Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof. An embodiment of the present invention may include: a tray forming a cell; a first heater provided at a first portion of the tray; and a second heater provided at a second portion of the tray, wherein the first and the second heater are sequentially or simultaneously driven in a process in which ice is separated from an ice maker.

Description

Refrigerator and its control method

[0001] The present specification relates to an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker and a method for controlling the refrigerator.

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store food at a low temperature in an internal storage space that is sealed by a door. By using cold to cool the inside of the storage space, the stored food can be kept in a refrigerated or frozen state.

[0003] Refrigerators typically come equipped with an ice maker to produce ice. This ice maker draws water from a water source or water tank into a tray, cools the water, and creates ice. Furthermore, the ice maker can remove the ice from the tray using a heating or twisting method. This type of ice maker, which automatically supplies water and removes ice, is designed to open upward to scoop up the formed ice.

[0004] Ice produced by an ice maker with this type of structure has at least one flat surface, such as a crescent or cubic shape. Meanwhile, spherical ice can be more convenient to use and provide a unique user experience. Furthermore, by minimizing the contact area between ice cubes during storage, clumping of ice cubes can be minimized. Furthermore, recent efforts have been made to produce transparent ice.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker capable of improving ice-breaking performance in a tray forming a cell.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker capable of reducing the adhesion of ice to a tray by driving an ice heater.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, which can improve ice-making performance by providing a first heater provided in a first part of a tray and a second heater provided in a second part of the tray, and sequentially driving the first and second heaters.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, which can improve ice-making performance by providing a first heater provided in a first part of a tray and a second heater provided in a second part of the tray, and driving the first and second heaters simultaneously.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, which includes a first tray forming at least a part of a cell and a second tray forming another part of the cell, a first heater provided adjacent to or in contact with the second tray, and a second heater provided adjacent to or in contact with the first tray, thereby facilitating ice removal from the first and second trays.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, which can separate ice from the first tray by first driving the second heater during the ice-making process and then separate ice from the second tray by driving the first heater.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator having an ice maker, wherein a pusher presses a second tray to help separate ice from the second tray.

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, which can first drive the first heater to separate ice from the second tray during an ice-making process and then drive the second heater to separate ice from the first tray.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, which can reduce the degree of adhesion of ice attached to a tray by driving a heater at an ice-making position of the ice maker and improve ice-making performance by driving an additional heater when the ice-making process begins.

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker that can improve ice-making performance by driving a heater at an ice-making position of the ice maker to reduce the degree of adhesion of ice attached to a tray and increasing the heat amount of the heater when the ice-making process begins.

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker that can improve ice removal performance by reducing the amount of cold supplied from an ice removal position of the ice maker to lower the degree of adhesion of ice attached to a tray and operating a heater when the ice removal process begins.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention includes a tray forming a cell, a first heater provided in a first part of the tray, and a second heater provided in a second part of the tray, and the first and second heaters can be driven sequentially or simultaneously during an ice-making process of an ice maker.

[0017] The tray includes a first tray forming at least a part of the cell and a second tray forming another part of the cell, and during the ice-making process, ice can be first separated from the second tray by driving the first heater and then separated from the first tray by driving the second heater.

[0018] The size or ice contact area of ​​the first tray may be smaller than the size or ice contact area of ​​the second tray so that the adhesive force of the first tray may be smaller than the adhesive force of the second tray.

[0019] The first tray may constitute an upper tray and the second tray may constitute a lower tray so that ice can be separated from the first tray by its own weight.

[0020] As another example, in the above-described ice-breaking process, ice may first be separated from the first tray by driving the second heater and then separated from the second tray by driving the first heater.

[0021] The second tray is provided to be movable, and may include a pusher that presses the second tray when the second tray is moved to assist in moving.

[0022] By operating a heater at the ice-making position of the above ice maker, the degree of adhesion of ice attached to the tray can be reduced, and by operating an additional heater when the ice-making process begins, the ice-making performance can be improved.

[0023] The above ice-making position may be a position where a cell is formed when the first and second trays are closed.

[0024] When lowering the degree of adhesion of ice attached to the above tray, one of the first and second heaters may be driven, and when driving the additional heater, the other of the first and second heaters may be driven.

[0025] By operating the heater at the ice-making position of the above ice maker, the adhesion of ice attached to the tray can be reduced, and the heat output of the heater can be increased when the ice-making process starts, thereby improving the ice-making performance.

[0026] When the degree of adhesion of ice attached to the tray is lowered, at least one of the first and second heaters is driven, and when the heat amount of the heater is increased, the heat amount of the at least one heater can be increased.

[0027] By reducing the amount of cold supplied from the ice making position of the above ice maker, the degree of adhesion of ice attached to the tray can be lowered, and the ice making performance can be improved by operating the heater when the ice making process starts.

[0028] In one aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator may include a storage room in which food is stored, a door for opening and closing the storage room, an ice making room provided in the door or the storage room, a cooler for supplying cold to the storage room, a cell provided in the ice making room and being a space in which a substance changes phase from a liquid to a solid state, a first tray forming at least a portion of the cell, and a second tray forming another portion of the cell.

[0029] The refrigerator may include a first heater disposed adjacent to or in contact with the second tray; a second heater disposed adjacent to or in contact with the first tray; a driving unit that provides driving force to move the second tray; and a controller that controls the first and second heaters and the driving unit.

[0030] The controller may first turn on one of the first heater and the second heater to induce the phase-changed material to attach to one of the first tray and the second tray during the separation process, and then start turning on the other heater to separate the phase-changed material from the other of the first tray and the second tray.

[0031] The above controller can turn on the one heater when the first and second trays are closed.

[0032] The above controller can drive the driving unit to move the second tray while the one heater is turned on.

[0033] The controller can start driving the other heater after driving the driving unit to start moving the second tray.

[0034] It may include a moving guide that moves together with the second tray and has a moving path that interferes with the phase-changed material attached to the first tray.

[0035] It may include a pusher coupled to one side of the second tray and interfering with the second tray while the second tray moves to move the phase-changed material from the second tray.

[0036] The above second heater can be mounted on the outer surface of the above first tray.

[0037] A tray supporter supporting the second tray is included, and the tray supporter can form a sunken receiving space in which the first heater is positioned.

[0038] The first tray may form an upper tray, and the second tray may form a lower tray.

[0039] In another aspect of the present invention, the controller of the refrigerator can turn on at least one of the first heater and the second heater to achieve primary separation between the phase-changed material and the first tray or the phase-changed material and the second tray at the ice-making position of the first and second trays.

[0040] The controller can move the second tray after turning on at least one heater.

[0041] The controller may drive the first heater and the second heater together to separate at least a portion of the phase-changed material from the first tray and the second tray for the first separation.

[0042] The controller may reduce the amount of cold supplied from the cooler to the cell during the first separation.

[0043] It may include at least one of a movable pusher that moves together with the second tray and interferes with the phase-changed material attached to the first tray; and a fixed pusher that is coupled to one side of the second tray and interferes with the phase-changed material attached to the second tray.

[0044] In another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator may include a cell provided in an ice-making chamber, which is a space in which a substance changes phase from a liquid to a solid state, a first tray forming at least a portion of the cell, a second tray forming another portion of the cell, a first heater disposed adjacent to or in contact with the second tray, a second heater disposed adjacent to or in contact with the first tray, and a driving unit providing a driving force to move the second tray.

[0045] A method for controlling a refrigerator may include a step of first driving one of the first heater and the second heater to induce a material that has been phase-changed into a solid state during the freezing process to attach to one of the first tray and the second tray.

[0046] The above control method may include a step of secondarily driving the other one of the first heater and the second heater so that the phase-changed material is separated from the other one of the first tray and the second tray.

[0047] The above first tray may be an upper tray, and the above second tray may be a lower tray.

[0048] During the first driving, the first heater may be driven so that the phase-changed material is attached to the first tray, and during the second driving, the second heater may be driven so that the phase-changed material is separated from the first tray by its own weight.

[0049] During the first driving, the second heater may be driven so that the phase-changed material is attached to the second tray, and during the second driving, the first heater may be driven so that the phase-changed material is separated from the second tray.

