Refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.　According to an aspect of the present invention, the refrigerator may include: an ice making chamber provided in a door or a storage chamber; a cooler for supplying cold to the storage chamber; a cell which is provided in the ice making chamber and in which a material is phase-changed from a liquid phase to a solid phase; a first tray which provides a first wall forming at least one portion of the cell; and a second tray which provides a second wall forming the other portion of the cell.　The refrigerator may include: a drive part for providing a drive force to move the second tray; and a lift which is provided to be able to be in contact with the second tray and brings the second tray into close contact with the first tray on the basis of additional driving of the drive part.

Description

refrigerator

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

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that stores food at low temperatures within an internal storage space enclosed by a door. By using cold to cool the interior of the storage space, a refrigerator can keep stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state.

[0003] Refrigerators typically include an ice maker for making ice. The ice maker collects water supplied from a water source or water tank in 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. The ice maker, which automatically supplies water and removes ice, is configured to open upward to scoop up the formed ice. The ice produced by an ice maker with this structure has at least one flat surface, such as a crescent or cubic shape.

[0004] Meanwhile, spherical ice can be more convenient to use and offer a unique experience for users. Furthermore, by minimizing the contact area between ice cubes during storage, clumping can be minimized. Furthermore, recent efforts are being 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 the sealing of 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, which has a lift capable of pressing one of the first and second trays in the other direction so that the first and second trays can be brought into close contact at an ice-making position.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, in which a tray support and a lift are coaxially connected to a driving unit, and a difference is made between the size of a through-hole of the tray support and the size of a through-hole of the lift so that the lift can move additionally.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, wherein a lift is provided in contact with one side (e.g., a bottom side) of one of the first and second trays and lifts the one side (e.g., a bottom side) so that the one tray is brought into close contact with the other tray.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, wherein a protrusion is provided on the lift so as to be in contact with a tray, and either the protrusion or the tray is made of a flexible material so as to be deformable, thereby facilitating close contact between the first and second trays.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention may include a tray forming a cell and a lift positioned in contact with the tray and pressurizing the tray.

[0011] The above tray includes a first tray forming a part of the cell and a second tray forming another part of the cell, and the lift can press one of the first and second trays toward the other tray to improve sealing of the first and second trays.

[0012] The above first and second trays may include a driving unit that additionally moves (e.g., rotates) the lift to provide pressure to the first and second trays while the first and second trays are in the ice-making position.

[0013] The above lift can contact one of the first and second trays and pressurize the one tray toward the other tray.

[0014] The first part of the above lift that contacts the work tray and the second part of the work tray that contacts the lift may be composed of different materials.

[0015] Either of the first and second parts may be composed of a material having greater rigidity than the other.

[0016] Either of the first and second parts may be composed of a material having greater elasticity than the other.

[0017] One of the first and second parts may be made of a plastic material, and the other may be made of a rubber or silicone material.

[0018] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a driving unit and a shaft that moves by the driving unit and to which the lift is coupled.

[0019] The refrigerator may include a tray supporter coupled to the shaft and supporting a tray.

[0020] The tray supporter and the lift move according to the driving of the above driving unit, and the lift can move further according to the additional driving of the driving unit while the tray supporter is stopped.

[0021] For further movement of the lift, the tray supporter and a holder for connecting the lift to the shaft may be included.

[0022] The holder may include an insertion bar passing through the first through hole of the lift and the second through hole of the tray supporter.

[0023] The above second through hole may be formed larger than the above first through hole.

[0024] The holder may include a protrusion provided on the outer surface of the insertion bar and fitted with a size that fits the first through hole.

[0025] The holder may be coupled to the size of the first through hole so as not to move further (e.g., rotate) within the first through hole.

[0026] The sum of the cross-sectional area of ​​the insertion bar and the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion may be formed to be slightly smaller than the area of ​​the first through hole to the extent that the insertion bar and the protrusion fit into the first through hole.

[0027] The holder can be further moved (e.g., rotated) without interfering with the tray supporter while being inserted into the second through hole.

[0028] The sum of the cross-sectional area of ​​the insertion bar and the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion may be formed to be smaller than the second through hole so that the holder can move further within the second through hole.

[0029] The holder can be further moved until the protrusion interferes with the end of the second through hole.

[0030] By the above lift, the second tray can be pressed toward the first tray.

[0031] The refrigerator includes a tray cover covering at least a portion of the second tray, and the tray cover may include a protrusion receiving portion for receiving a protrusion of the second tray.

[0032] The above refrigerator may include a stopper that contacts the protrusion receiving portion.

[0033] The above stopper can be attached to a bracket provided in the refrigerator.

[0034] The protrusion of the second tray is in contact with the lift and can be provided to be deformable on the inside of the protrusion receiving portion by the movement of the lift.

[0035] 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 as a space in which a substance changes phase from a liquid to a solid state, a first tray providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell, and a second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the cell.

[0036] The refrigerator may include a driving unit that provides driving force to move the second tray; and a lift that is provided in contact with the second tray and brings the second tray close to the first tray based on additional driving of the driving unit.

[0037] For example, the lift may move linearly or rotationally to bring the second tray into close contact with the first tray.

[0038] The first part of the lift that contacts the second tray and the second part of the second tray that contacts the lift may be made of different materials so that either the lift or the second tray can be deformed.

[0039] Either of the first part and the second part may be composed of a material having greater rigidity or elasticity than the other.

[0040] One of the first part and the second part may be made of a plastic material, and the other may be made of a rubber or silicone material.

[0041] The above lift can pressurize the second tray at multiple points.

[0042] The above lift may include a support bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the second tray and a protrusion protruding from the support bar and contacting the second tray.

[0043] It may include a shaft that moves by the driving unit, the lift being coupled, and a holder that connects the shaft and the driving unit and is coupled to the first through hole of the lift.

[0044] It may include a second tray supporter that supports the second tray and forms a second through hole into which the holder is inserted.

[0045] When the driving unit is further driven, the cross-sectional area of ​​the holder may be smaller than the size of the second through hole so that the holder can rotate within the second through hole.

[0046] When the above driving unit is further driven, the second through hole may be formed larger than the first through hole so that the lift can rotate.

[0047] The holder may include an insertion bar inserted into the shaft and a protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the insertion bar and inserted into the first through hole.

[0048] The above lift includes a support bar supporting the second tray and an extension portion provided at an end of the support bar and forming the first through hole, and the lift may be provided to be movable based on the center of the extension portion.

