Ice maker and refrigerator including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides an ice maker comprising a heat exchanger including one or more of a cooling unit and a heater unit, wherein heat exchange is performed, the ice maker comprising: a control box; an ice tray extending from one side of the control box; a drain unit that receives moisture falling from the heat exchanger or a lower flow path cover and directs it to one side; a drain heater provided in the drain unit; a circulation fan that generates an airflow on one side of the ice tray and is positioned on one side of the control box and has a discharge direction that is horizontal, vertical, lateral, or has a predetermined incline so as to discharge air flowing in through the lower flow path cover; a flow path cover that surrounds the cooling unit and heater unit portions positioned below the ice tray and has an internal space formed to guide the airflow generated by the circulation fan; and a pressurized support member formed in the flow path cover and supporting at least a part of the heat exchanger.

Description

Technology Field

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

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a device that stores food at low temperatures to prevent spoilage at room temperature. Recently, products equipped with refrigerator ice makers that provide ice to the user separately from the food are being released.

[0003] An ice maker for a refrigerator includes an ice tray having a plurality of ice-making grooves formed to automatically supply water and make ice of a certain size, and an ice bank provided at the bottom of the ice tray to store ice made by an ice-making motor.

[0004] Here, there are two methods for discharging ice made in an ice tray: a twist type in which the ice tray itself is twisted using the discharging motor described above to separate the ice made from the ice making groove and drop it into the ice bank below, and a heater type in which a predetermined discharging heat is applied to an ice tray made of metal using a discharging heater to separate the ice made from the ice making groove and then push the ice to one side of the ice tray and drop it into the ice bank below by rotating a separate discharging ejector.

[0005] Meanwhile, there are two methods for cooling ice makers: the indirect cooling method, which cools the ice maker by guiding cold air generated in an evaporator outside the chamber through a transfer duct, and the direct cooling method, which cools the ice maker directly using cold air generated inside the chamber by installing a separate heat exchanger within the chamber. In particular, the direct cooling method includes a system where refrigerant pipes come into contact with the ice tray, allowing the tray itself to act as a heat exchanger without the need for a separate one. Ice-making methods utilizing a direct cooling system, where the tray itself functions as a heat exchanger through contact with the refrigerant pipes, have the advantage of faster cooling speeds compared to other methods.

[0006] Generally, it is necessary to position and secure a portion of the refrigerant pipe inside the ice-making chamber so that it makes stable contact with the ice tray.

[0007] In addition, such an ice maker is structured so that ice is loaded into a container when the ice-making process is complete, allowing it to be withdrawn and used when needed. Therefore, it is necessary to generate a cold airflow to maintain the ice inside the ice maker at a temperature below a certain level. Prior art literature

[0008] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2013-0078532 The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned technical problem and aims to provide an ice maker and a refrigerator including the same, which can maintain effective cooling efficiency while being safe against impact by configuring the refrigerant pipe to have a specific structure that can stably fix it to an ice tray.

[0010] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an ice maker capable of minimizing water condensation occurring within the ice maker as well as achieving an excellent ice-making effect by configuring the flow path of cold air flowing within the ice maker to have an optimized discharge structure, and a refrigerator including the same. means of solving the problem

[0011] One embodiment of an ice maker according to the present invention is an ice maker in which heat exchange is performed with a heat exchanger comprising one or more of a cooling unit and a heater unit, wherein

[0012] Control box;

[0013] An ice tray extending from one side of the above control box;

[0014] A circulation fan located on one side of the control box that generates airflow on the one surface of the ice tray;

[0015] A flow plate that surrounds the cooling and heater portions positioned at the bottom of the ice tray, with an internal space formed to guide the airflow generated by the above-mentioned circulation fan;

[0016] A drain section that receives moisture formed and falling by the heat exchange of the heat exchange section and moisture falling from the flow plate and sends them to one side; and

[0017] It may be configured to include a pressurized support member formed on the above Euro plate and supporting at least a portion of the cooling part.

[0018] In one example of the present invention, the pressure support may be a structure in which an independent separate member is inserted and fixed to one side of the Euro plate.

[0019] In one example of the present invention, the pressure support member may be configured such that one end of the pressure support member supports one side of the cooling member.

[0020] Here, in one example of the present invention, the end of the pressure support member may be configured to support the lower side of the cooling member.

