0.29 or greater and 0.42 or less, or b1 may be 0.64 or greater and 0.81 or less. Preferably, a1 may be 0.29 and b1 may be 0.49.

[0076] The above control unit can control the ice making speed (Y) to vary when the set ice transparency (X) varies, based on a table for ice transparency and ice making speed.

[0077] The refrigerator further includes a memory in which data is recorded, and a table regarding the transparency of the ice and the ice-making speed can be pre-stored in the memory.

[0078] A refrigerator according to another aspect may include: a tray assembly forming part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; a cooler for supplying cold to the ice-making cell; and a heater located adjacent to the tray assembly and turned on during at least a portion of the section in which the cooler supplies cold, so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move toward the liquid state water in the part where ice is generated, thereby allowing clear ice to be generated.

[0079] In order for the rate at which the water inside the ice-making cell is frozen to be maintained within a predetermined range lower than the freezing rate when the heater is turned off, the heating amount of the heater or the cooling power of the cooler may be varied in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water inside the ice-making cell.

[0080] The amount of ice produced according to the ice production speed within the above-mentioned predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), where a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91.

[0081] In the case where the heating amount of the heater or the cooling power of the cooler is varied in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell, it may be a case where the heating amount of the heater is reduced in response to the decrease in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell.

[0082] The case where the heat transfer amount of the above cold and the water in the above ice-making cell is reduced may be a case where the cooling power of the above cooler is reduced.

[0083] The refrigerator may further include a storage room, which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler. The case in which the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell is reduced may be when air at a temperature higher than the temperature of the cold in the storage room is supplied to the storage room.

[0084] The case in which the amount of heat transfer of the above cold and the water in the above ice-making cell is reduced may be when air at a temperature higher than the temperature of the storage room detected by the first temperature sensor is supplied to the above storage room.

[0085] The above refrigerator further includes a storage room which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooling unit, and the case in which the cooling power of the cooling unit is reduced may be the case in which the target temperature of the storage room is increased.

[0086] The above refrigerator further includes a storage room, which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler, and the case in which the cooling power of the cooler is reduced may be when the operating mode of the storage room is changed from a rapid cooling mode to a normal mode.

[0087] The case where the cooling power of the above-mentioned cooler is reduced may be when the output of one or more of the compressor and the fan is reduced.

[0088] The case where the cooling power of the above cooler is reduced may be when the opening degree of the refrigerant valve is reduced.

[0089] In cases where the heating amount of the heater or the cooling power of the cooler varies in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell, the heating amount of the heater may increase in response to the increase in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell.

[0090] The case where the heat transfer amount of the above cold and the water in the above ice-making cell increases may be a case where the cooling power of the above cooler increases.

[0091] The above refrigerator further includes a storage room, which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the above cooler, and the case in which the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell increases may be when air at a temperature lower than the temperature of the cold in the storage room is supplied to the storage room.

[0092] The case in which the amount of heat transfer of the above cold and the water in the above ice-making cell increases may be when air at a temperature lower than the temperature of the storage room detected by the first temperature sensor is supplied to the above storage room.

[0093] The above refrigerator further includes a storage room which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooling unit, and the case in which the cooling power of the cooling unit is increased may be when the target temperature of the storage room is lowered.

[0094] The above refrigerator further includes a storage room, which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler, and the case in which the cooling power of the cooler is increased may be when the operating mode of the storage room is changed from a normal mode to a rapid cooling mode.

[0095] The case where the cooling power of the above-mentioned cooler is increased may be a case where the output of one or more of the compressor and the fan is increased.

[0096] The case where the cooling power of the above cooler is increased may be when the opening degree of the refrigerant valve is increased.

[0097] The above storage room may include a freezer.

[0098] The above cooler may include a cold air supply means.

[0099] The above refrigerator further includes a storage room defined as a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooling unit, and the ice-making cell may be located inside the storage room.

[0100] The above tray assembly is composed of a plurality of trays that can come into contact with each other, and includes a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly. The first tray assembly may include a first tray defined by a wall partitioning the ice-making cell and the interior of the storage room, and a first tray case located between the first tray and the storage room. The second tray assembly may include a second tray defined by a wall partitioning the ice-making cell and the interior of the storage room, and a second tray case located between the second tray and the storage room.

[0101] It may further include a bracket defining at least a portion of the space accommodating the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0102] The first tray case may include a first tray supporter and a first tray cover. The first tray cover may be manufactured as a separate article from the bracket and coupled to the bracket, or formed integrally with the bracket.

[0103] A refrigerator according to another aspect may include: a tray assembly forming part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; a cooler for supplying cold to the ice-making cell; and a heater located adjacent to the tray assembly and turned on during at least a portion of the section in which the cooler supplies cold, so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move toward the liquid state water in the part where ice is generated, thereby allowing clear ice to be generated. In order for the rate at which the water inside the ice-making cell is frozen to be maintained within a predetermined range lower than the freezing rate when the heater is turned off, one or more of the cooling amount of the cooler and the heating amount of the heater are controlled to vary according to the mass per unit height of the water inside the ice-making cell, and the freezing amount according to the freezing rate within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the freezing amount when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the freezing amount when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), where a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.91. Effects of the invention

[0107] According to the proposed invention, since the heater is turned on during at least a portion of the section while the cooler is supplying cold, the ice-making speed is slowed down by the heat of the heater, so that air bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move from the ice-making section toward the liquid water, thereby allowing transparent ice to be formed.

[0108] In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, it is possible to produce ice with high transparency while reducing the delay in the ice-making speed.

[0109] In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, by controlling one or more of the cooling power of the cooler and the heating amount of the heater to vary according to the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell, ice with uniform transparency throughout can be produced regardless of the shape of the ice-making cell.

[0110] In addition, the present embodiment can produce ice with uniform transparency by varying the heating amount of the transparent ice heater and / or the cooling power of the cooler in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the water in the ice-making cell and the cold in the storage room. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0111] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a front view of the ice maker of Fig. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ice maker with the bracket removed from FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are perspective views of a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first tray viewed from above. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first tray viewed from below. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the first tray. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along FIG. 11 of FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the first tray of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along 13-13 of FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along 14-14 of FIG. 11. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along 15-15 of FIG. 8. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the first tray cover. FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the first tray cover. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the first tray cover. FIG. 19 is a side view of the first tray case. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the first heater case. FIG. 21 is a lower perspective view of the first heater case. FIG. 22 is a partial enlarged view of the first heater case. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection relationship between the first heater case and the first tray. FIG. 24 is a plan view of the first tray supporter. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the second tray viewed from below. FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the second tray. FIG. 28 is a plan view of the second tray. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along 29-29 of FIG. 25. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along 30-30 of FIG. 25. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along 31-31 of FIG. 25. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along 32-32 of FIG. 28. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along 33-33 of FIG. 29. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the second tray cover. FIG. 35 is a plan view of the second tray cover. FIG. 36 is an upper perspective view of the second tray supporter. FIG. 37 is a lower perspective view of the second tray supporter. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along 38-38 of FIG. 36. FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the second heater case. FIG. 40 is a drawing in which a transparent ice heater is combined with a second heater case. FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along 41-41 of FIG. 40. FIG. 42 is a partial enlarged view of the second heater case. FIG. 43 is a drawing showing the first pusher of the present invention. FIG. 44 is a drawing showing the state in which the first pusher is connected to the second tray assembly by a link. FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a second pusher according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 46 to 48 are drawings showing the assembly process of the ice maker of the present invention. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view taken along 49-49 of FIG. 2. FIG. 50 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating ice in an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 52 is a drawing for explaining the height standard according to the relative position of the transparent ice heater to the ice-making cell. FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating the output of a transparent ice heater per unit height of water in an ice-making cell. FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the water supply location. FIG. 55 is a drawing showing the state in which water supply is completed in FIG. 54. FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the ice-making position. FIG. 57 is a drawing showing the deformed state of the pressurized portion of the second tray in the ice-making completed state. FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly during the transfer process. FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly in the moving position. FIG. 60 is a drawing showing the operation of the pusher link when the second tray assembly moves from the freezing position to the freezing position. FIG. 61 is a drawing showing the position of the first pusher at the water supply position with the ice maker installed in the refrigerator. FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher at the water supply position with the ice maker installed in the refrigerator. FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher at the ice-making position with the ice maker installed in the refrigerator. FIG. 64 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the through hole of the bracket and the cold air duct. FIG. 65 is a diagram illustrating a control method for a refrigerator in which the amount of heat transfer between cold air and water varies during the ice-making process. Figure 66 is a diagram showing the output of a transparent ice heater by control step during the ice making process. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0112] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0113] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between each component.

[0114] The refrigerator of the present invention may include a tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; a cooler for supplying cold to the ice-making cell; a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making cell; and a control unit. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may further include a heater located adjacent to the tray assembly. The refrigerator may further include a drive unit capable of moving the tray assembly. The refrigerator may further include a storage room for storing food in addition to the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may further include a cooler for supplying cold to the storage room. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the storage room. The control unit may control at least one of the water supply unit and the cooler. The control unit may control at least one of the heater and the drive unit.

[0115] The control unit can control the tray assembly to move to the ice-making position and then control the cooler to supply cold to the ice-making cell. The control unit can control the tray assembly to move in the forward direction to the ice-removing position to remove the ice from the ice-making cell after the ice generation in the ice-making cell is completed. The control unit can control the tray assembly to move in the reverse direction to the water supply position and then start the water supply after the ice removal is completed. The control unit can control the tray assembly to move to the ice-making position after the water supply is completed.

[0116] In the present invention, the storage room may be defined as a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by a cooler. The outer case may be defined as a wall that partitions the storage room and the space outside the storage room (i.e., the space outside the refrigerator). An insulating material may be located between the outer case and the storage room. An inner case may be located between the insulating material and the storage room.

[0117] In the present invention, the ice-making cell may be defined as a space located inside the storage chamber where water undergoes a phase change into ice. The circumference of the ice-making cell refers to the outer surface of the ice-making cell, regardless of the shape of the ice-making cell. In another aspect, the outer surface of the ice-making cell may refer to the inner surface of the wall forming the ice-making cell. The center of the ice-making cell refers to the center of gravity or center of volume of the ice-making cell. The center may pass through the line of symmetry of the ice-making cell.

[0118] In the present invention, a tray may be defined as a wall partitioning the ice-making cell and the interior of the storage room. The tray may be defined as a wall forming at least a part of the ice-making cell. The tray may be configured to surround the entire ice-making cell or only a part of it. The tray may include a first part forming at least a part of the ice-making cell and a second part extending from a certain point of the first part. There may be a plurality of trays. The plurality of trays may be in contact with each other. For example, the tray placed at the bottom may include a plurality of trays. The tray placed at the top may include a plurality of trays. The refrigerator may include at least one tray placed at the bottom of the ice-making cell. The refrigerator may additionally include a tray located at the top of the ice-making cell. The first and second parts above may be structures that take into account the heat transfer rate of the tray, the cold transfer rate of the tray, the deformation resistance of the tray, the recovery rate of the tray, the supercooling rate of the tray, the adhesion rate between the tray and the ice solidified inside the tray, and the bonding force between one of the trays and another among the plurality of trays, etc.

[0119] In the present invention, a tray case may be positioned between the tray and the storage room. That is, the tray case may be arranged so that at least a portion of it surrounds the tray. There may be a plurality of tray cases. The plurality of tray cases may be in contact with each other. The tray case may be in contact with the tray to support at least a portion of the tray. The tray case may be configured to be connected to a component other than the tray (e.g., heater, sensor, power transmission member, etc.). The tray case may be directly connected to the component or connected to the component through an intermediary. For example, if a wall forming an ice cell is formed of a thin film and there is a structure surrounding the thin film, the thin film is defined as a tray, and the structure is defined as a tray case. As another example, if a part of the wall forming the ice cell is formed of a thin film and a structure includes a first part forming another part of the wall forming the ice cell and a second part surrounding the thin film, the thin film and the first part of the structure are defined as a tray, and the second part of the structure is defined as a tray case.

[0120] In the present invention, a tray assembly may be defined as comprising at least the tray. In the present invention, the tray assembly may further comprise the tray case.

[0121] In the present invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly configured to be movable by being connected to a drive unit. The drive unit is configured to move the tray assembly in at least one axial direction among the X, Y, and Z axes, or to rotate the tray assembly around at least one axis among the X, Y, and Z axes. The present invention may include a refrigerator having the remaining configuration, excluding the drive unit and the power transmission member connecting the drive unit and the tray assembly as described in the detailed description. In the present invention, the tray assembly may be moved in a first direction.

[0122] In the present invention, the cooler may be defined as a means for cooling the storage room, comprising at least one of an evaporator and a thermoelectric element.

[0123] In the present invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly in which the heater is disposed. The heater may be disposed near the tray assembly to heat the ice-making cell formed by the tray assembly in which the heater is disposed. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter "transparent ice heater") that is controlled to be turned on during at least a portion of the time the cooler supplies cold so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move from the ice-making portion toward the liquid water to produce transparent ice. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter "e-ice heater") that is controlled to be turned on during at least a portion of the time after ice making is completed so that ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include a plurality of transparent ice heaters. The refrigerator may include a plurality of e-ice heaters. The refrigerator may include a transparent ice heater and an e-ice heater. In this case, the control unit may control the heating amount of the e-ice heater to be greater than the heating amount of the transparent ice heater.

[0124] In the present invention, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer surface of the ice-making cell. The tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a part of the ice-making cell and a second portion extending from a certain point of the first portion.

[0125] For example, the first region may be formed in a first part of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be formed in a first part of the tray assembly. The first and second regions may be part of the single tray assembly. The first and second regions may be arranged to be in contact with each other. The first region may be the lower part of the ice-making cell formed by the tray assembly. The second region may be the upper part of the ice-making cell formed by the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include an additional tray assembly. Either of the first and second regions may include a region that is in contact with the additional tray assembly. If the additional tray assembly is located below the first region, the additional tray assembly may be in contact with the lower part of the first region. If the additional tray assembly is located above the second region, the additional tray assembly may be in contact with the upper part of the second region.

[0126] As another example, the tray assembly may be composed of a plurality of trays that can come into contact with each other. Among the plurality of tray assemblies, the first region may be located in the first tray assembly and the second region may be located in the second tray assembly. The first region may be the first tray assembly. The second region may be the second tray assembly. The first and second regions may be arranged to come into contact with each other. At least a portion of the first tray assembly may be located at the bottom of the ice-making cell formed by the first and second tray assemblies. At least a portion of the second tray assembly may be located at the top of the ice-making cell formed by the first and second tray assemblies.

[0127] Meanwhile, the first area may be an area closer to the heater than the second area. The first area may be an area where the heater is placed. The second area may be an area closer to the heat-absorbing part of the cooler (i.e., the heat-absorbing part of the refrigerant pipe or thermoelectric module) than the first area. The second area may be an area closer to the through hole through which the cooler supplies cold air to the ice-making cell than the first area. In order for the cooler to supply cold air through the through hole, an additional through hole may be formed in another part. The second area may be an area closer to the additional through hole than the first area. The heater may be a transparent ice heater. The thermal insulation of the second area with respect to the cold may be smaller than the thermal insulation of the first area.

[0128] Meanwhile, a heater may be placed in either of the first or second tray assemblies of the refrigerator. For example, if the heater is not placed in the other one, the control unit may control the heater to be turned on during at least a portion of the time while the cooler is supplying cold. As another example, if an additional heater is placed in the other one, the control unit may control the amount of heating of the heater to be greater than the amount of heating of the additional heater during at least a portion of the time while the cooler is supplying cold. The heater may be a transparent ice heater.

[0129] The present invention may include a refrigerator having a configuration excluding the transparent ice heater described in the detailed description.

[0130] The present invention may include a pusher having a first edge formed with a surface that presses against the ice or at least one surface of the tray assembly so that the ice is easily separated from the tray assembly. The pusher may include a bar extending from the first edge and a second edge located at the end of the bar. A control unit may control the position of the pusher to change by moving at least one of the pusher and the tray assembly. Depending on the perspective, the pusher may be defined as a through-type pusher, a non-through-type pusher, a movable pusher, or a fixed pusher.

[0131] A through hole through which the pusher moves may be formed in the tray assembly, and the pusher may be configured to apply pressure directly to the ice inside the tray assembly. The pusher may be defined as a through-type pusher.

[0132] A pressure portion to which the pusher applies pressure may be formed in the tray assembly, and the pusher may be configured to apply pressure to one surface of the tray assembly. The pusher may be defined as a non-penetrating pusher.

[0133] The control unit can control the pusher to move so that the first edge of the pusher is positioned between a first point outside the ice cell and a second point inside the ice cell.

[0134] The above pusher may be defined as a movable pusher. The pusher may be connected to a drive unit, a rotation axis of the drive unit, or a tray assembly that is movable and connected to the drive.

[0135] The control unit may control the movement of at least one of the tray assemblies so that the first edge of the pusher is positioned between a first point outside the ice-making cell and a second point inside the ice-making cell. The control unit may control the movement of at least one of the tray assemblies toward the pusher. Alternatively, the control unit may control the relative position between the pusher and the tray assembly so that the pusher additionally presses the pressurizing part after contacting the pressurizing part at a first point outside the ice-making cell. The pusher may be coupled to a fixed end. The pusher may be defined as a fixed pusher.

[0136] In the present invention, the ice-making cell may be cooled by the cooler that cools the storage room. For example, the storage room where the ice-making cell is located is a freezer room that can be controlled to a temperature lower than 0 degrees, and the ice-making cell may be cooled by the cooler that cools the freezer room.

[0137] The above freezer may be divided into multiple areas, and the above ice-making cell may be located in one of the multiple areas.

[0138] In the present invention, the ice-making cell may be cooled by a cooler other than the cooler that cools the storage room. For example, the storage room where the ice-making cell is located may be a refrigerator room that can be controlled to a temperature higher than 0 degrees, and the ice-making cell may be cooled by a cooler other than the cooler that cools the refrigerator room. That is, the refrigerator may be equipped with a refrigerator room and a freezer room, the ice-making cell may be located inside the refrigerator room, and the ice-making cell may be cooled by a cooler that cools the freezer room.

[0139] The above ice-making cell can be located in the door that opens and closes the storage room.

[0140] In the present invention, the ice-making cell may not be located inside the storage chamber and may be cooled by a cooler. For example, the entire storage chamber formed inside the outer case may be the ice-making cell.

[0141] In the present invention, the degree of heat transfer indicates the extent to which heat is transferred from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature object, and is defined as a value determined by the shape, including the thickness, and the material of the object. From the perspective of the material of the object, a high degree of heat transfer of the object may imply a high thermal conductivity of the object. The thermal conductivity may be an inherent material characteristic of the object. Even when the material of the object is the same, the degree of heat transfer may vary depending on the shape of the object, etc.

[0142] The degree of heat transfer may vary depending on the shape of the object. The degree of heat transfer from point A to point B may be affected by the length of the path through which heat is transferred from point A to point B (hereinafter referred to as the "Heat transfer path"). The longer the heat transfer path from point A to point B, the lower the degree of heat transfer from point A to point B may be. The shorter the heat transfer path from point A to point B, the higher the degree of heat transfer from point A to point B may be.

[0143] Meanwhile, the degree of heat transfer from point A to point B may be affected by the thickness of the path through which heat is transferred from point A to point B. The thinner the thickness in the direction of the path through which heat is transferred from point A to point B, the lower the degree of heat transfer from point A to point B may be. The thicker the thickness in the direction of the path through which heat is transferred from point A to point B, the higher the degree of heat transfer from point A to point B may be.

[0144] In the present invention, the degree of cold transfer indicates the extent to which cold is transferred from a low-temperature object to a high-temperature object, and is defined as a value determined by the shape, including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc. The degree of cold transfer is a term defined by considering the direction of cold flow and can be viewed as the same concept as the degree of heat transfer. The explanation of the concept identical to the degree of heat transfer will be omitted.

[0145] In the present invention, the degree of supercooling refers to the extent to which a liquid is supercooled, and can be defined as a value determined by the material of the liquid, the material or shape of the container containing the liquid, and external influencing factors applied to the liquid during the solidification process. An increase in the frequency of supercooling of the liquid can be considered as an increase in the degree of supercooling. A decrease in the temperature at which the liquid is maintained in a supercooled state can be considered as an increase in the degree of supercooling. Here, supercooling refers to a state in which the liquid does not solidify even at a temperature below the liquid's solidification point and remains in a liquid state. The supercooled liquid is characterized by rapid solidification occurring from the moment the supercooling is released. If one wishes to maintain the solidification rate of the liquid within a predetermined range, it would be advantageous to design the device to reduce the supercooling phenomenon.

[0146] In the present invention, the degree of deformation resistance indicates the extent to which an object resists deformation caused by an external force applied to it, and is defined as a value determined by the shape, including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc. For example, the external force may include the pressure applied to the tray assembly during the process in which water inside the ice-making cell solidifies and expands. As another example, the external force may include the pressure applied to the ice or a part of the tray assembly by a pusher for separating the ice from the tray assembly. As yet another example, when the tray assemblies are joined together, the external force may include the pressure applied by the joining.

[0147] Meanwhile, from the perspective of the material of the object, a high degree of deformation resistance of the object may imply high stiffness of the object. The thermal conductivity may be an inherent material characteristic of the object. Even if the material of the object is the same, the degree of deformation resistance may vary depending on the shape of the object, etc. The degree of deformation resistance may be influenced by the deformation-resistant reinforcement extending in the direction in which the external force is applied. The greater the stiffness of the deformation-resistant reinforcement, the greater the degree of deformation resistance may be. The higher the height of the extended deformation-resistant reinforcement, the greater the degree of deformation resistance may be.

[0148] In the present invention, the degree of restoration indicates the extent to which an object deformed by an external force is restored to its shape prior to the application of the external force after the external force is removed. It is defined as a value determined by the shape, including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc. For example, the external force may include pressure applied to the tray assembly during the process in which water inside the ice-making cell solidifies and expands. As another example, the external force may include pressure applied to the ice or a part of the tray assembly by a pusher for separating the ice from the tray assembly. As yet another example, when the tray assemblies are joined together, the external force may include pressure applied by the joining force.

[0149] Meanwhile, from the perspective of the material of the object, a high degree of resilience of the object may imply a high elastic modulus of the object. The elastic modulus may be an inherent material characteristic of the object. Even if the material of the object is identical, the degree of resilience may vary depending on the shape of the object, etc. The degree of resilience may be influenced by an elastic reinforcement extending in the direction in which the external force is applied. The greater the elastic modulus of the elastic reinforcement, the greater the degree of resilience may be.

[0150] In the present invention, the bonding force represents the degree of bonding between a plurality of tray assemblies and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the tray assembly, the material of the tray assembly, the magnitude of the force bonding the trays, etc.

[0151] In the present invention, the degree of adhesion represents the extent to which ice and the container adhere during the process in which water contained in the container becomes ice, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the container, the material of the container, and the time elapsed after the ice is formed inside the container.

[0152] The refrigerator of the present invention may include a first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice by the cold; a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice-making cell; a cooler for supplying cold to the ice-making cell; a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making cell; and a control unit. The refrigerator may additionally include a storage room in addition to the ice-making cell. The storage room may include a space for storing food. The ice-making cell may be placed inside the storage room. The refrigerator may additionally include a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the storage room. The refrigerator may additionally include a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water or ice in the ice-making cell. The second tray assembly may be connected to a drive unit so that it may come into contact with the first tray assembly during the ice-making process and be separated from the first tray assembly during the ice-removing process. The refrigerator may additionally include a heater located adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0153] The control unit can control at least one of the heater and the drive unit. The control unit can control the second tray assembly to move to the ice-making position after the water supply to the ice-making cell is completed, and then control the cooler to supply cold to the ice-making cell. The control unit can control the second tray assembly to move in the forward direction to the ice-removing position and then move in the reverse direction to remove the ice from the ice-making cell after the ice generation in the ice-making cell is completed. The control unit can control the second tray assembly to move in the reverse direction to the water supply position and then start the water supply after the ice removal is completed.

[0154] This explains transparent ice. Air bubbles are dissolved in water, and ice solidified while containing these bubbles may have low transparency due to the bubbles. Therefore, during the water solidification process, if the air bubbles are induced to move from the part of the ice cell that freezes first to another part that has not yet frozen, the transparency of the ice can be increased.

[0155] A through hole formed in the tray assembly can affect the generation of transparent ice. A through hole that may be formed on one side of the tray assembly can affect the generation of transparent ice. During the ice generation process, if the bubbles are induced to move to the outside of the ice-making cell from the part that freezes first in the ice-making cell, the transparency of the ice can be increased. To induce the bubbles to move to the outside of the ice-making cell, a through hole may be placed on one side of the tray assembly. Since the bubbles have a lower density than the liquid, a through hole (hereinafter referred to as an "air vent hole") that induces the bubbles to escape to the outside of the ice-making cell may be placed on the upper part of the tray assembly.

