KR102551119B1 - Ice maker and Refrigerator having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes an upper tray having cells having a hemispherical shape; a lower tray provided below the upper tray and having cells having a hemispherical shape; and a heater disposed adjacent to the lower tray, wherein the temperature of the heater is gradually changed while water is supplied to the tray and cold air is supplied to the tray.

Description

Ice maker and refrigerator including the same {Ice maker and Refrigerator having the same}

The present invention relates to an ice maker and a refrigerator including the same, and more particularly, to an ice maker capable of providing spherical transparent ice and a refrigerator including the same.

Ice made using an ice maker applied to a general refrigerator is frozen in a way that freezes in all directions. Therefore, air is trapped inside the ice, and the freezing speed is fast, so opaque ice is created.

In order to make transparent ice, there is also a way to make ice by flowing it from top to bottom or spraying it from bottom to top while growing ice in one direction. However, since ice must be made at sub-zero temperatures in the refrigerator, water cannot be spilled or sprayed. Therefore, this method cannot be applied to an ice maker applied to a refrigerator.

Therefore, it is necessary to devise a new method to make transparent and spherical ice in an ice maker used in a refrigerator.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, and the present invention provides an ice maker capable of providing transparent and spherical ice and a refrigerator including the same.

In one embodiment of the present invention, transparent ice can be made by attaching a heater to the bottom of the ice maker to control the speed and direction of ice freezing. In order to make spherical transparent ice, you can make spherical and transparent ice by attaching a heater to the bottom silicon tray of a spherical ice maker made of upper and lower plates. there is.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the speed and direction of ice freezing are controlled by using a heater provided at the lower end of the ice maker. By controlling the heater in multiple stages, the time required for ice making can be reduced and transparent ice can be produced. In this embodiment, an upper tray and a lower tray are included to make spherical ice, and a heater is installed in the lower tray to control ice growth from the top to the bottom. In particular, it creates transparent ice by slowing down the growth of ice. At this time, the heater is controlled so that the amount of heat generated is changed in a multi-stage manner, so that the ice increases downward while the freezing speed is kept constant to increase the ice-making speed and make evenly transparent ice.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the ice is melted by a heater disposed on the upper tray during the ice-breaking to perform the ice-leaving. At this time, as the melted water falls on the ice bucket disposed at the bottom of the tray, the ice may be congealed. In order to prevent this, after the ice is moved from the upper tray, the water melted in the upper tray is guided to the lower tray by waiting for a certain period of time, thereby preventing water from falling into the ice bucket. In addition, even when the ice is attached to the top due to insufficient heat supplied from the heater, it is possible to wait until the ice falls, so that the reliability of the ice removal can be improved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the ice is separated by detecting whether the ice bucket is full of ice before the ice is separated. Therefore, when it is determined that ice is sufficiently accumulated in the ice bucket, the ice is not transferred to the ice bucket, and when it is determined that more ice is supplied to the ice bucket and can be stored, the ice is transferred to the ice bucket. To this end, it is possible to detect whether ice is full in the ice bucket by swinging the full ice detecting lever.

The present invention includes an upper tray having cells having a hemispherical shape; a lower tray provided below the upper tray and having cells having a hemispherical shape; and a heater disposed adjacent to the upper tray, wherein when ice is solidified in the space formed by the cells of the upper tray and the cells of the lower tray, the heater is driven so that the ice comes into contact with the upper tray. An ice maker characterized by liquefying a part is provided.

It is possible to start driving the heater without rotating the upper tray and the lower tray in a state in which the ice is solidified.

After a predetermined time elapses after the heater starts to operate, the lower tray may be rotated by an angle smaller than 90 degrees so that the ice placed on the lower tray does not fall.

The heater may be driven by rotating the lower tray by an angle smaller than 90 degrees and in a state in which the lower tray is stopped.

In a state in which the lower tray is rotated by an angle smaller than 90 degrees, in a state in which the lower tray is stopped, it is possible to maintain the heater for a predetermined time without being driven.

The heater may be disposed above the cells of the upper tray.

It may further include a lower pusher protruding upward, and when the lower tray is rotated, the lower tray is pressed by the lower pusher, so that the lower tray is deformed.

An upper pusher protruding downward may be further included, and when the lower tray is rotated, the upper pusher may be moved to pass through the upper tray.

The present invention includes an upper tray having cells having a hemispherical shape; a lower tray provided below the upper tray and having cells having a hemispherical shape; and a heater disposed adjacent to the lower tray, wherein the temperature of the heater is gradually changed while water is supplied to the tray and cold air is supplied to the tray.

The temperature of the heater may be controlled in three steps: maintained in the first temperature range, maintained in the second temperature range, and maintained in the third temperature range.

