Ice making system and refrigerator including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides an ice-making system and a refrigerator comprising: a cooling body having a door; a cooling unit provided on the cooling body and including a compressor, a condenser, and an expander; a unit control unit for controlling the cooling unit; a control unit electrically connected to the unit control unit; a sensor unit and a driving unit for ice making; and an ice-making machine in which an ice-making function is performed by hot gas or a heater, wherein the ice-making machine transmits or receives at least one piece of information to or from the cooling body.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ice-making system and a refrigerator including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is an appliance for storing food in a low-temperature state, and is equipped with at least one of a refrigerator compartment for storing food in a refrigerated state and a freezer compartment for storing food in a frozen state.

[0003] The above refrigerator can supply cold air to at least one of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment by utilizing a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator. Additionally, an ice maker may be installed in at least one of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. The ice maker is a device that performs the function of producing ice by receiving ice-making water.

[0004] The above ice maker includes an ice tray having ice-making grooves formed therein. After ice-making water is supplied to the ice-making grooves, the water supplied to the ice-making grooves can be frozen to produce ice. There are two methods for freezing the ice-making water supplied to the ice-making grooves: a frost-cooling ice-making method and a direct-cooling ice-making method. The frost-cooling ice-making method is a method in which cold air, which has been heat-exchanged with the evaporator of a refrigerator, is supplied to the space where the ice tray is placed, and the ice-making water supplied to the ice-making grooves is frozen by the cold air. The direct-cooling ice-making method is a method in which refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism of a refrigerator is supplied to the refrigerant pipe installed in the ice tray, and the ice-making water supplied to the ice-making grooves is frozen by the refrigerant.

[0005] Meanwhile, when the ice making is completed in the above-mentioned ice making home, the ice is transferred from the above-mentioned ice making home through an ice transfer means and stored in an ice box.

[0006] The method of transferring ice from the ice-making groove includes a twist method in which the ice tray is twisted to transfer the ice fixed in the ice-making groove to the ice box, and an ejector method in which a transfer heater installed on the ice tray generates heat to slightly melt the ice fixed in the ice-making groove, and then an ejector pushes the ice from the ice-making groove to the ice box.

[0007] The above-described ejector-type ice maker is equipped with an ice-making heater that slightly melts the ice after the ice-making water in the ice-making groove turns into ice, and an ice-making motor that rotates the ejector to transfer the ice slightly melted by the ice-making heater from the ice-making groove to the ice box.

[0008] Meanwhile, since the refrigerator is equipped with electrical components that operate by AC power and electrical components that operate by DC power, depending on the refrigerator, the control power input from the refrigerator to the ice maker may be AC ​​power or DC power.

[0009] However, conventional refrigerators are constrained so that the ice maker is controlled and operated by the refrigerator power supply unit located inside. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can be controlled by enabling mutual communication with the ice maker. Prior art literature

[0010] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1975267 (May 7, 2019) The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, and aims to provide an ice-making system and a refrigerator including the same, wherein the ice maker can communicate externally by enabling mutual communication and control between the refrigerator and the ice maker installed inside the refrigerator. means of solving the problem

[0012] One embodiment of the ice maker according to the present invention is,

[0013] A cooling body with a door formed therein;

[0014] A cooling unit provided on the above-mentioned cooling body and comprising a compressor, a condenser, and an expander;

[0015] A unit control unit that controls the above cooling unit; and

[0016] An ice maker comprising a control unit electrically connected to the above-mentioned unit control unit, a sensor unit and a driving unit for ice making, and an ice making function performed by hot gas or a heater;

[0017] The above ice maker can transmit or receive at least one piece of information to the cooling body.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a Hall sensor, a water level sensor, an ice full sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an ice room temperature sensor.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker further includes a control unit, and can communicate information measured by the sensor unit to the outside, i.e., the cooling body, through the control unit.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker further includes an ice heater, and the control signal of the ice heater can be linked with external information of the ice maker. Accordingly, the ice maker can control the ice heater by communicating in real time with the cooling body and linking information of the cooling unit.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be provided with a crystal ice manufacturing selection unit.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the information among the ice making signal, ice full signal, ice release signal, error signal, temperature, and water supply signal of the ice maker may be displayed on a control indicator of the cooling body.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission output of the ice maker or cooling body may be output by duty control or level control.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication may be unidirectional or bidirectional communication.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication may include at least one of K-Line, CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and power line communication.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication information may be connected to the unit control unit that controls the compressor, valve, or damper of the cooling body.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, a photocoupler for communication isolation may be further included.

[0028] In addition, the ice maker according to the present invention is,

[0029] A cooling body with a door formed therein;

[0030] A cooling unit provided on the above-mentioned cooling body and comprising a compressor, a condenser, and an expander;

[0031] A unit control unit that controls the above cooling unit; and

[0032] An ice maker comprising a control unit electrically connected to the above-mentioned unit control unit, a sensor unit and a driving unit for ice making, and an ice making function performed by hot gas or a heater;

[0033] The ice maker may transmit or receive at least one piece of information to or from the cooling body and may include at least one of a crystal ice manufacturing selection unit and a control unit.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, when selected from the crystal ice selection unit, it can be controlled in conjunction with the heater of the ice maker.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit includes a temperature sensor, and the control unit can make the crystal ice by linking the signal of the temperature sensor with the ice-making time.

[0036] In addition, the ice-making system according to the present invention is

[0037] A cooling body with a door formed therein;

[0038] A cooling unit provided on the above-mentioned cooling body and comprising a compressor, a condenser, and an expander;

[0039] A unit control unit that controls the above cooling unit; and

[0040] An ice maker comprising a control unit electrically connected to the above-mentioned unit control unit, a sensor unit and a driving unit for ice making, and an ice making function performed by hot gas or a heater;

[0041] It may include a signal processing circuit isolated from the AC power supply.