[0050] After the second operation of the heater is completed, the second tray returns to the ice-making position and water supply and ice-making operations can be performed.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the icing performance can be improved in a tray forming a cell.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ice sticking force from the tray can be reduced by driving the ice heater.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first heater provided in a first part of a tray and a second heater provided in a second part of the tray are provided, and the first and second heaters are sequentially driven to improve the ice-making performance.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first heater provided in a first part of a tray and a second heater provided in a second part of the tray are provided, and the first and second heaters are driven simultaneously to improve the ice-making performance.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first tray forming at least a part of a cell and a second tray forming another part of the cell are provided, and a first heater is provided adjacent to or in contact with the second tray and a second heater is provided adjacent to or in contact with the first tray, so that separation from the first and second trays can be easily achieved.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the ice-making process, the second heater is first driven to separate the ice from the first tray, and then the first heater is driven to easily separate the ice from the second tray.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pusher may pressurize the second tray to help separate ice from the second tray.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the ice-making process, the first heater is first driven to separate ice from the second tray, and then the second heater is driven to easily separate ice from the first tray.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the degree of adhesion of ice attached to a tray can be reduced by driving a heater at an ice-making position of an ice maker, and the ice-making performance can be improved by driving an additional heater when the ice-making process begins.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by driving a heater at an ice-making position of an ice maker, the degree of adhesion of ice attached to a tray can be reduced, and the amount of heat of the heater can be increased when the ice-making process begins, thereby improving the ice-making performance.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the amount of cold supplied from the ice making position of the ice maker can be reduced to lower the degree of adhesion of ice attached to the tray, and the ice making performance can be improved by operating the heater when the ice making process starts.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4.

[0067] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a second tray assembly and a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker taken along line 7-7 of Figure 2.

[0069] FIGS. 8A to 8G are drawings showing ice making, ice removal, and water supply in an ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 9 is a flow chart regarding a control method of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] FIGS. 10A to 10F are drawings showing ice making, ice removal, and water supply in an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 11 is a flow chart regarding a control method of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 12 is a flow chart regarding a control method of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0075] In describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," "supported," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly "connected," "coupled," "supported," or "connected" to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "coupled," "supported," or "connected" between each component.

[0076] Meanwhile, in describing the components of an embodiment of the present invention, the description "at least one of components A and B" can be understood to include three embodiments: (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B.

[0077] Additionally, in describing components of an embodiment of the invention, the meaning of the description "at least one of components A or B" can be understood to include three embodiments meaning (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. In other words, the meaning of the description "at least one of components A or B" can be the same as the meaning of the description "at least one of components A and B."

[0078] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a storage compartment in which items (e.g., food, medicine, etc.) are stored. The refrigerator may include a door for opening and closing the storage compartment. The refrigerator may store the items in a refrigerated or frozen state. The refrigerator may include an ice-making compartment in which at least a portion of an ice maker, which will be described later, is disposed. The ice-making compartment may be provided in the storage compartment and / or the door.

[0079] An ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cell, which is a space in which the product (e.g., water) changes phase into ice. The ice maker may include a tray assembly. The tray assembly may include a tray, a tray case, or the tray and the tray case. The tray may include a wall forming at least a portion of the cell. The tray case may include a wall connected to the tray, coupled to the tray, supported by the tray, or surrounding at least a portion of the tray. The tray case may include at least one of a tray cover and a tray supporter. The tray assembly may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly. The first tray assembly may include a first tray, a first tray case, or the first tray and the first tray case. The first tray may include a wall forming a first portion of the cell. The first tray case may include a wall connected to the first tray, coupled to the first tray, supported by the first tray, or surrounding at least a portion of the first tray. The first tray case may include at least one of a first tray cover and a first tray supporter. The second tray assembly may include a second tray, a second tray case, or the second tray and a second tray case. The second tray may include a wall forming a second portion of the cell. The second tray case may include a wall connected to the second tray, coupled to the second tray, supported by the second tray, or surrounding at least a portion of the second tray. The second tray case may include at least one of a second tray cover and a second tray supporter. The ice maker may include a bracket.The bracket may cover at least a portion of the tray assembly or may accommodate at least a portion of the tray assembly.

[0080] The ice maker and / or the refrigerator may include a pusher. The pusher may be provided to press the ice and / or the tray assembly so as to separate the ice from the tray assembly. The pusher may include a first edge formed with a surface that presses the ice and / or the tray assembly. The pusher may include a bar extending from the first edge. The pusher may include a second edge positioned at an end of the bar.

[0081] A pressurizing portion that pressurizes the pusher may be formed on the tray assembly, and the pusher may be configured to apply pressure to one surface of the tray assembly. The pusher may be defined as a non-penetrating pusher.

[0082] A first edge of the pusher may be movable along a surface of a tray defining at least a portion of the cell at a first point outside the cell. The pusher may be defined as a movable pusher. The pusher may be connected to a drive unit, a rotational axis of the drive unit, or a drive connected to a movable tray assembly.

[0083] The above pusher can further pressurize the pressurized portion after contacting the pressurized portion at a first point outside the cell. The pusher can be coupled to a fixed end. The pusher can be defined as a fixed pusher.

[0084] The ice maker and / or the refrigerator may include a heater. The heater (e.g., a wire heater, a cord heater, a radiant heater, etc.) may supply heat to the cell and / or the storage compartment. The heater may directly supply heat by contacting the tray assembly and / or the cell. The heater may indirectly supply heat (e.g., hot or warm air) without being connected to the tray assembly and / or the cell.

[0085] The ice maker and / or the refrigerator may include a cooler (e.g., an evaporator, a refrigerant pipe, a refrigerant valve, a fan, a damper, a thermoelectric module, etc.). The cooler may directly supply cold by contacting the tray assembly and / or the cell. The cooler may indirectly supply heat (e.g., cold or cold air) without being connected to the tray assembly and / or the cell.

[0086] The ice maker and / or the refrigerator may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be provided to detect the temperature of an item (e.g., water) or ice in the cell.

[0087] The ice maker and / or the refrigerator may include a driving device. The driving device may be connected to the tray assembly and / or the pusher.

[0088] The refrigerator of the present invention may include a tray assembly forming a portion of a cell, which is a space where water changes into ice, a cooler for supplying cold to the cell, a water supply unit for supplying water to the cell, and a controller. The refrigerator may further include a storage compartment in which food is stored in addition to the cell. The refrigerator may further include a cooler for supplying cold to the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature within the storage compartment. The controller may control at least one of the water supply unit and the cooler. The controller may control at least one of the heater and the driving unit.

[0089] The controller may control the cooler to supply cold to the cell after moving the tray assembly to the ice-making position. The controller may control the tray assembly to move forward to the ice-removing position to remove ice from the cell after ice production in the cell is completed. The controller may control the tray assembly to move in the reverse direction to the water supply position after ice production is completed and then start supplying water. The controller may control the tray assembly to move to the ice-making position after the water supply is completed.

[0090] In the present invention, a cell is defined as a space located within the storage chamber where water undergoes a phase change into ice. The circumference of the cell refers to the outer surface of the cell, regardless of the shape of the cell. In another aspect, the outer surface of the cell may refer to the inner surface of the wall forming the cell.

[0091] In the present invention, a tray may be defined as a wall that divides the cell and the interior of the storage chamber. The tray may be defined as a wall that forms at least a portion of the cell. The tray may be configured to completely surround the cell or only partially surround the cell. There may be a plurality of trays. The plurality of trays may be in contact with each other.

[0092] In the present invention, a tray case may be positioned between the tray and the storage compartment. That is, the tray case may be arranged so as to surround at least a portion of the tray. There may be a plurality of tray cases. The plurality of tray cases may be in contact with each other. The tray case may be in contact with the tray so as to support at least a portion of the tray.

[0093] In the present invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly in which the heater is disposed. The heater may be disposed near the tray assembly so as to heat a cell formed by the tray assembly in which the heater is disposed. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter, "transparent ice heater") that is controlled to be turned on at least in a portion of the period during which the cooler supplies cold so that bubbles dissolved in water inside the cell move from a portion where ice is generated toward liquid water, thereby generating transparent ice. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter, "separating ice heater") that is controlled to be turned on at least in a portion of the period after ice-making is completed so that ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly.

[0094] Meanwhile, a heater may be disposed in one of the first and second tray assemblies of the refrigerator. For example, if the heater is not disposed in the other, the controller may control the heater to be turned on during at least a portion of the period during which the cooler supplies cold. As another example, if an additional heater is disposed in the other, the controller may control the heating amount of the heater to be greater than the heating amount of the additional heater during at least a portion of the period during which the cooler supplies cold. The heater may be a transparent ice heater.

[0095] In the present invention, the cell may be cooled by the cooler that cools the storage compartment. For example, the storage compartment where the cell is located may be a freezer that can be controlled to a temperature lower than 0 degrees, and the cell may be cooled by the cooler that cools the freezer.

[0096] In the present invention, the cell may be cooled by a cooler other than the cooler that cools the storage compartment. For example, the storage compartment where the cell is located may be a refrigerator that can be controlled to a temperature higher than 0 degrees, and the cell may be cooled by a cooler other than the cooler that cools the refrigerator compartment. That is, if the refrigerator has a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, the cell may be located inside the refrigerator compartment, and the cell may be cooled by the cooler that cools the freezer compartment. The cell may be located in a door that opens and closes the storage compartment.