[0049] The lift includes a first pressurizing device that pressurizes a first portion of the second tray and a second pressurizing device that is spaced apart from the first pressurizing device in the width direction of the second tray, and the second pressurizing device can pressurize the second portion of the second tray.

[0050] When the driving unit is further driven, the second tray may include a holder that connects the lift and the driving unit so that the lift can be further moved without moving.

[0051] A second tray cover covering at least a portion of the second tray may be included, and the second tray cover may include a protrusion receiving portion for receiving a tray protrusion provided on the second tray.

[0052] The above lift can contact the second tray so as to press the tray projection toward the projection receiving portion.

[0053] A bracket coupled to the refrigerator or door and a stopper coupled to the bracket, wherein the stopper can contact the protrusion receiving portion.

[0054] The tray protrusion and the stopper may be provided on opposite sides centered on the surface of the protrusion receiving portion so that the stopper provides a counter force when the tray protrusion presses the protrusion receiving portion.

[0055] In another aspect, the refrigerator may include a first tray providing a first wall forming at least a portion of a cell, a second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the cell, a driving unit providing a driving force to move the second tray, a lift provided in contact with the second tray and forming a through hole, and a holder inserted into the through hole to connect the driving unit and the lift.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing of a tray forming a cell by a lift can be improved.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a lift capable of pressing one of the first and second trays in the other direction is provided, so that the first and second trays can be pressed against each other at the ice-making position.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray support and a lift are coaxially connected to a driving unit, and a difference is made between the size of a through hole of the tray support and the size of a through hole of the lift so that the lift can move additionally.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a lift is provided to be in contact with one side (e.g., a bottom side) of one of the first and second trays, and the one side (e.g., a bottom side) is lifted so that the one tray is brought into close contact with the other tray.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a projection is provided on the lift so as to be placed in contact with a tray, and either the projection or the tray is made of a flexible material so as to be deformable, thereby facilitating close contact between the first and second trays.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 3 is a front view of the ice maker of Figure 2.

[0064] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the first and second tray assemblies and the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of a second tray assembly and a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 7 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 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second tray supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second tray cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a driving unit and a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a lift according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12.

[0074] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 2.

[0075] FIG. 15 is a side view of an ice maker showing a holder coupled to a lift and a second tray supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing the holder and lift further moved in the state of Fig. 15.

[0077] Fig. 17 is a left cross-sectional view of an ice maker showing an additional movement of a lift according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Fig. 18 is a right cross-sectional view of an ice maker showing an additional movement of a lift according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker showing a second tray according to an embodiment of the present invention starting to move to an ice-making position.

[0080] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker showing ice being separated from a second tray at a separation position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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."

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 driving unit capable of moving the tray assembly. 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In the present invention, a cell may be defined as a space located within the storage chamber where water changes 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 periphery of the cell may refer to the inner surface of a wall forming the cell. The center of the cell refers to the center of gravity or center of volume of the cell. The center may pass through the line of symmetry of the cell.

[0098] 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 it.

[0099] 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.

[0100] In the present invention, the refrigerator may include at least one tray assembly configured to be movable and connected to a driving unit. The driving unit is configured to move the tray assembly in at least one axial direction among the X, Y, and Z axes or to move the tray assembly around at least one axis among the X, Y, and Z axes. The present invention may include a refrigerator having the remaining configuration except for the driving unit and the power transmission member connecting the driving unit and the tray assembly as described in the detailed description. In the present invention, the tray assembly can be moved in a first direction.

[0101] 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 during at least a portion of a period while the cooler supplies cold so that bubbles dissolved in water within the cell move from a portion where ice is formed toward liquid water, thereby producing transparent ice. The heater may include a heater (hereinafter, "separating ice heater") that is controlled to be turned on during at least a portion of a period after ice making is completed so that ice can be easily separated from the tray assembly. The refrigerator may include a plurality of transparent ice heaters. The refrigerator may include a plurality of separating ice heaters. The refrigerator may include a transparent ice heater and a separating ice heater. In this case, the controller may control the heating amount of the separating ice heater to be greater than the heating amount of the transparent ice heater.

[0102] The present invention may include a pusher having a first edge formed with a surface that presses at least one surface of a tray assembly to easily separate ice from the tray assembly. The pusher may include a bar extending from the first edge and a second edge positioned at an end of the bar. A controller may control movement of at least one of the pusher and the tray assembly to change the position of the pusher.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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 Celsius, 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.

[0105] The above cell may be located on a door that opens and closes the storage room.

[0106] In the present invention, the cell may be cooled by a cooler rather than being located inside the storage chamber. For example, the entire storage chamber formed inside the outer case may be the cell.

[0107] In the present invention, the degree of deformation resistance indicates the degree to which an object resists deformation due to an external force applied to the object, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc.

[0108] Meanwhile, from the perspective of the material of an object, a high degree of deformation of the object may indicate high rigidity. The thermal conductivity may be a unique material characteristic of the object. Even when the material of an object is the same, the degree of deformation may vary depending on the shape of the object, etc.

[0109] In the present invention, the degree of restoration refers to the degree to which an object deformed by an external force is restored to its shape before the external force was applied after the external force is removed, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, etc.

[0110] In the present invention, the bonding force represents the degree of bonding between a plurality of trays, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the tray, the material of the tray, the magnitude of the force bonding the trays, etc.

[0111] In the present invention, the degree of adhesion refers to the degree to which ice and the container are attached during the process of water in the container turning into ice, and is defined as a value determined by the shape including the thickness of the container, the material of the container, the time elapsed after the water in the container turns into ice, etc.

[0112] The internal deformation of the tray with respect to an external force may be configured to be less than the internal deformation of the tray case with respect to the external force, or the rigidity of the tray may be less than the rigidity of the tray case. The tray assembly may be configured to allow the tray to be deformed by the external force, while the tray case surrounding the tray may be configured to have reduced deformation.

[0113] Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0114] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 1, a 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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. Even if the freezer compartment (32) can be opened and closed by a single door (30), it may be provided so as to be separated into two spaces.

[0119] In this 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 equipped 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).

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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).

[0122] Although it has been described above that the ice maker (200) is provided 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 cold can be supplied. Hereinafter, it will be described that the ice maker (200) is located in the storage room.

[0123] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a front view of the ice maker of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] A driving unit (510) may be arranged on the outer side 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.

[0130] 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 of the storage compartment (e.g., front-back direction) 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).

[0131] The third wall (223) may include a hook (223c) that is coupled to one side (e.g., the upper side) of the storage room. For example, the hook (223c) may be provided on the second part (223b).