It is possible that the temperature is lowered in the order of the second temperature range, the first temperature range, and the third temperature range.

The capacity of the heater can be controlled in three steps: being driven at a first capacity, maintained at a second capacity, and maintained at a third capacity.

It is possible that the capacity decreases in the order of the second capacity, the first capacity, and the third capacity.

The driving time with the first capacitance may be shorter than the driving time with the second capacitance or the third capacitance.

It is possible that the water located in the upper tray freezes first and the water located in the lower tray freezes later.

As the water in contact with the upper tray freezes, it is possible for the ice to grow downward.

The present invention includes an upper tray having a plurality of cells forming a part of a space in which ice is frozen; a lower tray provided below the upper tray and having cells coupled to a plurality of cells of the upper tray to form a space in which ice is frozen; an ice bucket in which the ice separated from the lower tray is stored; and an ice full detection lever rotating together with the lower tray by a predetermined angle.

A heater provided on the upper tray may be further included, and the heater may start to be driven before the full ice detection lever is operated.

When the full ice detecting lever rotates together with the lower tray and is no longer rotated due to ice, it is possible to determine that the ice is full.

When the full ice detecting lever stops rotating due to ice, the lower tray may also stop rotating.

When the full ice detecting lever stops rotating due to ice, the lower tray and the full ice detecting lever may be rotated in a direction opposite to the conventional rotational direction.

The full ice detecting lever rotates together with the lower tray and is not caught by ice, it is possible to determine that the ice is not full.

When the full ice detection lever is rotated to a predetermined position, the lower tray may be further rotated even if the full ice detection lever is not rotated.

The ice bucket may include an inclined plate that is inclined and collects ice away from the lower tray.

The present invention includes an upper tray having cells having a hemispherical shape; a lower tray provided below the upper tray and having cells having a hemispherical shape; and a heater disposed adjacent to the lower tray, wherein the heater is driven to supply heat to the lower tray while cold air is supplied to the upper tray and the lower tray to make ice. provides

While ice is being formed, cold air is supplied toward the upper tray, so that the temperature of the lower tray may be higher than that of the upper tray.

While water is supplied to the upper tray and the lower tray, the lower tray is disposed to be inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the upper tray, so that the cells of the upper tray do not come into contact with the cells of the lower tray.

Water supplied to the lower tray may be distributed to a plurality of cells between the upper tray and the lower tray.

When the supply of water to the upper tray and the lower tray is completed, the upper tray and the lower tray may be coupled so that the cells of the upper tray and the cells of the lower tray come into contact with each other.

It may further include a lower pusher protruding upward, and when the lower tray is rotated, the lower tray is pressed by the lower pusher, so that the lower tray is deformed.

When the lower tray is deformed by the lower pusher, it is possible that the heater is not contacted from the lower tray.

An ice maker according to another aspect includes a plurality of cells forming a part of a space in which ice is frozen, wherein the cells include a first tray having a hemispherical shape; a second tray provided on one side of the first tray and having hemispherical cells coupled to a plurality of cells of the first tray to form a space in which ice is frozen; a tray temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first tray or the second tray; a controller to which the temperature measured by the tray temperature sensor is transmitted; a first heater supplied by the control unit to supply cold air to the first tray and the second tray to be driven while ice is being made, and provided to generate transparent ice by changing a heating value; a second heater controlled by the control unit to apply heat, the portion where the second tray and the ice are in contact is melted and changed to water, and the ice is separated from the second tray; and a second heater case in which the second heater is provided.

The second heater is disposed in the second heater case to supply heat, and may be embedded in the second heater case or installed on one side of the heater case.

When the temperature measured by the tray temperature sensor drops below a predetermined temperature, the control unit may determine that the ice is completely generated and control the second heater to be operated.

The controller may control the second heater to operate until the temperature measured by the tray temperature sensor rises or a predetermined time elapses.

The control unit may control the temperature of the first heater to change step by step while water supply to the first tray and the second tray is completed and cool air is supplied to the first tray and the second tray.

The first heater may be driven with a first capacity greater than 0 for a first set time and may be controlled to generate heat within a first temperature range.

After the first set time elapses, the first heater may be driven with a second capacity greater than the first capacity for a second set time period, and may be controlled to generate heat within a second temperature range.

After the second set time has elapsed, the first heater may be driven with a third capacity smaller than the second capacity for a third set time, and may be controlled to generate heat within a third temperature range.

A first set time during which the first heater is driven with the first capacity may be shorter than a second set time during which the first heater is driven with the second capacity.

A first set time during which the first heater is driven with the first capacity may be shorter than a third set time during which the first heater is driven with the third capacity.