[0021] Also, in one example of the present invention, in an ice maker in which heat exchange is performed with a heat exchanger comprising one or more of a cooling unit and a heater unit,

[0022] Control box;

[0023] An ice tray extending from one side of the above control box;

[0024] A circulation fan located on one side of the control box that generates airflow on the one surface of the ice tray;

[0025] A flow plate that surrounds the cooling and heater portions positioned at the bottom of the ice tray, with an internal space formed to guide the airflow generated by the above-mentioned circulation fan;

[0026] A drain section that receives moisture formed and falling by the heat exchange of the heat exchange section and moisture falling from the flow plate and sends them to one side; and

[0027] A pressurized support member formed on the above Euro plate and supporting at least one side of the cooling portion; comprising,

[0028] The above-mentioned pressure support member is,

[0029] First support surface;

[0030] A second support surface that is vertically bent from the first support surface and has a fastening hole formed therein; and

[0031] It may include a third support surface that is extended from the first support surface and has a shape corresponding to at least a part of the cooling portion.

[0032] Here, in one example of the present invention, at least a portion of the third support surface may be formed in a curved shape to surround the outer surface of the cooling portion.

[0033] In one example of the present invention, the drain portion may be configured to rotate while one side is fixed to the ice tray.

[0034] In one example of the present invention, a fastening hole is formed in the Euro plate, and the pressure support member may be configured to be fixed to the Euro plate through a fastening member by penetrating the fastening hole.

[0035] In one example of the present invention, the fastening member may be a bolt, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a pressing method using a hook or a fastening rib.

[0036] In one example of the present invention, the heater part may be a planar heater.

[0037] In one example of the present invention, the heater part may be insert-molded into the ice tray.

[0038] In one example of the present invention, the heat exchanger may be formed between the ice tray and the flow plate.

[0039] In one example of the present invention, the drain portion further includes a defrosting heater that prevents freezing on the surface, and the defrosting heater may include one or more of PET (Polyethylene), PI (Polyimide), stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon.

[0040] In one example of the present invention, the control box may be configured to be connected to a locking lever operated by cam rotation.

[0041] In one example of the present invention, the ice tray may include a heat exchange fin extending to one side.

[0042] In one example of the present invention, through holes may be formed in the control box and the Euro plate to guide the airflow.

[0043] In one example of the present invention, the circulation fan may suck in or blow air to generate the airflow.

[0044] In addition, the present invention relates to an ice maker in which heat exchange is performed with a heat exchanger comprising one or more of a cooling unit and a heater unit, wherein,

[0045] Control box;

[0046] An ice tray extending from one side of the above control box;

[0047] A circulation fan located on one side of the control box that generates airflow on the one surface of the ice tray;

[0048] A flow plate that forms directionality in the airflow generated by the above-mentioned circulation fan; and

[0049] It may include a drain section that receives moisture formed and falling by the heat exchange of the heat exchange section and moisture falling from the flow plate and sends it to one side.

[0050] In addition, the present invention relates to an ice maker in which heat exchange is performed with a heat exchanger comprising one or more of a cooling unit and a heater unit, wherein,

[0051] Control box;

[0052] An ice tray extending from one side of the above control box;

[0053] A circulation fan that generates airflow on one surface of the ice tray, is located on one side of the control box, and allows air within the ice-making chamber to be drawn in from one end of the ice tray, which is on the other side of the control box;

[0054] A flow plate that forms directionality in the airflow generated by the above-mentioned circulation fan; and

[0055] It includes a drain section that receives moisture formed and falling by heat exchange of the heat exchange section and moisture falling from the flow plate and sends them to one side.

[0056] At least a portion of the heat exchanger may be located embedded within the ice tray.

[0057] In one example of the present invention, the circulation fan may be located on one side of the drain portion.

[0058] In one example of the present invention, a fan cover for accommodating the circulation fan is provided, and the fan cover may be formed integrally with the drain portion.

[0059] In addition, the present invention relates to an ice making module comprising an ice maker that exchanges heat with a heat exchanger located in an ice making chamber and comprising one or more of a cooling unit and a heater unit, wherein

[0060] Control box;

[0061] An ice tray extending from one side of the above control box;

[0062] A flow plate spaced apart to form a flow path at the bottom of the above ice tray;

[0063] A drain section that receives moisture formed and falling by the heat exchange of the heat exchange section and moisture falling from the flow plate and sends them to one side; and

[0064] It may include a circulation fan that forms an airflow within the ice-making chamber so that the air within the ice-making chamber can pass through the air passage.

[0065] In one example of the present invention, the circulation fan may be driven so that air in the ice-making chamber moves to the circulation fan side via the flow path.

[0066] In one example of the present invention, the circulation fan is arranged by being partitioned by the flow plate and the partition wall, and

[0067] The airflow can be formed through the through hole provided in the above bulkhead.