[0132] 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).

[0133] 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).

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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).

[0136] At least a portion of a water supply unit (240) may be placed in the first through hole among the plurality of through holes (226). The water supply unit (240) may extend toward the tray assembly by passing through the first through hole while being supported by the third wall (223).

[0137] The above-described plurality of through holes (226) may include second through holes and third through holes formed on both sides of the first through hole. Through the second through hole and the third through hole, one end (e.g., the upper end) of the tray assembly may be exposed to one side (e.g., the upper side) of the bracket (220).

[0138] 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).

[0139] For example, the guide wall (225) may include a portion extending roundly from the third wall (223) toward the cell (360). The cell (360) may be positioned closer to one end (e.g., a front end) than to the other end (e.g., a rear end).

[0140] The 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) instead of toward the tray assembly. For example, the blocking plate (227a) may extend in one direction (e.g., upward) from the first wall (221). The blocking plate (227a) may be spaced apart in one direction (e.g., laterally) from the suction hole (224a), and a plurality of cells (360) may be arranged between the suction hole (224a) and the blocking plate (227a).

[0141] That is, the blocking plate (227a) is positioned further from the suction hole (226a) than the cell (360) furthest from the suction hole (226a), thereby preventing the phenomenon in which cold air bypasses multiple cells (360) and is discharged from the bracket (220).

[0142] 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.

[0143] One end (e.g., the lower end) of the first wall (221) may include a stopper coupler (227) to which the stopper (250) is coupled. The stopper (250) may extend in one direction (e.g., downward) from the stopper coupler (227) and may contact the second tray assembly.

[0144] When the second tray (400) moves in the forward direction and is in the ice-making position, the peripheral portion of the second tray assembly can contact the stopper (250). By this configuration, further movement of the second tray (400) can be restricted by the stopper (250).

[0145] In order for the stopper (250) and the second tray assembly to be in close contact with each other, the first part of the stopper (250) and the second part of the second tray assembly may be made of different materials. The first part of the stopper (250) and the second part of the second tray assembly may be in contact with each other. The second part of the second tray assembly may include a protrusion receiving portion (486) of the second tray cover (480).

[0146] For example, the first part of the stopper (250) may be made of a metal material or a plastic material, and the second part of the second tray assembly may be made of a flexible material that is softer than the stopper (250). As another example, the first part of the stopper (250) may be made of a flexible material, and the second part of the second tray assembly may be made of a metal material or a plastic material that is stronger than the stopper (250).

[0147] The stoppers (250) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple stoppers (250) may be arranged along the edge of one side (e.g., the bottom side) of the first wall (221). For example, six stoppers (250) may be provided (see 250a to 250f, FIG. 5). However, the number of stoppers (250) may not be limited thereto.

[0148] In this way, by the configuration of the second tray assembly and the stopper, the second tray (400) can be moved slightly further than the point where it starts to contact the stopper (250) by the driving unit (510), and in this process, the adhesion between the first tray (300) and the second tray (400) can be improved. As a result, the complete formation of the cell (360) can be achieved.

[0149] The bracket (220) may include a fourth wall (224) to which a pusher (540) is coupled. The fourth wall (224) may extend in one direction (e.g., downward) from one end (e.g., rear end) of the first wall (221) and may form a wall of one side (e.g., rear) of the bracket (220).

[0150] The above ice maker (200) may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly.

[0151] The first tray assembly may include a first tray (300), a first tray case, or the first tray (300) and the first tray case. The second tray assembly may include a second tray (400), a second tray case, or the second tray (400) and the second tray case.

[0152] The above bracket (220) can define at least a portion of a space that accommodates the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0153] 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).

[0154] Since the above water supply unit (240) is positioned lower than the above water supply pipe, water is guided in one direction (e.g., downward) without splashing up to the above water supply unit (240), and even if water is moved in one direction (e.g., downward) due to the lowered height, the amount of splashing can be reduced.

[0155] 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).

[0156] The above ice maker (200) may include a cell (see 360 ​​in FIG. 14), which is a space where water changes into ice due to cold.

[0157] 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).

[0158] 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.

[0159] In 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) come into contact, and when the first tray (300) and the second tray (400) come into contact, the cell (360) can be defined.

[0160] 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).

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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).

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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).

[0165] 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).

[0166] The second tray case may include, for example, a second tray cover (480) and a second tray supporter (450). The second tray cover (480) and the second tray supporter (450) may be formed integrally, or may be manufactured as separate components and then joined. For example, the second tray (400), the second tray supporter (450), and the second tray cover (480) may be joined by a fastening member.

[0167] 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).

[0168] 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). The opening (482) may be configured to have an area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​a plurality of second cells of the second tray (400) so that the plurality of second cells may pass through it.

[0169] 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).

[0170] The above tray protrusion (429) can extend in one direction (e.g., upward) from the first extension wall (420). A plurality of the above tray protrusions (429) can be provided on the corner side of the first extension wall (420).

[0171] 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 a tray projection (429). The tray projection (429) may penetrate the cover wall (481) and be inserted into the projection receiving portion (486).

[0172] The lower surface of the first extension wall (420) may be contacted by a protrusion (566) of a lift (560). When the lift (560) moves further, the protrusion (566) presses the first extension wall (420) in one direction (for example, upward), and in this process, the tray protrusion (429) or the first extension wall (420) may be deformed. For example, the protrusion (566) may be pushed into the interior of the tray protrusion (429) while deforming a portion of the tray protrusion (429) or the first extension wall (420).

[0173] The above lift (560) can be understood as a contact mechanism that moves (e.g., rotates) around the center of the shaft (520) so that the second tray assembly can be contacted with the first tray (300).

[0174] 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).

[0175] 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).

[0176] 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 at least one of the fastening portion (425) of the second tray (400) and the supporter fastening portion (456) of the second tray supporter (450).

[0177] In a state where the cover fastening portion (485) is connected to the fastening portion (425) and the supporter fastening portion (456), the fastening member can be fastened to one side (e.g., the lower side) of the second tray supporter (450).

[0178] The second tray cover (480) is provided on the cover wall (481) and may include a moving guide (487) that helps move ice. A number of the moving guides (487) may be provided corresponding to the number of cells (360).

[0179] The 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).

[0180] During the movement process of the second tray cover (480), the distance by which the moving guide (487) moves may be shorter than the distance by which a part (e.g., the front part) of the second tray cover (480a) moves.

[0181] The above-mentioned ice guide (487) can, during the ice-separating process, pressurize the ice attached to the first tray (300) to separate the ice from the first tray (300). The above-mentioned ice guide (487) can, during the ice-separating process, 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).