A first heater case in which the first heater is provided may be included. The first heater is provided to supply heat by being disposed in the first heater case, and may be installed to be buried in the first heater case.

The first heater may be provided to be fixed to the first heater case, and may be provided in a non-fixed state although making contact with the first tray.

The first heater may include a straight portion and a curved portion.

The controller may maintain a state in which the ice is engaged with the first tray and the second tray without moving the first tray and the second tray while the second heater is being operated.

The control unit drives the second heater to heat the ice attached to the first tray and the second tray in a state in which the cells formed on the first tray and the second tray are filled with ice. can do.

The control unit determines that the surface of the ice in contact with the second tray has melted when a predetermined time elapses or reaches a predetermined temperature after driving the second heater, and rotates the first tray by a set angle. can make it

When comparing the first temperature range, the second temperature range, and the third temperature range, the second temperature range is the highest, the first temperature range is the next highest, and the third temperature range is the highest. can be low

The capacity may decrease in the order of the second capacity, the first capacity, and the third capacity.

The ice maker includes a motor unit providing rotational force; and a full ice detection lever connected to the motor unit and rotated by rotational force provided by the motor unit.

The controller may control the second heater to start operating before the full ice detection lever is operated.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, since the heater contacts the tray made of silicon as necessary, it is possible to implement transparent ice in various shapes such as spheres and squares. That is, during ice making, the tray and the heater are in contact, but during ice separation, since the tray and the heater are separated and the heater is not deformed, damage such as disconnection of the heater does not occur.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in order to make transparent ice, an area with a high ice-making speed increases the heating value of the heater to slow down the ice-making speed, and an area with a relatively slow ice-making speed decreases the heating value of the heater to increase the ice-making speed. let it As a result, it is possible to provide transparent ice to the user by keeping the ice-making speed constant throughout.

In addition, by controlling the heaters in multiple stages, the amount of heat generated by the heaters can be reduced and the amount of ice making can be increased.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, ice-breaking reliability can be secured by supplying heat using a heater adjacent to the upper tray, separating ice from the upper tray, and performing additional heating after rotating the lower tray at a predetermined angle. In addition, ice already separated from the upper tray can be prevented from being excessively melted due to additional heating.

In addition, after the ice is separated from the upper tray, the lower tray is rotated at a predetermined angle and waits, so that residual water generated when the upper tray is heated falls into the ice bucket, preventing the ice from clumping.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, ice may be detected by rotating the full ice detection lever in a swing type. In addition, when the ice is guided to the ice bucket located at the lower part of the tray, it can be induced to be sequentially piled up in one direction within the ice bucket, so that it is possible to detect whether or not the ice is full even in the ice bucket having a low height.

1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a refrigerator in which an ice maker is installed;
3 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a front view of an ice maker;
5 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker;
6 to 11 are views illustrating a state in which some components of an ice maker are coupled;
12 and 13 are views explaining a process of supplying water to an ice maker;
14 is a diagram explaining a process of separating ice from an ice maker;
15 is a control block diagram according to an embodiment;
16 is a view for explaining an example of a heater applied to one embodiment.
17 is a view illustrating a lower tray;
18 is a view explaining the operation of the lower tray and the heater;
19 is a diagram explaining a process of generating ice;
20 is a view explaining the temperature of the lower tray and the temperature of the heater;
21 is a diagram explaining an operation when full ice is not detected in one embodiment of the present invention;
22 is a diagram explaining an operation when full ice is detected in one embodiment of the present invention;
23 is a view for explaining an operation when full ice is not detected in another embodiment of the present invention;
24 is a diagram explaining an operation when full ice is detected in another embodiment of the present invention;

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention that can specifically realize the above object will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this process, the size or shape of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. In addition, terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may vary according to the intentions or customs of users and operators. Definitions of these terms should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a refrigerator in which an ice maker is installed.

As shown in FIG. 1 (a), a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of doors 10, 20, and 30 that open and close a storage compartment. The doors 10, 20, and 30 include the doors 10 and 20 that open and close the storage compartment in a rotating manner and the door 30 that opens and closes the storage compartment in a sliding manner.

1(b) is a cross-sectional view viewed from the rear of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator cabinet 14 may include a refrigerating compartment 18 and a freezing compartment 32. The refrigerating compartment 14 is disposed on the upper side and the freezing compartment 32 is disposed on the lower side, so that each storage compartment can be opened and closed individually by each door. Unlike the present embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a refrigerator in which a freezing compartment is disposed on the upper side and a refrigerating compartment is disposed on the lower side.

In the freezing chamber 32, an upper space and a lower space may be divided from each other, and the lower space is provided with a drawer 40 capable of being drawn in and out of the space. Even if the freezing chamber 32 can be opened and closed by one door 30, it is possible to be provided so as to be separated into two spaces.

