Ice maker and refrigerator

Abstract

An ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper tray forming an upper chamber which is part of an ice chamber, a lower tray forming a lower chamber which is another part of the ice chamber, a lower supporter supporting the lower tray, and a lower heater supplying heat to the lower chamber during the ice making process. The lower tray includes a convex portion that protrudes inwardly from the lower chamber before ice is formed within the ice chamber, and during the ice making process, air bubbles contained in the water within the ice chamber move toward the convex portion, and when the ice making is completed, the convex portion is deformed to a state protruding outwardly from the lower chamber.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This specification relates to ice makers and refrigerators. Background Technology

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

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

[0004] Typically, an ice maker for making ice is provided inside the refrigerator.

[0005] The above ice maker is configured to form ice by receiving water supplied from a water source or water tank into a tray.

[0006] In addition, the ice maker is configured to transfer the ice that has been frozen from the ice tray using a heating method or a twisting method.

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

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

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

[0010] In the prior art Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1850918, an ice maker is provided.

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

[0012] In the case of prior art, spherical ice can be produced using a hemispherical upper cell and a hemispherical lower cell, but since the ice is produced simultaneously in the upper cell and the lower cell, the bubbles contained in the water are not completely discharged, and the bubbles are dispersed within the water, resulting in an opaque ice. The problem to be solved

[0013] The present invention provides an ice maker and a refrigerator capable of producing transparent ice.

[0014] In addition, the present invention provides an ice maker and a refrigerator in which transparency is uniform according to the height of the ice.

[0015] In addition, the present invention provides an ice maker and a refrigerator in which the transparency of the ice produced is uniform. means of solving the problem

[0016] The ice maker of the present invention may include an upper tray having an inlet opening on the upper side and forming a plurality of hemispherical upper chambers, a lower tray having a plurality of hemispherical lower chambers, a lower heater for providing heat to the lower tray, a lower supporter for supporting the lower heater, and a control unit for controlling the lower heater.

[0017] The above control unit can turn on the lower heater during the ice-making process.

[0018] When the lower heater is turned on, the control unit can variably control the output of the lower heater so that bubbles contained in the water inside the ice chamber are collected at the bottom during the ice making process.

[0019] Since the horizontal cross-sectional area varies depending on the height of the ice chamber, multiple sections are divided based on the height of the ice chamber, and the output of the lower heater can be varied for each section.

[0020] For example, the control unit can control the output of the lower heater such that, during the entire ice-making process, the output of the lower heater decreases from the initial output and then increases again.

[0021] Based on the height of the ice chamber, multiple sections may include an intermediate section with the maximum horizontal diameter.

[0022] Since the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the ice chamber increases from the first section to the middle section, the control unit can gradually reduce the output of the lower heater from the first section to the middle section.

[0023] Since the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the ice chamber decreases from the intermediate section to the final section, the control unit gradually increases the output of the lower heater from the intermediate section to the final section. And, the output of the lower heater is minimum in the intermediate section.

[0024] The reference temperature for each of the above multiple sections is predetermined.

[0025] The ice maker of the present embodiment may further include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the upper tray.

[0026] The control unit controls the output of the lower heater with a reference output corresponding to the next section when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor detecting the temperature of the upper tray reaches the reference temperature of the next section.

[0027] The above control unit determines whether the ON condition of the lower heater is satisfied after ice making has started, and if the ON condition is satisfied, it can turn on the lower heater.

[0028] The control unit can turn on the lower heater by determining that the on condition of the lower heater is satisfied when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor detecting the temperature of the upper tray reaches a reference temperature of below zero.

[0029] The lower heater may include a plurality of rounded portions that are in contact with the lower tray and are arranged to surround each of the plurality of lower chambers, and a straight portion connecting the plurality of rounded portions.

[0030] The ice maker of the present embodiment may further include an upper heater for providing heat to the upper tray.

[0031] The above control unit can turn off the lower heater and turn on the upper heater for ice making when ice making is completed.

[0032] The above control unit can turn on the upper heater after the lower heater is turned off and a certain amount of time has elapsed.

[0033] It may further include a drive unit that generates power to rotate the lower tray.

[0034] The above control unit can operate the driving unit after turning off the upper heater.

[0035] An ice maker according to another aspect may include: an upper assembly comprising an upper tray having an upper opening on the upper side and forming an upper chamber which is part of an ice chamber, and an upper case supporting the upper tray and having an upper heater installed at a position adjacent to the upper side of the upper tray; a lower assembly comprising a lower tray rotatably supported with respect to the upper assembly and forming a lower chamber which is another part of the ice chamber, and a lower supporter supporting the lower tray and having a lower heater installed thereon; and a control unit for operating the lower heater during the ice making process.

[0036] The above control unit can variably control the output of the lower heater during the ice-making process.

[0037] The above control unit can control the output of the lower heater such that, during the entire ice-making process, the output of the lower heater decreases from the initial output and then increases again.

[0038] The above control unit can divide the ice chamber into multiple sections based on the height of the ice chamber and control the output of the lower heater differently for each section where ice is generated in the ice chamber.

[0039] Based on the height of the ice chamber, the plurality of sections may have the section with the maximum horizontal diameter as the intermediate section, and the output of the lower heater can be controlled to be the lowest in the intermediate section.

[0040] The control unit above gradually decreases the output of the lower heater from the initial section to the intermediate section, and gradually increases it from the intermediate section to the final section, and the output of the lower heater may be minimum in the intermediate section.

[0041] It may further include a temperature sensor provided on the upper tray opposite the lower heater. The control unit divides the operating section of the lower heater into multiple sections, sets and stores a reference temperature for each of the multiple sections, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor detecting the temperature of the upper tray reaches the reference temperature of the next section, the control unit can control the lower heater with a reference output corresponding to the next section.

[0042] It may further include a water supply unit that supplies water through the upper opening of the upper tray from the upper part of the upper tray.

[0043] The above control unit can start the operation of the lower heater after supplying water to the ice chamber.

[0044] The above control unit can start the operation of the lower heater after a certain period of time has elapsed following the completion of water supply to the ice chamber.

[0045] It may further include a temperature sensor provided on the upper tray. The control unit may start the operation of the lower heater when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is below zero.

[0046] The lower heater may include a round portion that is in contact with the lower tray and is positioned to surround the lower chamber.

[0047] The above control unit can turn off the lower heater and turn on the upper heater for ice making when ice making is completed.

[0048] The above control unit can turn on the upper heater after the lower heater is turned off and a certain amount of time has elapsed.

[0049] An opening is formed on the lower surface of the upper tray, and the lower tray has an opening formed on its upper surface that contacts the opening of the upper tray, and the lower part is sealed to form an ice chamber together with the upper tray.

[0050] The upper case of the upper assembly supports the upper tray from above; the upper assembly may further include an upper supporter disposed on the lower side of the upper case to support the upper tray together.

[0051] The above lower tray may be formed of a non-metallic material.

[0052] The upper portion of the lower tray extends downward from the outer circumference of the opening formed on the upper surface, and a convex portion may be formed on the lower side having a shape that is concave on the outer side of the lower tray and protrudes toward the ice chamber on the inner side of the lower tray.

[0053] The above convex portion is in a state of protruding toward the ice chamber before the start of ice making, and when ice making is completed, it can be deformed by being pressed in the opposite direction by receiving pressure from the ice chamber.

[0054] When the ice making is complete, the above-mentioned convex portion is pressed down to the extension line extending from the top to the bottom of the lower tray to form the final ice state.

[0055] When the ice-making process is complete, the bubbles that have moved from the convex portion to the deformed part gather, and the ice on the convex portion can become opaque ice.

[0056] The lower supporter includes a lower opening, and the convex portion may be formed at a position corresponding to the lower opening.

[0057] A portion of the deformed convex portion, after the de-icing is complete, can be accommodated in the lower opening of the lower supporter.

[0058] The lower heater can be installed to surround the lower opening of the lower supporter.

[0059] The above round portion can contact the lower tray in the horizontal and circumferential directions.

[0060] An ice maker according to another aspect may include: an upper tray forming an upper chamber that is part of an ice chamber and having an upper opening on the upper side; a lower tray rotatably supported with respect to the upper tray and forming a lower chamber that is another part of the ice chamber; and a lower supporter supporting the lower tray and having a lower heater installed thereon.

[0061] The ice chamber is divided into multiple sections based on the height of the ice chamber, so that the output of the lower heater can be varied for each section during the ice making process.

[0062] The output of the lower heater can be varied so that during the ice-making process, bubbles contained in the water within the ice chamber are collected toward the part where the lower heater is located.

[0063] The above ice-making process may include a section in which the output of the lower heater is reduced.

[0064] The lower heater can be operated so that the initial output of the lower heater becomes the maximum output during the decreasing section of the ice-making process.

[0065] The above ice-making process may include a section in which the output of the lower heater is increased.

[0066] The lower heater can be operated so that the final output of the lower heater becomes the maximum output during the increasing section of the ice-making process.

[0067] The above ice-making process may include a section where the output of the lower heater is reduced and a section where the output is increased.

[0068] In the above ice-making process, the output of the lower heater can be operated at maximum output initially, then decrease from the maximum output, and then increase again.

[0069] The output of the lower heater is operated differently depending on each section, and may include a section with maximum output and a section with minimum output during the ice-making process.

[0070] The section where the output of the lower heater is maximum can be formed in the uppermost or lowermost section of the ice chamber.

[0071] The section where the output of the lower heater is at its lowest can be formed in the middle section of the ice chamber.

[0072] The above ice-making process is performed at the location where the upper tray and the lower tray meet, and the section where the output of the lower heater is at its lowest may include the bottom of the upper tray and the top of the lower tray.

[0073] The diameter of the ice chamber is largest at the middle of the ice chamber based on the height of the ice chamber, and can form a section where the output of the lower heater is lowest.

[0074] The difference in output between the lowest section having the lowest output and the section adjacent to the lowest section may be different from the difference in output between the maximum section having the maximum output and the section adjacent to the maximum section.

[0075] The difference in output between the above lowest section and the section adjacent to the above lowest section may be smaller than the difference in output between the above maximum section and the section adjacent to the above maximum section.

[0076] A water supply position is formed in which water is supplied to the ice chamber while the lower tray is rotated so as to be spaced apart from the upper tray at a certain angle, and an ice making position is formed in which ice making operation is performed while the lower tray is in contact with the upper tray, and the lower heater can operate when the lower tray is in the ice making position.

[0077] The upper portion of the lower tray extends downward from the outer circumference of the opening formed on the upper surface, and a convex portion may be formed on the lower side having a shape that is concave on the outer side of the lower tray and protrudes toward the ice chamber on the inner side of the lower tray.

[0078] The above convex portion is in a state of protruding toward the ice chamber before the start of ice making, and when ice making is completed, it can be deformed by being pressed in the opposite direction by receiving pressure from the ice chamber.

[0079] When the ice making is complete, the above-mentioned convex portion can be pressed down to the extension line extending from the top to the bottom of the lower tray to form the final ice state.

[0080] The lower supporter includes a lower opening, and the convex portion may be formed at a position corresponding to the lower opening.

[0081] A portion of the deformed convex portion, after the de-icing is complete, can be accommodated in the lower opening of the lower supporter.

[0082] The lower heater can be installed to surround the lower opening of the lower supporter. Effects of the invention

[0083] According to the proposed invention, as the lower heater operates during the ice-making process, ice is generated from the upper side, causing bubbles to move downwards, and ultimately, bubbles exist only in the localized part at the lowest side of the ice, thus having the advantage of making the spherical ice transparent overall.

[0084] In addition, in the case of the present invention, since the output of the lower heater is varied according to the height range of the ice (or ice chamber), the ice generation speed becomes uniform according to the height range, and thus there is an advantage that the transparency of the ice becomes uniform according to the height.

[0085] In addition, since the heat from the lower heater can be evenly distributed to each of the multiple ice chambers, there is an advantage in that the transparency of the ice produced is uniform. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0086] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the refrigerator door of FIG. 1 in an open state. FIGS. 3a and 3b are perspective views of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of an upper case according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of an upper case according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a lower perspective view of an upper tray according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of an upper supporter according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a lower perspective view of an upper supporter according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the heater coupling portion in the upper case of FIG. 5. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the state in which a heater is coupled to the upper case of FIG. 5. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the arrangement of wires connected to the heater in the upper case. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the upper assembly is assembled. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an upper perspective view of a lower case according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a lower perspective view of a lower case according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view of a lower tray according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 20 and 21 are lower perspective views of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a side view of a lower tray according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is an upper perspective view of a lower supporter according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a lower perspective view of a lower supporter according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along DD of FIG. 16 to show the state in which the lower assembly is assembled. FIG. 26 is a plan view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the lower heater coupled to the lower supporter of FIG. 26. FIG. 28 is a drawing showing a state in which a wire connected to a lower heater penetrates the upper case while the lower assembly is combined with the upper assembly. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA of FIG. 3a. FIG. 30 is a drawing showing the state in which ice formation is completed in the drawing of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating ice in an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in a water supply state. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in the de-icing state. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in the state where de-icing is completed. Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of Fig. 3 in the initial state of the icing. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in the completed state. FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating the output of the lower heater according to the height of the ice generated in the ice chamber. FIG. 39 is a graph showing the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the output amount of the lower heater during the water supply and ice making process. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the process of ice formation step by step according to the height range of the ice. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0087] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0088] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between each component.