[0182] 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) from 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).

[0183] The ice maker (200) may include a pusher (540). The pusher (540) may be coupled to the bracket (220), for example. The number of pushers (540) may be the same as the number of cells (360), but is not limited thereto.

[0184] 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.

[0185] The above ice maker (200) may include a heater (490, 495).

[0186] The above heater (490, 495) is disposed in the sunken receiving space (453a) of the second tray supporter (450) and may include a transparent ice heater (490) for applying heat to the second tray (400) during the ice-making process. The transparent ice heater (490) may be disposed adjacent to or in contact with one side (e.g., the lower side) of the second tray (400) so as to supply heat to a portion (e.g., the lower side) of the second tray (400). The transparent ice heater (490) may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

[0187] The above heater (490, 495) may include an ice 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 ice heater (495) may be positioned adjacent to the first tray (300). The ice heater (495) may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

[0188] For example, the moving 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 moving 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).

[0189] The above-mentioned moving heater (495) can be covered by a bracket (220). Therefore, the fluid discharged through the first tray (300) can be prevented from coming into contact with the moving heater (495).

[0190] The above ice maker (200) may include a lift (560) as a contact mechanism to increase the contact between the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly.

[0191] 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). Hereinafter, the structure in which the lift (560) is coupled to the holder (531, 532) will be described. However, the structure in which the lift (560) is coupled to the shaft (520) may also be applied.

[0192] The above lift (560) may be provided on at least one side of the shaft (520). For example, a plurality of lifts (560) may be provided on both sides of the shaft (520). The plurality of lifts (560) may be located on the outer sides of both side walls of the second tray supporter (450).

[0193] The one-way (e.g., left-right) length (w2, see FIG. 7) of the second tray (400) may be formed to be longer than the one-way (e.g., left-right) length (w1, see FIG. 7) of the second tray supporter (450). The plurality of lifts (560) may be arranged on the outer sides of both side walls of the second tray supporter (450) to support one side (e.g., bottom side) of the second tray (400).

[0194] 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).

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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).

[0197] At the ice-making position of the tray assembly, the lift (560) can move further in one direction (e.g., upward) based on the axis of the shaft (520) so that the second tray (400) is pressed against the first tray (300). In this process, the protrusion (566) provides a force toward the first tray (300) to the second tray (400) through the tray protrusion (429), and the second tray (400) can transmit a force to press against the second tray cover (480) in one direction (e.g., upward).

[0198] The second tray cover (480) may include a projection receiving portion (486) into which the tray projection (429) is inserted. One surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the projection receiving portion (486) may be supported by the stopper (250). Therefore, when the second tray (400) transmits a force to be pressed against the second tray cover (480) in one direction (e.g., an upper surface), one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the projection receiving portion (486) may act as a joint support surface by the stopper (250). Through the joint support surface, the second tray (400) may be pressed against the first tray (300).

[0199] That is, so that the stopper (250) provides a counter force when the tray protrusion (429) presses the protrusion receiving portion (486), the tray protrusion (429) and the stopper (250) can be provided on opposite sides centered on the surface of the protrusion receiving portion (486).

[0200] The ice maker (200) may include a driving unit (510) that provides driving force. The second tray (400) may move relative to the first tray (300) by receiving the driving force from the driving unit (510). The driving unit (510) may include a driving motor.

[0201] The second tray supporter (450) may include two extension parts (455) in which through holes (455a) are formed. The two extension parts (455) may be provided on both left and right sides of the second tray supporter (450).

[0202] The ice maker (200) may include a shaft (520) that passes through the through hole (455a). The shaft (520) extends between the two extensions (455) and may be moved by receiving power from the driving unit (510).

[0203] The above driving unit (510) may include a motor and a plurality of gears.

[0204] 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.

[0205] The driving unit (510) may include a cam that moves or rotates by receiving power from the motor. The ice maker (200) may include a sensor that detects the movement or rotation of the cam. For example, the cam may be equipped with a magnet, and the sensor may be a Hall sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnet during the movement of the cam.

[0206] For example, the water supply position, ice-making position, and ice-moving position can be distinguished and determined based on the signal output from the sensor.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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).

[0209] 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).

[0210] When the second tray (400) is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible 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.

[0211] 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 inside the first tray (300) has a small surface area, ice separation may be easily achieved.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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).

[0214] 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.

[0215] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the first and second tray assemblies and the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of the second tray assembly and the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the second tray assembly and the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0216] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a 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).

[0217] The above first tray (300) can form an upper tray.

[0218] A moving heater (495) may be placed on the first tray (300). The moving heater (495) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to the surface of the first tray (300).

[0219] 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 (410b) that is part of the cell (360).

[0220] 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).

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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).

[0223] At least a portion of the above water supply unit (240) may be placed in the inner space of the third extension wall (1433).

[0224] A second tray cover (450) may be provided on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the first extension wall (420) of the second tray (400). The second tray cover (480) may cover at least a portion of the first extension wall (420).

[0225] The tray protrusion (427a) of the second tray (400) can pass through the guide hole (481b) of the second tray cover (480) and protrude toward one side (e.g., upward) of the first extension wall (420).

[0226] 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). The tray projection (429) of the second tray (400) may be inserted into the projection receiving portion (486). A plurality of projection receiving portions (486) may be arranged along the perimeter of the cover wall (481).

[0227] A plurality of stoppers (250a to 250f) may be arranged so as to be in contact with one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the plurality of protrusion receiving portions (486). The plurality of stoppers (250a to 250f) may be coupled to a bracket (200). For example, the plurality of stoppers (250a to 250f) may have a bar shape.

[0228] The above-described plurality of stoppers (250a to 250f) may include four stoppers (250a to 250e) arranged at the corners of the cover wall (481). The above-described four stoppers (250a to 250e) may include first and second stoppers (250a, 250b) arranged on the side of the protrusion receiving portion (486) pressed by the first lift (560a).

[0229] The first and second stoppers (250a, 250b) may include a first stopper (250a) adjacent to the first holder (531) and a second stopper (250b) relatively far from the first holder (531).

[0230] The above four stoppers (250a to 250e) may include third and fourth stoppers (250c, 250d) arranged on the side of the protrusion receiving portion (486) that is pressed by the second lift (560b). The third and fourth stoppers (250c, 250d) may include a third stopper (250c) adjacent to the second holder (532) and a second stopper (250d) relatively far away from the second holder (532).