[0156] The position of the cooler and heater can affect the production of clear ice. The position of the cooler and heater can affect the ice-making direction, which is the direction in which ice is generated inside the ice-making cell.

[0157] During the ice-making process, if air bubbles are induced to move or be captured from the area where water solidifies first in the ice-making cell to another specific area in a liquid state, the transparency of the generated ice can be increased. The direction in which the air bubbles move or are captured may be similar to the direction of ice making. The specific area may be an area where it is desired for the water in the ice-making cell to solidify later.

[0158] The aforementioned specific area may be an area where the cold supplied by the cooler to the ice-making cell reaches late. For example, in order to move or capture the bubbles to the bottom of the ice-making cell during the ice-making process, the through hole through which the cooler supplies cold air to the ice-making cell may be positioned closer to the top than to the bottom of the ice-making cell. As another example, the heat-absorbing part of the cooler (i.e., the refrigerant pipe of the evaporator or the heat-absorbing part of the thermoelectric element) may be positioned closer to the top than to the bottom of the ice-making cell. In the present invention, the top and bottom of the ice-making cell may be defined as an upper area and a lower area based on the height of the ice-making cell.

[0159] The above-mentioned specific area may be an area where a heater is placed. For example, in order to move or capture bubbles in the water to the bottom of the ice-making cell during the ice-making process, the heater may be placed closer to the bottom than the top of the ice-making cell.

[0160] The aforementioned specific area may be an area closer to the outer surface of the ice-making cell than to the center of the ice-making cell. However, the vicinity of the center is not excluded. If the aforementioned specific area is near the center of the ice-making cell, an opaque area caused by bubbles moving toward or captured near the center may be easily visible to the user, and the opaque area may remain until most of the ice has melted. Additionally, it may be difficult to place the heater inside the ice-making cell containing water. In contrast, if the aforementioned specific area is located on or near the outer surface of the ice-making cell, the water can solidify from one side of the outer surface of the ice-making cell toward the other side, thereby resolving the aforementioned problems. The transparent ice heater may be placed on or near the outer surface of the ice-making cell. The heater may also be placed on or near the tray assembly.

[0161] The above-mentioned specific area may be located closer to the bottom of the ice-making cell than to the top of the ice-making cell. However, the top is not excluded. During the ice-making process, liquid water, which has a density greater than ice, descends, so it may be advantageous for the above-mentioned specific area to be located at the bottom of the ice-making cell.

[0162] At least one of the deformation resistance, recovery resistance of the tray assembly, and the bonding force between multiple tray assemblies may affect the generation of clear ice. At least one of the deformation resistance, recovery resistance of the tray assembly, and the bonding force between multiple tray assemblies may affect the ice-making direction, which is the direction in which ice is generated inside the ice-making cell. As described above, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer surface of the ice-making cell. For example, the first and second regions may be part of a single tray assembly. As another example, the first region may be a first tray assembly. The second region may be a second tray assembly.

[0163] To produce clear ice, it may be advantageous to configure the refrigerator so that the direction in which ice is generated within the ice-making cell is consistent. This is because a consistent ice-making direction implies that air bubbles in the water are being moved or captured within a specific area of ​​the ice-making cell. To induce ice generation from one part of the tray assembly toward another, it may be advantageous for the deformation tolerance of the said part to be greater than that of the said other part. Ice tends to grow by expanding toward the part with lower deformation tolerance. Meanwhile, to restart ice-making after removing the generated ice, the deformed part must be restored so that ice of the same shape can be repeatedly generated. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the part with lower deformation tolerance to have a greater degree of restoration compared to the part with higher deformation tolerance.

[0164] The tray may be configured such that its internal deformation resistance to an external force is smaller than that of the tray case, or that the rigidity of the tray is smaller than that of the tray case. The tray assembly may be configured such that the tray is allowed to deform due to the external force, while the tray case surrounding the tray has reduced deformation. For example, the tray assembly may be configured such that the tray case surrounds only a portion of the tray. In this case, when pressure is applied to the tray assembly during the process in which water inside the ice-making cell solidifies and expands, at least a portion of the tray may be allowed to deform, while another portion of the tray may be supported by the tray case to limit deformation. Additionally, the tray may be configured such that when the external force is removed, its internal restoration resistance is greater than that of the tray case, or that the elastic modulus of the tray is greater than that of the tray case. Such a configuration may allow the deformed tray to be easily restored.

[0165] The internal deformation of the tray with respect to an external force may be configured to be greater than the internal deformation of the refrigerator gasket with respect to the external force, or the rigidity of the tray may be configured to be greater than the rigidity of the gasket. If the internal deformation of the tray is low, a problem may arise in which the tray becomes excessively deformed as the water within the ice-making cell formed by the tray solidifies and expands. Such deformation of the tray may make it difficult to produce ice of the desired shape. Additionally, when the external force is removed, the recovery of the tray may be configured to be smaller than the recovery of the refrigerator gasket with respect to the external force, or the elastic modulus of the tray may be configured to be smaller than the elastic modulus of the gasket.

[0166] The internal deformation of the tray case with respect to an external force may be configured to be smaller than the internal deformation of the refrigerator case with respect to the external force, or the rigidity of the tray case may be configured to be smaller than the rigidity of the refrigerator case. Generally, the refrigerator case may be formed of a metal material including steel. Additionally, when the external force is removed, the recovery of the tray case may be configured to be greater than the recovery of the refrigerator case with respect to the external force, or the elastic modulus of the tray case may be configured to be greater than the elastic modulus of the refrigerator case.

[0167] The relationship between transparent ice and deformation resistance is as follows.

[0168] The second region may have different deformation resistance in the direction along the outer surface of the ice-making cell. It may be configured so that the deformation resistance of one of the second regions is greater than the deformation resistance of another of the second regions. With such a configuration, it can help induce ice to be generated from the ice-making cell formed by the second region toward the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

[0169] Meanwhile, the first and second regions arranged to be in contact with each other may have different degrees of deformation resistance in the direction along the outer surface of the ice-making cell. The degree of deformation resistance of any one of the second regions may be higher than the degree of deformation resistance of any one of the first regions. By configuring it in this way, it can help induce the generation of ice from the ice-making cell formed by the second region toward the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

[0170] In this case, as the water solidifies, its volume expands and can apply pressure to the tray assembly, thereby inducing the formation of ice in either another direction of the second region or in either direction of the first region. The degree of deformation resistance may be the degree of resistance to deformation caused by an external force. The external force may be the pressure applied to the tray assembly during the process in which the water inside the ice-making cell solidifies and expands. The external force may be a force in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) among the pressures. The external force may be a force acting from the ice-making cell formed by the second region toward the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

[0171] For example, the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making cell toward the outer surface of the ice-making cell may be such that any one of the second regions is thicker than another of the second regions or is thicker than any of the first regions. Any one of the second regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray case. Any other of the second regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. Any one of the first regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray case. Any one of the second regions may be a portion forming the uppermost part of the ice-making cell among the second regions. The second regions may include a tray and a tray case that locally surrounds the tray. By configuring at least a portion of the second region to be thicker than another portion in this way, the deformation resistance of the second region against external forces can be improved. The minimum value of the thickness of any one of the second regions may be thicker than the minimum value of the thickness of another of the second regions or thicker than the minimum value of any one of the first regions. The maximum value of any one thickness of the second region may be thicker than the maximum value of another thickness of the second region or thicker than the maximum value of any one of the first regions. The minimum value refers to the minimum value among the remaining regions excluding the portion where a through hole is formed in the region, in the case where a through hole is formed in the region. The average value of any one thickness of the second region may be thicker than the average value of another thickness of the second region or thicker than the average value of any one of the first regions. The uniformity of any one thickness of the second region may be smaller than the uniformity of another thickness of the second region or smaller than the uniformity of any one thickness of the first region.

[0172] As another example, any one of the second regions may include a first surface forming a part of the ice-making cell and a deformation-resistant reinforcing member extending vertically from the first surface away from the ice-making cell formed by the other part of the second region. Meanwhile, any one of the second regions may include a first surface forming a part of the ice-making cell and a deformation-resistant reinforcing member extending vertically from the first surface away from the ice-making cell formed by the first region. In this way, if at least a part of the second region includes the deformation-resistant reinforcing member, the deformation resistance of the second region against external forces can be improved.

[0173] As another example, any one of the second regions may further include a support surface connected to a fixed end of the refrigerator (e.g., bracket, storage room wall, etc.) located in a direction away from the ice-making cell formed by the other one of the second regions from the first surface. Any one of the second regions may further include a support surface connected to a fixed end of the refrigerator (e.g., bracket, storage room wall, etc.) located in a direction away from the ice-making cell formed by the first region from the first surface. In this way, if at least a portion of the second region includes a support surface connected to the fixed end, the deformation resistance of the second region against external forces can be improved.

[0174] As another example, the tray assembly may include a first part forming at least a portion of the ice-making cell and a second part extending from a certain point of the first part. At least a portion of the second part may extend in a direction away from the ice-making cell formed by the first region. At least a portion of the second part may include an additional deformation-resistant reinforcement. At least a portion of the second part may further include a support surface connected to the fixed end. Thus, if at least a portion of the second region additionally includes the second part, it may be advantageous to improve the deformation resistance of the second region against the external force. This is because an additional deformation-resistant reinforcement may be formed in the second part, or the second part may be additionally supported by the fixed end.

[0175] As another example, any one of the second regions may include a first through hole. When the first through hole is formed in this way, the ice solidifying in the ice-making cell of the second region expands to the outside of the ice-making cell through the first through hole, thereby reducing the pressure applied to the second region. In particular, when an excessive amount of water is supplied to the ice-making cell, the first through hole can contribute to reducing the deformation of the second region during the process of the water solidifying.

[0176] Meanwhile, any one of the second regions may include a second through hole to provide a path for bubbles contained in the water within the ice-making cell of the second region to move or escape. When the second through hole is formed in this way, the transparency of the solidifying ice can be improved.

[0177] Meanwhile, a third through hole may be formed in any one of the second regions so that a through-type pusher can apply pressure. This is because if the degree of deformation resistance of the second region increases, it may be difficult for a non-through-type pusher to apply pressure to the surface of the tray assembly to remove ice. The first, second, and third through holes may overlap. The first, second, and third through holes may also be formed in a single through hole.

[0178] Meanwhile, one of the second regions may include a mounting portion where an ice-removing heater is located. The fact that ice is induced to be generated in the direction of the ice-removing cell formed by the first region from the ice-removing cell formed by the second region may mean that the ice is generated first in the second region. In this case, the time that the ice remains attached to the second region may be prolonged, and an ice-removing heater may be required to separate such ice from the second region. The thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-removing cell toward the outer surface of the ice-removing cell may be thinner in the part of the second region where the ice-removing heater is mounted than in the other part of the second region. This is because the amount of heat supplied by the ice-removing heater transferred to the ice-removing cell may increase. The fixed end may be part of the wall forming the storage chamber or a bracket.

[0179] The relationship between the bonding force of the transparent ice and the tray assembly is as follows.

[0180] In order to induce the formation of ice in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region from the ice-making cell formed by the second region, it may be advantageous to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions arranged to be in contact with each other. If the pressure applied to the tray assembly while expanding during the process of water solidification is greater than the bonding force between the first and second regions, ice may be generated in the direction of separation between the first and second regions. Additionally, if the pressure applied to the tray assembly while expanding during the process of water solidification is less than the bonding force between the first and second regions, there is an advantage in that ice may be induced to be generated in the direction of the ice-making cell of the region with the lower deformation resistance among the first and second regions.

[0181] There may be various examples of methods to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions. For example, after water supply is completed, the control unit may control the movement position of the drive unit to change to a first direction so that either of the first or second regions moves in the first direction, and then further control the movement position of the drive unit to change to the first direction to increase the bonding force between the first and second regions. As another example, by increasing the bonding force between the first and second regions, the deformation resistance or recovery resistance of the first and second regions with respect to the force transmitted from the drive unit may be configured to be different so as to reduce the change in the shape of the ice-making cell caused by expanding ice after the ice-making process starts (or after the heater is turned on). As yet another example, the first region may include a first surface facing the second region. The second region may include a second surface facing the first region. The first and second surfaces may be arranged to come into contact with each other. The first and second surfaces may be arranged to face each other. The first and second surfaces may be arranged to be separated and combined. In this case, the areas of the first surface and the second surface may be configured to be different from each other. By configuring it in this way, the bonding strength between the first and second regions can be increased while reducing damage to the part where the first and second regions come into contact with each other. In addition, there is also the advantage of reducing water leakage between the first and second regions.

[0182] The relationship between transparent ice and restoration is as follows.

[0183] The tray assembly may include a first part forming at least a portion of an ice-making cell and a second part extending from a certain point of the first part. The second part is configured to be deformed by the expansion of the ice being generated and restored after the ice is removed. The second part may include a horizontal extension provided to increase the degree of restoration against a vertical external force of the expanding ice. The second part may include a vertical extension provided to increase the degree of restoration against a horizontal external force of the expanding ice. Such a configuration may help induce the generation of ice from the ice-making cell formed by the second region toward the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

[0184] The first region may have a different degree of resilience in the direction along the outer surface of the ice-making cell. Additionally, the first region may have a different degree of deformation resistance in the direction along the outer surface of the ice-making cell. The degree of resilience of any one of the first regions may be higher than the degree of resilience of another of the first regions. Additionally, the degree of deformation resistance of any one of the first regions may be lower than the degree of deformation resistance of the other. This configuration can help induce the generation of ice in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region from the ice-making cell formed by the second region.

[0185] Meanwhile, the first and second regions arranged to be in contact with each other may have different degrees of resilience in the direction along the outer surface of the ice-making cell. Additionally, the first and second regions may have different degrees of deformation resistance in the direction along the outer surface of the ice-making cell. The degree of resilience of any one of the first regions may be higher than the degree of resilience of any one of the second regions. Additionally, the degree of deformation resistance of any one of the first regions may be lower than the degree of deformation resistance of any one of the second regions. This configuration can help induce the generation of ice from the ice-making cell formed by the second region toward the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

[0186] In this case, as the water solidifies, its volume expands and can apply pressure to the tray assembly, thereby inducing the formation of ice in either the direction of the first region, where the degree of deformation is small or the degree of recovery is large. Here, the degree of recovery may be the degree of recovery after the external force is removed. The external force may be the pressure applied to the tray assembly during the process in which the water inside the ice-making cell solidifies and expands. The external force may be the vertical force (Z-axis direction) among the pressures. The external force may be the force in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the second region to the ice-making cell formed by the first region.

[0187] For example, the thickness of the tray assembly from the center of the ice-making cell toward the outer surface of the ice-making cell may be such that any one of the first regions is thinner than another of the first regions or thinner than any of the second regions. Any one of the first regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray case. Any other of the first regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. Any one of the second regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. Any one of the first regions may be a portion forming the lowest part of the ice-making cell among the first regions. The first region may include a tray and a tray case that locally surrounds the tray.

[0188] The minimum value of any one thickness of the first region may be thinner than the minimum value of another thickness of the first region or thinner than the minimum value of any one thickness of the second region. The maximum value of any one thickness of the first region may be thinner than the maximum value of another thickness of the first region or thinner than the maximum value of any one thickness of the second region. The minimum value refers to the minimum value among the remaining regions excluding the portion where the through hole is formed, in the case where a through hole is formed in the region. The average value of any one thickness of the first region may be thinner than the average value of another thickness of the first region or thinner than the average value of any one thickness of the second region. The uniformity of any one thickness of the first region may be greater than the uniformity of another thickness of the first region or greater than the uniformity of any one thickness of the second region.

[0189] As another example, any one shape of the first region may be different from another shape of the first region or different from any one shape of the second region. Any one curvature of the first region may be different from another curvature of the first region or different from any one curvature of the second region. Any one curvature of the first region may be smaller than another curvature of the first region or smaller than any one curvature of the second region. Any one of the first regions may include a flat surface. Any other of the first region may include a curved surface. Any one of the second region may include a curved surface. Any one of the first regions may include a shape that sinks in the opposite direction to the direction in which the ice expands. Any one of the first regions may include a shape that sinks in the opposite direction to the direction in which the ice is induced to be generated. During the ice-making process, any one of the first regions may be deformed in the direction in which the ice expands or in the direction in which the ice is induced to be generated. In the ice-making process, the amount of deformation from the center of the ice-making cell toward the outer surface of the ice-making cell may be greater in any one of the first regions than in another of the first regions. In the ice-making process, the amount of deformation from the center of the ice-making cell toward the outer surface of the ice-making cell may be greater in any one of the first regions than in any one of the second regions.

[0190] As another example, in order to induce ice to be generated in the direction of the ice-making cell formed by the first region from the ice-making cell formed by the second region, one of the first regions may include a first surface forming a part of the ice-making cell and a second surface extending from the first surface and supported on one side of the other of the first region. The first region may be configured not to be directly supported by other parts except for the second surface. The other parts may be a fixed end of the refrigerator.

[0191] Meanwhile, one of the first regions may have a pressure surface formed so that a non-penetrating pusher can apply pressure. This is because if the deformation resistance of the first region is low or the recovery resistance is high, the difficulty of removing ice by the non-penetrating pusher applying pressure to the surface of the tray assembly may be reduced.

[0192] The ice-making speed, which is the rate at which ice is generated inside the ice-making cell, can affect the production of transparent ice. The ice-making speed can affect the transparency of the generated ice. Factors affecting the ice-making speed may be the amount of cooling and / or heating supplied to the ice-making cell. The amount of cooling and / or heating can affect the production of transparent ice. The amount of cooling and / or heating can affect the transparency of the ice.

[0193] In the process of generating the above-mentioned transparent ice, the transparency of the ice may decrease as the ice-making speed is greater than the speed at which bubbles within the ice-making cell move or are captured. Conversely, if the ice-making speed is slower than the speed at which bubbles move or are captured, the transparency of the ice may increase; however, a problem arises where the time required to generate transparent ice becomes excessive as the ice-making speed decreases. Additionally, the transparency of the ice may become more uniform as the ice-making speed is maintained within a uniform range.

[0194] To maintain a uniform ice-making speed within a predetermined range, the amounts of cold and heat supplied to the ice-making cell must be uniform. However, under actual operating conditions of the refrigerator, the cold volume may vary, and it is necessary to vary the amount of heat supplied accordingly. For example, there are many situations, such as when the temperature of the storage compartment reaches the satisfactory range from the unsatisfactory range, when a defrosting operation is performed on the cooler of the storage compartment, or when the door of the storage compartment is opened. Furthermore, if the amount of water per unit height of the ice-making cell varies, supplying the same amount of cold and heat per unit height may result in a problem where the transparency per unit height varies.

[0195] To solve these problems, the control unit can control the amount of heat transferred between the cold air for cooling the ice cell and the water in the ice cell to be increased when the amount of heat transferred between the cold air for cooling the ice cell and the water in the ice cell is increased, and the amount of heat transferred between the cold air for cooling the ice cell and the water in the ice cell to be decreased when the amount of heat transferred between the cold air for cooling the ice cell and the water in the ice cell is decreased, so that the ice making speed of the water inside the ice cell can be maintained within a predetermined range lower than the ice making speed when the heater is turned off.

[0196] The control unit can control one or more of the cold supply amount of the cooler and the heat supply amount of the heater to vary according to the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell. In this case, clear ice can be provided in accordance with the shape change of the ice-making cell.

[0197] The refrigerator additionally includes a sensor that measures information on the mass of water per unit height of the ice-making cell, and the control unit can control one or more of the cold supply amount of the cooler and the heat supply amount of the heater to be variable based on the information input from the sensor.

[0198] The refrigerator includes a storage unit in which predetermined operating information of the cooler is recorded based on information regarding the mass per unit height of the ice-making cell, and the control unit can control the cold supply amount of the cooler to be variable based on the information.

[0199] A refrigerator includes a storage unit in which predetermined driving information for a heater is recorded based on information regarding the mass per unit height of an ice-making cell, and a control unit can control the heat supply amount of the heater to vary based on said information. For example, the control unit can control at least one of the cold supply amount of a cooler and the heat supply amount of a heater to vary according to a predetermined time based on information regarding the mass per unit height of an ice-making cell. The said time may be the time during which the cooler is operated to generate ice or the time during which the heater is operated. As another example, the control unit can control at least one of the cold supply amount of a cooler and the heat supply amount of a heater to vary according to a predetermined temperature based on information regarding the mass per unit height of an ice-making cell. The said temperature may be the temperature of the ice-making cell or the temperature of a tray assembly forming the ice-making cell.

[0200] Meanwhile, if the sensor measuring the mass of water per unit height of the ice-making cell malfunctions, or if the water supplied to the ice-making cell is insufficient or excessive, the shape of the water being iced changes, which may lead to a decrease in the transparency of the generated ice. To resolve this problem, a water supply method that precisely controls the amount of water supplied to the ice-making cell is required. Additionally, to reduce water leakage from the ice-making cell at the water supply or ice-making location, the tray assembly may include a structure that reduces leakage. Furthermore, it is necessary to increase the bonding strength between the first and second tray assemblies forming the ice-making cell to reduce changes in the shape of the ice-making cell caused by the expansion force of the ice during the ice generation process. Moreover, the aforementioned precise water supply method, the leakage reduction structure of the tray assembly, and the increased bonding strength of the first and second tray assemblies are also necessary to generate ice that closely matches the shape of the tray.

[0201] The degree of supercooling of the water inside the ice-making cell can affect the production of transparent ice. The degree of supercooling of the water can affect the transparency of the ice produced.

[0202] In order to produce transparent ice, it would be desirable to design the ice-making cell so that the degree of supercooling is lowered in order to maintain the temperature inside the cell within a predetermined range. This is because the supercooled liquid has the characteristic of rapidly solidifying from the moment the supercooling is released. In this case, the transparency of the ice may decrease.

[0203] The control unit of the refrigerator can control the operation of a supercooling release means to reduce the degree of supercooling of the liquid if, during the process of solidifying the liquid, the time required to reach a specific temperature below the solidification point after the temperature of the liquid reaches the solidification point is less than a reference value. It can be seen that the faster the temperature of the liquid cools below the solidification point, the more supercooling occurs and solidification does not take place after reaching the solidification point.

[0204] As an example of the above means for de-sub-cooling, an electric spark generating means may be included. When the spark is supplied to the liquid, the degree of supercooling of the liquid can be reduced. As another example of the above means for de-sub-cooling, a driving means for applying an external force to move the liquid may be included. The driving means may cause the container to move in at least one direction among the X, Y, and Z axes, or to rotate around at least one axis among the X, Y, and Z axes. When kinetic energy is supplied to the liquid, the degree of supercooling of the liquid can be reduced. As yet another example of the above means for de-sub-cooling, a means for supplying the liquid to the container may be included. The control unit of the refrigerator may control the additional supply of a second volume of liquid, which is larger than the first volume, to the container after supplying a first volume of liquid smaller than the volume of the container, when a certain period of time has elapsed or when the temperature of the liquid reaches a certain temperature below the freezing point. In this way, if the liquid is supplied to the above container in divided portions, the liquid supplied first can solidify and act as a freezing nucleus, thereby reducing the degree of supercooling of the additionally supplied liquid.

[0205] The higher the heat transfer rate of the container holding the liquid, the higher the supercooling degree of the liquid may be. The lower the heat transfer rate of the container holding the liquid, the lower the supercooling degree of the liquid may be.

[0206] The structure and method of heating the ice-making cell, including the heat transfer rate of the tray assembly, can affect the production of clear ice. As described above, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer surface of the ice-making cell. For example, the first and second regions may be part of a single tray assembly. As another example, the first region may be a first tray assembly. The second region may be a second tray assembly.

[0207] The cold supplied by the cooler to the ice-making cell and the heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making cell have opposite properties. In order to increase the ice-making speed and / or improve the transparency of the ice, the design of the structure and control of the cooler and the heater, the relationship between the cooler and the tray assembly, and the relationship between the heater and the tray assembly may be very important. In the present invention, the cooler may be a component that cools an object to be cooled directly (e.g., conduction) or indirectly (e.g., convection, radiation). In the present invention, the heater may be a component that heats an object to be heated directly (e.g., conduction) or indirectly (e.g., convection). In the present invention, cold may be supplied to the object to be cooled directly (e.g., conduction) or indirectly (e.g., convection, radiation) by the cooler. In the present invention, heat may be supplied to the object to be heated directly (e.g., conduction) or indirectly (e.g., convection, radiation) by the heater.