[0089] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 in an open state.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, a refrigerator (1) of one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (2) forming a storage space and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

[0091] In detail, the cabinet (2) forms a storage space that is divided vertically by a barrier, and a refrigerator room (3) may be formed in the upper part and a freezer room (4) may be formed in the lower part.

[0092] Storage members such as drawers, shelves, and baskets may be provided inside the refrigerator (3) and freezer (4) above.

[0093] The above door may include a refrigerator door (5) that shields the refrigerator room (3) and a freezer door (6) that shields the freezer room (4).

[0094] The refrigerator door (5) is composed of a pair of left and right doors and can be opened and closed by rotation. Additionally, the freezer door (6) can be configured to be pull-out and retractable in a drawer-like manner.

[0095] Of course, the arrangement of the refrigerator compartment (3) and the freezer compartment (4) and the shape of the door may vary depending on the type of refrigerator, and the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to various types of refrigerators. For example, the freezer compartment (4) and the refrigerator compartment (3) may be arranged side by side, but it is also possible for the freezer compartment (4) to be located above the refrigerator compartment (3).

[0096] An ice maker (100) may be provided in the above freezer (4). The ice maker (100) can produce spherical ice by making ice from supplied water.

[0097] Additionally, an ice bin (102) may be further provided below the ice maker (100) to store ice that has been frozen and then removed from the ice maker (100).

[0098] The ice maker (100) and ice bank (102) may be mounted inside the freezer (4) while housed in a separate housing (101).

[0099] The user can open the freezer door (6) to access the ice bin (102) and obtain ice.

[0100] As another example, the refrigerator door (5) may be equipped with a dispenser (7) for taking out purified water or frozen ice from the outside.

[0101] And, ice produced in the ice maker (100) or ice produced in the ice maker (100) and stored in the ice bin (102) is transferred to the dispenser (7) by a transfer means so that the user can obtain ice from the dispenser (7).

[0102] Below, the ice maker will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0103] FIGS. 3a and 3b are perspective views of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 3a to 4, the ice maker (100) may include an upper assembly (110) and a lower assembly (200).

[0105] The lower assembly (200) can be rotated relative to the upper assembly (110). For example, the lower assembly (200) can be rotatably connected to the upper assembly (110).

[0106] When the lower assembly (200) is in contact with the upper assembly (110), spherical ice can be produced together with the upper assembly (110).

[0107] That is, the upper assembly (110) and the lower assembly (200) form an ice chamber (111) for generating spherical ice. The ice chamber (111) is substantially a spherical chamber.

[0108] The upper assembly (110) and the lower assembly (200) can form a plurality of partitioned ice chambers (111).

[0109] In the following, we will describe, as an example, that three ice chambers (111) are formed by the upper assembly (110) and the lower assembly (200), and it should be noted that there is no limit to the number of ice chambers (111).

[0110] When the upper assembly (110) and the lower assembly (200) form the ice chamber (111), water can be supplied to the ice chamber (111) through the water supply unit (190).

[0111] The above water supply unit (190) is coupled to the upper assembly (110) and guides water supplied from the outside to the ice chamber (111).

[0112] After the ice is formed, the lower assembly (200) can be rotated in the forward direction. Then, the spherical ice formed between the upper assembly (110) and the lower assembly (200) can be separated from the upper assembly (110) and the lower assembly (200).

[0113] The ice maker (100) may further include a driving unit (180) so that the lower assembly (200) can rotate relative to the upper assembly (110).

[0114] The above-described drive unit (180) may include a drive motor and a power transmission unit for transmitting the power of the drive motor to the lower assembly (200). The power transmission unit may include one or more gears.

[0115] The above drive motor may be a motor capable of bidirectional rotation. Accordingly, bidirectional rotation of the lower assembly (200) becomes possible.

[0116] To allow ice to be separated from the upper assembly (110), the ice maker (100) may further include an upper ejector (300).

[0117] The upper ejector (300) can cause ice that is in close contact with the upper assembly (110) to be separated from the upper assembly (110).

[0118] The upper ejector (300) may include an ejector body (310) and a plurality of upper ejecting pins (320) extending in a direction intersecting the ejector body (310).

[0119] The upper ejecting pins (320) can be provided in the same number as the ice chamber (111).

[0120] At both ends of the ejector body (310), separation prevention protrusions (312) may be provided to prevent separation from the connecting unit (350) while combined with the connecting unit (350) to be described later.

[0121] For example, a pair of anti-separation protrusions (312) may protrude in opposite directions from the ejector body (310).

[0122] The upper ejecting pin (320) can pressurize the ice inside the ice chamber (111) as it passes through the upper assembly (110) and is introduced into the ice chamber (111).

[0123] The ice pressed by the upper ejecting pin (320) can be separated from the upper assembly (110).

[0124] Additionally, the ice maker (100) may further include a lower ejector (400) so that ice attached to the lower assembly (200) can be separated.

[0125] The lower ejector (400) can pressurize the lower assembly (200) to separate ice attached to the lower assembly (200) from the lower assembly (200). The lower ejector (400) can be fixed to the upper assembly (110), for example.

[0126] The lower ejector (400) may include an ejector body (410) and a plurality of lower ejecting pins (420) protruding from the ejector body (410). The lower ejecting pins (420) may be provided in the same number as the ice chamber (111).

[0127] During the rotation process of the lower assembly (200) for e-bing, the rotational force of the lower assembly (200) can be transmitted to the upper ejector (300).

[0128] To this end, the ice maker (100) may further include a connecting unit (350) connecting the lower assembly (200) and the upper ejector (300). The connecting unit (350) may include one or more links.

[0129] For example, when the lower assembly (200) is rotated in one direction, the upper ejector (300) is lowered by the connecting unit (350), so that the upper ejecting pin (320) can pressurize the ice.

[0130] On the other hand, when the lower assembly (200) rotates in the other direction, the upper ejector (300) can be raised by the connecting unit (350) and return to its original position.

[0131] Below, the upper assembly (110) and the lower assembly (120) will be described in more detail.

[0132] The upper assembly (110) may include an upper tray (150) that forms part of an ice chamber (111) for forming ice. For example, the upper tray (150) defines the upper portion of the ice chamber (111).

[0133] The upper assembly (110) may further include an upper case (120) and an upper supporter (170) for fixing the position of the upper tray (150).

[0134] The upper tray (150) may be positioned on the lower side of the upper case (120). A part of the upper supporter (170) may be positioned on the lower side of the upper tray (150).

[0135] The upper case (120), upper tray (150), and upper supporter (170), which are aligned in the vertical direction in this manner, can be fastened by a fastening member.

[0136] That is, the upper tray (150) can be fixed to the upper case (120) by fastening the fastening member.

[0137] In addition, the upper supporter (170) can support the lower side of the upper tray (150) to restrict downward movement.

[0138] The above water supply unit (190) can be fixed to the upper case (120) as an example.

[0139] The ice maker (100) may further include a temperature sensor (500) for detecting the temperature of the upper tray (150).

[0140] The temperature sensor (500) can be mounted on the upper case (120) as an example. And, when the upper tray (150) is fixed to the upper case (120), the temperature sensor (500) can come into contact with the upper tray (150).

[0141] Meanwhile, the lower assembly (200) may include a lower tray (250) that forms another part of the ice chamber (111) for forming ice. For example, the lower tray (250) defines the lower part of the ice chamber (111).

[0142] The lower assembly (200) may further include a lower supporter (270) that supports the lower side of the lower tray (250) and a lower case (210) that covers at least a portion of the upper side of the lower tray (250).

[0143] The lower case (210), lower tray (250), and lower supporter (270) can be fastened by a fastening member.

[0144] Meanwhile, the ice maker (100) may further include a switch (600) for turning the ice maker (100) on / off. When a user operates the switch (600) to the ON state, ice can be produced through the ice maker (100).

[0145] That is, when the switch (600) is turned on, water is supplied to the ice maker (100), and an ice-making process in which ice is generated by cold air and an ice-removing process in which the lower assembly (200) is rotated to remove ice can be repeatedly performed.

[0146] On the other hand, if the switch (600) is operated to the off state, it becomes impossible to generate ice through the ice maker (100). Such a switch (600) may be provided, for example, in the upper case (120).

[0147] <Upper Case>

[0148] FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of an upper case according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of an upper case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the upper case (120) can be fixed to the housing (101) inside the freezer (4) while the upper tray (150) is fixed.

[0150] The upper case (120) may include an upper plate (121) for fixing the upper tray (150).

[0151] The upper tray (150) can be fixed to the upper plate (121) with a portion of the upper tray (150) in contact with the lower surface of the upper plate (121).

[0152] The upper plate (121) may be provided with an opening (123) through which a part of the upper tray (150) passes.

[0153] For example, when the upper tray (150) is positioned below the upper plate (121) and the upper tray (150) is fixed to the upper plate (121), a part of the upper tray (150) may protrude upward from the upper plate (121) through the opening (123).

[0154] Alternatively, it is also possible for the upper tray (150) not to protrude above the upper plate (121) through the opening (123), but to be exposed above the upper plate (121) through the opening (123).

[0155] The upper plate (121) may include a recess (122) formed by being recessed downward. The opening (123) may be formed at the bottom (122a) of the recess (122).

[0156] Accordingly, the upper tray (150) penetrating the opening (123) can be positioned in the space where the above-mentioned recess (122) is formed.

[0157] The upper case (120) may be provided with a heater coupling part (124) to which an upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 13) for heating the upper tray (150) for use may be coupled.

[0158] The heater coupling portion (124) may be provided on the upper plate (121) as an example. The heater coupling portion (124) may be located on the lower side of the recess (122).

[0159] The upper case (120) may further include a pair of mounting ribs (128, 129) for installing the temperature sensor (500).

[0160] The above pair of installation ribs (128, 129) are spaced apart in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 6. The above pair of installation ribs (128, 129) are arranged to face each other, and the temperature sensor (500) can be positioned between the above pair of installation ribs (128, 129).

[0161] The above pair of installation ribs (128, 129) may be provided on the upper plate (121).

[0162] The upper plate (121) may be provided with a plurality of slots (131, 132) for coupling with the upper tray (150).

[0163] A portion of the upper tray (150) can be inserted into the plurality of slots (131, 132).

[0164] The plurality of slots (131, 132) may include a first upper slot (131) and a second upper slot (132) located on the opposite side of the first upper slot (131) with respect to the opening (123).

[0165] The opening (123) may be located between the first upper slot (131) and the second upper slot (132).

[0166] The first upper slot (131) and the second upper slot (132) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 6.

[0167] Although not limited to this, the plurality of first upper slots (131) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A (referred to as the first direction), which is a direction that intersects with the direction of arrow B (referred to as the second direction).

[0168] In addition, the plurality of second upper slots (132) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A.

[0169] In this specification, the direction of arrow A is the same direction as the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice chambers (111).

[0170] The first upper slot (131) can be formed in a curved shape, for example. Thus, the length of the first upper slot (131) can be increased.

[0171] The second upper slot (132) can be formed in a curved shape, for example. Thus, the length of the second upper slot (133) can be increased.

[0172] If the length of each of the upper slots (131, 132) is increased, the length of the protrusion (formed in the upper tray) inserted into each of the upper slots (131, 132) can be increased, thereby increasing the bonding force between the upper tray (150) and the upper case (120).

[0173] The distance from the first upper slot (131) to the opening (123) and the distance from the second upper slot (132) to the opening (123) may differ. For example, the distance from the second upper slot (132) to the opening (123) may be shorter than the distance from the first upper slot (131) to the opening (123).

[0174] And, when looking at each upper slot (131) from the opening (123), each slot (131) can be rounded in a convex shape toward the outside of the opening (123).

[0175] The upper plate (121) may further include a sleeve (133) into which a fastening boss of the upper supporter (170), which will be described later, is inserted.

[0176] The sleeve (133) may be formed in a cylindrical shape and may extend upward from the upper plate (121).

[0177] For example, a plurality of sleeves (133) may be provided on the upper plate (121). The plurality of sleeves (133) may be spaced apart and arranged in the direction of arrow A. Additionally, the plurality of sleeves (133) may be arranged in multiple rows in the direction of arrow B.

[0178] Some of the multiple sleeves (133) may be positioned between two adjacent first upper slots (131).

[0179] Among the multiple sleeves (133), other sleeves may be positioned between two adjacent second upper slots (132) or positioned to face the area between the two second upper slots (132).

[0180] The upper case (120) may further include a plurality of hinge supports (135, 136) to enable rotation of the lower assembly (200).

[0181] The plurality of hinge supporters (135, 136) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A with respect to FIG. 6. Additionally, a first hinge hole (137) may be formed in each of the hinge supporters (135, 136).

[0182] The plurality of hinge supporters (135, 136) may extend downward from the upper plate (121), for example.

[0183] The upper case (120) may further include a vertical extension (140) that extends vertically along the perimeter of the upper plate (121). The vertical extension (140) may extend upward from the upper plate (121).

[0184] The vertical extension (140) may include one or more coupling hooks (140a). The upper case (120) may be hook-coupled to the housing (101) by means of the coupling hooks (140a).

