Water dispensing device

Abstract

The water dispensing device according to the present invention comprises: an ice-making tray into which water required for ice making is filled; a water supply unit for supplying water required for ice making to the ice-making tray; an ice bank disposed below the ice-making tray to store ice separated from the ice-making tray; a cooling means comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an ice-making evaporator, and a freezing evaporator, wherein the ice-making evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant having passed through the expansion valve and provided to cool purified water filled in the ice-making tray, and the freezing evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant having passed through the expansion valve and provided for freezing storage of ice stored in the ice bank; a first heater provided in the water supply unit to heat the water supply unit; and a controller for controlling the first heater.

Description

Water discharge device

[0001] The present invention relates to a water extraction device having an ice-making means, and more specifically, to a water extraction device capable of producing and freezing ice.

[0002] A water dispenser is a device that supplies beverages, purified water, etc.

[0003] An example of a water purifier is a water purifier, which is a device that physically and chemically filters out harmful elements such as foreign substances and heavy metals contained in water. To this end, a typical water purifier largely includes a filter unit that filters out contaminants from raw water containing contaminants, and an outlet unit that extracts purified water that has passed through the filter unit. When power is supplied to such a water purifier, raw water is supplied to the filter unit and purified, and the purified purified water is extracted through the outlet unit according to the user's choice.

[0004] Furthermore, in addition to simply purifying raw water, some purifiers also offer cooling and heating functions, providing cold and hot water by cooling or heating the purified water. Furthermore, water purifiers capable of providing ice in addition to cold and hot water, including ice-making devices, have been developed. These cooling and ice-making functions require a cooling device to cool the water passing through the filter.

[0005] Cooling devices used in water purifiers include thermoelectric elements or refrigerant compression cycle devices used in general refrigerators, and refrigerant compression cycle devices are widely used due to issues such as power consumption and cooling capacity.

[0006] Referring to prior art document 1 (Korean Patent No. 10-1602236), a conventional water purifier with an ice-making function includes a water purification tank in which purified water, after being filtered of foreign substances, is stored. Furthermore, separate from the water purification tank, an ice-making tray is provided for temporarily storing water used to make ice, and a cold water tank is provided for storing cold water cooled by the ice-making tray.

[0007] And, an evaporator is provided adjacent to the ice-making tray, and a compressor, a condenser, and a capillary tube, which form a refrigerant compression cycle device together with the evaporator, are respectively provided. In addition, an ice bank for storing the ice produced is provided below the ice-making tray. The ice bank is arranged together with the ice-making tray within a single insulated space.

[0008] A water purifier having a conventional ice-making means having a structure as described above stores ice produced in an ice-making tray in the ice bank, and moves water remaining in the ice-making tray to the cold water tank to supply cold water to a user.

[0009] Meanwhile, the evaporator is a so-called submerged evaporator, which has fingers that come into direct contact with the cold water filled in the ice tray. The submerged evaporator has been used as an ice-making means in water purifiers for a long time due to its simple structure and low production cost. Recently, an ice-making means that controls the compressor using an inverter has been used for the purpose of improving ice-making efficiency, reducing power consumption, and shortening ice-making time.

[0010] The conventional ice purifier as described above uses a three-way valve to open the cold water side valve when producing cold water, and to open the ice-making side valve when producing ice.

[0011] However, the conventional ice purifier as described above has a problem in that after completing ice making, the compressor is stopped and the ice removing heater is operated to remove the ice, so the number of times the compressor is turned on / off is large, resulting in high energy consumption, and the waiting time for turning the compressor on / off is generated, resulting in a decrease in the ice making amount (kg / day).

[0012] Additionally, there were problems such as ice stored in an ice storage after being frozen melting over time, the size and quantity of the ice decreasing, and water being generated as the ice melted.

[0013] In detail, the conventional ice purifier as described above had the following problems when storing frozen ice because it did not store the stored ice under sub-zero temperature conditions.

[0014] First, after freezing, the frozen ice was stored at room temperature and melted during storage.

[0015] And, as the ice melted, there was a problem that the size of the ice supplied to the user was not consistent during ice extraction, and each shape was different.

[0016] For example, there were problems such as broken ice, small ice, and ice that melted easily being extracted.

[0017] Additionally, as the ice melts, water is created, and the water created as the ice melts is drained or used as cold water.

[0018] Additionally, there was a problem of low efficiency because new ice had to be created every time the ice melted.

[0019] Additionally, storing ice at room temperature can cause hygiene problems inside the ice storage.

[0020] That is, there was a problem of poor hygiene as the phenomenon of ice being created and melting repeatedly at room temperature, and the temperature change and water circulation structure inside the ice storage, created a possibility of bacteria and mold growing inside the ice storage.

[0021] Furthermore, existing ice purifiers utilize a finger-type evaporator to complete ice production. During the ice-removal process, the ice tray rotates, discharging any remaining water into the ice storage located below. If this water drips onto the ice stored in the ice bank, the quality of the ice can deteriorate.

[0022] In detail, in the case of an ice purifier that sets the internal temperature of the ice bank below zero for the purpose of long-term storage of ice, the remaining water that falls due to the operation freezes instantaneously with the ice, causing the ice to stick together and clump together, which causes poor ice discharge and ultimately causes poor ice quality and errors in operation.

[0023] Referring to prior art document 2 (Korean Patent No. 10-1631218), in the case of a conventional ice maker, an ice guide grill is provided at the bottom of the ice tray to separate the ice remaining water and the separated ice when discarding the remaining water from the ice tray.

[0024] However, in the case of the ice guide grill of the above ice maker, if the size of the frozen ice does not match the spacing between the ribs of the grill, the ice may get caught between the ribs as it falls into the storage, and if the internal temperature of the ice room and storage is below zero, water condensation may occur between the ribs of the grill, causing ice to form, which may result in malfunction.

[0025] In the case of a conventional ice tray, it is connected to a motor through a coupler and a clutch, and the surface where the coupler and the clutch are combined is formed to be radially inclined, and a curved surface is formed along the edge.

[0026] In the above case, if the ice bank containing ice is maintained at a freezing temperature, the spring provided in the rotation unit may not operate smoothly.

[0027] Additionally, during the ice-making stage, water may flow into the ice bank where ice is stored because the ice-making residual water is not structured to be collected and flow to one side.

[0028] And, as mentioned above, if water flows into the ice bank where ice is stored and falls, the problem of ice sticking together when stored in a freezer occurs.

[0029] Additionally, the ice tray where ice is created and the water supply unit that supplies water to the ice tray are cooled to produce ice for the user to consume, but then the temperature rises during the ice-making process, raising concerns about bacterial growth. Therefore, even if ice-making and ice-removing are performed repeatedly, they must be sterilized to prevent bacterial growth and remain hygienic at all times.

[0030] Additionally, if the frozen ice is stored at sub-zero temperatures, the cold air can cause condensation to form in various locations, and the resulting condensation can freeze.

[0031] Additionally, there may be a problem of freezing of the water flowing through the water supply line for ice making and the water supplied to the ice making tray.

[0032] And, if freezing occurs in the water supply line, the water supply to the ice tray is cut off, making ice impossible and causing a problem where no ice is created.

[0033] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water extraction device having a refrigeration system that can perform at least one function selected from among cold water generation, ice generation, ice deicing, and ice freezing storage using refrigerant discharged from one compressor.

[0034] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water extraction device that can store ice at sub-zero temperatures without melting the ice that has been removed, and that can store ice at sub-zero temperatures without heat energy used for removing ice flowing into the ice storage space even when removing ice is in progress.

[0035] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water extraction device that installs a sterilizing means on one side of an ice-making room where ice-making is in progress, sterilizes the inside of the ice-making room, and thereby prevents bacteria from growing on ice trays and ice-making evaporators placed in the ice-making room, maintains a clean state, and ensures hygiene.

[0036] In addition, the purpose is to provide a water discharge device that is controlled to turn off the sterilization module when the ice room is opened, so that the user is not exposed to the sterilization module and safety can be ensured.

[0037] In addition, the purpose is to provide a water discharge device in which, when the ice room is opened, electronic control and mechanical control are performed simultaneously to cut off the power to the sterilizing module, so that even if the electronic control is not performed normally, the power to the sterilizing module can be stably cut off by mechanical control when the ice room is opened.

[0038] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water extraction device that can prevent condensation and freezing in advance in at least a part of an ice making unit where ice is created and stored due to cold air in an ice storage unit.

[0039] In addition, the purpose is to provide a drainage device that allows the ice residue generated after ice making to drain into a drain tank without freezing during the draining process.

[0040] In addition, the purpose is to provide a water outlet device that can smoothly supply water to the ice tray for ice making without freezing.

[0041] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water extraction device that can easily perform the work of connecting and separating an ice tray.

[0042] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ice tray that can accurately recognize and control the rotation angle and rotation position of the ice tray when the ice tray rotates.

[0043] The purpose of the water discharge device of the present invention is to prevent deterioration of ice quality by discharging residual water from the ice tray simultaneously with ice removal after ice making, thereby preventing residual water from flowing into the ice bank by performing drainage in several stages.

[0044] In addition, the purpose is to provide a drainage device that can induce the ice residue remaining in the ice tray after ice making by the ice making evaporator to be drained into a drain pipe.

[0045] In addition, the purpose is to provide a water discharge device that can prevent problems such as ice condensation in the ice bank, blockage of the ice transport grill, difficulty in operation of the auger, or blockage of the drain pipe due to freezing of residual water dropped from the ice tray even when the temperature of the ice bank where ice is stored is maintained below zero.

[0046] A water discharging device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling means including an ice tray filled with water necessary for ice making, a water supply unit supplying water necessary for ice making to the ice tray, an ice bank disposed below the ice tray and storing ice separated from the ice tray, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an ice evaporator into which refrigerant passing through the expansion valve is introduced and provided for cooling purified water filled in the ice tray, and a freezing evaporator into which refrigerant passing through the expansion valve is introduced and provided for freezing storage of ice stored in the ice bank.

[0047] In addition, it includes a first heater provided in the water supply unit to heat the water supply unit and a control unit to control the first heater.

[0048] Additionally, the control unit controls the first heater to be turned on when ice making is in progress in the ice making evaporator.

[0049] Additionally, the control unit controls the first heater to be turned off when ice making is finished in the ice making evaporator.

[0050] In addition, the first heater is equipped with a heating wire, and the first heater is attached to the outer surface of the water supply unit with a tape made of a thermally conductive material.

[0051] In addition, it includes an inner cover having an open upper side that forms an ice-making space in which the ice-making tray is accommodated and an ice-storing space in which the ice bank is accommodated, and a second heater arranged along the upper perimeter of the inner cover.

[0052] In addition, the control unit controls the second heater to be turned on when ice making is in progress in the ice making evaporator, and controls the second heater to be turned off when ice making is finished in the ice making evaporator.

[0053] Additionally, the inner cover forms a horizontal extension extending outward along the circumference at the top, and the second heater is provided at the lower end of the horizontal extension.

[0054] It is installed facing downward in the upper center of the above ice making space.

[0055] In addition, the second heater is equipped with a heating wire, and the inner cover has a plurality of ribs formed on the upper side to fix the heating wire.

[0056] In addition, an inner cover is further included, which forms an ice-making space in which the ice tray is accommodated and an ice-storage space in which the ice bank is accommodated, and a drain pipe is formed at the bottom, and a third heater is provided at the bottom of the inner cover.

[0057] Additionally, a drain tank is arranged at the bottom of the inner cover, and the third heater is provided between the bottom of the inner cover and the drain tank.

[0058] In addition, the third heater is provided with a heating wire, and the third heater is attached to the bottom or outer surface of the inner cover with a tape made of a thermally conductive material.

[0059] In addition, the control unit controls the third heater to be turned on when ice making is in progress in the ice making evaporator, and controls the third heater to be turned off when ice making is finished in the ice making evaporator.

[0060] In addition, it forms an ice-making space in which the ice-making tray is accommodated and an ice-storage space in which the ice bank is accommodated, and includes an inner cover with an open front, a case covering the open front of the inner cover, and a fourth heater provided on one side of the case.

[0061] In addition, the fourth heater is provided with a heating wire, and the fourth heater is attached to one side of the case with a tape made of a thermally conductive material.

[0062] In addition, the fourth heater is equipped with a heating wire, and a plurality of ribs for fixing the heating wire are formed on one side of the case.

[0063] In addition, the control unit controls the fourth heater to turn on when ice making is in progress in the ice making evaporator, and controls the fourth heater to turn off after a set time has elapsed when ice making is finished in the ice making evaporator.

[0064] In addition, the case includes an ice outlet through which ice is discharged, and a door for opening and closing the ice outlet.

[0065] Additionally, a fifth heater is installed on the inside of the door.

[0066] In addition, the fifth heater is provided as a surface heater.

[0067] In addition, the control unit controls the fifth heater to turn on when ice making is in progress in the ice making evaporator, and controls the fifth heater to turn off after a set time has elapsed when ice making is finished in the ice making evaporator.

[0068] According to the present invention as described above, even if the ice water purifier is miniaturized, there is an advantage in that ice-making performance can be secured.

[0069] Additionally, there is an advantage in that the ice bank where the ice is stored is kept below freezing, preventing the ice that is created from melting.

[0070] Additionally, by keeping the ice bank where the ice is stored below freezing, there is an advantage in that the growth of bacteria and mold in or around the ice bank is suppressed, and hygiene is enhanced.

[0071] Additionally, there is the advantage of providing users with improved quality ice that is firmer and lasts longer as it is stored at sub-zero temperatures.

[0072] In addition, there is an advantage in that a sterilizing means is installed on one side of the ice making room where ice making is in progress, and the inside of the ice making room is sterilized, so that bacteria do not grow on the ice making trays and ice making evaporators placed in the ice making room, and a clean state is maintained, thereby ensuring hygiene.

[0073] In addition, when the ice room is opened, the sterilization module is controlled to turn off, so that the user is not exposed to the sterilization module, and safety can be secured.

[0074] In addition, when the ice room is opened, electronic control and mechanical control for power cutoff of the sterilization module are performed simultaneously, so that even if the electronic control is not performed normally, there is an advantage in that the power cutoff of the sterilization module can be performed stably when the ice room is opened by mechanical control.

[0075] Additionally, there is an advantage in that condensation and freezing that occur in at least part of the ice making section where ice is created and stored can be prevented in advance due to the cold air in the ice storage.

[0076] Additionally, there is an advantage in that the ice residue generated after ice making does not freeze during the draining process and is drained into the drain tank.

[0077] Additionally, there is an advantage in that the water supplied to the ice tray for ice making does not freeze and can be supplied smoothly to the ice tray.

[0078] The water extraction device of the present invention also has the advantage of allowing easy connection and separation of the ice tray.

[0079] In addition, it has the advantage of being equipped with a four-way refrigerant valve, so that one compressor can be operated to produce cold water, produce ice, separate ice, and store frozen ice.

[0080] In addition, during the freezing process, heat is not transmitted to the ice storage space and is blocked, preventing the stored ice from melting due to the heat energy used for freezing, and there is also an advantage in that the ice can be stored at sub-zero temperatures even during the freezing process.

[0081] Additionally, there is the advantage of being able to easily connect and disconnect the ice tray.

[0082] In addition, there is an advantage in that the rotation angle and rotation position of the ice tray can be accurately recognized and controlled during the rotation operation of the ice tray.

[0083] In addition, after ice making, there is an advantage in that the ice quality can be maintained because the drainage is carried out in several stages during the process of discarding the remaining water in the ice making tray while simultaneously removing the ice, so that the remaining water from the ice making does not flow into the ice bank.

[0084] In addition, there is an advantage in that the ice residue remaining in the ice tray after ice making by the ice making evaporator can be drained into the drain pipe.

[0085] Additionally, even if the temperature of the ice bank where the ice is stored is maintained below zero, there is an advantage in that it can prevent problems such as ice condensation in the ice bank, blockage of the ice transport grill, difficulty in operation of the auger, or blockage of the drain pipe due to freezing of residual water from the ice tray.

[0086] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water extraction device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 2 is a drawing showing an embodiment of a refrigeration cycle applied to the water extraction device of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an ice-making unit, which is a component of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the cover portion separated from Figure 3.

[0090] Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 4.

[0091] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an ice-making unit, which is a component of the present invention.

[0092] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser unit, which is a component of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 8 is a side view of a longitudinal cross-section of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a drawing of the interior of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from above.

[0095] Figure 10 is a drawing illustrating a fan bracket, which is a component of the present invention.

[0096] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of a refrigerant compression cycle device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Figure 12 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an ice transport grill, which is a component of the present invention.

[0099] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front.

[0100] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear.

[0101] Figure 16 is a drawing of the ice making unit, which is a component of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0102] Figure 17 is a perspective view of an ice tray, which is a component of the present invention.

[0103] Figure 18 is a plan view of a connecting member, which is a component of the present invention.

[0104] Figure 19 is a side view of a connecting member, which is a component of the present invention.

[0105] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a fan bracket, which is a component of the present invention.

[0106] Figure 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sterilizing module installed in an ice-making space according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Figure 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a state in which a sterilizing module is installed in an ice-making space according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Figure 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sterilizing module installed in an ice-making space according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Figure 24 is a circuit diagram for controlling a sterilization module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Fig. 25 is a drawing showing the results of analyzing the irradiance at each location in the installation structure of the sterilization module according to Fig. 21.

[0111] Fig. 26 is a drawing showing the results of analyzing the irradiance at each location in the installation structure of the sterilization module according to Fig. 22.

[0112] Fig. 27 is a drawing showing the results of analyzing the irradiance at each location in the installation structure of the sterilization module according to Fig. 23.

[0113] Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing the inner cross-section of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the inside of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from above.

[0115] Figure 30 is a view of the inner cover according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below.

[0116] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of an inner cover viewed from the side according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Fig. 32 is a rear view of the case of the dispenser unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the body and dispenser case separated from the rear according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Figure 34 is a perspective view of the door of the dispenser unit according to one embodiment of the present invention in an exploded state.

[0120] Fig. 35 is a front view of the heater section of the dispenser section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Figure 36 is a drawing showing the position of the ice tray step by step during the rotation operation of the ice tray.

[0122] Figure 37 is a drawing showing the detection of the ice-making position and ice-removing position of the ice-making tray in the detection unit.

[0123] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily implement other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit by adding, modifying, deleting, or adding components, and such embodiments will also be considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0124] The ice extraction device of the present invention is a water extraction device capable of generating ice, and is characterized by implementing a refrigeration cycle so that the generated ice can be stored without melting.

[0125] Existing ice water purifiers have a structure in which water circulates at room temperature, so the ice produced is also stored at room temperature, which has the problem of hygienic problems such as mold growth, and the problem of ice quality deteriorating as melted ice is extracted.

[0126] The present invention has a feature that the ice produced can be stored in a frozen state so that the ice does not melt.

[0127] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water extraction device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a drawing showing one embodiment of a refrigeration cycle applied to the water extraction device of the present invention.

[0128] The water extraction device according to the present invention is for extracting water supplied from an external water source immediately after purification, or extracting it after cooling or heating it, and may mean, for example, a direct water extraction device.

[0129] Here, a direct-type water extraction device refers to a water extraction device that does not have a reservoir for storing purified water, but rather a type in which water passes through a filter in real time and purified water is extracted when a user requests purified water extraction.

[0130] In addition, the water extraction device according to the present invention may refer to a refrigerator having a water extraction device function. That is, it may refer to a water extraction device refrigerator that is a refrigerator and has a filter for purifying raw water and a water extraction nozzle through which purified water is extracted.

[0131] In addition, the water outlet device according to the present invention may mean an under-sink type water outlet device in which the main body is installed under the sink and the water outlet nozzle is installed on the outside of the sink.

[0132] In addition, the water discharging device according to the present invention may refer to various types of known devices that receive water from a water source, purify it by passing it through a filter, and then supply it to the outside.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body (10) and a water discharge nozzle (30) coupled to the main body (10) and supplying water downward.

[0134] The above main body (10) is formed to be concave toward the rear at the lower part of the front, and forms a water outlet space (11) in which a container for supplying water and ice is placed.

[0135] That is, the main body (10) forms a water outlet (20) protruding forward at the upper part of the front.

[0136] And, the above-mentioned water discharge nozzle (30) is installed at the lower end of the water discharge portion (20) defining the upper surface of the water discharge space (11).

[0137] In addition, the above-mentioned water outlet (20) may be equipped with various buttons (40). In detail, a purified water / hot water / cold water selection button, a water outlet button, an ice selection button, an ice extraction button, etc. may be equipped.

[0138] At least one filter is arranged inside the main body (10), and purified water passing through the filter can be supplied to the user through the water outlet nozzle (30). A purified water path that guides purified water passing through the filter toward the water outlet nozzle (30) can be arranged inside the main body (10).