[0068] In one example of the present invention, the invention further comprises a storage unit for storing ice and an ice conveyor for transporting the ice stored in the storage unit.

[0069] The above circulation fan may be located on the side of the above-mentioned auger.

[0070] In one example of the present invention, the direction of the airflow formed by the circulation fan may be formed to sequentially pass from the control box side to the ice tray side.

[0071] In one example of the present invention, the Euro plate may include one or more inclined plates that guide air passing through the Euro to flow toward the bottom side of the ice tray.

[0072] In addition, the present invention relates to an ice maker located in an ice-making chamber and heat-exchanging with a heat exchanger comprising one or more of a cooling unit and a heater unit, wherein

[0073] Control box;

[0074] An ice tray extending from one side of the above control box;

[0075] A flow plate spaced apart to form a flow path at the bottom of the ice tray; and

[0076] It may include a drain section that receives moisture formed and falling by the heat exchange of the heat exchange section and moisture falling from the flow plate and sends it to one side.

[0077] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a refrigerator including the above ice maker. Effects of the invention

[0078] The ice maker according to the present invention and the refrigerator including the same are configured to have a specific structure that can stably fix the refrigerant pipe to the ice tray, thereby having the effect of being safe against impact and maintaining effective cooling efficiency.

[0079] In addition, the ice maker according to the present invention and the refrigerator including the same are configured such that the flow path of cold air flowing within the ice maker has an optimized discharge structure, thereby providing not only an excellent ice-making effect but also the effect of minimizing the phenomenon of dripping caused by water condensation occurring within the ice maker. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0080] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flow plate of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to FIG. 8, and FIGS. 11 to 13 are cross-sectional views and partial perspective views of an ice maker according to various embodiments of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0081] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ice maker according to the present invention and a refrigerator including the same will be described in detail with reference to the attached 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 embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0082] In describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by these terms. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a drawing of a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 to 3 show a perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an ice maker (100).

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] This ice maker (100) is configured to include a control box (20) with a circulation fan (50) installed, an ice tray (102), a Euro plate (150), a pressurized support part (200), and a drain part (70). As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 as examples for explaining the present embodiment, the configuration of the storage part where the ice is moved after it is made, the auger motor and screw installed in the storage part, and the water supply part that supplies ice-making water to the ice tray (102) is omitted from the illustration, and is not limited thereto.

[0092] An ice-making groove (not shown) may be formed in the ice tray (102). The ice-making groove may be formed in the shape of a plurality of concave grooves spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the ice tray (102). Such ice-making grooves may be formed on the upper surface of the ice tray (102). On the lower surface of the ice tray (102), a heat exchange fin (102a) may be formed in a shape extending downward for a predetermined length. The heat exchange fin (102a) may come into contact with the refrigerant pipe (120) to perform heat exchange.

[0093] The control box (20) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular box. The control box (20) may be placed at one end of the ice tray (102). One end of the ice tray (102) may be placed on one side of the control box (20). The length of the ice tray (102) may extend horizontally from one side of the control box (20). A water supply unit (not shown) may be placed near the other end of the ice tray (102). The water supply unit may form a flow path for supplying ice-making water to the ice-making groove. The ice-making water supplied to the ice-making groove may be cooled by the cold air of the refrigerator (1) storage room and turned into ice. Various internal components, including a gearbox (not shown) and a control unit (not shown), may be installed inside the control box (20). An ice-making motor (not shown) may be housed inside the control box (20). The ice-making motor may be driven to make ice froze in the ice-making groove.

[0094] Additionally, an ejector (30) may be positioned at a location spaced upward from the ice tray (102). The ejector (30) may be formed as a long axis extending horizontally from one side of the control box (20). The ejector (30) may extend along the length of the ice tray (102).

[0095] One end of the ejector (30) may be rotatably installed on one side of the control box (20). One end of the ejector (30) may be inserted into the interior of the control box (20). The ejector (30) may be rotated in a circumferential direction by the driving force of the ice-making motor. An eject pin (26) may be formed protruding from the ejector (30). The eject pin (26) may be formed protruding radially from the circumferential surface of the ejector (30). 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 (30). The plurality of eject pins (26) may be positioned at locations corresponding to the plurality of ice-making grooves.

[0096] The eject pin (26) can be inserted into the ice-making groove when the ejector (30) rotates to extract and freeze ice. The ice extracted and frozen by the eject pin (26) from the ice-making groove can fall and be received and stored in an ice box.