[0042] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a refrigerator including the above ice maker. Effects of the invention

[0043] The ice-making system according to the present invention and the refrigerator including the same enable mutual communication and control between the refrigerator and the ice maker installed inside the refrigerator, thereby enabling the ice maker to communicate externally. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0044] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an electrical wiring diagram of an ice-making system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an electrical wiring diagram of an ice-making system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an electrical wiring diagram of an ice-making system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an electrical wiring diagram of an ice-making system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0045] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, this is merely illustrative and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions within the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, such definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification. Terms used in the detailed description are intended merely to describe the embodiments of the present invention and should not be limiting in any way. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, expressions in the singular form include the meaning of the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "include" or "comprise" are intended to refer to certain characteristics, numbers, steps, actions, elements, parts thereof, or combinations thereof, and should not be interpreted to exclude the existence or possibility of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, actions, elements, parts thereof, or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0047] In the following description, terms such as "transmission," "communication," "transmission," "reception," and other terms of similar meaning regarding signals or information include not only the direct transfer of signals or information from one component to another but also the transfer through other components. In particular, "transmission" or "transmitting" a signal or information to one component refers to the final destination of the signal or information and does not mean a direct destination. The same applies to the "reception" of signals or information. Furthermore, in this specification, two or more data or information are "related" means that if one data (or information) is obtained, at least a portion of another data (or information) can be obtained based thereon.

[0048] Meanwhile, directional terms such as upper side, lower side, one side, other side, etc., are used in relation to the orientation of the disclosed drawings. Since the components of the embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in various orientations, directional terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting.

[0050] Ice makers are classified into heater-type ice makers and twist-type ice makers depending on the method of releasing ice from the ice tray. A heater-type ice maker includes an ice release heater and an ejector, and after the ice is released, the surface of the ice tray is heated by the heater and the ejector is rotated to release the ice. A twist-type ice maker releases ice by twisting the ice tray through a motor. Below, a heater-type ice maker will be described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and can, of course, be applied to a twist-type ice maker as well.

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a drawing of a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the ice maker shown in FIG. 2.

[0053] First, referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an ice maker (100).

[0054] The refrigerator (1) may include a cabinet forming a storage room with an open front, and at least one door (8, 9) that opens and closes the open front of the storage room.

[0055] The above storage room may include at least one of a refrigerator room for storing food in a refrigerated state and a freezer room for storing food in a frozen state. The refrigerator (1) of the present embodiment is exemplified as including both the refrigerator room and the freezer room, and the refrigerator room may be provided above the freezer room.

[0056] The doors (8, 9) may include a refrigerator door (8) for opening and closing the refrigerator room and a freezer door (9) for opening and closing the freezer room. The refrigerator door (8) is provided with two doors arranged left and right to each other, so that the left refrigerator door (8) can open and close the left side, which is part of the refrigerator room, and the right refrigerator door (8) can open and close the right side, which is the remaining part of the refrigerator room.

[0057] An ice maker (100) may be installed in at least one of the refrigerator room and the freezer room. In the refrigerator (1) of the present embodiment, an ice maker (100) may be installed in the upper left corner of the refrigerator room.

[0058] The ice maker (100) can receive ice-making water from the refrigerator (1), and can produce ice by turning the ice-making water into ice using cold air supplied from the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator (1) to the storage room.

[0059] An ice box may be installed in the storage compartment of the refrigerator (1). The ice box may be placed below the ice maker (100). The ice box may be formed in a tubular shape with an open top. Ice produced by the ice maker (100) may be transferred from the ice maker (100) to the ice box and stored within the ice box.

[0060] An auger may be placed inside the ice box. The auger may be installed to be rotatable in the circumferential direction within the ice box. Both ends of the auger may be rotatably connected to both sides of the ice box. A spiral groove may be formed on the outer surface of the auger. When the auger rotates, it can transport ice stored inside the ice box to the outside of the ice box through the spiral groove. The auger may be rotated by the driving force of an auger motor installed on one side of the ice box.

[0061] In the above structure, the information of the cooling units configured in the refrigerator (1), namely the compressor, condenser, and expansion unit (EVAP), can be configured as an ice-making system that can mutually transmit and receive information through the ice maker (100).

[0063] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 3, an ice maker (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an ice making tray (10), a control box (30), and a drain member (40).

[0064] An ice-making groove (15) may be formed in the ice-making tray (10). The ice-making groove (15) may be formed as a plurality of ice-making grooves (15) spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the ice-making tray (10). The ice-making groove (15) may be formed on the upper surface of the ice-making tray (10).

[0065] The control box (30) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular box. The control box (30) may be placed at one end of the ice making tray (10). The ice making tray (10) may be placed on one side of the control box (30). One end of the ice making tray (10) may be placed on one side of the control box (30). One end of the ice making tray (10) may be placed on one side of the control box case (31) to be described later. The length of the ice making tray (10) may extend horizontally from one side of the control box (30).

[0066] A water supply unit may be disposed at the other end of the ice-making tray (10). The water supply unit may be formed in the ice-making cover (60) to be described later. The water supply unit may be formed at the end of the ice-making cover (60) that is far from the control box (30). The water supply unit may form a flow path for supplying ice-making water to the ice-making groove (15). Ice-making water may be supplied from the water supply unit to the ice-making groove (15). The ice-making water supplied to the ice-making groove (15) may be cooled by the cold air of the refrigerator (1) storage room and turned into ice.

[0067] The control box (30) may include a control box case (31) and a control box cover (32). The control box case (31) and the control box cover (32) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular box with open sides facing each other. After various internal components, including a gearbox, fan housing, and control unit to be described later, are installed inside the control box case (31), the control box cover (32) may cover one open side of the control box case (31) and be coupled to the control box case (31).

[0068] An ice maker cover (60) may be installed on the upper part of the control box (30). The ice maker cover (60) may cover the upper side of the control box (30) and the upper side of the ice making tray (10). The ice maker cover (60) may cover the upper side of each of the control box case (31), the control box cover (32), and the ice making tray (10). The ice maker cover (60) may include a first ice maker cover part (61) that covers the upper surface of the control box (30). The ice maker cover (60) may include a second ice maker cover part (62) that extends horizontally from the first ice maker cover part (61) and covers the upper side of the ice making tray (10).

[0069] The first ice maker cover portion (61) can be seated on the upper surface of the control box (30). A fastening rib (68) extending to the side of the control box (30) can be formed on the side of the first ice maker cover portion (61), and the fastening rib (68) can be fastened to the control box (30) through a fastening member (69). The fastening rib (68) can be fastened to the control box case (31) through a fastening member (69). The fastening member (69) may be a screw.