[0139] In addition, purified water passing through the filter can be supplied to the water outlet nozzle (30) in the form of cold water or hot water after being cooled or heated.

[0140] To this end, a hot water tank for heating purified water passing through the filter and a hot water path for guiding the heated hot water in the hot water tank toward the water outlet nozzle (30) may be arranged inside the main body (10). For example, the hot water tank may generate hot water by instantaneously heating purified water passing through the hot water tank using an induction heating (IH) method.

[0141] In addition, the hot water tank may be equipped with a thermoelectric element or a heating wire to heat purified water passing through the hot water tank into hot water.

[0142] In addition, instead of the above induction heating method, various heating methods can be applied within the range where purified water passing through the above hot water tank can be heated into hot water.

[0143] In addition, a cooling tank for cooling purified water passing through the filter and a cold water path for guiding the cold water cooled in the cooling tank toward the water outlet nozzle (30) may be arranged inside the main body (10). For example, the cooling tank may be equipped with a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a cooling fan, etc., so that purified water passing through the cooling tank can be cooled with cold water. In addition, the cooling tank may be equipped with a thermoelectric element, so that purified water passing through the cooling tank can be cooled with cold water.

[0144] In addition, instead of the above evaporator, various cooling devices can be applied within the range of being able to cool the purified water passing through the cooling tank with cold water.

[0145] In addition, an ice-making means may be provided on the inside of the main body (10) to cool the purified water that has passed through the filter or the cold water cooled in the cooling tank to create ice.

[0146] In addition, the ice produced by the ice making means is stored under sub-zero temperature conditions where the ice does not melt, and can be supplied to the user through the water outlet nozzle (30) or an outlet (50) provided separately from the water outlet nozzle (30).

[0147] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an ice-making unit, which is a component of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the cover unit of Fig. 3 separated. Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an ice-making unit, which is a component of the present invention.

[0148] Hereinafter, the ice making means will be described in more detail with reference to the above drawings.

[0149] The above ice making means (100) includes an ice making unit (110), a dispenser unit (150), and a cover unit (102).

[0150] First, the ice making means (100) includes an ice making unit (110).

[0151] For reference, the above ice making unit (110) is configured to include a body unit (101) and a cover unit (102) described later.

[0152] The body part (101) and cover part (102) described below can be understood as a housing that forms the exterior of the ice making part (110).

[0153] The above ice-making unit (110) is surrounded by insulating material to secure an insulated space. An ice-making tray (120) is installed in the insulated space formed inside the ice-making unit (110) to temporarily store water to be used for ice-making. Specifically, the ice-making tray (120) is mounted on a driving motor and a rotational shaft, and is mounted so as to be rotatable around the rotational shaft.

[0154] Accordingly, when the ice tray (120) is rotated, the contents such as water and ice contained inside the ice tray (120) fall to the lower side of the ice tray (120). An ice bank (130) is provided so that the falling ice and water can be fed. The ice bank (130) has an opening formed at the top, through which the water and ice that fall from the ice tray (120) can enter the interior of the ice bank (130).

[0155] For reference, at this time, the water and ice that fell from the ice tray (120) are separated, the ice is stored in the ice bank (130), and the water can be drained through a separate path.

[0156] The ice bank (130) above is equipped with an auger (140) that rotates in one direction and pushes ice outward, and an ice discharge unit (158) is located at the outlet side of the auger (140). The ice discharge unit (158) is connected to the interior of the discharge port (50) described above, so that ice discharged by the operation of the auger (140) can be delivered to the user from the discharge port (50).

[0157] The bottom surface of the ice bank (130) is made of a water-permeable material, or is configured so that a plurality of permeable holes are formed so that the supplied water can pass through the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) and flow out downward. The water thus flowed out passes through the passage hole (131) of the ice bank (130), and the water passing through the passage hole (131) is discharged through a separate drain hole formed at the lowest end of the bottom surface of the inner cover (111), and the discharged water can be stored in a separate residual water storage tank or drained to the outside through a separate drain pipe.

[0158] Here, the drain pipe may also be equipped with a pump for drainage, or an external pump may be connected to the drain pipe to perform drainage.

[0159] Meanwhile, the ice-making means (100) includes a refrigerant compression cycle device (200) to freeze water supplied to the ice-making tray (120) or cool water in the cold water tank. Specifically, the refrigerant compression cycle device (200) includes a compressor (210), a condenser (220), a dryer (230), an expansion valve (240), an evaporator (250), and an accumulator. Since the operating principles of each component are known from the prior art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0160] The refrigerant passing through the compressor (210) is supplied for at least one of the following uses.

[0161] First, the refrigerant passing through the compressor (210) can be supplied to a cold water evaporator provided in the cold water tank to lower the temperature of the cooling water or cold water in the cold water tank.

[0162] Additionally, the refrigerant passing through the compressor (210) can be supplied to an ice evaporator placed on the side of the ice tray to freeze water contained in the ice tray.

[0163] Additionally, the refrigerant passing through the compressor (210) may be supplied to an ice evaporator or a separate heat exchanger placed on the ice tray side to freeze the ice generated in the ice tray.

[0164] Additionally, the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (210) can be supplied to a freezing evaporator placed on one side of the ice storage space so that the ice separated from the ice tray is stored at sub-zero temperature conditions.

[0165] The above evaporator (250) may be provided in multiple numbers. The above evaporator (250) may be divided into an evaporator for generating cold water, an evaporator for generating ice, and an evaporator for storing ice.

[0166] In addition, the evaporator (250) can perform multiple functions selected from among cold water cooling, ice making, and ice storage, and each evaporator can individually perform the functions of cold water cooling, ice making, and ice storage.

[0167] In addition, when a plurality of evaporators (250) are provided as described above, a plurality of refrigerant pipes may be provided to transfer the refrigerant passing through the dryer (230) to each evaporator (250).

[0168] The above refrigerant pipe may refer to a single pipe, path, etc. through which the refrigerant flows, and may also refer to a plurality of separate pipes, paths, etc. for connection to other devices such as an evaporator or capillary tube.

[0169] In the following description, it is described that the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser and the dryer in sequence flows to the refrigerant valve, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and it is to be noted in advance that the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser may flow directly to the refrigerant valve without passing through the dryer.

[0170] And, each of the above refrigerant pipes may be connected in parallel, or at least some of the refrigerant pipes may be connected in series.

[0171] That is, multiple evaporators may be connected in parallel, or at least some of the evaporators may be connected in series.

[0172] And, when each of the above refrigerant pipes is connected in parallel or series, a refrigerant valve for transmitting or blocking refrigerant to each refrigerant pipe may be provided.

[0173] In a refrigeration cycle where refrigerant discharged from a compressor is returned to the compressor, when one component is said to be connected "in series" with another component, it means that the two components are connected in series so that the refrigerant flowing from one component continues to the other. There may be components between the two series-connected components that form a passage for the refrigerant to flow, such as refrigerant pipes or expansion valves.

[0174] In addition, when it is said that a component is connected “in parallel” with another component in a flow path through which refrigerant discharged from a compressor flows, it means that the flow path connected to one component and the flow path connected to the other component branch off from the upstream side of the two components and join together from the downstream side of the two components based on the flow direction of the refrigerant. The flow path may be implemented as a component in which a passage through which refrigerant flows is formed, such as a refrigerant pipe or an expansion valve, and components such as valves and connecting pipes may be arranged at the points where the flow paths branch off and join together. Hereinafter, a refrigerant cycle according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0175] Referring again to FIG. 2, the evaporator (250) includes a cold water evaporator (251) for generating cold water, an ice evaporator (252) arranged on the side of the ice tray (120) for making ice, and a freezing evaporator (253) for supplying cold air to prevent ice stored in the ice bank (130) from melting.

[0176] The refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (210) passes through the condenser (220) and the dryer (230) and then flows into the refrigerant valve (270). For reference, a condenser fan (280) may be installed on one side of the condenser (220) to dissipate heat from the condenser.

[0177] And, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant valve (270) can flow into the first refrigerant pipe (291) or the second refrigerant pipe (292).

[0178] Additionally, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant valve (270) may flow into the fourth refrigerant pipe (294) to supply hot gas to the ice evaporator (252).

[0179] For example, the refrigerant valve (270) may be provided as a 4-way valve having one inlet and three outlets, and capable of individually opening and closing each inlet and outlet and controlling the degree of opening.

[0180] For reference, the above refrigerant valve (270) may be configured as a single four-way valve, or may be configured using multiple three-way valves, etc. In addition, a refrigerant valve may be individually installed in each refrigerant pipe (291, 292, 294).

[0181] First, the refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant pipe (291) passes through the first expansion valve (241) and then flows to the cold water evaporator (251).

[0182] And, the cold water evaporator (251) cools the water in the cold water tank into cold water through heat exchange with purified water passing through the cold water tank.

[0183] The refrigerant that has passed through the above cold water evaporator (251) flows back to the compressor (210).

[0184] Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant pipe (292) passes through the second expansion valve (242) and then flows to the ice evaporator (252).

[0185] And, the refrigerant introduced into the ice evaporator (252) exchanges heat with the water contained in the ice tray (120) to freeze the water into ice.

[0186] In the above embodiment, the ice evaporator (252) has a plurality of fingers (252a) that are immersed at one end in water supplied to the ice tray (120). Therefore, when cold refrigerant flows inside the ice evaporator (252), water in contact with the surrounding area freezes, causing ice to gradually grow.

[0187] In order to separate the ice grown around the ice evaporator (252), a separate ice separating means may be provided on one side of the ice evaporator (252).

[0188] For example, in order to separate ice grown around the ice evaporator (252), the high-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (210) can be supplied directly to the ice evaporator (252) by bypassing the second refrigerant pipe (292). For this purpose, a fourth refrigerant pipe (294) is provided.

[0189] The fourth refrigerant pipe (294) connects the refrigerant valve (270) and the ice evaporator (252). The fourth refrigerant pipe (240) bypasses the second refrigerant pipe (292) and connects the refrigerant valve (270) and the ice evaporator (252).

[0190] Therefore, in an ice-making situation, the refrigerant of the refrigerant valve (270) flows to the second refrigerant pipe (292), and in an ice-breaking situation, the refrigerant of the refrigerant valve (270) flows to the fourth refrigerant pipe (294).

[0191] That is, in an ice-breaking situation, the high-temperature refrigerant (hot gas) introduced into the refrigerant valve (270) is supplied to the ice-making evaporator (252) through the fourth refrigerant pipe (294) to melt the ice stuck to the ice-making evaporator (252) and cause ice-breaking. As described above, the refrigerant that provides the heat necessary for ice-breaking while passing through the ice-making evaporator (252) can flow to the compressor (210) via the freezing evaporator (253).

[0192] However, when the high-temperature refrigerant flows to the freezing evaporator (253) during the freezing process as described above, if the evaporator fan (260) operates, high-temperature air is supplied to the ice bank (130), and the temperature of the ice bank (130) rises to zero, causing a problem in which the ice melts.

[0193] Accordingly, in an ice-making situation where high-temperature refrigerant is supplied to the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) as described above, the evaporator fan (260) can be controlled to stop operating or to have a rotation speed lower than that in the cooling mode.

[0194] Additionally, in an ice-making situation where high-temperature refrigerant is supplied to the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253), the condenser fan (280) may also be controlled to stop operating or have a rotation speed lowered compared to the cooling mode.

[0195] In general, high temperature, high pressure gas discharged from the compressor passes through a condenser (220) and is converted into high temperature, high pressure liquid.

[0196] In the present embodiment, when ice is removed, the operation of the condenser fan (280) is stopped or controlled to rotate at a low speed, so that the refrigerant passing through the condenser (220) can reach the ice-making evaporator (252) in a gaseous state.

[0197] In the present embodiment, a forced convection condenser (220) may be used as a type of condenser. In the case of a forced convection condenser, since air is circulated through a condenser fan (280) to condense the refrigerant, if the condenser fan (280) stops operating, the condensation performance deteriorates. Therefore, if the condenser fan (280) stops operating, the refrigerant may remain in a gaseous state even if it passes through the condenser (220).

[0198] Meanwhile, it is also possible to consider providing a separate electric heater or other means of moving.

[0199] In addition, in the above-described ice-making situation, even if the operation of the evaporator fan is stopped or the rotation speed of the evaporator fan is controlled to a low speed, if ice-making proceeds in a situation where the temperature of the space where ice is stored is not secured, the problem of the ice being stored melting may also occur as the temperature of the ice storage space increases due to the heat source supplied to the ice-making evaporator (252) for ice-making.

[0200] In particular, in the case of a structure in which the ice-making evaporator and the freezing evaporator are connected in series, the temperature of the ice storage space cannot help but rise due to the hot gas flowing through the ice-making evaporator and the freezing evaporator during ice removal.

[0201] Accordingly, when a condition is met that the temperature of the space where ice is stored is below a preset temperature (e.g., -11°C), control can be performed to perform an ice-making operation by supplying hot gas, etc.

[0202] In this embodiment, the refrigerant passing through the ice evaporator (252) flows to the freezing evaporator (253).

[0203] That is, both the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) are installed in the second refrigerant pipe (292), the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) are connected in series, and the ice-making evaporator (252) is located upstream of the freezing evaporator (253) based on the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0204] In addition, the refrigeration evaporator (253) supplies cold air to prevent the ice stored in the ice bank (130) from melting. In order to supply cold air toward the ice bank (130) as described above, an evaporator fan (260) that forms a discharge airflow toward the ice bank (130) may be formed on one side of the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0205] As described above, the refrigerant that passes through the ice evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) in sequence flows back to the compressor (210).

[0206] In the various embodiments described above, the ice bank (130) can be maintained at a temperature at which ice does not melt by the refrigeration evaporator (253) and the evaporator fan (260).

[0207] The present invention as described above can implement cold water generation, ice making, and ice removal in one refrigerant cycle.

[0208] To this end, a 4-way refrigerant valve (270) is installed at the rear end of the dryer (230), so that the refrigerant passing through the dryer (230) can be delivered to the first refrigerant pipe (291) for cold water production, to the second refrigerant pipe (292) for ice production and frozen storage, or to the fourth refrigerant pipe (294) for ice removal.

[0209] In detail, in a situation where cold water generation is required, the refrigerant valve (270) opens the outlet side of the first refrigerant pipe (291) to discharge the refrigerant to the first expansion valve (241) and the cold water evaporator (251).

[0210] Meanwhile, in a situation where ice making is required, the refrigerant valve (270) opens the outlet of the second refrigerant pipe (292) to discharge the refrigerant through the second expansion valve (242). Then, the refrigerant passing through the second expansion valve (242) passes through the ice-making evaporator (252) to create ice, and passes through the freezing evaporator (253) to create cold air to prevent the frozen ice from melting.

[0211] In addition, in a situation where cold water generation and ice making are required at the same time, the refrigerant valve (270) can open both the outlet on the first refrigerant pipe (291) side and the outlet on the second refrigerant pipe (292) side to generate cold water and also generate ice.

[0212] Meanwhile, in a situation where ice removal is required after ice making is completed, the refrigerant valve (270) opens the outlet of the fourth refrigerant pipe (294), supplies the hot refrigerant (hot gas) that has passed through the condenser to the ice making evaporator (252), and melts and separates the ice from the fingers (252a) of the ice making evaporator (252).

[0213] In addition, when the ice-making process is completed, the refrigerant valve (270) opens the outlet of the second refrigerant pipe (292), thereby generating ice or generating cold air to prevent the ice-making ice from melting. In the case of the present invention as described above, the refrigerant cycle is implemented so that the ice produced in the ice purifier does not melt and is stored under sub-zero temperature conditions.

[0214] Conventional ice water purifiers do not have a separate refrigerant cycle to store ice at sub-zero temperatures.

[0215] In the present invention, a refrigerant cycle for storing ice at sub-zero temperatures is established so that ice can be stored in a frozen state without melting even after ice making and ice removal.

[0216] The refrigerating evaporator (253) used in the present invention can be manufactured by miniaturizing the fin type evaporator (Fin Type EVA) used in a general refrigerator, and can be installed downstream of the ice-making evaporator (Finger Type EVA) based on the refrigerant flow direction.

[0217] And, an evaporator fan is installed to allow cold air generated from a refrigerated evaporator (253), which is a fin type evaporator (Fin Type EVA), to flow into the ice bank, thereby forming a cooling path.

[0218] The above evaporator fan causes cold air to flow from the above refrigerated evaporator toward the ice bank.

[0219] Accordingly, when the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant pipe (292) passes through the second expansion valve (242), ice making is performed firstly while passing through the finger type ice evaporator (252), and secondly while passing through the fin type refrigeration evaporator (253), cold air is generated. Then, as the evaporator fan (260) operates, the cold air generated in the refrigeration evaporator (253) flows into the ice bank (130), so that the ice in the ice bank can be stored at sub-zero temperature conditions.

[0220] Additionally, while the freezing evaporator (253) cools the ice-making and ice-storage space, the ice-making evaporator (252) may not produce ice.

[0221] While ice is being created in the ice evaporator (252), the refrigerant passing through the ice evaporator (252) exchanges heat with water and its temperature rises.

[0222] In a configuration of a refrigeration cycle in which a freezing evaporator (253) is placed downstream of an ice-making evaporator (252) based on the direction of refrigerant flow, refrigerant whose temperature has increased by passing through the ice-making evaporator (252) flows into the freezing evaporator (253), so it may be difficult to cool the ice-making and ice-storage space below a certain temperature.

[0223] Considering these problems, low-temperature refrigerant can be supplied to the ice-making evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) in a state where the ice-making evaporator (252) does not generate ice. In this case, the refrigerant passes through the ice-making evaporator (252) without generating ice in the ice-making evaporator (252), and thus enters the freezing evaporator (253) with minimized heat loss. Accordingly, the freezing evaporator (253) can quickly cool the ice-making and ice-storage space or cool it to a temperature below a certain level.

[0224] For example, the control unit may not supply water to the ice tray (120) or drain the water contained in the ice tray (120) to prevent ice making. Even if ice making is not performed, low-temperature refrigerant may flow into the ice evaporator (252), and in this case, the ice evaporator (252) may only serve as a passage through which the refrigerant flows toward the freezing evaporator (253). The evaporator fan (260) may be installed on a separate fan bracket (118) and placed on the upper portion of the freezing evaporator (253).

[0225] The above fan bracket (118) may be formed to surround the edge of the evaporator fan (260) to secure the evaporator fan (260) in place.

[0226] Additionally, the fan bracket (118) can serve as an intermediate wall that divides one space into two spaces.

[0227] For example, the fan bracket (118) can partition a space where a refrigerating evaporator (253) is placed and a space where an ice-making evaporator (252) is placed. In addition, a defrosting heater (116) is installed on one side of the refrigerating evaporator (253). The defrosting heater (116) is provided to remove frost formed on the refrigerating evaporator (253), and during defrosting operation, power is supplied to melt and control the frost formed on the refrigerating evaporator (253).

[0228] In addition, the ice making unit (110) may be provided with a refrigerant pipe insulation material (117) that covers the refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows to the ice making evaporator (252) or through which the refrigerant passes through the ice making evaporator (252).

[0229] According to the present invention as described above, even if the ice water purifier is miniaturized, there is an advantage in that ice-making performance can be secured.

[0230] Additionally, there is an advantage of improving the amount of ice produced per unit time by reducing the waiting time (5 minutes) due to the compressor protection logic in existing ice purifiers.

[0231] Additionally, it can reduce noise that may occur when turning the compressor ON / OFF.

[0232] In addition, there is an advantage in that the heat transfer efficiency is improved and the ice-making time can be shortened by directly transferring hot gas to the inside of the finger of the ice-making evaporator without installing a separate heater in the finger type ice-making evaporator.

[0233] Additionally, since there is no ON / OFF of the compressor during ice making, power consumption can be minimized, resulting in energy savings.

[0234] Additionally, there is an advantage in that the ice bank where the ice is stored is kept below freezing, preventing the ice that is created from melting.

[0235] Additionally, by keeping the ice bank where the ice is stored below freezing, there is an advantage in that the growth of bacteria and mold in or around the ice bank is suppressed, and hygiene is enhanced.

[0236] Additionally, there is the advantage of providing users with improved quality ice that is firmer and lasts longer as it is stored at sub-zero temperatures.

[0237] For reference, existing ice purifiers store ice at room temperature of around 3 to 4 degrees, so if ice is stored for a long time, there is a problem that the ice melts, shrinks in size, and becomes deformed.

[0238] In order to maintain a certain amount of ice, there was also the problem of electricity waste as the melted ice water had to be drained and new ice had to be continuously made.

[0239] Additionally, there was a problem in that it was difficult to maintain a constant ice-making speed or ice size depending on the external environment (season, weather, temperature, etc.) of the ice-making device.

[0240] On the other hand, according to the extraction device of the present invention, ice can be stored at a sub-zero temperature.