[0097] That is, in a manner that allows for the ice tray (102) to be twisted for the purpose of ejection, or as described above, the ejector (30) may be rotated, and in this embodiment, the ice tray (102) may be made of metal and ejected by the rotation of the ejector (30). Of course, it may also be made of a material including polypropylene.

[0098] The 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.

[0099] 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.

[0101] Meanwhile, the ice-breaking heater (110) may be a surface heater. Heat transfer can be achieved through surface contact between the surface heater and the bottom surface of the ice tray (102), and ice-breaking can be achieved through said heat transfer. The ice maker (100) may include another heater. Moisture generated during the process of repeated heating and cooling may condense on the bottom of the ice tray (102) and fall downward, and the fallen water droplets may reach the drain section (70). The water droplets that reach the drain section (70) may freeze due to the internal environment of the ice-making chamber; however, if freezing accumulates, the purpose of drainage may be lost, so heat from the heater may be transferred to a location where freezing is possible. The heater is a defrosting heater (71) and may be located inside the drain section (70) for defrosting.

[0102] A heater cover (not shown) can cover the ice heater (110). The heater cover can be placed on the lower side of the ice tray (102). The heater cover can be formed in the shape of a rectangular box with one side open. A fastening part (42) that is connected to a control box (20) and a rotating shaft (41) can be formed protruding from the heater cover for a predetermined length so that one side of the drain part (70) can rotate while fixed. Accordingly, one side of the drain part (70) can rotate while fixed to the rotating shaft (41) of the heater cover.

[0103] A refrigerant pipe (120) may be installed on the lower surface of the ice tray (102). The refrigerant pipe (120) may be U-shaped with the middle of the longitudinal direction bent. The refrigerant pipe (120) may receive refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle circuit of the refrigerator (1) to cool the ice tray (102). The refrigeration cycle circuit may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator, and the refrigerant pipe (102) may receive refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism to cool the ice tray (102). The refrigerant pipe (120) may cool the ice tray (102) to allow the ice-making water in the ice-making groove to be made more quickly.

[0104] Here, the Euro plate (150) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular tube with one side open, in a shape that surrounds the area where the refrigerant pipe (120) is installed. The Euro plate (150) may form a passage through which air flows (WD). That is, a through hole (H) may be formed in the Euro plate (150) and the control box (20) to allow the air to flow. Accordingly, the air flowing in the Euro plate (150) may move through the through hole (H) and be discharged along the circulation fan (50) installed in the control box (20). A pair of pressurized support members (200) according to the present invention are each coupled and fixed to both ends of the Euro plate (150) to support or surround the refrigerant pipe (120).

[0105] The specific fastening structure of the Euro plate (150) and the pressure support member (200) will be explained in more detail below with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0106] The drain portion (70) may be positioned on the lower side of the ice tray (102). The drain portion (70) may be formed at a position spaced apart from the Euro plate (150) by a predetermined distance. The drain portion (70) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the ice tray (102) and may include a roughly rectangular lower surface and sides extending upward from each of the four sides of the lower surface. The drain portion (70) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular tube with an open top.

[0107] The drain portion (70) may be formed of a material with low thermal conductivity and may further include a defrosting heater (71) to prevent freezing on the surface. The defrosting heater (71) and the defrosting heater (110) may be electrically connected in one or more of series and parallel. The defrosting heater (110) and the defrosting heater (71) may be electrically connected to each other, and may be connected through one or more of series and parallel methods. This is because multiple of each of the two heaters may be provided.

[0108] The drain section (70) receives ice-making water that may overflow from the ice-making groove (not shown) of the ice tray (102) due to oversupply or excess water, and prevents the ice-making water from flowing into the ice box (not shown) mounted at the bottom.

[0109] According to the present invention, the drain portion (70) can be coupled to one side of the control box (20). As described above, the drain portion (70) can be rotated with one side fixed to the rotation axis (41) of the heater cover, and the other side can be coupled to the control box (20). Here, the other side of the drain portion (70) may have a horizontal extension portion (72) coupled to the front portion of the circulation fan (50) of the control box (20), and a vertical extension portion (72) formed with a stepped portion (75) that is press-fastened to the side portion. Accordingly, while one side of the drain portion (70) rotates while fixed to the heater cover, the other side can be pressed and coupled to the side portion of the control box (20).

[0110] A refrigerator (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an ice maker (100).

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] This ice maker (100) is configured to include a case (10), a control box (20), a circulation fan (50), a Euro plate (150), an ice tray (102), and a drain section (70). As illustrated in FIG. 2 as an example for explaining the present embodiment, the configuration of the storage section to which the ice is moved after being made, the auger motor and screw installed in the storage section, and the water supply section that supplies ice-making water to the ice tray (102) is omitted from the illustration, and is not limited thereto.