[0070] Additionally, a cover rib (67) covering the outer surface of the control box cover (32) is formed at one end of the first ice maker cover portion (61). The cover rib (67) is formed to extend downward from one end of the ice maker cover (61) so as to cover the upper outer surface of the control box cover (32).

[0071] The second ice maker cover part (62) may include an upper surface part, a first side part and a second side part.

[0072] The upper surface may be positioned opposite the upper surface of the ice-making tray (10). The upper surface may be spaced upward from the upper surface of the ice-making tray (10). When the eject pin (26), described later, extracts ice from the ice-making groove (15), the ice may exit the ice-making machine (100) through the space between the upper surface and the re-entry prevention plate (83), described later, and then fall into the ice box installed in the refrigerator (1) and be received inside the ice box.

[0073] The first side portion extends downward from the side of the upper portion and can be vertically positioned on the upper side of one side of the ice tray (10). When the ice maker (100) is installed in the storage room of the refrigerator (1), the first side portion can be positioned close to the side wall of the storage room of the refrigerator (1) and installed on the side wall of the storage room of the refrigerator (1). When the ice maker (100) is installed in the storage room of the refrigerator (1), the ice maker cover (60) can function to support the components of the ice maker (100) other than the ice maker cover (60) from above.

[0074] The second side portion may extend downward from one end of the ice maker cover (60) that is far from the control box (30). The second side portion may be positioned vertically above the other end of the ice maker tray (10).

[0075] The ice maker cover (60) can prevent foreign substances from entering the ice making groove (15) and can cover the ejector (25) described later to make the appearance of the ice maker (100) beautiful, and also prevent the user's hand from being injured by the ejector pin (26) formed on the circumference of the ejector (25).

[0076] Meanwhile, a icing motor (20) and a control unit (35) can be accommodated inside the control box (30). The icing motor (20) can be driven to make ice icing in the ice-making groove (15). The icing motor (20) can be controlled by the control unit (35).

[0077] An ejector (25) may be positioned at a location spaced upward from the ice-making tray (10). The ejector (25) may be positioned on one side of the control box (30). The ejector (25) may be formed as a long axis extending horizontally from one side of the control box case (31). The ejector (25) may extend along the length of the ice-making tray (10).

[0078] One end of the ejector (25) may be rotatably installed on one side of the control box (30). One end of the ejector (25) may be rotatably installed on one side of the control box case (31). One end of the ejector (25) may be inserted into the interior of the control box (30). The ejector (25) may be positioned to protrude from one side of the control box (30) toward the upper side of the ice-making tray (10).

[0079] The ejector (25) can be rotated in a circumferential direction by the driving force of the ice motor (20). An eject pin (26) may be formed protruding from the ejector (25). The eject pin (26) may be formed protruding radially from the circumferential surface of the ejector (25). The eject pin (26) may be formed as a plurality of eject pins (26) spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the ejector (25). The plurality of eject pins (26) may be positioned at locations corresponding to the plurality of ice-making grooves (15).

[0080] The eject pin (26) is inserted into the ice-making groove (15) when the ejector (25) rotates, allowing ice to be extracted from the ice-making groove (15). The ice extracted from the ice-making groove (15) by the eject pin (26) falls and can be received and stored in the ice box installed in the refrigerator (1).

[0081] A re-entry prevention plate (83) may be disposed on the upper side of the ice making tray (10). The re-entry prevention plate (83) may cover one side of the upper surface of the ice making tray (10). The re-entry prevention plate (83) may cover one side of the ice making groove (15) in the direction where the ice begins to separate from the ice making groove (15).

[0082] The re-entry prevention plate (83) can prevent ice extracted from the ice-making groove (15) by the eject pin (26) from being re-entered into the ice-making groove (15). That is, when the ejector (25) rotates, the ice extracted from the ice-making groove (15) is ejected by the eject pin (26), moves to the upper surface of the re-entry prevention plate (83), and then slides along the upper surface of the re-entry prevention plate (83) to fall into the ice box. In order to allow the ice extracted from the ice-making groove (15) by the eject pin (26) and moved to the upper surface of the re-entry prevention plate (83) to fall easily into the ice box, it is preferable that the re-entry prevention plate (83) be positioned such that one side closer to the ejector (25) is inclined to be higher than the side further from the ejector (25).

[0083] A pair of connecting ribs (not shown) may be formed on the lower surface of the re-entry prevention plate (83). The pair of connecting ribs may be spaced apart from each other, and a connecting groove (not shown) may be formed between the pair of connecting ribs. Additionally, a connecting rib (not shown) that is inserted into the connecting groove may be formed protruding upward on the upper side of one side of the ice making tray (10). The connecting rib formed on the upper side of one side of the ice making tray (10) is inserted into the connecting groove formed on the lower surface of the re-entry prevention plate (83), so that the re-entry prevention plate (83) can be installed on the ice making tray (10).

[0084] In the re-entry prevention plate (83), an eject pin passage hole (83A) through which the eject pin (26) passes when the ejector (25) rotates may be formed. The eject pin passage hole (83A) may be formed as a plurality of eject pin passage holes (83A) spaced apart from each other along the length of the re-entry prevention plate (83). The eject pin passage hole (83A) may also function as a hole through which cold air inside the refrigerator (1) storage room passes. The eject pin passage hole (83A) allows cold air inside the refrigerator (1) storage room to be easily supplied to the ice making tray (10), thereby enabling easy ice making in the ice making groove (15).

[0085] The gearbox (24) may be installed within the control box (30). The gearbox (24) may be installed within the control box case (31). The moving motor (20) may be installed on one side of the gearbox (24) and accommodated within the control box (30). A plurality of gears (not shown) may be installed within the gearbox (24). The plurality of gears may connect the rotation axis of the moving motor (20) to one end of the ejector (25). The plurality of gears may transmit the driving force of the moving motor (20) to the ejector (25). The rotational force of the rotation axis of the moving motor (20) is transmitted to the ejector (25) through the plurality of gears, so that the ejector (25) can be rotated by the driving force of the moving motor (20).

[0086] A drain member (40) may be placed at a position spaced downward from the ice-making tray (10).