[0208] For a constant amount of cold supplied by a cooler and a constant amount of heat supplied by a heater, in order to increase the ice-making speed of the refrigerator and / or increase the transparency of the ice, it may be advantageous for the heater to be positioned to heat the ice-making cell locally. The ice-making speed can be improved as the transfer of heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making cell to areas other than the area where the heater is located is reduced. As the heater strongly heats only a part of the ice-making cell, it can move or capture bubbles from the ice-making cell to an area adjacent to the heater, thereby increasing the transparency of the ice produced.

[0209] If the amount of heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making cell is large, air bubbles in the water can be moved or captured in the part receiving the heat, thereby increasing the transparency of the ice produced. However, if heat is supplied uniformly to the outer surface of the ice-making cell, the ice-making speed may decrease. Therefore, the more the heater locally heats a part of the ice-making cell, the higher the transparency of the ice produced and the less the decrease in ice-making speed can be.

[0210] The heater may be positioned to contact one side of the tray assembly. The heater may be positioned between the tray and the tray case. Heat transfer by conduction may be advantageous for locally heating the ice-making cell.

[0211] At least a portion of the other side of the heater that does not come into contact with the tray may be sealed with insulating material. This configuration can reduce the transfer of heat supplied by the heater toward the storage room.

[0212] The above tray assembly may be configured such that the degree of heat transfer from the heater toward the center of the ice-making cell is greater than the degree of heat transfer from the heater toward the circumference of the ice-making cell.

[0213] The tray may be configured such that the heat transfer rate from the tray toward the center of the ice-making cell is greater than the heat transfer rate from the tray case toward the storage room, or that the thermal conductivity of the tray is greater than the thermal conductivity of the tray case. This configuration can induce an increase in the transfer of heat supplied by the heater to the ice-making cell via the tray. Additionally, the transfer of heat from the heater to the storage room via the tray case can be reduced.

[0214] The heat transfer rate of the tray from the tray toward the center of the ice-making cell may be configured to be smaller than the heat transfer rate of the refrigerator case (e.g., inner case or outer case) from the outside toward the storage compartment, or the thermal conductivity of the tray may be smaller than the thermal conductivity of the refrigerator case. This is because as the heat transfer rate or thermal conductivity of the tray increases, the degree of supercooling of the water contained in the tray may increase. As the degree of supercooling of the water increases, the water may solidify more rapidly at the point when the supercooling is released. In this case, a problem may occur in which the transparency of the ice is not uniform or the transparency is reduced. Generally, the refrigerator case may be formed of a metal material including steel.

[0215] The heat transfer rate of the tray case from the storage room toward the tray case may be configured to be greater than the heat transfer rate of the insulating wall from the external space of the refrigerator toward the storage room, or the thermal conductivity of the tray case may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the insulating wall (for example, an insulating material located between the inner and outer cases of the refrigerator). Here, the insulating wall may refer to an insulating wall that partitions the external space and the storage room. This is because if the heat transfer rate of the tray case becomes equal to or greater than the heat transfer rate of the insulating wall, the cooling rate of the ice-making cell may be excessively reduced.

[0216] The first region may be configured such that the heat transfer rate differs in the direction along the outer surface. It may also be configured such that the heat transfer rate of one of the first regions is lower than the heat transfer rate of another of the first regions. Such a configuration may help reduce the heat transfer rate transmitted through the tray assembly from the first region to the second region in the direction along the outer surface.

[0217] Meanwhile, the first and second regions arranged to be in contact with each other may be configured to have different heat transfer rates in the direction along the outer surface. The heat transfer rate of any one of the first regions may be configured to be lower than the heat transfer rate of any one of the second regions. This configuration may help reduce the heat transfer rate transmitted from the first region to the second region through the tray assembly in the direction along the outer surface. In another aspect, it may be advantageous to reduce the transfer of heat transferred from the heater to any one of the first regions to the ice-making cell formed by the second region. As the heat transferred to the second region is reduced, the heater becomes able to locally heat any one of the first regions. Through this, the reduction in the ice-making speed caused by the heating of the heater can be reduced. In yet another aspect, bubbles can be moved or captured within the area locally heated by the heater, thereby improving the transparency of the ice. The heater may be a transparent ice heater.

[0218] For example, the length of the heat transfer path from the first region to the second region may be configured to be greater than the length in the direction of the outer surface from the first region to the second region. As another example, the thickness of the tray assembly in the direction of the outer surface of the ice-making cell from the center of the ice-making cell may be such that one of the first regions is thinner than the other of the first region or thinner than one of the second regions. One of the first regions may be a portion not surrounded by the tray case. The other of the first region may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. One of the second regions may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. One of the first regions may be a portion forming the lowest part of the ice-making cell among the first regions. The first region may include a tray and a tray case that locally surrounds the tray.

[0219] In this way, by forming the thickness of the first region thin, heat transfer toward the outer surface of the ice-making cell can be reduced while heat transfer toward the center of the ice-making cell can be increased. As a result, the ice-making cell formed by the first region can be heated locally.

[0220] The minimum value of any one thickness of the first region may be thinner than the minimum value of another thickness of the first region or thinner than the minimum value of any one thickness of the second region. The maximum value of any one thickness of the first region may be thinner than the maximum value of another thickness of the first region or thinner than the maximum value of any one thickness of the second region. The minimum value refers to the minimum value among the remaining regions excluding the portion where the through hole is formed, in the case where a through hole is formed in the region. The average value of any one thickness of the first region may be thinner than the average value of another thickness of the first region or thinner than the average value of any one thickness of the second region. The uniformity of any one thickness of the first region may be greater than the uniformity of another thickness of the first region or greater than the uniformity of any one thickness of the second region.

[0221] As another example, the tray assembly may include a first portion forming at least a part of an ice-making cell and a second portion extending from a certain point of the first portion. The first region may be disposed in the first portion. The second region may be disposed in an additional tray assembly that can contact the first portion. At least a part of the second portion may extend away from the ice-making cell formed by the second region. In this case, heat transferred from the heater to the first region may be reduced from being transferred to the second region.

[0222] The structure and method of cooling the ice-making cell, including the cold transfer rate of the tray assembly, can affect the production of clear ice. As described above, the tray assembly may include a first region and a second region forming the outer surface of the ice-making cell. For example, the first and second regions may be part of a single tray assembly. As another example, the first region may be a first tray assembly. The second region may be a second tray assembly.

[0223] For a constant amount of cold supplied by the cooler and a constant amount of heat supplied by the heater, it may be advantageous to configure the cooler to cool a portion of the ice-making cell more intensively in order to increase the ice-making speed of the refrigerator and / or increase the transparency of the ice. The greater the amount of cold supplied by the cooler to the ice-making cell, the higher the ice-making speed can be. However, the more uniformly the cold is supplied to the outer surface of the ice-making cell, the lower the transparency of the ice produced may be. Therefore, the more intensively the cooler cools a portion of the ice-making cell, the more bubbles can be moved to or captured in other areas of the ice-making cell, thereby increasing the transparency of the ice produced and minimizing the decrease in ice-making speed.

[0224] In order for the cooler to cool a portion of the ice-making cell more intensively, the cooler may be configured such that the amount of cold supplied to the second area and the amount of cold supplied to the first area are different. The cooler may be configured such that the amount of cold supplied to the second area is greater than the amount of cold supplied to the first area.

[0225] For example, the second region may be composed of a metal material with high cold conductivity, and the first region may be composed of a material with lower cold conductivity than metal.

[0226] As another example, in order to increase the degree of cold transfer transmitted through the tray assembly in the storage room toward the center of the ice-making cell, the second region may be configured such that the degree of cold transfer toward the center differs. The degree of cold transfer of any one of the second regions may be greater than the degree of cold transfer of another of the second regions. A through hole may be formed in any of the second regions. At least a portion of the heat-absorbing surface of the cooler may be disposed in the through hole. A passage through which the cold air supplied by the cooler passes may be disposed in the through hole. Any one may be a portion not surrounded by the tray case. Any other may be a portion surrounded by the tray case. Any one may be a portion forming the uppermost part of the ice-making cell among the second regions. The second region may include a tray and a tray case that locally surrounds the tray. In this way, if a portion of the tray assembly is configured to have a high degree of cold transfer, supercooling may occur in the tray assembly with the high degree of cold transfer. As mentioned above, a design to reduce the degree of supercooling may be necessary.

[0227] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0228] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (14) including a storage room and a door for opening and closing the storage room.

[0230] The above storage room may include a refrigerator room (18) and a freezer room (32). The refrigerator room (18) is positioned on the upper side and the freezer room (32) is positioned on the lower side, so that each storage room can be individually opened and closed by each door.

[0231] As another example, it is possible to place the freezer compartment on the upper side and the refrigerator compartment on the lower side. Alternatively, it is possible to place the freezer compartment on one side and the refrigerator compartment on the other side.

[0232] The above freezer (32) may have an upper space and a lower space separated from each other, and the lower space may be equipped with a drawer (40) that can be pulled out and inserted from the lower space.

[0233] The above door may include a plurality of doors (10, 20, 30) that open and close the refrigerator room (18) and the freezer room (32).

[0234] The plurality of doors (10, 20, 30) may include some or all of the doors (10, 20) that open and close the storage room by rotating and the doors (30) that open and close the storage room by sliding.

[0235] Even if the above freezer (32) can be opened and closed by one door (30), it may be provided to be separated into two spaces.

[0236] In this embodiment, the freezer room (32) can be referred to as the first storage room, and the refrigerator room (18) can be referred to as the second storage room.

[0237] The above freezer (32) may be equipped with an ice maker (200) capable of producing ice. The ice maker (200) may be located, for example, in the upper space of the freezer (32).

[0238] An ice bin (600) in which ice produced by the ice maker (200) falls and is stored may be placed at the bottom of the ice maker (200). The user can take the ice bin (600) out of the freezer (32) and use the ice stored in the ice bin (600).

[0239] The above ice bin (600) can be mounted on the upper side of a horizontal wall that divides the upper space and the lower space of the freezer (32).

[0240] Although not shown, the cabinet (14) is equipped with a duct for supplying cold air to the ice maker (200) (not shown). The duct guides the cold air, which has been heat-exchanged with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator, to the ice maker (200).

[0241] For example, the duct may be positioned at the rear of the cabinet (14) to discharge cold air toward the front of the cabinet (14). The ice maker (200) may be positioned at the front of the duct.

[0242] Although not limited to one or more, the discharge port of the above duct may be provided on one or more of the rear wall and the upper wall of the above freezer room (32).

[0243] Although it has been described above that the ice maker (200) is provided in the freezer (32), the space where the ice maker (200) can be located is not limited to the freezer (32), and the ice maker (200) can be located in various spaces where cold air can be supplied.

[0244] Therefore, below, it will be explained that the above ice maker (200) is located in a storage room.

[0245] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the ice maker of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ice maker with the bracket removed from FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0246] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, each component of the ice maker (200) is provided inside or outside the bracket (220), so that the ice maker (200) can form a single assembly.

[0247] The above ice maker (200) may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly.

[0248] The first tray assembly may include a first tray (320), a first tray case, or both the first tray (320) and the first tray case.

[0249] The second tray assembly may include a second tray (380), a second tray case, or both the second tray (380) and the second tray case.

[0250] The above bracket (220) can define at least a portion of the space accommodating the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0251] The above bracket (220) may be installed, for example, on the upper wall of the freezer (32). A water supply unit (240) may be installed on the bracket (220). The water supply unit (240) may guide water supplied from the upper side to the lower side of the water supply unit (240). A water supply pipe (not shown) for supplying water may be installed above the water supply unit (240).

[0252] The water supplied to the above water supply unit (240) can be moved downward. The above water supply unit (240) can prevent water from splashing by ensuring that the water discharged from the above water supply pipe does not fall from a high position.

[0253] Since the above water supply unit (240) is positioned below the above water supply pipe, the water is guided downward without splashing up to the above water supply unit (240), and even if it moves downward due to the lowered height, the amount of splashing water can be reduced.

[0254] The above ice maker (200) may include an ice cell (see 320a in FIG. 49), which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice due to cold air.

[0255] The first tray (320) may form at least a part of the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49). The second tray (380) may form another part of the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49).

[0256] The second tray (380) may be positioned to be movable relative to the first tray (320). The second tray (380) may move in a straight line or rotate.

[0257] Below, we will explain the rotational movement of the second tray (380) as an example.

[0258] For example, during the ice-making process, the second tray (380) moves relative to the first tray (320), so that the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) can come into contact.

[0259] When the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) come into contact, a complete ice cell (see 320a in FIG. 49) can be defined.

[0260] On the other hand, during the ice removal process after the ice making is complete, the second tray (380) may move relative to the first tray (320), so that the second tray (380) may be separated from the first tray (320).

[0261] In this embodiment, the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) can be arranged in an up-and-down direction while forming the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49).

[0262] Accordingly, the first tray (320) can be called the upper tray, and the second tray (380) can be called the lower tray.

[0263] A plurality of ice-making cells (see 320a in FIG. 49) can be defined by the first tray (320) and the second tray (380). In the following drawings, for example, three ice-making cells (see 320a in FIG. 49) are shown being formed.

[0264] When water is supplied to the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49) and cooled by cold air, ice of the same or similar shape as the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49) can be produced.

[0265] In this embodiment, for example, the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49) may be formed in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a spherical shape.

[0266] Of course, the above-mentioned ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49) can be formed in a rectangular shape or in a polygonal shape.

[0267] The first tray case may include, for example, the first tray supporter (340) and the first tray cover (300).

[0268] The first tray supporter (340) and the first tray cover (300) may be formed integrally or manufactured as separate components and then combined.

[0269] For example, at least a portion of the first tray cover (300) may be located on the upper side of the first tray (320). At least a portion of the first tray supporter (340) may be located on the lower side of the first tray (320).

[0270] The first tray cover (300) may be manufactured as a separate item from the bracket (220) and coupled to the bracket (220), or formed integrally with the bracket (220). That is, the first tray case may include the bracket (220).

[0271] The ice maker (200) may further include a first heater case (280). An ice heater (see 290 in FIG. 21) may be installed in the first heater case (280). The first heater case (280) may be formed integrally with the first tray cover (300) or formed separately.

[0272] The above-mentioned wicking heater (see 290 in FIG. 21) may be positioned adjacent to the first tray (320). The above-mentioned wicking heater (see 290 in FIG. 21) may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

[0273] For example, the above-mentioned icing heater (see 290 in FIG. 21) may be installed to be in contact with the first tray (320) or positioned at a predetermined distance from the first tray (320).

[0274] In any case, the ice heater (see 290 in FIG. 21) can supply heat to the first tray (320), and the heat supplied to the first tray (320) can be transferred to the ice cell (see 320a in FIG. 49).

[0275] The first tray cover (300) is formed to correspond to the shape of the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49) of the first tray (320) so as to be able to contact the lower side of the first tray (320).

[0276] The above ice maker (200) may include a first pusher (260) for separating ice during the ice-making process. The first pusher (260) may receive power from a drive unit (480) to be described later.

[0277] The first tray cover (300) may be provided with a guide slot (302) that guides the movement of the first pusher (260). The guide slot (302) may be provided in a portion extending upward from the first tray cover (300).

[0278] A guide connection part of the first pusher (260), which will be described later, can be inserted into the guide slot (302). Accordingly, the guide connection part can be guided along the guide slot (302).

[0279] The first pusher (260) may include at least one pushing bar (264). For example, the first pusher (260) may include pushing bars (264) provided in a number equal to the number of ice-making cells (see 320a in FIG. 49), but is not limited thereto.

[0280] The pushing bar (264) can push out ice located in the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49) during the ice-making process. For example, the pushing bar (264) can be inserted into the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49) by penetrating the first tray cover (300).

[0281] Accordingly, the first tray cover (300) may be provided with an opening (304) (or through hole) for a part of the first pusher (260) to pass through.

[0282] The first pusher (260) can be coupled to the pusher link (500). At this time, the first pusher (260) can be rotatably coupled to the pusher link (500). Accordingly, when the pusher link (500) moves, the first pusher (260) can also move along the guide slot (302).

[0283] The second tray case above may include, for example, a second tray cover (360) and a second tray supporter (400).

[0284] The second tray cover (360) and the second tray supporter (400) may be formed integrally or manufactured as separate components and then combined.

[0285] For example, at least a portion of the second tray cover (360) may be located on the upper side of the second tray (380). At least a portion of the second tray supporter (400) may be located on the lower side of the second tray (380).

[0286] The second tray supporter (400) can support the second tray (380) from the lower side of the second tray (380).

[0287] For example, at least a portion of the wall forming the second cell (320c) of the second tray (380) may be supported by the second tray supporter (400).

[0288] A spring (402) may be connected to one side of the second tray supporter (400). The spring (402) may provide elastic force to the second tray supporter (400) so that the second tray (380) can maintain contact with the first tray (320).

[0289] The second tray (380) may include a perimeter wall (387) that surrounds a portion of the first tray (320) while in contact with the first tray (320). The second tray cover (360) may cover at least a portion of the perimeter wall (387).

[0290] The above ice maker (200) may further include a second heater case (420). A transparent ice heater (430), which will be described later, may be installed in the second heater case (420).

[0291] The second heater case (420) may be formed integrally with the second tray supporter (400) or formed separately and combined with the second tray supporter (400).

[0292] The above ice maker (200) may further include a driving unit (480) that provides driving force. By receiving the driving force from the driving unit (480), the second tray (380) can move relative to the first tray (320). By receiving the driving force from the driving force (480), the first pusher (260) can move.

[0293] A through hole (282) may be formed in the extension (281) that extends downward on one side of the first tray cover (300).

[0294] A through hole (404) may be formed in the extension part (403) extended on one side of the second tray supporter (400).

[0295] The above ice maker (200) may further include a shaft (440) (or rotation axis) that passes through the through holes (282, 404) together.

[0296] Rotating arms (460) may be provided at each end of the shaft (440). The shaft (440) may be rotated by receiving rotational force from the driving unit (480).

[0297] One end of the rotating arm (460) is connected to one end of the spring (402), so that when the spring (402) is tensioned, the position of the rotating arm (460) can be moved to an initial value by the restoring force.

[0298] The above driving unit (480) may include a motor and a plurality of gears.

[0299] An ice detection lever (520) may be connected to the above-mentioned drive unit (480). The ice detection lever (520) may also be rotated by the rotational force provided by the above-mentioned drive unit (480).

[0300] The above ice detection lever (520) may have an overall 'U' shape. For example, the above ice detection lever (520) may include a first lever (521) and a pair of second levers (522) extending from both ends of the first lever (521) in a direction intersecting the first lever (521).

[0301] One of the pair of second levers (522) may be coupled to the driving unit (480), and the other may be coupled to the bracket (220) or the first tray cover (300).

[0302] The above ice detection lever (520) can detect ice stored in the ice bin (600) while rotating.

[0303] The above driving unit (480) may further include a cam that rotates by receiving rotational power from the motor.

[0304] The above ice maker (200) may further include a sensor that detects the rotation of the cam.

[0305] For example, the cam is equipped with a magnet, and the sensor may be a Hall sensor for detecting the magnetism of the magnet during the rotation of the cam. Depending on whether the sensor detects the magnet, the sensor may output a first signal and a second signal, which are different outputs. One of the first signal and the second signal may be a High signal, and the other may be a Low signal.

[0306] The control unit (800) described later can determine the position of the second tray (380) (or second tray assembly) based on the type and pattern of the signal output from the sensor. That is, since the second tray (380) and the cam are rotated by the motor, the position of the second tray (380) can be indirectly determined based on the detection signal of the magnet provided in the cam.

[0307] For example, based on the signal output from the sensor above, the water supply location, ice making location, and ice removal location described below can be distinguished and determined.

[0308] The ice maker (200) may further include a second pusher (540). The second pusher (540) may be installed, for example, on the bracket (220).

[0309] The second pusher (540) may include at least one pushing bar (544). For example, the second pusher (540) may include pushing bars (544) provided in the same number as the number of ice-making cells (see 320a in FIG. 49), but is not limited thereto.

[0310] The pushing bar (544) can push out ice located in the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49). For example, the pushing bar (544) can pass through the second tray supporter (400) and come into contact with the second tray (380) forming the ice-making cell (see 320a in FIG. 49), and can press the contacted second tray (380).

[0311] The first tray cover (300) is rotatably coupled to the second tray supporter (400) and the shaft (440) so as to be positioned so that the angle changes around the shaft (440).

[0312] In this embodiment, the second tray (380) may be formed of a non-metallic material.

[0313] For example, the second tray (380) may be formed of a flexible or soft material that can be deformed when pressed by the second pusher (540).

[0314] Although not limited to, the second tray (380) may be formed of silicone material, for example.

[0315] Accordingly, as the second tray (380) is pressurized by the second pusher (540), the second tray (380) may be deformed, and the pressurizing force of the second pusher (540) may be transferred to the ice. The ice and the second tray (380) may be separated by the pressurizing force of the second pusher (540).

[0316] If the second tray (380) is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or ductile material, the bonding or adhesion force between the ice and the second tray (380) may be reduced, so that the ice can be easily separated from the second tray (380).

[0317] Additionally, if the second tray (380) is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or ductile material, the second tray (380) can be easily restored to its original shape after the shape of the second tray (380) is deformed by the second pusher (540) and the pressure of the second pusher (540) is removed.

[0318] As another example, it is also possible for the first tray (320) to be formed of a metal material. In this case, since the bonding or adhesion force between the first tray (320) and the ice is strong, the ice maker (200) of the present embodiment may include one or more of the ice heater (see 290 in FIG. 21) and the first pusher (260).

[0319] As another example, the first tray (320) may be formed of a non-metallic material. If the first tray (320) is formed of a non-metallic material, the ice maker (200) may include only one of the ice heater (290) and the first pusher (260).

[0320] Alternatively, the ice maker (200) may not include the ice heater (290) and the first pusher (260).

[0321] Although not limited to, the first tray (320) may be formed of silicone material, for example.

[0322] That is, the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) can be formed of the same material.

[0323] When the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) are formed of the same material, the hardness of the first tray (320) and the hardness of the second tray (380) may be different so that sealing performance is maintained at the contact area between the first tray (320) and the second tray (380).

[0324] In the case of this embodiment, since the second tray (380) is deformed by being pressed by the second pusher (540), the hardness of the second tray (380) may be lower than the hardness of the first tray (320) so that the deformation of the second tray (380) is easy.

[0325] Bracket

[0326] FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are perspective views of a bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0327] Referring to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7, the bracket (220) may be fixed to at least one surface of the storage room or to a cover member (described later) fixed to the storage room.

[0328] The bracket (220) may include a first wall (221) having a through hole (221a) formed therein. At least a portion of the first wall (221) may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0329] The first wall (221) may include a first fixed wall (221b) for being fixed to one side of the storage room or to the cover member. At least a portion of the first fixed wall (221b) may extend in a horizontal direction. The first fixed wall (221b) may also be referred to as a horizontal fixed wall.

[0330] The first fixing wall (221b) may be provided with one or more fixing protrusions (221c). For secure fixing of the bracket (220), the first fixing wall (221b) may be provided with a plurality of fixing protrusions (221c).

[0331] The first wall (221) may further include a second fixed wall (221e) for being fixed to one side of the storage room or to the cover member. At least a portion of the second fixed wall (221e) may extend in a vertical direction. The second fixed wall (221e) may also be referred to as a vertical fixed wall.

[0332] For example, the second fixed wall (221e) may extend upward from the first fixed wall (221b). The second fixed wall (221e) may include a fixing rib (221e1) and / or a hook (221e2).

[0333] In this embodiment, the first wall (221) may include one or more of the first fixing wall (221b) and the second fixing wall (221e) for fixing the bracket (220).

[0334] The first wall (221) above may be formed in a stepped shape with multiple walls in the vertical direction. For example, multiple walls may be arranged with a height difference in the horizontal direction, and multiple walls may be connected by a vertical connecting wall.

[0335] The first wall (221) may further include a support wall (221d) that supports the first tray assembly. At least a portion of the support wall (221d) may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0336] The support wall (221d) may be positioned at the same height as the first fixed wall (221b) or at a different height. FIG. 6 illustrates, for example, that the support wall (221d) is positioned lower than the first fixed wall (221b).

[0337] The above bracket (220) may further include a second wall (222) having a through hole (222a) through which cold air generated by a cooling means passes.

[0338] The second wall (222) may extend from the first wall (221). At least a portion of the second wall (222) may extend in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the through hole (222a) may be positioned higher than the support wall (221d). FIG. 6 illustrates, for example, that the bottom of the through hole (222a) is positioned higher than the support wall (221d).

[0339] The bracket (220) may further include a third wall (223) on which the driving unit (480) is installed. The third wall (223) may extend from the first wall (221). At least a portion of the third wall (223) may extend in the vertical direction.

[0340] At least a portion of the third wall (223) may be positioned facing the second wall (222) while spaced apart from the second wall (222). At least a portion of the ice cell (see 320a in FIG. 49) may be located between the second wall (222) and the third wall (223).