[0241] For example, while the refrigeration evaporator (253) is operating, the temperature range of the ice storage room can be maintained at -18 to -2 degrees, and suitably -11 to -9 degrees.

[0242] Above all, since the finger-type ice evaporator does not have a separate heater installed and heat is transferred by directly supplying hot gas to the inside of the finger, the heat transfer efficiency is increased and the ice-making time can be shortened.

[0243] In addition, it has the advantage of being equipped with a four-way refrigerant valve, so that one compressor can be operated to produce cold water, produce ice, separate ice, and store frozen ice.

[0244] Hereinafter, the structure of the ice making means of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0245] In the following description, the term “front” refers to the direction in which the water outlet nozzle (40) through which water is supplied and the ice outlet (50) through which ice is supplied are arranged.

[0246] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the ice making means of the present invention may include a body part (101) having an open upper side and forming a space on the inside, and an open upper side, and a cover part (102) detachably coupled to the upper end of the body part (101) to cover the open upper side of the body part (101).

[0247] The above cover part (102) is formed as a single body and can cover the entire open upper side of the body part (101).

[0248] The above cover part (102) has an opening / closing structure that can be separated from and then reattached to the body part (101).

[0249] In addition, the cover part (102) may be provided in multiple numbers to partially open and close the open upper side of the body part (101).

[0250] The above cover part (102) is detachably connected to the upper part of the body part (101), and can be separated and then reconnected.

[0251] A clip portion (101a) that is coupled to the cover portion (102) can be formed in the body portion (101).

[0252] The above clip portion (101a) has a center of rotation at the upper end of the body portion (101), and can be attached to or separated from the cover portion (102) while rotating.

[0253] The above clip portion (101a) forms a fixing clip (101c) that is secured to the upper end of the cover portion (102). The fixing clip (101c) extends inward from the clip portion (101a). The extension direction of the fixing clip (101c) and the extension direction of the clip portion (101a) intersect.

[0254] In addition, a clip groove (102c) that is concavely formed inward to accommodate the clip portion (101a) can be formed in the cover portion (102).

[0255] In the above case, when the cover part (102) is arranged on the upper part of the body part (101) and the clip part (101a) is fastened, the clip part (101a) is received in the clip groove (102c), the fixing clip (101c) is located on the upper part of the cover part (102), and a force is generated that presses the upper part of the cover part (102) by the fixing clip (101c), so that the cover part (102) can be coupled to the body part (101).

[0256] For example, the above clip portion (101a) may be formed on the front and rear sides of the body portion (101), and a total of four clip portions may be provided.

[0257] In addition, clip grooves (102c) may be formed on both sides of the cover portion (102) at the front and rear, respectively, to accommodate and fasten each of the clip portions (101a).

[0258] Additionally, a gasket (105) may be installed between the body portion (101) and the cover portion (102) for sealing.

[0259] The above gasket (105) can be fixed to the lower part of the cover part (102).

[0260] Conversely, the gasket may be formed at the upper end of the body portion (101).

[0261] In addition, a configuration in which a clip portion is formed on the cover portion (102) and the clip portion is fastened to and then released from the body portion (101) is also possible.

[0262] With the configuration of the clip portion (101a), the cover portion (102) can be easily separated from and then reattached to the body portion (101).

[0263] The above cover part (102) is provided in an overall rectangular panel shape.

[0264] And, it has a lower cover and an upper cover, and the space between them can be filled with insulation.

[0265] A vacuum insulation panel may be attached to the inner surface of the lower or upper cover. Then, with the vacuum insulation panel attached, an insulation material such as urethane may be foamed inside to form an insulation layer.

[0266] Additionally, a gasket (105) can be fixed to the lower part of the lower cover to seal between the body part (101) and the cover part (102).

[0267] Additionally, a detection means may be installed on one side of the body part (101) and the cover part (102) to detect whether the cover part (102) is separated.

[0268] The above detection means is connected to the control unit and can detect whether the cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101).

[0269] If the cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101), the ice bank (130) is exposed to the outside, and the control unit confirms the opening of the ice bank (130) in real time through the detection means.

[0270] The above detection means may include various known sensors of various structures.

[0271] For example, a magnet may be installed in the cover portion (102) or the inner cover (103) described below.

[0272] And, when the cover part (102) or the inner cover (103) or the top cover described below is opened, a separate reed switch detects this, and the control part can control the operation of the evaporator fan to stop or control the evaporator fan to rotate at a low speed.

[0273] In addition, in the ice-making state, when the cover part (102) or the inner cover (103) described later is opened, the control unit can control the ice-making tray to return from the open position (ice-making position) to the closed position (ice-making position).

[0274] That is, when hot gas is supplied to the ice evaporator (252) or the ice heater is operated while ice is being made, if the opening of the cover part (102) or the inner cover (103) or the top cover described below is detected, the control unit stops the ice making operation and returns the ice making tray (130) to the ice making position.

[0275] For reference, the reed switch can detect the opening and closing of the cover part (102) in which the magnet is installed or the inner cover (103) described later by detecting a magnetic field. When the opening of the cover part (102) or the inner cover (103) described later is detected, the control unit can control the operation of at least one of the evaporator fan and the condenser fan to stop, or control the rotation speed (rpm) of at least one of the fans to decrease.

[0276] Additionally, the reed switch may be installed on a front cover forming the front of the water purifier body, a side panel forming the side of the water purifier body, or a rear cover forming the rear of the water purifier body.

[0277] In addition, the reed switch can be installed in various locations, such as the ice bank (130) or ice making unit (110), dispenser unit (150), etc., which are not separated from the cover unit (102) or the inner cover (103) described below, but are maintained in a fixed state.

[0278] Additionally, the body part (101) may be provided with an inner cover (103) separately from the cover part (102).

[0279] The above cover part (102) can cover the upper side of the inner cover (103).

[0280] The inner cover (103) above maintains a state of being coupled to the body part (101) even if the cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101).

[0281] Unlike the cover portion (102), the inner cover (103) must be separated from the body portion (101) and then reattached using a separate fastening means such as a screw or a tool.

[0282] For example, the internal space of the body part (101) can be divided into an ice-making space, an ice-storing space, and a cooling space.

[0283] First, the ice-making space (1011) is a space where the ice-making evaporator (252) is placed, the ice storage space (1012) is a space where the ice is made and stored, and the cooling space (1013) is a space where the refrigeration evaporator (253) that generates cold air so that the ice stored in the ice storage space (1012) is stored at a sub-zero temperature is placed.

[0284] In the case of the above ice storage space (1012), the user needs to open it to check the ice, check the internal cleanliness, wash, etc. Therefore, in the case of the ice storage space (1012), a separate inner cover is not provided, and when the cover part (102) is separated, it is immediately exposed to the outside.

[0285] On the other hand, in the case of an ice evaporator (252), a freezing evaporator (253), etc., if easily exposed, problems such as parts breaking down or the user's hand being injured may occur.

[0286] Accordingly, the ice-making space (1011) and the cooling space (1013) that accommodate the ice-making evaporator (252), the freezing evaporator (253), the evaporator fan (260), etc. have a structure in which the upper side is covered with a separate inner cover (103).

[0287] In addition, this inner cover (103) is fastened with a fastening means such as a screw so that the user cannot easily open or access it, and is configured so that it can be opened only with a separate tool.

[0288] For example, the inner cover (103) may be provided separately with an inner cover covering the ice-making space (1011) and an inner cover covering the cooling space (1013).

[0289] As another example, the inner cover (103) may be provided as one, so that the ice-making space (1011) and the cooling space (1013) may be covered at once with one inner cover (103), and may be opened at once.

[0290] The above body part (101) may have an overall rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0291] In addition, an ice-making space (1011) and an ice-storage space (1012) may be arranged on the front side where the above-mentioned outlet (50) is arranged, and a cooling space (1013) may be arranged at the rear of the ice-making space (1011) and the ice-storage space (1012).

[0292] And, an ice storage space (1012) may be formed on one front side (left side as shown in FIG. 6) of the body part (101), and an ice-making space (1011) may be formed on the other front side (right side as shown in FIG. 6) of the body part (101).

[0293] At this time, the ice making space (1011) and cooling space (1013) have an overall ‘ㄱ’ shape when viewed from above.

[0294] In addition, the inner cover (103) may have an overall ‘ㄱ’ shape to simultaneously open and cover the ice-making space (1011) and the cooling space (1013).

[0295] That is, the cover part (102) can cover the ice-making space (1011), the ice-storage space (1012), and the cooling space (1013). In addition, the inner cover (103) can cover the cooling space (1013) or the ice-storage space (1012). The inner cover (103) can cover only the cooling space (1013) and only the ice-storage space (1012).

[0296] In addition, one inner cover (103) can cover the cooling space (1013) and the ice storage space (1012) at the same time, and an inner cover covering the cooling space (1013) and an inner cover covering the ice storage space (1012) can be provided separately.

[0297] In addition, the inner cover (103) is secured with a fastening means such as a screw so that the user can open it only by using a separate tool such as a screwdriver. This prevents the user from inadvertently opening the inner cover covering the refrigerating evaporator (253) or the ice-making evaporator (252), thereby preventing damage to the refrigerating evaporator (253) or the ice-making evaporator (252) or injury to the user.

[0298] On the other hand, the cover part (102) covering the ice storage space (1012) can be opened and closed by the user to clean the inside of the ice bank (130) or to take the ice bank (130) out of the inner cover (111), and thus can be opened without a separate tool. In the present invention, the cover part (102) can be easily opened and closed with a clip provided at the top of the ice storage part (110).

[0299] Meanwhile, a dispenser unit (150) is placed in front of the body unit (101) to supply ice toward the outlet (50).

[0300] All or part of the ice tray (120), ice bank (130), and auger (140) may be placed inside the above body part (101).

[0301] Additionally, a fan bracket (118) may be placed between the above-mentioned storage space (1012) and the cooling space (1013).

[0302] An evaporator fan (260) is installed on the above fan bracket (118).

[0303] By the above fan bracket (118), the ice storage space (1012) and the cooling space (1013) can be partitioned.

[0304] The above body part (101) may include an inner cover (111) and an outer cover (112).

[0305] For reference, the body part (101) may be equipped with only an inner cover (111) without an outer cover. In this case, an insulating material may be provided in the space between the inner cover (111) and the case forming the exterior of the water purifier.

[0306] Meanwhile, when the outer cover (112) is provided as described above, the outer cover (112) may include a first outer cover (112a) that covers one side of the inner cover (111) and a second outer cover (112b) that covers the other side of the inner cover (112b), and the outer covers (112a, 112b) may be separated into two sides and then combined.

[0307] A space is formed between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112), and the space can be filled with insulating material.

[0308] For example, the insulation material may be formed by foaming polyurethane (PU foam) between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112).

[0309] In addition, vacuum insulated panels (VIP) may be attached to the inner surface of the outer cover (112a, 112b) before foaming polyurethane (PU foam).

[0310] For example, vacuum insulation panels may be attached to the inner side surfaces on both sides, a vacuum insulation panel may also be attached to the inner bottom surface, and a vacuum insulation panel may also be attached to the inner side surface on the back.

[0311] Referring to the drawing, the inner surface of the outer cover (112a, 112b) forms a generally flat surface, making it easy to attach a vacuum insulation panel.

[0312] Inside the outer cover (112a, 112b), an inner cover (111), a cold water tank (160), and a drain tank (170) are arranged, and while the inner cover (111), the cold water tank (160), and the drain tank (170) are arranged inside the outer cover (112a, 112b), a foaming liquid is sprayed to secure an insulating layer.

[0313] In addition, since cold water is stored inside the drain tank (170) or the cold water tank (160), insulation is required to prevent condensation. In this case, if the drain tank (170) or the cold water tank (160) is placed inside the outer cover (112a, 112b), insulation can be performed all at once, thereby minimizing the number of insulation components. If the drain tank (170) or the cold water tank (160) is placed outside the outer cover (112a, 112b), separate insulation is required.

[0314] In addition, the outer covers (112a, 112b) are formed with all surfaces being flat, making it easy to attach vacuum insulation panels. The outer surface of the inner cover (111) is partially curved, particularly the bottom surface. In order to attach a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) to the curved surface, the insulation material must be cut into small pieces, making the process cumbersome.

[0315] However, since most of the outer cover (112a, 112b) is flat, if a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) is attached flatly to the inner surface, the insulation can be used in a large size, thereby reducing the number of attached insulation materials.

[0316] The first outer cover (112a) and the second outer cover (112b) can be connected to each other using hooks or screws, etc. In addition, during the foaming process, the jig holds the outer covers (112a, 112b) from both sides, so they can be fixed using only hooks.

[0317] For reference, the vacuum insulated panel (VIP) has excellent insulation performance relative to its thickness, so the gap between the outer cover (112a, 112b) and the inner cover (111) can be reduced. As a result, the size of the ice making unit (110) can be reduced.

[0318] In the present invention, since the temperature of the ice bank (130) is maintained below zero, high insulation performance is required. However, if insulation is provided only with foamed urethane, the thickness of the insulation material becomes too thick and the size of the ice-making part becomes large. Therefore, a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) with good insulation performance relative to its thickness is attached to the inner surface of the outer cover (112a, 112b), and urethane is foamed into the empty space where the vacuum insulation panel (VIP) is not attached to form an insulation layer.

[0319] The vacuum insulation panel (VIP) can be fixed to the inner surface of the outer cover (112a, 112b) using double-sided tape, etc. Since the urethane foaming process will fix the vacuum insulation panel (VIP) to the outer cover (112a, 112b) anyway, it can be fixed simply before foaming.

[0320] For reference, the thickness of the vacuum insulation panel (VIP) can be approximately 8 to 11 mm, and in the case of urethane, it can be formed to be 5 mm or more to ensure flowability when foaming. That is, the gap between the vacuum insulation panel (VIP) on which urethane is foamed and the inner cover (111) can be formed to be 5 mm or more.

[0321] If the flowability of urethane is not good, empty spaces that are not filled with the foaming liquid may be formed during urethane foaming.

[0322] As a prime example, a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) can be formed to a thickness of 10 mm, and PU (foamed polyurethane) can also be formed to a thickness of 10 mm.

[0323] The bottom surface of the above outer cover (112a, 112b) is formed to slope downward from the front to the rear.

[0324] In addition, the rear lower portion of the outer cover (112a, 112b) may be formed to be convex toward the rear so that the drain tank (170) can be accommodated therein.

[0325] And, an inner cover (111) is placed on the inside of the outer cover (112a, 112b), and the inner bottom surface of the inner cover (111) is also formed to slope downward from the front to the rear.

[0326] The outer cover (112a, 112b) and the inner cover (111) above both have an open front, and the open front can be covered by the dispenser portion (150).

[0327] The inner cover (111) forms an ice-making space (1011), an ice-storing space (1012), and a cooling space (1013) on the inner side.

[0328] Additionally, an ice bank (130) may be placed on the inside of the inner cover (111).

[0329] A plurality of passage holes (131) can be formed in the above ice bank (130).

[0330] A plurality of passage holes (131) may be formed on the bottom surface, side surface, etc. of the ice bank (130), and the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) may be formed to slope downward from the front side to the rear side. In addition, the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) may be formed as a curved surface. In addition, the ice bank (130) may have a shape in which the front side is open and the rear side is closed.

[0331] In the above ice-making space (1011), an ice-making tray (120) is installed to temporarily store water to be used for ice-making. Specifically, the ice-making tray (120) is mounted on a driving motor and a rotational shaft, and is mounted so as to be rotatable around the rotational shaft.

[0332] The ice evaporator (252) may be placed on the upper side of the ice tray (120).

[0333] Ice making is performed in the ice making evaporator (252) while the above ice making tray (120) is fixed in the ice making position. Then, when ice making is completed, the ice making tray (120) rotates.

[0334] When the ice tray (120) rotates, the water contained inside the ice tray (120) falls to the lower side of the ice tray (120). The water that falls in this way is collected in the drain tank (170) through a separate path.

[0335] In addition, when water is drained from the ice tray (120), ice frozen in the ice evaporator (252) falls below the ice evaporator (252), and the fallen ice moves to the ice bank (130) and is stored.

[0336] The above ice bank (130) has an opening formed at the top, through which ice falling from the ice tray (120) can enter the interior of the ice bank (130).

[0337] In addition, the ice bank (130) is equipped with an auger (140) that rotates in one direction and pushes ice outward, and an ice discharge unit (158) is located on the outlet side of the auger (140). The ice discharge unit (158) is connected to the interior of the discharge port (50) described above, so that ice discharged by the operation of the auger (140) can be delivered to the user from the discharge port (50).

[0338] The bottom and rear surfaces of the ice bank (130) are made of a water-permeable material, or are configured so that a plurality of passage holes (131) are formed so that any water that may have entered can pass through the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) and flow out downward. The water that flows out in this way passes through the ice bank (130) and is received in the drain tank (170) located at the bottom of the inner cover (111), or is drained through a separate drain pipe.

[0339] Here, a pump for drainage may be provided in the drain pipe, or an external pump may be connected to the drain pipe to perform drainage.

[0340] In addition, a lower hole is formed in the lower part of the fan bracket (118) to allow air to flow from the ice storage space (1102) to the cooling space (1103), and an upper hole is formed in the upper part of the fan bracket (118) to allow air discharged from the evaporator fan (260) to flow to the ice storage space (1102).

[0341] In addition, the fan bracket (118) is configured to divide the ice storage space (1102) and the cooling space (1103), and an insulating material may be provided inside.

[0342] When hot gas is supplied to the ice evaporator and the freezing evaporator for ice removal, the heat of the freezing evaporator may melt the ice in the ice storage space (1102), so an insulating material is placed inside the fan bracket (118) to provide insulation between the ice storage space (1102) and the cooling space (1103).

[0343] As a variation, in a configuration of a refrigeration cycle that does not supply hot gas to the refrigeration evaporator, the inside of the fan bracket (118) may not be provided with insulation.

[0344] The above fan bracket (118) acts as a passage for air to flow between the cooling space (1103) where the refrigerant evaporator (253) is placed and the ice storage space (1102).

[0345] In addition, an evaporator fan (260) may be coupled to the rear upper portion of the fan bracket (118). The evaporator fan (260) sucks in air from the side of the freezer evaporator (253) and creates a flow of air from the lower side to the upper side. Then, the cold air that has passed through the freezer evaporator (253) is supplied to the upper side of the ice storage space (1012) through the evaporator fan (260), and accordingly, the ice stored in the ice storage space (1012) can be stored at a sub-zero temperature by the cold air.

[0346] Since cold air has the property of going down, an evaporator fan (260) is installed at the top of the refrigerated evaporator (253) to pull up the cold air generated in the refrigerated evaporator (253) and supply it to the upper side of the ice storage space (1012).

[0347] The above storage space (1012) is located adjacent to the outlet (50), and the cooling space (1103) is arranged in a direction away from the outlet (50).

[0348] Additionally, the cold water tank (160) and cold water evaporator (251) can also be placed inside the body part (101).

[0349] A separate cold water tank (160) installation space can be formed on the right side of the body part (101) (based on FIG. 9).

[0350] The cold water tank (160) may be installed between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112). The cold water tank (160) may be positioned adjacent to the ice evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) to facilitate installation of refrigerant pipes.

[0351] The inner cover (111) above forms a recessed portion (1113) concavely inward at the bottom of one side, and the cold water tank (160) can be installed by being accommodated in the recessed portion (1113).

[0352] The above-mentioned depression (1113) can be formed at the bottom of the ice-making space (1011).

[0353] The above cold water tank (160) is fixed to the inner cover (111) and can be placed apart from the outer cover (112).

[0354] And, when the cold water tank (160) is installed between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112), and insulation is foamed between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112), the cold water tank (160) can be automatically insulated.

[0355] Additionally, in the water extraction device of the present invention, the refrigerant compression cycle device (200) and various valves, components, lighting, etc. can be controlled through a separate control unit. In this case, the control unit may include one or more PCBs. The control unit may operate according to a programmed algorithm.

[0356] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser unit, which is a component of the present invention.

[0357] Referring to Fig. 7, the dispenser unit (150) may include a case (151) that covers the open front of the ice making unit (110). An ice discharge port (152) through which ice is discharged is formed in the case (151).

[0358] And, the case (151) includes a first motor (153) for rotating the ice tray (120) and a second motor (154) for rotating the auger (140).

[0359] And, an auger (140) is placed at the rear of the dispenser section (150).

[0360] Additionally, a door (155) for opening and closing the ice discharge port (152) is formed on the inside of the dispenser section (150).

[0361] The above door (155) is connected to the third motor (159) and rotates forward and backward together with the rotation of the third motor (159). Then, it controls the discharge of ice that is transported forward and upward through the auger (140) and then passes through the ice discharge port (152). An ice discharge unit (158) may be arranged to guide the ice discharged through the door (155) to the discharge port (50). The ice discharge unit (158) may be understood as a means for guiding the discharge of ice.