[0185] And, the water supply unit (190) can be coupled to the vertical extension unit (140).

[0186] The upper case (120) may further include a horizontal extension (142) that extends horizontally to the outside of the vertical extension (140).

[0187] The horizontal extension (142) may be provided with a screw fastening part (142a) that protrudes outward to screw fasten the upper case (120) to the housing (101).

[0188] The upper case (120) may further include a side perimeter (143). The side perimeter (143) may extend downward from the horizontal extension (142).

[0189] The side perimeter (143) may be positioned to wrap around the perimeter of the lower assembly (200). That is, the side perimeter (143) serves to prevent the lower assembly (200) from being exposed to the outside.

[0190] Although the above description explains that the upper case (120) is attached to a separate housing (101) within the freezer (4), it is also possible for the upper case (120) to be directly attached to the wall forming the freezer (4).

[0191] Upper Tray

[0192] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a lower perspective view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a side view of an upper tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0193] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the upper tray (150) may be formed of a flexible material that can return to its original shape after being deformed by an external force.

[0194] For example, the upper tray (150) may be formed of silicone material. As in the present embodiment, if the upper tray (150) is formed of silicone material, even if the shape of the upper tray (150) is deformed by an external force during the ice-making process, the upper tray (150) returns to its original shape, so that spherical ice can be produced despite repeated ice production.

[0195] If the upper tray (150) is formed of a metal material, and an external force is applied to the upper tray (150) and the upper tray (150) itself is deformed, the upper tray (150) can no longer be restored to its original shape.

[0196] In this case, spherical ice cannot be produced after the shape of the upper tray (150) is deformed. That is, it becomes impossible to repeatedly produce spherical ice.

[0197] On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, if the upper tray (150) has a flexible material that can be returned to its original shape, this problem can be solved.

[0198] In addition, if the upper tray (150) is formed of silicone material, it can be prevented from melting or thermally deforming the upper tray (150) due to the heat provided by the upper heater described later.

[0199] The upper tray (150) may include an upper tray body (151) that forms an upper chamber (152) which is part of the ice chamber (111).

[0200] The upper tray body (151) can define a plurality of upper chambers (152).

[0201] For example, the plurality of upper chambers (152) may define a first upper chamber (152a), a second upper chamber (152b), and a third upper chamber (152c).

[0202] The upper tray body (151) may include three chamber walls (153) forming three independent upper chambers (152a, 152b, 152c), and the three chamber walls (153) may be formed as one body and connected to each other.

[0203] The first upper chamber (152a), the second upper chamber (152b), and the third upper chamber (152c) may be arranged in a line. For example, the first upper chamber (152a), the second upper chamber (152b), and the third upper chamber (152c) may be arranged in the direction of arrow A with respect to FIG. 8. The direction of arrow A in FIG. 8 is the same direction as the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6.

[0204] The upper chamber (152) can be formed in a hemispherical shape. That is, the upper part of the spherical ice can be formed by the upper chamber (152).

[0205] An inlet opening (154) for water to flow into the upper chamber (152) may be formed on the upper side of the upper tray body (151). For example, three inlet openings (154) may be formed in the upper tray body (151). Cold air may be guided into the ice chamber (111) through the inlet openings (154).

[0206] During the evacuation process, the upper ejector (300) can be introduced into the upper chamber (152) through the inlet opening (154).

[0207] An inlet wall (155) may be provided in the upper tray (150) so that deformation on the side of the inlet opening (154) in the upper tray (150) is minimized during the process in which the upper ejector (300) is introduced through the inlet opening (154).

[0208] The above-mentioned entrance wall (155) is positioned along the perimeter of the above-mentioned inlet opening (154) and can extend upward from the above-mentioned upper tray body (151).

[0209] The above inlet wall (155) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the upper ejector (300) can pass through the inner space of the inlet wall (155) and penetrate the inlet opening (154).

[0210] One or more first connecting ribs (155a) may be provided along the perimeter of the inlet wall (155) so as to prevent deformation of the inlet wall (155) during the process in which the upper ejector (300) is introduced into the inlet opening (154).

[0211] The first connecting rib (155a) can connect the entrance wall (155) and the upper tray body (151). For example, the first connecting rib (155a) can be formed integrally with the perimeter of the entrance wall (155) and the outer surface of the upper tray body (151).

[0212] Although not limited, multiple first connecting ribs (155a) may be arranged along the perimeter of the entrance wall (155).

[0213] The two inlet walls (155) corresponding to the second upper chamber (152b) and the third upper chamber (152c) can be connected by a second connecting rib (162). The second connecting rib (162) also serves to prevent deformation of the inlet walls (155).

[0214] A water supply guide (156) may be provided in the inlet wall (155) corresponding to any one of the three upper chambers (152a, 152b, 152c).

[0215] Although not limited to, the above water supply guide (156) may be formed on the inlet wall (155) corresponding to the second upper chamber (152b).

[0216] The above water supply guide (156) may be inclined in a direction that moves upward from the inlet wall (155) toward the second upper chamber (152b).

[0217] The upper tray (150) may further include a first receiving portion (160). The first receiving portion (160) may accommodate a recessed portion (122) of the upper case (120).

[0218] Since a heater coupling part (124) is provided in the above-mentioned recess (122) and an upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 13) is provided in the heater coupling part (124), it can be understood that the upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 13) is received in the above-mentioned first receiving part (160).

[0219] The first receiving portion (160) may be arranged to surround the upper chambers (152a, 152b, 152c). The first receiving portion (160) may be formed as the upper surface of the upper tray body (151) is sunken downward.

[0220] The first receiving portion (160) may accommodate a heater coupling portion (124) to which the upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 13) is coupled.

[0221] The upper tray (150) may further include a second receiving portion (161) (or may be called a sensor receiving portion) in which the temperature sensor (500) is received.

[0222] For example, the second receiving portion (161) may be provided in the upper tray body (151). Although not limited to this, the second receiving portion (161) may be formed by being recessed downward from the bottom of the first receiving portion (160).

[0223] Also, the second receiving portion (161) may be located between two adjacent upper chambers. As an example, FIG. 7 shows it located between the first upper chamber (152a) and the second upper chamber (152b).

[0224] Accordingly, interference between the upper heater (see 148 in FIG. 13) housed in the first receiving portion (160) and the temperature sensor (500) can be prevented.

[0225] With the temperature sensor (500) received in the second receiving portion (161), the temperature sensor (500) can come into contact with the outer surface of the upper tray body (151).

[0226] The chamber wall (153) of the upper tray body (151) may include a vertical wall (153a) and a curved wall (153b).

[0227] The above curved wall (153b) can be rounded in a direction that moves away from the upper chamber (152) as it goes upward.

[0228] The upper tray (150) may further include a horizontal extension (164) that extends horizontally along the perimeter of the upper tray body (151). The horizontal extension (164) may, for example, extend along the perimeter of the upper edge of the upper tray body (151).

[0229] The horizontal extension (164) can be in contact with the upper case (120) and the upper supporter (170).

[0230] For example, the lower surface (164b) (or may be called the "first surface") of the horizontal extension (164) may be in contact with the upper supporter (170), and the upper surface (164a) (or may be called the "second surface") of the horizontal extension (164) may be in contact with the upper case (120).

[0231] At least a portion of the horizontal extension (164) may be located between the upper case (120) and the upper supporter (170).

[0232] The horizontal extension (164) may include a plurality of upper protrusions (165, 166) for insertion into each of the plurality of upper slots (131, 132).

[0233] The plurality of upper protrusions (165, 166) may include a first upper protrusion (165) and a second upper protrusion (166) located on the opposite side of the first upper protrusion (165) with respect to the inlet opening (154).

[0234] The first upper projection (165) can be inserted into the first upper slot (131), and the second upper projection (166) can be inserted into the second upper slot (132).

[0235] The first upper projection (165) and the second upper projection (166) may protrude upward from the upper surface (164a) of the horizontal extension (164).

[0236] The first upper projection (165) and the second upper projection (166) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 8. The direction of arrow B in FIG. 8 is the same direction as the direction of arrow B in FIG. 6.

[0237] Although not limited, the plurality of first upper protrusions (165) may be spaced apart and arranged in the direction of arrow A.

[0238] In addition, the plurality of second upper protrusions (166) may be spaced apart and arranged in the direction of arrow A.

[0239] The first upper projection (165) can be formed in a curved shape, for example. Additionally, the second upper projection (166) can be formed in a curved shape, for example.

[0240] In this embodiment, each of the upper protrusions (165, 166) not only allows the upper tray (150) and the upper case (120) to be joined, but also prevents the horizontal extension (264) from being deformed during the ice making or ice removal process.

[0241] At this time, if the upper protrusion (165, 165) is formed in a curved shape, the distance from the upper chamber (152) in the longitudinal direction of the upper protrusion (165, 165) becomes equal or nearly similar, thereby effectively preventing deformation of the horizontal extension (264).

[0242] For example, the horizontal deformation of the horizontal extension (264) can be minimized so that the horizontal extension (264) is stretched and plastically deformed. If the horizontal extension (264) is plastically deformed, the upper tray body cannot be positioned in the correct position during ice making, so the ice does not become close to a spherical shape.

[0243] The horizontal extension (164) may further include a plurality of lower protrusions (167, 168). The plurality of lower protrusions (167, 168) may be inserted into the lower slot of the upper supporter (170) to be described later.

[0244] The plurality of lower protrusions (167, 168) may include a first lower protrusion (167) and a second lower protrusion (168) located opposite the second lower protrusion (167) with respect to the upper chamber (152).

[0245] The first lower projection (167) and the second lower projection (168) may protrude upward from the lower surface (164b) of the horizontal extension (164).

[0246] The first lower projection (167) may be located on the opposite side of the first upper projection (165) with respect to the horizontal extension (164). The second lower projection (168) may be located on the opposite side of the second upper projection (166) with respect to the horizontal extension (164).

[0247] The first lower projection (167) may be spaced apart from the vertical wall (153a) of the upper tray body (151). The second lower projection (168) may be spaced apart from the curved wall (153b) of the upper tray body (151).

[0248] The plurality of lower protrusions (167, 168) may also be formed in a curved shape. As protrusions (165, 166, 167, 168) are formed on the upper surface (164a) and lower surface (164b) of the horizontal extension (164), horizontal deformation of the horizontal extension (164) can be effectively prevented.

[0249] The above horizontal extension part (164) may be provided with a through hole (169) through which the fastening boss of the above upper supporter (170), which will be described later, passes.

[0250] For example, a plurality of through holes (169) may be provided in the horizontal extension (164).

[0251] Some of the through holes (169) may be located between two adjacent first upper protrusions (165) or two adjacent first lower protrusions (167).

[0252] Among the multiple through holes (169), other through holes may be positioned between two adjacent second lower protrusions (168) or positioned to face the area between the two second lower protrusions (168).

[0253] Upper Supporter

[0254] FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of an upper supporter according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a lower perspective view of an upper supporter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0255] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the upper supporter (170) may include a supporter plate (171) in contact with the upper tray (150).

[0256] For example, the upper surface of the supporter plate (171) may come into contact with the lower surface (164b) of the horizontal extension (164) of the upper tray (150).

[0257] The supporter plate (171) may be provided with a plate opening (172) through which the upper tray body (151) passes.

[0258] A perimeter wall (174) formed by being bent upwardly may be provided on the edge of the supporter plate (171). The perimeter wall (174) may, for example, come into contact with at least a portion of the side perimeter of the horizontal extension (164).

[0259] And, the upper surface of the perimeter wall (174) can come into contact with the lower surface of the upper plate (121).

[0260] The supporter plate (171) may include a plurality of lower slots (176, 177).

[0261] The plurality of lower slots (176, 177) may include a first lower slot (176) into which the first lower projection (167) is inserted and a second lower slot (177) into which the second lower projection (168) is inserted.

[0262] A plurality of first lower slots (176) may be spaced apart from the support plate (171) in the direction of arrow A. Additionally, a plurality of second lower slots (177) may be spaced apart from the support plate (171) in the direction of arrow A.

[0263] The supporter plate (171) may further include a plurality of fastening bosses (175). The plurality of fastening bosses (175) may protrude upward from the upper surface of the supporter plate (171).

[0264] Each of the above fastening bosses (175) can be inserted into the sleeve (133) of the upper case (120) by passing through the through hole (169) of the horizontal extension (164).

[0265] With the fastening boss (175) inserted into the sleeve (133), the upper surface of the fastening boss (175) may be positioned at the same height as or lower than the upper surface of the sleeve (133).

[0266] The fastening member fastened to the fastening boss (175) may be, for example, a bolt (B1 in FIG. 3). The bolt (B1) may include a body portion and a head portion formed larger than the diameter of the body portion. The bolt (B1) may be fastened to the fastening boss (175) from above the fastening boss (175).

[0267] When the body portion of the bolt (B1) is fastened to the fastening boss (175), the head portion comes into contact with the upper surface of the sleeve (133), or the head portion comes into contact with both the upper surface of the sleeve (133) and the upper surface of the fastening boss (175), the assembly of the upper assembly (110) can be completed.

[0268] The upper supporter (170) may further include a plurality of unit guides (181, 182) for guiding a connecting unit (350) connected to the upper ejector (300).