[0341] The driving unit (480) may be installed on the third wall (223) between the second wall (222) and the third wall (223). Alternatively, the driving unit (480) may be installed on the third wall (223) such that the third wall (223) is positioned between the second wall (222) and the driving unit (480).

[0342] In this case, an axle hole (223a) through which the shaft of the motor constituting the drive unit (480) passes may be formed in the third wall (223). FIG. 7 shows that an axle hole (223a) is formed in the third wall (223).

[0343] The above bracket (220) may further include a fourth wall (224) to which the second pusher (540) is fixed.

[0344] The fourth wall (224) may extend from the first wall (221). The fourth wall (224) may connect the second wall (222) and the third wall (223).

[0345] The fourth wall (224) may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to horizontal and vertical lines. For example, the fourth wall (224) may be inclined in a direction that moves away from the axis hole (223a) as it goes from the upper side to the lower side.

[0346] The fourth wall (224) may be provided with a mounting groove (224a) for the second pusher (540) to be seated therein. A fastening hole (224b) may be formed in the mounting groove (224a) for a fastening member to pass through to be fastened to the second pusher (540).

[0347] While the second pusher (540) is fixed to the fourth wall (224), the second tray (380) and the second pusher (540) may come into contact during the process of the second tray assembly rotating. During the process of the second pusher (540) pressing the second tray (380), ice may be separated from the second tray (380).

[0348] When the second pusher (540) presses the second tray (380), the ice also presses the second pusher (540) before the ice is separated from the second tray (380). The force pressing the second pusher (540) can be transmitted to the fourth wall (224). Since the fourth wall (224) is formed in the shape of a thin plate, a strength reinforcing member (224c) may be provided on the fourth wall (224) to prevent deformation or damage to the fourth wall (224).

[0349] For example, the strength reinforcing member (224c) may include ribs arranged in a grid shape. That is, the strength reinforcing member (224c) may include a first rib extending in a first direction and a second rib extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0350] In this embodiment, two or more of the first to fourth walls (221 to 224) may define a space for the first and second tray assemblies to be located.

[0351] Tray 1

[0352] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first tray viewed from the top, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first tray viewed from the bottom. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the first tray. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along FIG. 11 of FIG. 8.

[0353] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the first tray (320) can define a first cell (321a) which is part of an ice-making cell (320a).

[0354] The first tray (320) may include a first tray wall (321) that forms part of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0355] The first tray (320) above may define a plurality of first cells (321a), for example. The plurality of first cells (321a) may be arranged in a row, for example. Based on FIG. 9, the plurality of first cells (321a) may be arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0356] For example, the first tray wall (321) can define the plurality of first cells (321a).

[0357] The first tray wall (321) may include a plurality of first cell walls (3211) for forming each of a plurality of first cells (321a) and a connecting wall (3212) connecting the plurality of first cell walls (3211). The first tray wall (321) may be a wall extending in the vertical direction.

[0358] The first tray (320) may include an opening (324). The opening (324) may be in communication with the first cell (321a).

[0359] The opening (324) may allow cold air to be supplied to the first cell (321a). The opening (324) may allow water for ice production to be supplied to the first cell (321a).

[0360] The opening (324) may provide a passage for a part of the first pusher (260) to pass through. For example, during the ice-making process, a part of the first pusher (260) may pass through the opening (324) and be introduced into the ice-making cell (320a).

[0361] The first tray (320) may include a plurality of openings (324) corresponding to a plurality of first cells (321a). One of the plurality of openings (324a) may provide a passage for cold air, a passage for water, and a passage for the first pusher (260).

[0362] During the ice-making process, bubbles can escape through the opening (324).

[0363] The first tray (320) may include a case receiving portion (321b). The case receiving portion (321b) may be formed, for example, by a portion of the first tray wall (321) being recessed downward.

[0364] At least a portion of the case receiving portion (321b) may be positioned to surround the opening (324). The bottom surface of the case receiving portion (321b) may be positioned lower than the opening (324).

[0365] The first tray (320) may further include an auxiliary storage room (325) connected to the ice-making cell (320a). For example, the auxiliary storage room (325) may store water overflowing from the ice-making cell (320a).

[0366] Ice that expands during the phase change process of supplied water can be placed in the auxiliary storage room (325). That is, the expanding ice can pass through the opening (304) and be placed in the auxiliary storage room (325).

[0367] The auxiliary storage room (325) may be formed by a storage room wall (325a). The storage room wall (325a) may extend upward around the opening (324).

[0368] The above storage room wall (325a) can be formed in a cylindrical shape or in a polygonal shape.

[0369] In practice, the first pusher (260) can pass through the opening (324) after passing the storage room wall (325a).

[0370] The above storage room wall (325a) not only forms the auxiliary storage room (325), but also reduces deformation around the opening (324) as the first pusher (260) passes through the opening (324) during the storage process.

[0371] When the first tray (320) defines a plurality of first cells (321a), at least one (325b) of the plurality of storage room walls (325a) can support the water supply unit (240).

[0372] The storage room wall (325b) supporting the above-mentioned water supply unit (240) may be formed in a polygonal shape. For example, the storage room wall (325b) may include a rounded portion that is rounded in the horizontal direction and a plurality of straight portions.

[0373] For example, the storage room wall (325b) may include a round wall (325b1), a pair of straight walls (325b2, 325b3) extending parallel from both ends of the round wall (325b1), and a connecting wall (325b4) connecting the pair of straight walls (325b2, 325b3). The connecting wall (325b4) may be a round wall or a straight wall.

[0374] The upper portion of the connecting wall (325b4) may be positioned lower than the upper portions of the remaining walls (325b1, 325b2, 325b3). The connecting wall (325b4) may support the water supply unit (240). An opening (324a) corresponding to the storage room wall (325b) that supports the water supply unit (240) may also be formed in the same shape as the storage room wall (325b).

[0375] The first tray (320) may further include a heater receiving portion (321c). An evaporating heater (290) may be received in the heater receiving portion (321c). The evaporating heater (290) may be in contact with the bottom surface of the heater receiving portion (321c).

[0376] The heater receiving portion (321c) may be provided, for example, in the first tray wall (321). The heater receiving portion (321c) may be recessed downward from the case receiving portion (321b). The heater receiving portion (321c) may be positioned to surround the periphery of the first cell (321a). For example, at least a portion of the heater receiving portion (321c) may be rounded in the horizontal direction.

[0377] The bottom surface of the heater receiving portion (321c) may be positioned lower than the opening (324).

[0378] The first tray (320) may include a first contact surface (322c) that contacts the second tray (380). The bottom surface of the heater receiving portion (321c) may be located between the opening (324) and the first contact surface (322c).

[0379] At least a portion of the heater receiving portion (321c) may be arranged to overlap the ice-making cell (320a) (or the first cell (321a)) in the vertical direction.

[0380] The first tray (320) may further include a first extension wall (327) extending horizontally from the first tray wall (321). For example, the first extension wall (327) may extend horizontally around the upper end of the first tray wall (321).

[0381] The first extension wall (327) may be provided with one or more first fastening holes (327a). Although not limited to one or more, a plurality of first fastening holes (327a) may be arranged along one or more axes, such as the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0382] The top of the storage room wall (325b) may be located at the same height as or higher than the upper surface of the first extension wall (327).

[0383] Referring to FIG. 10, the first extension wall (327) may include a first border line (327b) and a second border line (327c) spaced apart in the Y direction from the center line (C1) (or vertical center line) in the Z-axis direction of the ice-making cell (320a). In this specification, regardless of the axial direction, the “center line” is a line passing through the center of volume of the ice-making cell (320a) or the center of gravity of the water or ice within the ice-making cell (320a).

[0384] The first border line (327b) and the second border line (327c) may be parallel.

[0385] The distance (L1) from the center line (C1) to the first border line (327b) is longer than the distance (L2) from the center line (C1) to the first border line (327b).

[0386] The first extension wall (327) may include a third border line (327d) and a fourth border line (327e) spaced apart in the X direction with respect to the center line (C1) in the ice-making cell (320a). The third border line (327d) and the fourth border line (327e) may be parallel.

[0387] The lengths of the third border line (327d) and the fourth border line (327e) may be formed to be shorter than the lengths of the first border line (327b) and the second border line (327c).

[0388] The length in the X-axis direction of the first tray (320) can be called the length of the first tray, the length in the Y-axis direction of the first tray (320) can be called the width of the first tray, and the length in the Z-axis direction of the first tray (320) can be called the height of the first tray.

[0389] In this embodiment, the XY axis cross-section plane may be a horizontal plane.

[0390] When the first tray (320) includes a plurality of first cells (321a), the length of the first tray (320) may be increased, but the width of the first tray (320) may be shorter than the length of the first tray (320), so that the volume of the first tray (320) may not increase.

[0391] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the first tray of FIG. 9, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along 13-13 of FIG. 11, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along 14-14 of FIG. 11.

[0392] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the first tray (320) may include a first portion (322) defining a part of the ice-making cell (320a). The first portion (322) may, for example, be a part of the first tray wall (321).

[0393] The first part (322) may include a first cell surface (322b) (or outer surface) forming the first cell (321a).

[0394] The first cell (321) above can be divided into a first region located close to the transparent ice heater (430) in the Z-axis direction and a second region located far from the transparent ice heater (430).

[0395] The first region may include the first contact surface (322c), and the second region may include the opening (324).

[0396] The first part (322) above can be defined as the area between the two dotted lines of FIG. 11.

[0397] The first part (322) may include the opening (324). Additionally, the first part (322) may include the heater receiving part (321c).

[0398] The degree of deformation in the circumferential direction from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) is greater in at least a portion of the upper part of the first part (322) than in at least a portion of the lower part. The degree of deformation is greater in at least a portion of the upper part of the first part (322) than in the lowest part of the first part (322).

[0399] The upper and lower parts of the first part (322) can be distinguished based on the extension direction of the centerline (C1).

[0400] The bottom end of the first part (322) is the first contact surface (322c) that contacts the second tray (380).

[0401] The first tray (320) may further include a second part (323) formed by extending from a certain point of the first part (322). The certain point of the first part (322) may be one end of the first part (322). Or, the certain point of the first part (322) may be a point of the first contact surface (322c).

[0402] A portion of the second part (323) may be formed by the first tray wall (321), and another portion may be formed by the first extension wall (327).

[0403] At least a portion of the second portion (323) may extend away from the transparent ice heater (430). At least a portion of the second portion (323) may extend upward from the first contact surface (322c).

[0404] At least a portion of the second part (323) may extend away from the centerline (C1). For example, the second part (323) may extend in both directions along the Y-axis from the centerline (C1).

[0405] The second part (323) may be positioned at or higher than the top of the ice-making cell (320a). The top of the ice-making cell (320a) is the part where the opening (324) is formed.

[0406] The second part (323) may include a first extension part (323a) and a second extension part (323b) that extend in different directions relative to the center line (C1).

[0407] The first tray wall (321) may include a portion of the second extension (323b) of the first part (322) and the second part (323).

[0408] The first extension wall (327) may include the first extension part (323a) and another part of the second extension part (323b).

[0409] Based on FIG. 11, the first extension (323a) may be located to the left of the center line (C1), and the second extension (323b) may be located to the right of the center line (C1).

[0410] The first extension part (323a) and the second extension part (323b) may be formed with different shapes based on the center line (C1). The first extension part (323a) and the second extension part (323b) may be formed in an asymmetrical shape based on the center line (C1).

[0411] The length of the second extension (323b) in the Y-axis direction can be formed to be longer than the length of the first extension (323a). Accordingly, while allowing ice to be generated and grown from the upper side during the ice-making process, the degree of deformation resistance on the side of the second extension (323b) can be increased.

[0412] The first extension (323a) may be positioned closer to the edge portion opposite to the part where the fourth wall (224) is connected between the second wall (222) or the third wall (223) of the bracket (220) than the second extension (323b).

[0413] The second extension (323b) may be positioned closer to the shaft (440) providing the rotational center of the second tray assembly than the first extension (323a).

[0414] In the case of this embodiment, since the length of the second extension (323b) in the Y-axis direction is formed to be longer than the length of the first extension (323a), the rotation radius of the second tray assembly having the second tray (380) in contact with the first tray (320) also increases.

[0415] When the rotation radius of the second tray assembly increases, the centrifugal force of the second tray assembly increases, and the ice-separating force for separating ice from the second tray assembly during the ice-separating process can be increased, thereby improving the ice separation performance.

[0416] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the thickness of the first tray wall (321) is minimum on the side of the first contact surface (322c).

[0417] At least a portion of the first tray wall (321) may have an increased thickness as it extends upward from the first contact surface (322c).

[0418] FIG. 13 shows the thickness of the first tray wall (321) at a first height (H1) from the first contact surface (322c), and FIG. 14 shows the thickness of the first tray wall (321) at a second height (H2) from the first contact surface (322c).

[0419] The thickness (t2, t3) of the first tray wall (321) at the first height (H1) from the first contact surface (322c) may be greater than the thickness (t1) at the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray wall (321).

[0420] The thickness (t2, t3) of the first tray wall (321) at the first height (H1) from the first contact surface (322c) may not be constant in the circumferential direction.

[0421] At the first height (H1) from the first contact surface (322c), the first tray wall (321) additionally includes a part of the second portion (323), so the thickness (t3) of the portion where the second extension (323b) is located relative to the centerline (C1) may be greater than the thickness (t2) on the opposite side of the second extension (323b).

[0422] The thickness (t4, t5) of the first tray wall (321) at the second height (H2) from the first contact surface (322c) may be greater than the thickness (t2, t3) of the first tray wall (321) at the first height (H1) of the first tray wall (321).

[0423] The thickness (t4, t5) of the first tray wall (321) at the second height (H2) from the first contact surface (322c) may not be constant in the circumferential direction.

[0424] At the second height (H2) from the first contact surface (322c), the first tray wall (321) additionally includes a part of the second portion (323), so the thickness (t5) of the portion where the second extension (323b) is located relative to the centerline (C1) may be greater than the thickness (t4) on the opposite side of the second extension (323b).

[0425] At least a portion of the outer line based on the XY-axis cross-section of the first tray wall (321) has a curvature that is not zero and can vary in curvature.

[0426] In this embodiment, a line with a curvature of 0 means a straight line. A line with a curvature greater than 0 means a curve.

[0427] Referring to FIG. 12, the circumference of the outer line at the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray wall (321) may have a constant curvature. That is, the amount of change in curvature of the circumference of the outer line of the first tray wall (321) at the first contact surface (322c) may be zero.

[0428] Referring to FIG. 13, at a first height (H1) from the first contact surface (322c), the amount of change in curvature of at least a portion of the outer line of the first tray wall (321) may be greater than 0. That is, at a first height (H1) from the first contact surface (322c), the curvature of at least a portion of the outer line of the first tray wall (321) may vary in the circumferential direction.

[0429] For example, at a first height (H1) from the first contact surface (322c), the curvature of the outer line (323b1) of the second part (323) may be greater than the curvature of the outer line of the first part (322).

[0430] Referring to FIG. 14, at a second height (H2) from the first contact surface (322c), the amount of change in curvature of the outer line of the first tray wall (321) may be greater than 0. That is, at a second height (H2) from the first contact surface (322c), the curvature of the outer line of the first tray wall (321) may vary in the circumferential direction.

[0431] For example, at a second height (H2) from the first contact surface (322c), the curvature of the outer line (323b2) of the second part (323) may be greater than the curvature of the outer line of the first part (322).

[0432] The curvature of at least a portion of the outer line (323b2) of the second part (323) at the second height (H2) from the first contact surface (322c) may be greater than the curvature of at least a portion of the outer line (323b1) of the second part (323) at the first height (H1) from the first contact surface (322c).

[0433] Referring to FIG. 11, the curvature of the outer line (322e) on the side of the first extension (323a) at the first part (322) in the YZ axis cross-section based on the center line (C1) may be 0.

[0434] In the YZ-axis cross-section based on the center line (C1), the curvature of the outer line (323d) of the second extension (323b) of the second part (323) may be greater than 0.

[0435] For example, the outer line (323d) of the second extension (323b) has the shaft (440) as the center of the curvature.

[0436] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along 15-15 of Fig. 8.

[0437] Referring to FIGS. 8, 10 and 15, the first tray (320) may further include a sensor receiving portion (321e) in which a second temperature sensor (700) (or tray temperature sensor) is received.

[0438] The second temperature sensor (700) can detect the temperature of the water or ice of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0439] The second temperature sensor (700) is positioned adjacent to the first tray (320) and detects the temperature of the first tray (320), thereby indirectly detecting the temperature of the water or ice of the ice-making cell (320a). In this embodiment, the temperature of the water or ice of the ice-making cell (320a) can be referred to as the internal temperature of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0440] The sensor receiving portion (321e) may be formed by being recessed downward from the case receiving portion (321b).

[0441] At this time, in order to prevent the second temperature sensor (700) from interfering with the heating heater (290) while the second temperature sensor (700) is housed in the sensor housing (321e), the bottom surface of the sensor housing (321e) may be positioned lower than the bottom surface of the heater housing (321c).

[0442] The bottom surface of the sensor receiving portion (321e) may be positioned closer to the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) than to the bottom surface of the heater receiving portion (321c).

[0443] The sensor receiving portion (321e) may be located between two adjacent ice-making cells (320a). For example, the sensor receiving portion (321e) may be located between two adjacent first cells (321a).

[0444] When the sensor receiving portion (321e) is positioned between two ice-making cells (320a), the second temperature sensor (700) can be easily installed without increasing the volume of the second tray (380). Additionally, when the sensor receiving portion (321e) is positioned between two ice-making cells (320a), it can be influenced by the temperatures of at least two ice-making cells (320a), so that the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor can be positioned as close as possible to the actual temperature inside the ice-making cells (320a).

[0445] Referring to FIG. 10, the sensor receiving portion (321e) may be positioned between two adjacent first cells (321a) among three first cells (321a) arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0446] Among the three first cells (321a), a sensor receiving portion (321e) may be positioned between the first cell on the right and the first cell in the center.

[0447] At this time, in order to secure a space where a sensor receiving portion (321e) is located between the first cell on the right and the first cell in the center, the distance (D2) between the first cell on the right and the first cell in the center on the side of the first contact surface (322c) may be greater than the distance (D1) between the first cell in the center and the first cell on the left.

[0448] The above connecting wall (3212) may be provided in multiple numbers to improve the uniformity of the ice-making direction between multiple ice-making cells (320a).

[0449] For example, the connecting wall (3212) may include a first connecting wall (3212a) and a second connecting wall (3212b). The second connecting wall (3212b) may be located further from the through hole (222a) of the bracket (220) than the first connecting wall (3212a).

[0450] The first connecting wall (3212a) may include a first region and a second region having a thicker cross-sectional thickness than the first region. Ice may be generated in the direction of the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first region to the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the second region.

[0451] The second connecting wall (3212b) may include a first area and a second area including a sensor receiving portion (321e) where the second temperature sensor (700) is located.

[0452] <1st Tray Cover>

[0453] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the first tray cover, FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the first tray cover, FIG. 18 is a top view of the first tray cover, and FIG. 19 is a side view of the first tray case.

[0454] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 19, the first tray cover (300) may include an upper plate (301) that contacts the first tray (320).

[0455] The lower surface of the upper plate (301) may be joined by contacting the upper side of the first tray (320). For example, the upper plate (301) may be in contact with one or more of the upper surface of the first part (322) and the upper surface of the second part (323) of the first tray (320).

[0456] A plate opening (304) (or through hole) may be formed in the upper plate (301). The plate opening (304) may include a straight section and a curved section.

[0457] Water can be supplied from the water supply unit (240) to the first tray (320) through the plate opening (304). Additionally, the pushing bar (264) of the first pusher (260) can pass through the plate opening (304) to separate ice from the first tray (320). Also, cold air can pass through the plate opening (304) and come into contact with the first tray (320).

[0458] A first case coupling portion (301b) extending upward may be formed on the straight portion side of the plate opening (304) of the upper plate (301).

[0459] The first case coupling part (301b) above can be coupled with the first fastening part (285, 286, see FIG. 20) of the first heater case (280) described later.

[0460] The first tray cover (300) may further include a perimeter wall (303) extending upward from the edge of the upper plate (301).

[0461] The above perimeter wall (303) may include two pairs of walls facing each other. For example, one pair of walls may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction, and the other pair of walls may be spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

[0462] The perimeter walls (303) facing each other and spaced apart in the Y-axis direction of FIG. 16 may include an extension wall (302e) that extends upward.

[0463] The extension wall (302e) can be extended upward from the upper surface of the perimeter wall (303).

[0464] The first tray cover (300) may include a pair of guide slots (302) for guiding the movement of the first pusher (260).

[0465] A portion of the guide slot (302) may be formed in the extension wall (302e), and another portion may be formed in the perimeter wall (303) located below the extension wall (302e). The lower portion of the guide slot (302) may be formed in the perimeter wall (303).

[0466] The guide slot (302) can be extended in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 16.

[0467] The guide slot (302) can be movable with the first pusher (260) inserted therein. Additionally, the first pusher (260) can move up and down along the guide slot (302).

[0468] The guide slot (302) may include a first slot (302a) that extends vertically with respect to the upper plate (301) and a second slot (302b) that is bent at a certain angle and extends from the upper end of the first slot (302a). Alternatively, it is also possible for the guide slot (302) to include only the first slot (302a) that extends in a vertical direction.

[0469] The bottom (302d) of the first slot (302a) may be positioned lower than the top of the perimeter wall (303). Additionally, the top (302c) of the first slot (302a) may be positioned higher than the top of the perimeter wall (303).

[0470] The portion that is bent from the first slot (302a) to the second slot (302b) may be formed at a position higher than the perimeter wall (303).

[0471] The length of the first slot (302a) may be longer than the length of the second slot (302b). The second slot (302b) may be bent toward the horizontal extension (305).

[0472] When the first pusher (260) moves upward along the guide slot (302), the first pusher (260) is rotated or tilted at a constant angle in the part that moves along the second slot (302b).

[0473] When the first pusher (260) rotates, the pushing bar (264) of the first pusher (260) rotates and moves the pushing bar (264) to a position spaced vertically above the opening (324) of the first tray (320).

[0474] When the first pusher (260) moves along the second slot (302b) that is bent and extended, the end of the pushing bar (264) can be separated so as not to come into contact with the water supplied during water supply, thereby solving the problem of the pushing bar (264) not being inserted into the opening (324) of the first tray (320) because the water is cooled at the end of the pushing bar (264).

[0475] The first tray cover (300) may include a plurality of fastening parts (301a) for coupling with the first tray (320) and the first tray supporter (340, see FIG. 24) described later.

[0476] The above plurality of fastening parts (301a) can be formed on the upper plate (301).

[0477] The plurality of fastening parts (301a) may be spaced apart in the X-axis and / or Y-axis directions. The fastening parts (301a) may protrude upward from the upper surface of the upper plate (301).

[0478] For example, some of the plurality of fastening parts (301a) may be connected to the perimeter wall (303).

[0479] The above fastening part (301a) can be fastened with a fastening member to fix the first tray (320).

[0480] The fastening member fastened to the fastening portion (301a) may be, for example, a bolt. The fastening member may be coupled to the fastening portion (301a) by penetrating the fastening hole (341a) of the first tray supporter (340) and the first fastening hole (327a) of the first tray (320) on the lower surface of the first tray supporter (340).

[0481] In one of the perimeter walls (303) facing each other and spaced apart in the Y-axis direction of FIG. 16, a horizontal extension (305) extending horizontally outward from the perimeter wall (303) may be formed.

[0482] The horizontal extension (305) may be extended from the perimeter wall (303) in a direction away from the plate opening (304) so ​​as to be supported by the support wall (221d) of the bracket (220).

[0483] One of the perimeter walls (303) facing each other and spaced apart in the Y-axis direction may be provided with a plurality of vertical fastening parts (303a) for coupling with the bracket (220).

[0484] The vertical fastening part (303a) can be coupled to the first wall (221) of the bracket (220). The vertical fastening part (303a) can be spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0485] The upper plate (301) may be provided with a lower protrusion (306) that protrudes downward.

[0486] The lower protrusion (306) may extend along the length direction of the upper plate (301) and may be located around another perimeter wall (303) that is spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

[0487] Additionally, a step (306a) may be formed on the lower protrusion (306). The step (306a) may be formed between a pair of extensions (281) described later. This ensures that the second tray (380) and the first tray cover (300) do not interfere with each other when the second tray (380) is rotated.

[0488] The first tray cover (300) may further include a plurality of hooks (307) that are coupled to the first wall (221) of the bracket (220). The hooks (307) may, for example, be provided on the lower protrusion (306).

[0489] The plurality of hooks (307) may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction. Additionally, the plurality of hooks (307) may be positioned between the pair of extensions (281).