[0231] The above-described plurality of stoppers (250a to 250f) may include fifth and sixth stoppers (250e, 250f) arranged at one end (e.g., the rear end) of the cover wall (481). The fifth and sixth stoppers (250e, 250f) may be arranged between the first stopper (250a) and the third stopper (250c).

[0232] The above 5th and 6th stoppers (250e, 250f) may be arranged to contact the remaining protrusion receiving portion (486) side that is not pressurized by the lift (560). However, the number of stoppers is not limited in the spirit of the present invention.

[0233] A power transmission device may be placed on the rear side of at least one of the second tray (400) and the second tray cover (480).

[0234] 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 (200a, 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.

[0235] 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). The holder (530) may include a first holder (531) that is axially coupled to the driving unit (510) as a driving holder.

[0236] The first holder (531) may be coupled to the first end of the shaft (520). An insertion hole (521) into which the first holder (531) is inserted may be formed at the first end of the shaft (520). An insertion hole (521) into which the 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.

[0237] 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 can be coupled to the insertion hole (521) of the shaft (520) by passing through the first through hole (564) of the first lift (560a) and the second through hole (455a) of the second tray supporter (450).

[0238] The first holder (531) may include an insertion bar (531a) that is coupled to an insertion hole (521) of the first end of the shaft (520). In order for the insertion bar (531a) to be inserted into the insertion hole (521), the cross-sectional area of ​​the insertion bar (531a) may be formed to be slightly smaller than the internal area of ​​the insertion hole (521).

[0239] The first holder (531) may include a protrusion (531b) protruding from the outer surface of the insertion bar (531a). The end of the protrusion (531b) may be supported by the end of the shaft (520). That is, the insertion bar (531a) may be inserted into the insertion hole (521) of the shaft (520), and the protrusion (531b) may be caught on the end of the shaft (520) without being inserted into the insertion hole (521).

[0240] The above protrusions (531b) may be provided in multiple numbers so as to protrude from both sides of the outer surface of the insertion bar (531a).

[0241] The above first holder (531) may include a housing (531c) having a shaft insertion hole (531d) into which the motor shaft of the driving unit (531) is coupled.

[0242] The tip of the housing (531c) may support the extension (563) of the first lift (560a). The extension (563) may be located between the housing (531c) and the extension (455) of the second tray cover (450). For convenience of explanation, the extension (563) of the lift (560) may be referred to as the “first extension”, and the extension (455) of the second tray cover (450) may be referred to as the “second extension”. That is, the first extension (563) may be positioned on the outside of the second extension (455) and supported by one end (e.g., the tip) of the housing (531c).

[0243] The above insertion bar (531a) extends from the housing (531c) toward the shaft (520), and the protrusion (531b) can be connected to the housing (531c). That is, the protrusion (531b) can be spaced apart from the end of the insertion bar (531a) and connected to the housing (531c).

[0244] At least a portion of the insertion bar (531a) and the protrusion (531b) can be inserted into the first through-hole (564) of the first lift (560a). In order for the insertion bar (531a) and the protrusion (531b) to be aligned with and coupled to the first through-hole (564), the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the insertion bar (531a) and the protrusion (531b) can be formed to be slightly smaller than the internal area of ​​the first through-hole (564), but with a substantially corresponding size.

[0245] The insertion bar (531a) and another portion of the protrusion (531b) can be inserted into the second through hole (455a) of the second tray cover (450). The internal area of ​​the second through hole (455a) can be formed to be larger than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the insertion bar (531a) and the protrusion (531b) to the extent that the insertion bar (531a) and the protrusion (531b) can move while inserted into the second through hole (455a).

[0246] A reinforcing rib (531e) for reinforcing strength may be provided on the outer surface of the housing (531c).

[0247] 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).

[0248] 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).

[0249] That is, the second holder (532) may include an insertion bar (532a) that is coupled to the insertion hole (521) of the second end of the shaft (520). The second holder (532) may include a protrusion (532b) that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion bar (532a). The second holder (532) may include a housing (532c) that is connected to the insertion bar (532a).

[0250] The description of the insertion bar (532a), the protrusion (532b), and the housing (532c) of the second holder (532) refers to the description of the insertion bar (531a), the protrusion (531b), and the housing (531c) of the first holder (531) described above.

[0251] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second tray supporter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second tray cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0252] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 together, a second tray (400) according to an embodiment of the present invention can define a plurality of second cells (410b). The plurality of second cells (410b) can be arranged in a row, for example. With reference to FIG. 8, the plurality of second cells (410b) can be arranged in one direction (for example, in the X-axis direction).

[0253] In order to define the plurality of second cells (410b), a plurality of second tray walls (410) are provided, and each second tray wall (410) can be arranged in one direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction).

[0254] 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 be in contact with the first tray (300).

[0255] The second tray (400) may include a first extension wall (420) extending in a first direction (e.g., horizontally) toward the outside of the second tray wall (410). The first extension wall (420) may be mounted on the third wall (453) of the second tray supporter (450).

[0256] A plurality of second tray walls (410) defining the plurality of second cells (410b) are provided, and the first extension wall (420) may extend outside the plurality of second tray walls (410). For example, the first extension wall (420) may include a square-shaped flat wall.

[0257] The first extension wall (420) may be formed at a location where an extension line in a first direction (e.g., horizontal direction) that bisects the height of the cell (360) in a second direction (e.g., vertical direction) passes. When defining the center (C1) of the cell (360), an extension line in the first direction (e.g., horizontal direction) that passes through the center (C1) may pass through the first extension wall (420).

[0258] A fastening portion (425) to which a cover fastening portion (485) of a second tray cover (480) is coupled may be formed on the edge of the first extension wall (420). A plurality of fastening portions (425) may be formed. The plurality of fastening portions (425) may include a plurality of first fastening portions (425a) that are recessed into one end (e.g., a front end) of the first extension wall (420) and a plurality of second fastening portions (425b) that are formed to penetrate a portion (e.g., a rear portion) of the first extension wall (420).

[0259] 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).

[0260] The second tray wall (410) may include a second part (412) positioned on one side (e.g., upper side) of the first extension wall (420) based on the first extension wall (420). The second part (412) may form a part of another area (e.g., upper area) of the cell (360).

[0261] An end (e.g., an upper end) of the second part (412) may form the second opening (413). The second part (412) may be understood as a portion that is not accommodated in the accommodation space (453a).

[0262] The first part (411) and the second part (412) may be formed integrally. As another example, the first part (411) and the second part (412) may be manufactured separately and then assembled.