[0087] The drain member (40) can be coupled to the control box (30). The drain member (40) can be coupled to the control box case (31). The drain member (40) can be positioned on one side of the control box (30). The drain member (40) can be positioned so that it extends horizontally from one side of the control box (30), with one end closer to the control box (30) being slightly higher than the other end. The drain member (40) can be positioned so that it extends horizontally from one side of the control box case (31), with one end closer to the control box case (31) being slightly higher than the other end. Accordingly, moisture falling from the ice tray (10) to the drain member (40) can flow along the inclined surface of the drain member (40) and be discharged to the outside of the drain member (40).

[0088] The drain member (40) may include a roughly rectangular lower portion and side portions extending upward from each of the four sides of the lower portion. The drain member (40) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular tube with an open top.

[0089] The drain member (40) may be positioned spaced downward from the ice making tray (10). The drain member (40) may receive and discharge water falling from the ice making tray (10). When ice making water is oversupplied to the ice making groove (15) from the water supply unit, the oversupplied ice making water may fall from the ice making tray (10) to the drain member (40).

[0090] In addition, since a refrigerant pipe (72) and an ice heater (22), which will be described later, are installed on the lower surface of the ice tray (10), frost may form on the lower surface of the ice tray (10) and turn into moisture during the process of repeatedly cooling and heating the ice tray (10), and the moisture thus generated may fall into the drain member (40).

[0091] A drain member (40) is positioned between the ice-making tray (10) and the ice box to prevent moisture falling from the ice-making tray (10) from entering the ice stored in the ice box. A drain portion may be formed protruding from the other end of the drain member (40). A drainage channel may be formed in the drain portion. Moisture falling from the ice-making tray (10) to the drain member (40) flows along the inclined surface of the drain member (40) to the other end of the drain member (40), and then can be discharged to the outside of the drain member (40) through the drain portion.

[0092] An anti-freezing heater may be installed in the drain member (40). The anti-freezing heater may heat the drain member (40). The moisture falling from the ice-making tray (10) to the drain member (40) may freeze by exchanging heat with the cold air in the storage room of the refrigerator (1). If the moisture falling to the drain member (40) freezes, it may become difficult to discharge the moisture falling to the drain member (40). The anti-freezing heater can prevent the moisture falling from the ice-making tray (10) to the drain member (40) from freezing.

[0093] A drain member cover may be attached to the drain member (40). The drain member cover may be placed on the lower surface of the drain member (40). The anti-freezing heater may be placed between the drain member (40) and the drain member cover.

[0094] It is preferable that the drain member (40) be made of a material through which heat from the anti-freezing heater can be easily transferred. The drain member (40) may be made of a metal material. It is preferable that the drain member cover be made of a material that prevents the heat from the anti-freezing heater from being transferred to the ice box installed in the refrigerator (1). The drain member cover may be made of a plastic material.

[0095] The above-mentioned anti-freezing heater can be formed as a planar heater that generates heat by input electricity.

[0096] The circulation fan may be installed inside the control box (30). The circulation fan may be installed inside the control box case (31). The circulation fan may blow air out of the control box (30). An air outlet may be formed on at least one side of the control box (30) through which air generated by the rotation of the circulation fan is blown from inside the control box (30) to outside the control box (30). The air outlet may be formed in the control box cover (32). By the air blown out of the control box (30) through the air outlet, the cold air in the refrigerator (1) storage room is smoothly circulated and moved to the ice making tray (10), so that the ice water in the ice making groove (15) can be quickly made.

[0097] The above-mentioned circulation fan can be installed in a fan housing, and the fan housing can be installed within a control box (30). The fan housing can be installed within a control box case (31).

[0098] An air guide (81) may be disposed on one side of the ice-making tray (10). The air guide (81) may extend horizontally from one side of the control box (30). The air guide (81) may extend horizontally from one side of the control box case (31). The upper end of the air guide (81) may be connected to one side of the re-inflow prevention plate (83) and extend downward. The air guide (81) may be formed long in the longitudinal direction of the ice-making tray (10). The air guide (81) may be formed integrally with the re-inflow prevention plate (83).

[0099] An air guide hole (81A) may be formed in the air guide (81). The air guide hole (81A) may be formed as a plurality of air guide holes (81A) spaced apart from each other along the length of the air guide (81). Air around the air guide (81) passes through the air guide hole (81A) by the rotation of the circulation fan and moves to the ice making tray (10), thereby allowing the ice making water in the ice making groove (15) to be quickly made.

[0100] Here, the control board of the ice maker (100) is equipped with an LED light source that generates light, and an indicator (not shown) may be installed on one side of the control box (130) to transmit the light generated by the LED light source to the outside and indicate the status of the ice maker to the outside.

[0102] FIG. 4 shows a control block diagram of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit (35) may be installed inside the control box case (31). The control unit (35) may include a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The control unit (35) can control the ice heater (22), the ice motor (20), the anti-freezing heater, and the circulation fan. The control unit (35) can also control the water supply valve (38) and the refrigerant valve (39), which will be described later.

[0104] The control unit (35) can be connected to the refrigerator control unit installed in the refrigerator (1) via a harness. The control unit (35) can receive control power and control signals from the refrigerator control unit via the harness.

[0105] The ice maker (100) may further include a water level sensor (36). The water level sensor (36) can detect the water level of the ice-making water contained within the ice-making groove (15). The water level sensor (36) is installed at a full water level within the ice-making groove (15) so that when the ice-making water contained within the ice-making groove (15) is full, it comes into contact with the ice-making water and detects the water level of the ice-making water.

[0106] The water level sensor (36) can be formed as a temperature sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a current sensor.

[0107] When the water level sensor (36) is formed as a temperature sensor, the water level sensor (36) can come into contact with the ice-making water contained in the ice-making groove (15) to detect the temperature of the ice-making water, and the control unit (35) can determine that the ice-making water in the ice-making groove (15) is full if the temperature input from the water level sensor (36) is higher than the set temperature.

[0108] Additionally, if the water level sensor (36) is formed as a capacitance sensor, the water level sensor (36) can come into contact with the ice-making water contained in the ice-making groove (15) and detect the capacitance of the ice-making water, and the control unit (35) can determine that the ice-making water in the ice-making groove (15) is full if the capacitance input from the water level sensor (36) is greater than or equal to the set capacitance.