[0097] Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0098] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (14) including a storage compartment and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment.

[0099] The storage compartment may include a refrigerator (18) and a freezer (32). The refrigerator (14) is positioned on the upper side, and the freezer (32) is positioned on the lower side, so that each storage compartment can be individually opened and closed by its own door. As another example, the freezer may be positioned on the upper side, and the refrigerator may be positioned on the lower side. Alternatively, the freezer may be positioned on one of the left and right sides, and the refrigerator may be positioned on the other side.

[0100] The above freezer (32) can be divided into first and second spaces (e.g., lower space and upper space), and the first space can be equipped with a drawer (40) that can be pulled out and inserted from the first space.

[0101] The above door may include a plurality of doors (10, 20, 30) that open and close the refrigerator compartment (18) and the freezer compartment (32). The plurality of doors (10, 20, 30) may include some or all of the doors (10, 20) that open and close the storage compartment and the doors (30) that open and close the storage compartment in a sliding manner.

[0102] The above-mentioned freezer (32) may be provided so as to be separated into two spaces, even though it can be opened and closed by a single door (30). In the present embodiment, the freezer (32) may be referred to as a first storage room, and the refrigerator (18) may be referred to as a second storage room. The freezer (32) may be provided with an ice maker (200) capable of producing ice. The ice maker (200) may be located, for example, in a portion of the freezer (32) (e.g., an upper space).

[0103] An ice bin (600) may be placed on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the ice maker (200) into which ice produced by the ice maker (200) is dropped and stored. A user may take the ice bin (600) out of the freezer (32) and use the ice stored in the ice bin (600). The ice bin (600) may be coupled to one side (e.g., the upper side) of a wall that divides a first space (e.g., the upper space) and a second space (e.g., the lower space) of the freezer (32).

[0104] Although not shown, the cabinet (14) is provided with a duct (not shown) for supplying cold to the ice maker (200). The duct guides the cold that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator toward the ice maker (200). For example, the duct may be arranged at one side (e.g., the rear) of the cabinet (14) and discharge the cold toward the other side (e.g., the front) of the cabinet (14). The ice maker (200) may be positioned at one side (e.g., the front) of the duct. Although not limited, the discharge port of the duct may be provided at one or more of the first side wall (e.g., the rear wall) and the second side wall (e.g., the upper wall) of the freezer (32).

[0105] Although the ice maker (200) is described above as being installed in the freezer (32), the space in which the ice maker (200) can be located is not limited to the freezer (32), and the ice maker (200) can be located in various spaces as long as it can be supplied with cold. Therefore, the following description will be given as the ice maker (200) being located in the storage room.

[0106] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an ice maker (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a bracket (220) that supports a tray assembly. Each component of the ice maker (200) may be provided inside or outside the bracket (220), so that the ice maker (200) may form a single assembly.

[0108] The bracket (220) may be coupled to at least one surface of the storage compartment. The bracket (220) may include a first wall (221) having a through hole (226) formed therein. At least a portion of the first wall (221) may extend in a first direction (e.g., horizontally) and may be coupled to one surface of the storage compartment.

[0109] A fastening hole (228) through which a fastening member penetrates may be formed at the corner side of the first wall (221). The bracket (220) may be connected to a storage room through a fastening member connected to the fastening hole (228).

[0110] The first wall (221) may include a guide protrusion (228a) for guiding an electric wire connected to an ice maker. A plurality of the guide protrusions (228a) may be provided, and may be provided in various shapes depending on the extension direction of the electric wire.

[0111] The above bracket (220) may include two second walls (222) extending in one direction (e.g., downward) from both sides of the first wall (221). The space between the two second walls (222) may form a space in which a tray assembly is placed.

[0112] A driving unit (510) may be arranged on the outside of one of the two second walls (222). The other of the two second walls (222) functions as a preventive plate that prevents ice from falling into the ice bin (600) or ice stored in the ice bin (600) from falling, and may have a wall penetration hole (222a) formed at least partially through the wall to prevent frost formation.

[0113] The bracket (220) may include a third wall (223) protruding from the first wall (221). The third wall (223) may protrude from the first wall (221) in a direction toward the storage compartment. The third wall (223) may include a first part (223a) extending in a direction corresponding to one direction (e.g., front-back direction) of the storage compartment, and a second part (223b) extending from one end (e.g., front end) of the first part (223a) in the other direction (e.g., left-right direction). The third wall (223) may include a hook (223c) coupled to one surface (e.g., upper surface) of the storage compartment. For example, the hook (223c) may be provided on the second part (223b).

[0114] A water supply unit (240) can be coupled to the second part (223b). The water supply unit (240) includes a hook (248), and the hook (248) can be hooked to one end (e.g., the upper end) of the second part (223b).

[0115] The bracket (220) may be formed with a suction hole (224a) through which cold air from the storage chamber flows toward the tray assembly. The suction hole (224a) may be formed in a side wall of the bracket (220). For example, the suction hole (224a) may be formed in a space between the second wall (222) and the third wall (223). From another perspective, the suction hole (224a) may be formed by penetrating at least a portion of the second wall (222).

[0116] Cold can be sucked into the tray assembly side through the suction hole (224a) from the side of the bracket (220) and act as cold for ice making.

[0117] The through hole (226) of the first wall (221) may function as an outlet through which cold air passing through the tray assembly is discharged. The through hole (226) may be provided in multiple numbers and formed in a first direction (e.g., horizontal direction) of the first wall (221).

[0118] The above bracket (220) may include a guide wall (225) that guides cold sucked through the suction hole (224a) toward the tray assembly. The guide wall (225) may extend from the third wall (223) toward the central portion of the bracket (220).

[0119] The above bracket (220) may include a blocking plate (227a) that prevents cold air sucked through the suction hole (224a) from being discharged from the bracket (220) rather than toward the tray assembly. For example, the blocking plate (227a) may extend in one direction (e.g., upward) from the first wall (221).

[0120] The bracket (220) may include a stopper (250) that contacts the second tray assembly. The stopper (250) may extend in the other direction (e.g., downward) from the first wall (221) and may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the second tray assembly. The stopper (250) may have a bar shape.

[0121] The bracket (220) may include a fourth wall (224) to which a pusher (540) is coupled. The fourth wall (224) may extend from one end (e.g., the rear end) of the first wall (221) to a room (e.g., downward) and may form a wall of one side (e.g., the rear) of the bracket (220).

[0122] The ice maker (200) may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly. The first tray assembly may include a first tray (300) and a first tray case. The second tray assembly may include a second tray (400) and a second tray case.

[0123] The above bracket (220) can define at least a portion of a space that accommodates the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0124] The bracket (220) may be arranged, for example, on one side wall (e.g., the upper wall) of the freezer (32). A water supply unit (240) may be arranged on the bracket (220). The water supply unit (240) may guide water supplied from one side (e.g., the upper side) to the other side (e.g., the lower side) of the water supply unit (240). A water supply pipe (not shown) for supplying water may be arranged on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the water supply unit (240).

[0125] The above water supply unit (240) may be supported by a bracket (220). The above water supply unit (240) may include a hook (248) that is coupled to the bracket (220). For example, the hook (248) may be hooked to a second part (223b) of the bracket (220).

[0126] The ice maker (200) may include a cell (see 360 ​​in FIG. 7), which is a space where water changes into ice due to cold. The first tray (300) may form at least a portion of the cell (360). The second tray (400) may form another portion of the cell (360). The cell (360) may include a first cell formed by the first tray (300) and a second cell formed by the second tray (400).

[0127] The first tray (300) can be coupled to a bracket (220). The second tray (400) can be positioned to be relatively movable with respect to the first tray (300). The second tray (400) can move linearly or rotate.

[0128] During the ice-making process, the second tray (400) moves relative to the first tray (300), so that the first tray (300) and the second tray (400) can come into contact. When the first tray (300) and the second tray (400) come into contact, the cell (360) can be defined.

[0129] After the ice making is completed, the second tray (400) may move relative to the first tray (300) during the ice removal process, so that the second tray (400) may be separated from the first tray (300).

[0130] The first tray (300) and the second tray (400) may be arranged in one direction (e.g., up and down) while forming the cell (360). Therefore, the first tray (300) may be referred to as an upper tray, and the second tray (400) may be referred to as a lower tray.

[0131] A plurality of cells (360) can be defined by the first tray (300) and the second tray (400). For example, the plurality of cells (360) can include three cells (360).

[0132] When water is supplied to the cell (360) and the water is cooled by cold, ice having a shape identical to or similar to that of the cell (360) can be created. For example, the cell (360) can be formed in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a sphere. Of course, the cell (360) can also be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a polygonal shape.