[0263] 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., in the Z-axis direction) and a plurality of them may be arranged in one direction (e.g., in the circumferential direction) of the second part (412).

[0264] 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).

[0265] 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).

[0266] The second tray (400) may include a third extension wall (1433) that forms a flow path for the fluid supplied to the cell (360). The third extension wall (1433) may include a first wall part (1434) and a second wall part (1435).

[0267] The second tray (400) may include a separation wall (432) provided between the plurality of second extension walls (431). The separation wall (432) may connect the ends of the plurality of second extension walls (431). By the separation wall (432), the plurality of second extension walls (431) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0268] The above-described separating wall (432) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the separating wall (432) may include a first separating wall (432a) provided between the second extension wall (431) of the first tray part (401a) and the second extension wall (431) of the second tray part (401b). The separating wall (432) may include a second separating wall (432b) provided between the first extension wall (431) of the second tray part (401b) and the second extension wall (431) of the third tray part (401c).

[0269] The ice maker may include a second tray supporter (450) that supports the second tray (400). 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.

[0270] 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).

[0271] 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).

[0272] A first joining portion (459a) to which a first edge (422a, see FIG. 14) of the second tray (400) is joined may be formed on the third wall (453). A second joining portion (459b) to which a protrusion (422c, see FIG. 14) 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. 14) of the second tray (400) is joined may be formed on the third wall (453). The insertion portion (458a) may include a recessed groove from the third wall (453) such that the second edge (422b) is inserted.

[0273] The second tray supporter (450) may include at least one of 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 one 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 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).

[0274] The second tray (400) is coupled to the second tray supporter (450) through the first and second edges (422a, 422b) and the protrusion (422c), and the second tray cover (480) covers the first extension wall (420) of the second tray (400), so that the surface of the second tray (400) can be shielded from the outside. According to this configuration, the freezing phenomenon between the tray (400) and the second tray cover (480) due to the supercharged water can be reduced.

[0275] The extension portion (455) of the second tray cover (450) may include two extension portions (455) that form a through hole (455a) into which a holder (531, 532) is inserted.

[0276] The above-mentioned through hole (455a) may include a first region (455a1) that forms an area into which the insertion bar (531a, 531b) of the holder (531, 532) is inserted. The first region (455a1) may include a rounded inner surface corresponding to the outer surface curvature of the insertion bar (531a, 531b).

[0277] The above-mentioned through hole (455a) may include a second region (455a2) that is further sunken in the first direction from the first region (455a1). The second region (455a2) may form a region into which one of the two protrusions (531b, 532b) provided in each of the holders (531, 532) is inserted.

[0278] The size of the second region (455a2) is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusions (531b, 532b), so that the protrusions (531b, 532b) can move within the second region (455a2).

[0279] The above-mentioned through hole (455a) may include a third region (455a3) that is further sunken in the second direction from the first region (455a1). The third region (455a3) may form a region into which the other of the two protrusions (531b, 532b) is inserted. The first direction and the second direction may form opposite directions.

[0280] The size of the third region (455a3) is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusions (531b, 532b), so that the protrusions (531b, 532b) can move within the third region (455a2).

[0281] The second tray cover (480) may include a cover wall (481) provided with a plurality of protrusion receiving portions (486). The number of the plurality of protrusion receiving portions (486) may correspond to the number of tray protrusions (429) of the second tray (400).

[0282] One end (e.g., the rear end) of the cover wall (481) may include a plurality of moving guides (487). The plurality of moving guides (487) may be arranged in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) in which the plurality of tray parts (401a, 401b, 401c) are arranged. The plurality of moving guides (487) may be connected to each other by guide connecting portions (488).

[0283] The above-mentioned moving guide (487) may be positioned adjacent to the axis of the shaft (520). The above-mentioned moving guide (487) may have a groove (487a) surrounding at least a portion of the shaft (520).

[0284] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a driving unit and a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a lift according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

[0285] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a driving unit (510) and a power transmission device that operates by the driving force of the driving unit (510).

[0286] The power transmission device may include a shaft (520) that is rotatable by the driving unit (510). The shaft (520) may extend in a direction in which a plurality of cells are arranged, i.e., in one direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction).

[0287] The power transmission device may include a holder (531, 532) coupled to the shaft (520). The holder (531, 532) may include a first holder (531) coupled to a first end of the shaft (520) and coupling the shaft (520) to the driving unit (510).

[0288] The first holder (531) can be coupled to the driving unit (510). The first holder (531) can be placed between the driving unit (510) and the shaft (520).

[0289] The first holder (531) may include a housing (531c) coupled to the driving unit (510). The extension (563) of the first lift (560a) may be supported on one end (e.g., the tip) of the housing (531c).

[0290] The first holder (531) may include an insertion bar (531a) that extends from the housing (531c) and is coupled to the insertion hole (521) of the first end of the shaft (520).

[0291] The first holder (531) may include a plurality of protrusions (531b) protruding from the outer surface of the insertion bar (531a). At least a portion of the insertion portion (531a) and the plurality of protrusions (531b) may be inserted into the first through hole (564) of the first lift (560a).

[0292] The first lift (560a) can be tightly coupled to the first holder (531) through the insertion portion (531a) and a plurality of protrusions (531b). When the first holder (531) moves (for example, rotates), the first lift (560a) can move (for example, rotate) together with the first holder (531) without spinning.

[0293] The above holder (531, 532) may include a second holder (532) coupled to the second end of the shaft (520). By rotation of the shaft (520), the second holder (532) can move.

[0294] The first holder (531) may include a housing (532c) coupled to the driving unit (510). The extension (563) of the second lift (560b) may be supported on one end (e.g., the tip) of the housing (532c).

[0295] The second holder (532) may include an insertion bar (532a) that extends from the housing (532c) and is coupled to an insertion hole (521) of the second end of the shaft (520).

[0296] The second holder (532) may include a plurality of protrusions (532b) protruding from the outer surface of the insertion bar (531a). At least a portion of the insertion portion (531a) and the plurality of protrusions (531b) may be inserted into the first through hole (564) of the second lift (560b).

[0297] The second lift (560b) can be tightly coupled to the second holder (532) through the insertion portion (532a) and the plurality of protrusions (532b). Therefore, when the second holder (532) moves, the second lift (560b) can move together with the second holder (532) without spinning.

[0298] The above first lift (560a) and the above second lift (560b) may have the same configuration.

[0299] The above lift (560) may include a support bar (561) that supports the 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).