[0109] Additionally, the energizing sensor may be formed with two electrodes installed at the full water level within the ice-making groove (15). That is, when the ice-making groove (15) is filled with ice-making water, the two electrodes may be energized by the ice-making water, and the control unit (35) may determine that the ice-making groove (15) is filled with ice-making water when the two electrodes are energized.

[0110] The ice maker (100) may further include a temperature sensor (37). The temperature sensor (37) can detect that the ice-making water in the ice-making groove (15) has finished making ice. The temperature sensor (37) is installed at a position where it can come into contact with the ice-making water in the ice-making groove (15) and can detect that the ice-making water has turned into ice.

[0111] The temperature sensor (37) does not necessarily have to be formed as a temperature sensor, but can be formed as a capacitive sensor.

[0112] A temperature sensor (37) can come into contact with ice made in the ice making home (15) to detect the temperature of the ice, and a control unit (35) can determine that the ice making water in the ice making home (15) has finished making ice if the temperature input from the temperature sensor (37) is below a set temperature.

[0113] In the case where a capacitance sensor is formed instead of a temperature sensor (37), the capacitance can come into contact with the ice made in the ice making groove (15) to detect the capacitance of the ice, and the control unit (35) can determine that the ice making water in the ice making groove (15) has finished making ice if the capacitance input from the capacitance sensor is greater than or equal to the set capacitance.

[0114] The water level sensor (36) and the temperature sensor (37) may be integrated into a single temperature sensor or into a single capacitance sensor.

[0115] Additionally, the ice maker (100) may further include a Hall sensor (39) and an ambient temperature sensor (not shown).

[0116] The Hall sensor (39) can detect the rotational position of the ejector (25) or the position of the eject pin (26), and can detect the temperature of the space of the ice maker by coming into contact with the cold air flowing inside the ice maker, and the control unit (35) can activate the fan motor (42) of the ice maker to circulate the cold air by the refrigerant if the temperature input from the ambient temperature sensor (39) is above the set temperature.

[0118] Meanwhile, the ice maker (100) may further include a water supply valve (38) that supplies the ice-making water to the ice-making groove (15). The control unit (35) can control the water supply valve (38) to supply or block the ice-making water to the ice-making groove (15). The water supply valve (38) can be opened and closed by the control unit (35). The water supply valve (38) can be opened to supply ice-making water to the ice-making groove (15). The water supply valve (38) can be closed to stop the supply of ice-making water to the ice-making groove (15). The control unit (35) can control the water supply valve (38) to supply the ice-making water to the ice-making groove (15) until it is determined that the ice-making water in the ice-making groove (15) is full through a signal input from the water level sensor (36).

[0119] The control unit (35) can control the circulation fan to rotate after the ice-making water is supplied to the ice-making groove (15) so that the cold air in the refrigerator (1) storage room moves smoothly to the ice-making tray (10), thereby allowing the ice-making water to be made quickly.

[0120] The ice maker (100) may include a refrigerant valve (not shown) that supplies cold refrigerant to a refrigerant pipe (72). The control unit (35) may control the refrigerant valve after the ice-making water is supplied to the ice-making groove (15) so that cold refrigerant flows into the refrigerant pipe (72). The refrigerant valve may be opened and closed by the control unit (35). The refrigerant valve may be opened to supply cold refrigerant to the refrigerant pipe (72). The refrigerant valve may be closed to stop the supply of cold refrigerant to the refrigerant pipe (72). When the cold refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerant pipe (72), the refrigerant pipe (72) may cool the ice-making tray (10) through the cold refrigerant so that the ice-making water can be quickly frozen. The control unit (35) can control the refrigerant valve to supply the cold refrigerant to the refrigerant pipe (72) until it is determined that the ice-making water in the ice-making home (15) has finished making ice through a signal input from the temperature sensor (37).

[0121] The control unit (35) can control the ice removal heater (22) by inputting electricity to it after the ice making water in the ice making groove (15) is completed, so that the ice removal heater (22) heats up due to the input electricity. The ice removal heater (22) heats up due to the input electricity and heats the ice making tray (10) to slightly melt the ice in the ice making groove (15). After the ice making in the ice making groove (15) is completed, the ice removal heater (22) heats the ice making tray (10) to slightly melt the ice stuck in the ice making groove (15), thereby allowing the ice in the ice making groove (15) to be easily ejected from the ice making groove (15) by the eject pin (26).

[0122] Afterward, the control unit (35) can control the ice-making motor (20) to rotate the ejector (25) so that the ejector pin (26) extracts ice from the ice-making groove (15) and transfers it to the ice box. The control unit (35) may include a Hall sensor (34) that detects the rotational position of the ejector (25) or the position of the ejector pin (26). Since the control unit (35) can determine the current position of the ejector pin (26) through the rotational position of the ejector (25) or the position of the ejector pin (26) detected by the Hall sensor (34), it can rotate the ejector (25) once so that the ejector pin (26) extracts ice from the ice-making groove (15).

[0123] Additionally, the control unit (35) supplies power to the anti-freezing heater so that the anti-freezing heater is heated by the electricity supplied from the control unit (35), thereby controlling the moisture falling from the ice tray (10) to the drain member (40) so that it does not freeze.

[0124] Meanwhile, an ice full sensor (52) may be installed in the drain member (40). The ice full sensor (52) can detect the fullness of the ice contained in the ice box, which is released from the ice-making groove (15).

[0125] The signal from the ice full sensor (52) can be input to the control unit (35), and the control unit (35) can determine the fullness of the ice contained in the ice box using the signal input from the ice full sensor (52). When the control unit (35) determines the fullness of the ice contained in the ice box, it can prevent ice from being transferred from the ice making groove (15) to the ice box by not operating the ice transfer motor (20).

[0126] A first sensor installation part (41) protruding to one side may be formed at one end of the drain member (40). The first sensor installation part (41) may be formed protruding to the side of the drain member (40) at the end closer to the control box (30) among the two ends of the drain member (40).

[0127] A second sensor installation part (42) protruding to one side may be formed at the other end of the drain member (40). The first sensor installation part (41) may be formed protruding to the side of the drain member (40) at the other end of the drain member (40) that is far from the control box (30). The second sensor installation part (42) may face the first sensor installation part (41).

[0128] The ice sensor (52) can be formed as a light sensor. That is, the ice sensor (52) may include a light-emitting part (not shown) and a light-receiving part (52). The light-emitting part may emit light, and the light-receiving part (52) may receive light from the light-emitting part.