[0490] The hook (307) may include a first part (307a) extending horizontally from the perimeter wall (303) in the opposite direction to the upper plate (301), and a second part (307b) bent at the end of the first part (307a) and extending vertically downward.

[0491] The first tray cover (300) may further include a pair of extensions (281) to which the shaft (440) is coupled.

[0492] The above pair of extensions (281) may extend downward from the lower protrusion (306), for example.

[0493] The above pair of extensions (281) can be spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0494] The above extension (281) may include a through hole (282) through which the shaft (440) passes.

[0495] The first tray cover (300) may further include an upper wire guide portion (310) for guiding a wire connected to a wicking heater (290, see FIG. 21) described later.

[0496] The upper wire guide portion (310) may, for example, extend upward from the upper plate (301). The upper wire guide portion (310) may include a first guide (312) and a second guide (314) spaced apart.

[0497] For example, the first guide (312) and the second guide (314) may extend vertically upward from the upper plate (310).

[0498] The first guide (312) may include a first part (312a) extending in the Y-axis direction from one side of the plate opening (304), a second part (312b) bent and extended from the first part (312a), and a third part (312c) bent from the second part (312b) and extended in the X-axis direction. The third part (312c) may be connected to a perimeter wall (303).

[0499] A first projection (313) may be formed on the top of the second part (312b) to prevent the wire from coming off.

[0500] The second guide (314) may include a first extension (314a) positioned to face the second part (312b) of the first guide (312), and a second extension (314b) that is bent and extended from the first extension (314a) and positioned to face the third part (312c).

[0501] The second part (312b) of the first guide (312) and the first extension part (314a) of the second guide (314), and the third part (312c) of the first guide (312) and the second extension part (314b) of the second guide (314) may be parallel to each other.

[0502] A second projection (315) may be formed on the top of the first extension part (314a) to prevent the wire from coming off.

[0503] Corresponding to the first projection (313) and the second projection (315), wire guide slots (313a, 315a) may be formed in the upper plate (310), and a portion of the wire may be fed into the wire guide slots (313a, 315a) to prevent the wire from coming loose.

[0504] < Relationship between the heater, heater case, and first tray >

[0505] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the first heater case, FIG. 21 is a lower perspective view of the first heater case, FIG. 22 is a partial enlarged view of the first heater case, and FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection relationship between the first heater case and the first tray.

[0506] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 23, an ice heater (290) for providing heat to an ice cell (320a) may be fixed to the first heater case (280).

[0507] The above-mentioned wicking heater (290) may be, for example, a wire-type heater. Accordingly, the above-mentioned wicking heater (290) may be bendable.

[0508] In order for the heat of the ice heater (290) to be evenly transferred to each of the plurality of ice-making cells (320a), the ice heater (290) may be arranged to surround the perimeter of the plurality of ice-making cells (320a). For example, the ice heater (290) may be arranged to surround the first cell (321a).

[0509] The first heater case (280) may be coupled with the first tray cover (300) at the top of the first tray (320). Alternatively, the first heater case (280) may be formed integrally with the first tray cover (300).

[0510] The first heater case (280) may include a first heater receiving portion (283) that accommodates the ion heater (290).

[0511] The first heater receiving portion (283) may include a curved portion (283a) and a straight portion (283b).

[0512] The above-mentioned wicking heater (290) can be received in the first heater receiving portion (283) at the lower side of the first heater receiving portion (283).

[0513] The first heater receiving portion (283) may include a plurality of curved portions (283a) corresponding to the upper part of the first tray (320) forming a plurality of ice-making cells (320a), and a straight portion (283b) located between the plurality of curved portions (283a).

[0514] The curved portion (283a) and the straight portion (283b) may be provided with a plurality of anti-detachment protrusions (283c) to prevent detachment when the dividing heater (290) is received.

[0515] The first heater receiving portion (283) may be provided with a plurality of anti-detachment grooves (283d) formed corresponding to the anti-detachment projection (283c).

[0516] The above anti-detachment projection (238c) extends to the lower part of the first heater case (280) and its end may be bent in a horizontal direction.

[0517] For example, the above anti-detachment projection (283c) may include a first projection portion extending vertically from the lower part of the first heater receiving portion (283) and a second projection portion extending horizontally from the first projection portion.

[0518] The second projection portion of the above anti-detachment projection (283c) may extend toward the central portion of the above first heater case (280).

[0519] The above anti-detachment groove (283d) may, for example, be formed in the curved portion (283a) and / or the straight portion (283b) corresponding to the size of one of the anti-detachment protrusions (283c).

[0520] As another example, the above anti-detachment groove (283d) may be formed with a size corresponding to a plurality of anti-detachment protrusions (283c).

[0521] The above anti-detachment groove (283d) allows a part of the moving heater (290) to be inserted, thereby preventing the moving heater (290) from detaching or the moving heater (290) from being disconnected by the above anti-detachment projection (283c) for preventing the moving heater (290) from detaching.

[0522] The above straight section (283b) may be provided with a plurality of first fastening sections (285, 286) that are coupled with the first tray cover (300).

[0523] The first connecting portion (285, 286) above may extend vertically upward from the straight portion (283b).

[0524] The plurality of first fastening parts (285, 286) above may be spaced apart in the Y-axis direction and arranged to face each other.

[0525] The first fastening portion (285, 286) may include a first protrusion (285a, 286a) protruding outward from the first heater case (280), and a second protrusion (285b, 286b) protruding with a smaller radius than the first protrusion (285a, 286a).

[0526] For example, the second protrusion (285b, 286b) can be coupled to the first case coupling part (301b) of the first tray cover (300).

[0527] A portion of the first heater case (280) may be inserted into the plate opening (304) of the first tray cover (300), and a portion of the first fastening part (285, 586) may protrude upward from the plate opening (304) and be coupled with the first case coupling part (301b) of the first tray cover (300).

[0528] A temperature sensor receiving portion (284) for receiving a second temperature sensor (700) may be provided between a pair of first heater connecting portions (285, 286) above.

[0529] In detail, the temperature sensor receiving portion (284) may be received at the bottom of the heater case (280) so as not to be in contact with the wick heater (290) but to be in contact with the first tray (320).

[0530] The above temperature sensor receiving portion (284) may include a temperature sensor receiving space on the lower side to prevent contact with the ion heater (290) and to secure a space where the second temperature sensor (700) can be received.

[0531] An interference prevention part (284a) may be formed in the temperature sensor receiving part (284) to prevent interference with the first tray (320).

[0532] The first connecting part (285) connected to the temperature sensor receiving part (284) may have a shorter vertically upwardly extended length compared to the other first connecting part (286) because the temperature sensor receiving part (284) is shaped to protrude further upward.

[0533] Referring to FIG. 23, a part of the first tray (320) is inserted into the through opening (288) of the first heater case (280), and the ion heater (290) housed in the first heater case (280) can come into contact with the first tray (320) and apply heat to the first tray (320).

[0534] The second temperature sensor (700) can be received in the sensor receiving portion (321e) of the first tray (320). When the second temperature sensor (700) is received in the sensor receiving portion (321e), the second temperature sensor (700) is spaced apart from the icing heater (290).

[0535] For example, since the icing heater (290) is in contact with the upper surface of the second protrusion portion of the above anti-detachment protrusion (283a), the icing heater (290) can be separated from the second temperature sensor (700) by the second protrusion portion.

[0536] At least one of the upper portions of the above-mentioned wicking heater (290) and the above-mentioned second temperature sensor (700) may be positioned lower than the support wall (221d) of the above-mentioned bracket (220).

[0537] Additionally, the top of at least one of the above-mentioned wicking heater (290) and the above-mentioned second temperature sensor (700) may be located below the top of the above-mentioned auxiliary storage room (325).

[0538] <1st Tray Supporter>

[0539] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the first tray supporter.

[0540] Referring to FIG. 24, the first tray supporter (340) can be combined with the first tray cover (300) to support the first tray (320).

[0541] In detail, the first tray supporter (340) includes a horizontal portion (341) that contacts the lower surface of the upper portion of the first tray (320) and an insertion opening (342) into which the lower portion of the first tray (320) is inserted in the center of the horizontal portion (341).

[0542] The horizontal portion (341) may be of a size corresponding to the upper plate (301) of the first tray cover (300).

[0543] Additionally, the horizontal portion (341) may be provided with a plurality of fastening holes (341a) that are coupled with the fastening portion (301a) of the first tray cover (300).

[0544] The plurality of fastening holes (341a) may be spaced apart in the X-axis and / or Y-axis direction of FIG. 24 to correspond to the fastening portion (301a) of the first tray cover (300).

[0545] When the first tray cover (300), the first tray (320), and the first tray supporter (340) are combined, the upper plate (301) of the first tray cover (300), the first extension wall (327) of the first tray (320), and the horizontal portion (341) of the first tray supporter (340) can be brought into contact in sequence.

[0546] In detail, the lower surface of the upper plate (301) of the first tray cover (300) and the upper surface of the first extension wall (327) of the first tray (320) may be in contact, and the lower surface of the first extension wall (327) of the first tray (320) and the upper surface of the horizontal portion (341) of the first tray supporter (340) may be in contact.

[0547] <Tray 2>

[0548] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second tray according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from the top, and FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the second tray viewed from the bottom.

[0549] FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the second tray, and FIG. 28 is a top view of the second tray.

[0550] Referring to FIGS. 25 to 28, the second tray (380) can define a second cell (381a) which is another part of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0551] The second tray (380) may include a second tray wall (381) that forms part of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0552] The second tray (380) above may define a plurality of second cells (381a), for example. The plurality of second cells (381a) may be arranged in a row, for example. Based on FIG. 28, the plurality of second cells (381a) may be arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0553] For example, the second tray wall (381) can define the plurality of second cells (381a).

[0554] The second tray wall (381) may include a plurality of second cell walls (3811) for forming each of a plurality of second cells (381a). Two adjacent second cell walls (3811) may be interconnected.

[0555] The second tray (380) may include a perimeter wall (387) that extends along the upper perimeter of the second tray wall (381).

[0556] The above perimeter wall (387) may, for example, be formed integrally with the second tray wall (381) and extend from the upper part of the second tray wall (381).

[0557] As another example, the perimeter wall (387) may be formed separately from the second tray wall (381) and positioned around the upper portion of the second tray wall (381). In this case, the perimeter wall (387) may be in contact with the second tray wall (381) or spaced apart from the second tray wall (381).

[0558] In any case, the perimeter wall (387) may surround at least a portion of the first tray (320).

[0559] If the second tray (380) includes the perimeter wall (387), the second tray (380) may surround the first tray (320).

[0560] In cases where the second tray (380) and the perimeter wall (387) are formed separately, the perimeter wall (387) may be formed integrally with the second tray case or coupled to the second tray case.

[0561] For example, one second tray wall may define a plurality of second cells (381a), and one continuous perimeter wall (387) may surround the perimeter of the first tray (320).

[0562] The above perimeter wall (387) may include a first extension wall (387b) extending in a horizontal direction and a second extension wall (387c) extending in an up-and-down direction.

[0563] The first extension wall (387b) may be provided with one or more second fastening holes (387a) for fastening with the second tray case. A plurality of second fastening holes (387a) may be arranged along one or more axes, such as the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0564] The second tray (380) may include a second contact surface (382c) that contacts the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320).

[0565] The first contact surface (322c) and the second contact surface (382c) may be horizontal surfaces. The first contact surface (322c) and the second contact surface (382c) may be formed in a ring shape. If the ice-making cell (320a) is spherical, the first contact surface (322c) and the second contact surface (382c) may be formed in a circular ring shape.

[0566] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along 29-29 of FIG. 25, FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along 30-30 of FIG. 25, FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along 31-31 of FIG. 25, FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along 32-32 of FIG. 28, and FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along 33-33 of FIG. 29.

[0567] Figure 29 shows a YZ cross-section passing through the centerline (C1).

[0568] Referring to FIGS. 29 through 33, the second tray (380) may include a first portion (382) that defines at least a part of the ice-making cell (320a). The first portion (382) may be, for example, part or all of the second tray wall (381).

[0569] In the present specification, the first part (322) of the first tray (320) may be named the third part to distinguish it from the first part (382) of the second tray (380) in terms of terminology. Additionally, the second part (323) of the first tray (320) may be named the fourth part to distinguish it from the second part (383) of the second tray (380) in terms of terminology.

[0570] The first part (382) above may include a second cell surface (382b) (or outer surface) forming a second cell (381a) among the ice-making cells (320a).

[0571] The first part (382) above can be defined as the area between the two dotted lines of FIG. 29.

[0572] The uppermost part of the first part (382) is the second contact surface (382c) that contacts the first tray (320).

[0573] The second tray (380) may further include a second portion (383). The second portion (383) can reduce the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater (430) to the second tray (380) to the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first tray (320). That is, the second portion (383) serves to cause the heat conduction path to move away from the first cell (321a).

[0574] The second part (383) above may be part or all of the perimeter wall (387).

[0575] The second part (383) may be extended from a certain point of the first part (382). Below, as an example, the second part (383) is connected to the first part (382).

[0576] A certain point of the first part (382) may be one end of the first part (382). Or, a certain point of the first part (382) may be a point of the second contact surface (382c).

[0577] The second part (383) may include one end that contacts a certain point of the first part (382) and the other end that does not contact it. The other end of the second part (383) may be located further away from the first cell (321a) than the one end of the second part (383).

[0578] At least a portion of the second part (383) may extend in a direction away from the first cell (321a). At least a portion of the second part (383) may extend in a direction away from the second cell (381a).

[0579] At least a portion of the second part (383) may extend upward from the second contact surface (382c). At least a portion of the second part (383) may extend horizontally away from the centerline (C1).

[0580] The center of curvature of at least part of the second part (383) may coincide with the center of rotation of the shaft (440) connected to and rotating the drive unit (480).

[0581] The second part (383) may include a first part (384a) (first part) extending from one point of the first part (382).

[0582] The second part (383) may further include a second part (384b) that extends in the same direction as the extension direction of the first part (384a). Alternatively, the second part (383) may further include a third part (384c) that extends in a direction different from the extension direction of the first part (384a).

[0583] Alternatively, the second part (383) may further include a second part (384b) and a third part (384c) formed by branching off from the first part (384a).

[0584] For example, the first part (384a) may extend horizontally from the first part (382). A portion of the first part (384a) may be positioned higher than the second contact surface (382c). That is, the first part (384a) may include a horizontally extending part and a vertically extending part. The first part (384a) may further include a portion extending vertically from the certain point.

[0585] For example, the length of the third part (384c) may be formed to be longer than the length of the second part (384b).

[0586] At least a portion of the extension direction of the first part (384a) may be the same as the extension direction of the second part (384b). The extension directions of the second part (384b) and the third part (384c) may be different. The extension direction of the third part (384c) may be different from the extension direction of the first part (384a).

[0587] The third part (384c) may have a constant curvature with respect to the YZ cross-section. That is, the third part (384c) may have a constant radius of curvature in the longitudinal direction.

[0588] The curvature of the second part (384b) may be 0. If the second part (384b) is not a straight line, the curvature of the second part (384b) may be smaller than the curvature of the third part (384c). The radius of curvature of the second part (384b) may be larger than the radius of curvature of the third part (384c).

[0589] At least a portion of the second part (383) may be positioned at or above the top of the ice-making cell (320a). In this case, the heat conduction path formed by the second part (383) is long, so that the transfer of heat to the ice-making cell (320a) may be reduced.

[0590] The length of the second part (383) may be formed to be larger than the radius of the ice-making cell (320a). The second part (383) may extend to a point higher than the center of rotation (C4) of the shaft (440). For example, the second part (383) may extend to a point higher than the top of the shaft (440).

[0591] The second part (383) may include a first extension (383a) extending from a first point of the first part (382) and a second extension (383b) extending from a second point of the first part (382) so as to reduce the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater (430) to the ice cell (320a) formed by the first tray (320).

[0592] For example, the first extension (383a) and the second extension (383b) may be extended in different directions relative to the centerline (C1).

[0593] Based on FIG. 29, the first extension (383a) may be located to the left of the center line (C1), and the second extension (383b) may be located to the right of the center line (C1).

[0594] The first extension (383a) and the second extension (383b) may be formed with different shapes based on the center line (C1). The first extension (383a) and the second extension (383b) may be formed in an asymmetrical shape based on the center line (C1).

[0595] The length (horizontal length) of the second extension (383b) in the Y-axis direction may be formed to be longer than the length (horizontal length) of the first extension (383a).

[0596] The first extension (383a) may be positioned closer to the edge portion opposite to the part where the fourth wall (224) is connected between the second wall (222) or the third wall (223) of the bracket (220) than the second extension (383b).

[0597] The second extension (383b) may be positioned closer to the shaft (440) providing the rotational center of the second tray assembly than the first extension (383a).

[0598] In the case of this embodiment, the length of the second extension (383b) in the Y-axis direction may be formed to be longer than the length of the first extension (383a). In this case, the heat conduction path can be increased while reducing the width of the bracket (220) relative to the space where the ice maker (200) is installed.

[0599] If the length of the second extension (383b) in the Y-axis direction is formed to be longer than the length of the first extension (383a), the rotation radius of the second tray assembly having the second tray (380) in contact with the first tray (320) increases.

[0600] When the rotation radius of the second tray assembly increases, the centrifugal force of the second tray assembly increases, and the ice-separating force for separating ice from the second tray assembly during the ice-separating process can be increased, thereby improving the ice separation performance.

[0601] The center of curvature of at least part of the second extension (383b) can be the shaft (440) connected to and rotating the drive unit (480).

[0602] Based on the YZ cross-section passing through the center line (C1), the distance between the upper part of the first extension (383a) and the upper part of the second extension (383b) may be greater than the distance between the lower part of the first extension (383a) and the lower part of the second extension (383b).

[0603] For example, the distance between the first extension (383a) and the second extension (383b) may increase as it goes upward.

[0604] Each of the first extension part (383a) and the second extension part (383b) may include the first to third parts (384a, 384b, 384c).

[0605] In another aspect, the third part (384c) may also be described as including a first extension (383a) and a second extension (383b) that extend in different directions with respect to the centerline (C1).

[0606] At least a portion of the XY cross-section of the second extension (383b) has a curvature greater than 0, and the curvature may be variable.

[0607] The curvature of the first horizontal area (386a), which includes the point where the first extension line (C2) in the Y-axis direction passing through the center line (C1) meets the second extension part (383b), and the curvature of the second horizontal area (386b) which is spaced apart from the first horizontal area (386a) among the second extension parts (383b) may be different.

[0608] For example, the curvature of the first horizontal region (386a) may be greater than the curvature of the second horizontal region (386b).

[0609] The curvature of the first horizontal region (386a) may be maximum in the second extension (383b).

[0610] The curvature of the third horizontal area (386c), which includes the point where the second extension line (C3) in the X-axis direction passing through the center line (C1) meets the second extension part (383b), and the curvature of the second horizontal area (386b), which is spaced apart from the third horizontal area (386c), may be different.

[0611] The curvature of the second horizontal region (386b) may be greater than the curvature of the third horizontal region (386c).

[0612] The curvature of the third horizontal region (386c) in the second extension (383b) may be minimized.

[0613] The second extension (383b) above may include an inner line (383b1) and an outer line (383b2).

[0614] Based on the XY cross-section, the curvature of the inner line (383b1) may be greater than 0. The curvature of the outer line (383b2) may be equal to or greater than 0.

[0615] The second extension (383b) above can be divided into an upper part and a lower part in the height direction.

[0616] Based on the XY cross-section, the amount of change in curvature of the inner line (383b1) of the upper part of the second extension (383b) may be greater than 0. The amount of change in curvature of the inner line (383b1) of the lower part of the second extension (383b) may be greater than 0.

[0617] The maximum change in curvature of the inner line (383b1) of the upper part of the second extension (383b) may be greater than the maximum change in curvature of the inner line (383b1) of the lower part of the second extension (383b).

[0618] Based on the XY cross-section, the amount of change in curvature of the outer line (383b2) of the upper part of the second extension (383b) may be greater than 0. The amount of change in curvature of the outer line (383b2) of the lower part of the second extension (383b) may be greater than 0.

[0619] The minimum change in curvature of the outer line (383b2) of the upper part of the second extension (383b) may be greater than the minimum change in curvature of the outer line (383b2) of the lower part of the second extension (383b).

[0620] The outer line of the lower part of the second extension part (383b) may include a straight part (383b3).

[0621] The above third part (384c) may include a plurality of first extension parts (383a) and a plurality of second extension parts (383b) corresponding to a plurality of ice-making cells (320a).

[0622] The third part (384c) may include a first connecting part (385a) connecting two adjacent first extension parts (383a). The third part (384c) may include a second connecting part (385b) connecting two adjacent second extension parts (383b).

[0623] In this embodiment, if the ice maker includes three ice-making cells (320a), the third part (384c) may include two first connecting parts (385a).

[0624] As described above, corresponding to the formation of the sensor receiving portion (321e), the width (length in the X-axis direction) (W1) of the two first connecting portions (385a) may be different from each other.

[0625] For example, the second connecting part (385b) may include an inner line (385b1) and an outer line (385b2).

[0626] In this embodiment, if the ice maker includes three ice-making cells (320a), the third part (384c) may include two second connecting parts (385b).

[0627] As described above, corresponding to the formation of the sensor receiving portion (321e), the width (length in the X-axis direction) (W2) of the two second connecting portions (385b) may be different from each other.

[0628] At this time, among the two second connecting parts (385b), the width of the second connecting part (385b) located closer to the second temperature sensor (700) may be larger than the width of the remaining second connecting part (385b).

[0629] The width (W1) of the first connecting part (385a) may be larger than the width (W3) of the connecting part of the two adjacent ice-making cells (320a).

[0630] The width (W2) of the second connecting part (385b) above may be larger than the width (W3) of the connecting part of the two adjacent ice-making cells (320a).

[0631] The radius of the first part (382) above can be varied in the Y-axis direction.

[0632] The first part (382) above may include a first region (382d) (see region A in FIG. 29) and a second region (382e).

[0633] The curvature of at least part of the first region (382d) may differ from the curvature of at least part of the second region (382e).

[0634] The first region (382d) above may include the lowest part of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0635] The second region (382e) may have a larger diameter than the first region (382d).

[0636] The first region (382d) and the second region (382e) can be separated in the vertical direction.

[0637] The transparent ice heater (430) may be in contact with the first region (382d). The first region (382d) may include a heater contact surface (382g) for contact with the transparent ice heater (430).

[0638] The heater contact surface (382g) may be a horizontal surface, for example. The heater contact surface (382g) may be positioned higher than the bottom of the first part (382).

[0639] The second region (382e) may include the second contact surface (382c).

[0640] The first region (382d) may include a shape that is sunken in the opposite direction to the direction in which the ice expands in the ice-making cell (320a).

[0641] The distance from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) to the part where the sunken shape is located in the first area (382d) may be shorter than the distance from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) to the second area (382e).

[0642] For example, the first region (382d) may include a pressurized portion (382f) that is pressurized by the second pusher (540) during the ice-making process. When the pressurizing force of the second pusher (540) is applied to the pressurized portion (382f), the pressurized portion (382f) is deformed and the ice is separated from the first portion (382). When the pressurizing force applied to the pressurized portion (382f) is removed, the pressurized portion (382f) can return to its original shape.

[0643] The center line (C1) can penetrate the first region (382d). For example, the center line (C1) can penetrate the pressurized portion (382f).

[0644] The heater contact surface (382g) can be arranged to surround the pressurizing part (382f).

[0645] The heater contact surface (382g) may be positioned higher than the bottom of the pressurizing part (382f).

[0646] At least a portion of the heater contact surface (382g) may be positioned to surround the center line (C1). Accordingly, at least a portion of the transparent ice heater (430) in contact with the heater contact surface (382g) may also be positioned to surround the center line (C1).

[0647] Therefore, during the process in which the second pusher (540) pressurizes the pressurizing part (382f), the transparent ice heater (430) can be prevented from interfering with the second pusher (540).

[0648] The distance from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) to the pressurizing part (382f) may be different from the distance from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) to the second area (382e).

[0649] <2nd Tray Cover>

[0650] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the second tray cover, and FIG. 35 is a plan view of the second tray cover.

[0651] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, the second tray cover (360) includes an opening (362) (or through hole) into which a part of the second tray (380) is inserted.

[0652] For example, when the second tray (380) is inserted from the lower side of the second tray cover (360), a part of the second tray (380) may protrude upward from the second tray cover (360) through the opening (362).

[0653] The second tray cover (360) may include a vertical wall (361) and a curved wall (363) surrounding the opening (362).

[0654] In detail, the vertical wall (361) may form three sides of the second tray cover (360), and the curved wall (363) may form the remaining side of the second tray cover (360).