[0269] The above plurality of unit guides (181, 182) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A based on FIG. 11, for example.

[0270] The unit guides (181, 182) may extend upward from the upper surface of the support plate (171). And, each unit guide (181, 182) may be connected to the perimeter wall (174).

[0271] Each of the above unit guides (181, 182) may include a guide slot (183) that extends in the vertical direction.

[0272] With both ends of the ejector body (310) of the upper ejector (300) passing through the guide slot (183), the connecting unit (350) is connected to the ejector body (310).

[0273] Accordingly, when rotational force is transmitted to the ejector body (310) by the connecting unit (350) during the rotation process of the lower assembly (200), the ejector body (310) can be moved up and down along the guide slot (183).

[0274] Upper heater coupling structure

[0275] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the heater connection part in the upper case of FIG. 5, FIG. 13 is a view showing the state in which the heater is connected to the upper case of FIG. 5, and FIG. 14 is a view showing the arrangement of wires connected to the heater in the upper case.

[0276] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the heater coupling portion (124) may include a heater receiving groove (124a) for receiving the upper heater (148).

[0277] The heater receiving groove (124a) can be formed, for example, by a portion of the lower surface of the recess (122) of the upper case (120) being recessed upward.

[0278] The heater receiving groove (124a) can be extended along the perimeter of the opening (123) of the upper case (120).

[0279] The upper heater (148) may be, for example, a wire-type heater. Thus, the upper heater (148) can be bent, and the upper heater (148) can be accommodated in the heater receiving groove (124a) by bending it to fit the shape of the heater receiving groove (124a).

[0280] The upper heater (148) may be a DC heater supplied with DC power. The upper heater (148) may be turned on for use.

[0281] When the heat from the upper heater (148) is transferred to the upper tray (150), the ice can be separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray (150).

[0282] If the upper tray (150) is formed of a metal material and the heat of the upper heater (148) is strong, after the upper heater (148) is turned off, the part of the ice heated by the upper heater (148) sticks to the surface of the upper tray (150) again and becomes opaque.

[0283] That is, an opaque band corresponding to the shape of the upper heater is formed around the perimeter of the ice.

[0284] However, in the case of the present embodiment, a DC heater with a low output is used, and as the upper tray (150) is formed of silicone material, the amount of heat transferred to the upper tray (150) is reduced, and the thermal conductivity of the upper tray (150) itself is also reduced.

[0285] Therefore, since heat is not concentrated in localized parts of the ice and a small amount of heat is gradually applied to the ice, the ice can be effectively separated from the upper tray while preventing the formation of an opaque band around the ice.

[0286] In order for the heat of the upper heater (148) to be evenly transferred to each of the plurality of upper chambers (152) of the upper tray (150), the upper heater (148) may be arranged to surround the perimeter of the plurality of upper chambers (152).

[0287] And, the upper heater (148) may come into contact with the perimeter of each of the plurality of chamber walls (153) forming each of the plurality of upper chambers (152). At this time, the upper heater (148) may be positioned lower than the inlet opening (154).

[0288] Since the heater receiving groove (124a) is recessed in the recessed portion (122), the heater receiving groove (124a) can be defined by the outer wall (124b) and the inner wall (124c).

[0289] In order for the upper heater (148) to protrude to the outside of the heater coupling part (124) while the upper heater (148) is received in the heater receiving groove (124a), the diameter of the upper heater (148) may be formed to be larger than the depth of the heater receiving groove (124a).

[0290] With the upper heater (148) received in the heater receiving groove (124a), a part of the upper heater (148) protrudes outward from the heater receiving groove (124a), so that the upper heater (148) can come into contact with the upper tray (150).

[0291] In order to prevent the upper heater (148) received in the heater receiving groove (124a) from falling out of the heater receiving groove (124a), one or more of the outer wall (124b) and inner wall (124c) may be provided with a detachment prevention projection (124d).

[0292] FIG. 12 illustrates, as an example, that a plurality of anti-detachment protrusions (124d) are provided on the inner wall (124c).

[0293] The above anti-detachment projection (124d) may protrude toward the outer wall (124b) from the end of the inner wall (124c).

[0294] At this time, the protrusion length of the anti-detachment projection (124d) can be formed to be less than 1 / 2 of the gap between the outer wall (124b) and the inner wall (124c) so that the upper heater (148) is not obstructed from being inserted by the anti-detachment projection (124d) and the upper heater (148) is not easily removed from the heater receiving groove (124a).

[0295] As shown in FIG. 13, when the upper heater (148) is received in the heater receiving groove (124a), the upper heater (148) can be divided into a round portion (148c) and a straight portion (148d).

[0296] That is, the heater receiving groove (124a) includes a rounded portion and a straight portion, and the upper heater (148) can be divided into a rounded portion (148c) and a straight portion (148d) corresponding to the rounded portion and the straight portion of the heater receiving groove (124a).

[0297] The above round portion (148c) is a portion arranged along the perimeter of the upper chamber (152) and is a portion bent to be rounded in the horizontal direction.

[0298] The straight section (148d) is a part that connects the round section (148c) corresponding to each upper chamber (152).

[0299] Since the upper heater 148) is positioned lower than the inlet opening (154), the line connecting two spaced points of the round section can pass through the upper chamber (152).

[0300] Since there is a high risk that the round portion (148c) among the upper heaters (148) may fall out of the heater receiving groove (124a), the anti-detachment projection (124d) may be positioned to contact the round portion (148c).

[0301] A through opening (124e) may be provided on the bottom surface of the heater receiving groove (124a). When the upper heater (148) is received in the heater receiving groove (124a), a portion of the upper heater (148) may be positioned in the through opening (124e). For example, the through opening (124e) may be positioned in the portion facing the anti-detachment projection (124d).

[0302] If the upper heater (148) is bent to be horizontally rounded, the tension of the upper heater (148) increases, and there is a risk of the wire breaking, and there is a high risk that the upper heater (148) will come out of the heater receiving groove (124a).

[0303] However, as in the present embodiment, if a through opening (124e) is formed in the heater receiving groove (124a), a part of the upper heater (148) can be positioned in the through opening (124e), thereby reducing the tension of the upper heater (148) and preventing the upper heater from falling out of the heater receiving groove (124a).

[0304] As shown in FIG. 14, the power input terminal (148a) and the power output terminal (148b) of the upper heater (148) can pass through the heater through hole (125) formed in the upper case (120) while arranged side by side.

[0305] Since the upper heater (148) is received at the lower side of the upper case (120), the power input terminal (148a) and power output terminal (148b) of the upper heater (148) can be extended upward and pass through the heater through hole (125).

[0306] The power input terminal (148a) and power output terminal (148b) passing through the heater through hole (125) can be connected to a single first connector (129a).

[0307] And, a second connector (129c) may be connected to the first connector (129a), with two wires (129d) connected to correspond to the power input terminal (148a) and the power output terminal (148b).

[0308] The upper plate (121) of the upper case (120) may be provided with a first guide part (126) that guides the upper heater (148), the first connector (129a), the second connector (129c), and the wire (129d).

[0309] FIG. 14 illustrates, as an example, that the first guide part (126) guides the first connector (129a).

[0310] The first guide portion (126) extends upward from the upper surface of the upper plate (121), and the upper portion can be bent in a horizontal direction.

[0311] Accordingly, the bent portion on the upper side of the first guide portion (126) restricts the first connector (126) from moving in the upward direction.

[0312] The above wire (129d) can be pulled out to the outside of the upper case (120) after being bent into a shape roughly like a "U" so as to prevent interference with surrounding structures.

[0313] Since the above wire (129d) is extended in a bent state at least once, the upper case (120) may further include wire guides (127, 128) for fixing the position of the above wire (129d).

[0314] The above wire guides (127, 128) may include a first guide (127) and a second guide (128) spaced apart in a horizontal direction. The first guide (127) and the second guide (128) may be bent in a direction corresponding to the bending direction of the wire (129d) so as to minimize damage to the wire (129d) being bent.

[0315] That is, each of the first guide (127) and the second guide (128) may include a curved section.

[0316] In order to restrict the upward movement of the wire (129d) located between the first guide (127) and the second guide (128), one or more of the first guide (127) and the second guide (128) may include an upper guide (127a) extending toward the other guide.

[0317] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the upper assembly is assembled.

[0318] Referring to FIG. 15, the upper case (120), the upper tray (150), and the upper supporter (170) can be combined with each other while the upper heater (148) is connected to the heater connection part (124) of the upper case (120).

[0319] And, the first upper projection (165) of the upper tray (150) is inserted into the first upper slot (131) of the upper case (120). Also, the second upper projection (166) of the upper tray (150) is inserted into the second upper slot (132) of the upper case (120).

[0320] Next, the first lower projection (167) of the upper tray (150) is inserted into the first lower slot (176) of the upper supporter (170), and the second lower projection (168) of the upper tray is inserted into the second lower slot (177) of the upper supporter (170).

[0321] Then, the fastening boss (175) of the upper supporter (170) passes through the through hole (169) of the upper tray (150) and is received within the sleeve (133) of the upper case (120). In this state, the bolt (B1) can be fastened to the fastening boss (175) from above the fastening boss (175).

[0322] With the bolt (B1) fastened to the fastening boss (175), the head portion of the bolt (B1) is positioned higher than the upper plate (121).

[0323] On the other hand, since the hinge supporter (135, 136) is positioned lower than the upper plate (121), interference between the upper assembly (110) or the connecting unit (350) and the head portion of the bolt (B1) can be prevented during the process of the lower assembly (200) rotating.

[0324] During the assembly process of the upper assembly (110), a plurality of unit guides (181, 182) of the upper supporter (170) protrude upward from the upper plate (121) through through openings (139a, 139b in FIG. 5) located on both sides of the upper plate (121) in the upper case (120).

[0325] In this way, the upper ejector (300) passes through the guide slot (183) of the unit guide (181, 182) that protrudes upward from the upper plate (121).

[0326] Accordingly, the upper ejector (300) is positioned above the upper plate (121) and descends while being drawn into the upper chamber (152), thereby separating the ice in the upper chamber (152) from the upper tray (150).

[0327] When the upper assembly (110) is assembled, the heater coupling part (124) to which the upper heater (148) is coupled is received in the first receiving part (160) of the upper tray (150).

[0328] With the heater coupling part (124) received in the first receiving part (160), the upper heater (148) contacts the bottom surface (160a) of the first receiving part (160).

[0329] As in the present embodiment, when the upper heater (148) is housed in a recessed heater coupling part (124) and comes into contact with the upper tray body (151), the transfer of heat from the upper heater (148) to other parts other than the upper tray body (151) can be minimized.

[0330] In order for the heat of the upper heater (148) to be smoothly transferred to the upper chamber (152), at least a portion of the upper heater (148) may be arranged to overlap the upper chamber (152) in the vertical direction.

[0331] In this embodiment, the round portion (148c) of the upper heater (148) may overlap with the upper chamber (152) in the vertical direction.

[0332] That is, the maximum distance between two points of the round portion (148c) located on the opposite side of the upper chamber (152) is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the upper chamber (152).

[0333] <Lower Case>

[0334] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a lower case according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of a lower case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0335] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, the lower assembly (200) may include a lower tray (250), a lower supporter (270), and a lower case (210).

[0336] The lower case (210) can wrap around the perimeter of the lower tray (250), and the lower supporter (270) can support the lower tray (250).

[0337] And, the connecting unit (350) can be coupled to the lower supporter (270).

[0338] The above connecting unit (350) may include a first link (352) for receiving power from the driving unit (180) to rotate the lower supporter (270), and a second link (356) connected to the lower supporter (270) to transmit the rotational force of the lower supporter (270) to the upper ejector (300) when the lower supporter (270) rotates.

[0339] The first link (352) and the lower supporter (270) may be connected by an elastic member (360). The elastic member (360) may be, for example, a coil spring.

[0340] One end of the elastic member (360) is connected to the first link (352), and the other end is connected to the lower supporter (270).

[0341] The elastic member (360) provides elastic force to the lower supporter (270) so that the upper tray (150) and the lower tray (250) remain in contact.

[0342] In this embodiment, a first link (352) and a second link (356) may be positioned on each side of the lower supporter (270).

[0343] And, one of the two first links (352) is connected to the drive unit (180) and receives rotational force from the drive unit (180).

[0344] The two first links (352) can be connected by a connecting shaft (370 in FIG. 4).

[0345] A hole (358) can be formed in the upper part of the second link (356) through which the ejector body (310) of the upper ejector (300) can pass.

[0346] The lower case (210) may include a lower plate (211) for fixing the lower tray (250).

[0347] A portion of the lower tray (250) can be fixed in contact with the lower surface of the lower plate (211).

[0348] The lower plate (211) may be provided with an opening (212) through which a part of the lower tray (250) passes.

[0349] For example, when the lower tray (250) is positioned below the lower plate (211) and the lower tray (250) is fixed to the lower plate (211), a portion of the lower tray (250) may protrude upward from the lower plate (211) through the opening (212).

[0350] The lower case (210) may further include a perimeter wall (214) (or cover wall) surrounding the lower tray (250) that penetrates the lower plate (211).

[0351] The above perimeter wall (214) may include a vertical wall (214a) and a curved wall (215).