[0129] The light-emitting unit may be installed in either the first sensor installation unit (41) or the second sensor installation unit (42). The light-receiving unit (52) may be installed in the other of the first sensor installation unit (41) and the second sensor installation unit (42). In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit is installed in the first sensor installation unit (41), and the light-receiving unit (52) is installed in the second sensor installation unit (42). Of course, the light-emitting unit may be installed in the second sensor installation unit (42), and the light-receiving unit (52) may be installed in the first sensor installation unit (41). Hereinafter, the description will be limited to the case where the light-emitting unit is installed in the first sensor installation unit (41) and the light-receiving unit (52) is installed in the second sensor installation unit (42).

[0130] The first sensor installation part (41) is formed with a hollow structure, so that the light-emitting part can be inserted into the first sensor installation part (41). A hole in which the light-emitting part is exposed can be formed on the surface of the first sensor installation part (41) facing the second sensor installation part (42).

[0131] The second sensor installation part (42) is formed with a hollow internal structure, so that the light receiving part (52) can be inserted into the second sensor installation part (42). A hole in which the light receiving part (52) is exposed can be formed on the surface of the second sensor installation part (42) facing the first sensor installation part (41).

[0132] Since the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit (52) are each installed in a first sensor installation unit (41) and a second sensor installation unit (42) facing each other, if ice contained in the ice box is located between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit (52), the light-receiving unit (52) may not be able to receive light from the light-emitting unit due to the ice. If the light-receiving unit (52) cannot receive light from the light-emitting unit, the control unit may determine that the ice in the ice box is full.

[0133] An opening (not shown) may be formed in the control box (30). The opening may be formed in the lower corner of the control box (30). The opening may be formed in the control box case (31). The opening may be formed in the lower corner of the control box case (31).

[0134] A cover portion (45) covering the opening may be formed at one end of the drain member (40). The cover portion (45) may be combined with the control box (30) so that the overall shape of the combined state of the control box (30) and the cover portion (45) becomes a rectangular box shape. The first sensor installation portion (41) may form a part of the cover portion (45).

[0135] Meanwhile, the cover portion (45) formed at one end of the drain member (40) can be fastened to the control box (30) via a bolt. A hole through which the bolt passes can be formed on the lower surface of the cover portion (45), and the lower surface of the cover portion (45) can be fastened to the lower surface of the control box (30) via the bolt. The cover portion (45) can be fastened to the lower surface of the control box case (31) of the control box (30) via the bolt.

[0136] The ice-making groove (15) of the ice-making tray (10) can be formed by press processing. That is, if the raw material of the ice-making tray (10) is press-processed so that the upper surface is concave and the lower surface is convex, the ice-making tray (10) can have an ice-making groove (15) formed on the upper surface and a convex portion (17) formed on the lower surface. The ice-making groove (15) can be formed on the inner side of the convex portion (17).

[0137] A refrigerant pipe (72) may be installed on the lower surface of the ice-making tray (10). A heat exchange fin may be formed protruding from the convex portion (17), and the refrigerant pipe (72) may be installed by being inserted into a groove formed in the heat exchange fin. The heat exchange fin may be formed as a plurality of heat exchange fins spaced apart in the width direction of the ice-making tray (10).

[0138] The refrigerant tube (72) can be formed into a U-shape by bending the middle of its length. Both sides of the refrigerant tube (72) can be inserted into grooves formed in the plurality of heat exchange fins.

[0139] The refrigerant pipe (72) may be positioned such that at least a portion of it crosses a plurality of convex sections (17).

[0140] The middle portion of the bent part of the refrigerant pipe (72) can be positioned on the side of the control box (30), and both ends of the refrigerant pipe (72) can be positioned on the opposite side of the control box (30). When the ice maker (100) is installed in the refrigerator (1), the control box (30) can face the front of the refrigerator (1) storage room. Therefore, if both ends of the refrigerant pipe (72) are positioned on the opposite side of the control box (30), both ends of the refrigerant pipe (72) can be easily connected to the configuration of the refrigeration cycle installed at the rear of the refrigerator (1). Both ends of the refrigerant pipe (72) are positioned to protrude outward from the other end of the ice making tray (10), so that both ends of the refrigerant pipe (72) can be connected more easily to the configuration of the refrigeration cycle.

[0142] Hereinafter, a communication control system according to the ice maker control system of the present invention described above will be explained.

[0143] FIG. 5 shows an electrical wiring diagram of an ice-making system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 shows an electrical wiring diagram of an ice-making system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 shows an electrical wiring diagram of an ice-making system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 shows an electrical wiring diagram of an ice-making system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 to 10 schematically show an operation implementation diagram of an ice-making system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] The ice-making system according to the present invention may include a unit control unit (1-1) that controls the compressor, condenser, and expander of the refrigerator (1), and a control unit (35) of the ice maker (100). Among the plurality of electrical components, such as the compressor, condenser, and expander, controlled by the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (1), the components driven by AC power may be configured to be controlled by directly supplying AC power supplied to the unit control unit (1-1). In addition, in the case of the components driven by DC power among the plurality of electrical components, such as the compressor, condenser, and expander, controlled by the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (1), DC power switched by a DC power converter may be supplied.

[0145] Here, the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (10) and the control unit (35) of the ice maker (100) can be configured to enable mutual bidirectional communication. Information such as an ice making signal, an ice release signal, an ice full signal, an error signal, and a water supply signal input to the control unit (35) of the ice maker (100) can be transmitted to the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (10) and displayed externally.

[0146] As various examples, the ice maker (100) transmits detection information detected by the temperature sensor (37), water level sensor (36), ice full sensor (52), and position sensor to the control unit (35), and the control unit (35) transmits this information to the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (1) to receive feedback information corresponding to each detection information from the refrigerator. The returned feedback information can be transmitted to various locations, and can be distinguished and transmitted to correspond to the temperature sensor (37), water level sensor (36), ice full sensor (52), and position sensor. Furthermore, the feedback information may further include signals from a test switch, a Hall IC, etc.

[0148] First, FIG. 5 shows an electrical wiring diagram in which the ice heater in the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an AC ice heater. In this case, the refrigerator (1) may include a DC power converter.