An ice maker 200 capable of making ice may be provided in an upper space of the freezing compartment 32 . An ice bucket 600 in which ice produced in the ice maker 200 is dropped and stored may be provided below the ice maker 200 . The user may take out the ice bucket 600 and use the ice stored in the ice bucket 600 . The ice bucket 600 may be mounted on an upper side of a horizontal wall dividing an upper space and a lower space of the freezing chamber 32 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , a tuck 50 for supplying cold air to the ice maker 200 is provided in the cabinet 14 . The duct 50 cools the ice maker 200 by discharging cold air supplied from an evaporator in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor is evaporated. Ice may be created inside the ice maker 200 by cold air supplied to the ice maker 200 .

In FIG. 2 , it is possible that the right side is the rear side of the refrigerator and the left side is the front side of the refrigerator, that is, a part where a door is installed. At this time, the duct 50 is disposed at the rear of the cabinet 14 and can discharge cold air toward the front of the cabinet 14 . The ice maker 200 is disposed in front of the duct 50 .

The outlet of the duct 50 is located on the ceiling of the freezing chamber 32, and it is possible to discharge cold air to the upper side of the ice maker 200.

3 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a front view of an ice maker, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker.

3A and 4A are views showing a bracket 220 for fixing the ice maker 200 to the freezing compartment 32, and FIGS. 3B and 4B are views showing a state in which the bracket 220 is removed. Each component of the ice maker 200 may be provided inside or outside the bracket 220, so that the ice maker 200 may constitute one assembly. Accordingly, the ice maker 200 may be installed on the ceiling of the freezing compartment 32 .

A pill cup 240 is installed on the upper side of the inner surface of the bracket 200 . The fill cup 240 has openings provided at upper and lower sides, respectively, to guide water supplied to the upper side of the fill cup 240 to the lower side of the fill cup 240 . Since the upper opening of the fill cup 240 is larger than the lower opening, the discharge range of the water guided downward through the fill cup 240 may be limited.

A water supply pipe through which water is supplied is installed on the upper side of the fill cup 240 so that water can be supplied to the fill cup 240 and moved downward. The fill cup 240 prevents water discharged from the water supply pipe from falling from a high position, thereby preventing water from splashing. Since the fill cup 240 is disposed below the water supply pipe, water is guided up to the fill cup 240 without splashing, and the amount of water splashing can be reduced even if the water moves downward due to the lowered height.

The ice maker 200 includes an upper tray 320 and a lower tray 380 . The upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 may include a plurality of cells capable of generating a plurality of ice. When the cells provided on the upper tray 320 and the cells provided on the lower tray 380 overlap each other to form a spherical shape and water is supplied therein and cooled, spherical ice may be created.

The upper tray 320 is provided with openings on the upper and lower sides of the upper tray 320 so that water falling from the upper side of the upper tray 320 can move to the lower side.

An upper tray cover 340 is provided below the upper tray 320 . The upper tray cover 340 may have openings corresponding to the shape of each cell of the upper tray 320 and may be coupled to the lower surface of the upper tray 320 .

The upper tray case 300 is coupled to the upper side of the upper tray 320, so that the upper side appearance of the upper tray 320 can be maintained. An upper heater case 280 is provided in the upper tray case 300 . A heater may be provided in the heater case 280 to supply heat to the upper portion of the ice maker 200 . The heater may be provided in such a way that it is embedded in the heater case 280 or installed on one side.

The upper tray case 300 is provided with a guide groove 302 having an inclined upper side and a vertically extending lower side. The guide groove 302 may be provided inside a member extending upward of the tray case 300 .

The guide protrusion 262 of the upper pusher 260 is inserted into the guide groove 302 so that the guide protrusion 262 can be guided along the guide groove 302 . The upper pusher 260 is provided with extensions 264 extending the same as the number of each cell of the upper tray 320, so that ice placed in each cell can be pushed out.

The guide protrusion 262 of the upper pusher 260 is coupled to the pusher link 500 . At this time, the guide protrusion 262 is rotatably coupled to the pusher link 500, so that when the pusher link 500 moves, the upper pusher 260 can also move along the guide groove 302.

A lower tray cover 360 is provided on the upper side of the lower tray 380 so that the appearance of the lower tray 380 can be maintained. The lower tray 380 has a shape protruding upward to distinguish a plurality of cells constituting a space in which individual ice can be generated, and the lower tray cover 360 may cover the cells protruding upward. there is.

The lower tray case 400 is provided below the lower tray 380 to maintain the cell shape protruding from the lower side of the lower tray 380 . A spring 402 is provided on one side of the lower tray case 400 .