[0352] The vertical wall (214a) is a wall that extends vertically upward from the lower plate (211). The curved wall (215) is a wall that is rounded so as to move away from the opening (212) as it extends upward from the lower plate (211).

[0353] The vertical wall (214a) may include a first connecting slit (214b) for connecting with the lower tray (250). The first connecting slit (214b) may be formed as the upper end of the vertical wall (214a) is recessed downward.

[0354] The curved wall (215) may include a second connecting slit (215a) for connecting with the lower tray (250).

[0355] The second connecting slit (215a) above can be formed as the upper end of the curved wall (215) is sunken downward.

[0356] The lower case (210) may further include a first fastening boss (216) and a second fastening boss (217).

[0357] The first fastening boss (216) may protrude downward from the lower surface of the lower plate (211). For example, a plurality of first fastening bosses (216) may protrude downward from the lower plate (211).

[0358] The plurality of first fastening bosses (216) can be arranged spaced apart in the direction of arrow A based on FIG. 17.

[0359] The second fastening boss (217) may protrude downward from the lower surface of the lower plate (211). For example, a plurality of second fastening bosses (217) may protrude from the lower plate (211). The plurality of first fastening bosses (217) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A with respect to FIG. 17.

[0360] The first fastening boss (216) and the second fastening boss (217) can be spaced apart in the direction of arrow B.

[0361] In this embodiment, the length of the first fastening boss (216) and the length of the second fastening boss (217) may be formed differently. For example, the length of the second fastening boss (217) may be formed to be longer than the length of the first fastening boss (216).

[0362] The first fastening member can be fastened to the first fastening boss (216) at the upper side of the first fastening boss (216). On the other hand, the second fastening member can be fastened to the second fastening boss (217) at the lower side of the second fastening boss (217).

[0363] In order for the first fastening member not to interfere with the curved wall (215) during the process of the first fastening member being fastened to the first fastening boss (216), the curved wall (215) is provided with a groove (215b) for the movement of the fastening member.

[0364] The lower case (210) may further include a slot (218) for coupling with the lower tray (250).

[0365] A portion of the lower tray (250) may be inserted into the slot (218). The slot (218) may be located adjacent to the vertical wall (214a).

[0366] For example, a plurality of slots (218) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 17. Each slot (218) may be formed in a curved shape.

[0367] The lower case (210) may further include a receiving groove (218a) for inserting a portion of the lower tray (250). The receiving groove (218a) may be formed as a portion of the lower plate (211) is recessed toward the curved wall (215).

[0368] The lower case (210) may further include an extension wall (219) that contacts a portion of the side perimeter of the lower plate (212) while combined with the lower tray (250). The extension wall (219) may extend in a straight line in the direction of arrow A.

[0369] <Bottom Tray>

[0370] FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are lower perspective views of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a side view of a lower tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0371] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 22, the lower tray (250) may be formed of a flexible material that can return to its original shape after being deformed by an external force.

[0372] For example, the lower tray (250) may be formed of silicone material. As in the present embodiment, if the lower tray (250) is formed of silicone material, even if an external force is applied to the lower tray (250) during the ice-making process and the shape of the lower tray (250) is deformed, the lower tray (250) can return to its original shape. Therefore, it is possible to create spherical ice despite repeated ice production.

[0373] If the lower tray (250) is formed of a metal material, and an external force is applied to the lower tray (250) and the lower tray (250) itself is deformed, the lower tray (250) can no longer be restored to its original shape.

[0374] In this case, spherical ice cannot be produced after the shape of the lower tray (250) is deformed. That is, the repeated production of spherical ice becomes impossible.

[0375] On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, if the lower tray (250) has a flexible material that can be returned to its original shape, this problem can be solved.

[0376] In addition, if the lower tray (250) is formed of silicone material, it can be prevented from melting or thermally deforming due to the heat provided by the lower heater described later.

[0377] The lower tray (250) may include a lower tray body (251) that forms a lower chamber (252) which is part of the ice chamber (111).

[0378] The lower tray body (251) can define a plurality of lower chambers (252).

[0379] For example, the plurality of lower chambers (252) may include a first lower chamber (252a), a second lower chamber (252b), and a third lower chamber (252c).

[0380] The lower tray body (251) may include three chamber walls (252d) forming three independent lower chambers (252a, 252b, 252c), and the three chamber walls (252d) may be formed as one body to form the lower tray body (251).

[0381] The first lower chamber (252a), the second lower chamber (252b), and the third lower chamber (152c) may be arranged in a line. For example, the first lower chamber (252a), the second lower chamber (252b), and the third lower chamber (152c) may be arranged in the direction of arrow A with respect to FIG. 19.

[0382] The lower chamber (252) may be formed in a hemispherical shape or a shape similar to a hemisphere. That is, the lower part of the spherical ice may be formed by the lower chamber (252).

[0383] In this specification, a shape similar to a hemisphere means a shape that is not a perfect hemisphere but is nearly a hemisphere.

[0384] The lower tray (250) may further include a first extension (253) extending horizontally from the upper edge of the lower tray body (251). The first extension (253) may be formed continuously along the perimeter of the lower tray body (251).

[0385] The lower tray (250) may further include a perimeter wall (260) extending upward from the upper surface of the first extension (253).

[0386] The lower surface of the upper tray body (151) can be in contact with the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray body (251).

[0387] The above perimeter wall (260) can surround the upper tray body (151) which is seated on the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray body (251).

[0388] The above perimeter wall (260) may include a first wall (260a) surrounding the vertical wall (153a) of the upper tray body (151) and a second wall (260b) surrounding the curved wall (153b) of the upper tray body (151).

[0389] The first wall (260a) is a vertical wall that extends vertically from the upper surface of the first extension (253). The second wall (260b) is a curved wall formed in a shape corresponding to the upper tray body (151). That is, the second wall (260b) can be rounded in a direction that moves away from the lower chamber (252) as it extends upward from the first extension (253).

[0390] The lower tray (250) may further include a second extension (254) extending horizontally from the perimeter wall (260).

[0391] The second extension (254) may be positioned higher than the first extension (253). Accordingly, the first extension (253) and the second extension (254) form a step.

[0392] The second extension (254) may include a first upper projection (255) for insertion into a slot (218) of the lower case (210). The first upper projection (255) may be spaced apart horizontally from the perimeter wall (260).

[0393] For example, the first upper projection (255) may protrude upward from the upper surface of the second extension (254) at a position adjacent to the first wall (260a).

[0394] Although not limited to, a plurality of first upper protrusions (255) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A with respect to FIG. 19. The first upper protrusions (255) may be extended in a curved shape, for example.

[0395] The second extension part (254) may further include a first lower projection (257) for insertion into a projection groove of the lower supporter (270) to be described later. The first lower projection (257) may protrude downward from the lower surface of the second extension part (254).

[0396] Although not limited, multiple first lower protrusions (257) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A.

[0397] The first upper projection (255) and the first lower projection (257) may be located on opposite sides based on the upper and lower portions of the second extension (254). At least a portion of the first upper projection (255) may overlap with the second lower projection (257) in the upper and lower directions.

[0398] A plurality of through holes (256) may be formed in the second extension part (254).

[0399] A plurality of through holes (256) may include a first through hole (256a) through which the first fastening boss (216) of the lower case (210) passes, and a second through hole (256b) through which the second fastening boss (217) of the lower case (210) passes.

[0400] For example, a plurality of first through holes (256a) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 19.

[0401] Additionally, a plurality of second through holes (256b) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 19.

[0402] The plurality of first through holes (256a) and the plurality of second through holes (256b) may be located on opposite sides with respect to the lower chamber (252).

[0403] Some of the multiple second through holes (256b) may be located between two adjacent first upper protrusions (255). Additionally, some of the multiple second through holes (256b) may be located between two first lower protrusions (257).

[0404] The second extension (254) may further include a second upper projection (258). The second upper projection (258) may be located on the opposite side of the first upper projection (255) with respect to the lower chamber (252).

[0405] The second upper projection (258) may be spaced apart horizontally from the perimeter wall (260). For example, the second upper projection (258) may protrude upward from the upper surface of the second extension (254) at a position adjacent to the second wall (260b).

[0406] Although not limited, multiple second upper protrusions (258) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 19.

[0407] The second upper projection (258) can be received in the receiving groove (218a) of the lower case (210). When the second upper projection (258) is received in the receiving groove (218a), the second upper projection (258) can come into contact with the curved wall (215) of the lower case (210).

[0408] The perimeter wall (260) of the lower tray (250) may include a first coupling projection (262) for coupling with the lower case (210).

[0409] The first connecting projection (262) may protrude horizontally from the first wall (260a) of the perimeter wall (260). The first connecting projection (262) may be located on the upper side of the first wall (260a).

[0410] The first coupling projection (262) may include a neck portion (262a) whose diameter decreases compared to other parts. The neck portion (262a) may be inserted into a first coupling slit (214b) formed in the circumferential wall (214) of the lower case (210).

[0411] The perimeter wall (260) of the lower tray (250) may further include a second coupling projection (260c) for coupling with the lower case (210).

[0412] The second coupling projection (260c) may protrude horizontally from the second wall (260b) of the perimeter wall (260). The second coupling projection (260c) may be inserted into a second coupling slit (215a) formed in the perimeter wall (214) of the lower case (210).

[0413] The second extension (254) may further include a second lower projection (266). The second lower projection (266) may be located on the opposite side of the second lower projection (257) with respect to the lower chamber (252).

[0414] The second lower projection (266) may protrude downward from the lower surface of the second extension (254). The second lower projection (266) may extend in a straight line, for example.

[0415] Some of the plurality of first through holes (256a) may be located between the second lower projection (266) and the lower chamber (252).

[0416] The second lower projection (266) can be received in a guide groove formed in the lower supporter (270) to be described later.

[0417] The second extension part (254) may further include a side limiting part (264). The side limiting part (264) restricts the lower tray (250) from moving horizontally while combined with the lower case (210) and the lower supporter (270).

[0418] The side limiting portion (264) protrudes laterally from the second extension portion (254), and the vertical length of the side limiting portion (264) is formed to be greater than the thickness of the second extension portion (254). For example, a part of the side limiting portion (264) is positioned higher than the upper surface of the second extension portion (254), and another part is positioned lower than the lower surface of the second extension portion (254).

[0419] Accordingly, a part of the side limiting part (264) may contact the side of the lower case (210), and another part may contact the side of the lower supporter (270).

[0420] <Lower Supporter>

[0421] FIG. 23 is an upper perspective view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 24 is a lower perspective view of a lower supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along DD of FIG. 16 to show the state in which the lower assembly is assembled.

[0422] Referring to FIGS. 23 to 25, the lower supporter (270) may include a supporter body (271) that supports the lower tray (250).

[0423] The supporter body (271) may include three chamber receiving portions (272) for receiving three chamber walls (252d) of the lower tray (250). The chamber receiving portions (272) may be formed in a hemispherical shape.

[0424] The supporter body (271) may include a lower opening (274) through which the lower ejector (400) passes during the evacuation process. For example, the supporter body (271) may be provided with three lower openings (274) corresponding to three chamber receiving portions (272).

[0425] Reinforcing ribs (275) for reinforcing steel beams may be provided along the perimeter of the lower opening (274).

[0426] Additionally, two adjacent chamber walls (252d) among the three chamber walls (252d) may be connected by a connecting rib (273). This connecting rib (273) can reinforce the strength of the chamber walls (252d).

[0427] The lower supporter (270) may further include a first extension wall (285) extending horizontally from the top of the supporter body (271).

[0428] The lower supporter (270) may further include a second extension wall (286) formed to be stepped with respect to the first extension wall (285) at the edge of the first extension wall (285).

[0429] The upper surface of the second extension wall (286) may be positioned higher than the first extension wall (285).

[0430] The first extension (253) of the lower tray (250) can be seated on the upper surface (271a) of the supporter body (271), and the second extension wall (286) can surround the side of the first extension (253) of the lower tray (250). At this time, the second extension wall (286) can come into contact with the side of the first extension (253) of the lower tray (250).

[0431] The lower supporter (270) may further include a projection groove (287) for receiving the first lower projection (257) of the lower tray (250).

[0432] The above-mentioned protrusion groove (287) may be extended in a curved shape. The above-mentioned protrusion groove (287) may be formed, for example, on the second extension wall (286).

[0433] The lower supporter (270) may further include a first fastening groove (286a) into which a first fastening member (B2) that penetrates the first fastening boss (216) of the upper case (210) is fastened.

[0434] The first fastening groove (286a) above may be provided in the second extension wall (286), for example.

[0435] A plurality of first fastening grooves (286a) may be spaced apart from the second extension wall (286) in the direction of arrow A. Some of the plurality of first fastening grooves (286a) may be positioned between two adjacent protruding grooves (287).

[0436] The lower supporter (270) may further include a boss through hole (286b) for the second fastening boss (217) of the upper case (210) to pass through.

[0437] The boss through-hole (286b) may be provided in the second extension wall (286), for example. The second extension wall (286) may be provided with a sleeve (286c) that surrounds the second fastening boss (217) that passes through the boss through-hole (286b). The sleeve (286c) may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open bottom.

[0438] The first fastening member (B2) can be fastened to the first fastening groove (286a) after penetrating the first fastening boss (216) above the lower case (210).