[0655] The vertical wall (361) is a wall that extends vertically upward, and the curved wall (363) may be a wall that is rounded so as to move away from the opening (362) as it goes upward.

[0656] The vertical wall (361) and the curved wall (363) may be provided with a plurality of fastening parts (361a, 361c, 363a) for connecting with the second tray (380) and the second tray supporter (400).

[0657] The vertical wall (361) and the curved wall (363) may further include a plurality of fastening grooves (361b, 361d, 363b) corresponding to the plurality of fastening parts (361a, 361c, 363a).

[0658] A fastening member can be inserted into the plurality of fastening parts (361a, 361c, 363a) and penetrate the second tray (380) to be coupled to the coupling parts (401a, 401b, 401c) of the second tray supporter (400).

[0659] At this time, the fastening member can be prevented from protruding above the vertical wall (361) and the curved wall (363) through the multiple fastening grooves (361b, 361d, 363b) and interfering with other components.

[0660] A plurality of first fastening parts (361a) may be provided on the wall facing the curved wall (363) of the vertical wall (361).

[0661] In detail, the plurality of first fastening parts (361a) may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction of FIG. 34.

[0662] In addition, it may include a first fastening groove (361b) corresponding to each of the first fastening parts (361a).

[0663] For example, the first fastening groove (361b) may be formed by the vertical wall (361) being recessed, and the first fastening part (361a) may be provided in the recessed part of the first fastening groove (361b).

[0664] Additionally, the vertical wall (361) may further include a plurality of second fastening parts (361c).

[0665] The above plurality of second fastening parts (361c) may be provided on vertical walls (361) facing each other and spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0666] In detail, the plurality of second fastening parts (361c) may be positioned closer to the first fastening part (361a) than to the third fastening part (363a) described later, so as to prevent interference with the extension part (403) of the second tray supporter (400) when combined with the second tray supporter (400) described later.

[0667] For example, the vertical wall (361) where the plurality of second fastening parts (361c) are located may further include second fastening grooves (361d) formed with the portions excluding the second fastening parts (361c) spaced apart from each other.

[0668] The curved wall (363) may be provided with a plurality of third fastening parts (363a) for coupling with the second tray (380) and the second tray supporter (400).

[0669] For example, the plurality of third fastening parts (363a) may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction of FIG. 34.

[0670] The curved wall (363) may be provided with a third fastening groove (363b) corresponding to each of the third fastening parts (363a).

[0671] For example, the third fastening groove (363b) may be formed by vertically recessing the curved wall (363), and the third fastening part (363a) may be provided in the recessed part of the third fastening groove (363b).

[0672] FIG. 36 is an upper perspective view of the second tray supporter, and FIG. 37 is a lower perspective view of the second tray supporter. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along 38-38 of FIG. 36.

[0673] Referring to FIGS. 36 to 38, the second tray supporter (400) may include a supporter body (407) on which the lower part of the second tray (380) is seated.

[0674] The supporter body (407) may include a chamber receiving space (406a) in which a portion of the chamber of the second tray (380) can be accommodated.

[0675] The chamber receiving space (406a) may be formed corresponding to the first part (382) of the second tray (380), and there may be multiple such spaces.

[0676] The above supporter body (407) may include a lower opening (406b) (or through hole) for a part of the second pusher (540) to pass through during the yawning process.

[0677] For example, the supporter body (407) may be provided with three lower openings (406b) corresponding to three chamber receiving spaces (406a).

[0678] Additionally, a lower portion of the second tray (380) may be exposed through the lower opening (406b). At least a portion of the second tray (380) may be positioned in the lower opening (406b).

[0679] The upper surface (407a) of the above supporter body (407) can be extended in a horizontal direction.

[0680] The second tray supporter (400) may include an upper surface (407a) of the supporter body (407) and a stepped lower plate (401).

[0681] The lower plate (401) may be positioned higher than the upper surface (407a) of the supporter body (407).

[0682] The lower plate (401) may include a plurality of connecting parts (401a, 401b, 401c) for connecting with the second tray cover (360).

[0683] A second tray (380) can be inserted and combined between the second tray cover (360) and the second tray supporter (400).

[0684] For example, a second tray (380) may be positioned on the lower side of the second tray cover (360), and the second tray (380) may be received on the upper side of the second tray supporter (400).

[0685] Additionally, the first extension wall (387b) of the second tray (380) can be combined with the fastening portions (361a, 361b, 361c) of the second tray cover (360) and the coupling portions (401a, 401b, 401c) of the second tray supporter (400).

[0686] The plurality of first coupling parts (401a) may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction of FIG. 36. Additionally, the first coupling part (401a) and the second and third coupling parts (401b, 401c) may be spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

[0687] The third coupling part (401c) may be positioned further from the first coupling part (401a) than the second coupling part (401b).

[0688] The second tray supporter (400) may further include a vertical extension wall (405) extending vertically downward from the edge of the lower plate (401).

[0689] One side of the vertical extension wall (405) may be provided with a pair of extension parts (403) that are coupled with a shaft (440) to rotate the second tray (380).

[0690] The above pair of extensions (403) may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction of FIG. 36. Additionally, each of the extensions (403) may further include a through hole (404).

[0691] The above through hole (404) can be penetrated by the shaft (440), and the extension (281) of the first tray cover (300) can be positioned inside the pair of extensions (403).

[0692] Additionally, the through hole (404) may further include a central part (404a) and an extension hole (404b) that extends symmetrically from the central part (404a).

[0693] The second tray supporter (400) may further include a spring coupling part (402a) for coupling a spring (402).

[0694] The above spring coupling part (402a) can form a loop so that the lower end of the spring (402) is caught.

[0695] Additionally, one of the walls facing each other and spaced apart in the X-axis direction of the vertical extension wall (405) may be provided with a guide hole (408) that guides the transparent ice heater (430) described later or the wire connected to the transparent ice heater (430) outwardly.

[0696] The second tray supporter (400) may further include a link connection part (405a) to which the pusher link (500) is connected. The link connection part (405a) may, for example, protrude in the X-axis direction from the vertical extension wall (405).

[0697] The above link connection part (405a) can be located in the area between the centerline (CL1) and the through hole (404) based on FIG. 38.

[0698] In addition, a plurality of second heater coupling parts (409) that are coupled to a second heater case (420, see FIG. 39) described later may be further provided on the lower surface of the lower plate (401).

[0699] The plurality of second heater coupling parts (409) above may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction.

[0700] Based on FIG. 38, the second tray supporter (400) may include a first part (411) that supports a second tray (380) forming at least a part of the ice-making cell (320a). In FIG. 38, the first part (411) may be the area between two dotted lines. For example, the supporter body (407) may form the first part (411).

[0701] The second tray supporter (400) may further include a second part (413) extending from a certain point of the first part (411).

[0702] The second part (413) above can reduce the amount of heat transferred from the transparent ice heater (430) to the second tray supporter (400) to the ice cell (320a) formed by the first tray (320).

[0703] At least a portion of the second part (413) may extend away from the first cell (321a) formed by the first tray (320).

[0704] The second part (413) above may have a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a) in the direction of moving away.

[0705] The second part (413) above may have a downward direction relative to a horizontal line passing through the center of the ice cell (320a).

[0706] The second part (413) may include a first part (414a) extended in a horizontal direction from the aforementioned point and a second part (414b) extended in the same direction as the first part (414a).

[0707] The second part (413) may include a first part (414a) extended in a horizontal direction from the aforementioned point and a third part (414c) extended in a direction different from the first part (414a).

[0708] The second part (413) may include a first part (414a) extended in a horizontal direction from the aforementioned point, and a second part (414b) and a third part (414c) formed to branch off from the first part (414a).

[0709] The upper surface (407a) of the above supporter body (407) can, for example, form the first part (414a).

[0710] The first part (414a) may additionally include a fourth part (414d) extending in a vertical direction. The lower plate (401) may, for example, form the fourth part (414d).

[0711] The above vertical extension wall (405) can, for example, form the above third part (414c).

[0712] The length of the third part (414c) may be longer than the length of the second part (414b).

[0713] The second part (414b) may be extended in the same direction as the first part (414a). The third part (414c) may be extended in a different direction from the first part (414a).

[0714] The second part (413) may be located at the same height as the bottom of the first cell (321a) or may extend to a lower point.

[0715] The above second part (413) may include a first extension part (413a) and a second extension part (413b) located on opposite sides of a center line (CL1) corresponding to the center line (C1) of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0716] Based on FIG. 38, the first extension (413a) may be located to the left of the center line (CL1), and the second extension (413b) may be located to the right of the center line (CL1).

[0717] The first extension (413a) and the second extension (413b) may be formed with different shapes based on the centerline (CL1). The first extension (413a) and the second extension (413b) may be formed in an asymmetrical shape based on the centerline (CL1).

[0718] The length in the horizontal direction may be formed such that the second extension (413b) is longer than the first extension (413a). That is, the heat conduction length of the second extension (413b) is longer than the heat conduction length of the first extension (413a).

[0719] The first extension (413a) may be positioned closer to the edge portion opposite to the part where the fourth wall (224) is connected between the second wall (222) or the third wall (223) of the bracket (220) than the second extension (413b).

[0720] The second extension (413b) may be positioned closer to the shaft (440) providing the rotational center of the second tray assembly than the first extension (413a).

[0721] In the case of this embodiment, since the length of the second extension (413b) in the Y-axis direction is formed to be longer than the length of the first extension (413a), the rotation radius of the second tray assembly having the second tray (380) in contact with the first tray (320) also increases.

[0722] The center of curvature of at least part of the second extension (413b) may coincide with the center of rotation of the shaft (440) connected to and rotating the drive unit (480).

[0723] The first extension (413a) may include a portion (414e) that extends upward relative to the horizontal line. The portion (414e) may, for example, surround a part of the second tray (380).

[0724] In another aspect, the second tray supporter (400) may include a first region (415a) including the lower opening (406b) and a second region (415b) having a shape corresponding to the ice cell (320a) to support the second tray (380).

[0725] The first region (415a) and the second region (415b) may be separated in the vertical direction, for example. In FIG. 38, for example, the first region (415a) and the second region (415b) are shown separated by a dotted line.

[0726] The first region (415a) can support the second tray (380).

[0727] The control unit can control the ice maker (200) so that the second pusher (540) moves from a first point outside the ice cell (320a) to a second point inside the second tray supporter (400) via the lower opening (406b).

[0728] The deformation resistance of the second tray supporter (400) may be greater than the deformation resistance of the second tray (380).

[0729] The restoration degree of the second tray supporter (400) may be smaller than the restoration degree of the second tray (380).

[0730] In another aspect, the second tray supporter (400) can be described as including a first region (415a) including a lower opening (406b) and a second region (415b) located further away from the transparent ice heater (430) compared to the first region (415a).

[0731] <2nd Heater Case>

[0732] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the second heater case, FIG. 40 is a drawing in which a transparent ice heater is coupled to the second heater case, FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along 41-41 of FIG. 40, and FIG. 42 is a partial enlarged view of the second heater case.

[0733] The ice maker of the present embodiment may further include a transparent ice heater (430) for applying heat to the second tray (380) during the ice making process.

[0734] Referring to FIGS. 38 to 42, the second heater case (420) may include a second heater receiving portion (425) that accommodates a transparent ice heater (430) for transferring heat from the lower side of the second tray (380).

[0735] The second heater case (420) may be formed integrally with the second tray supporter (400) or formed separately and coupled to the second tray supporter (400).

[0736] The second heater case (420) may further include a second heater plate (421) in which the second heater receiving portion (425) is formed, and a second heater vertical wall (424) extending vertically upward from the edge of the second heater plate (421).

[0737] The second heater receiving portion (425) may include a plurality of curved portions (425a) that contact the bottom of the second tray (380) and a plurality of straight portions (425b) that connect the plurality of curved portions (425a).

[0738] An opening (422) into which a portion of the lower end of the second tray (380) is inserted may be provided in the center of the plurality of curved sections (425a).

[0739] The inner side of the plurality of curved portions (425a) surrounding the opening (422) can be formed to correspond to the shape of the bottom of the second tray (380).

[0740] For example, the inner side of the curved portion (425a) may be lower than the outer side of the curved portion (425a), and the inner side of the curved portion (425a) may be sloped.

[0741] A heater support wall (425c) may be formed along the perimeter of the second heater receiving portion (425) at the bottom of the second heater plate (421). The heater support wall (425c) may prevent the transparent ice heater (430) received in the second heater receiving portion (425) from moving out of the second heater receiving portion (425).

[0742] In addition, at both ends of the plurality of curved sections (425a) based on the X-axis direction of FIG. 39, anti-detachment protrusions may be provided to prevent the transparent ice heater (430) from detaching.

[0743] One of the two ends of the plurality of curved sections (425a) may be provided with a guide groove (425d) through which the transparent ice heater (430) is guided outward.

[0744] Additionally, a guide wall (423) extending vertically may be formed on the second heater plate (421) in the direction in which the guide groove (425d) is formed.

[0745] The guide wall (423) can guide the transparent ice heater (430) or the wire connected to the transparent ice heater (430) guided along the guide groove (425d) to the outside of the second heater case (420).

[0746] The guide wall (423) can be formed to correspond to the shape of the adjacent curved section (425a).

[0747] The guide walls (423) may be formed in multiple numbers spaced apart from the guide groove (425d).

[0748] A plurality of anti-detachment protrusions (425c1) may be formed on the plurality of straight sections (425b) above.

[0749] Additionally, the second heater plate (421) may be provided with a plurality of second heater connecting parts (421a) for connecting with the second heater connecting part (409) of the second tray supporter (400).

[0750] The plurality of second heater connecting parts (421a) may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction and / or Y-axis direction of FIG. 39.

[0751] A fastening member may be coupled to the lower side of the second heater case (420) and may be coupled by penetrating the second heater fastening part (421a) and the second heater coupling part (409).

[0752] A cut (424a) may be provided on a part of one of the four sides of the second heater vertical wall (424).

[0753] For example, the transparent ice heater (430) guided through the guide wall (423) or the wire connected to the transparent ice heater (430) can be connected to the outside of the second heater case (420) through the cut section (424a).

[0754] The above-mentioned incision (424a) can be positioned to correspond to the guide hole (408) of the second tray supporter (400).

[0755] The above transparent ice heater (430) is described in detail.

[0756] The control unit (800) of the present embodiment can control the transparent ice heater (430) to supply heat to the ice cell (320a) during at least a portion of the time that cold air is supplied to the ice cell (320a) so that transparent ice can be produced.

[0757] Transparent ice can be produced in the ice maker (200) by delaying the ice generation speed through the heat of the transparent ice heater (430), so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell (320a) can move from the ice-making part toward the liquid water. That is, bubbles dissolved in the water can be induced to escape to the outside of the ice-making cell (320a) or to be captured at a certain location inside the ice-making cell (320a).

[0758] Meanwhile, when the cold air supply means (900) described later supplies cold air to the ice-making cell (320a), if the speed at which ice is generated is fast, the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell (320a) may freeze without moving toward the liquid water at the ice-generating part, and the transparency of the generated ice may be low.

[0759] In contrast, when the cold air supply means (900) supplies cold air to the ice-making cell (320a), if the speed at which ice is generated is slow, the above problem is resolved and the transparency of the generated ice can be increased, but the problem of the ice-making time taking a long time may occur.

[0760] Accordingly, in order to reduce the delay in ice making time and increase the transparency of the ice produced, the transparent ice heater (430) may be placed on one side of the ice making cell (320a) to supply heat locally to the ice making cell (320a).

[0761] Meanwhile, when the transparent ice heater (430) is placed on one side of the ice-making cell (320a), at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may be made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than metal so as to reduce the easy transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater (430) to the other side of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0762] Alternatively, at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may be a resin containing plastic so that the ice attached to the trays (320, 380) is easily separated during the ice-making process.

[0763] Meanwhile, at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may be made of a flexible or soft material so that the tray deformed by the pusher (260, 540) during the evaporation process can be easily restored to its original shape.

[0764] The transparent ice heater (430) may be positioned adjacent to the second tray (380). The transparent ice heater (430) may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

[0765] For example, the transparent ice heater (430) may be installed to be in contact with the second tray (380) or positioned at a predetermined distance from the second tray (380).

[0766] As another example, it is also possible for the second heater case (420) not to be separately provided, and for the transparent ice heater (430) to be installed on the second tray supporter (400).

[0767] In any case, the transparent ice heater (430) can supply heat to the second tray (380), and the heat supplied to the second tray (380) can be transferred to the ice cell (320a).

[0768] <1st Pusher>

[0769] FIG. 43 is a drawing showing the first pusher of the present invention, where FIG. 43 (a) is a perspective view of the first pusher and FIG. 43 (b) is a side view of the first pusher.

[0770] Referring to FIG. 43, the first pusher (260) may include a pushing bar (264). The pushing bar (264) may include a first edge (264a) on which a pressing surface is formed to press ice or a tray during the ice-making process, and a second edge (264b) located on the opposite side of the first edge (264a).

[0771] The above-mentioned pressure surface may be, for example, a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0772] The pushing bar (264) can be extended in the vertical direction and can be formed in a straight line or in a curved shape with at least a portion rounded.

[0773] The diameter of the pushing bar (264) is smaller than the diameter of the opening (324) of the first tray (320). Therefore, the pushing bar (264) can pass through the opening (324) and be inserted into the ice-making cell (320a). Thus, the first pusher (260) can be described as a through-type pusher that passes through the ice-making cell (320a).

[0774] When the above ice maker includes a plurality of ice making cells (320a), the first pusher (260) may include a plurality of pushing bars (264). Two adjacent pushing bars (264) may be connected by a connecting part (263).

[0775] The above connecting portion (263) can connect the upper ends of the pushing bar (264) to each other. Therefore, during the process of inserting the pushing bar (264) into the ice-making cell (320a), interference between the second edge (264a) and the connecting portion (263) and the first tray (320) can be prevented.

[0776] The first pusher (260) may include a guide connecting part (265) that penetrates the guide slot (302). For example, the guide connecting part (265) may be provided on both sides of the first pusher (260). The vertical cross-section of the guide connecting part (265) may be formed in a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape.

[0777] The guide connecting part (265) may be positioned in the guide slot (302). While positioned in the guide slot (302), the guide connecting part (265) may be moved along the guide slot (302) in the longitudinal direction. For example, the guide connecting part (265) may be moved in the up-and-down direction.

[0778] Although it has been described that the guide slot (302) is formed in the first tray cover (300), it is also possible to form it in the bracket (220) or the wall forming the storage room.

[0779] The guide connecting portion (265) may further include a link connecting portion (266) for coupling with the pusher link (500). The link connecting portion (266) may be positioned lower than the second edge (264b).

[0780] The link connecting part (266) may be formed in a cylindrical shape so that relative rotation is possible when the link connecting part (266) is combined with the pusher link (500).

[0781] <Connection Relationship between the 1st Pusher and Pusher Link>

[0782] FIG. 44 is a drawing showing the state in which the first pusher is connected to the second tray assembly by a link.

[0783] Referring to FIG. 44, the pusher link (500) can connect the first pusher (260) and the second tray assembly. For example, the pusher link (500) can be connected to the first pusher (260) and the second tray case.

[0784] The above pusher link (500) may include a link body (502). The link body (502) may have a rounded shape. As the link body (502) is formed in a rounded shape, the pusher link (500) can rotate during the rotation process of the second tray assembly, and the pusher link (500) can move the first pusher (260) up and down.

[0785] The above pusher link (500) may include a first connecting part (504) provided at one end of the link body (502) and a second connecting part (506) provided at the other end of the link body (502).

[0786] The first connecting part (504) may include a first connecting hole (504a) for connecting the link connecting part (266). The link connecting part (266) may be connected to the first connecting part (504) after passing through the guide slot (302).

[0787] The second connecting portion (506) may be coupled to the second tray supporter (400). The second connecting portion (506) may include a second coupling hole (506a) for coupling to a link connecting portion (405a) provided in the second tray supporter (400).

[0788] The second connecting part (506) can be connected to the second tray supporter (400) at a position spaced apart from the rotation center (C4) of the shaft (440) or the rotation center (C4) of the second tray assembly.

[0789] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, the pusher link (500) connected to the second tray assembly rotates together with the rotation of the second tray assembly. During the rotation of the pusher link (500), the first pusher (260) connected to the pusher link (500) moves up and down along the guide slot (302).

[0790] The above pusher link (500) can convert the rotational force of the second tray assembly into the vertical movement force of the first pusher (260).

[0791] Therefore, the first pusher (260) can also be called a movable pusher.

[0792] The 2nd Pusher

[0793] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a second pusher according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0794] Referring to FIG. 45, the second pusher (540) according to the present embodiment may include a pushing bar (544). The pushing bar (544) may include a first edge (544a) on which a pressing surface is formed to press the second tray (380) during the icing process, and a second edge (544b) located on the opposite side of the first edge (544a).

[0795] The pushing bar (544) can be formed in a curved shape so as to increase the time the pushing bar presses the second tray (380) without interfering with the second tray (380) rotating during the weaving process.

[0796] The first edge (544a) above may be a flat plane and may include a vertical plane or an inclined plane.

[0797] The second edge (544b) may be joined to the fourth wall (224) of the bracket (220), or the second edge (544b) may be joined to the fourth wall (224) of the bracket (220) by a joining plate (542).

[0798] The above coupling plate (542) can be seated in the seating groove (224a) formed in the fourth wall (224) of the bracket (220).

[0799] If the ice maker (200) includes a plurality of ice-making cells (320a), the second pusher (540) may include a plurality of pushing bars (544). The plurality of pushing bars (544) may be connected to the coupling plate (542) in a spaced-apart manner in the horizontal direction.

[0800] The plurality of pushing bars (544) may be formed integrally with the coupling plate (542) or coupled to the coupling plate (542).

[0801] The first edge (544a) above may be positioned to be inclined with respect to the centerline (C1) of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0802] The first edge (544a) above may be inclined in a direction that moves away from the centerline (C1) of the ice-making cell (320a) as it goes from the top to the bottom.

[0803] The angle of the inclined surface formed by the first edge (544a) with respect to the vertical line may be smaller than the angle of the inclined surface formed by the second edge (544b).

[0804] The direction in which the pushing bar (544) extends from the center of the first edge (544a) toward the center of the second edge (544b) may include at least two directions.

[0805] For example, the pushing bar (544) may include a first part extending in a first direction and a second part extending in a direction different from the second part.

[0806] At least part of the line connecting the center of the first edge (544a) to the center of the second edge (544a) along the pushing bar (544) may be curved.

[0807] The first edge (544a) and the second edge (544b) may have different heights. The first edge (544a) may be positioned to be inclined with respect to the second edge (544b).

[0808] Assembly Process

[0809] FIGS. 46 to 48 are drawings showing the assembly process of the ice maker of the present invention.

[0810] FIGS. 46 to 48 do not show the assembly process sequentially, but rather show the joining of each part.

[0811] First, the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly can be assembled.

[0812] For the assembly of the first tray assembly, the wicking heater (290) can be coupled to the first heater case (280), and the first heater case (280) can be assembled to the first tray case. For example, the first heater case can be assembled to the first tray cover (300).

[0813] Of course, if the first heater case (280) is formed integrally with the first tray cover (300), the wick heater (290) can be coupled to the first tray cover (300).

[0814] The first tray (320) and the first tray case can be combined. For example, the first tray cover (300) can be positioned on the upper side of the first tray (320), and the first tray supporter (340) can be positioned on the lower side of the first tray (320), and then the first tray cover (300), the first tray (320), and the first tray supporter (340) can be combined using a fastening member.

[0815] To assemble the second tray assembly, the transparent ice heater (430) and the second heater case (420) can be combined.

[0816] The second heater case (420) can be coupled to the second tray case. For example, the second heater case (420) can be coupled to the second tray supporter (400).

[0817] Of course, if the second heater case (420) is formed integrally with the second tray supporter (400), the transparent ice heater (430) can be coupled to the second tray supporter (400).

[0818] The second tray (380) and the second tray case can be combined. For example, the second tray cover (360) can be positioned on the upper side of the second tray (380), and the second tray supporter (400) can be positioned on the lower side of the second tray (380), and then the second tray cover (360), the second tray (380), and the second tray supporter (400) can be combined using a fastening member.

[0819] The assembled first tray assembly and the second tray assembly can be aligned in contact with each other.

[0820] A power transmission unit connected to the driving unit (480) can be coupled to the second tray assembly. For example, the shaft (440) can pass through a pair of extensions (403) of the second tray assembly.

[0821] The shaft (440) can also penetrate the extension (281) of the first tray assembly. That is, the shaft (440) can simultaneously penetrate the extension (281) of the first tray assembly and the extension (403) of the second tray assembly.