[0362] The above-mentioned outlet (50) may be formed on the lower side of the ice discharge unit (158).

[0363] Additionally, the inside of the dispenser section (150) may be filled with insulating material.

[0364] The above insulation material is provided for insulation of the motor (153, 154, 159), etc.

[0365] In addition, a UV lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays may be installed in the dispenser unit (150) to sterilize the space through which ice passes inside the dispenser unit (150) or the ice storage space of the ice tray (130), and a full ice sensor that detects whether the ice storage space of the ice tray (130) is full may be installed.

[0366] Fig. 8 is a side view of a longitudinal cross-section of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a top view of the interior of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0367] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an ice transport grill (180) is arranged at the bottom of the ice tray (120).

[0368] The above ice transport grill (180) has a plurality of drain holes (181) on one side.

[0369] In addition, a collection pipe (190) is arranged at the bottom of the ice transport grill (180) through which water discharged from the ice tray (120) flows in and out after passing through a drain (181), and an ice bank (130) in which ice separated from the ice evaporator (252) is stored is arranged at one side (left side in FIG. 12) of the collection pipe (190).

[0370] The above ice bank (130) and the above collection pipe (190) can be understood as separate spaces.

[0371] In addition, the lower end of the water collection pipe (190) may be formed at a higher position than the lower end of the ice bank (130), and rather, the lower end of the water collection pipe (190) may be formed at a similar height to the upper end of the ice bank (130).

[0372] That is, the above collection pipe (190) can be formed at the upper end of one side (right side as of FIG. 14) of the above ice bank (130).

[0373] The size of the above drain hole (181) is formed to be smaller than the size of the ice that falls from the ice tray (120), so that water can be discharged and ice can be filtered through the drain hole (181).

[0374] After ice making is performed in the ice making evaporator (252), ice and residual water are contained inside the ice making tray (120).

[0375] For reference, the process by which ice is created and stored can be summarized as follows:

[0376] First, ice-making water is supplied to the ice-making tray (120) located at the bottom of the ice-making evaporator (252), and the refrigerant compression cycle device (200) is operated to create ice at the finger portion of the ice-making evaporator (252).

[0377] And, after making ice, the ice tray (120) is rotated to drain the remaining ice water, separate the ice from the fingers, and store the ice in the ice bank (130).

[0378] The above ice tray (120) rotates clockwise in the ice-making stage, as shown in FIG. 21, and when the ice tray (120) rotates, the upper inlet of the ice tray (120) faces the side or downward, and residual water is discharged through the inlet of the ice tray (120).

[0379] And, after the drainage of the residual water is completed, the ice separated from the ice evaporator (252) falls to the ice transport grill (180). And, the fallen ice moves toward the ice bank (130) along the ice transport grill (180) that is inclined downward toward the ice bank (130) and can be stored in the ice bank (130).

[0380] In addition, when ice-making is completed, the ice-making tray (120) returns to its original position (ice-making position). At this time, the ice-making tray (120) rotates counterclockwise with reference to Fig. 21. Then, when the upper inlet of the ice-making tray (120) is positioned so that it faces upward, the ice-making tray (120) stops for ice-making operation and receives water for ice-making.

[0381] Meanwhile, water that falls from the ice tray (120) to the ice transport grill (180) falls to the lower part of the ice transport grill (180) through the drain (181) of the ice transport grill (180).

[0382] As described above, water that falls to the bottom of the ice transport grill (180) is drained through a separate pipe.

[0383] And, the water drained as described above is collected in the drain tank (170) located at the bottom of the ice making unit (110) through a separate path.

[0384] The above drain tank (170) may be positioned at the rearmost position. In addition, the bottom surface of the ice making unit (110) may be formed to slope downward from the front to the rear as a whole. In particular, the bottom surface of the inner cover (111) and the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) may be formed to slope downward from the front to the rear.

[0385] Accordingly, the water generated in the ice making unit (110) and requiring drainage, including the ice making residual water, flows from the front where the height is high to the rear where the height is low along the bottom surface of the inner cover (111), and is discharged through the drain pipe (119) provided at the lowest end of the inner cover (111), and can then be stored in the drain tank (170) connected to the drain pipe (119).

[0386] Meanwhile, as described above, the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) may be formed to slope downward from the front to the rear.

[0387] In detail, the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) can be formed to slope downward in the direction in which the ice is extracted.

[0388] Therefore, the ice that has fallen into the ice bank (130) is first filled in the lower rear part of the ice bank (130) along the slope.

[0389] And, ice is stored from the bottom of the ice bank (130), so that the maximum amount of ice can be stored inside the ice bank (130).

[0390] In addition, when a freezing evaporator (253) is placed at the rear of the ice bank (130), ice can be stored at the rear of the ice bank (130) adjacent to the freezing evaporator (253), and there is also an advantage in that the ice can be stored at a lower temperature as the temperature is lowered further by the freezing evaporator (253).

[0391] In addition, when the water extraction device of the present invention is viewed from the front, the ice bank (130) and the ice tray (120) can be arranged in the left and right directions. In detail, the ice bank (130) can be arranged on the left side, and the ice tray (120) can be arranged on the right side.

[0392] In addition, when the water extraction device of the present invention is viewed from the front, the ice bank (130) and the refrigerated evaporator (253) can be arranged in the front-back direction. In detail, the ice bank (130) can be positioned at the front, and the refrigerated evaporator (253) can be arranged at the rear.

[0393] To this end, the internal space of the ice making unit (110) may be provided with a partition wall that divides the space where the ice bank (130) is formed and the space where the refrigeration evaporator (253) is installed.

[0394] The above bulkhead can be understood as a fan bracket (118).

[0395] That is, the fan bracket (118) can serve as a partition wall that divides the space where the ice bank (130) is formed and the space where the refrigeration evaporator (253) is installed.

[0396] The water extraction device of the present invention includes an ice tray (120) and an ice evaporator (252) that freezes water filled in the ice tray (120).

[0397] And, the ice tray (120) has a rotation axis and rotates around the rotation axis.

[0398] The rotation axis of the above ice tray (120) is connected to a motor.

[0399] The above motor is a bidirectional motor and may be equipped with, for example, a stepping motor.

[0400] The above motor can rotate the ice tray (120) to one side and then to the other side.

[0401] In the following description, the ice-making position refers to a position where the ice-making tray (120) is fixed and does not move in the ice-making state. The ice-making position may refer to the position of the ice-making tray (120) in the standby state.

[0402] Additionally, one side of the ice tray (120) can be rotatably connected to the fan bracket (118).

[0403] Additionally, the ice tray (120) may be provided so that it can be detached separately.

[0404] In addition, a micro switch is provided to detect the rotation angle of the ice tray (120), and a rib that contacts the micro switch according to the rotation angle may be formed on at least one component that is connected to the rotation axis of the ice tray (120) or the rotation axis of the ice tray (120) and rotates together with the ice tray (120) when the ice tray (120) rotates.

[0405] In addition, the ice tray (120) is equipped with a water guide structure that guides the remaining water to flow in one direction when discarding the remaining water after ice making.

[0406] As described above, if the remaining water in the ice tray (120) flows in one direction, the phenomenon of the remaining water from the ice being drawn into the ice bank (130) where ice is stored can be prevented.

[0407] Figure 10 is a drawing illustrating a fan bracket, which is a component of the present invention.

[0408] In detail, Fig. 10 (a) is a perspective view of the fan bracket, and Fig. 10 (b) is an exploded perspective view of the fan bracket.

[0409] Referring to Fig. 10, a fan bracket (118) is installed on the inside of the ice making unit (110).

[0410] The fan bracket (118) may include an evaporator fan (260) installed on the upper side of the fan bracket (118) and a dividing wall (1186) formed on the lower side to divide the installation space of the ice bank (130) and the installation space of the refrigerated evaporator (253).

[0411] A plurality of ventilation holes (118a) may be formed on the upper side of the fan bracket (118) to allow air discharged from the evaporator fan (260) to pass through.

[0412] The upper side of the fan bracket (118) may have a grill shape due to the plurality of ventilation holes (118a).

[0413] Accordingly, when the evaporator fan (260) operates, the cold air of the refrigerated evaporator (253) flows upward by the suction force of the evaporator fan (260), passes through the evaporator fan (260), and the cold air discharged from the evaporator fan (260) passes through the ventilation hole (118a) and is supplied to the internal space of the ice bank (130).

[0414] And, due to the nature of cold air, cold air passing through the ventilation hole (118a) flows downward and freezes the ice stored in the ice bank (130).

[0415] And, the cold air of the ice bank (130) flows downward to the refrigeration evaporator (253) by the suction force of the evaporator fan (260).

[0416] For this purpose, a passage (118b) is formed at the bottom of the fan bracket (118) to connect the bottom of the ice storage space (1012) and the bottom of the cooling space (1013).

[0417] That is, a plurality of passages (118b) are formed on the lower side of the fan bracket (118) so that the cold air of the ice bank (130) flows toward the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0418] In addition, the user's hand may be injured when it enters the cooling space (1013) where the refrigerant evaporator (253) is installed through the space between the bottom of the fan bracket (118) and the bottom surface of the inner cover (111).

[0419] Accordingly, the passage (118b) may be formed in a grill shape or a rake shape and may serve to block the space between the lower part of the fan bracket (118) and the bottom surface of the inner cover (111).

[0420] Additionally, although the air outlet and air inlet are formed vertically in one fan bracket (118), in another embodiment, the air outlet and air inlet may be formed separately in two fan brackets (118) arranged vertically.

[0421] And, the cold air flowing downward from the above-mentioned refrigerated evaporator (253) flows upward by the suction force of the evaporator fan (260), becomes colder as it passes through the refrigerated evaporator (253), and is supplied to the internal space of the ice bank (130) by passing through the evaporator fan (260) and the ventilation hole (118a) again.

[0422] The lower part of the above fan bracket (118) is formed in a grill shape so that cold air from the ice bank (130) can flow toward the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0423] The rear side of the ice bank (130) can be arranged parallel to the separating wall (1186) of the fan bracket (118).

[0424] And, the cold air of the ice bank (130) can pass through the passage hole (131) formed on the bottom surface and the rear surface of the ice bank (130) and pass through the passage (118b) of the fan bracket (118) and then flow toward the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0425] The above fan bracket (118) may include a front member (118c) and a rear member (118d). Insulating material may be provided in the space (S) between them.

[0426] The above front member (118c) is positioned relatively forward compared to the rear member (118d), and a ventilation hole (118a), a separation wall (1186), and a passage (118b) can be formed.

[0427] A connecting portion (1189) may be formed on one or both upper sides of the front member (118c) so as to extend outward, hang over the upper side of the ice making unit (110), and be connected to the upper side of the ice making unit (110).

[0428] The rear member (118d) is positioned relatively rearwardly relative to the front member (118c) and forms an installation opening (1187) in which the evaporator fan (260) is installed. The installation opening (1187) may be formed at a position facing the ventilation hole (118a). In addition, an extension portion (1188) extending rearward along the perimeter of the installation opening (1187) may be formed, and the extension portion (1188) may cover the perimeter of the evaporator fan (260).

[0429] In addition, the fan bracket (118) may optionally be equipped with a full ice sensor (301) that detects whether the ice stored in the ice bank (130) is full, a UV lamp (302) that sterilizes the ice storage space of the ice bank (130) by irradiating ultraviolet rays, and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the ice storage space of the ice bank (130).

[0430] The above evaporator fan (260) may be placed in an upright position, i.e., with the rotation axis of the evaporator fan (260) facing forward and backward. If the distance between the evaporator fan (260) and the refrigerated evaporator (253) is too close, frost may form on the evaporator fan (260), preventing the evaporator fan (260) from operating properly. In order to secure a gap between the evaporator fan (260) and the refrigerated evaporator (253), the evaporator fan (260) needs to be placed upright rather than lying down.

[0431] In addition, a PCB case having a built-in PCB may be installed at the rear of the fan bracket (118), specifically, at the rear of the separating wall (1186). The PCB case may be placed at the bottom of the evaporator fan (260).

[0432] Additionally, at least a portion of the fan bracket (118) may have an insulating material attached to it, or an insulating layer may be formed inside it.

[0433] In addition, the above fan bracket (118) functions as an intermediate wall dividing the ice storage space (1012) and the cooling space (1013).

[0434] A grill-shaped passage (118b) is formed at the bottom of the fan bracket (118) to allow air to flow from the ice storage space (1012) to the cooling space (1013).

[0435] And, a plurality of ventilation holes (118a) are formed in a grill shape on the upper part of the fan bracket (118) so that the air discharged from the evaporator fan (260) flows into the ice storage space (1012).

[0436] Additionally, insulation may be provided inside the fan bracket (118).

[0437] When hot gas is supplied to the ice evaporator (252) and the freezing evaporator (253) for freezing, the heat of the freezing evaporator (253) may cause the ice in the ice storage space (1012) to melt, so an insulating material is placed inside the fan bracket (118) to provide insulation between the ice storage space (1012) and the cooling space (1013).

[0438] As a variation, in a configuration of a refrigeration cycle that does not supply hot gas to the refrigeration evaporator, the inside of the fan bracket (118) may not be provided with insulation.

[0439] As described above, the fan bracket (118) acts as a path for allowing air to flow between the cooling space (1013) where the refrigerant evaporator is placed and the ice storage space (1012) where the ice bank (130) is placed.

[0440] The above fan bracket (118) may be formed integrally with the inner cover (111), or may be detachably coupled to the inner cover (111).

[0441] In addition, an evaporator fan (260) may be placed on the upper side of the refrigerated evaporator (253). Then, the evaporator fan (260) sucks in air from the side of the refrigerated evaporator (253) and creates a flow of air from the lower side to the upper side. Then, the cold air that has passed through the refrigerated evaporator (253) is supplied to the upper side of the ice storage space (1012) through the evaporator fan (260), and accordingly, the ice stored in the ice storage space (1012) can be stored at a sub-zero temperature by the cold air.

[0442] Since cold air tends to go down, an evaporator fan (260) is installed at the top of the refrigerated evaporator (253) to pull up the cold air generated in the refrigerated evaporator and supply it to the upper part of the ice storage space (1012).

[0443] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of a refrigerant compression cycle device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0444] Referring to FIG. 11, the refrigerant compression cycle device (200) of the present invention includes an ice evaporator (252) having a plurality of fingers (252a) immersed in an ice tray (120), a refrigerant evaporator (253) having a plurality of heat exchange fins (2531) and having a heat absorption function, and an accumulator (2924). In addition, a separate heater (2532) for defrosting may be installed on the heat exchange fins (2531) of the refrigerant evaporator (253).

[0445] At this time, the refrigerant pipe may include a refrigerant pipe (2921) that supplies refrigerant to the ice-making evaporator (252), a refrigerant pipe (2922) that supplies refrigerant that has passed through the ice-making evaporator (252) to the freezing evaporator (253), and a refrigerant pipe (2923) that supplies refrigerant that has passed through the freezing evaporator (253) to the compressor side.

[0446] Since the operating principles of each component have been known for a long time, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0447] Meanwhile, in the case of the present invention, in order to supplement the problems of the conventional room temperature storage ice water purifier, a freezing evaporator (253) is installed inside the body (101) so that ice stored in the ice bank (130) can be frozen and stored.

[0448] In addition, in order to supply cold air from the refrigerated evaporator (253) to the ice storage space (1012) where the ice bank (130) is placed, an evaporator fan (260) was installed on the upper side of the refrigerated evaporator (253) to form cold air flow.

[0449] The control unit of the present invention detects the opening of at least one of the cover part (102) or the inner cover (103), and controls the operation of the evaporator fan (260) depending on whether the cover part (102) or the inner cover (103) is opened.

[0450] For example, when the cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101) and the upper part of the body part (101) is opened, the operation of the evaporator fan (260) is controlled to stop in order to prevent cold air from leaking, and when the cover part (102) is coupled to the body part (101) and the upper part of the body part (101) is closed, the evaporator fan (260) is controlled to operate again, so that the evaporator fan (260) can be controlled to operate only when the cover part (102) is coupled to the body part (101).

[0451] In addition, when the cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101) while the evaporator fan (260) is rotating at the first speed, the control unit controls the evaporator fan (260) to rotate at a second speed lower than the first speed, and when the cover part (102) is coupled to the body part (101), the control unit controls the evaporator fan (260) to rotate at the first speed again.

[0452] Referring to Fig. 5, the upper side of the ice bank (130) is open, and the ice bank (130) is placed inside the body part (101). In detail, the ice bank (130) is placed inside the inner cover (111) that constitutes the body part (101).

[0453] Therefore, when the cover part (102) is separated and the upper part of the body part (101) is opened, the upper part of the ice bank (130) is opened.

[0454] Additionally, when the cover part (102) is combined and the upper side of the body part (101) is closed, the upper side of the ice bank (130) is also closed.

[0455] As a modified example, the control unit can detect whether the top cover forming the upper surface of the main body (10) is open, and control the operation of the evaporator fan (260) depending on whether the top cover is open.

[0456] That is, when the top cover forming the upper surface of the main body (10) is separated, the evaporator fan (260) can be controlled to stop or the evaporator fan (260) can be controlled to rotate at a low speed.

[0457] And, when the top cover forming the upper surface of the main body (10) is combined, the evaporator fan (260) that has stopped can be controlled to operate again, or the evaporator fan (260) that is operating at low speed can be controlled to rotate at high speed.

[0458] That is, the control unit of the present invention can control the evaporator fan (260) to stop or control the rotation speed of the evaporator fan (260) to decrease when the opening of any one selected component covering the upper side of the ice bank (130) is detected.

[0459] For this purpose, a detection means (180) that detects whether the cover part (102), inner cover (103), or top cover is separated may be installed.

[0460] The above detection means (180) is connected to the control unit and can detect whether the cover unit (102) is separated from the ice bank (130).

[0461] If the cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101), the upper side of the ice bank (130) can be seen as open.

[0462] Accordingly, when the cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101), the detection means (180) detects this and sends a signal to the control part.

[0463] And, the control unit controls the evaporator fan (260) to stop or to lower the rotation speed of the evaporator fan (260).

[0464] The above detection means (180) may include various known sensors of different structures.

[0465] For example, the detection means (180) may be composed of a magnet (181) installed on one side of the cover portion (102) and a reed switch (182) installed on one side of the body portion (101) to detect the magnet (181).

[0466] Additionally, the cover part (102) may be fixed to the upper side of the body part (101) using a magnet.

[0467] Additionally, a magnet may be formed on the inner cover or on the top cover forming the upper surface of the water purifier body.

[0468] In addition, when the top cover or inner cover is opened, a detection unit installed on one side of the body part (101) detects this, and the control unit can control the operation of the evaporator fan (260) to stop or control the evaporator fan (260) to operate at a low speed.

[0469] In addition, in the ice-freezing state, when the cover part (102) or the top cover or the inner cover is opened, the control unit detects this and controls the first motor to return the ice-making tray (120) from the open position (ice-freezing position) to the closed position (ice-freezing position) for the protection and safety of the parts.

[0470] For reference, the reed switch (182) can detect whether the cover part (102) or the top cover or the inner cover is open or closed by detecting a magnetic field and a magnet provided in the cover part (102) or a magnet provided in the top cover or a magnet provided in the inner cover. When the reed switch detects the opening of the cover part (102) or the top cover or the inner cover, the control unit can control the operation of at least one of the evaporator fan and the condenser fan to stop, or control the rotation speed (rpm) of at least one of the fans to decrease.

[0471] Additionally, the reed switch may be installed in front of the ice making unit (110), or may be installed on both sides of the ice making unit (110) or at the rear of the ice making unit (110).

[0472] In addition, the reed switch may be installed not only in the ice making unit (110), but also in the dispenser unit (150), ice bank (130), etc.

[0473] The above ice bank (130) is placed relatively forward with respect to the center of the ice making unit (110), and the above refrigeration evaporator (253) is placed relatively rearward.

[0474] In addition, the evaporator fan (260) may be placed between the ice bank (130) and the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0475] And, the evaporator fan (260) generates flow from rear to front.

[0476] Accordingly, the cold air from the rear refrigeration evaporator (253) can be supplied to the front ice bank (130) after passing through the evaporator fan (260).

[0477] The lower end of the above evaporator fan (260) may be located higher than the upper end of the above refrigerated evaporator (253).

[0478] Due to the nature of cold air, cold air tends to gather downwards, and if cold air only gathers downwards, it is difficult to create a flow of cold air.

[0479] Accordingly, the cold air gathered at the bottom is forced to flow from the bottom to the top by the evaporator fan (260), and then the cold air is supplied to the top of the ice bank (130). In addition, even if the cold air is supplied to the top of the ice bank (130), due to the nature of the cold air, it flows downward, and as the cold air flows from the top to the bottom, it can pass through the ice stored in the ice bank (130) and cool the ice without melting it.