[0300] The above support bar (561) may extend in a direction intersecting with the extension direction of the shaft (520), for example, in the Y-axis direction, which is a vertical direction. The Y-axis direction may be referred to as the “length direction” of the second tray (400), and the X-axis direction may be referred to as the “width direction” of the second tray (400).

[0301] The above lift (560) may include an extension portion (563) coupled to the holder (531, 532). The extension portion (563) may form a first through hole (564) into which the holder (531, 532) is inserted.

[0302] The above extension (563) forms a part (e.g., a rear part) of the lift (560), and the support bar (561) can extend in one direction (e.g., forward) from the extension (563). The support bar (561) can move (e.g., rotate) in another direction (e.g., up and down) with respect to the center of the extension (563).

[0303] The above lift (560) may include a pressurizing device (565) provided on the support bar (561). For example, the pressurizing device (565) may be fastened to the support bar (561) by a fastening member (567). A first fastening hole (565a) into which the fastening member (567) is inserted may be formed in the pressurizing device (565).

[0304] The above fastening member (567) can be fastened to the support bar (561) by penetrating through the first fastening hole (565a) and inserting into the second fastening hole (561c) of the support bar (561).

[0305] The pressurizing device (565) may include a first part (565a) supported on a first surface (561a) of the support bar (561) and a second part (565b) supported on a second surface (e.g., a side) of the support bar (561) and having the first fastening hole (565c) formed therein. The second part (565b) of the pressurizing device (565) may extend by bending from the first part (565a).

[0306] The pressurizing device (565) may include a protrusion (566) that comes into contact with the second tray (400). The protrusion (566) may protrude from the first surface (561a) of the support bar (561) in a direction toward the second tray (400). For example, the protrusion (566) may be provided on the first part of the pressurizing device (565) and may protrude in one direction (e.g., upward) from the first part. The protrusion (566) may pressurize one surface (e.g., 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).

[0307] The above lift (560) may include a groove (568) that is sunken in one direction (e.g., downward) from the first surface (561a). The second part (565b) may be mounted in the groove (568).

[0308] The above lift (560) may include a third surface (561b). A space may be formed between the first surface (561a) and the third surface (561b).

[0309] The above pressurizing device (565) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple pressurizing devices (565) may include a first pressurizing device positioned adjacent to the extension portion (563) and a second pressurizing device positioned relatively far from the extension portion (563).

[0310] The first pressurizing device may be located between the extension (563) and the second pressurizing device.

[0311] At least a portion of the insertion portion (531a) and a plurality of protrusions (531b) of the holder (531, 532) can be inserted into the first through-hole (564) of the lift (560). The first through-hole (564) can include a first area (564a1) into which the insertion portion (531a) is inserted.

[0312] The above first through hole (564) may include a second region (564a2) and a third region (564a3) into which the plurality of protrusions (531b) are inserted.

[0313] The second region (564a2) may be formed to be further sunken in a first direction from the first region (564a1). The third region (564a3) may be formed to be further sunken in a second direction from the first region (564a1). The first direction and the second direction may form opposite directions.

[0314] The insertion portion (531a) and the plurality of protrusions (531b) of the holder (531, 532) can be tightly fitted into the first to third regions (564a1, 564a2, 564a3).

[0315] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the ice maker taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 2, FIG. 15 is a side view of a portion of the ice maker showing a state in which a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a lift and a second tray supporter, FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which the holder and the lift are further moved from the state of FIG. 15, FIG. 17 is a left cross-sectional view of the ice maker showing a further movement of the lift according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a right cross-sectional view of the ice maker showing a further movement of the lift according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0316] Referring to FIG. 14, the first tray (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention may form at least a part of a cell (360), and the second tray (400) may form another part of the cell (360).

[0317] 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).

[0318] 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).

[0319] 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).

[0320] 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).

[0321] Fig. 14 shows the tray assembly in the ice-making position, and Fig. 15 shows the second tray supporter (450) and the first holder (531) in the position of Fig. 14.

[0322] Referring to FIG. 15, the first holder (531) can be inserted into the second through hole (455a) of the second tray supporter (450) while being coupled to the lift (560).

[0323] The area of ​​the insertion bar (531a) and the plurality of protrusions (531b) of the first holder (531) may be formed smaller than the inner area of ​​the second through hole (455a). For example, any one of the plurality of protrusions (531b) may be spaced apart from one end of the second region (455a2) of the second through hole (455a).

[0324] Another protrusion among the plurality of protrusions (531b) may be spaced apart from one end of the third region (455a2) of the second through hole (455a). With this configuration, the first holder (531) may be in a position where it can move further (for example, rotate) within the second through hole (455a), i.e., in a position where it can rotate.

[0325] Fig. 16 shows the driving unit (510) being additionally driven at the position of Fig. 15, thereby causing the first holder (531) to move additionally (counterclockwise with respect to Fig. 15).

[0326] When the first holder (531) moves, the lift (560) coupled to the first holder (531) can move (for example, rotate) in the movement direction of the first holder (531) (additional movement of the lift).

[0327] The above lift (560) can move until the protrusion (531b) of the first holder (531) interferes with the end of the second through-hole (455a) of the second tray cover (450). At this time, the second tray cover (450) may not move. That is, the first holder (531) and the lift (560) may rotate inside the second through-hole (455a).

[0328] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the lift (560) can move further in one direction (e.g., upward) relative to the axis of the shaft (520) during the additional movement process.

[0329] The above protrusion (566) can move in one direction (e.g., upward) based on the center of the extension (563) or the holder (531, 532) and pressurize one surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the second tray (400). During the pressing process, either the protrusion (566) or the second tray (400) can be deformed. For example, FIG. 18 shows a state in which the protrusion (566) is in close contact with the second tray (400) and the second tray (400) is deformed at this time.

[0330] The above protrusions (566) may be provided in multiple numbers. Among the multiple protrusions (566), the first protrusion (566a) located close to the holder (531, 532) has a relatively large movement distance, and the first protrusion (566a) can press the first tray protrusion (429a).

[0331] On the other hand, the movement distance of the second protrusion (566b) located far from the holder (531, 532) among the plurality of protrusions (566) is relatively large, and the second protrusion (566b) can press the second tray protrusion (429b).

[0332] The above protrusion (566) presses one side (e.g., the bottom side) of the tray protrusion (429) and can provide force to the second tray (400) toward the first tray (300) through the tray protrusion (429). Accordingly, the second tray (400) transmits a force to press against the second tray cover (480) in one direction (e.g., upward), and the second tray (400) can press against the first tray (300).