[0439] The second fastening member (B3) can be fastened to the second fastening boss (217) below the lower supporter (270).

[0440] The bottom of the sleeve (286c) may be positioned at the same height as the bottom of the second fastening boss (217) or lower than the bottom of the second fastening boss (217).

[0441] Accordingly, during the fastening process of the second fastening member (B3), the head portion of the second fastening member (B3) may come into contact with the second fastening boss (217) and the lower surface of the sleeve (286c), or with the lower surface of the sleeve (286c).

[0442] The lower supporter (270) may further include an outer wall (280) positioned to surround the lower tray body (251) while spaced apart from the outside of the lower tray body (251).

[0443] The above outer wall (280) may extend downward along the edge of the above second extension wall (286), for example.

[0444] The lower supporter (270) may further include a plurality of hinge bodies (281, 282) for connecting to each hinge supporter (135, 136) of the upper case (210).

[0445] The plurality of hinge bodies (281, 282) may be spaced apart in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 23. Each of the hinge bodies (281, 282) may further include a second hinge hole (281a).

[0446] The shaft connecting portion (353) of the first link (352) can pass through the second hinge hole (281). The connecting shaft (370) can be connected to the shaft connecting portion (353).

[0447] The spacing between the plurality of hinge bodies (281, 282) is smaller than the spacing between the plurality of hinge supporters (135, 136). Therefore, the plurality of hinge bodies (281, 282) can be positioned between the plurality of hinge supporters (135, 136).

[0448] The lower supporter (270) may further include a coupling shaft (283) to which the second link (356) is rotatably connected. The coupling shaft (383) may be provided on each side of the outer wall (280).

[0449] Additionally, the lower supporter (270) may further include an elastic member coupling portion (284) for coupling the elastic member (360). The elastic member coupling portion (284) may form a space in which a portion of the elastic member (360) can be accommodated. As the elastic member (360) is accommodated in the elastic member coupling portion (284), interference between the elastic member (360) and surrounding structures can be prevented.

[0450] Additionally, the elastic member coupling portion (284) may include a catch portion (284a) for the lower end of the elastic member (370) to be caught.

[0451] <Lower Heater Assembly Structure>

[0452] FIG. 26 is a plan view of a lower supporter according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lower heater is coupled to the lower supporter of FIG. 26, and FIG. 28 is a drawing showing a state in which a wire connected to the lower heater penetrates the upper case while the lower assembly is coupled to the upper assembly.

[0453] Referring to FIGS. 26 to 28, the ice maker (100) of the present embodiment may further include a lower heater (296) for applying heat to the lower tray (250) during the ice making process.

[0454] The lower heater (296) provides heat to the lower chamber (252) during the ice-making process, causing the ice to start freezing from the upper part within the ice chamber (111).

[0455] In addition, as the lower heater (296) generates heat during the ice-making process, the bubbles inside the ice chamber (111) move downward during the ice-making process, so that when the ice-making is complete, the remaining parts of the spherical ice, excluding the lowest part, can become transparent. That is, according to the present embodiment, substantially transparent spherical ice can be produced.

[0456] The lower heater (296) above may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

[0457] The lower heater (296) may be installed on the lower supporter (270). The lower heater (296) may be in contact with the lower tray (250) to provide heat to the lower chamber (252).

[0458] For example, the lower heater (296) may be in contact with the lower tray body (251). Also, the lower heater (296) may be positioned to surround the three chamber walls (252d) of the lower tray body (251).

[0459] The lower supporter (270) may further include a heater coupling part (290) for coupling the lower heater (296).

[0460] The heater coupling portion (290) may include a heater receiving groove (291) that is recessed downward from the chamber receiving portion (272) of the lower tray body (251).

[0461] Due to the depression of the heater receiving groove (291), the heater coupling part (290) may include an inner wall (291a) and an outer wall (291b).

[0462] The inner wall (291a) may be formed in the shape of a ring, for example, and the outer wall (291b) may be arranged to surround the inner wall (291a).

[0463] When the lower heater (296) is received in the heater receiving groove (291), the lower heater (296) can surround at least a portion of the inner wall (291a).

[0464] The lower opening (274) may be located in the area formed by the inner wall (291a). Accordingly, when the chamber wall (252d) of the lower tray (250) is received in the chamber receiving portion (272), the chamber wall (252d) may come into contact with the upper surface of the inner wall (291a). The upper surface of the inner wall (291a) is a rounded surface corresponding to the hemispherical chamber wall (252d).

[0465] The diameter of the lower heater (296) can be formed to be larger than the depth of the indentation of the heater receiving groove (291) so that a part of the lower heater (296) protrudes outside the heater receiving groove (291) while the lower heater (296) is received in the heater receiving groove (291).

[0466] In order to prevent the lower heater (296) received in the heater receiving groove (291) from falling out of the heater receiving groove (291), one or more of the outer wall (291b) and inner wall (291a) may be provided with a detachment prevention projection (291c).

[0467] FIG. 26 illustrates that the inner wall (291a) is provided with the anti-detachment projection (291c).

[0468] Since the diameter of the inner wall (291a) is smaller than the diameter of the chamber receiving portion (272), during the assembly process of the lower heater (196), the lower heater (196) moves along the surface of the chamber receiving portion (272) and is received in the heater receiving groove (291).

[0469] That is, the lower heater (196) is received in the heater receiving groove (291) from above the outer wall (291a) toward the inner wall (291a). Accordingly, it is preferable that the anti-detachment projection (291c) be formed on the inner wall (291a) so that the lower heater (196) does not interfere with the anti-detachment projection (291c) during the process of receiving the lower heater (196) in the heater receiving groove (291).

[0470] The above anti-detachment projection (291c) may protrude from the upper part of the inner wall (291a) toward the outer wall (291b).

[0471] The protrusion length of the above anti-detachment projection (291c) can be formed to be less than 1 / 2 of the gap between the outer wall (291b) and the inner wall (291a).

[0472] As shown in FIG. 27, when the lower heater (296) is received in the heater receiving groove (291), the lower heater (296) can be divided into a round portion (296a) and a straight portion (296b).

[0473] That is, the heater receiving groove (291) includes a rounded portion and a straight portion, and the lower heater (296) can be divided into the rounded portion (296a) and the straight portion (296b) corresponding to the rounded portion and the straight portion of the heater receiving groove (296).

[0474] The above round portion (296a) is a portion arranged along the perimeter of the lower chamber (252) and is a portion bent to be rounded in the horizontal direction.

[0475] The straight section (296b) is a part that connects the round section (296a) corresponding to each lower chamber (252).

[0476] Since there is a high risk that the round portion (296a) of the lower heater (296) may fall out of the heater receiving groove (291), the anti-detachment projection (291c) may be positioned to contact the round portion (296a).

[0477] A through opening (291d) may be provided on the bottom surface of the heater receiving groove (291). When the lower heater (296) is received in the heater receiving groove (291), a part of the lower heater (296) may be positioned in the through opening (291d). For example, the through opening (291d) may be positioned in the part facing the anti-detachment projection (291c).

[0478] If the lower heater (296) is bent to be rounded in the horizontal direction, the tension of the upper heater (296) increases, which may cause a breakage of the wire, and there is a high risk that the lower heater (296) may come out of the heater receiving groove (291).

[0479] However, as in the present embodiment, if a through opening (291d) is formed in the heater receiving groove (291), a part of the lower heater (296) can be positioned in the through opening (291d), thereby reducing the tension of the lower heater (296) and preventing the lower heater (296) from falling out of the heater receiving groove (291).

[0480] The lower supporter (270) may include a first guide groove (293) for guiding the power input terminal (296c) and power output terminal (296d) of the lower heater (296) received in the heater receiving groove (291), and a second guide groove (294) extending in a direction intersecting the first guide groove (293).

[0481] The first guide groove (293) above may extend in the direction of arrow B from the heater receiving groove (291), for example.

[0482] And, the second guide groove (294) may extend in the direction of arrow A from the end of the first guide groove (293). In this embodiment, the direction of arrow A is a direction parallel to the extension direction of the rotational center axis (C1) of the lower assembly (200).

[0483] Referring to FIG. 27, the first guide groove (293) may extend from either of the left or right chamber receiving portions, excluding the central portion, of the three chamber receiving portions.

[0484] For example, FIG. 27 illustrates that the first guide groove (293) extends from the chamber receiving portion located on the left among the three chamber receiving portions.

[0485] As shown in FIG. 27, the power input terminal (296c) and the power output terminal (296d) of the lower heater (296) can be accommodated in the first guide groove (293) while arranged side by side.

[0486] The power input terminal (296c) and power output terminal (296c) of the lower heater (296) can be connected to a single first connector (297a).

[0487] And, a second connector (297b) may be connected to the first connector (297a), with two wires (298) connected to correspond to the power input terminal (296a) and the power output terminal (296b).

[0488] In this embodiment, the first connector (297a) and the second connector (297b) are connected, and the first connector (297a) and the second connector (297b) are received in the second guide groove (294).

[0489] And, the wire (298) connected to the second connector (297b) is drawn out to the outside of the lower supporter (270) through the draw-out slot (295) formed in the lower supporter (270) at the end of the second guide groove (294).

[0490] According to the present embodiment, since the first connector (297a) and the second connector (297b) are received in the second guide groove (294), there is an advantage that the first connector (297a) and the second connector (297b) are not exposed to the outside when the assembly of the lower assembly (200) is completed.

[0491] In this way, if the first connector (297a) and the second connector (297b) are not exposed to the outside, interference between the first connector (297a) and the second connector (297b) and surrounding structures during the rotation process of the lower assembly (200) is prevented, and separation between the first connector (297a) and the second connector (297b) can be prevented.

[0492] Additionally, since the first connector (297a) and the second connector (297b) are received in the second guide groove (294), a part of the wire (298) is located within the second guide groove (294), and another part is located outside the lower supporter (270) by the withdrawal slot (295).

[0493] At this time, since the second guide groove (294) extends in a direction parallel to the rotational center axis (C1) of the lower assembly (200), a part of the wire (298) also extends in a direction parallel to the rotational center axis (C1).

[0494] And, another part of the above wire (298) extends in a direction that intersects the rotational center axis (C1) on the outside of the lower supporter (270).

[0495] According to the arrangement of the above wire (298), during the rotation process of the lower assembly (200), almost no tensile force acts on the wire (298), and torsion force acts.

[0496] Compared to the case where a tensile force is applied to the wire (298), the possibility of the wire (298) being severed is very low when a torsional force is applied.

[0497] In the case of the present embodiment, during the rotation process of the lower assembly (200), the lower heater (296) is maintained in a fixed position, and since a torsional force is applied to the wire (298), damage to the lower heater (296) is prevented and the wire (298) is prevented from breaking.

[0498] One or more of the first guide groove (293) and the second guide groove (294) may be provided with a detachment prevention projection (293a) to prevent the lower heater (291) or wire (298) housed inside from coming out.

[0499] The power input terminal (296c) and power output terminal (296d) of the lower heater (296) are positioned in the first guide groove (293). At this time, since heat is also generated at the power input terminal (296c) and power output terminal (296d), the heat provided to the left chamber receiving portion to which the first guide groove (293) extends is greater than the heat provided to the other chamber receiving portion.

[0500] In this case, if the amount of heat supplied to each chamber receiving part is different, the transparency of the spherical ice formed after ice making and freezing is complete may vary depending on the ice.

[0501] Accordingly, in order to minimize the difference in transparency between ice, a bypass receiving groove (292) may be further provided in the chamber receiving part (for example, the right chamber receiving part) located furthest from the first guide groove (293) among the three chamber receiving parts.

[0502] For example, the above-mentioned bypass receiving groove (292) may be arranged in a form that extends outward from the heater receiving groove (291), is bent, and then reconnects to the heater receiving groove (291).

[0503] If the lower heater (291) is additionally accommodated in the above bypass receiving groove (292), the contact area between the chamber wall accommodated in the right chamber receiving portion (272) and the lower heater (296) can be increased.

[0504] Accordingly, the chamber receiving portion (272) on the right may additionally be provided with a projection (292a) for fixing the position of the lower heater received in the bypass receiving groove (292).

[0505] Referring to FIG. 28, when the lower assembly (200) is coupled with the upper case (120) of the upper assembly (110), the wire (298) drawn out to the outside of the lower supporter (270) can pass through the wire penetration slot (138) formed in the upper case (120) and extend upward of the upper case (120).

[0506] The wire penetration slot (138) may be provided with a limiting guide (139) to restrict the movement of the wire (298) passing through the wire penetration slot (138). The limiting guide (139) is formed in a shape that is bent multiple times, and the wire (298) may be positioned within the area where the limiting guide is formed.

[0507] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA of FIG. 3a, and FIG. 30 is a drawing showing the state in which ice formation is completed in the drawing of FIG. 29.

[0508] Figure 29 illustrates the state in which the upper tray and the lower tray are in contact.

[0509] First, referring to FIG. 29, the ice chamber (111) is completed as the upper tray (150) and the lower tray (250) come into contact in the vertical direction.

[0510] The lower surface (151a) of the upper tray body (151) is in contact with the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray body (251).

[0511] At this time, while the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray body (251) is in contact with the lower surface (151a) of the upper tray body (151), the elastic force of the elastic member (360) is applied to the lower supporter (270).