[0149] A power supply unit (not shown) can receive AC power from an external source. The power supply unit can receive AC power from a refrigerator (1). The power supply unit can receive AC power from the refrigerator (1) and supply DC power to a control unit (35), and the sub-control unit (35) can control the electrical components installed in the ice maker (100) by supplying the DC power received from the power supply unit.

[0150] The control unit (35) can supply DC power received from the power supply unit to the moving motor (20). That is, the moving motor (20) can be operated by the DC power supplied from the control unit (35).

[0151] In addition, the power supply unit can supply AC power to the ying heater (22). That is, the ying heater (22) can be operated by the AC power supplied from the power supply unit.

[0152] In addition, the power supply unit can supply AC power to the water supply valve (38). That is, the water supply valve (38) can be operated by the AC power supplied from the power supply unit.

[0153] Additionally, the control unit (35) can supply DC power received from the power supply unit to the temperature sensor (37). That is, the temperature sensor (37) can be operated by the DC power supplied from the control unit (35).

[0154] Additionally, the control unit (35) can supply DC power received from the power supply unit to the water level sensor (36). That is, the water level sensor (36) can be operated by the DC power supplied from the control unit (35).

[0155] Additionally, the control unit (35) can supply DC power received from the power supply unit to the Hall sensor (34). That is, the Hall sensor (34) can be operated by the DC power supplied from the control unit (35).

[0156] Additionally, the control unit (35) can supply DC power received from the power supply unit to the ice level sensor (52). That is, the ice level sensor (52) can be operated by the DC power supplied from the control unit (35).

[0157] Here, the information provided to the control unit (35) can be transmitted to the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (1) and displayed externally.

[0158] FIG. 6 shows an electrical wiring diagram in which the ice heater in the ice maker according to the second embodiment of the present invention is an AC ice heater. In this case, unlike the first embodiment of FIG. 5 described above, a DC power converter may be included in the ice maker (100). That is, the DC power converter (90) may receive power from a power supply unit (not shown) provided in the refrigerator (1) and convert it into power for the ice maker (100) that drives the ice motor (20).

[0159] A power supply unit (not shown) can receive AC power from an external source. The power supply unit can receive AC power from a refrigerator (1). The power supply unit can receive AC power from the refrigerator (1) and supply AC power to a control unit (35), and the control unit (35) can convert the AC power supplied from the power supply unit into DC power through a DC power converter and supply it to electrical components installed in an ice maker (100) to control the electrical components.

[0160] FIG. 7 shows an electrical wiring diagram in which the ice heater in the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention is an AC ice heater. In this case, unlike the first embodiment of FIG. 5 described above, a DC power converter is provided in the ice maker (100), and the information of the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (1) and the control unit (35) of the ice maker (100) can be communicated bidirectionally.

[0161] A power supply unit (not shown) can receive AC power from an external source. The power supply unit can receive AC power from a refrigerator (1). The power supply unit can receive AC power from the refrigerator (1) and supply AC power to a control unit (35), and the control unit (35) can convert the AC power supplied from the power supply unit into DC power through a DC power converter and supply it to electrical components installed in an ice maker (100) to control the electrical components.

[0162] FIG. 8 is an electrical wiring diagram in which the ice heater in the ice maker according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is a DC ice heater. Here, only the differences from FIG. 5 will be explained.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (35) can supply DC power supplied from the power supply unit to the ying heater (22). That is, the ying heater (22) can be operated by the DC power supplied from the control unit (35).

[0164] In addition, the water supply valve (38), which is a component related to ice making among the components of the refrigerator (1), can be controlled by the control unit (35) of the ice maker (100).

[0166] According to the present invention, the DC power converter may be a Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS). That is, as a type of power supply, it may be used in a switch control method that converts alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power using a switching transistor or the like.

[0167] A power supply unit (not shown) can receive AC power from an external source. The power supply unit can receive AC power from a refrigerator (1). The power supply unit can receive AC power from the refrigerator (1) and supply DC power to a control unit (35) through a DC power converter, and the control unit (35) can control the electrical components installed in the ice maker (100) by supplying the DC power received from the power supply unit. Here, unlike the previously described embodiments, the water supply valve can be controlled through the control unit (35).

[0169] Furthermore, the components whose operation is controlled by the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (1) and the control unit (35) of the ice maker (100) are each equipped with a power conversion unit depending on whether they use AC power or DC power, and are configured to efficiently supply the corresponding power according to each component, thereby simplifying the complex wiring design.

[0170] That is, when some of the components are configured to use DC power rather than when each component driven by a predetermined power source is configured to use AC power, the number of wires applied can be significantly reduced by the position setting of the DC power converter. When the number of wires is significantly reduced, in particular, the complex wiring relationships that were wired through the hinges of the refrigerator door (7, 8) can be simplified, and the thermal insulation efficiency can be prevented.

[0171] Meanwhile, embodiments of the ice maker and the refrigerator including the same according to the present invention may further include a communication module responsible for communication between the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (1) and the control unit (35) of the ice maker.

[0172] The communication here may be configured to obtain information and perform control using any one of the following: CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), K-Line, and power line communication.

[0173] For example, in the case where the above CAN port is included, the communication network of the refrigerator (1) may be a CAN (Controller Area Network), and the communication bus may consist of two twisted pair wires. A CAN HIGH signal may be transmitted to one of the two twisted pair wires, and a CAN LOW signal may be transmitted to the other. Here, by using different voltages for the two twisted pair wires, electrical noise can be reduced.

[0174] In addition, if the communication network of the refrigerator (1) is a CAN (Controller Area Network), each electronic control unit may be assigned a unique identifier. The unique identifier may consist of 11 bits or 29 bits. Here, the priority for data transmission between each electronic control unit can be set through the bit value of the unique identifier. That is, when multiple electronic control units transmit data simultaneously through the communication bus (210), the data of the electronic control unit with the higher priority according to the bit value of the unique identifier is transmitted first.

[0175] Alternatively, if the communication network of the refrigerator (200) is a LIN (Local Interconnect Network), the communication bus (210) may consist of a single line. Also, if the communication network of the refrigerator (1) is a LIN (Local Interconnect Network), the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (1) can become the master node and other electronic control devices can become slave nodes to perform communication. Here, the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (1) can switch the operation mode from active mode to sleep mode depending on the usage status of the communication bus. For example, if there is no data transmission through the communication bus for a preset time, the first electronic control device (202) can switch the mode of the communication network to sleep mode to prevent unnecessary power waste.