[0822] At this time, a pair of extensions (281) of the first tray assembly may be positioned between a pair of extensions (403) of the second tray assembly.

[0823] The rotating arm (460) can be connected to the shaft (440).

[0824] The above spring can be connected to the rotating arm (460) and the second tray assembly.

[0825] The first pusher (260) may be connected to the second tray assembly by the pusher link (500). The first pusher (260) may be connected to the pusher link (500) while positioned so as to be movable in the first tray assembly.

[0826] The above pusher link (500) may be connected at one end to the first pusher (260) and at the other end to the second tray assembly. The first pusher (260) may be positioned to contact the first tray case.

[0827] The assembled first tray assembly can be installed on the bracket (220). For example, the first tray assembly can be coupled to the bracket (220) while positioned in the through hole (221a) of the first wall (221). As another example, it is also possible for the bracket (220) and the first tray cover to be formed integrally.

[0828] Then, the first tray assembly can be assembled by combining the bracket (220) in which the first tray cover is integrally formed, the first tray (320), and the first tray supporter.

[0829] A water supply unit (240) may be attached to the bracket (220). For example, the water supply unit (240) may be attached to the first wall (221).

[0830] The above driving unit (480) can be mounted on the bracket (220). For example, it can be mounted on the third wall (223).

[0831] Fig. 49 is a cross-sectional view taken along 49-49 of Fig. 3.

[0832] Referring to FIG. 49, the ice maker (200) may include a first tray assembly (201) and a second tray assembly (211) connected to each other.

[0833] The second tray assembly (211) may include a first part (212) forming at least a part of the ice-making cell (320a) and a second part (213) extending from a certain point of the first part (212).

[0834] The second part (213) above can reduce the amount of ice transferred from the transparent ice heater (430) to the ice cell (320a) formed by the first tray assembly (201).

[0835] The first part (212) above may be an area located between two dotted lines in FIG. 49.

[0836] A certain point of the first part (212) may be the end of the first part (212) or the point where the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) meet.

[0837] At least a portion of the first part (212) may extend away from the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first tray assembly (201).

[0838] A portion of the second part (213) may be branched into at least two parts to reduce heat transfer in the direction extending to the second part (213).

[0839] A portion of the second part (213) may extend in a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a). A portion of the second part (213) may extend upward relative to the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making chamber (320a).

[0840] The second part (213) may include a first part (213c) extending in a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a), a second part (213d) extending upward with respect to the horizontal line passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a), and a third part (213e) extending downward.

[0841] In order to reduce the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater (430) to the second tray assembly (211) to the ice cell (320a) formed by the first tray assembly (201), the first part (212) may have a different degree of heat transfer along the outer surface of the ice cell (320a).

[0842] The above transparent ice heater (430) may be positioned to heat both sides centered on the lowest part of the first part (212).

[0843] The first part (212) may include a first region (214a) and a second region (214b). FIG. 49 shows the first region (214a) and the second region (214b) separated by a dotted line. The second region (214b) may be a region located above the first region (214a).

[0844] The heat transfer rate of the second region (214b) may be greater than the heat transfer rate of the first region (214a).

[0845] The first region (214a) may include a portion where the transparent ice heater (430) is located. That is, the transparent ice heater (430) may be located in the first region (214a).

[0846] The lowest part (214a1) forming the ice-making cell (320a) in the first region (214a) may have a lower heat transfer rate compared to other parts of the first region (214a).

[0847] The second region (214b) may include a portion where the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) come into contact.

[0848] The first region (214a) may form a part of the ice-making cell (320a). The second region (214b) may form another part of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0849] The second region (214b) may be located further from the transparent ice heater (430) than the first region (214a).

[0850] In order to reduce the transfer of heat from the transparent ice heater (430) to the first region (214a) to the ice cell (320a) formed by the second region (214b), a part of the first region (214a) may have a lower heat transfer rate compared to another part of the first region (214a).

[0851] In order to generate ice in the direction of the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first region (214a) from the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the second region (214b), a part of the first region (214a) may have a lower deformation resistance and a higher recovery resistance than another part of the first region (214a).

[0852] The thickness from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) toward the outer surface of the ice-making cell ((320a)) may be such that a part of the first region (214a) is thinner than another part of the first region (214a).

[0853] The first region (214a) may, for example, include at least a portion of the second tray (380) and a second tray case surrounding at least a portion of the second tray (380).

[0854] Based on the YZ cross-section, the average cross-sectional area or average thickness of the first tray assembly (201) may be greater than the average cross-sectional area or average thickness of the second tray assembly (211).

[0855] Based on the YZ cross-section, the maximum cross-sectional area or maximum thickness of the first tray assembly (201) may be greater than the maximum cross-sectional area or maximum thickness of the second tray assembly (211).

[0856] Based on the YZ cross-section, the minimum cross-sectional area or minimum thickness of the first tray assembly (201) may be greater than the minimum cross-sectional area or minimum thickness of the second tray assembly (211).

[0857] Based on the YZ cross-sectional plane, the uniformity of the minimum cross-sectional area or the uniformity of the minimum thickness of the first tray assembly (201) may be greater than the uniformity of the minimum cross-sectional area or the uniformity of the minimum thickness of the second tray assembly (211).

[0858] Meanwhile, the rotation center (C4) may be eccentric with respect to the line that bisects the length in the Y-axis direction of the bracket (220).

[0859] In addition, the ice cell (320a) may be eccentric with respect to a line that bisects the length in the Y-axis direction of the bracket (220).

[0860] The rotation center (C4) may be positioned closer to the second pusher (540) than to the ice-making cell (320a).

[0861] The second part (213) may include a first extension (213a) and a second extension (213b) located on opposite sides of the center line (C1).

[0862] The first extension (213a) may be located to the left of the center line (C1) based on FIG. 49, and the second extension (213b) may be located to the right of the center line (C1).

[0863] The water supply unit (240) may be located close to the first extension unit (213a). The first tray assembly (201) includes a pair of guide slots (302), and the water supply unit (240) may be located in the area between the pair of guide slots (302).

[0864] The length of the guide slot (302) may be greater than the sum of the radius of the ice cell (320a) and the height of the auxiliary storage room (325).

[0865] FIG. 50 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0866] Referring to FIG. 50, the refrigerator of the present embodiment may include a cooler for supplying cold to the freezer (32) (or ice cell).

[0867] FIG. 50 illustrates, as an example, that the cooler includes a cold air supply means (900).

[0868] The above cold air supply means (900) can supply cold air to the above freezer room (32) using a refrigerant cycle.

[0869] For example, the above cold air supply means (900) may include a compressor for compressing refrigerant. The temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezer (32) may vary depending on the output (or frequency) of the compressor.

[0870] Alternatively, the above cold air supply means (900) may include a fan for blowing air to an evaporator. The amount of cold air supplied to the freezer (32) may vary depending on the output (or rotational speed) of the fan.

[0871] Alternatively, the above cold supply means (900) may include a refrigerant valve that controls the amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant cycle.

[0872] The amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant cycle is varied by controlling the opening of the refrigerant valve, and accordingly, the temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezer room (32) can be changed.

[0873] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the cold air supply means (900) may include one or more of the compressor, fan, and refrigerant valve.

[0874] The above cold air supply means (900) may further include an evaporator for heat-exchanging between a refrigerant and air. The cold air heat-exchanged with the evaporator may be supplied to the ice maker (200).

[0875] The refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a control unit (800) that controls the cold air supply means (900).

[0876] Additionally, the refrigerator may further include a water supply valve (242) for controlling the amount of water supplied through the water supply unit (240).

[0877] The above control unit (800) can control some or all of the above ice heater (290), the above transparent ice heater (430), the above driving unit (480), the cold air supply means (900), and the water supply valve (242).

[0878] In this embodiment, if the ice maker (200) includes both the ice heater (290) and the transparent ice heater (430), the output of the ice heater (290) and the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be different.

[0879] When the outputs of the above-mentioned ice heater (290) and the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430) are different, the output terminal of the above-mentioned ice heater (290) and the output terminal of the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430) may be formed in different shapes, thereby preventing misconnection of the two output terminals.

[0880] Although not limited, the output of the above ice heater (290) can be set to be greater than the output of the above transparent ice heater (430). Accordingly, ice can be quickly separated from the first tray (320) by the above ice heater (290).

[0881] In this embodiment, if the above ice heater (290) is not provided, the above transparent ice heater (430) may be placed in a position adjacent to the above-described second tray (380) or in a position adjacent to the above-described first tray (320).

[0882] The refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor (33) (or internal temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the freezer (32).

[0883] The above control unit (800) can control the cold air supply means (900) based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (33).

[0884] Additionally, the control unit (800) can determine whether the ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700).

[0885] FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating ice in an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0886] FIG. 52 is a drawing for explaining the height standard according to the relative position of the transparent ice heater to the ice-making cell, and FIG. 53 is a drawing for explaining the output of the transparent ice heater per unit height of water in the ice-making cell.

[0887] FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the water supply location, and

[0888] Fig. 55 is a drawing showing the state in which the water supply is completed in Fig. 54.

[0889] FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the ice-making position, and FIG. 57 is a drawing showing the deformed state of the pressurized portion of the second tray in the ice-making completed state.

[0890] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly during the unwinding process, and FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly at the unwinding position.

[0891] Referring to FIGS. 51 to 59, in order to produce ice in the ice maker (200), the control unit (800) moves the second tray assembly (211) to the water supply position (S1).

[0892] In this specification, the direction in which the second tray assembly (211) moves from the ice-making position of FIG. 56 to the ice-removing position of FIG. 59 may be referred to as forward movement (or forward rotation).

[0893] On the other hand, the direction of moving from the moving position in Fig. 56 to the water supply position in Fig. 54 can be called reverse movement (or reverse rotation).

[0894] The movement of the water supply position of the second tray assembly (211) is detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray assembly (211) has moved to the water supply position, the control unit (800) stops the drive unit (480).

[0895] At the water supply location of the second tray assembly (211), at least a portion of the second tray (380) may be spaced apart from the first tray (320).

[0896] At the water supply position of the second tray assembly (211), the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) form a first angle (θ1) with respect to the center of rotation (C4). That is, the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) form a first angle.

[0897] Water supply begins when the second tray (380) is moved to the water supply position (S2).

[0898] For water supply, the control unit (800) turns on the water supply valve (242), and when it is determined that a set amount of water has been supplied, the control unit (800) can turn off the water supply valve (242).

[0899] For example, during the process of supplying water, a pulse is output from an unillustrated flow sensor, and when the output pulse reaches a reference pulse, it can be determined that a set amount of water has been supplied.

[0900] At the water supply location, the second part (383) of the second tray (380) may surround the first tray (320). For example, the second part (383) of the second tray (380) may surround the second part (323) of the first tray (320).

[0901] Accordingly, during the process in which the second tray (380) moves from the water supply position to the ice-making position, leakage of water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) between the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) can be reduced. Additionally, leakage of water expanding during the ice-making process between the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) and freezing can be reduced.

[0902] After the water supply is completed, the control unit (800) controls the drive unit (480) so that the second tray assembly (211) moves to the ice-making position (S3).

[0903] For example, the control unit (800) can control the drive unit (480) so that the second tray assembly (211) moves in the reverse direction from the water supply position.

[0904] When the second tray assembly (211) is moved in the reverse direction, the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) comes closer to the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320).

[0905] Then, the water between the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) and the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) is divided and distributed into the interior of each of the plurality of second cells (381a).

[0906] When the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) and the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) are in complete contact, water is filled into the first cell (321a).

[0907] In this way, when the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) and the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) are in close contact, water leakage from the ice cell (320a) can be reduced.

[0908] The movement of the second tray assembly (211) to the ice-making position is detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray assembly (211) has moved to the ice-making position, the control unit (800) stops the drive unit (480).

[0909] Ice making starts when the second tray assembly (211) is moved to the ice making position (S4).

[0910] At the ice-making position of the second tray assembly (211), the second part (383) of the second tray (380) may face the second part (323) of the first tray (320).

[0911] At least a portion of each of the second part (383) of the second tray (380) and the second part (323) of the first tray (320) may extend in a horizontal direction passing through the center of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0912] At least a portion of each of the second part (383) of the second tray (380) and the second part (323) of the first tray (320) may be located at the same height as or higher than the top of the ice cell (320a).

[0913] At least a portion of each of the second part (383) of the second tray (380) and the second part (323) of the first tray (320) may be positioned lower than the top of the auxiliary storage room (325).

[0914] At the ice-making position of the second tray assembly (211), the second part (383) of the second tray (380) may be spaced apart from the second part (323) of the first tray (320) to form a space.

[0915] The above space may be at the same height as or higher than the top of the ice-making cell (320a) formed by the first part (322) of the first tray (320). The above space may be extended to a point lower than the top of the auxiliary storage room (325).

[0916] The above-mentioned ice heater (290) can provide heat to reduce the freezing of water in the space between the second part (383) of the second tray (380) and the second part (323) of the first tray (320).

[0917] As described above, the second part (383) of the second tray (380) serves as a leak prevention part. It is advantageous for the length of the leak prevention part to be formed as long as possible.

[0918] This is because the longer the length of the above-mentioned leak prevention part, the more the amount of water leaking between the first and second tray assemblies can be reduced.

[0919] The length of the leak prevention part formed by the second part (383) may be greater than the distance from the center of the ice cell (320a) to the outer surface of the ice cell (320a).

[0920] The area of ​​the first surface facing the first part (382) of the second tray (380) in the first part (382) of the first tray (320) is larger than the area of ​​the second surface facing the first part (322) of the first tray (320) in the first part (382) of the second tray (380). Due to this difference in area, the bonding strength between the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) can be increased.

[0921] When the second tray (380) reaches the ice-making position, ice making may begin. Alternatively, when the second tray (380) reaches the ice-making position and the water supply time elapses for a set time, ice making may begin.

[0922] When ice making begins, the control unit (800) can control the cold air supply means (900) so that cold air is supplied to the ice making cell (320a).

[0923] After ice making begins, the control unit (800) can control the transparent ice heater (430) to be turned on during at least a portion of the time while the cold air supply means (900) supplies cold air to the ice cell (320a).

[0924] When the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the heat from the transparent ice heater (430) is transferred to the ice making cell (320a), so the rate of ice generation in the ice making cell (320a) may be delayed.

[0925] As in the present embodiment, transparent ice can be produced in the ice maker (200) by delaying the ice production speed so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice cell (320a) can move from the ice-making part toward the liquid water by the heat of the transparent ice heater (430).

[0926] During the ice making process, the control unit (800) can determine whether the ON condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied (S5).

[0927] In the case of this embodiment, the transparent ice heater (430) is not turned on immediately after ice making begins, but the transparent ice heater (430) can be turned on only when the conditions for turning on the transparent ice heater (430) are satisfied (S6).

[0928] Generally, the water supplied to the above ice-making cell (320a) may be water at room temperature or water at a temperature lower than room temperature. The temperature of the water supplied in this way is higher than the freezing point of water.

[0929] Therefore, after the water is supplied, the temperature of the water decreases due to the cold, and when it reaches the freezing point, the water turns into ice.

[0930] In the case of this embodiment, the transparent ice heater (430) may not be turned on before the water undergoes a phase change into ice.

[0931] If the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on before the temperature of the water supplied to the ice cell (320a) reaches the freezing point, the heat from the transparent ice heater (430) slows down the rate at which the water temperature reaches the freezing point, and as a result, the start of ice formation is delayed.

[0932] The transparency of the ice may vary depending on the presence of bubbles in the part where the ice is formed after the ice has started to be formed. However, if heat is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) before the ice is formed, the transparent ice heater (430) can be seen to operate regardless of the transparency of the ice.

[0933] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, when the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on after the ON condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied, it is possible to prevent power from being consumed due to unnecessary operation of the transparent ice heater (430).

[0934] Of course, since there is no effect on transparency even if the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on immediately after ice making begins, it is also possible to turn on the transparent ice heater (430) after ice making begins.

[0935] In this embodiment, the control unit (800) may determine that the ON condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied when a certain amount of time has elapsed from a set specific point in time. The specific point in time may be set to at least one of the points in time prior to the transparent ice heater (430) being turned ON.

[0936] For example, the specific point in time can be set as the point in time when the cold air supply means (900) starts supplying cold power for ice making, the point in time when the second tray assembly (211) reaches the ice making position, the point in time when the water supply is completed, etc.

[0937] Alternatively, the control unit (800) may determine that the ON condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the ON reference temperature.

[0938] For example, the above-mentioned reference temperature may be a temperature for determining that water has started to freeze at the uppermost side (opening (324) side) of the ice-making cell (320a).

[0939] When a portion of the water freezes in the above ice-making cell (320a), the temperature of the ice in the above ice-making cell (320a) is below zero.

[0940] The temperature of the first tray (320) may be higher than the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell (320a).

[0941] Of course, although water is present in the ice-making cell (320a), after ice begins to form in the ice-making cell (320a), the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) may be below zero.

[0942] Accordingly, in order to determine that ice has started to be generated in the ice-making cell (320a) based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700), the temperature reference temperature may be set to a temperature below zero.

[0943] That is, when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the reference temperature, since the reference temperature is a sub-zero temperature, the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell (320a) will be a sub-zero temperature, which is lower than the reference temperature. Therefore, it can be indirectly determined that ice has been generated within the ice-making cell (320a).

[0944] In this way, when the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the heat from the transparent ice heater (430) is transferred into the ice-making cell (320a).

[0945] As in the present embodiment, when the second tray (380) is positioned below the first tray (320) and the transparent ice heater (430) is arranged to supply heat to the second tray (380), ice can start to be generated from the upper side of the ice cell (320a).

[0946] In this embodiment, since ice is generated from the upper side within the ice-making cell (320a), bubbles move downward toward the liquid water in the part where ice is generated in the ice-making cell (320a).

[0947] Since the density of water is greater than the density of ice, water or bubbles can convect within the ice-making cell (320a), and bubbles can move toward the transparent ice heater (430).

[0948] In this embodiment, depending on the shape of the ice-making cell (320a), the mass (or volume) of water per unit height in the ice-making cell (320a) may be the same or different.

[0949] For example, if the ice-making cell (320a) is a rectangular prism, the mass (or volume) of water per unit height within the ice-making cell (320a) is the same.

[0950] On the other hand, if the above ice-making cell (320a) has a shape such as a sphere, an inverted triangle, or a crescent shape, the mass (or volume) per unit height of water is different.

[0951] If the cooling power of the cold supply means (900) is assumed to be constant, and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) is the same, the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making cell (320a) is different, so the rate at which ice is generated per unit height may be different.

[0952] For example, when the mass per unit height of water is small, the rate of ice formation is fast, whereas when the mass per unit height of water is large, the rate of ice formation is slow.

[0953] Ultimately, the rate of ice formation per unit height of water becomes inconsistent, which can lead to variations in ice transparency across different heights. In particular, when the ice formation rate is fast, air bubbles may be unable to move from the ice to the water, causing the ice to contain these bubbles and resulting in lower transparency.

[0954] In other words, the smaller the variation in the rate of ice formation per unit height of water, the smaller the variation in transparency per unit height of the formed ice becomes.

[0955] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the control unit (800) can control the cooling power of the cold supply means (900) and / or the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) to vary according to the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a).

[0956] In the present specification, the variation in cooling power of the cold air supply means (900) may include one or more of the variation in the output of the compressor, the variation in the output of the fan, and the variation in the opening degree of the refrigerant valve.

[0957] Additionally, in this specification, the variation of the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) may mean varying the output of the transparent ice heater (430) or varying the duty cycle of the transparent ice heater (430).

[0958] At this time, the duty of the transparent ice heater (430) may mean the ratio of the on time to the off time of the transparent ice heater (430) in one cycle, or the ratio of the off time to the on time to the off time of the transparent ice heater (430) in one cycle.

[0959] In the present specification, the standard for the unit height of water within the ice-making cell (320a) may vary depending on the relative position between the ice-making cell (320a) and the transparent ice heater (430).

[0960] For example, as shown in FIG. 52 (a), the transparent ice heater (430) can be arranged so that its height is the same at the bottom of the ice cell (320a).

[0961] In this case, the line connecting the transparent ice heater (430) is a horizontal line, and the line extending perpendicularly from the horizontal line becomes the standard for the unit height of the water in the ice cell (320a).

[0962] In the case of Fig. 52 (a), ice is generated and grows from the uppermost side of the ice-making cell (320a) downwards.

[0963] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 52 (b), the transparent ice heater (430) can be arranged at different heights from the bottom of the ice cell (320a).

[0964] In this case, since heat is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) at different heights of the ice-making cell (320a), ice is produced in a pattern different from (a) of FIG. 52.

[0965] For example, in the case of Fig. 52 (b), ice is generated at a position spaced to the left from the top of the ice-making cell (320a), and the ice can grow to the right and downward where the transparent ice heater (430) is located.

[0966] Accordingly, in the case of FIG. 52 (b), a line perpendicular to the line connecting two points of the transparent ice heater (430) (reference line) serves as the reference for the unit height of the water in the ice-making cell (320a). The reference line in FIG. 52 (b) is inclined at a predetermined angle from the vertical line.

[0967] Figure 53 shows the unit height division of water and the output amount of the transparent ice heater per unit height when the transparent ice heater is arranged as in Figure 52 (a).

[0968] Below, we will explain, using an example, how to control the output of a transparent ice heater so that the ice formation rate becomes constant for each unit height of water.

[0969] Referring to FIG. 53, when the ice-making cell (320a) is formed in a spherical shape, for example, the mass of water per unit height in the ice-making cell (320a) increases from the upper side to the lower side, reaches a maximum, and then decreases again.

[0970] For example, the water (or the ice cell itself) inside a spherical ice cell (320a) with a diameter of 50 mm is divided into 9 sections (sections A to I) with a height of 6 mm (unit height). It should be noted that there are no limitations on the size of the unit height or the number of sections divided.

[0971] When the water within the ice-making cell (320a) is divided into unit heights, the height of each divided section is the same for sections A through H, and the height of section I is lower than that of the remaining sections. Of course, depending on the diameter of the ice-making cell (320a) and the number of divided sections, the unit height of all divided sections may be the same.

[0972] Among the multiple sections, section E is the section where the mass per unit height of water is maximum. For example, the section where the mass per unit height of water is maximum may include the portion where the diameter of the ice-making cell (320a), the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the ice-making cell (320a), or the circumference is maximum when the ice-making cell (320a) is spherical.

[0973] As described above, assuming that the cooling power of the above-described cold supply means (900) is constant and the output of the above-described transparent ice heater (430) is constant, the ice generation speed in section E is the slowest, and the ice generation speed in sections A and I is the fastest.

[0974] In such cases, the ice formation rate varies by unit height, resulting in varying ice transparency; furthermore, in certain sections, the ice formation rate is too fast, leading to a problem where transparency is reduced due to the inclusion of air bubbles.

[0975] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be controlled so that the bubbles move toward the water side from the part where ice is generated during the ice generation process, and the speed at which ice is generated per unit height becomes the same or similar.

[0976] Specifically, since the mass of section E is the largest, the output (W5) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section E can be set to the minimum.

[0977] Since the mass in section D is smaller than the mass in section E, the rate of ice formation increases proportionally to the decrease in mass; therefore, it is necessary to slow down the rate of ice formation.

[0978] Accordingly, the output (W4) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section D can be set higher than the output (W5) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section E.

[0979] For the same reason, since the mass of section C is smaller than the mass of section D, the output (W3) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section C can be set higher than the output (W4) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section D.

[0980] In addition, since the mass of section B is smaller than the mass of section C, the output (W2) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section B can be set higher than the output (W3) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section C.

[0981] In addition, since the mass of section A is smaller than the mass of section B, the output (W1) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section A can be set higher than the output (W2) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section B.

[0982] For the same reason, as the mass per unit height decreases as it goes down in section E, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be increased as it goes down in section E (see W6, W7, W8, W9).

[0983] Accordingly, when looking at the output change pattern of the transparent ice heater (430), after the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be reduced stepwise from the initial section to the intermediate section.

[0984] The output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be minimized in the intermediate section, which is the section where the mass per unit height of water is minimum.

[0985] From the next section after the above intermediate section, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be increased stepwise again.

[0986] Depending on the shape or mass of the ice being produced, it is also possible to set the output of the transparent ice heater (430) in two adjacent sections to be the same. For example, it is possible for the output of section C and section D to be the same. That is, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be the same in at least two sections.

[0987] Alternatively, it is also possible to set the output of the transparent ice heater (430) to a minimum in a section other than the section with the smallest mass per unit height.

[0988] For example, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) in section D or section F may be minimum. The output of the transparent ice heater (430) in section E may be equal to or greater than the minimum output.

[0989] In summary, in this embodiment, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may have a maximum initial output. During the ice-making process, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be reduced to a minimum output.