[0480] The above ice bank (130) can be formed so that the bottom surface (132) slopes downward from one side to the other.

[0481] When the bottom surface (132) of the ice bank (130) is arranged to slope downward as described above, the ice inside the ice bank (130) is not dispersed, but gathers at the bottom of the other side of the ice bank (130) along the downward sloped bottom surface (132).

[0482] In addition, since ice is stored at the lowest level of the ice bank (130), the temperature of the lower side is maintained lower than that of the upper side, so that the ice inside the ice bank (130) can be stored more coldly. In addition, since ice is stored in a location adjacent to the refrigeration evaporator (253), the ice inside the ice bank (130) can be stored more coldly due to the low temperature of the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0483] And, the cold air of the ice bank (130) flows from front to rear along the slope of the bottom surface (132) and cools the ice stored in the ice bank (130) so that it does not melt. And, the cold air that flows from front to rear along the slope of the bottom surface (132) flows again toward the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0484] By this structure, cold air can be supplied to the ice bank (130) from the top of the ice bank (130), and cold air from the ice bank (130) can be discharged from the bottom of the ice bank (130).

[0485] In addition, the cold air supplied to the ice bank (130) flows from the top to the bottom, so that the ice stored in the ice bank (130) can be cooled evenly throughout.

[0486] Referring to FIG. 8, when the evaporator fan (260) operates, the cold air of the refrigerated evaporator (253) flows upward by the suction force of the evaporator fan (260), passes through the evaporator fan (260), and the cold air discharged from the evaporator fan (260) passes through the ventilation hole (118a) of the fan bracket (118), and is then supplied to the internal space of the ice bank (130).

[0487] And, due to the nature of cold air, cold air passing through the ventilation hole (118a) flows downward and freezes the ice stored in the ice bank (130).

[0488] And, the cold air of the ice bank (130) flows downward to the refrigeration evaporator (253) by the suction force of the evaporator fan (260).

[0489] For this purpose, a passage (118b) is formed on the lower side of the fan bracket (118) to allow cold air from the ice bank (130) to flow toward the refrigeration evaporator (253).

[0490] And, the cold air flowing downward through the passage (118b) to the refrigerated evaporator (253) flows upward by the suction force of the evaporator fan (260), becomes colder as it passes through the refrigerated evaporator (253), and is supplied to the internal space of the ice bank (130) by passing through the evaporator fan (260) and the ventilation hole (118a) again.

[0491] In addition, a compressor (210), a condenser (220), a condenser fan (280), etc. may be installed in the lower space of the above-mentioned storage space (1012) and cooling space (1013), and the condenser fan (280) may generate air flow so that air is discharged to the rear of the main body.

[0492] In addition, a filter (F) is installed in front of the lower space of the ice storage space (1012). The filter (F) is located in front of the compressor (210), condenser (220), condenser fan (280), etc. The inner cover (111) and ice bank (130) have a shape that slopes downward from the front to the rear.

[0493] Accordingly, a filter (F) with a relatively high height is placed at the front, and a compressor, condenser, etc. with a relatively low height are placed at the rear. In addition, when the filter (F) is placed at the front, the front cover forming the front of the main body (10) can be separated, making it convenient to replace the filter (F).

[0494]

[0495]

[0496]

[0497] Fig. 12 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an ice conveying grill, which is a component of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. Fig. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear.

[0498] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 15, an ice transport grill (180) is arranged at the bottom of the ice tray (120).

[0499] The above ice transport grill (180) forms a grill part (182) having a plurality of drain holes (181) on one side.

[0500] In addition, an ice bank (130) is arranged at the bottom of the ice transport grill (180) in which ice separated from ice-making water from the ice transport grill (180) is stored.

[0501] The size of the above drain hole (181) is formed to be smaller than the size of the ice that falls from the ice tray (120), so that water can be discharged and ice can be filtered through the drain hole (181).

[0502] With the configuration of the ice transport grill (180) as described above, after ice making is performed in the ice making evaporator (252), ice and residual water are contained inside the ice making tray (120).

[0503] At this time, in order to perform ice removal from the ice tray (120), when the rotational motion is performed, the remaining water contained in the ice tray (120) is discharged, and when the discharge of the remaining ice water is completed, the separated ice falls from the ice evaporator (252).

[0504] For reference, the process by which ice is formed can be summarized as follows:

[0505] First, ice-making water is supplied to the ice-making tray (120) located at the bottom of the ice-making evaporator (252), and the refrigerant compression cycle device (200) is operated to create ice at the finger portion of the ice-making evaporator (252).

[0506] And, after making ice, the ice tray (120) is rotated to drain the remaining ice water, and when draining is complete, the ice is separated from the fingers and stored in the ice bank (130).

[0507] The above ice tray (120) rotates clockwise in the ice-making stage, as shown in FIG. 12, and when the ice tray (120) rotates, the upper inlet of the ice tray (120) faces the side or downward, and residual water is discharged through the inlet of the ice tray (120).

[0508] And, the remaining water discharged from the ice tray (120) falls to the ice transport grill (180), is drained through the drain (181), flows along the collection pipe (190), and is then drained or stored.

[0509] And, when the discharge of residual water is completed, hot gas is supplied to the ice evaporator (252) or a separate ice heater is operated, so that ice is separated from the ice evaporator (252), and the separated ice falls to the ice transport grill (180), moves along the slope of the ice transport grill (180), and is stored in the ice bank (130).

[0510] In addition, when the draining of the ice-making residual water and the ice-storing and ice-making are completed as described above, the ice-making tray (120) is empty and returns to its original position (ice-making position). At this time, the ice-making tray (120) rotates counterclockwise with reference to Fig. 12. Then, when the upper inlet of the ice-making tray (120) is positioned so that it faces upward, the ice-making tray (120) stops for ice-making operation and receives water for ice-making.

[0511] Meanwhile, the ice and water that fall onto the ice transfer grill (180) during the ice transfer process can be separated into ice and water at the ice transfer grill (180).

[0512] In detail, water that falls onto the ice transport grill (180) falls to the lower part of the ice transport grill (180) through the drain (181) of the ice transport grill (180).

[0513] As described above, water that falls to the bottom of the ice transport grill (180) is drained through a separate pipe.

[0514] On the other hand, ice that falls onto the ice transport grill (180) is larger than the drain (181), so it cannot pass through the drain (181) and is filtered out. The ice separated from the water as described above is moved to and stored in the ice bank (130) located at the lower part of one side of the ice transport grill (180).

[0515] As described above, when an ice transport grill (180) is placed between the ice tray (120) and the ice bank (130) based on the movement path of the ice, ice and residual water can be separated, and thus, residual water from the ice can be prevented from flowing into the ice bank (130).

[0516] In addition, since residual water does not flow into the ice bank (130), the resulting problem of deterioration in ice quality can be prevented.

[0517] In addition, in the case of the present invention, since the internal temperature of the ice bank (130), which is the space where ice is stored, is maintained below zero, various problems such as ice clumping, malfunction of the discharge auger, and clogging of the drain pipe, which may be caused by residual water falling from the ice tray (120), can be prevented in advance.

[0518] Meanwhile, as described above, in order for ice separated from water in the ice transport grill (180) to move to and be stored in the ice bank (130) arranged at the lower side of one side of the ice transport grill (180), the ice bank (130) may be formed on one side based on the first direction (direction A), and the ice transport grill (180) may be formed on the other side.

[0519] The above ice bank (130) and the above ice transport grill (180) may be arranged so that at least a portion overlaps or touches.

[0520] In addition, the ice bank (130) and the ice transport grill (180) may be arranged so that their facing surfaces are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (direction A).

[0521] Additionally, the grill portion (182) may be formed at a location adjacent to the ice bank (130).

[0522] For example, the ice transport grill (180) may be formed on the right side (based on FIG. 12), and the ice bank (130) may be formed on the left side (based on FIG. 12).

[0523] In addition, the grill part (182) can be formed on the left side (based on FIG. 12) of the ice transport grill (180).

[0524] Additionally, the first direction length (D1) of the drain (181) may be formed to be less than half the first direction length (D2) of the ice transport grill (180).

[0525] The shape of the drain hole (181) of the ice transport grill (180) should be formed smaller than the size of the ice so that the ice does not fall down through the drain hole (181). If the width of the drain hole (181) is excessively narrow, water may form in the drain hole (181) or between the drain holes (181) due to residual water drained from the ice tray (120).

[0526] In detail, water may form on the edge (rim) or rib (185) of the drain (181).

[0527] In addition, when the ice bank (130) is maintained in a sub-zero condition to store the frozen ice, the water condensation generated in the above process freezes and grows in stages. In this case, the ice generated in the drain (181) or between the drains (181), that is, on the edge (edge) of the drain (181) or the rib (185) may impede the movement of the frozen ice to the ice bank (130) or the rotational movement of the ice tray (120). In addition, in some cases, the drain (181) may become clogged, causing the remaining ice water to not drain and flow into the ice bank (130). This may cause malfunction.

[0528] In the case of the present invention, the first direction length (D1) of the drain (181) is formed to be less than half of the first direction length (D2) of the ice transport grill (180), so that the frozen ice is induced to move to the ice bank (30) and the remaining ice water is drained, while preventing the water formation phenomenon and freezing problem of the ice transport grill (180), thereby allowing the frozen ice to fall stably from the ice transport grill (180) to the ice bank (130).

[0529] Additionally, the drain (181) may be formed with an inner edge portion that is rounded.

[0530] If the corner portion of the above drain (181) is formed at a right angle, water formation may occur at the corner portion. Therefore, the edge portion of the drain (181) is formed in a round shape.

[0531] In addition, the drain (181) may be formed so that the length in the first direction (direction A) is longer than the length in the second direction (direction B).

[0532] If the length of the first direction (direction A) of the drain (181) is narrow, ice freezes around the ribs (185) and the gap between the ribs (185) narrows. In addition, due to the narrowed gap between the ribs (185), water may not drain but flow down to the ice basket (130), causing ice to clump.

[0533] Meanwhile, if the first direction (A direction) length of the drain (181), i.e., the first direction (A direction) spacing of the ribs (185), is wider than the ice, ice may fall into the drain (181), so the first direction (A direction) length of the drain (181) is formed narrower than the ice.

[0534] That is, if the first direction length of the drain (181) is long, ice gets stuck between the ribs, so the length is formed short.

[0535] In addition, if the length of the drain (181) in the second direction (direction B) becomes longer, ice may become stuck between the ribs (185). Therefore, the length of the drain (181) in the first direction (direction A) is formed to be longer than the length in the second direction (direction B).

[0536] That is, if the second direction width of the drain hole (181) is narrow, ice freezes around the ribs, narrowing the gap between the ribs. In addition, due to the narrowed gap, water may not drain but flow down to the ice basket, causing ice to clump. In addition, if the second direction width of the drain hole (181) is wider than the ice, ice may fall between the grills, so the second direction width is formed narrower than the ice.

[0537] Additionally, a surface-shaped guide portion (183) may be formed on the other side of the ice transport grill (180).

[0538] The above guide section (183) may refer to the area on the right side (based on FIG. 12) of the ice transport grill (180) where the drain hole (181) is not formed.

[0539] The above guide section (183) can be understood as a point where ice residue discharged from the ice tray (120) and ice separated from the ice evaporator (252) fall.

[0540] Ice or water that has fallen through the above guide section (183) moves toward the ice bank (130), and in the case of water, it is drained downward through the drain (181), and in the case of ice, it moves to the upper part of the drain (181) and is stored in the ice bank (130).

[0541] When the guide section (183) is formed as described above, the area occupied by the rib (185) and the drain (181) is relatively reduced. As the area occupied by the rib (185) and the drain (181) is reduced, the phenomenon of ice getting stuck between the ribs (185), i.e., in the drain (181), is prevented, so that the ice can fall and be stored smoothly.

[0542] Meanwhile, as described above, in order for water that has fallen from the ice tray (120) to the guide (183) or ice that has fallen from the ice evaporator (252) to the guide (183) to move toward the ice bank (130), the ice transfer grill (180) may be formed to be inclined downward in a direction adjacent to the ice bank (130).

[0543] That is, the ice transport grill (180) may be formed so that the height on the right side where the drawing reference guide portion (183) is formed is high, and the height on the left side where the grill portion (182) is formed is low, so that it can be formed to slope downward from the right side to the left.

[0544] In addition, the ice transport grill (180) may form a catch (184) extending upward or downward at one end adjacent to the ice bank (130).

[0545] The above-mentioned catch (184) can form a first catch (184a) extending upward at the left end (based on FIG. 13) of the ice transport grill (180).

[0546] As described above, with the configuration of the first hanging protrusion (184a) extended upward, the problem of water that falls from the ice tray (120) to the ice transport grill (180) and cannot escape through the drain (181) flowing into the ice bank (130) can be prevented.

[0547] Among the water that fell from the ice tray (120) to the ice transfer grill (180), the water that cannot escape through the drain (181) and flows down the rib flows toward the ice bank (130) and is blocked by the first catch (184a) and can be drained through the drain (181).

[0548] In addition, it is possible to prevent water that falls from the ice tray (120) to the ice transfer grill (180) from flowing down the rib (185) and into the ice basket (130).

[0549] In addition, the above-mentioned catch (184) may form a second catch (184b) extending downward at the left end (based on FIG. 13) of the above-mentioned ice transport grill (180).

[0550] The lower end of the second catch (184a) can be supported by contact with the outer surface of the ice bank (130) or the inner surface of the water collection pipe (190).

[0551] For example, a step (191) is formed on the inner surface of the collection pipe (190), and the lower end of the second catch (184a) can be supported by contact with the upper end of the step (191).

[0552] In addition, a plurality of ribs (185) may be formed in the grill portion (182), and the drain hole (181) may be formed between the ribs (185).

[0553] The above ribs (185) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (direction B) that intersects the first direction (direction A).

[0554] The above rib (185) forms a slope (185a) on one or both sides as its width narrows from the lower side to the upper side.

[0555] The upper end of the above rib (185) may be formed with a sharp cutting surface in the second direction (direction B).

[0556] When a slope (185a) is formed at the top of the rib (185) as described above, water that has fallen from the ice tray (120) to the ice transfer grill (180) can easily drain out along the slope (185a) to the drain (181).

[0557] In addition, when a slope (185a) is formed at the top of the rib (185), water can be prevented from accumulating or forming water at the top of the rib (185).

[0558] That is, water drained from the ice tray (120) can be prevented from flowing down the rib (185) and toward the ice basket.

[0559] Additionally, in the case of ice, the area in contact with the rib (185) is reduced, which has the advantage of allowing the ice to move more easily over the top of the rib (185).

[0560] In addition, when a slope (185a) is formed on both sides of the upper portion of the rib (185), water that has fallen from the ice tray (120) to the ice transport grill (180) can be prevented from flowing down the rib (185) and into the ice basket (130).

[0561] In addition, the above drain holes (181) are provided in multiple numbers and arranged to be spaced apart from each other based on the second direction (direction B), and a drainage groove (186) is formed to be concave downward at both ends of the ice transport grill (180) based on the second direction (direction B).

[0562] When the water passages (186) are formed on both sides, water that falls from the ice tray (120) to the ice transfer grill (180) can flow to both sides along the guide (184) and then drain out through the water passages (186) to the drain (181).

[0563] At the bottom of the ice transport grill (180), a collection pipe (190) is formed that collects and drains water drained through the drain hole (181) with the upper side open.

[0564] In addition, the above collection pipe (190) may be formed to be inclined in the second direction (direction B) in which the drain (181) is arranged.

[0565] In detail, the above collection pipe (190) can be formed to slope downward in the direction in which ice is discharged (from front to rear).

[0566] In addition, the collection pipe (190) may be arranged to slope downward in the first direction (direction A) in which the ice transfer grill (180) and the ice bank (130) are arranged.

[0567] In detail, the above collection pipe (190) may be formed so that the right side is higher and the left side is lower based on the drawing, and may be formed to slope downward from the right to the left. That is, the closer it is to the ice bank (130), the more it may be arranged to slope downward.

[0568] Additionally, in the ice bank (130), a support jaw (135) that supports the lower end of the ice transport grill (180) may be formed on the outer side of the surface adjacent to the ice transport grill (180).

[0569] An ice basket (114) having a plurality of drainage holes (114a) formed therein may be placed on the inside of the above ice bank (130).

[0570] Additionally, the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) and the bottom surface of the ice basket (114) may be formed into a curved surface.

[0571] The curved surface of the above floor surface can have the second direction (direction B) in which the drain (181) is arranged as its central axis.

[0572] In the above description, an ice transport grill (180) is installed on one side (right side in the drawing) of the ice bank (130).

[0573] And, the slope of the ice transport grill (180) is formed to slope downward toward the ice bank (130).

[0574] Accordingly, the ice that has fallen onto the ice transport grill (180) moves from one side to the other (from the right side to the left side in the drawing) due to the slope of the ice transport grill (180) and then falls downwards to be received into the ice bank (130).

[0575] At this time, the ice that falls from the ice transfer grill (180) to the ice bank (130) can fall downward and be accommodated in the ice bank (130) in a sliding manner along the curved surface of the ice bank (130). Therefore, when the ice falls into the ice bank (130), the impact is reduced, and the ice can be accommodated and stored in the ice bank (130) without breaking and while maintaining its shape and size.

[0576] The bottom surface of the ice bank (130) and the bottom surface of the ice basket (114) may be formed to be inclined in the second direction in which the drain (181) is arranged.

[0577] In detail, the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) and the bottom surface of the ice basket (114) can be formed to slope downward in the direction in which ice is taken out (from front to rear).

[0578] Accordingly, the ice that has fallen into the ice basket (114) is first filled in the lower rear part of the ice basket (114) along the slope.

[0579] And, ice is stored from the bottom of the ice basket (114), so that the maximum amount of ice can be stored inside the ice basket (114).

[0580] In addition, when a freezing evaporator (253) is placed at the rear of the ice basket (114), ice can be stored at the rear of the ice basket (114) adjacent to the freezing evaporator (253), and there is also an advantage in that the ice can be stored at a lower temperature as the temperature is lowered further by the freezing evaporator (253).

[0581] In addition, the ice transport grill (180) and the ice bank (130) may be arranged in a first direction (direction A), and the ice bank (130) and the refrigeration evaporator (253) may be arranged in a second direction (direction B) intersecting the first direction (direction A).

[0582] That is, when the water extraction device of the present invention is viewed from the front, the ice bank (130) and the ice transport grill (180) can be arranged in the left and right directions. In detail, the ice bank (130) can be arranged on the left side, and the ice transport grill (180) can be arranged on the right side.

[0583] In addition, when the water extraction device of the present invention is viewed from the front, the ice bank (130) and the refrigerated evaporator (253) can be arranged in the front-back direction. In detail, the ice bank (130) can be positioned at the front, and the refrigerated evaporator (253) can be arranged at the rear.

[0584] To this end, the internal space of the ice making unit (110) may be provided with a partition wall that divides the space where the ice bank (130) is formed and the space where the cold evaporator (253) is installed.

[0585] In addition, the internal space of the ice making unit (110) may be provided with a partition wall that divides the space where the ice bank (130) is formed and the space where the ice transport grill (180) is installed.

[0586] Fig. 16 is a top view of the ice making unit, a component of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the ice making tray, a component of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a plan view of the connecting member, a component of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a side view of the connecting member, a component of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the fan bracket, a component of the present invention.

[0587] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 16 to FIG. 20, the water extraction device of the present invention includes an ice tray (120) and an ice evaporator (252) that freezes water filled in the ice tray (120).

[0588] And, the ice tray (120) has a rotation axis and rotates around the rotation axis.

[0589] The rotation axis of the above ice tray (120) is connected to a motor.

[0590] The above motor is a bidirectional motor and may be equipped with, for example, a stepping motor.

[0591] The above motor can rotate the ice tray (120) to one side and then to the other side.

[0592] In the following description, the ice-making position refers to a position where the ice-making tray (120) is fixed and does not move in the ice-making state. The ice-making position may refer to the position of the ice-making tray (120) in the standby state.

[0593] Additionally, one side of the ice tray (120) can be rotatably connected to the fan bracket (118).

[0594] Additionally, the ice tray (120) may be provided so that it can be detached separately.

[0595] In addition, a micro switch is provided to detect the rotation angle of the ice tray (120), and a rib that contacts the micro switch according to the rotation angle may be formed on at least one component that is connected to the rotation axis of the ice tray (120) or the rotation axis of the ice tray (120) and rotates together with the ice tray (120) when the ice tray (120) rotates.

[0596] In addition, the ice tray (120) is equipped with a water guide structure that guides the remaining water to flow in one direction when discarding the remaining water after ice making.

[0597] As described above, if the remaining water in the ice tray (120) flows in one direction, the phenomenon of the remaining water from the ice being drawn into the ice bank (130) where the ice is stored can be prevented.