[0512] The elastic force of the elastic member (360) is applied to the lower tray (250) by the lower supporter (270), so that the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray body (251) presses against the lower surface (151a) of the upper tray body (151).

[0513] Accordingly, when the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray body (251) is in contact with the lower surface (151a) of the upper tray body (151), each surface is pressed against each other, thereby improving the adhesion force.

[0514] In this way, if the adhesion force between the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray body (251) and the lower surface (151a) of the upper tray body (151) is increased, there is no gap between the two surfaces, so that a thin strip of ice is prevented from forming along the circumference of the spherical ice after the ice making is completed.

[0515] The first extension portion (253) of the lower tray (250) is seated on the upper surface (271a) of the supporter body (271) of the lower supporter (270). Then, the second extension wall (286) of the lower supporter (270) contacts the side of the first extension portion (253) of the lower tray (250).

[0516] The second extension part (254) of the lower tray (250) can be seated on the second extension wall (286) of the lower supporter (270).

[0517] With the lower surface (151a) of the upper tray body (151) resting on the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray body (251), the upper tray body (151) can be accommodated in the internal space of the perimeter wall (260) of the lower tray (250).

[0518] At this time, the vertical wall (153a) of the upper tray body (151) is positioned to face the vertical wall (260a) of the lower tray (250), and the curved wall (153b) of the upper tray body (151) is positioned to face the curved wall (260b) of the lower tray (250).

[0519] The outer surface of the chamber wall (153) of the upper tray body (151) is spaced apart from the inner surface of the perimeter wall (260) of the lower tray (250). That is, a space is formed between the outer surface of the chamber wall (153) of the upper tray body (151) and the inner surface of the perimeter wall (260) of the lower tray (250).

[0520] Water supplied through the above water supply unit (180) is contained within the ice chamber (111). If a larger amount of water is supplied than the volume of the ice chamber (111), the water that cannot be contained within the ice chamber (111) is located in the space between the outer surface of the chamber wall (153) of the upper tray body (151) and the inner surface of the perimeter wall (260) of the lower tray (250).

[0521] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, even if a larger amount of water is supplied than the volume of the ice chamber (111), water can be prevented from overflowing from the ice maker (100).

[0522] With the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray body (251) in contact with the lower surface (151a) of the upper tray body (151), the upper surface of the perimeter wall (260) may be positioned higher than the inlet opening (154) of the upper tray (150) or the upper chamber (152).

[0523] Meanwhile, the lower tray body (251) may further be provided with a heater contact portion (251a) to increase the contact area with the lower heater (296).

[0524] The heater contact portion (251a) may protrude from the lower surface of the lower tray body (251). For example, the heater contact portion (251a) may be formed in a ring shape on the lower surface of the lower tray body (251). Additionally, the lower surface of the heater contact portion (251a) may be flat.

[0525] Although not limited to this, the lower heater (296) may be positioned lower than the midpoint of the height of the lower chamber (252) while in contact with the heater contact portion (251a).

[0526] The lower tray body (251) may further include a convex portion (251b) formed so that a portion of the lower side is convex toward the upper side. That is, the convex portion (251b) may be positioned to be convex toward the inside of the ice chamber (111).

[0527] A recess (251c) is formed on the lower side of the convex portion (251b) so that the thickness of the convex portion (251b) is substantially the same as the thickness of the other part of the lower tray body (251).

[0528] In this specification, the term "substantially identical" includes concepts of being completely identical and being similar to the extent that there is little difference, even though they are not identical.

[0529] The above convex portion (251b) can be positioned to face the lower opening (274) of the lower supporter (270) in the vertical direction.

[0530] And, the lower opening (274) may be located vertically below the lower chamber (252). That is, the lower opening (274) may be located vertically below the convex portion (251b).

[0531] The diameter (D1) of the convex portion (251b) can be formed to be smaller than the diameter (D2) of the lower opening (274).

[0532] When cold air is supplied to the ice chamber (111) while water is supplied to the ice chamber (111), the liquid water undergoes a phase change into solid ice. At this time, during the process of the water changing into ice, the water expands, and the expansion force of the water is transferred to the upper tray body (151) and the lower tray body (251), respectively.

[0533] In the case of the present embodiment, other parts of the lower tray body (251) are surrounded by the supporter body (271), but the part corresponding to the lower opening (274) of the support body (271) (hereinafter referred to as the "corresponding part") is not surrounded.

[0534] If the lower tray body (251) is formed in a complete hemispherical shape, when the expansion force of the water is applied to the corresponding part of the lower tray body (251) that corresponds to the lower opening (274), the corresponding part of the lower tray body (251) is deformed toward the lower opening (274).

[0535] In this case, before the ice is formed, the water supplied to the ice chamber (111) exists in a spherical shape, but after the ice is formed, additional ice in the shape of a protrusion is created from the spherical ice by the deformation of the corresponding part of the lower tray body (251), in an area corresponding to the deformation of the corresponding part.

[0536] Accordingly, in this embodiment, a convex portion (251b) is formed on the lower tray body (251) by taking into account the deformation of the lower tray body (251) so that the ice that has been frozen becomes as close as possible to a perfect sphere.

[0537] In this embodiment, the water supplied to the ice chamber (111) does not form a spherical shape before the ice is formed, but after the ice is formed, the convex portion (251b) of the lower tray body (251) is deformed toward the lower opening (274), so that spherical ice can be formed.

[0538] In this embodiment, the diameter (D1) of the convex portion (251b) is formed to be smaller than the diameter (D2) of the lower opening (274), so that the convex portion (251b) can be deformed and positioned inside the lower opening (274).

[0539] Hereinafter, the process of making ice using an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0540] FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating ice in an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0541] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in the water supply state, and FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in the ice making state.

[0542] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in the state where ice making is complete, FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in the state where ice removal is initial, and FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 3 in the state where ice removal is complete.

[0543] Referring to FIGS. 31 to 37, the refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a control unit (700) that controls the upper heater (148) and the lower heater (296).

[0544] The above control unit (700) can adjust the output of the lower heater (296) during the ice-making process. Specific details regarding the adjustment of the output of the lower heater (296) will be described later with reference to the drawings.

[0545] In order to generate ice in the above ice maker (100), first, the lower assembly (200) is moved to a water supply waiting position (S1).

[0546] For example, when the lower assembly (200) is moved to the moving completion position described later, the control unit (700) can control the drive unit (180) so that the lower assembly (200) rotates in the reverse direction.

[0547] In the water supply standby position of the lower assembly (200), the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray (250) is spaced apart from the lower surface (151e) of the upper tray (150).

[0548] Although not limited to this, the lower surface (151e) of the upper tray (150) may be positioned at a height equal to or similar to the rotation center (C2) of the lower assembly (200).

[0549] In this embodiment, the direction in which the lower assembly (200) is rotated for the purpose of moving (counterclockwise with the drawing as the reference) is called the forward direction, and the opposite direction (clockwise) is called the reverse direction.

[0550] Although not limited, the angle formed by the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray (250) and the lower surface (151e) of the upper tray (150) at the water supply standby position of the lower assembly (200) may be approximately 8 degrees.

[0551] In this state, water supply begins (S2). For example, water flows to the water supply unit (190) through a water supply pipe connected to an external water source or an internal water tank of the refrigerator (1). Then, the water is guided by the water supply unit (190) and supplied to the ice chamber (111).

[0552] At this time, water is supplied to the ice chamber (111) through one of the plurality of inlet openings (154) of the upper tray (150).

[0553] When the water supply is complete, some of the supplied water fills the lower chamber (252), and other supplied water can be filled into the space between the upper tray (150) and the lower tray (250).

[0554] For example, the volume of the upper chamber (151) and the volume of the space between the upper tray (150) and the lower tray (250) may be the same. Then, the water between the upper tray (150) and the lower tray (250) can be completely filled into the upper tray (150).

[0555] In the case of this embodiment, the lower tray (250) does not have a channel for mutual communication between the three lower chambers (252).

[0556] In this way, even if there is no channel for water movement in the lower tray (250), since the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray (250) is spaced apart from the lower surface (151e) of the upper tray (150), when water fills a specific lower chamber during the water supply process, the water can flow to another lower chamber along the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray (250).

[0557] Accordingly, each of the plurality of lower chambers (252) of the lower tray (250) can be filled with water.

[0558] In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, since there is no channel for communication of the lower chambers (252) in the lower tray (250), additional ice in the form of protrusions around the ice after ice formation is complete can be prevented.

[0559] When the water supply is complete, the lower assembly (200) is moved to the ice-making position.

[0560] For example, as shown in FIG. 34, the control unit (700) can control the drive unit (180) so that the lower assembly (200) rotates in the reverse direction.

[0561] When the lower assembly (200) is rotated in the reverse direction, the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray (250) comes closer to the lower surface (151e) of the upper tray (150).

[0562] Then, the water between the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray (250) and the lower surface (151e) of the upper tray (150) is divided and distributed into the interiors of each of the plurality of upper chambers (152).

[0563] And, when the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray (250) and the lower surface (151e) of the upper tray (150) are in complete contact, water is filled into the upper chamber (152).

[0564] The position of the lower assembly (200) in a state where the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray (250) and the lower surface (151e) of the upper tray (150) are in close contact can be called the ice-making position.

[0565] Ice making begins when the lower assembly (200) is moved to the ice making position (S4).

[0566] During ice making, since the pressure of the water (or the expansion force of the water) is smaller than the force required to deform the convex portion (251b) of the lower tray (250), the convex portion (251b) is not deformed and maintains its original shape.

[0567] After the ice making process begins, the control unit (700) determines whether the ON condition of the lower heater (296) is satisfied (S5).

[0568] That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the lower heater (296) is not turned on immediately after the ice making starts, but the lower heater (296) is turned on only when the condition for turning on the lower heater (296) is satisfied (S6).

[0569] Specifically, the water supplied to the ice chamber (111) can generally be water at room temperature or water at a temperature lower than room temperature. The temperature of the supplied water is higher than the freezing point of water.

[0570] Therefore, after the water is supplied, the temperature of the water decreases due to the cold, and when it reaches the freezing point, the water turns into ice.

[0571] In the case of this embodiment, the lower heater (296) is not turned on before the water undergoes a phase change into ice. If the lower heater (296) is turned on before the water in the ice chamber (111) reaches its freezing point, the rate at which the water temperature reaches its freezing point is slowed down by the heat from the lower heater (296), and consequently, the rate of ice formation is slowed down. That is, the lower heater operates unnecessarily regardless of the transparency of the ice.

[0572] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, when the ON condition of the lower heater (296) is satisfied, the lower heater (296) is turned ON, so that power consumption due to unnecessary operation of the lower heater (296) can be prevented.

[0573] In this embodiment, the control unit (700) determines that the ON condition of the lower heater (296) is satisfied when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (500) reaches the ON reference temperature.

[0574] For example, the above-mentioned reference temperature is a temperature for determining that water has started to freeze at the uppermost side (inlet opening side) of the ice chamber (111).

[0575] In this embodiment, since the ice chamber (111) is blocked by the upper tray (150) and the lower tray (250) except for the inlet opening (154), the water in the ice chamber (111) comes into direct contact with the cold air through the inlet opening (154), so ice begins to form in the ice chamber (111) starting from the uppermost side where the inlet opening is located.

[0576] When water freezes in the ice chamber (111), the temperature of the ice in the ice chamber (111) is below zero.

[0577] And, the temperature of the upper tray (150) is higher than the temperature of the ice in the ice chamber (111).

[0578] In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor (500) does not directly detect the temperature of the ice, but rather the temperature sensor (500) comes into contact with the upper tray (150) to detect the temperature of the upper tray (150).

[0579] With this structural arrangement, the temperature reference temperature can be set to a temperature below zero in order to determine that ice has started to be generated in the ice chamber (111) based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (500).

[0580] That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (500) reaches the reference temperature, since the reference temperature is a sub-zero temperature, the temperature of the ice in the ice chamber (111) is a sub-zero temperature, which is lower than the reference temperature, so it can be indirectly determined that ice has been generated in the ice chamber (111).

[0581] When the lower heater (296) is turned on, the heat from the lower heater (296) is transferred to the lower tray (250).

[0582] Accordingly, when ice making is performed with the lower heater (296) turned on, heat is supplied to the water contained in the lower chamber (252) within the ice chamber (111), so ice is generated from the upper side within the ice chamber (111).

[0583] In this embodiment, since ice is generated from the upper side within the ice chamber (111), the bubbles within the ice chamber (111) move downward. Since the density of water is greater than the density of ice, the bubbles in the water can easily move downward and accumulate at the bottom.

[0584] Since the ice chamber (111) is formed in a spherical shape, the horizontal cross-sectional area varies depending on the height of the ice chamber (111).

[0585] Assuming that the same amount of cold air is supplied to the ice chamber (111), if the output of the lower heater (296) is the same, the horizontal cross-sectional area varies by height of the ice chamber (111), so the rate at which ice is generated may vary by height. In other words, the height at which ice is generated per unit time is not uniform.

[0586] In this case, air bubbles in the water are unable to move downwards and become trapped in the ice, causing the ice to become opaque.