A lower tray heater case 420 is provided on the lower side of the lower tray case 400 . A heater may be provided in the lower tray heater case 420 to supply heat to the lower portion of the ice maker 200 .

The ice maker 200 includes a motor unit 480 providing rotational force.

A through hole 282 is formed in an extension extending downward on one side of the upper tray case 300 . A through hole 404 is formed in an extension portion extending to one side of the lower tray case 400 . A shaft 440 passing through the through hole 282 and the through hole 404 is provided, and rotation arms 460 are provided at both ends of the shaft 440, respectively. The shaft 440 may be rotated by receiving rotational force from the motor unit 480 .

One end of the rotary arm 460 may be connected to one end of the spring 402 so that the position of the rotary arm 460 may be moved to an initial value by a restoring force when the spring 402 is tensioned.

A motor and a plurality of gears may be coupled to each other in the motor unit 480 .

The full ice detection lever 520 is connected to the motor unit 480 so that the full ice detection lever 520 can be rotated by rotational force provided by the motor unit 480 .

The full ice detection lever 520 may have a 'C' shape as a whole, and may include vertically extending portions at both ends and a horizontally disposed portion connecting the two vertically extending portions to each other. One of the two vertically extending parts is coupled to the motor unit 480 and the other is coupled to the bracket 220, so that the full ice detecting lever 520 is rotated to reach the ice bucket 600. Stored ice can be detected.

A lower pusher 540 is provided on the inner lower surface of the bracket 220. The lower pusher 540 is provided with a coupling piece 542 coupled to the bracket 220 and a plurality of extensions 544 installed on the coupling piece 542 . The plurality of extensions 544 are provided equal to the number of the plurality of cells provided on the lower tray 380, so that the ice generated in the cells of the lower tray 380 is separated from the lower tray 380. It acts as a push to make it possible.

The upper tray case 300 and the lower tray case 400 may be rotatably coupled to each other with respect to the shaft 440 so that an angle may be changed around the shaft 440 .

The upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 are each made of a material that is easily deformable, such as silicon, so that when they are pressed by each pusher, they are instantly deformed so that the ice generated can be easily separated from the tray. .

6 to 11 are views illustrating a state in which some components of an ice maker are coupled.

6 is a view explaining a state in which the bracket 220, the pill cup 240, and the lower pusher 540 are coupled. The lower pusher 540 is installed on the inner surface of the bracket 220, and the extension of the lower pusher 540 extends from the coupling piece 542 in a direction that is not vertical but inclined downward.

7 is a view showing a state in which the upper heater case 280 and the upper tray case 300 are coupled.

The upper heater case 280 may be arranged such that a horizontal plane is spaced downward from the lower side of the upper tray case 300 . The upper heater case 280 and the upper tray case 300 have an opening corresponding to each cell of the upper tray 320 so that water can pass through the upper side, and the shape of each opening is It is possible to form a shape corresponding to the cell.

8 is a view showing a state in which the upper tray case 300, the upper tray 320, and the upper tray cover 340 are coupled.

The tray cover 340 is disposed between the upper tray 320 and the upper tray case 300 .

The upper tray case 300 , the upper tray 320 , and the tray cover 340 are combined as one module, so that the upper tray case 300 , the upper tray 320 , and the tray cover 340 ) is disposed on the shaft 440 so as to be rotatable together as a single member.

9 is a view showing a state in which the lower tray 380, the lower tray cover 360, and the lower tray case 400 are coupled.

With the lower tray 380 therebetween, the lower tray cover 360 is disposed on the upper side, and the lower tray case 400 is disposed on the lower side.

Each cell of the lower tray 380 has a hemispherical shape to form a lower part of the spherical ice.

10 is a view showing a state in which the lower tray cover 360, the lower tray 380, the lower tray case 400, and the lower heater case 420 are coupled.

The lower heater case 420 may fix a heater supplying heat to the lower tray 380 while being disposed on a lower surface of the lower tray case.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which FIGS. 8 and 10 are coupled and the rotary arm 460, the shaft 440, and the pusher link 500 are coupled.

One end of the rotary arm 460 is coupled to the shaft 440 and the other end is coupled to the spring 402 . One end of the pusher link 500 is coupled to the upper pusher 260 and the other end is arranged to be rotatable with respect to the shaft 440 .

12 and 13 are views explaining a process of supplying water to an ice maker.

FIG. 12 is a view explaining a process of supplying water while looking at the ice maker from the side, and FIG. 13 is a view explaining a process of supplying water while looking at the ice maker from the front.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 are disposed in a spaced apart state, and then, as shown in FIG. 12B, the lower tray 380 is rotated toward the upper tray 320. At this time, although the upper tray 320 and part of the lower tray 380 overlap each other, the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 are completely engaged so that their inner space does not form a spherical shape.