[0598] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the ice tray (120), which is a component of the present invention, includes a container part (122) that forms an ice-making space (121) that is open at the top and concave on the inside, and a guide part (124) that extends upward from the top of one side of the container part (122) and has a drainage groove (123) formed concave on the inside.

[0599] The above drainage groove (123) is formed so that both sides are open.

[0600] The guide part (124) in which the above drainage groove (123) is formed guides the drainage so that the water is discharged to one side when the ice-making residual water of the ice-making tray (120) is discharged.

[0601] In the ice-making state, the open upper side of the container (122) can be arranged to face upward.

[0602] The above guide portion (124) extends upward from the upper side of one side of the container portion (122) and forms a side portion (125) extending inward from the upper side.

[0603] The above drainage groove (123) can be defined by the guide portion (124) and the side portion (125).

[0604] Typically, ice making is performed in the ice evaporator while the ice making tray (120) is fixed in the ice making position.

[0605] Afterwards, when ice making is completed, the ice making tray (120) is filled with ice and ice residue.

[0606] And, in order to discard the ice-making water and store the ice separately, the ice-making tray (120) rotates. The ice-making tray (120) is connected to a motor and rotates in both directions.

[0607] At this time, when the ice tray (120) rotates, the ice tray (120) tilts to one side, and the ice remaining water is drained in the tilted direction.

[0608] The above drainage groove (123) is a structure that guides and drains the ice-making residual water in the ice-making tray (120) to flow to one side when the ice-making tray (120) rotates for ice removal after the ice-making step.

[0609] If, in a state where there is no structure to guide the ice-making residual water as described above, the ice-making tray (120) rotates to discard the ice-making residual water, the ice-making residual water in the ice-making tray (120) may fall or flow toward the ice bank where ice is stored.

[0610] However, in the case of the present invention, when the ice tray (120) rotates to discard the ice residue, the ice residue in the ice tray (120) flows into the drainage groove (123), then flows along the drainage groove (123) in the direction of the rotation axis of the ice tray (120), and can be drained only through one end of the drainage groove (123).

[0611] Therefore, in the process of discarding the ice-making residual water, the phenomenon of the ice-making residual water flowing into the ice bank where the ice is stored can be prevented.

[0612] As described above, the ice tray (120) of the present invention is formed with a drainage groove (123) and a guide portion (124).

[0613] The above drainage groove (123) and guide portion (124) serve to direct water toward the side of the ice tray (120) when draining residual water from the ice tray (120). If water is poured toward the ice transport grill without the drainage groove (123) and guide portion (124), the water will splash on the ice, causing the ice to clump.

[0614] In addition, when the ice tray (120) is rotated at a certain angle during the ice-making process, a downwardly inclined surface from the front to the rear can be formed on the ice tray (120) or the drainage groove (123) and the guide portion (124) in order to flow water toward the inner wall, similar to the ice transfer grill (180) described above.

[0615] Accordingly, the water discharged from the ice tray (120) flows from the front to the rear through the drainage groove (123) and the guide portion (124) and is eventually discharged to the rear of the ice tray (120).

[0616] And, the remaining water discharged from the ice tray (120) and the ice transport grill (180) passes through the path formed on the inner wall of the ice making unit (110) and is discharged into the drain pipe (119) formed at the bottom thereof, and then flows into a separate drain tank.

[0617] The ice-making unit (110) may have a downwardly inclined surface formed at its lower end to allow the ice-making residual water to be easily discharged to the drain pipe (119). For example, the ice-making unit (110) may have a funnel-shaped lower end.

[0618] In addition, since the ice residue may freeze as it passes through the inner wall of the ice making unit (110), a separate heater may be installed in the area through which the ice residue passes.

[0619] In addition, the ice tray (120) may include a container part (122) that forms an ice-making space (121) that is open at the top and concave on the inside, and a first axial connection part (126) and a second axial connection part (127) that extend in the axial direction from both sides of the upper end of the other side of the container part (122).

[0620] For example, the first axis connecting portion (126) may extend and protrude forward from the container portion (122), and the second axis connecting portion (127) may extend and protrude backward.

[0621] In addition, the first shaft connecting portion (126) can be connected to the first motor (153), and the second shaft connecting portion (127) can be rotatably connected to the inside of the ice making portion (110).

[0622] The above second axis connecting part (127) can be rotatably connected to various parts and various locations inside the ice making part (110).

[0623] For example, the second axis connecting portion (127) may be rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the ice bank (130) or the inner surface of the ice making portion (110) itself.

[0624] As another example, the second shaft connecting portion (127) may be rotatably connected to a fan bracket (118) on which an evaporator fan (260) is installed to supply cold air from the refrigerated evaporator (253) toward the ice bank (130).

[0625] In the above fan bracket (118), a groove (1181) may be formed to form a second shaft connecting groove (1185) into which the second shaft connecting portion (127) is fitted.

[0626] The above-mentioned groove (1181) forms an opening (1182) that is open upward, and the second axis connecting portion (127) can be fitted into the groove (1181) from the upper side to the lower side through the opening (1182).

[0627] In addition, in order to allow the second shaft connecting portion (127) to be more easily fitted into the opening (1182), an inlet portion (1183) extending upward may be formed at both ends of the groove portion (1181) defining the opening (1182). The inlet portion (1183) may be formed such that the gap therebetween gradually narrows from the upper side to the lower side. The inlet portion (1183) may be formed symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis. The inlet portion (1183) may form an inclined surface.

[0628] Additionally, at least one radially open cut (1184) can be formed in the home portion (1181).

[0629] For example, the home portion (1181) may have a circular cross-section, and the second axis connecting portion (127) may also have a circular cross-section.

[0630] In addition, the second axis connecting portion (127) can form an extended portion (1271) with an extended outer diameter at the end that is fitted into the groove portion (1181).

[0631] The above expansion portion (1271) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple expansion portions (1271) may be formed spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.

[0632] Meanwhile, the first axis connecting portion (126) is connected to the rotation axis of the first motor (153).

[0633] The above first axis connecting portion (126) can be directly connected to the rotation axis of the first motor (153).

[0634] The above first axis connecting portion (126) can be connected to the rotation axis of the first motor (153) through a separate connecting member (129).

[0635] The above connecting member (129) can be understood as a clutch that transmits the rotational power of the first motor (153) to the first shaft connecting member (126).

[0636] The above first axis connecting portion (126) and connecting member (129) can be easily combined and separated, and can have various shapes within a range where they can rotate together when combined, and can be connected in various ways.

[0637] For example, at least a portion of the first axis connecting portion (126) may be formed into a curved surface.

[0638] Additionally, at least a portion of the first axis connecting portion (126) may be formed as a plane.

[0639] Additionally, the first axis connecting portion (126) may be formed with at least a portion formed as a curved surface and the remaining portion formed as a flat surface.

[0640] Additionally, the first axis connecting portion (126) may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0641] In addition, the first shaft connecting portion (126) is provided with a plurality of shaft connecting protrusions (1261) extending vertically on one side or both sides, and a shaft connecting protrusion (1261) may be formed extending vertically between the shaft connecting protrusions (1261). The shaft connecting protrusions (1261) may be formed in plurality and spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the shaft.

[0642] The above connecting member (129) may be formed with a shaft connecting groove (1291) that is formed concavely in the vertical direction so that the first shaft connecting portion (126) can be fitted in the vertical direction. In addition, a plurality of coupling grooves (1292) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the shaft, similar to the shaft connecting protrusion (1261), may be formed on one or both sides of the inner surface of the shaft connecting groove (1291) so that the shaft connecting protrusion (1261) can be fitted.

[0643] As described above, when a connecting groove (1292) is formed in the shaft connecting groove (1291) of the connecting member (129), and a shaft connecting projection (1261) is formed in the first shaft connecting portion (126) of the ice tray (120), and the shaft connecting projection (1261) is fitted into the connecting groove (1292), the fixing force between them increases, and even when the ice tray (120) is turned over while rotating at an obtuse angle during rotation, the first shaft connecting portion (126) of the ice tray (120) can be fixed to the connecting member (129) without being separated from the shaft connecting groove (1291).

[0644] In the above case, the first axis connecting portion (126) can be connected by moving from the upper part to the lower part of the connecting member (129) and fitting into the axis connecting groove (1291).

[0645] At this time, the shaft connecting projection (1261) of the first shaft connecting portion (126) can be fitted vertically into the coupling groove (1292) of the shaft connecting groove (1291).

[0646] In addition, the second axis connecting portion (127) can also be fitted into the groove portion (1181) while moving from the top to the bottom through the expansion portion (1271).

[0647] Due to the structure as described above, the ice tray (120) can be more easily combined with and separated from the ice making unit (110).

[0648] That is, at the ice-making position, the first shaft connection part (126) and the second shaft connection part (127) of the ice-making tray (120) can be connected by inserting them from the upper side to the lower side into the shaft connection groove (1291) of the connecting member (129) and the groove part (1181) of the fan bracket (118), respectively.

[0649] In addition, if separation is required, the first shaft connection part (126) and the second shaft connection part (127) of the ice tray (120) can be separated from the ice making position by pulling them out from the lower side to the upper side from the shaft connection groove (1291) of the connecting member (129) and the groove part (1181) of the fan bracket (118), respectively.

[0650] At this time, one end (left end as shown in FIG. 18) of the connecting member (129) can be connected or separated from the ice tray (120) as described above, and the other end (right end as shown in FIG. 18) is connected to the first motor (153).

[0651] Fig. 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sterilizing module installed in an ice-making space according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sterilizing module installed in an ice-making space according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sterilizing module installed in an ice-making space according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 24 is a circuit diagram for controlling a sterilizing module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0652] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 24, in the case of the present invention, an ice tray, an ice evaporator, an ice space, an ice basket, an ice storage space, etc. can be sterilized using a sterilizing means including a UV LED.

[0653] In addition, when the cover part (102) covering the ice-making and ice-storage space is opened, this can be detected by a switch or the like and the sterilization means including the UV LED can be controlled to turn off, thereby ensuring safety.

[0654] In addition, when the cover part (102) is opened, both an electronic switch and a mechanical switch can be applied to recognize the opening of the cover part (102), detect the opening of the cover part (102) without error, and control the sterilization means including the UV LED to be turned off when the cover part (102) is opened.

[0655] Therefore, the problem of the user being exposed to the light of the UV LED when the cover part (102) is opened can be solved.

[0656] First, in the case of mechanical control, the UV LED ground line and the switch are connected so that when the cover (102) is opened, the ground line is cut off and a closed circuit is not formed, so the UV LED is turned off.

[0657] Additionally, in the case of electronic control, when the cover (102) is opened, the microcomputer recognizes it and controls the UV LED to turn off.

[0658] At this time, if two UV LEDs are equipped, the ground line is connected as a pair of wires.

[0659] Meanwhile, water to be iced is introduced into the ice tray (120), and the remaining water after ice making is drained from the ice tray (120) as the ice tray (120) rotates.

[0660] And, in the ice tray (120), the action of filling and then discarding water is repeated.

[0661] In addition, in a humid environment as described above, if external foreign substances or various bacteria enter the ice tray (120) and ice evaporator (252), the ice tray (120), ice evaporator (252), fan bracket (118), etc. may become contaminated.

[0662] Accordingly, a sterilizing module (300) that irradiates ultraviolet light may be placed in at least one of the ice-making space (1011) or the ice-storage space (1012).

[0663] As described above, the ice-making space (1011) is a space where the ice-making evaporator (252) is placed, the ice storage space (1012) is a space where the ice is stored, and the cooling space (1013) is a space where the refrigeration evaporator (253) that generates cold air so that the ice stored in the ice storage space (1012) is stored at a sub-zero temperature is placed.

[0664] In the case of the above ice storage space (1012), the user needs to open it to check the ice, check the internal cleanliness, wash, etc. Therefore, in the case of the ice storage space (1012), a separate inner cover is not provided, and when the cover part (102) is separated, it is immediately exposed to the outside.

[0665] On the other hand, in the case of an ice evaporator (252), a freezing evaporator (253), etc., if easily exposed, problems such as parts breaking down or the user's hand being injured may occur.

[0666] Accordingly, the ice-making space (1011) and the cooling space (1013) that accommodate the ice-making evaporator (252), the freezing evaporator (253), the evaporator fan (260), etc. have a structure in which the upper side is covered with a separate inner cover (103).

[0667] In addition, this inner cover (103) is fastened with a fastening means such as a screw so that the user cannot easily open or access it, and is configured so that it can be opened only with a separate tool.

[0668] For example, the sterilization module (300) may be installed in the cover part (102).

[0669] As another example, the sterilization module (300) may be installed on the bottom surface of the inner cover (103).

[0670] The inner cover (103) is fastened with a separate fastening means to prevent the user from opening it, and since the inner cover (103) is configured to cover the upper side of the ice tray (120) and the ice evaporator (252), if the sterilizing module (300) is installed on the lower surface of the inner cover (103), sterilization of the ice-making space (1011) is possible, and since the sterilizing module is not exposed to the user, the user cannot arbitrarily separate the sterilizing module (300).

[0671] As another example, the sterilizing module (300) may be installed in another component or a separate bracket installed in the ice making space (1011) or ice storage space (1012).

[0672] That is, the sterilizing module (300) can be installed in various locations and configurations within the range of irradiating ultraviolet light to the ice-making space (1011) or ice-storage space (1012).

[0673] As described above, when the sterilization module (300) is installed, ultraviolet light is irradiated to the ice-making space (1011) or the ice storage space (1012) and further to the cooling space (1013), thereby sterilizing the interior thereof.

[0674] For example, when a sterilization module (300) is installed in the ice-making space (1011), the ice-making tray (120), ice-making evaporator (252), etc. placed in the ice-making space (1011) can be sterilized with ultraviolet rays.

[0675] As another example, when a sterilization module (300) is installed in the ice storage space (1012), the ice bank (130), auger (140), fan bracket (180), etc. placed in the ice storage space (1012) can be sterilized with ultraviolet rays.

[0676] The above sterilization module (300) includes a light source (310) and a light source PCB (320). The light source is for emitting ultraviolet rays, and may be, for example, a UV LED, and the light source PCB (320) may be a UV LED PCB in which a UV LED is mounted.

[0677] The light source (310) can be placed toward the inside of the ice tray (120) so that the sterilizing module (300) sterilizes the water contained inside the ice tray (120).

[0678] The above sterilization module (300) may include a case that surrounds and protects the light source.

[0679] At this time, the case may be made of a light-transmitting material that allows ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source to pass through toward the interior of the tank (130).

[0680] That is, the case allows ultraviolet rays irradiated from a light source to penetrate to the outside of the case, while blocking foreign substances or moisture from entering the inside of the case.

[0681] The above case can be made of quartz glass having high UV transmittance and excellent mechanical properties.

[0682] The control unit (not shown) detects whether the ice-making space (1011) or the ice-storage space (1012) is open, i.e., whether the cover unit (102) or the inner cover (103) is separated from the body unit (101), and controls the operation of the sterilization module (300) according to the detected result. The method thereof will be described below.

[0683] First, the control unit determines whether the current cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101) and the upper opening of the body part (101) is opened.

[0684] If it is determined that the cover part (102) is connected to the body part (101) and the upper opening of the body part (101) is shielded by the cover part (102), the control part controls the light source (310) to be turned on.

[0685] At this time, the control unit can control the operation of the light source (310) to be stopped for a preset rest time after operating the light source (310) for a preset operating time.

[0686] For example, the control unit can control the UV LED to be turned on for 2 hours and the UV LED to be turned off for 4 hours.

[0687] That is, it can be controlled to repeat the action of turning the UV LED on for 2 hours and then turning it off for 4 hours.

[0688] In addition, the time at which the UV LED is turned on and off can be set in various ways depending on the output of the UV LED, the usage environment, etc.

[0689] In this way, by not continuously operating the light source (310) and allowing a rest period, the durability of the light source (310) can be increased by preventing excessive operation of the light source (310) and excessive power consumption can also be prevented.

[0690] For reference, the above control unit can determine whether the cover unit (102) is separated by the detection means (180).

[0691] For example, the detection means (180) may be composed of a magnet (181) installed on one side of the cover portion (102) and a reed switch (182) installed on one side of the body portion (101) to detect the magnet (181).

[0692] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101) and the upper opening of the body part (101) is open, the control part controls the light source (310) to be turned off.

[0693] When the cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101), the user has arbitrarily opened the cover part (102), and when the light source (310) is turned on at this time, the user may be exposed to ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source (310).

[0694] Although the light source (310) is installed on the bottom surface of the inner cover (103), the ice-making space (1011) and the ice-storing space (1012) are connected to each other.

[0695] Accordingly, even if the inner cover (103) is not separated, the ultraviolet rays of the light source (310) installed on the bottom surface of the inner cover (103) are exposed from the ice-making space (1011) toward the ice-storage space (1012), and the ultraviolet rays exposed to the ice-storage space (1012) in this way are also exposed to the user.

[0696] Accordingly, when the cover part (102) is separated from the body part (101), the user has arbitrarily opened the cover part (102), and at this time, the user may be exposed to ultraviolet rays output from the light source (310). Therefore, to ensure stability, the control part controls the light source (310) to be turned off.

[0697] In addition, the light source (310) may be installed on the upper side of the ice-making space (1011) to output ultraviolet rays downward, and may be installed on the side of the ice-making space (1011) to output ultraviolet rays in a horizontal direction.

[0698] Additionally, the light source (310) is installed at the bottom of the ice-making space (1011) and can output ultraviolet rays upward.

[0699] In addition, the light source (310) can be installed at an angle on one side of the upper portion as shown in FIG. 21 and output ultraviolet rays toward the lower side of the other side.

[0700] In addition, a light source (310) is provided in one unit, and the ice-making space (1011) and the ice-making tray (120), ice-making evaporator (252), etc. placed in the ice-making space (1011) can be sterilized with ultraviolet rays output from one light source (310).

[0701] The above light source (310) can be installed in the upper center of the ice making space (1011) as shown in FIG. 22.

[0702] In addition, the light source (310) may be provided in multiple locations as shown in Fig. 23 and may be installed at multiple locations spaced apart from each other. In the case of multiple light sources (310), ultraviolet rays may be output in the same direction or may be output in different directions. In addition, the ice-making space (1011) and the ice-making tray (120), ice-making evaporator (252), etc. placed in the ice-making space (1011) may be sterilized with ultraviolet rays output from the multiple light sources (310).

[0703] Referring to Fig. 24, in the case of the present invention, a sensor and a switch are installed to detect whether the cover part (102) or the inner cover (103) is open.

[0704] And, the above switch installs both a mechanical switch (340) and an electronic switch (330).

[0705] Additionally, the mechanical switch (340) and the electronic switch (330) can be installed in the same location.

[0706] In the case of an electronic switch (330), when the detection means (180) detects the opening of the cover (102) or inner cover (103), the microcomputer controls the light source (310) to be turned off.

[0707] However, if only an electronic switch (330) is used, there is a possibility of error due to the nature of electronic control, so a mechanical switch (340) is also installed to perform mechanical control in parallel.

[0708] The above mechanical switch (340) can be installed to be connected to a ground wire.

[0709] If the cover (102) or inner cover (103) is opened, the mechanical switch (340) is also turned off, so that a closed circuit is not formed, and the light source (310) can be turned off immediately.

[0710] The above electronic switch (330) may have the same configuration as the above-described detection means (180), may be a part of the detection means (180), or may have a separate configuration from the detection means (180).

[0711] Fig. 25 is a drawing showing the results of analyzing the irradiance at each location in the installation structure of the sterilization module according to Fig. 21.

[0712] Fig. 26 is a drawing showing the results of analyzing the irradiance at each location in the installation structure of the sterilization module according to Fig. 22.

[0713] Fig. 27 is a drawing showing the results of analyzing the irradiance at each location in the installation structure of the sterilization module according to Fig. 23.

[0714] First, referring to FIG. 25, when a light source (310) is installed at the upper side of one side of the ice-making space and ultraviolet rays are output obliquely from the light source (310), ultraviolet rays are evenly distributed to the ice-making tray and ice-making evaporator, but at a location close to the light source, an illuminance higher than the illuminance required to suppress mold growth (approximately 0.0035 mW / cm2) is detected, and as a result, an environment in which mold growth can be suppressed is created.

[0715] In addition, referring to FIG. 26, when a light source (310) is installed in the upper center of the ice-making space and ultraviolet rays are output downward from the light source (310), ultraviolet rays are evenly distributed to the ice-making tray and ice-making evaporator, and an illuminance higher than the illuminance required for mold growth inhibition (approximately 0.0035 mW / cm2) is detected not only at locations close to the light source but also at locations far away, and as a result, it can be confirmed that an environment is created in which mold growth can be inhibited in the entire area of ​​the ice-making tray.