[0114] In the ice maker (100) according to the present invention, a circulation fan (50) is positioned on the side of the control box (20). In particular, the circulation fan (50) is formed at the lower end of one side of the control box (20) and is formed in a shape having a predetermined slope, and this will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0115] Air within the ice-making room (100) can be circulated by the operation of the circulation fan (50). The air within the ice-making room (100) can be at a temperature lower than room temperature through heat exchange. The air at the lower temperature can move around the ice tray (102) and lower the temperature of the ice tray, and the ice water provided to the ice tray (102) can become ice due to the lowered temperature of the ice tray (102). Of course, a cooling unit (120) can be positioned to be in contact with the ice tray (102). The cooling unit (120) can be a pipe, etc., through which a refrigerant can flow internally. By the arrangement in contact between the pipe and the ice tray (102), the ice tray (102) can maintain a temperature below zero or be cooled to a temperature below zero.

[0116] Meanwhile, the cooled ice water becomes ice, and the ice can be released. To release the ice, the ice tray (102) may be twisted or the ejector (30) may be rotated, and in this embodiment, the ice tray (102) may be made of metal and released by the rotation of the ejector (30). Of course, it may also be made of a material including polypropylene.

[0117] An ice box (2), which will be described later, may be installed in the storage compartment of the refrigerator (1). The ice box (2) may be placed below the ice maker (100). The ice box (2) 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 (2) and stored within the ice box (2).

[0118] An auger may be placed inside the ice box (2). The auger may be installed to rotate around the ice box (2). Both ends of the auger may be rotatably connected to both sides of the ice box (2). A spiral groove may be formed on the outer surface of the auger. When the auger rotates, it can transfer ice stored inside the ice box (2) to the outside of the ice box (2) 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 (2).

[0119] Meanwhile, in the ice maker (100) according to the present invention, at least one side of the flow plate (150) and the drain portion (70) can be detachably coupled. That is, a mesh-shaped fastening projection (70a) that is vertically bent upward can be formed on one side of the drain portion (70), and correspondingly, an insertion hole (150a) into which the fastening projection (70a) is inserted and fixed can be formed in the flow plate (150).

[0121] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of an ice maker according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to FIG. 8.

[0122] Referring to these drawings, as described above, the ice maker (100) according to the present invention may be configured to include a control box (20) having a circulation fan (50) installed to circulate air downward, an ice tray (102) that rotates to simmer ice, a rectangular tube-shaped flow plate (150) with one side open, a pressurized support member (200) fixed to one side of the flow plate (150) to support a refrigerant pipe (120), and a drain member (70) rotatably mounted while fixed to one side of the flow plate (150).

[0123] According to the present invention, in order to ensure that the refrigerant pipe (120) does not flow and stably contacts the lower surface of the ice tray (102), a pressure support member (200) may be fastened and fixed to the end portions of both sides of the flow plate (150).

[0124] Here, the pressure support member (200) may be formed to extend a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the heater cover (150). The pressure support member (200) may have a cross-section formed in the shape of an 'L' and a pair may be attached to each side of the heater cover (150). The pressure support member (220) may be formed of a material that provides a predetermined elastic force to elastically support the lower portion of the refrigerant pipe (120).

[0125] Specifically, referring to FIG. 9(a), the pressurized support member (200) may include a first support surface (210) that extends toward the refrigerant pipe (120), a third support surface (230) that is in direct contact with and supports one side of the refrigerant pipe (120), and a second support surface (220) that is vertically bent from the first support surface (210) to be in close contact with both sides of the heater cover (150).

[0126] A plurality of fastening holes (221) can be formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction on the second support surface (220) of the pressure support member (200) through which a bolt (5) can be inserted. An insertion hole (not shown) can be formed in the heater cover (150) corresponding to a portion facing the fastening hole (221) formed on the second support surface (220) of the pressure support member (200).

[0127] Accordingly, the bolt (5) is inserted from the outside through the fastening hole (221) of the pressure support member (200) and rotatably coupled to the insertion hole of the heater cover (150), thereby allowing the pressure support member (200) to stably support the refrigerant pipe (120). In some cases, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the fastening hole (221) of the pressure support member (200) may be formed on the first support surface (210) and the bolt (5) may be inserted through the insertion hole (not shown).