[0587] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the control unit (700) controls the output of the lower heater (296) by varying it according to the height at which ice is generated in the ice chamber (111) (S7).

[0588] As the ice moves from the upper side to the lower side, the horizontal cross-sectional area increases until it reaches a maximum at the boundary between the upper tray (150) and the lower tray (250), and then decreases again towards the lower side. In response to this change in the horizontal cross-sectional area according to height, the control unit (700) varies the output of the lower heater (296). The control of the output variation of the lower heater (296) will be described later with reference to the drawings.

[0589] In the process of ice being continuously generated from the upper side to the lower side in the ice chamber (111), the ice comes into contact with the upper surface of the block portion (251b) of the lower tray (250).

[0590] In this state, if ice is continuously generated, the block part (251b) is pressurized and deformed as shown in Fig. 35, and when the ice is completed, spherical ice can be generated.

[0591] The control unit (700) can determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (500) (S8).

[0592] When it is determined that the ice making is complete, the control unit (700) can turn off the lower heater (296) (S9).

[0593] In the case of this embodiment, since the distance between the temperature sensor (500) and each ice chamber (111) is different, in order to determine that ice production is complete in all ice chambers (111), the control unit (500) may start ice making after a certain amount of time has elapsed from the point in time when it is determined that ice making is complete.

[0594] When the ice making is complete, the control unit (700) operates the upper heater (148) to remove the ice (S10).

[0595] When the upper heater (148) is turned on, the heat from the upper heater (148) is transferred to the upper tray (150), and the ice can be separated from the surface (inner surface) of the upper tray (150).

[0596] Additionally, the heat from the upper heater (148) is transferred to the contact surface between the upper tray (150) and the lower tray (250), so that the lower surface (151a) of the upper tray (150) and the upper surface (251e) of the lower tray (250) can be separated.

[0597] When the upper heater (148) is operated for a set time, the control unit (700) turns off the upper heater (148). Then, the drive unit (180) is operated so that the lower assembly (200) rotates in the forward direction (S11).

[0598] As shown in FIG. 36, when the lower assembly (200) is rotated in the forward direction, the lower tray (250) is separated from the upper tray (150).

[0599] Then, the rotational force of the lower assembly (200) is transmitted to the upper ejector (300) by the connecting unit (350). Then, the upper ejector (300) is lowered by the unit guide (181, 182), and the upper ejecting pin (320) is drawn into the upper chamber (152) through the inlet opening (154).

[0600] During the ice removal process, the ice can be separated from the upper tray (250) before the upper ejecting pin (320) pressurizes the ice. That is, the ice can be separated from the surface of the upper tray (150) by the heat of the upper heater (148).

[0601] In this case, the ice can be rotated together with the lower assembly (200) while being supported by the lower tray (250).

[0602] Alternatively, there may be cases where the ice does not separate from the surface of the upper tray (150) even if the heat from the upper heater (148) is applied to the upper tray (150).

[0603] Accordingly, when the lower assembly (200) is rotated in the forward direction, the ice can be separated from the lower tray (250) while in close contact with the upper tray (150).

[0604] In this state, during the rotation process of the lower assembly (200), the upper ejecting pin (320) passing through the inlet opening (154) presses the ice in close contact with the upper tray (150), thereby allowing the ice to be separated from the upper tray (150). The ice separated from the upper tray (150) can then be supported again by the lower tray (250).

[0605] When ice is rotated together with the lower assembly (200) while being supported by the lower tray (250), the ice can be separated from the lower tray (250) by its own weight even if no external force is applied to the lower tray (250).

[0606] If, during the rotation process of the lower assembly (200), the ice is not separated from the lower tray (250) by its own weight, the ice can be separated from the lower tray (250) when the lower tray (250) is pressurized by the lower ejector (400) as shown in FIG. 35.

[0607] Specifically, as the lower assembly (200) rotates, the lower tray (250) comes into contact with the lower ejecting pin (420).

[0608] And, when the lower assembly (200) is continuously rotated in the forward direction, the lower ejecting pin (420) presses the lower tray (250), causing the lower tray (250) to deform, and the pressing force of the lower ejecting pin (420) is transferred to the ice, so that the ice can be separated from the surface of the lower tray (250).

[0609] The ice separated from the surface of the lower tray (250) can fall downward and be stored in the ice bin (102).

[0610] After the ice is separated from the lower tray (250), the control unit (700) controls the drive unit (180) so that the lower assembly (200) rotates in the reverse direction.

[0611] When the lower ejecting pin (420) is separated from the lower tray (250) during the process of the lower assembly (200) being rotated in the reverse direction, the deformed lower tray (250) can be restored to its original shape.

[0612] And, during the reverse rotation process of the lower assembly (200), the rotational force is transmitted to the upper ejector (300) by the connecting unit (350), causing the upper ejector (300) to rise and the upper ejecting pin (320) to be removed from the upper chamber (152).

[0613] And, when the lower assembly (200) reaches the water supply standby position, the drive unit (180) stops and water supply starts again.

[0614] FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating the output of a lower heater according to the height of ice generated in an ice chamber. FIG. 38 (a) shows a spherical ice chamber divided into multiple sections according to height, and FIG. 38 (b) shows the output amount of a lower heater according to the height section of the ice chamber.

[0615] In this embodiment, as an example, a spherical ice chamber (or ice spacing) with a diameter of 50 mm is divided into 9 sections (Section A to Section I) at intervals of 6 mm (standard intervals), and it is noted that there are no limitations on the diameter of the ice chamber (or ice diameter) and the number of divided sections.

[0616] FIG. 39 is a graph showing the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the output amount of the lower heater during the water supply and ice making process, and FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the process of ice generation step by step according to the height range of the ice.

[0617] In Fig. 40, I is the generated ice and W is water.

[0618] Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, when the ice chamber is divided into standard intervals, the height of each divided section is the same for sections A through H, and the height of section I is lower than the remaining sections. Of course, depending on the diameter of the ice chamber (or the diameter of the ice) and the number of divided sections, the height of all divided sections may be the same.

[0619] Among the multiple sections, section E contains the maximum diameter of the ice chamber, so its volume is maximum, and the volume decreases as one moves from section E to the upper and lower sections.

[0620] As described above, assuming that the same amount of cold air is supplied and the output of the lower heater (296) is constant, the ice generation rate in section E is the slowest, and the ice generation rate in sections A and I is the fastest.

[0621] In such cases, the ice formation rate varies by section, resulting in different ice transparency levels; furthermore, in certain sections, the ice formation rate is too fast, leading to the problem of containing air bubbles.

[0622] In the present invention, the lower heater (296) is controlled so that the bubbles in the water move downward during the process of ice generation, and the speed at which ice is generated in each section becomes the same or similar.

[0623] Specifically, since the volume of section E is the largest, the output (W5) of the lower heater (296) in section E can be set to the lowest possible level.

[0624] Also, since the volume of section D is smaller than the volume of section E, the ice formation rate increases proportionally to the decrease in volume, so it is necessary to slow down the ice formation rate.

[0625] Accordingly, the output (W6) of the lower heater (296) in section D can be set higher than the output (W5) of the lower heater (296) in section E.

[0626] For the same reason, since the volume of section C is smaller than the volume of section D, the output (W3) of the lower heater (296) in section C can be set higher than the output (W4) of the lower heater (296) in section D.

[0627] Additionally, since the volume of section B is smaller than the volume of section C, the output (W2) of the lower heater (296) in section B can be set higher than the output (W3) of the lower heater (296) in section C.

[0628] In addition, since the volume of section A is smaller than the volume of section B, the output (W1) of the lower heater (296) of section A can be set higher than the output (W2) of the lower heater (296) of section B.

[0629] For the same reason, since the volume of section F is smaller than the volume of section E, the output (W6) of the lower heater (296) in section F can be set higher than the output (W5) of the lower heater (296) in section E.

[0630] Additionally, since the volume of section G is smaller than the volume of section F, the output (W7) of the lower heater (296) in section G can be set higher than the output (W6) of the lower heater (296) in section F.

[0631] Additionally, since the volume of section H is smaller than the volume of section G, the output (W8) of the lower heater (296) of section H can be set higher than the output (W7) of the lower heater (296) of section G.

[0632] Additionally, since the volume of section I is smaller than the volume of section H, the output (W9) of the lower heater (296) in section I can be set higher than the output (W8) of the lower heater (296) in section H.

[0633] Accordingly, when looking at the output change pattern of the lower heater (296), after the lower heater (296) is first turned on, the output of the lower heater (296) is gradually reduced from the initial section to the intermediate section.

[0634] And, in the middle section of the ice chamber (111) (the section with the maximum horizontal diameter), the output of the lower heater (296) becomes minimum.

[0635] And, from the section following the middle section of the ice chamber (111), the output of the lower heater (296) is increased in stages.

[0636] As shown in FIG. 39, as the height of the ice being generated increases, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (500) decreases. Also, the section reference temperature for each section can be predetermined and stored in memory not shown.

[0637] Accordingly, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (500) in the current section reaches the section reference temperature of the next section, the control unit (700) varies the output of the lower heater (296) corresponding to the current section to the output of the lower heater corresponding to the next section.

[0638] Figure 38 (a) is illustrated assuming that there is no convex portion (252b) on the lower tray (250) for easier understanding.

[0639] In the case of this embodiment, since the lower tray (250) is provided with a convex portion (252b), section I may not actually exist depending on the number of sections in the ice chamber (111). Alternatively, section I may correspond to the section where the block portion (252b) is located.

[0640] In any case, the section including the block portion (252b) may correspond to the final section among the plurality of sections, and the output of the lower heater (296) may be determined based on the volume of the section.

[0641] By controlling the output of the lower heater (296) as described above, the transparency of the ice becomes uniform in each section, and bubbles are gathered in the lowest section, so that bubbles are gathered in localized parts of the ice and the rest of the ice becomes transparent. Explanation of the symbols

[0643] 100: Ice Maker 110: Upper Assembly 120: Upper case 150: Upper tray 170: Upper support 200: Lower assembly 210: Lower case 250: Lower tray 270: Lower support 296: Lower heater

Claims

Claim 1 An ice maker comprising: an upper tray forming an upper chamber which is part of an ice chamber; a lower tray forming a lower chamber which is another part of the ice chamber; a lower supporter supporting the lower tray; and a lower heater supplying heat to the lower chamber during the ice-making process, wherein the lower tray includes a convex portion protruding inwardly into the lower chamber before ice is formed within the ice chamber, wherein during the ice-making process, bubbles contained in the water within the ice chamber move toward the convex portion, and the convex portion is deformed to protrude outwardly into the lower chamber when the ice-making is completed. Claim 2 In claim 1, the lower tray is formed of a flexible material or silicone, forming an ice maker. Claim 3 An ice maker according to claim 1, wherein the lower tray includes a chamber wall forming the lower chamber, and the lower supporter covers more than 1 / 2 of the outer surface of the chamber wall. Claim 4 An ice maker according to claim 1, wherein the lower supporter includes a lower opening formed at a position corresponding to the convex portion. Claim 5 An ice maker according to claim 1, wherein the lower supporter accommodates a portion of the lower tray and includes a chamber receiving portion having a lower opening formed at a position corresponding to the convex portion. Claim 6 In claim 5, the lower supporter is disposed below the chamber receiving portion and further includes a heater coupling portion to which the lower heater is coupled, and the heater coupling portion includes a heater receiving groove that is recessed downward from the chamber receiving portion, an ice maker. Claim 7 An ice maker according to claim 6, wherein the heater receiving groove is disposed adjacent to the lower opening and includes an inner wall and an outer wall, and the lower heater is received in the heater receiving groove to surround at least a portion of the inner wall. Claim 8 In claim 1, the lower tray includes a chamber wall defining the lower chamber, and the lower heater is an ice maker in contact with the outer surface of the chamber wall. Claim 9 A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet forming a storage space; an ice maker disposed in the storage space; and a control unit controlling the operation of the ice maker, wherein the ice maker comprises: an upper tray forming an upper chamber which is part of an ice chamber; a lower tray forming a lower chamber which is another part of the ice chamber; a lower supporter supporting the lower tray; and a lower heater supplying heat to the lower chamber during the ice-making process, wherein the lower tray includes a convex portion which protrudes inwardly into the lower chamber before ice is generated within the ice chamber and deforms to protrude outwardly into the lower chamber when ice-making is completed, and wherein the control unit variably controls the output of the lower heater during the ice-making process so that air bubbles contained in the water within the ice chamber are gathered toward the convex portion. Claim 10 In claim 9, the control unit controls the output of the lower heater such that, during the ice-making process, the output of the lower heater decreases from an initial output and then increases again. Claim 11 In claim 9, the ice chamber is divided into a plurality of sections based on the height of the ice chamber, and the control unit varies the output of the lower heater for each section where ice is generated in the ice chamber. Claim 12 In claim 11, the control unit gradually decreases the output of the lower heater from the initial section to the intermediate section and gradually increases it from the intermediate section to the final section, and the refrigerator in which the output of the lower heater is minimum in the intermediate section. Claim 13 In Clause 12, the above final section is a section corresponding to the height of the position where the above convex part is placed, and the refrigerator in which the output of the lower heater is maximum in the above final section. Claim 14 In claim 9, the lower tray is a refrigerator rotatably connected to the upper tray.

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