[0176] In this way, if a CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) is used as the communication network of the refrigerator (200), when another electronic control device is added to the refrigerator, the additional electronic control device only needs to be connected to the communication bus, so excellent expandability can be secured in accordance with changes in specifications, etc.

[0177] In addition, the communication module may be configured to perform communication by means of a microcomputer (not shown) provided inside the control box (105) and a control unit (35). Furthermore, the communication module may perform communication by means of the microcomputer.

[0178] In other words, the control unit (35) and the unit control unit (1-1) of the refrigerator (1) can perform network communication using the LIN protocol or the CAN protocol. At this time, data transmission and reception can be performed through a communication bus (not shown). A communication module may be provided to perform LIN communication or CAN communication as described above.

[0179] According to the disclosed embodiments, the unit control unit (1-1) and the control unit (35) are connected via a communication bus and configured to perform LIN communication or CAN communication, thereby minimizing the number of wires for data transmission and reception between the unit control unit (1-1) and the control unit (35).

[0181] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the ice-making system according to the present invention configured as described above can first allow the control unit (35) to control the compressor (41) to cool the ice-making water for a preset time, and the control unit (35) can control the circulation fan mounted on the control box (30) to allow cold air to circulate inside the ice-making machine (100). When it is determined that the ice-making time of the ice-making water has elapsed for the preset time, the control unit (35) detects whether the ice-making water is full through the ice-full sensor (52), and if it is in a non-ice state, starts supplying water through the water supply valve. In this water supply step, the capacitance sensor (not shown) can input the detected capacitance value to the control unit (35). If the ice-making water input to the control unit (35) through the ice-full sensor (52) is in a non-ice state, it enters a full ice standby state. At this time, when the ice release proceeds in the ice-filled waiting state, the water level is determined, and the control unit (35) determines whether a preset time has passed since the water supply began. If the control unit (35) determines that the preset time has not passed since the water supply began, additional water supply can be provided.

[0183] A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0184] 1 : Refrigerator 10 : Ice maker tray 15 : Ice-making home 20 : Ice-making motor 22 : Ibing heater 25 : Ejector 26 : Eject pin 31 : Ice maker case 32 : Ice maker cover 35 : Control unit 36 : Water level sensor 37 : Temperature sensor 38: Water supply valve 39: Hall sensor 41: Compressor 42: Fan motor 52 : Ice detection sensor 60 : Ice maker cover 67 : Cover rib 68 : Connecting rib 69 : Fastening member 100 : Ice maker

Claims

Claim 1 An ice-making system comprising: a cooling body having a door; a cooling unit provided on the cooling body and including a compressor, a condenser, and an expander; a unit control unit for controlling the cooling unit; and an ice maker having a control unit electrically connected to the unit control unit, a sensor unit for ice making, and a driving unit, wherein an ice-making function is performed by hot gas or a heater; wherein the ice maker transmits or receives at least one piece of information to or from the cooling body, the sensor unit includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a Hall sensor, a water level sensor, a full ice sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an ice chamber temperature sensor, the ice maker further includes an ice-making heater, and the control signal of the ice-making heater is linked to external information of the ice maker, and the ice maker communicates in real time with the cooling body to control the ice-making heater in conjunction with information of the cooling unit. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 In claim 1, the ice maker further includes a control unit, and the ice making system communicates information measured by the sensor unit to the outside through the control unit. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 An ice-making system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is equipped with a crystal ice manufacturing selection unit. Claim 6 In claim 1, an ice-making system in which at least one of the ice-making signal, full ice signal, empty ice signal, error signal, temperature, and water supply signal of the ice-making machine is displayed on a control indicator of the cooling body. Claim 7 In claim 1, the ice-making system in which the transmission output of the ice maker or cooling body is output through duty control or level control. Claim 8 In claim 3, the above communication is a unidirectional or bidirectional communication in an ice-making system. Claim 9 In claim 3, the communication comprises at least one of K-Line, CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and power line communication, forming an ice-making system. Claim 10 In claim 1, the information is an ice-making system connected to a unit control unit that controls a compressor, valve, or damper of the cooling body. Claim 11 A de-icing system for communication isolation according to claim 1, further comprising a photo coupler. Claim 12 An ice-making system comprising: a cooling body having a door; a cooling unit provided on the cooling body and including a compressor, a condenser, and an expander; a unit control unit for controlling the cooling unit; and an ice maker having a control unit electrically connected to the unit control unit, a sensor unit for ice making, and a driving unit, wherein an ice-making function is performed by hot gas or a heater; wherein the ice maker transmits or receives at least one piece of information to or from the cooling body and is provided with at least one of a crystal ice making selection unit and a control unit, the sensor unit includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a Hall sensor, a water level sensor, a full ice sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an ice chamber temperature sensor, the ice maker further includes an ice-making heater, and the control signal of the ice-making heater is linked to external information of the ice maker, and the ice maker communicates in real time with the cooling body to control the ice-making heater in conjunction with information of the cooling unit. Claim 13 In claim 12, an ice-making system controlled in conjunction with the heater of the ice maker when selected from the crystal ice manufacturing selection unit. Claim 14 In claim 12, the sensor unit includes a temperature sensor, and the ice-making system for making crystal ice by linking the signal of the temperature sensor and the control unit with the ice-making time. Claim 15 An ice-making system comprising: a cooling body having a door; a cooling unit provided on the cooling body and including a compressor, a condenser, and an expander; a unit control unit for controlling the cooling unit; and an ice maker having a control unit electrically connected to the unit control unit, a sensor unit for ice making, and a driving unit, wherein the ice-making function is performed by hot gas or a heater; wherein the ice maker includes a signal processing circuit isolated from an AC power supply unit, and the sensor unit includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a Hall sensor, a water level sensor, a full ice sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an ice chamber temperature sensor, and the ice maker further includes an ice-making heater, and the control signal of the ice-making heater is linked with external information of the ice maker, and the ice maker communicates in real time with the cooling body to control the ice-making heater in conjunction with information of the cooling unit. Claim 16 A refrigerator comprising an ice-making system according to claim 1, 12, or 15.

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