[0128] Here, the second support surface (220) of the pressure support member (200) may be formed in a shape bent vertically upward (see dotted line). In this case, cold air flowing inside the ice-making chamber can be prevented from leaking out.

[0129] Meanwhile, the third fastening part (230) of the pressurized support part (200) may be formed in a shape that wraps around a part of the outer surface of the refrigerant pipe (120) in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the refrigerant pipe (120), as shown in FIG. 7. Of course, this third fastening part (230) may also be formed in a shape that wraps around the entire outer surface of the refrigerant pipe (120).

[0130] Alternatively, the third connecting part (230) may be formed in a curved shape toward the upper portion of the refrigerant pipe (120).

[0132] FIGS. 10 to 13 schematically illustrate a cross-sectional view and a partial perspective view of an ice maker according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, the ice maker (100) according to the present invention comprises a heat exchanger including one or more of a cooling unit and a heater unit, and the ice maker (100) in which heat exchange is performed comprises a control box (20), an ice tray (102) extending from one side of the control box (20), a drain unit (70) that receives moisture formed by the heat exchange of the heat exchanger and flows it to one side, and a circulation fan (50) located on one side of the control box (20) that generates an air flow (WD) on one surface of the ice tray (102).

[0134] Alternatively, an ice maker (100) in which heat exchange is performed with a heat exchanger comprising one or more of a cooling unit and a heater unit may include a control box (20); an ice tray (102) extending from one side of the control box (20); a drain unit (70) that receives moisture formed by the heat exchange of the heat exchanger and flows it to one side; a circulation fan (50) located on one side of the control box (20) that generates an air flow (WD) on one side of the ice tray (102) and can form a directionality in the air flow (WD) generated by the circulation fan (50).

[0135] A circulation fan (50) is positioned on the side of the control box (20) so as to be inclined downward with respect to the ground, and is configured so that the airflow (WD) generated from the circulation fan (50) naturally circulates through the circulation fan (50). The airflow (WD) can be operated so that the circulation fan (50) is formed in the direction of the outside of the ice maker (100). That is, by rotating the circulation fan (50) positioned at an angle on the side of the control box (20), the cold air flowing inside the ice maker (100) is smoothly and effectively sucked into the side of the control box (20) where the circulation fan (50) is formed, thereby allowing the cold air passing along the bottom surface of the ice tray (102) along the flow plate (150) to be discharged to one side through the circulation fan (50) and then returned to the inside of the ice maker (100) to be circulated. This airflow (WD) can increase ice-making efficiency by causing internal circulation in the ice-making room and moving low-temperature cold air to the ice tray (102) through heat exchange.

[0136] Here, in the drawings presented in the present invention, the circulating fan (50) is formed with a downward slope of approximately 45 degrees relative to the ground, but it is not limited to this structure and can be configured to have various angles of inclination as long as the circulating efficiency can be improved.

[0137] According to the present invention, in the conventional method, the circulation fan (50) is positioned on the outer side of the ice tray (102), that is, on the other side of the ice tray (102) where the control box (20) is formed on one side, and heat exchange is performed by blowing air generated within the ice maker (100). In contrast, the circulation fan (50) according to the present invention is characterized by a structure in which it is formed to protrude to one side and slope downward, thereby maximizing circulation efficiency while optimizing the flow path of cold air and securing an air intake space.

[0138] Furthermore, the circulation fan (50) according to the present invention is formed to be inclined downward at a predetermined angle, thereby preventing water droplets from entering the control box (20) due to falling water droplets formed on the fan grille (not shown) of the circulation fan (50).

[0139] In some cases, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the airflow (WD) may be circulated by being sucked in through a circulation fan (50) so that it flows toward the ice tray (102).

[0141] Meanwhile, the heat exchanger may include one or more of a heater section (110) and a cooling section (120), at least one of which may be inserted and placed within the ice tray (102). For insertion placement, it may be inserted and injection molded during the manufacture of the ice tray (102).

[0142] The drain section (70) may include a rib extending toward the ice tray (102). The rib may press the Euro plate (150) toward the ice tray (102). This pressurization may be positioned at a location where the rib can apply pressure, up to a predetermined height, and the Euro plate (150) may be structured to elastically support the ice tray (102) by means of the predetermined height. Here, the ice tray (102) may be elastically supported directly, or indirectly supported through a heat exchanger.

[0143] In another example, the drain portion (70) includes a rib extending toward the ice tray (102), and the heat exchange portion can be pressed by the rib and adhere to the ice tray (102). That is, the heat exchange portion can be pressed by the rib extending from the drain portion (70). The rib extending from the drain portion (70) can penetrate the flow plate (150) and extend toward the ice tray (102).