[0133] The first tray (300) may include a plurality of tray parts (300a, 300b, 300c). The number of the plurality of tray parts (300a, 300b, 300c) may correspond to the number of the plurality of cells (360).

[0134] Each tray part can form at least a portion of one cell. Based on the total surface area of ​​one cell (360), the surface area of ​​a portion of the cell formed by each tray part can be smaller than the surface area of ​​another portion of the cell formed by the second tray (400).

[0135] The second tray case may include, for example, a second tray cover (480) and a second tray supporter (450). The second tray (400), the second tray supporter (450), and the second tray cover (480) may be joined by a fastening member.

[0136] At least a portion of the second tray cover (480) may be positioned on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the second tray (400). The second tray cover (480) may include a cover wall (481) forming an opening (482).

[0137] The above opening (482) may be formed so that at least a portion of the second tray cover (480) passes through it so that at least a portion of the second tray (400) passes through it. The opening (482) may be formed to have a predetermined curvature corresponding to the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the cell (360).

[0138] The above cover wall (481) may be placed on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the first extension wall (420) of the second tray (400). The first extension wall (420) may include a tray protrusion (429) that comes into contact with the second tray cover (480).

[0139] The above tray protrusion (429) extends in one direction (for example, upward) from the first extension wall (420), and a plurality of them may be provided on the corner side of the first extension wall (420).

[0140] The second tray cover (480) may include a projection receiving portion (486) that protrudes in one direction (e.g., upward) from the cover wall (481) to receive the tray projection (429). The tray projection (429) may penetrate the cover wall (481) and be inserted into the projection receiving portion (486). A projection (566) of a lift (560) may come into contact with one surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the first extension wall (420).

[0141] The first extension wall (420) may be provided with a tray protrusion (427a) provided on both sides of the tray wall of the second tray (400). The tray protrusion (427a) may protrude in one direction (e.g., upward) from the first extension wall (420).

[0142] The second tray cover (480) is formed to penetrate the cover wall (481), and a guide hole (481b) for receiving the tray protrusion (427a) can be formed. The assembly of the second tray (400) and the second tray cover (480) can be guided through the guide hole (481b).

[0143] The second tray cover (480) may include a cover fastening portion (485) that protrudes in one direction (e.g., downward) from the cover wall (481). A plurality of the cover fastening portions (485) are provided along the perimeter of one side (e.g., the bottom side) of the cover wall (481), and may be coupled to the fastening portion (425) of the second tray (400) and the supporter fastening portion (456) of the second tray supporter (450). In a state where the cover fastening portion (485) is coupled to the fastening portion (425) and the supporter fastening portion (456), a fastening member may be coupled to one side (e.g., the lower side) of the second tray supporter (450).

[0144] The second tray cover (480) is provided on the cover wall (481) and may include a moving guide (487) that helps move ice during the moving process.

[0145] The above-mentioned moving guide (487) may be provided on a portion (e.g., a rear portion) of the cover wall (481). For example, the moving guide (487) may be positioned adjacent to the axis of the shaft (520). The moving guide (487) may have a groove (487a) surrounding at least a portion of the shaft (520). The groove (487a) may be referred to as a first part.

[0146] During the moving process, the second tray cover (480) can move. For example, the second tray cover (480) can rotate. During the moving process of the second tray cover (480), the moving distance of the moving guide (487) can be shorter than the moving distance of a part (e.g., the front part) of the second tray cover (480a). The moving guide (487) can be provided in multiple numbers corresponding to the number of cells (360).

[0147] The above-mentioned moving guide (487) can pressurize the ice attached to the first tray (300) during the moving process to separate the ice from the first tray (300).

[0148] The above-mentioned moving guide (487) can function to remove ice residue attached to the first tray (300) or ice residue existing in the contact area between the first tray (300) and the second tray (400) during the moving process. The above-mentioned moving guide (487) can be called a “movable pusher” or a “first pusher.”

[0149] At least a portion of the second tray supporter (450) may be positioned on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the second tray (400). The second tray supporter (450) may support the second tray (400) on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the second tray (400). For example, at least a portion of a wall forming a second cell of the second tray (400) may be supported by the second tray supporter (450).

[0150] The second tray supporter (450) may include two first walls (451) forming two side surfaces. The two extensions (455) may be provided at one end (e.g., the rear end) of the first wall (451), respectively.

[0151] The second tray supporter (450) may include a second wall (452) connecting the other ends (e.g., front ends) of the two first walls (451). The second wall (452) may form one side (e.g., front end) of the second tray supporter (450).

[0152] The second tray supporter (450) may include a third wall (453) forming the other surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the second tray supporter (450). The first extension wall (420) of the second tray (400) may be mounted on the third wall (453). A first joining portion (459a) to which a first edge (422a, see FIG. 7) of the second tray (400) is joined may be formed on the third wall (453).

[0153] A second joining portion (459b) to which a protrusion (422c, see FIG. 7) of the second tray (400) is joined may be formed on the third wall (453). An insertion portion (458a) to which a second edge (422b, see FIG. 7) of the second tray (400) is joined may be formed on the third wall (453). The insertion portion (458a) may include a recess recessed from the third wall (453) so that the second edge (422b) is inserted.

[0154] The second tray supporter (450) may include a fourth wall (454) and a fifth wall (458) extending in one direction (e.g., downward) from the third wall (453). The fourth wall (454) may be understood as a part of a wall (e.g., a rear wall) of the second tray supporter (450), and the fifth wall (458) may be understood as another wall (e.g., an inner wall) spaced apart in one direction (e.g., forward) from the fourth wall (454). The insertion portion (458a) may be a space formed between the fourth wall (454) and the fifth wall (458).

[0155] The extension portion (455) of the second tray cover (450) may include two extension portions (455) forming a through hole (455a) into which a holder (531, 532) is inserted.

[0156] The ice maker (200) may include a pusher (540). The pusher (540) may be coupled to the bracket (220), for example. The pusher (540) may be referred to as a "fixed pusher" or a "second pusher." The number of pushers (540) may be the same as the number of cells (360), but is not limited thereto.

[0157] The pusher (540) can push out ice located in the cell (360). For example, the pusher (540) can penetrate the second tray supporter (450) and come into contact with the second tray (400) forming the cell (360), and pressurize the second tray (400) that has come into contact with it.

[0158] The above ice maker (200) may include a heater (490, 495).

[0159] The above heater (490, 495) is disposed in the sunken receiving space (453a) of the second tray supporter (450) and may include a first heater (490) for applying heat to the second tray (400). The first heater (490) may be disposed adjacent to or in contact with one side (e.g., the lower side) of the second tray (400) to supply heat to a portion (e.g., the lower side) of the second tray (400).

[0160] The first heater (490) may function as an ice-making heater that supplies heat to the second tray (400) during the ice-making process. In this case, the first heater (490) may be referred to as a "first ice-making heater."

[0161] The first heater (490) may be operated to assist in creating transparent ice during the ice-making process. In this case, the first heater (490) may be referred to as a "transparent ice heater." The first heater (490) may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

[0162] The above heater (490, 495) may include a second heater (495) that is controlled to be turned on at least for a portion of the time after ice making is completed so that ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly. The second heater (495) may be positioned adjacent to the first tray (300). The second heater (495) may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

[0163] For example, the second heater (495) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the first tray (300) or may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the first tray (300). In either case, the second heater (495) may supply heat to the first tray (300), and the heat supplied to the first tray (300) may be transferred to the cell (360). The second heater (495) may be referred to as a “moving heater.”

[0164] At least a portion of the second heater (495) may be covered by the bracket (220). Accordingly, the fluid discharged through the first tray (300) may be prevented from coming into contact with the second heater (495).

[0165] The bracket (220) may include a heater fixing portion (221b, see FIG. 7) for coupling the second heater (495). The heater fixing portion (221b) may protrude in one direction (e.g., downward) from one surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the bracket (220). For example, the heater fixing portion (221b) may protrude in one direction (e.g., downward) from a coupling wall (221a, see FIG. 7) of the bracket (220). The coupling wall (221a) may form a wall to which the first tray (300) is coupled.

[0166] The above lift (560) can be coupled to the shaft (520) or the holder (531, 532). The lift (560) can move together with the shaft (520) and the holder (531, 532). The lift (560) can be provided in multiple units on both sides of the shaft (520).

[0167] The above lift (560) may include a support bar (561) that supports a portion (e.g., a lower portion) of the second tray (400). The support bar (561) may be placed on the outer side of the side wall of the second tray supporter (450).

[0168] The above lift (560) may include an extension (563) coupled to the holder (531, 532). The extension (563) may form a through hole (564) into which the holder (531, 532) is inserted.