[0990] The output of the above transparent ice heater (430) may be gradually reduced in each section, or the output may be maintained in at least two sections.

[0991] The output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be increased from the minimum output to the end output. The end output may be the same as or different from the initial output.

[0992] In addition, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be increased stepwise in each section from minimum output to end output, or the output may be maintained in at least two sections.

[0993] Alternatively, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may become a termination output in any section prior to the last section among the multiple sections. In this case, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be maintained as a termination output in the last section. That is, after the output of the transparent ice heater (430) becomes a termination output, the termination output may be maintained until the last section.

[0994] As ice making is performed, the amount of ice in the ice cell (320a) decreases. Therefore, if the output of the transparent ice heater (430) continues to increase until the last section, the heat supplied to the ice cell (320a) becomes excessive, and water may remain in the ice cell (320a) even after the last section ends.

[0995] Therefore, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be maintained as a termination output in at least two sections, including the last section.

[0996] By controlling the output of the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430), the transparency of the ice becomes uniform for each unit height, and bubbles accumulate in the lowest section. Therefore, when looking at the ice as a whole, bubbles accumulate in localized areas, and the rest of the ice can remain transparent.

[0997] As described above, even if the ice-making cell (320a) is not in the shape of a sphere, transparent ice can be produced by varying the output of the transparent ice heater (430) according to the mass of water per unit height within the ice-making cell (320a).

[0998] The amount of heat from the transparent ice heater (430) when the mass per unit height of water is large is smaller than the amount of heat from the transparent ice heater (430) when the mass per unit height of water is small.

[0999] For example, the amount of heat of the transparent ice heater (430) can be varied so as to be inversely proportional to the mass per unit height of water while maintaining the same cooling power of the above-mentioned cold supply means (900).

[1000] In addition, transparent ice can be produced by varying the cooling power of the above-mentioned cold supply means (900) according to the mass per unit height of water.

[1001] For example, if the mass per unit height of water is large, the cooling power of the above-mentioned cold supply means (900) can be increased, and if the mass per unit height is small, the cooling power of the above-mentioned cold supply means (900) can be decreased.

[1002] For example, the cooling power of the cold supply means (900) can be varied in proportion to the mass per unit height of water while maintaining a constant heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430).

[1003] When looking at the variable cooling pattern of the above-mentioned cold supply means (900) in the case of generating spherical ice, the cooling power of the above-mentioned cold supply means (900) can be increased from the initial section to the intermediate section during the ice-making process.

[1004] The cooling power of the above-mentioned cold supply means (900) can be maximized in the intermediate section, which is the section where the mass per unit height of water is minimum.

[1005] From the next section after the above intermediate section, the cooling power of the above cold supply means (900) can be reduced again.

[1006] Alternatively, transparent ice can be produced by varying the cooling power of the cold supply means (900) and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) according to the mass per unit height of water.

[1007] For example, the cooling power of the cold supply means (900) can be varied in proportion to the mass per unit height of water, and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) can be varied in inverse proportion to the mass per unit height of water.

[1008] As in the present embodiment, when one or more of the cooling power of the cold supply means (900) and the heating power of the transparent ice heater (430) are controlled according to the mass per unit height of water, the rate of ice generation per unit height of water can be substantially the same or maintained within a predetermined range.

[1009] As shown in FIG. 57, during the ice-making process, the pressurizing part (382f) can be deformed in a direction away from the center of the ice-making cell (320a) by being pressurized by the ice. Due to the deformation of the pressurizing part (382f), the lower part of the ice can form a spherical shape.

[1010] Meanwhile, the control unit (800) can determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) (S8).

[1011] When it is determined that ice making is complete, the control unit (800) can turn off the transparent ice heater (430) (S9).

[1012] For example, the control unit (800) can turn off the transparent ice heater (430) by determining that the ice making is complete when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the first reference temperature.

[1013] At this time, in the case of the present embodiment, since the distance between the second temperature sensor (700) and each ice-making cell (320a) is different, in order to determine that ice production is complete in all ice-making cells (320a), the control unit (800) may start ice making after a certain amount of time has elapsed from the point in time when ice making is determined to be complete, or when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches a second reference temperature that is lower than the first reference temperature.

[1014] When the ice making is complete, the control unit (800) operates one or more of the ice-making heater (290) and the transparent ice heater (430) to make ice (S10).

[1015] When one or more of the above ice heater (290) and the above transparent ice heater (430) are turned on, the heat of the heater is transferred to one or more of the above first tray (320) and the above second tray (380), so that ice can be separated from one or more of the surfaces (inner surfaces) of the above first tray (320) and the above second tray (380).

[1016] In addition, the heat of the heater (290, 430) is transferred to the contact surface between the first tray (320) and the second tray (380), so that the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) can be separated.

[1017] When one or more of the above ice heater (290) and the above transparent ice heater (430) are operated for a set time, or when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) is above the off reference temperature, the control unit (800) turns off the turned-on heaters (290, 430) (S10).

[1018] Although not limited, the above-mentioned off-standard temperature can be set to the temperature of the image.

[1019] The control unit (800) operates the drive unit (480) so that the second tray assembly (211) moves in the forward direction (S11).

[1020] As shown in FIG. 58, when the second tray (380) is moved in the forward direction, the second tray (380) is separated from the first tray (320).

[1021] Meanwhile, the moving force of the second tray (380) is transmitted to the first pusher (260) by the pusher link (500). Then, the first pusher (260) descends along the guide slot (302), causing the pushing bar (264) to pass through the opening (324) and pressurize the ice inside the ice-making cell (320a).

[1022] In this embodiment, during the ice removal process, the ice may be separated from the first tray (320) before the pushing bar (264) pressurizes the ice. That is, the ice may be separated from the surface of the first tray (320) by the heat of the heated heater.

[1023] In this case, the ice can move together with the second tray (380) while being supported by the second tray (380).

[1024] As another example, there may be cases where ice is not separated from the surface of the first tray (320) even when the heat of the heater is applied to the first tray (320).

[1025] Therefore, when the second tray assembly (211) moves in the forward direction, there is a possibility that the ice will be separated from the second tray (380) while in close contact with the first tray (320).

[1026] In this state, during the movement of the second tray (380), the pushing bar (264) passing through the opening (324) presses the ice in close contact with the first tray (320), thereby allowing the ice to be separated from the first tray (320).

[1027] The ice separated from the first tray (320) can be supported again by the second tray (380).

[1028] When the ice moves together with the second tray (380) while being supported by the second tray (380), the ice can be separated from the second tray (380) by its own weight even if no external force is applied to the second tray (380).

[1029] If, during the movement of the second tray (380), the ice does not fall from the second tray (380) due to its own weight, but the second pusher (540) comes into contact with the second tray (380) and presses the second tray (380) as shown in FIGS. 58 and 59, the ice can be separated from the second tray (380) and fall downward.

[1030] For example, as shown in FIG. 58, as the second tray assembly (311) moves in the forward direction, the second tray (380) comes into contact with the pushing bar (544) of the second pusher (540).

[1031] As shown in FIG. 58, at the point where the second tray (380) contacts the second pusher (540), the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) form a second angle (θ2) with respect to the center of rotation (C4). That is, the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) form a second angle. The second angle is greater than the first angle and may be close to 90 degrees.

[1032] When the second tray assembly (211) moves continuously in the forward direction, the pushing bar (544) presses the second tray (380), causing the second tray (380) to deform, and the pressing force of the pushing bar (544) is transferred to the ice, allowing the ice to be separated from the surface of the second tray (380).

[1033] The ice separated from the surface of the second tray (380) can fall downward and be stored in the ice bin (600).

[1034] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 59, the position where the second tray (380) is deformed by being pressed by the second pusher (540) can be named the ying position.

[1035] As shown in FIG. 59, at the moving position of the second tray assembly (211), the first tray assembly (201) and the second tray assembly (211) form a third angle (θ3) with respect to the center of rotation (C4). That is, the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) form a third angle (θ3). The third angle (θ3) is greater than the second angle (θ2). For example, the third angle (θ3) is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[1036] In order to increase the pressure of the second pusher (540), at the moving position, the distance between the first edge (544a) of the second pusher (540) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380) may be shorter than the distance between the first edge (544a) of the second pusher (540) and the lower opening (406b) of the second tray supporter (400).

[1037] The degree of adhesion between the first tray (320) and the ice is greater than the degree of adhesion between the second tray (380) and the ice. Therefore, at the ice-breaking position, the minimum distance between the first edge (264a) of the first pusher (260) and the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) may be greater than the minimum distance between the first edge (544a) of the second pusher (540) and the second contact surface (382c) of the second tray (380).

[1038] At the ice-making position, the distance between the line passing through the first edge (264a) of the first pusher (260) and the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320) is greater than 0 and less than 1 / 2 of the radius of the ice-making cell (320a). Accordingly, the first edge (264a) of the first pusher (260) moves to a position close to the first contact surface (322c) of the first tray (320), so that ice can be easily separated from the first tray (320).

[1039] Meanwhile, during the process of the second tray assembly (211) moving from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, whether the ice bin (600) is full of ice can be detected.

[1040] For example, if the ice detection lever (520) is rotated together with the second tray assembly (211) and the rotation of the ice detection lever (520) is interfered with by ice during the rotation of the ice detection lever (520), the ice bin (600) may be determined to be in an ice-filled state. On the other hand, if the rotation of the ice detection lever (520) is not interfered with by ice during the rotation of the ice detection lever (520), the ice bin (600) may be determined not to be in an ice-filled state.

[1041] After the ice is separated from the second tray (380), the control unit (800) controls the drive unit (480) so that the second tray assembly (211) moves in the reverse direction (S11).

[1042] Then, the second tray assembly (211) moves from the above-mentioned moving position toward the water supply position.

[1043] When the second tray assembly (211) moves to the water supply position of FIG. 54, the control unit (800) stops the drive unit (480) (S1).

[1044] When the second tray assembly (211) moves in the reverse direction and the second tray (380) is separated from the pushing bar (544), the deformed second tray (380) can be restored to its original shape.

[1045] During the reverse movement process of the second tray assembly (211), the moving force of the second tray (380) is transmitted to the first pusher (260) by the pusher link (500), causing the first pusher (260) to rise and the pushing bar (264) to be removed from the ice-making cell (320a).

[1046] FIG. 60 is a diagram showing the operation of the pusher link when the second tray assembly moves from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position.

[1047] FIG. 60 (a) shows the ice-making position, FIG. 60 (b) shows the water supply position, FIG. 60 (c) shows the position where the second tray contacts the second pusher, and FIG. 60 (d) shows the ice-removing position.

[1048] FIG. 61 is a drawing showing the position of the first pusher at the water supply position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator, FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher at the water supply position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator, and FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the first pusher at the ice removal position when the ice maker is installed in the refrigerator.

[1049] Referring to FIGS. 60 to 63, the pushing bar (264) of the first pusher (260) may include the first edge (264a) and the second edge (264b) as described above.

[1050] The first pusher (260) can move by receiving power from the drive unit (480).

[1051] The control unit (800) can control the position so that the first edge (264a) is located at a different position at the water supply position and the ice making position, so that the water supplied to the ice making cell (320a) at the water supply position attaches to the first pusher (260) and freezes during the ice making process.

[1052] In this specification, the fact that the control unit (800) controls the position can be understood as the control unit (800) controlling the position by controlling the driving unit (480).

[1053] The control unit (800) can control the position so that the first edge (264a) is located at different positions in the water supply position, the ice making position, and the ice removal position.

[1054] The control unit (800) can control the first edge (264a) to move in a first direction during the process of moving from the ice-making position to the water supply position, and additionally control the first edge (264a) to move in a first direction during the process of moving from the water supply position to the ice-making position.

[1055] Alternatively, the control unit (800) can control the first edge (264a) to move in a first direction during the process of moving from the ice-making position to the water supply position, and the first edge (264a) to move in a second direction different from the first direction during the process of moving from the water supply position to the ice-making position.

[1056] For example, the first edge (264a) can be moved in a first direction by the first slot (302a) of the guide slot (302), and the second edge (264a) can be rotated in a second direction or moved in a second direction inclined with respect to the first direction by the second slot (302b).

[1057] The first edge (264a) is located at a first point outside the ice-making cell (320a) at the ice-making location, and its position can be controlled to be located at a second point inside the ice-making cell (320a) during the ice-making process.

[1058] Meanwhile, the refrigerator may further include a cover member (100) comprising a first part (101) forming a support surface that supports the bracket (220) and a third part (103) forming a receiving space (104). A wall (32a) forming the freezer (32) may be supported on the upper surface of the first part (101).

[1059] The first part (101) and the third part (103) are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and can be connected by the second part (102).

[1060] The above second part (102) and third part (103) may form a receiving space (104) for receiving at least a portion of the ice maker (200). At least a portion of the guide slot (302) may be located in the receiving space (104).

[1061] For example, the upper portion (302c) of the guide slot (302) may be located in the receiving space (104). The lower portion (302d) of the guide slot (302) may be located outside the receiving space (104).

[1062] The lower end (302d) of the guide slot (302) may be positioned higher than the support wall (221d) of the bracket (220) and lower than the upper surface (303b) of the perimeter wall (303) of the first tray cover (300).

[1063] Therefore, the length of the guide slot (302) can be increased without increasing the height of the ice maker (200).

[1064] Meanwhile, a water supply unit (240) may be attached to the bracket (220). The water supply unit (240) may include a first part (241), a second part (242) positioned at an angle to the first part (241), and a third part (243) extending from both sides of the first part (241).

[1065] A through hole (244) may be formed in the first part (241). Alternatively, the through hole (244) may be formed between the first part (241) and the second part (242).

[1066] The water supplied to the water supply unit (240) can flow downward along the second part (242) and then be discharged from the water supply unit (240) through the through hole (244). The water discharged from the water supply unit (244) can be supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) by passing through the auxiliary storage room (325) and opening (324) of the first tray (320).

[1067] The above through hole (244) may be positioned in the direction in which the water supply unit (240) faces the ice-making cell (320a).

[1068] The lowest end (240a) of the above water supply unit (240) may be located lower than the top of the above auxiliary storage room (325). The lowest end (240a) of the above water supply unit (240) may be located in the above auxiliary storage room (325).

[1069] The control unit (800) can control the position so that the first edge (264a) moves away from the through hole (244) of the water supply unit (240) during the process in which the second tray assembly (211) moves from the moving position to the water supply position. For example, the first edge (264a) can be rotated away from the through hole (244).

[1070] When the first edge (264a) moves away from the through hole (244), contact of water with the first edge (264a) during the water supply process can be reduced, and accordingly, freezing of water at the first edge (264a) can be reduced.

[1071] In the process of the second tray assembly (211) moving from the water supply position to the ice making position, the second edge (264b) may additionally move in a second direction.

[1072] At the above water supply location, the first edge (264a) may be located outside the ice-making cell (320a). At the above water supply location, the first edge (264a) may be located outside the auxiliary storage room (325).

[1073] At the above water supply position, the first edge (264a) may be positioned higher than the bottom of the through hole (244).

[1074] At the above water supply location, the maximum value of the distance between the centerline (C1) of the ice-making cell (320a) and the first edge (264a) may be greater than the maximum value of the distance between the centerline (C1) of the ice-making cell (320a) and the storage room wall (325a).

[1075] At the above water supply location, the first edge (264a) may be positioned higher than the top (325c) of the auxiliary storage room (325) and lower than the top (325b) of the perimeter wall (303) of the first tray cover (300). In this case, the first edge (264a) may be positioned close to the ice-making cell (320a) so that the first edge (264a) pressurizes the ice at the beginning of the ice-making process, thereby improving ice-making performance.

[1076] In the above ice-making position, the length at which the first pusher (260) is inserted into the ice-making cell (320a) may be longer than the length at which the second pusher (540) is inserted into the second tray supporter (400).

[1077] In the above-mentioned moving position, the first edge (264a) may be located in the area between parallel lines (the area between the two dotted lines in FIG. 63) that extends in the direction of the first contact surface (322c) while passing through the highest and lowest points of the shaft (440).

[1078] Alternatively, at the above-mentioned position, the first edge (264a) may be located on an extension line extending from the first contact surface (322c).

[1079] At the water supply location, the second edge (264b) may be positioned lower than the third part (103) of the cover member (100).

[1080] At the water suppl...

Claims

Claim 1 An ice maker comprising: a tray forming at least a portion of an ice cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater supplying heat to the ice cell during at least a portion of the cooling of the ice cell so as to increase the transparency of the ice produced in the ice cell, wherein the step for controlling the heater comprises a plurality of steps, wherein the amount of heating of the heater in some of the plurality of steps is different from the amount of heating of the heater in another portion of the step performed after some of the plurality of steps, and the amount of ice produced according to the ice production speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of ice produced when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.

91. Claim 2 A tray forming at least a part of the ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; An ice maker comprising a heater that supplies heat to the ice maker during at least a portion of the cooling of the ice maker, so as to increase the transparency of the ice produced in the ice maker, and a step for controlling the heater comprises a plurality of steps, wherein the plurality of steps comprises a portion step, a previous step performed before the portion step, and a next step performed after the portion step, wherein the amount of heating of the heater in the portion step is different from one or more of the amount of heating of the heater in the previous step and the amount of heating of the heater in the next step, and such that the rate at which the water inside the ice maker is frozen is maintained within a predetermined range lower than the freezing rate when freezing is performed with the heater off, wherein the amount of freezing according to the freezing rate within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of freezing when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of freezing when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.

91. Claim 3 An ice maker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the said partial step is started and the said partial step is terminated when a set time has elapsed. Claim 4 An ice maker according to claim 1, wherein the amount of heating of the heater in some steps is smaller than the amount of heating of the heater in other steps. Claim 5 An ice maker according to claim 1, wherein the heating amount of the heater in the said part step is greater than the heating amount of the heater in the said other part step. Claim 6 An ice maker according to claim 1, wherein some steps are basic heating steps, and other steps are additional heating steps performed after the completion of the basic heating steps. Claim 7 In claim 2, the amount of heating of the heater in the next step is equal to or smaller than the amount of heating of the heater in the partial step or the amount of heating of the heater in the previous step. Claim 8 In claim 2, an ice maker in which the heating amount of the heater in the next step is greater than the heating amount of the heater in the previous step. Claim 9 An ice maker according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of steps further include a final step performed after the next step, or the next step is the final step, and the step of controlling the heater further includes an additional heating step performed after the end of the final step. Claim 10 An ice maker comprising: a tray forming at least a portion of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater supplying heat to the ice-making cell in at least a portion of the cooling process of the ice-making cell so as to increase the transparency of the ice produced in the ice-making cell, wherein the ice-making amount according to the ice-making speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.

91. Claim 11 An ice maker comprising: a tray forming at least a portion of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater supplying heat to the ice-making cell in at least a portion of the cooling process of the ice-making cell so as to increase the transparency of the ice produced in the ice-making cell, wherein the step of controlling the heater comprises a plurality of steps, wherein the amount of heating of the heater is controlled in the plurality of steps so as to maintain the rate at which the water inside the ice-making cell is ice-making within a predetermined range lower than the ice-making rate when ice-making is performed with the heater off, and the amount of ice-making according to the ice-making rate within the predetermined range is at least the amount of ice-making when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and at least the amount of ice-making when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is at least 0.25 and at least 0.42, and b1 is at least 0.64 and at least 0.

91. Claim 12 An ice maker comprising: a tray forming at least a portion of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater supplying heat to the ice-making cell, wherein a step for controlling the heater includes a basic heating step and an additional heating step performed after the end of the basic heating step, wherein the basic heating step includes a plurality of steps, and such that the rate at which water inside the ice-making cell is ice-made is maintained within a predetermined range lower than the ice-making speed when ice-making is performed with the heater off, wherein the amount of ice made according to the ice-making speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the amount of ice made when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the amount of ice made when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.

91. Claim 13 An ice maker comprising: a tray forming at least a portion of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; and a heater supplying heat to the ice-making cell, wherein a step for controlling the heater includes a basic heating step and an additional heating step performed after the end of the basic heating step, wherein the additional heating step includes a plurality of steps, and wherein the ice-making amount according to the ice-making speed within the predetermined range is greater than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and less than or equal to the ice-making amount when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.42, and b1 is greater than or equal to 0.64 and less than or equal to 0.

91. Claim 14 An ice maker according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein one or more of the plurality of steps are terminated when a set time has elapsed. Claim 15 An ice maker according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the heating amount of the heater is increased in at least some sections while the plurality of steps are being performed. Claim 16 An ice maker according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the heating amount of the heater is reduced in at least some sections while the plurality of steps are being performed. Claim 17 An ice maker according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the amount of heating of the heater in at least some portion of the additional heating step is equal to or smaller than the amount of heating of the heater in at least some portion of the basic heating step. Claim 18 A refrigerator comprising an ice maker according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 10 to 13. Claim 19 A refrigerator comprising: a tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water undergoes a phase change into ice; a cooler for supplying cold to the ice-making cell; and a heater that supplies heat to the ice-making cell in at least a portion of the cooling process of the ice-making cell so as to increase the transparency of the ice produced in the ice-making cell, wherein the heating amount of the heater or the cooling power of the cooler is varied in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell so as to maintain the ice-making speed of the water inside the ice-making cell within a predetermined range lower than the ice-making speed when ice-making is performed with the heater off, and the ice-making amount according to the ice-making speed within the predetermined range is at least the ice-making amount when the heater is off x a1 (g / day) and at least the ice-making amount when the heater is off x b1 (g / day), wherein a1 is at least 0.25 and at least 0.42, and b1 is at least 0.64 and at least 0.

91. Claim 20 A refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein the heating amount of the heater or the cooling power of the cooler is varied in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell, in response to the decrease in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell, in a case where the heating amount of the heater is decreased. Claim 21 A refrigerator according to claim 20, wherein the case in which the heat transfer amount of the cold and the water in the ice-making cell is reduced is the case in which the cooling power of the cooler is reduced. Claim 22 A refrigerator according to claim 21, further comprising a storage room which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler, wherein the case in which the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell is reduced is when air at a temperature higher than the temperature of the cold in the storage room is supplied to the storage room. Claim 23 A refrigerator according to claim 20, further comprising a storage room which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler, wherein when the heating amount of the heater is reduced, the target temperature of the storage room is increased. Claim 24 A refrigerator according to claim 20, further comprising a storage room which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler, wherein the case in which the heating amount of the heater is reduced is when the operating mode of the storage room is changed from a rapid cooling mode to a normal mode. Claim 25 A refrigerator according to claim 20, wherein when the heating amount of the heater is reduced, the output of one or more of the compressor and the fan is reduced. Claim 26 A refrigerator according to claim 20, wherein the case in which the heating amount of the heater is reduced is the case in which the opening degree of the refrigerant valve is reduced. Claim 27 A refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein the heating amount of the heater or the cooling power of the cooler varies in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell, in response to the increase in the amount of heat transfer between the cold and the water in the ice-making cell, in a case where the heating amount of the heater increases. Claim 28 In claim 27, a refrigerator in which the case where the heat transfer amount of the cold and the water in the ice-making cell is increased is the case where the cooling power of the cooler is increased. Claim 29 A refrigerator according to claim 27, further comprising a storage room which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler, wherein the case in which the heat transfer amount of the cold and the water in the ice-making cell is increased is when air at a temperature lower than the temperature of the cold in the storage room is supplied to the storage room. Claim 30 A refrigerator according to claim 27, further comprising a storage room which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler, wherein when the heating amount of the heater is increased, the target temperature of the storage room is lowered. Claim 31 A refrigerator according to claim 27, further comprising a storage room which is a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler, wherein the case in which the heating amount of the heater is increased is when the operating mode of the storage room is changed from a normal mode to a rapid cooling mode. Claim 32 A refrigerator according to claim 27, wherein the heating amount of the heater is increased when the output of one or more of the compressor and the fan is increased. Claim 33 A refrigerator according to claim 27, wherein the heating amount of the heater is increased when the opening degree of the refrigerant valve is increased. Claim 34 A refrigerator according to claim 19, further comprising a storage room defined as a space that can be controlled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler, wherein the ice-making cell is located inside the storage room, and the tray assembly is composed of a plurality of trays that can come into contact with each other, comprising a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly, wherein the first tray assembly comprises a first tray defined as a wall partitioning the ice-making cell and the interior of the storage room and a first tray case located between the first tray and the storage room, and the second tray assembly comprises a second tray defined as a wall partitioning the ice-making cell and the interior of the storage room and a second tray case located between the second tray and the storage room. Claim 35 A refrigerator according to claim 34, further comprising a bracket defining at least a portion of a space accommodating the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly, wherein the first tray case comprises a first tray supporter and a first tray cover, and the first tray cover is manufactured as a separate article from the bracket and coupled to the bracket or formed integrally with the bracket.

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