[0716] In addition, referring to FIG. 27, when light sources (310) are installed on both sides of the upper side of the ice-making space and ultraviolet rays are output downward from the two light sources (310), ultraviolet rays are evenly distributed to the ice-making tray and ice-making evaporator, and an illuminance higher than the illuminance required for mold growth inhibition (approximately 0.0035 mW / cm2) is detected not only at locations close to the light sources but also at locations far away, and as a result, it can be confirmed that an environment is created in which mold growth can be inhibited in the entire area of ​​the ice-making tray.

[0717] The water extraction device of the present invention as described above installs a sterilizing means on one side of an ice-making room where ice is made, and sterilizes the inside of the ice-making room, so that bacteria do not grow on the ice trays and ice-making evaporators placed in the ice-making room, and a clean state is maintained, thereby ensuring hygiene.

[0718] In addition, when the ice room is opened, the sterilization module is controlled to turn off, so that the user is not exposed to the sterilization module, and safety can be ensured.

[0719] In addition, when the ice room is opened, electronic control and mechanical control for power cutoff of the sterilizing module are performed simultaneously, so that even if the electronic control is not performed normally, the power cutoff of the sterilizing module can be stably performed when the ice room is opened by mechanical control.

[0720] Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing the inner cross-section of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the inner side of an ice making unit according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0721] In the present invention, when water is supplied to the ice tray (120) through the water supply unit, ice is grown on the fingers (252a) of the ice evaporator (252) immersed in the ice tray (120).

[0722] And, when the ice is made, the ice tray (120) rotates and the remaining water after ice making is drained.

[0723] Afterwards, the ice removed from the ice evaporator (252) falls and is stored in the ice bank (130).

[0724] And, the ice stored in the ice bank (130) is kept from melting under sub-zero temperature conditions.

[0725] In the case of the present invention, since ice is stored at a sub-zero temperature due to the configuration of the refrigeration evaporator (253), condensation may occur at various locations due to the cold air, and the problem of water formed by the condensation freezing may occur.

[0726] Additionally, there may be a problem of freezing of the water flowing through the water supply unit for ice making and the water supplied to the ice making tray.

[0727] Due to the cold air in the ice storage space of the ice making unit (110), there is a risk of condensation forming on the case (151) covering the open front of the ice making unit (110) and on the outside of the case (151).

[0728] In addition, if freezing occurs at the connection part of the ice making unit (110) and the drain tank (170) connected to the lower part thereof, there is a concern that drainage of residual water generated after ice making may become difficult.

[0729] If the ice-making residual water is not drained, water accumulates in the ice storage space of the ice-making unit (110), and as the water freezes, the ice stored in the ice storage space freezes together with the water, causing the ice to clump together, resulting in the problem of ice removal becoming impossible, and also in the problem of the ice-making and ice-storage functions being reduced.

[0730] Additionally, in the case of the water supply unit (90) that supplies water to the ice tray (120), water flowing toward the ice tray (120) through the water supply unit (90) may freeze, causing freezing.

[0731] And, if freezing occurs in the water supply unit (90), water is not supplied to the ice tray (120), making ice making impossible and causing a problem in which no ice is created.

[0732] In addition, if frost occurs in the freezer evaporator (253), cold air circulation does not occur normally, making it difficult to generate cold air, and as a result, a problem occurs in which ice cannot be stored at sub-zero temperatures.

[0733] Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, in the case of the present invention, in order to prevent the water supplied to the ice tray (120) from freezing while flowing through the water supply unit (90), a first heater (410) is installed in the water supply unit (90) or around the water supply unit (90).

[0734] For example, the heater may include a heating wire (411).

[0735] And, the above heating wire (411) can be fixed to at least a part of the water supply unit (90).

[0736] The above water supply unit (90) has the shape of a pipe or hose.

[0737] In addition, the above heating wire (411) can be attached to the outer surface of the water supply unit (90) using aluminum tape (412) or the like.

[0738] When the first heater (410) is provided in the water supply unit (90) as described above, the problem of water flowing in the water supply unit (90) freezing due to cold air around the water supply unit (90) and the problem of water supply to the ice tray (120) being stopped as the water freezes can be solved.

[0739] In the present invention, a line heater can be applied to the water supply hose of the water supply unit that supplies water to the ice tray (120).

[0740] At this time, the line heater can be attached to the outer surface of the water supply hose using aluminum tape (AL Tape), thereby securing the line heater to the outer surface of the water supply hose and ensuring heat conductivity.

[0741] Additionally, the control unit turns the first heater (410) on and off.

[0742] At this time, the control unit can control the first heater (410) to turn on and off according to the temperature of the water supply unit (90) detected by placing a temperature sensor in a separate water supply unit (90).

[0743] Additionally, the control unit can control the first heater (410) to be turned on while ice making is in progress.

[0744] Additionally, the control unit can control the first heater (410) to be turned off when ice making is completed.

[0745] Additionally, the control unit can control the first heater (410) to be turned on only at the stage where water is supplied to the ice tray (120).

[0746] Additionally, the control unit can control the first heater (410) to be turned off when the cover unit (102) is opened.

[0747] Fig. 30 is a view of an inner cover according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of an inner cover according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0748] Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, in addition, in the case of the present invention, a heater may be provided on the inside or outside of the ice making unit (110).

[0749] The above ice making unit (110) is configured to include a body unit (101) and a cover unit (102).

[0750] The body part (101) and the cover part (102) refer to a housing that forms the exterior of the ice making part (110).

[0751] The above ice making unit (110) is surrounded by insulating material to secure an insulating space. An ice making space, an ice storage space, and a cooling space are formed in the insulating space formed inside the above ice making unit (110).

[0752] As described above, the ice-making space (1011) is a space where the ice-making evaporator (252) is placed, the ice storage space (1012) is a space where the ice is stored, and the cooling space (1013) is a space where the refrigeration evaporator (253) that generates cold air so that the ice stored in the ice storage space (1012) is stored at a sub-zero temperature is placed.

[0753] Accordingly, the inner side of the ice making unit (110), specifically the inner space of the body part (101), is maintained at a temperature below zero. On the other hand, since the outer side of the body part (101) is at room temperature, condensation may occur at the boundary between the body part (101) and the cover part (102) due to the temperature difference.

[0754] In addition, even if some of the cold air leaks out between the body part (101) and the cover part (102), condensation occurs around the contact area between the body part (101) and the cover part (102).

[0755] And when condensation occurs, it not only looks unsanitary, but if external bacteria actually penetrate, mold and other things can grow in the condensed area, resulting in a problem of reduced hygiene. In the present invention, in order to reduce the occurrence of such condensation, a second heater (420) can be installed at the boundary between the body portion (101) and the cover portion (102).

[0756] For example, the body part (101) forms a horizontal extension part (1014) extending outward at the top, and the second heater (420) can be attached to the upper or lower surface of the horizontal extension part (1014).

[0757] Additionally, the second heater (420) may be attached to the inner edge of the horizontal extension (1014).

[0758] At this time, a receiving groove that is concave inward is formed on the inner edge of the horizontal extension portion (1014), and the second heater (420) can be received in the receiving groove.

[0759] For example, the second heater (420) may be provided as a line heater including a heating wire.

[0760] As another example, the second heater (420) may be provided as a surface heater. When the second heater (420) is provided as a surface heater, the second heater (420) may be attached to the receiving groove in parallel with the horizontal extension portion (1014).

[0761] In addition, the second heater (420) may be provided around at least a portion or the entire perimeter of the horizontal extension (1014).

[0762] In addition, the second heater (420) can be attached to the upper part of the body part (101) using aluminum tape or the like.

[0763] In addition, the second heater (420) is equipped with a heating wire, and a plurality of ribs for fixing the heating wire may be formed on the upper side of the inner cover (111).

[0764] In addition, the second heater (420) can be formed in various locations and can be formed anywhere in the contact area between the body portion (101) and the cover portion (102).

[0765] That is, the second heater (420) can be formed anywhere, such as the upper part of the body part (101) or the lower part of the cover part (102).

[0766] Additionally, the second heater (420) can be formed on the inner cover (111) as well as the outer cover (112).

[0767] When the second heater (420) is provided at the upper part of the body part (101) as described above, the problem of condensation occurring at the upper part of the body part (101) where the cover part (102) and the body part (101) are joined due to cold air inside the body part (101) can be solved.

[0768] Referring to the above Figure 8, in the case of the present invention, an insulation space is formed between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112), and an insulation layer is formed by foaming an insulation material such as polyurethane (PU foam) into the insulation space.

[0769] In addition, vacuum insulated panels (VIP) may be attached to the inner surface of the outer cover (112) or the outer surface of the inner cover (111) before foaming polyurethane (PU foam).

[0770] For example, the thickness of the vacuum insulation panel may be formed to be at least 1 / 3 of the thickness of the insulation layer formed through foaming of the foam insulation. In addition, while the second heater (420) and the third heater (430) described below are attached to the inner cover (111), the insulation may be foamed to form an insulation layer between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112), and at the same time, the second heater (420) and the third heater (430) may be fixed to the inner cover (111).

[0771] The second heater (420) may be formed anywhere in the insulating space between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112), and its position may be fixed by an insulating layer. In addition, a cold water tank (160) or a drain tank (170) may be placed in the insulating space between the inner cover (111) and the outer cover (112).

[0772] And, the foam insulation can be formed to surround at least a portion of the cold water tank (160) or drain tank (170).

[0773] In addition, various panels are arranged on the outside of the outer cover (112), and the outer case of the water discharge device is formed by combining the various panels. An air layer is formed between the outer cover (112) and the outer case.

[0774] Meanwhile, the control unit turns the second heater (420) on and off.

[0775] At this time, the control unit can control the second heater (420) to be turned on and off according to the temperature of the body (101) detected by placing a separate temperature sensor in the body (101).

[0776] Additionally, the control unit can control the second heater (420) to be turned on while ice making is in progress.

[0777] Additionally, the control unit can control the second heater (420) to be turned off when ice making is finished.

[0778] In addition, the control unit can control the second heater (420) to be turned on when the freezing evaporator (253) or the ice-making evaporator (252) is in operation, and can control the second heater (420) to be turned off when the freezing evaporator (253) or the ice-making evaporator (252) is stopped from operating.

[0779] Additionally, the control unit can control the second heater (420) to be turned off when the cover unit (102) is opened.

[0780] Additionally, when ice making is completed in the ice making tray (120), the remaining water after ice making is drained.

[0781] In detail, as the ice tray (120) rotates, the ice residue remaining in the ice tray (120) is drained and falls onto the ice transport grill (180).

[0782] And, the water that falls from the ice tray (120) to the ice transport grill (180) falls to the lower part of the ice transport grill (180) through the drain (181) of the ice transport grill (180).

[0783] As described above, water that falls to the bottom of the ice transport grill (180) is drained through a separate pipe.

[0784] And, the water drained as described above is collected in the drain tank (170) located at the bottom of the ice making unit (110) through a separate path.

[0785] The above drain tank (170) may be positioned at the rearmost position. In addition, the bottom surface of the ice making unit (110) may be formed to slope downward from the front to the rear as a whole. In particular, the bottom surface of the inner cover (111) and the bottom surface of the ice bank (130) may be formed to slope downward from the front to the rear.

[0786] Accordingly, the water generated in the ice making unit (110) and requiring drainage, including the ice making residual water, flows from the front where the height is high to the rear where the height is low along the bottom surface of the inner cover (111), and is discharged through the drain pipe (119) provided at the lowest end of the inner cover (111), and can then be stored in the drain tank (170) connected to the drain pipe (119).

[0787] The inner cover (111) is surrounded by insulating material to secure an insulating space. An ice-making space, an ice-storing space, and a cooling space are formed in the insulating space formed inside the inner cover (111).

[0788] As described above, the ice-making space (1011) is a space where the ice-making evaporator (252) is placed, the ice storage space (1012) is a space where the ice is stored, and the cooling space (1013) is a space where the refrigeration evaporator (253) that generates cold air so that the ice stored in the ice storage space (1012) is stored at a sub-zero temperature is placed.

[0789] Accordingly, the inner space of the ice making unit (110), specifically the inner space of the body unit (101), is maintained at a temperature below zero.

[0790] And, water such as ice-making residue that flows into the inner cover (111) flows to the drain tank (170) through the lower part of the inner cover (111) and the drain pipe (119).

[0791] At this time, the inside of the inner cover (111) is at a temperature below zero, and as a result, water such as ice-making residual water that has flowed into the inner cover (111) may flow into the drain pipe (119) or freeze while flowing through the drain pipe (119). In addition, water such as ice-making residual water that has flowed into the inner cover (111) cannot flow into the drain tank (170).

[0792] In the present invention, a third heater (430) is provided to prevent water drained from the inner cover (111) to the drain tank (170) from freezing.

[0793] When the ice stored in the ice bank (130) melts, the melted ice water can be discharged to the outside of the inner cover (111) through the drain pipe (119).

[0794] A refrigerated evaporator (253) may be positioned above the drain pipe (119). During defrosting operation, frost formed in the refrigerated evaporator melts to generate defrost water, and the generated defrost water may be discharged to the outside of the inner cover (111) through the drain pipe (119).

[0795] The third heater (430) can be placed adjacent to the drain pipe (119).

[0796] The third heater (430) can be fixed to the surface on which the drain pipe (119) is formed on the inner cover (111).

[0797] The above third heater (430) may be provided on the lower surface of the inner cover (111).

[0798] For example, the third heater (430) may be provided as a line heater such as a heating wire.

[0799] As another example, the third heater (430) may be provided as a surface heater. If the third heater (430) is provided as a surface heater, the third heater (430) may be attached to surround the outer surface of the lower part of the inner cover (111).

[0800] In addition, the third heater (430) can be fixed to the outer surface of the inner cover (111), particularly a part of the bottom or side.

[0801] In addition, the third heater (430) can be attached to the outer surface of the inner cover (111) using aluminum tape or the like.

[0802] As described above, when the third heater (430) is provided on the outer surface of the inner cover (111), particularly on the bottom surface and side surface adjacent to and facing the drain tank (170), water flowing from the inner cover (111) to the drain tank (170) can be drained to the drain tank (170) in a liquid state without freezing.

[0803] Ice is stored on the inside of the inner cover (111) under sub-zero conditions.

[0804] Accordingly, water such as ice-making residual water passing through the lower part of the inner cover (111) freezes during the draining process, resulting in a situation where draining is impossible.

[0805] And, if the drain does not proceed, the ice residue remains in the inner cover (111) and freezes, and tangles with the ice stored in the inner cover (111), resulting in a situation where the ice cannot be used.

[0806] Accordingly, a third heater (430) is provided at the lower part of the inner cover (111) to prevent water passing through the lower part of the inner cover (111) that maintains a sub-zero temperature from freezing during the draining process.

[0807] Additionally, the third heater (430) may be attached to the outer surface of the drain pipe (119) connecting the inner cover (111) and the drain tank (170).

[0808] In addition, a drain tank (170) is arranged at the bottom of the inner cover (111), and the third heater (430) may be provided between the bottom of the inner cover (111) and the drain tank (170).

[0809] The above third heater (430) can be formed in a zigzag shape.

[0810] The above third heater (430) may be provided as a surface heater.

[0811] Additionally, the control unit turns the third heater (430) on and off.

[0812] At this time, the control unit can control the third heater (430) to turn on and off according to the temperature of the inner cover (111) or drain pipe (119) detected by placing a separate temperature sensor on the inner cover (111) or drain pipe (119).

[0813] Additionally, the control unit can control the third heater (430) to be turned on while ice making is in progress.

[0814] Additionally, the control unit can control the third heater (430) to be turned off when ice making is finished.

[0815] In addition, the control unit can control the third heater (430) to be turned on when the freezing evaporator (253) or the ice-making evaporator (252) is in operation, and can control the third heater (430) to be turned off when the freezing evaporator (253) or the ice-making evaporator (252) is stopped from operating.

[0816] Additionally, the control unit can control the third heater (430) to be turned off when the cover unit (102) is opened.

[0817] Fig. 32 is a rear view of the case of the dispenser unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 33 is a rear perspective view of the body unit and the case of the dispenser unit separated according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0818] Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, the front of the ice maker (110) is open, and ice stored inside the ice maker can be supplied to the outside through the open front.

[0819] And, a dispenser unit (150) is coupled to the open front of the ice making unit (110).

[0820] The above dispenser unit (150) may include a case (151) that covers the open front of the ice making unit (110). An ice discharge port (152) through which ice is discharged is formed in the case (151).

[0821] And, the case (151) includes a first motor (153) for rotating the ice tray (120) and a second motor (154) for rotating the auger (140).

[0822] And, an auger (140) is placed at the rear of the dispenser section (150).

[0823] Additionally, a door (155) for opening and closing the ice discharge port (152) is formed on the inside of the dispenser section (150).

[0824] The above door (155) is connected to the third motor (159) and rotates forward and backward together with the rotation of the third motor (159). Then, it controls the discharge of ice that is transported forward and upward through the auger (140) and then passes through the ice discharge port (152). An ice discharge unit (158) may be arranged to guide the ice discharged through the door (155) to the discharge port (50). The ice discharge unit (158) may be understood as a means for guiding the discharge of ice.

[0825] The above-mentioned outlet (50) may be formed on the lower side of the ice discharge unit (158).

[0826] Additionally, the inside of the dispenser section (150) may be filled with insulating material.

[0827] The above ice making unit (110) is surrounded by insulating material to secure an insulating space. An ice making space, an ice storage space, and a cooling space are formed in the insulating space formed inside the above ice making unit (110).

[0828] As described above, the ice-making space (1011) is a space where the ice-making evaporator (252) is placed, the ice storage space (1012) is a space where the ice is stored, and the cooling space (1013) is a space where the refrigeration evaporator (253) that generates cold air so that the ice stored in the ice storage space (1012) is stored at a sub-zero temperature is placed.

[0829] Accordingly, the inner space of the ice making unit (110), specifically the inner space of the body unit (101), is maintained at a temperature below zero.

[0830] On the other hand, since the outside of the body (101) is at room temperature, condensation may occur in the case (151) due to the temperature difference.

[0831] In the present invention, in order to reduce the occurrence of condensation, a fourth heater (440) may be installed on one side of the case (151).

[0832] For example, a fourth heater (440) may be provided on the front of the case (151).

[0833] As another example, a fourth heater (440) may be provided on the rear of the case (151).

[0834] In addition, a concave groove is formed inwardly on the front or back of the case (151), so that a fourth heater (440) can be accommodated and installed in the groove.

[0835] Additionally, a rib (1511) for fixing the fourth heater (440) can be formed on the front or rear of the case (151).

[0836] For example, the fourth heater (440) may be provided with a heating wire.

[0837] In addition, the heating wire can be attached to the front or back of the case (151) using aluminum tape or the like.

[0838] When the fourth heater (440) is provided in the case (151) as described above, the problem of condensation occurring on the front surface of the body (101) where the case (151) and the body (101) are joined due to cold air inside the body (101) can be solved.

[0839] Additionally, the control unit turns the fourth heater (440) on and off.

[0840] At this time, the control unit can control the fourth heater (440) to turn on and off according to the temperature of the case (151) or body (101) detected by placing a separate temperature sensor in the case (151) or body (101).

[0841] Additionally, the control unit can control the fourth heater (440) to be turned on while ice making is in progress.

[0842] Additionally, the control unit can control the fourth heater (440) to be constantly turned on while ice making is in progress.

[0843] Additionally, the control unit can control the fourth heater (440) to be turned off when ice making is finished.

[0844] In addition, when ice making is finished, the control unit can control the fourth heater (440) to be turned off after a set time has elapsed based on the point in time when ice making is finished.

[0845] That is, after the ice-making function is turned off, the fourth heater (440) can be controlled to turn off after a set time has elapsed.

[0846] In addition, the control unit can control the fourth heater (440) to be turned on when the freezing evaporator (253) or the ice-making evaporator (252) is in operation, and can control the fourth heater (440) to be turned off when the freezing evaporator (253) or the ice-making evaporator (252) is stopped from operating.

[0847] Additionally, the control unit can control the fourth heater (440) to be turned off when the cover unit (102) is opened.

[0848] Additionally, the control unit can control the fourth heater (440) to be turned off when ice is removed or the door (155) is opened.

[0849] Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the door of the dispenser unit according to one embodiment of the present invention in an exploded state. Fig. 35 is a front view of the heater unit of the dispenser unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0850] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, condensation may also occur on the door (155) due to the temperature difference between the two sides.

[0851] The rear side of the door (155) is cold due to the ice storage space. On the other hand, the front side of the door (155) is at room temperature, and therefore condensation is bound to form on the front side of the door (155).

[0852] In order to solve the problem of condensation occurring in the door (155) as described above, the door (155) is equipped with a fifth heater (450).

[0853] For example, the fifth heater (450) may be provided with a heating wire.

[0854] In addition, the heating wire can be attached to the front or back of the door (155) using aluminum tape or the like.

[0855] The above heating wire can be built into the inside of the door (155).