As shown in FIG. 12C , water is supplied into the tray through the fill cup 240 . Since the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 are not completely engaged, some of the water passes to the outside of the upper tray 320 . However, since the lower tray 380 has a portion formed to cover the upper side of the upper tray 320 so as to be spaced apart from each other, water does not overflow the lower tray 380 .

FIG. 13 is a diagram specifically explaining FIG. 12c, and states are changed in the order of FIGS. 13a and 13b.

As shown in FIG. 12C , when water is supplied to the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 through the fill cup 240 , the fill cup 240 is disposed biased toward one side of the tray.

That is, the upper tray 320 is provided with a plurality of cells 322 , 324 , and 326 for generating a plurality of independent ice cubes. A plurality of cells 382 , 384 , and 386 for generating a plurality of independent ice are also provided in the lower tray 380 . When the cells disposed on the upper tray 320 and the cells disposed on the lower tray 380 are merged, one spherical ice may be created.

In FIG. 13, the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 are not completely coupled as in 12c, and the front sides are opened so that the water filled in each cell can move between the cells.

As shown in FIG. 13A, when water is supplied to the upper side of the cells 322 and 382 located on the left side, the water moves into the cells 322 and 382. At this time, if the cell 382 located on the lower side overflows, the water may move to the cells 384 and 486 located on the left side. Since the plurality of cells are not completely isolated from each other, when the water level in the cells rises above a certain level, the water moves to the neighboring cells and fills each cell with water.

When predetermined water is supplied from a water supply valve disposed in a water supply pipe provided outside the ice maker 200 , the passage may be closed to prevent water from being supplied to the ice maker 200 any longer.

14 is a diagram explaining a process of separating ice from an ice maker.

Referring to FIG. 14, when the lower tray 380 is further rotated in a counterclockwise direction based on the drawing in FIG. 12C, the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 form a spherical cell as shown in FIG. 14A. It can be arranged to form a shape. The lower tray 380 and the upper tray 320 may be completely coupled to separate water from each cell.

When cold air is supplied for a predetermined time in the state of FIG. 14A, ice is generated in the cells of the tray. While water is changed into ice by cold air, a state in which water does not move is maintained because the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 are engaged with each other as shown in FIG. 14A .

When ice is formed in the cells of the tray, as shown in FIG. 14B , the upper tray 320 is rotated clockwise while the upper tray 320 is stopped.

At this time, since the ice has its own weight, it may fall from the upper tray 320 . In this case, while the upper pusher 260 descends to the upper tray 320 , it is possible to prevent ice from sticking to the upper tray 320 .

Since the lower tray 380 supports the lower portion of the ice, even if the lower tray 380 is moved clockwise, the state in which the ice is placed on the lower tray 380 is maintained. As shown in FIG. 14B , there may be cases in which ice sticks to the lower tray 380 even when the lower tray 380 is rotated beyond the vertical angle.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lower pusher 540 deforms the bottom of the lower tray 380, and as the lower tray 380 is deformed, the adhesive force between the ice and the lower tray 380 is weakened, so that the ice melts on the lower tray 380. It may fall off the tray 380.

Afterwards, ice may fall into the ice bucket 600 although not shown in FIG. 14 .

15 is a control block diagram according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15 , in one embodiment of the present invention, a tray temperature sensor 700 for measuring the temperature of the upper tray 320 or the lower tray 380 is provided.

The temperature measured by the tray temperature sensor 700 is transmitted to the controller 800 .

The control unit 800 may control the motor unit 480 so that the motor rotates in the motor unit 480 .

The controller 800 may control the water supply valve 740 that opens and closes the flow path of the water supplied to the ice maker 200 so that water is supplied to the ice maker 200 or the water supply is stopped.

When the motor unit 480 is operated, the lower tray 380 or the full ice detection lever 520 may be rotated.

A first heater 430 is provided in the lower heater case 420 . The first heater 430 may be disposed in the lower heater case 420 to supply heat. Since the first heater 430 is disposed below the tray, it may mean a lower heater.

A second heater 290 is provided in the upper heater case 280 . The second heater 290 may be disposed in the upper heater case 280 to supply heat. Since the second heater 290 is disposed above the tray, it may mean an upper heater.

Power is supplied to the first heater 430 and the second heater 290 according to the command of the control unit 800 to generate heat.

16 is a diagram explaining an example of a heater applied to an embodiment.

The first heater 430 shown in FIG. 16 is installed in the lower heater case 420 . The first heater 430 may be installed on an upper surface of the lower heater case 420 . The first heater 430 may be exposed on the upper side of the lower heater case 420 .