[0169] The above lift (560) may include a protrusion (566) protruding from the support bar (561) in a direction toward the second tray (400). The protrusion (566) may press one surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the tray protrusion (429) of the second tray (400) to bring the second tray (400) into close contact with the first tray (300).

[0170] At the ice-making position of the tray assembly, the lift (560) can move further in one direction (for example, upward) based on the axis of the shaft (520) so that the second tray (400) is brought into close contact with the first tray (300).

[0171] The second tray cover (480) may include a protrusion receiving portion (486) into which the tray protrusion (429) is inserted. One surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the protrusion receiving portion (486) may be supported by the stopper (250).

[0172] The above ice maker (200) may include a driving unit (510) that provides driving force. By receiving the driving force of the driving unit (510), the second tray (400) can move relative to the first tray (300).

[0173] The ice maker (200) may include a shaft (520) that passes through the through hole (455a) of the second tray supporter (450). The shaft (520) extends between the two extensions (455) and may be moved by receiving power from the driving unit (510).

[0174] The above driving unit (510) may include a motor and a plurality of gears.

[0175] A full ice detection lever (550) may be connected to the driving unit (510). The full ice detection lever (550) is moved by power provided from the driving unit (510), and can detect ice stored in the ice bin (600) during the movement process.

[0176] The above driving unit (510) may include a cam that moves or rotates by receiving the moving power of the motor. The ice maker (200) may include a sensor that detects the movement or rotation of the cam.

[0177] The refrigerator controller can determine the position of the second tray (400) (or second tray assembly) based on the type and pattern of the signal output from the sensor. That is, since the second tray (400) and the cam are moved by the motor, the water supply position, ice-making position, and ice-separating position of the second tray (400) can be distinguished and determined based on the detection signal of the magnet provided in the cam.

[0178] The second tray (400) may be formed of a non-metallic material. For example, the second tray (400) may be formed of a flexible or malleable material that can be deformed when pressed by the pusher (540). Although not limited, the second tray (400) may be formed of a silicone material, for example.

[0179] In the process of pressurizing the second tray (400) by the pusher (540), the second tray (400) may be deformed and the pressing force of the pusher (540) may be transmitted to the ice. The ice and the second tray (400) may be separated by the pressing force of the pusher (540).

[0180] When the second tray (400) is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or malleable material, the bonding or adhesive force between the ice and the second tray (400) may be reduced, so that the ice may be easily separated from the second tray (400).

[0181] When the second tray (400) is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or malleable material, after the shape of the second tray (400) is deformed by the pusher (540), when the pressing force of the pusher (540) is removed, the second tray (400) can be restored to its original shape.

[0182] For example, the first tray (300) may be formed of a metal material or a plastic material. In this case, the bonding or adhesive force per unit area between the first tray (300) and the ice may be relatively strong. However, since the first cell formed within the first tray (300) has a small surface area (or ice contact area), ice separation can be easily achieved.

[0183] As another example, the first tray (300) may be formed of a non-metallic material. In this case, the bonding or adhesive force per unit area between the first tray (300) and the ice may be relatively weak. Accordingly, ice separation may be facilitated. Although not limited, the first tray (300) may be formed of, for example, a silicone material.

[0184] The first tray (300) and the second tray (400) may be formed of the same material. In this case, the hardness of the first tray (300) and the hardness of the second tray (400) may be different so that sealing performance is maintained at the contact area between the first tray (300) and the second tray (400).

[0185] In the present embodiment, since the second tray (400) is pressed by the pusher (540) and is deformed, the hardness of the second tray (400) may be lower than the hardness of the first tray (300) so that the shape of the second tray (400) can be easily deformed.

[0186] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a second tray assembly and a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the first tray (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of tray parts (300a, 300b, 300c). The number of the plurality of tray parts (300a, 300b, 300c) may correspond to the number of the plurality of cells (360).

[0188] The above multiple tray parts (300a, 300b, 300c) can be arranged in a row in one direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The first tray (300) can form an upper tray.

[0189] The first tray (300) may include a first tray wall (310) forming a part of the cell (360). For example, the first tray wall (310) may define the first cell (310b).

[0190] The first tray wall (310) may include a first cell wall (311) defining a first cell surface (310a). The inner surface of the first cell wall (611) forms the first cell surface (310a), and the first cell surface (310a) may be understood to define an outer surface of the first cell (310b).

[0191] The first tray wall (310) may include a first opening (310c). The first opening (310c) forms an end (e.g., a lower end) of the first tray wall (310) and may be in contact with the second tray (400).

[0192] An edge (e.g., a lower edge) of the first tray wall (310) may form a contact end (319) that contacts the second tray (400). The second tray (400) may form a contact end (412a, see FIG. 8B) that contacts the contact portion (319).

[0193] The above contact end (412a) may form an end (e.g., an upper edge) of the second part (412) of the second tray (400). The contact end (319) of the first tray (300) may be referred to as a “first contact end”, and the contact end (412a) of the second tray (400) may be referred to as a “second contact end”.

[0194] The first tray wall (310) may include a first extension wall (313) extending in one direction (e.g., upward) from a portion of the perimeter of the first cell wall (311). For example, the first extension wall (313) may constitute at least one wall among a portion of the wall (e.g., a front wall) and another portion of the wall (e.g., a side wall) of the first tray (300).

[0195] The first tray wall (310) may include a second extension wall (314) extending in one direction (e.g., upward) from another portion of the perimeter of the first cell wall (311). For example, the second extension wall (314) may constitute a portion of a wall (e.g., a rear wall) of the first tray (300).

[0196] The second extension wall (314) may be positioned on the inner side of the peripheral wall (430) of the second tray (400), particularly the second extension wall (431). At the ice-making position of the tray assembly, one end (e.g., the upper end) of the second extension wall (314) of the first tray (300) may be positioned higher than one end (e.g., the upper end) of the second extension wall (431) of the second tray (400).

[0197] In the relative positional relationship between the second extension wall (314) of the first tray (300) and the second extension wall (431) of the second tray (400), the gap between the second extension wall (314) and the second extension wall (431) may increase in one direction (for example, upward). According to this configuration, when the second tray (400) moves forward from the ice-making position to the ice-separating position or when it moves backward from the ice-separating position to the ice-making position, the phenomenon of interference with the first tray (600) can be prevented.

[0198] The first tray (300) may include a guide wall (315) extending from the first tray wall (310). The guide wall (315) may extend in a direction toward the bracket (220).

[0199] The above guide wall (315) can form a through hole (315a). The through hole (315a) can be formed to penetrate from the first cell surface (310a) of the first tray wall (310) to the outer surface of the guide wall (315). During the ice-making process, air bubbles in the cell (360) are discharged through the through hole (315a), thereby preventing an air pocket phenomenon in the cell (360).

[0200] The above guide wall (315) may include a drainage portion (315b) that is connected to the through hole (315a) and penetrates one side (e.g., the front) of the guide wall (315). The drainage portion (315b) may direct the fluid discharged through the through hole (315a) to the outside of the first tray (300), thereby preventing ice from forming in the through hole (315a). For example, the drainage portion (315b) may include a drainage hole.

[0201] One side (e.g., bottom side) of the above drainage portion (315b) may include an inclined surface (315c) extending inclined toward one side (e.g., side) of the through hole (315a).

[0202] The first tray (300) includes a space (318) defined by a first cell wall (311), a first extension wall (313), a second extension wall (314), and a guide wall (315), and the space (318) can form a storage space in which fluid discharged through the drainage portion (315b) is stored.

[0203] A second heater (495) may be placed on the first tray (300). The second heater (495) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to the surface of the first tray (300). The space (318) may form a heater receiving portion of the second heater (495).

[0204] The bottom surface of the above space portion (318) can form a heater mounting portion (318a) on which a second heater (495) is mounted. The second heater (495) can be placed on the heater mounting portion (318a). The second heater (495) can be arranged along the perimeter of the guide wall (315).

[0205] At least a portion of the second heater (495) may be covered by the bracket (220). Accordingly, the fluid discharged through the drain (315b) may be prevented from coming into contact with the second heater (495).

[0206] The first tray (300) may be formed with a plurality of fastening grooves (316a, 316b) to which fastening members are coupled. The plurality of fastening grooves (316a, 316b) may include a first fastening groove (316a) provided in the second extension wall (314) and a second fastening groove (316b) provided in the guide wall (315).

[0207] The first tray (300) may include a coupling protrusion (313b) extending in one direction (e.g., upward) from the first extension wall (313). The coupling protrusion (313b) may be inserted into the bracket (220) to guide the assembly of the first tray (300) and the bracket (220).