[0856] When the fifth heater (450) is provided in the door (155) as described above, the problem of condensation occurring on the front surface of the door (155) due to cold air inside the body (101) can be solved.

[0857] Additionally, the control unit turns the fifth heater (450) on and off.

[0858] At this time, the control unit can control the fifth heater (450) to be turned on and off according to the detected temperature of the door (155) or body (101) by placing a separate temperature sensor on the door (155) or body (101).

[0859] Additionally, the control unit can control the fifth heater (450) to be turned on while ice making is in progress.

[0860] Additionally, the control unit can control the fourth heater (440) to be constantly turned on while ice making is in progress.

[0861] Additionally, the control unit can control the fifth heater (450) to be turned off when ice making is completed.

[0862] In addition, when ice making is finished, the control unit can control the fifth heater (450) to be turned off after a set time has elapsed based on the point in time when ice making is finished.

[0863] That is, after the ice-making function is turned off, the fifth heater (450) can be controlled to turn off after a set time has elapsed.

[0864] In addition, the control unit can control the fifth heater (450) to be turned on when the freezing evaporator (253) or the ice-making evaporator (252) is in operation, and can control the fifth heater (450) to be turned off when the freezing evaporator (253) or the ice-making evaporator (252) is stopped from operating.

[0865] Additionally, the control unit can control the fifth heater (450) to be turned off when the cover unit (102) is opened.

[0866] Additionally, the control unit can control the fifth heater (450) to be turned off when ice is removed or the door (155) is opened.

[0867] In addition, in the case of the present invention, if frost occurs in the refrigeration evaporator (253), a sixth heater that operates to remove frost may be further included.

[0868] The above sixth heater can be installed in the above refrigerated evaporator (253).

[0869] At this time, the above-mentioned refrigerated evaporator (253) may be a fin-type evaporator, and the sixth heater may be provided as an L-cord heater.

[0870] According to the present invention as described above, by applying a line heater to the water supply unit (90), body unit (101), case (151), door (155), etc., the problem of residual water freezing occurring after ice making can be solved, and condensation occurring outside the ice making unit (110) can be prevented.

[0871] Referring again to FIG. 34, the door (155) may include a rear cover (1555) that forms the rear surface of the door (155) and forms a storage groove (1556) that is concave from the front to the rear, a substrate (1554) that is stored in the storage groove (1556), a front cover (1551) that is coupled to the front surface of the rear cover (1555) and forms the front surface of the door (155), and a driving unit (1552) that is disposed between the front cover (1551) and the rear cover (1555) and has a rotation axis (1557) of the door (155) extending horizontally at the upper ends on both sides.

[0872] Additionally, a heater unit (1553) may be formed between the driving unit (1552) and the substrate unit (1554).

[0873] The above heater unit (1553) may be equipped with a capduct sheet heater.

[0874] The above heater section (1553) may include the fifth heater (450).

[0875] Figure 36 is a drawing showing the position of the ice tray step by step during the rotation operation of the ice tray.

[0876] Figure 37 is a drawing showing the detection of the ice-making position and ice-removing position of the ice-making tray in the detection unit.

[0877] Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, in the case of the present invention, when the ice tray (120) rotates, whether the ice tray (120) is rotated can be detected using a switch or the like.

[0878] In addition, in the case of the present invention, when discarding the remaining ice water from the ice tray after completing ice making, the first motor (153) is controlled so that the water remaining in the ice tray (120) is not discarded all at once, but rather is discarded in several stages.

[0879] Figure 38 (a) shows the ice tray (120) stopped at the ice making position.

[0880] At this time, the micro switch detects whether the ice tray (120) is in the ice making position.

[0881] At the above ice-making position, the other end of the second protrusion (1295) comes into contact with the second sensing portion (162), and the control portion detects a signal from the second sensing portion (162), recognizes that the ice-making tray (120) is at the ice-making position, and controls the operation of the first motor (153) to stop. Then, the ice-making tray (120) can stop at the ice-making position.

[0882] Figure 36 (b) is a drawing showing the state in which the ice tray (120) is rotated for the first time from the ice-making position.

[0883] At this time, after the first rotation, the ice tray (120) may temporarily stop rotating.

[0884] And, first, the water in the ice tray (120) is drained.

[0885] For example, the control unit can control the first motor (153) to stop operation when it operates for a set period of time using a timer or the like, and control it to wait while maintaining the stopped state for the set period of time.

[0886] As another example, the first motor (153) is provided as a step motor, and the control unit detects the rotation amount or rotation angle of the first motor (153), calculates the rotation amount or rotation angle of the ice tray (120) according to the operation of the first motor (153), and when the calculated rotation amount or rotation angle reaches a preset angle, controls the operation of the first motor to stop, and controls it to wait while maintaining the stopped state for a preset time.

[0887] Figure 36 (c) is a drawing showing the ice tray (120) in a second rotation state.

[0888] At this time, after the second rotation, the ice tray (120) may temporarily stop rotating.

[0889] And, secondarily, water from the ice tray (120) is drained.

[0890] For example, the control unit can control the first motor (153) to stop operation when it operates for a set period of time using a timer or the like, and control it to wait while maintaining the stopped state for the set period of time.

[0891] As another example, the first motor (153) is provided as a step motor, and the control unit detects the rotation amount or rotation angle of the first motor (153), calculates the rotation amount or rotation angle of the ice tray (120) according to the operation of the first motor (153), and when the calculated rotation amount or rotation angle reaches a preset angle, controls the operation of the first motor to stop, and controls it to wait while maintaining the stopped state for a preset time.

[0892] Figure 36 (d) is a drawing showing the ice tray (120) in a state of maximum rotation (third rotation state).

[0893] The state at this time can be understood as the ice tray (120) being fully open.

[0894] At this time, after the third rotation, the ice tray (120) may temporarily stop rotating.

[0895] In this state, all the water in the ice tray (120) is discharged, so that the ice tray (120) is empty, and hot gas is supplied to the ice evaporator (252) or a separate ice heater is operated to separate ice from the ice evaporator (252).

[0896] Then, the separated ice falls onto the ice transport grill (180), moves along the slope of the ice transport grill (180), and is stored in the ice bank (130).

[0897] At this time, the micro switch detects whether the ice tray (120) is in the maximum open position.

[0898] That is, when the ice tray (120) rotates and reaches the freezing position, one end of the second protrusion (1295) comes into contact with the first detection unit (161), and the control unit detects a signal from the first detection unit (161) and controls the operation of the first motor (153) to stop. Then, the ice tray (120) can stop at the freezing position.

[0899] As described above, the first motor (153) is connected to the rotation shaft (128) of the ice tray (120) and rotates the rotation shaft (128). Therefore, when the first motor (153) rotates, the ice tray (120) can rotate in conjunction.

[0900] In addition, the control unit can control the rotation of the first motor so that the ice tray (120) rotates to one side from the ice-making position and stops at the first position, and when the first set time has elapsed while stopped at the first position, it further rotates to one side from the first position and stops at the third position.

[0901] Here, the ice-making position refers to position (a) of Fig. 36, and the first position refers to position (b) of Fig. 36. In addition, the third position refers to position (d) of Fig. 36 as the ice-moving position.

[0902] Additionally, the second position described later refers to position (c) of Fig. 36.

[0903] That is, after ice making is completed, the control unit of the present invention can control the first motor (153) to not rotate the ice making tray (120) directly from the ice making position to the ice taking position, but to stop and wait at at least one position in between.

[0904] For example, after ice making is completed, the control unit can control the first motor (153) to rotate the ice making tray (120) from the ice making position to the first position in the ice removal step, stop at the first position, wait, and then rotate to the ice removal position.

[0905] As another example, after ice making is completed, the control unit can control the first motor (153) to rotate the ice making tray (120) from the ice making position to the second position in the ice removal step, stop at the second position, wait, and then rotate to the ice removal position.

[0906] As another example, after ice making is completed, the control unit can control the first motor (153) to rotate the ice making tray (120) from the ice making position to the first position in the ice removal step, stop at the first position and wait, then rotate to the second position, stop at the second position and wait, and then rotate to the ice removal position.

[0907] In addition, the control unit can control the first motor (153) so that, after ice making is completed, in the ice-breaking step, the ice-making tray (120) stops and waits three or more times and then rotates to the ice-breaking position.

[0908] As described above, in the ice-making step, if the ice tray (120) stops and waits at least once and then rotates to the ice-making position, the ice-making residual water can be drained in stages compared to when it rotates directly from the ice-making position to the ice-making position. In addition, if a large amount of ice-making residual water is drained at once, the water may splash and flow into the ice bank, but if the drainage is performed in stages as described above, since a small amount of water is drained in stages, the phenomenon of water splashing is improved and water does not flow into the ice bank.

[0909] Meanwhile, the first position may refer to a position where the ice tray (120) is rotated a first angle to one side from the ice-making position, and the third position may refer to a position where the ice tray is rotated a third angle greater than the first angle from the ice-making position.

[0910] At this time, the first angle may be formed as an acute angle, and the third angle may be formed as an obtuse angle.

[0911] (i.e., 1st angle < 3rd angle)

[0912] In addition, the first position may refer to a position where the ice tray (120) rotates to one side from the ice-making position for a first time, and the third position may refer to a position where the ice tray rotates from the ice-making position for a third time longer than the first time.

[0913] In addition, the control unit may control the rotation of the first motor (153) so that when a first set time has elapsed while the ice tray (120) is stopped at the first position, the first motor (153) rotates further to one side from the first position and then stops at the second position, and when a second set time has elapsed while the ice tray (120) is stopped at the second position, the first motor (153) rotates further to one side from the second position and then stops at the third position.

[0914] In addition, the first position means a position where the ice tray (120) is rotated a first angle to one side from the ice-making position, the third position means a position where the ice tray (120) is rotated a third angle greater than the first angle from the ice-making position, and the second position means a position where the ice tray (120) is rotated a second angle greater than the first angle and less than the third angle from the ice-making position.

[0915] The first angle may be formed as an acute angle, the third angle may be formed as an obtuse angle, and the second angle may be formed between the first angle and the second angle.

[0916] Additionally, the second angle can also be formed as an obtuse angle.

[0917] (i.e., first angle < second angle < third angle)

[0918] In addition, the first position may mean a position where the ice tray has rotated to one side from the ice-making position for a first time, the third position may mean a position where the ice tray has rotated from the ice-making position for a third time longer than the first time, and the second position may mean a position where the ice tray has rotated from the ice-making position for a second time longer than the first time and shorter than the third time.

[0919] In addition, the control unit can control the rotation of the first motor so that the ice tray (120) returns to the ice-making position when a third set time has elapsed at the third position.

[0920] In addition, at least one of a first detection unit (161) that detects whether the ice tray (120) has reached the third position, i.e., the freezing position, or a second detection unit (162) that detects whether the ice tray (120) has reached the freezing position may be installed around the first motor (153) or the connecting member (129).

[0921] For example, both a first detection unit (161) that detects whether the third position of the ice tray (120), i.e., the freezing position, has been reached and a second detection unit (162) that detects whether the ice tray (120) has reached the freezing position may be provided.

[0922] The above first detection unit (161) and second detection unit (162) may be equipped with micro switches.

[0923] In addition, a pressure projection (1293) protruding in the extension direction of the axis is formed on one side of the rotation axis (128) of the ice tray (120) or the connecting member (129) connected to the rotation axis (128).

[0924] And, the pressure projection (1293) comes into contact with the first detection unit (161) when the ice tray (120) reaches the third position, and the pressure projection (1293) comes into contact with the second detection unit (162) when the ice tray (120) reaches the ice-making position.

[0925] And, when the pressure projection (1293) comes into contact with the first detection unit (161) or the second detection unit (162), the control unit can detect this and control the operation of the first motor (153) to stop.

[0926] In addition, the pressurizing protrusion (1293) includes a first protrusion (1294) extending radially from the rotational axis (128) of the ice tray (120) or the rotational center of the connecting member (129) connected to the rotational axis (128), and a second protrusion (1295) extending from the end of the first protrusion (1294) in a direction intersecting with the first protrusion (1294).

[0927] For example, the second protrusion (1295) may extend from the end of the first protrusion (1294) in a direction that vertically intersects the first protrusion (1294).

[0928] And, one end of the second protrusion (1295) contacts the first detection unit (161) at the freezing position, and the other end of the second protrusion (1295) contacts the second detection unit (162) at the freezing position.

[0929] As shown in (b) of Fig. 37, when the ice tray (120) rotates and reaches the freezing position, one end of the second protrusion (1295) comes into contact with the first detection unit (161), and the control unit detects a signal from the first detection unit (161) and controls the operation of the first motor (153) to stop. Then, the ice tray (120) can stop at the freezing position.

[0930] In addition, as shown in (a) of Fig. 37, when the ice tray (120) rotates and reaches the ice-making position, the other end of the second protrusion (1295) comes into contact with the second detection unit (162), and the control unit detects a signal from the second detection unit (162) and controls the operation of the first motor (153) to stop. Then, the ice tray (120) can stop at the ice-making position.

[0931] That is, if the water remaining in the ice tray (120) is poured out all at once after ice making is complete, a large amount of water will pour out at once and splash toward the ice bank (130) where ice is stored. In addition, in the case of the present invention, since the temperature on the ice bank (130) is maintained below zero, if water splashes on the ice in the ice bank (130) in this state, the problem of the ice clumping as the water freezes will occur.

[0932] Therefore, in the case of the present invention, in order to prevent this phenomenon, the water remaining in the ice tray (120) after ice making is completed is not discarded all at once, but is discarded in portions.

[0933] For example, the ice tray (120) can rotate 60 degrees clockwise (based on Fig. 24) based on the ice-making position and then stop for the first time. Then, in the stopped state, the ice-making residual water is first discarded.

[0934] And, the ice tray (120) can further rotate clockwise (based on Fig. 36) from the first stopped position, and then rotate clockwise (based on Fig. 36) by more than 90 degrees based on the ice-making position, and then stop for a second time. And, in the stopped state, the ice-making residual water is discarded for a second time. At this time, all ice-making residual water is discarded.

[0935] Then, the ice tray (120) rotates clockwise (based on Fig. 36) from the second stop position, rotates to the ice removal position, and then stops for the third time.

[0936] The above ice-making position is a position rotated 140 degrees (or 130 degrees) clockwise (based on Fig. 36) based on the ice-making position, and at this position, the ice-making tray (120) faces the ice bank (130), and a space is provided for ice to fall into the ice bank (130).

[0937] That is, in the ice-moving position compared to the first and second stops of the ice tray (120), the shortest distance between the ice tray (120) and the ice transport grill (180) increases, and ice can move toward the ice bank (130) between them.

[0938] And, hot gas is supplied to the ice evaporator (252) or a separate ice heater is operated to separate ice from the ice evaporator (252). Then, the ice separated from the ice evaporator (252) falls to the ice transport grill (180) and is then stored in the ice bank (130).

[0939] For each step, the time that the ice tray (120) is stopped can be from several seconds to several tens of seconds, and suitably 10 to 30 seconds.

[0940] Additionally, as previously mentioned, while the position of the ice tray (ice-making or ice-removing position) is detected using a microswitch, the same algorithm can be implemented using a stepper motor. Furthermore, control is possible based on the motor's operating time, but in the case of a stepper motor, the rotation angle can also be controlled.

[0941] However, when the stepper motor is used for a long time, it becomes difficult to accurately control the angle at which the ice tray rotates due to errors, so the position of the ice tray is detected with a micro switch.

[0942] For reference, the step of supplying hot gas to the ice evaporator (252) for ice removal or operating a separate ice removal heater may be started when the ice tray (120) is in the third position (ice removal position). That is, the step of supplying hot gas to the ice evaporator (252) or operating a separate ice removal heater may be started when all ice residue in the ice tray (120) has been discharged and the ice tray (120) is empty.

[0943] Additionally, the step of supplying hot gas to the ice evaporator (252) for ice making or operating a separate ice heater can be started when the ice making tray (120) is in the ice making position.

[0944] In addition, the step of supplying hot gas to the ice evaporator (252) for ice making or operating a separate ice heater can be started when the ice making tray (120) rotates for the first time and stops or rotates for the second time and stops.

[0945] In addition, the time at which ice is separated from the ice evaporator (252) may begin when the ice tray (120) is in the third position (ice-removing position). That is, the step of separating ice from the ice evaporator (252) may begin when all ice-making residual water in the ice tray (120) is discharged and the ice tray (120) is empty.

[0946] Additionally, the time at which ice is separated from the ice evaporator (252) may start when the ice tray (120) is in the ice making position.

[0947] Additionally, the time at which ice is separated from the ice evaporator (252) may start when the ice tray (120) rotates for the first time and stops, or when it rotates for the second time and stops.

[0948] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0949] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

An ice tray filled with water needed for ice making; A water supply unit that supplies water necessary for ice making to the above ice making tray; An ice bank placed at the bottom of the ice tray and storing ice removed from the ice tray; An ice evaporator provided for cooling the purified water filled in the above ice tray; A first heater provided in the water supply unit and heating the water supply unit; and A water discharge device including a control unit that controls the first heater. In paragraph 1, The above control unit is a water outlet device that controls the first heater to turn on when ice making is in progress in the ice making evaporator. In the second paragraph, The above control unit is a water outlet device that controls the first heater to turn off when ice making is finished in the ice making evaporator. In paragraph 1, The above first heater is equipped with a heating wire, The above first heater is a water outlet device attached to the outer surface of the water supply unit with a tape made of a thermally conductive material. An ice tray filled with water needed for ice making; An ice bank placed at the bottom of the ice tray and storing ice removed from the ice tray; An ice evaporator provided for cooling the purified water filled in the above ice tray; An inner cover having an open upper side that forms an ice-making space in which the ice-making tray is accommodated and an ice-storage space in which the ice bank is accommodated; a second heater arranged along the upper perimeter of the inner cover; and A water discharge device including a control unit that controls the second heater. In paragraph 5, The above control unit controls the second heater to be turned on when ice making is in progress in the ice making evaporator, A water discharge device that controls the second heater to turn off when ice making is finished in the above ice making evaporator. In paragraph 5, It includes a refrigeration evaporator that supplies cold air to the above-mentioned ice storage space, A water extraction device that controls the second heater to turn on while the above-mentioned refrigerating evaporator is in operation. In paragraph 5, The above second heater is equipped with a heating wire, The inner cover is a water outlet device having a plurality of ribs formed on the upper or lower surface to fix the heating wire. In paragraph 5, The inner cover above forms a horizontal extension extending outward along the perimeter at the top, The above second heater is a water discharge device provided on the upper or lower surface of the horizontal extension. An ice tray filled with water needed for ice making; An ice bank placed at the bottom of the ice tray and storing ice removed from the ice tray; An ice evaporator provided for cooling the purified water filled in the above ice tray; An inner cover forming an ice-making space in which the ice tray is accommodated and an ice-storage space in which the ice bank is accommodated, and having a drain pipe formed at the bottom; A third heater is provided at the bottom of the inner cover; and A water discharge device including a control unit that controls the third heater. In paragraph 10, A drain tank is placed at the bottom of the inner cover. The third heater is a drainage device provided between the lower part of the inner cover and the drain tank. In paragraph 10, The above control unit controls the third heater to turn on when ice making is in progress in the ice making evaporator, A water outlet device that controls the third heater to turn off when ice making is finished in the above ice making evaporator. An ice tray filled with water needed for ice making; A water supply unit that supplies water necessary for ice making to the above ice making tray; An ice bank placed at the bottom of the ice tray and storing ice removed from the ice tray; An ice evaporator provided for cooling the purified water filled in the above ice tray; An inner cover having an open front, forming an ice-making space in which the ice tray is accommodated and an ice-storage space in which the ice bank is accommodated; A case covering the open front of the inner cover; A fourth heater provided on one side of the above case; and A water discharge device including a control unit that controls the fourth heater. In paragraph 13, The above fourth heater is equipped with a heating wire, The above fourth heater is a water discharge device attached to one side of the case with a thermally conductive material tape. In paragraph 13, The above fourth heater is equipped with a heating wire, A water outlet device having a plurality of ribs formed on one side of the case to fix the heating wire. In paragraph 13, The above control unit controls the fourth heater to be turned on when ice making is in progress in the ice making evaporator, A water outlet device that controls the fourth heater to turn off after a set time has elapsed when ice making is completed in the above ice making evaporator. In paragraph 13, An ice discharge device having an ice discharge port formed in the case and a door for opening and closing the ice discharge port. In paragraph 17, A water outlet device having a fifth heater installed on the inside of the above door. In paragraph 18, The above fifth heater is a water discharge device equipped with a surface heater. In paragraph 18, The above control unit controls the fifth heater to turn on when ice making is in progress in the ice making evaporator, A water outlet device that controls the fifth heater to turn off after a set time has elapsed when ice making is completed in the above ice making evaporator.

Images