[0333] The above tray protrusion (429) is located inside the protrusion receiving portion (486) of the second tray cover (480), and during the deformation process of the second tray (400), the tray protrusion (429) can come into contact with the protrusion receiving portion (486).

[0334] Since one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the protrusion receiving portion (486) is supported by the stopper (250), when the second tray (400) transmits a force to be pressed against the second tray cover (480) in one direction (e.g., upward), one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the protrusion receiving portion (486) can act as a joint support surface by the stopper (250). That is, the second tray (400) can be pressed against the first tray (300) through the joint support surface.

[0335] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker showing a second tray according to an embodiment of the present invention starting to move to a freezing position, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker showing ice being separated from a second tray according to an embodiment of the present invention at a freezing position.

[0336] Referring to FIG. 14, and FIGS. 19 and 20 together, the ice maker can be in the ice-making, ice-removing, and water-supplying positions. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the ice maker in the ice-making position, and FIGS. 19 and 20 are drawings showing the ice maker being moved from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position.

[0337] When ice making is completed at the ice making position of the first and second tray assemblies in the position of FIG. 14, ice (I) is created and the second tray assembly can be moved to the ice making position as shown in FIG. 19.

[0338] The direction in which the second tray assembly moves from the ice-making position of Fig. 14 to the ice-making position of Fig. 19 may be referred to as forward movement (or forward rotation). On the other hand, the direction in which the second tray assembly moves from the ice-making position of Fig. 19 to the ice-making position of Fig. 14 may be referred to as reverse movement (or reverse rotation).

[0339] Referring to Fig. 19, when the driving unit (510) is driven in the forward direction by a set angle, the contact between the ice and the first tray (300) is separated, and the ice (I) can move to a state where it is located on the second tray (400). At this time, when moving starts at the position of Fig. 16, the holders (531, 532) and the lift (560) are moved first, and during the moving process, when the holders (531, 532) and the end of the second through hole (455a) of the second tray cover (450) interfere, the movement of the second tray cover (450) can start.

[0340] Meanwhile, in order to facilitate moving at the location of Fig. 14, the transparent ice heater (490) can be operated and waited for a set time.

[0341] Fig. 20 shows the second tray assembly moving more forward in Fig. 19, thereby separating ice. At the position of Fig. 21, the second tray (400) can be pressed by the pusher (540). As the pusher (540) presses the end (e.g., the bottom) of the second tray (400), the ice can begin to separate from the second tray (400).

[0342] In the process of separating the ice from the second tray (400), the second tray (400) may be deformed in a direction in which the diameter of the opening (413) expands. For this purpose, the second tray (400) may be made of, for example, a flexible or malleable material.

[0343] Once the ice-making operation is completed, the second tray assembly can move in the reverse direction and return to the ice-making position as shown in FIG. 14. Although not shown in the drawing, when the water supply operation starts at the position of FIG. 14, the second tray assembly can move forward by a predetermined 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).

[0344] Once the water supply is complete, the system can wait for a set time so that water can be supplied by spreading from one cell (the center cell) to the other cells (the two side cells). After the set time has elapsed, the second tray assembly can move backward to the ice-making position as shown in Fig. 14 and perform an ice-making operation. During the ice-making process, cold is supplied to the ice maker and the transparent ice heater (490) operates to produce transparent ice.

[0345] The present invention relates to an ice maker and / or a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, and has remarkable industrial applicability because it can improve the sealing of a tray forming a cell by a lift.

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 providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell; A second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the above cell; A driving unit providing driving force to move the second tray; and A refrigerator including a lift that is provided so as to be in contact with the second tray and brings the second tray close to the first tray based on additional driving of the driving unit.

2. In paragraph 1, So that either the above lift or the above second tray can be deformed, A refrigerator wherein the first part of the above lift that contacts the second tray and the second part of the second tray that contacts the lift are composed of different materials.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator, wherein one of the first part and the second part is made of a material having greater rigidity or elasticity than the other.

4. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator, wherein one of the first part and the second part is made of a plastic material and the other is made of a rubber or silicone material.

5. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the above lift pressurizes the second tray at multiple points.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the lift includes a support bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the second tray and a projection protruding from the support bar and contacting the second tray.

7. In paragraph 1, A shaft that rotates by the above driving unit and to which the lift is coupled; and A refrigerator comprising a holder that connects the shaft and the driving unit and is coupled to the first through-hole of the lift.

8. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator including a second tray supporter that supports the second tray and forms a second through hole into which the holder is inserted.

9. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the holder is smaller than the size of the second through-hole so that the holder can rotate within the second through-hole when the driving unit is further driven.

10. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which the second through hole is formed larger than the first through hole so that the lift can rotate when the driving unit is further driven.

11. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator wherein the holder includes an insertion bar inserted into the shaft and a protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the insertion bar and inserted into the first through hole.

12. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator in which the lift comprises a support bar supporting the second tray and an extension provided at an end of the support bar and forming the first through hole, and the lift is provided to be movable based on the center of the extension.

13. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the lift comprises a first pressurizing device that pressurizes a first portion of the second tray and a second pressurizing device that is spaced apart from the first pressurizing device in the width direction of the second tray, and the second pressurizing device pressurizes the second portion of the second tray.

14. In paragraph 1, When the above driving unit is additionally driven, A refrigerator comprising a holder connecting the lift and the driving unit so that the lift can move further without the second tray moving.

15. In paragraph 1, A second tray cover comprising at least a portion of the second tray; A refrigerator wherein the second tray cover includes a projection receiving portion that receives a tray projection provided on the second tray.

16. In paragraph 15, A refrigerator in which the lift contacts the second tray so as to press the tray projection toward the projection receiving portion.

17. In paragraph 15, A refrigerator comprising a bracket coupled to the refrigerator or door and a stopper coupled to the bracket, wherein the stopper comes into contact with the protrusion receiving portion.

18. In paragraph 17, A refrigerator in which the tray projection and the stopper are provided on opposite sides centered on a surface of the projection receiving portion so that the stopper provides a counterforce when the tray projection presses the projection receiving portion.

19. 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 providing a first wall forming at least a portion of the cell; A second tray providing a second wall forming another portion of the above cell; A driving unit providing driving force to move the second tray; A lift provided to be in contact with the second tray and forming a through hole; and A refrigerator including a holder inserted into the through hole to connect the driving unit and the lift.

20. In paragraph 19, A second tray supporter that supports the second tray and forms an additional through hole into which the holder is inserted, A refrigerator in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the holder is smaller than the size of the additional through hole so that the holder can rotate within the additional through hole when the driving unit is driven.

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