[0208] The first tray (300) may include a recessed joining groove (313a) at one end (e.g., the top) of the first extension wall (313). The joining groove (313a) may be joined to the bracket (220) to guide the assembly of the first tray (300) and the bracket (220).

[0209] A second tray (400) is arranged on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the first tray (300). The second tray (400) and the first tray (300) may together form a cell (360). The second tray (400) may define a second cell that is part of the cell (360).

[0210] The second tray (400) may include a plurality of tray parts (401a, 401b, 401c) corresponding to the plurality of tray parts (300a, 300b, 300c) of the first tray (300). Each tray part of the first tray (300) and each tray part of the second tray (400) may be in contact with each other to form a cell (360).

[0211] The second tray (400) may form each tray part (401a, 401b, 401c) and may include a second tray wall (410) defining the second cell. The second tray walls (410) are provided in multiple numbers to define multiple second cells, and the multiple second tray walls (410) may be arranged in one direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction).

[0212] The second tray (400) may include a second opening (413). The second opening (413) forms an end (e.g., an upper end) of the second tray (400) and may contact the first tray (300). The second tray (400) may include a first extension wall (420) extending in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) toward the outside of the second tray wall (410). The first extension wall (420) may be mounted on a third wall (453) of the second tray supporter (450).

[0213] The second tray wall (410) may include a first part (411) positioned on one side (e.g., lower side) of the first extension wall (420) based on the first extension wall (420). The first part (411) may form one area (e.g., lower area) of the cell (360). The first part (411) may be accommodated in the accommodation space (453a) of the second tray supporter (450) and supported by the second tray supporter (450).

[0214] The second tray wall (410) may include a second part (412) located on the other side (e.g., upper side) of the first extension wall (420) with respect to the first extension wall (420). The second part (412) may form a part of the other area (e.g., upper area) of the cell (360). An end (e.g., upper end) of the second part (412) may form the second opening (413).

[0215] The second part (412) may be provided with reinforcing ribs (436) for reinforcing strength. The reinforcing ribs (436) may extend in one direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) and a plurality of them may be arranged in one direction (e.g., the circumferential direction) of the second part (412).

[0216] The second tray (400) may include a peripheral wall (430) extending along the perimeter of an end (e.g., an upper end) of the second tray wall (410). For example, the peripheral wall (430) may be formed integrally with the second tray wall (410) and may extend in one direction (e.g., upward) from one end (e.g., an upper end) of the second tray wall (410).

[0217] The above-mentioned peripheral wall (430) may include a second extension wall (431) extending in one direction (e.g., upward) from the second part (412). The second tray (400) may include a separating wall (432) provided between the plurality of second extension walls (431). A plurality of the separating walls (432) may be provided.

[0218] The second tray (400) may include a third extension wall (1433) that guides the fluid supplied from the water supply unit (240) to the cell (360). The third extension wall (1433) may include a first wall part (1434) that extends in the direction in which the plurality of tray parts (401a, 401b, 401c) are arranged.

[0219] The third extension wall (1433) may include a second wall part (1435) extending from both ends of the first wall part (1434) and connected to the second extension wall (431) of the second tray (400).

[0220] A power transmission device may be placed on one side (e.g., the rear side) of the second tray (400) and the second tray cover (480).

[0221] The power transmission device may include a shaft (520) that is connected to the driving unit (510) and rotates. The shaft (520) may extend in a direction in which a plurality of tray parts (300a, 300b, 300c) of the first tray (300) are arranged or in a direction in which a plurality of tray parts (401a, 401b, 401c) of the second tray (400) are arranged.

[0222] The power transmission device may include a holder (530) provided at an end of the shaft (520) to transmit the power of the driving unit (510) to the shaft (520).

[0223] The holder (530) may include a first holder (531) that is axially coupled to the driving unit (510) as a driving holder. The first holder (531) may be coupled to a first end of the shaft (520). An insertion hole (521) into which the first holder (531) is inserted may be formed in the first end of the shaft (520).

[0224] An insertion hole (521) into which a second holder (532) is inserted may also be formed at the second end of the shaft (520), that is, at the end opposite the first end. The first holder (531) is coupled to the motor shaft of the driving unit (531) and extends in a direction toward the shaft (520), and may pass through the first through hole (564) of the lift (560) and the second through hole (455a) of the second tray supporter (450) to be coupled to the insertion hole (521) of the shaft (520).

[0225] The first holder (531) may include an insertion bar (531a) coupled to an insertion hole (521) of a first end of the shaft (520). The first holder (531) may include a protrusion (531b) protruding from an outer surface of the insertion bar (531a). An end of the protrusion (531b) may be supported by an end of the shaft (520). A plurality of the protrusions (531b) may be provided so as to protrude from both sides of the outer surface of the insertion bar (531a).

[0226] At least a portion of the above insertion bar (531a) and the above protrusion (531b) can be inserted into the first through hole (564) of the lift (560).

[0227] The holder (530) may include a second holder (532) coupled to the second end of the shaft (520) as a driven holder. The second holder (532) may be coupled to an insertion hole (521) formed in the second end of the shaft (520).

[0228] The second holder (532) above is different from the first holder (531) only in that the motor shaft of the driving unit (510) is not coupled, and the structure of being coupled to the insertion hole (521) of the shaft (520) by penetrating the first through-hole (564) of the lift (560) and the second through-hole (455a) of the second tray cover (450) is the same as the first holder (531).

[0229] The above-mentioned moving guide (487) may be provided on the edge side of the cover wall (481). For example, the above-mentioned moving guide (487) may be placed on the edge side of the second tray cover (480) on which the shaft (520) is placed.

[0230] Defines the direction. In the tray assembly, the portion where the shaft (520) is located can be understood as the rear portion, and the opposite side of the rear portion can be understood as the front portion. Accordingly, when the shaft (520) moves, the front portion of the second tray (400) can be understood to move downward around the shaft (520).

[0231] The above moving guides (487) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple moving guides (487) may be arranged in one direction (e.g., X-axis direction) in which the multiple cells (360) are arranged, corresponding to the multiple cells (360).

[0232] The above-mentioned moving guide (487) can move along the surface of the first tray (300) during the moving process. For example, the moving guide (487) can move along the surface shape of the first tray (300) while in contact with the surface of the first tray (300) or adjacent to the surface of the first tray (300).

[0233] The above-mentioned moving guide (487) may have a groove (487a) surrounding at least a portion of the shaft (520). The groove (487a) is formed at an end (e.g., a lower end) of the moving guide (487) and may be formed to be rounded with a predetermined curvature corresponding to the curvature of the outer surface of the shaft (520).

[0234] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 7, a first tray (300) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may form at least a portion of a cell (360), and a second tray (400) may form another portion of the cell (360).

[0235] The inner surface of the cell (360) may include a first cell surface (310a) formed by the first tray (300) and a second cell surface (410a) formed by the second tray (400). The first cell surface (310a) and the second cell surface (410a) may extend in one direction (e.g., in the circumferential direction) to form the cell (360).

[0236] Based on the center (C1) of the cell (360), the diameter (D1) of the cell (360) may be formed to be larger than the diameter (D2) of the portion where the first cell surface (310a) and the second cell surface (410a) come into contact. The portion where the first cell surface (310a) and the second cell surface (410a) come into contact may be understood as the boundary between the first tray (300) and the second tray (400).

[0237] The above diameter (D2) may form the diameter of the first opening of the first tray (300). The first opening of the first tray (300) may form an end (e.g., a lower end) of the first tray (300). The above diameter (D2) may form the diameter of the second opening (413) of the second tray (400). The second opening (413) of the second tray (400) may form an end (e.g., a upper end) of the second tray (400).

[0238] With respect to the center (C1) of the cell (360), the circumferential length of the first cell surface (310a) may be formed to be smaller than the circumferential length of the second cell surface (410a). With respect to the center (C1) of the cell (360), the central angle formed by the first cell surface (310a) may be formed to be smaller than the central angle formed by the second cell surface (410a).

[0239] A moving guide (487) may be provided on one side (e.g., the rear side) of the cell (360). The bottom surface of the moving guide (487) may be connected to the cover wall (481) of the second tray cover (480). The moving guide (487) may extend in one direction (e.g., upward) from the shaft (520) toward the bracket (220).

[0240] An end (e.g., an upper end) of the above-described moving guide (487) may be positioned in a bracket groove (221f) of the bracket (220). The groove (221f) may be formed by being recessed upward from the bottom surface of the above-described joining wall (221a). When the above-described moving guide (487) moves, one end (e.g., an upper end) of the above-described moving guide (487) may be pulled out from the groove (221f). The groove (221f) may be formed so as not to interfere with the above-described moving guide (487).