Of course, it is also possible to install the first heater 430 buried in the lower heater case 420 .

The first heater 430 may include a straight portion 432 and a curved portion 434 . Both the straight portion 432 and the curved portion 434 are made of elements capable of generating heat. When a current flows through the straight portion 432 and the curved portion 434, heat may be generated as a whole due to resistance.

The straight portion 432 means a portion extending in a straight line direction. The curved portion 434 may have a trajectory of a substantially semicircular arc in the form of opening outward and then constricting inward. The first heater 430 is formed in the form of a single line, and the straight portion 432 and the curved portion 434 are alternately disposed and have a shape symmetrical to each other.

In the first heater 430 , the curved portion 434 may be disposed at a position where each cell of the lower tray 380 is disposed. Since the cell has a hemispherical shape and a flat cross section is circular, the two curved portions 434 facing each other are disposed to form part of a circular arc.

The first heater 430 may have a substantially circular cross section.

Although only the first heater 430 has been mainly described in FIG. 16 , the above description is equally applicable to the second heater 290 . That is, like the first heater 430, the second heater 290 may also have a curved portion and a straight portion alternately provided. However, unlike the first heater 430, the second heater 290 is installed in the upper heater case 280 and is disposed above the tray.

17 is a view explaining the lower tray.

17 is a cross-sectional view of one cell among the plurality of cells 322 , 324 , and 326 of the lower tray 380 . Since the cells of the lower tray 380 have a substantially hemispherical shape, the hemispherical shape may be maintained by the lower tray 380 when water is filled and turned into ice. The upper hemisphere shape is implemented by the upper tray 320 .

A seating jaw 382 is provided on the outer surface of each cell of the lower tray 380 . As shown in FIG. 17B, the seating jaw 382 may form a surface that the first heater 430 can contact. The seating jaws 382 may be configured on both sides, and two may be provided in one cell. The seating jaw 382 has a flat surface, so that the first heater 430 can stably contact it. In addition, the first heater 430 has a substantially circular shape, and the seating jaw 382 is arranged so that a certain portion overlaps with the first heater 430, so that the first heater 430 is seated thereon. It is possible to compress jaw 382 . Since it is installed in a compressed manner, the lower tray 380 can maintain contact with the heater 430 even when tolerances occur during assembly and mass production.

Specifically, the curved portion 434 of the first heater 430 is disposed in each cell of the lower tray 380 . In the portion where the cell is located, the curved portion 434 is disposed in such a way as to surround the lower surface of the cell, so that heat can be supplied to the lower tray 380 .

18 is a diagram explaining the operation of the lower tray and the heater.

Referring to FIG. 18, a portion represented by a dotted line represents a state before the lower pusher 540 pushes the lower tray 380 up, and a portion represented by a solid line represents a state before the lower pusher 540 pushes the lower tray 380 up. It expresses the state of pushing up (380). Since the first heater 430 contacts the lower tray 380 but is not fixed so as to stick thereto, regardless of whether or not the lower pusher 540 pushes the lower tray 380 up. placed in the same location. The first heater 430 is fixed to the lower heater case 420, but in FIG. 18, the lower case 420 is omitted for convenience of description.

The lower tray 380 may be made of a silicon material. When an external force is applied to the lower tray 380, it may be deformed around the portion to which the force is applied. Accordingly, when ice is frozen in the cells of the lower tray 380, the ice may be separated from the lower tray 380 when the lower pusher 540 deforms the lower tray 380.

Specifically, the first heater 430 is pressed against the lower tray 420 to maintain contact with the lower tray 420 . Then, in order to separate the ice frozen in the lower tray 420 from the lower tray 420 , the lower pusher 540 may press the lower tray 420 . As the lower tray 420 is deformed, the first heater 430 does not contact and separates from the lower tray 420 . This is because the first heater 430 is not integrally attached to the lower tray 420 . Therefore, compared to the method in which the first heater 430 is attached to the lower tray 420, even if the lower tray 420 is deformed to separate ice from the lower tray 420, the first heater 430 ) can be prevented from causing damage such as disconnection.

This embodiment can be equally applied to a tray capable of producing spherical ice as well as an ice maker capable of producing square-shaped ice. That is, it is possible to equally apply the aforementioned concept to an ice maker having only the lower tray, in addition to the type in which the upper and lower trays are provided together in the ice maker. In this embodiment, when the heater applies heat to the tray, that is, when ice is created, the heater and the tray come into contact. On the other hand, since the heater and the tray can be separated when the ice is separated from the tray, that is, when the ice is separated, the heater is not damaged even if the shape of the tray is deformed.