[0144] As another example, a separate, independent plate-shaped pressure member (not shown) may be configured on one side of the drain section (70). The pressure member may be formed of a metal material. The pressure member is provided with a plurality of drainage holes to receive and discharge moisture falling from the ice tray (102). The pressure member may be formed with an elastic member (not shown) to elastically pressurize from one side and adhere to the ice plate (102).

[0145] Additionally, the heater unit (110) may be a surface heater. Heat transfer can be achieved through surface contact between the surface heater and the bottom surface of the ice tray (102), and ice can be formed by said heat transfer. The ice maker may include another heater. Moisture generated during the process of repeated heating and cooling may condense on the bottom of the ice tray (102) and fall downward, and the fallen water droplets may reach the drain unit (70). Water droplets reaching the drain unit (70) may freeze due to the internal environment of the ice-making chamber; however, if freezing accumulates, the purpose of drainage may be lost, so heat from the heater may be transferred to a location where freezing is possible. The heater is a defrosting heater (71) and may be located inside the drain unit (70) for defrosting.

[0146] The drain section (70) further includes a defrosting heater (71) and a drain heater (71a) to prevent freezing on the surface, and the defrosting heater (71), the drain heater (71a), and the heater section (110) can be electrically connected in one or more of series and parallel. The heater section (110), the drain heater (71a), and the defrosting heater (71) can be electrically connected to each other, and can be connected through one or more of series and parallel methods. This is because the heater section (110), the drain heater (71a), and the defrosting heater (71) can each be provided in multiple quantities. According to the present invention, the drain heater (71a) can be embedded inside the drain section (70).

[0147] The control box (20) can be connected to a full ice lever operated by cam rotation. In this case, the operation of the full ice lever is involved during one cycle of operation, so the ice-making process can be mechanically linked. Additionally, the full ice lever may be omitted and controlled by the detection of an infrared sensor. When controlled by the detection of an infrared sensor, operation may be induced periodically or selectively determined by a combination of conditions such as the detection time of the infrared sensor area.

[0149] Meanwhile, the description of parts that overlap with the previously described embodiment is omitted. When compared with the previously described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the circulation fan (50) is formed on the left side portion while housed in the control box (20), and may be formed in a direction parallel to the ground.

[0151] For the time being, an embodiment of an ice maker according to the present invention and a refrigerator including the same has been described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is obvious that various modifications and implementations within an equivalent scope are possible by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Therefore, the true scope of the rights of the present invention shall be determined by the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0152] 1: Refrigerator 5: Bolt 8, 9: Door 20: Control box 26: Eject pin 30: Ejector 41: Rotating shaft 42: Fastening part 50: Circulation fan 70: Drain part 70a: Fastening rib 71: Surface heater 71a: Drain heater 100: Ice maker 110: Heater part 102: Ice tray 150: Euro plate 150a: Insertion hole 200: Pressure support part 210: First support surface 220: Second support surface 221: Fastening hole 230: Third support surface H: Through hole