[0241] At least a portion of the moving path of the above-mentioned ice guide (487) may be formed to interfere with or overlap the surface of the ice attached to the first tray (300).

[0242] FIGS. 8A to 8G are drawings showing ice making, ice removal, and water supply in an ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a flow chart regarding a control method of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0243] Figure 8a shows a completed ice-making process. Specifically, cold is supplied to the ice maker, an ice-making process is performed, and ice (I) can be created in the cell (360). During the ice-making process, the first heater (490) can be turned on at least for a portion of the time the cooler supplies cold, thereby helping to create transparent ice (S11).

[0244] When ice making is completed, an ice-breaking process can be performed. The first heater (490) that was turned on during the ice-making process can be turned off. The second heater (495) can be turned on. The second heater (495) can be operated for a first set time. By operating the second heater (495), the degree of adhesion of ice attached to the first tray (300) can be reduced (S12).

[0245] By driving the second heater (495), ice can be easily separated from the first cell surface (310a) of the first tray (300). When the second tray (400) starts moving in the forward direction and moves by the first set angle and reaches the water supply position (see FIG. 8e), the first heater (490) can be turned on and driven for the second set time. The first set angle can be a value within the range of 10 to 20°.

[0246] By driving the first heater (490), a portion (e.g., the lower portion) of the ice present in the second tray (400) may have its adhesion to the second tray (400) reduced. Accordingly, the reliability of ice being separated from the second tray (400) in the future may be improved (S13, S14).

[0247] Fig. 8b shows a slightly more forward movement after moving forward by the first set angle. At the position of Fig. 8b, ice can be separated from the first tray (300) and positioned on the second tray (400).

[0248] Since the adhesion force (or contact area) of the ice and the second tray (400) is formed to be large compared to the adhesion force (or contact area) of the ice and the first tray (300), the ice and the first tray (300) can be easily separated during the ice-making process.

[0249] When the second tray (400) moves forward, the moving guide (487) of the second tray cover (480) can move forward together with the second tray (400b). The moving guide (487) can move along the outer surface of the second extension wall (314) of the first tray (300). At this time, the moving guide (487) can move in contact with the second extension wall (314) or can move adjacent to the second extension wall (314) without contacting it.

[0250] One end (e.g., the tip end) of the above-mentioned moving guide (487) can move to the contact end (319) of the first tray (300) or to a position adjacent to the contact end (319). In this process, ice debris (Id) that may be present at and around the contact end (319) can be separated from the tray assembly.

[0251] When the driving unit (510) is further driven at the position of Fig. 8b, the second tray (400) can move further forward and reach the maximum ice-breaking position. Fig. 8c shows the ice maker at the maximum ice-breaking position. It can be understood that at the maximum ice-breaking position, the second tray (400) moves forward by a second set angle. For example, the second set angle can be formed in the range of 110 to 120°.

[0252] At the maximum freezing position, the end (e.g., the lower end) of the second tray (400) may be deformed by contacting the pusher (540). The ice in the second tray (400) may be separated from the second tray (400) by the pressure of the pusher (540).

[0253] To improve ice-breaking reliability, the first heater (490) and the second heater (495) may be kept on for a third set time at the maximum ice-breaking position. Ice separated from the second tray (400) may fall and be stored in the ice bin (600).

[0254] When the moving operation is completed at the position of Fig. 8c, the driving unit (510) is driven to move the second tray assembly in the reverse direction and return to the ice-making position as shown in Fig. 8d (S16).

[0255] When the water supply operation starts at the position of FIG. 8d, the second tray assembly can move forward by a predetermined angle, for example, about 10 to 20 degrees, toward the water supply position, as shown in FIG. 8e. At the water supply position, fluid is supplied through the water supply unit (240), and the fluid can be supplied to a plurality of cells (360).

[0256] Through the above water supply unit (240), water can be supplied to the central cell (360) among the multiple cells (360). When the water supply is completed, the water can be supplied by spreading from the central cell (360) to the cells (360) on both sides after waiting for a set time. At this time, the water can flow through the water supply path (1435) inside the third extension wall (1433). When the water supply is completed, the internal space of the second tray (400) can be filled with water (W) as shown in FIG. 8f (S17).

[0257] When the set time has elapsed, the second tray assembly can move backward to the ice-making position as shown in Fig. 8g and perform an ice-making operation. During the ice-making process, cold is supplied to the ice maker and the first heater (490) operates to produce transparent ice (S18).

[0258] FIGS. 10A to 10F are drawings showing ice making, ice removal, and water supply in an ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a flow chart regarding a control method of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0259] Figure 10a shows a completed ice-making process. Specifically, cold is supplied to the ice maker, an ice-making process is performed, and ice (I) can be created in the cell (360). During the ice-making process, the first heater (490) can be turned on at least for a portion of the time the cooler supplies cold, thereby helping to create transparent ice (S21).

[0260] When ice making is completed, an ice removal process can be performed. The first heater (490) that was turned on during the ice making process can be turned off. The off state of the first heater (490) waits for a set time, and after waiting for the set time, the first heater (490) can be turned on again. The first heater (490) can be driven for a first set time. By driving the first heater (490), the degree of adhesion of ice attached to the second tray (400) can be reduced (S22).

[0261] By driving the first heater (490), ice can be easily separated from the second cell surface (410a) of the second tray (400). As shown in Fig. 10b, the driving unit (510) can be driven to move the second tray (400) in the forward direction.

[0262] During the forward movement of the second tray (400), ice can be discharged through the second opening (413) of the second tray (400). The ice can be attached to the first tray (300). The second tray (400) can be deformed in a direction in which the second opening (413) expands to discharge ice. For this purpose, the second tray (400) can be made of, for example, a flexible or malleable material.

[0263] When the second tray (400) moves, the moving guide (487) can move around the shaft (520). The moving guide (487) can move along the surface or edge of the first tray (300).

[0264] The above-mentioned moving guide (487) moves along the surface shape of the first tray (300), and in this process, excessively formed frozen material (hereinafter, super-ice) on the surface of the first tray (300) can be removed.

[0265] For example, the moving guide (487) can move while being slightly spaced from the surface of the first tray (300). As another example, the moving guide (487) can move while being in contact with the surface of the first tray (300).

[0266] As the second tray (400) moves further in the forward direction, the moving guide (487) can come into contact with the ice attached to the first tray (300) and pressurize the ice. By the pressurization, the ice can be separated from the first tray (300) and fall by its own weight.

[0267] During the movement of the above-mentioned moving guide (487), after the moving guide (487) moves along the surface of the first tray (300), the tip of the moving guide (487) may then move along the surface or edge of the first tray (300). The tip of the moving guide (487) may move while being slightly separated from or in contact with the surface of the first tray (300).

[0268] At the position where the ice guide (487) presses the ice, the tip of the ice guide (487) may be located at the edge adjacent to the first opening (310c) of the first tray (300). That is, the tip of the ice guide (487) may not come into contact with the ice (S23).

[0269] The second heater (495) can be turned on for a second set time. The point in time at which the second heater (495) is turned on may be when the second tray (400) starts moving in the forward direction or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second tray (400) starts moving in the forward direction. As the second heater (495) is turned on, the first heater (490) and the second heater (495) are turned on together (S24).

[0270] The above-mentioned ice guide (487) pressurizes the ice so that after the ice is separated from the first tray, the second tray (400) can move slightly more forward toward the maximum ice-separating position. Fig. 10c shows the second tray (400) at the maximum ice-separating position.

[0271] In the above maximum moving position, the second tray (400) may be moved by a range of 110 to 120°. The separated ice falls and is stored in the ice bin (600), and the end (e.g., the lower end) of the second tray (400) may be deformed by contacting the pusher (540).

[0272] Even if ice is separated from the first tray (300) and located in the second tray (400) when the second tray (400) moves to the ice removal position, the ice can be separated from the second tray (400) by the pressure of the pusher (540) (S25).

[0273] In order to improve the ice-making reliability, the first heater (490) and the second heater (495) can be kept on for a third set time at the maximum ice-making position. When the ice-making operation is completed at the position of Fig. 10c, the driving unit (510) is driven to move the second tray assembly in the reverse direction and return to the ice-making position as shown in Fig. 10d (S26).

[0274] When the water supply operation starts at the position of FIG. 10d, the second tray assembly can move forward by a predetermined angle, for example, about 10 to 20 degrees, toward the water supply position, as shown in FIG. 10e. At the water supply position, fluid is supplied through the water supply unit (240), and the fluid can be supplied to a plurality of cells (360).

[0275] Through the above water supply unit (240), water can be supplied to the central cell (360) among the multiple cells (360). When the water supply is completed, the water can be supplied by spreading from the central cell (360) to the cells (360) on both sides after waiting for a set time. At this time, the water can flow through the water supply path (1435) inside the third extension wall (1433). When the water supply is completed, the internal space of the second tray (400) can be filled with water (W) as shown in FIG. 10f (S27).

[0276] After the set time has elapsed, the second tray assembly can move backward to the ice-making position and perform an ice-making operation (see Fig. 10a). During the ice-making process, cold is supplied to the ice maker and the first heater (490) operates to produce transparent ice (S28).

[0277] Fig. 12 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 12, cold is supplied to the ice maker, an ice-making process is performed, and ice (I) can be created in a cell (360) (S31).

[0278] Once ice making is complete, an ice separation process may be performed. An operation for primary separation of ice may be performed. Specifically, at least one of the first heater (490) and the second heater (495) may be turned on. At this time, the ice maker may be in an ice making position. That is, the first and second trays (300, 400) may be maintained in a closed state to form a cell (360).

[0279] As at least one of the heaters is turned on, the ice may be separated from the cell surface of the cell (360). The separation may be understood as a phenomenon in which the degree of adhesion of the ice is reduced. For example, by operating only the first heater (490), at least a portion of the ice may be separated from the second tray (400).

[0280] As another example, only the second heater (495) may be driven so that at least a portion of the ice can be separated from the first tray (300).

[0281] As another example, the first heater (490) and the second heater (495) may be driven together so that at least a portion of the ice can be separated from the first tray (300) and the second tray (400) (S32).

[0282] By driving the above driving unit (510), the second tray (400) can start moving in the forward direction and move by the first set angle (S33).

[0283] As the second tray (400) moves, the moving guide (487) can move forward together with the second tray (400b). The moving guide (487) can move in contact with the first tray (300) or can move adjacent to the first tray (300).

[0284] During the process of moving the second tray (400), the ice may be attached to the first tray (300) or attached to the second tray (400).

[0285] When ice is attached to the first tray (300), the ice can be separated from the first tray (300) by the ice guide (487), fall by its own weight, and be stored in the ice bin (600).

[0286] When ice is attached to the second tray (400), the moving guide (487) can remove ice crumbs present at the edge of the first tray (300) while moving (S34).

[0287] When the above driving unit (510) is further driven, the second tray (400) can move further in the forward direction and reach the maximum moving position. At the maximum moving position, it can be understood that the second tray (400) has moved in the forward direction by the second set angle. For example, the second set angle can be formed in the range of 110 to 120°.

[0288] In order to improve the ice-breaking reliability, the first heater (490) and the second heater (495) may be kept on for a predetermined period of time at the maximum ice-breaking position. At the maximum ice-breaking position, an end (e.g., a lower end) of the second tray (400) may be deformed by contacting the pusher (540). If ice exists in the second tray (400), the ice may be separated from the second tray (400) by the pressure of the pusher (540). The ice separated from the second tray (400) may fall and be stored in the ice bin (600) (S35).

[0289] When the ice-making operation is completed, the driving unit (510) is driven to cause the second tray assembly to move in the reverse direction and return to the ice-making position (S36).

[0290] When the water supply operation starts, the second tray assembly can move forward by a third set angle, for example, about 10 to 20 degrees, toward the water supply position. At the water supply position, fluid is supplied through the water supply unit (240), and the fluid can be supplied to a plurality of cells (360).

[0291] Through the above water supply unit (240), water can be supplied to the central cell (360) among the multiple cells (360). When the water supply is completed, the water can be supplied by spreading from the central cell (360) to the cells (360) on both sides after waiting for a set time. At this time, the water can flow through the water supply path (1435) inside the third extension wall (1433). When the water supply is completed, the internal space of the second tray (400) can be filled with water (W) (S37).

[0292] When the set time has elapsed, the second tray assembly can move backward to the ice-making position and perform an ice-making operation. During the ice-making process, cold is supplied to the ice maker and the first heater (490) operates to produce transparent ice (S38).

[0293] The present invention relates to an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker and a method for controlling the refrigerator, and has remarkable industrial applicability because it can improve ice-making performance in a tray forming a cell and reduce the adhesion of ice from the tray by driving an ice-making heater.

Claims

1. A storage room where food is stored; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; An ice making room provided in the above door or the above storage room; A cooler for supplying cold to the above storage room; A cell, which is a space provided in the above ice making room where a substance changes from a liquid to a solid state; A first tray forming at least a portion of the above cell; A second tray forming another part of the above cell; A first heater positioned adjacent to or in contact with the second tray; A second heater positioned adjacent to or in contact with the first tray; A driving unit providing driving force to move the second tray; and Including a controller that controls the first and second heaters and the driving unit, The above controller, In the process of freezing, one of the first heater and the second heater is first turned on to induce the material that has undergone a phase change into a solid state to attach to one of the first tray and the second tray. A refrigerator that starts operating another heater so that the phase-changed material is separated from another one of the first tray and the second tray.

2. In paragraph 1, The above controller, A refrigerator in which, when one of the above heaters is turned on, the one heater is turned on while the first and second trays are closed.

3. In paragraph 1, The above controller, A refrigerator that moves the second tray by driving the driving unit while turning on any one of the above heaters.

4. In paragraph 3, The above controller, A refrigerator in which the driving unit is driven to start movement of the second tray, and then the other heater is turned on and started to operate.

5. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator including a moving guide that moves together with the second tray and has a moving path that interferes with the phase-changed material attached to the first tray.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator comprising a pusher coupled to one side of the second tray and interfering with the second tray while the second tray moves to separate a phase-changed material from the second tray.

7. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the second heater is mounted on the outer surface of the first tray.

8. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator comprising a tray supporter supporting the second tray, the tray supporter forming a sunken receiving space in which the first heater is positioned.

9. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the first tray forms an upper tray and the second tray forms a lower tray.

10. A storage room where food is stored; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; An ice making room provided in the above door or the above storage room; A cooler for supplying cold to the above storage room; A cell, which is a space provided in the above ice making room where a substance changes from a liquid to a solid state; A first tray forming at least a portion of the above cell; A second tray forming another part of the above cell; A first heater positioned adjacent to or in contact with the second tray; A second heater positioned adjacent to or in contact with the first tray; A driving unit providing driving force to move the second tray; and Including a controller that controls the first and second heaters and the driving unit, The above controller, At the ice-making positions of the first and second trays, at least one of the first heater and the second heater is turned on to achieve primary separation between the phase-changed material and the first tray or the phase-changed material and the second tray. A refrigerator that moves the second tray after turning on at least one of the heaters.

11. In paragraph 10, The above controller, A refrigerator in which the first heater and the second heater are driven together to separate at least a portion of the phase-changed material from the first tray and the second tray for the first separation.

12. In paragraph 10, The above controller, A refrigerator which reduces the amount of cold supplied from the cooler to the cell during the first separation.

13. In paragraph 10, A movable pusher that moves together with the second tray and interferes with the phase-changed material attached to the first tray; and Among the fixed pushers, which are coupled to one side of the second tray and interfere with the phase-changed material attached to the second tray, A refrigerator containing at least one.

14. A control method for a refrigerator including a cell, which is a space provided in an ice making room in which a substance changes phase from a liquid state to a solid state, a first tray forming at least a part of the cell, a second tray forming another part of the cell, a first heater positioned adjacent to or in contact with the second tray, a second heater positioned adjacent to or in contact with the first tray, and a driving unit providing a driving force to move the second tray, In the process of moving, a step of first driving one of the first heater and the second heater to induce the phase-changed material to attach to one of the first tray and the second tray; and A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising the step of secondarily driving another heater among the first heater and the second heater so that the phase-changed material is separated from another one of the first tray and the second tray.

15. In paragraph 14, A method for controlling a refrigerator, wherein the first tray is an upper tray and the second tray is a lower tray.

16. In paragraph 15, During the first drive, the first heater is driven so that the phase-changed material is attached to the first tray, A control method of a refrigerator for driving the second heater so that the phase-changed material is separated from the first tray by its own weight during the second driving.

17. In paragraph 15, During the first drive, the second heater is driven so that the phase-changed material is attached to the second tray. A control method of a refrigerator for driving the first heater so that the phase-changed material is separated from the second tray during the second driving.

18. In paragraph 14, A control method for a refrigerator in which, after the second operation of the heater is completed and ice-making is completed, the second tray returns to the ice-making position and performs water supply and ice-making operations.

19. In paragraph 14, A control method for a refrigerator in which one of the heaters is turned on when one of the heaters is first driven while the first and second trays are closed.

20. In paragraph 14, Including a step of driving the driving unit to move the second tray while one of the above heaters is first driven, A control method for a refrigerator, wherein the driving unit is driven to start movement of the second tray, and then the other heater is driven for a second time.

Images