Claims

Claim 1 An ice maker comprising a heat exchanger including at least one cooling unit among a cooling unit and a heater unit, wherein heat exchange is performed, the ice maker comprises: a control box; an ice tray extending from one side of the control box; a circulation fan located on one side of the control box that generates an airflow on one surface of the ice tray; a flow path plate that surrounds the cooling unit and heater unit portions disposed at the bottom of the ice tray and has an internal space formed to guide the airflow generated by the circulation fan; a drain portion that receives moisture formed by the heat exchange of the heat exchanger and moisture falling from the flow path plate and flows it to one side; and a pressure support portion formed on the flow path plate and supporting at least a part of the cooling unit; wherein the pressure support portion comprises: a first support surface; a second support surface that is vertically bent from the first support surface and has a fastening hole formed therein; and a third support surface that is extended from the first support surface and has a shape corresponding to at least a part of the cooling unit. Claim 2 In claim 1, the pressure support member is an ice maker that is inserted and fixed as an independent separate member on one side of the Euro plate. Claim 3 In claim 1, the pressurized support member is an ice maker in which one end of the pressurized support member supports one side of the cooling member. Claim 4 In claim 3, the end of the pressurized support member supports the lower side of the cooling member, an ice maker. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 An ice maker according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the third support surface is formed in a curved shape to surround the outer surface of the cooling portion. Claim 7 In claim 1, the drain portion is an ice maker in which one side is fixed to the ice tray and rotates. Claim 8 An ice maker according to claim 1, wherein a fastening hole is formed in the Euro plate and the pressure support member penetrates the fastening hole and is fixed to the Euro plate through a fastening member. Claim 9 In claim 8, the above-mentioned fastening member is a bolt, an ice maker. Claim 10 In claim 1, the heater part is a surface heater, which is an ice maker. Claim 11 In claim 1, the heater part is an ice maker that is inserted and injected into the ice tray. Claim 12 In claim 1, the heat exchanger is an ice maker formed between the ice tray and the flow plate. Claim 13 In claim 1, the drain portion further includes a defrosting heater that prevents freezing on the surface, and the defrosting heater comprises one or more of PET (Polyethylene), PI (Polyimide), stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon. Claim 14 In claim 1, the control box is an ice maker connected to an ice-filling lever operated by cam rotation. Claim 15 In claim 1, the ice tray comprises an ice maker including a heat exchange fin extending to one side. Claim 16 An ice maker according to claim 1, wherein a through hole is formed in the control box and the Euro plate to guide the airflow. Claim 17 In claim 1, the circulating fan is an ice maker that sucks in or blows air to generate the airflow. Claim 18 An ice maker comprising a heat exchanger including at least the cooling unit among a cooling unit and a heater unit, wherein heat exchange is performed, the ice maker comprises: a control box; an ice tray extending from one side of the control box; a circulation fan located on one side of the control box that generates an airflow on one surface of the ice tray; a flow path plate that forms a directionality in the airflow generated by the circulation fan; a drain portion that receives moisture formed by the heat exchange of the heat exchanger and moisture falling from the flow path plate and flows it to one side; and a pressure support portion formed on the flow path plate and supporting at least a part of the cooling unit; wherein the pressure support portion comprises: a first support surface; a second support surface that is vertically bent from the first support surface and has a fastening hole formed therein; and a third support surface that is extended from the first support surface and has a shape corresponding to at least a part of the cooling unit. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 In claim 18, the circulation fan is an ice maker located on one side of the drain section. Claim 21 In claim 18, an ice maker is provided with a fan cover that accommodates the circulation fan, and the fan cover is formed integrally with the drain part. Claim 22 An ice making module comprising an ice maker located in an ice making chamber and heat-exchanging with a heat exchanger including at least the cooling portion among a cooling portion and a heater portion, the ice maker comprising: a control box; an ice tray extending from one side of the control box; a flow path plate spaced apart so as to form a flow path at the bottom of the ice tray; a drain portion receiving moisture formed by heat exchange of the heat exchanger and moisture falling from the flow path plate and flowing to one side; a circulation fan forming an airflow within the ice making chamber so that air within the ice making chamber can pass through the flow path; and a pressurized support portion formed on the flow path plate and supporting at least a part of the cooling portion; wherein the pressurized support portion comprises: a first support surface; a second support surface vertically bent from the first support surface and having a fastening hole formed therein; and a third support surface extending from the first support surface and having a shape corresponding to at least a part of the cooling portion. Claim 23 In claim 22, the above-mentioned circulation fan is an ice maker driven so that air in the ice-making chamber moves to the circulation fan side via the above-mentioned path. Claim 24 In claim 22, the ice maker is configured such that the circulation fan is partitioned and arranged by the Euro plate and the bulkhead, and the airflow is formed through a through hole provided in the bulkhead. Claim 25 In claim 22, the ice maker further comprises a storage unit for storing ice and an auger unit for transporting the ice stored in the storage unit, wherein the circulating fan is located on the side of the auger unit. Claim 26 An ice maker according to claim 22, wherein the direction of the airflow formed by the circulation fan is formed to sequentially pass from the control box side to the ice tray side. Claim 27 In claim 22, the ice maker comprises one or more inclined plates that guide air passing through the flow path to flow toward the bottom side of the ice tray. Claim 28 An ice maker located in an ice-making chamber and heat-exchanging with a heat exchanger comprising at least the cooling unit among a cooling unit and a heater unit, the ice maker comprising: a control box; an ice tray extending from one side of the control box; a flow path plate spaced apart so as to form a flow path at the bottom of the ice tray; a drain portion receiving moisture formed by heat exchange of the heat exchanger and moisture falling from the flow path plate and flowing to one side; and a pressure support portion formed on the flow path plate and supporting at least a part of the cooling unit; wherein the pressure support portion comprises: a first support surface; a second support surface vertically bent from the first support surface and having a fastening hole formed therein; and a third support surface extending from the first support surface and having a shape corresponding to at least a part of the cooling unit. Claim 29 A refrigerator comprising an ice maker according to any one of claims 1, 18, 22, and 28.

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