In this embodiment, a process in which water is supplied to the ice maker, ice is made, and then ice is finally formed will be briefly described.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the lower tray 380 is not leveled and is inclined at a predetermined angle. At this time, the lower tray 380 may be rotated by about 6 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane to maintain an inclined state.

As shown in FIG. 12C, since the lower tray 380 tilts when water is supplied to the tray, water supplied to one cell can spread to other cells.

Meanwhile, when ice making is performed after water supply is completed, the lower tray 380 is rotated so that the upper side of the lower tray 380 is parallel to the horizontal plane as shown in FIG. 14A. At this time, the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 are completely coupled, and each cell is arranged to form a spherical shape.

When making ice, the first heater 430 is turned on so that ice can grow from the top of the cell. That is, the controller 800 may supply power to the first heater 430 so that heat is generated in the first heater 430 . The first heater 430 is disposed under the tray. On the other hand, the temperature of the upper side of the ice maker 100 is lowered by the cold air supplied from the duct. That is, the temperature of the upper side of the tray is low while the temperature of the lower side of the tray is high, so that the condition that ice is generated on the upper side is satisfied.

The ice grows on the upper side of the tray because the temperature is low, but the air contained in the water is not captured by the ice and gradually escapes to the bottom, so the air is not captured by the ice. Therefore, air is not trapped in the ice, and transparent ice can be produced. In this embodiment, ice grows from the upper side to the lower side because the lower side is maintained at a higher temperature than the upper side. Accordingly, the direction in which ice is formed is kept constant, so that the ice may become transparent.

When the temperature of the tray is measured by the tray temperature sensor 700 and the temperature drops below a certain temperature, it is determined that ice production is completed, as shown in FIG. 14A. Accordingly, it is determined that ice can be provided to the user, and the second heater 290 is operated.

The second heater 290 supplies heat after ice production is completed to create a condition in which ice is easily separated from the tray. The second heater 290 is installed in the upper heater case 280 and applies heat to the upper tray 320 to separate ice from the upper tray 320 . When heat is applied from the second heater 290, the contact portion between the upper tray 320 and the ice is melted and changed to water, and the ice is separated from the upper tray 320.

The temperature of the tray is measured by the tray temperature sensor 700, and when the temperature of the tray rises by a predetermined temperature, it can be determined that the portion where ice is in contact with the upper tray 320 has melted. In this case, when the lower tray 380 is rotated as shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C , ice is separated from the upper tray 320 and placed on the lower tray 380 . In this case, since the ice may not be separated from the upper tray 320 , the upper pusher 260 pushes the ice from the upper tray 320 . Since openings are provided on the upper side of the upper tray 320, the upper pushers 260 may be disposed in each cell through the openings. The upper side of the upper tray 320 is exposed to external air through each opening, and cool air supplied through the duct may be guided to the inside of the upper tray 320 through the opening. Therefore, as the water contacts the cold air, the temperature of the water decreases and ice may be formed.

As the rotation angle of the lower tray 380 increases, the lower pusher 540 presses the lower tray 380 to deform the lower tray 380 . The ice may be separated from the lower tray 380, fall down, and finally be provided to the user.

19 is a diagram explaining a process of generating ice, and FIG. 20 is a diagram explaining the temperature of the lower tray and the temperature of the heater.

A heater can be installed at the bottom of the tray to make transparent ice. If the capacity of the heater is input at a constant rate, the speed at which ice is made is fast at the beginning of ice making, that is, when ice is made at the top, but at the bottom, the speed is slow, resulting in relatively opaque ice at the top. do.

In addition, if the heating value of the heater is increased to make the upper part transparent, the speed at which ice is formed at the upper part is slowed down so that transparent ice may be generated.

If the heating value of the heater is constantly controlled while making ice, a difference occurs between the speed at which ice is made at the top and the speed at which ice is made at the bottom.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, transparent ice may be generated by changing the heating value of the heater.

In order to manufacture transparent ice, it is necessary to adjust the freezing speed from the top to the bottom through the first heater 430 installed at the bottom. When it freezes quickly, air scratches occur and opaque ice is created. Therefore, in order to produce transparent ice, it must be slowly frozen using a heater so that air is not trapped in the ice. Since cold air is supplied from the upper side, when the upper ice grows, it grows rapidly, and the lower portion freezes in comparison to the upper portion. If the heater is heated according to the growth rate of the upper ice, the lower ice is frozen too slowly and the ice-making time becomes longer. Therefore, in this embodiment, the capacity of the heater is varied step by step to make transparent ice while securing the ice-making speed.

Ice produced by the ice maker according to the present embodiment can be divided into three areas as a whole. As shown in FIG. 19, the spherical ice can be divided into a first area A1, a second area A2, and a third area A3 as a whole.

The first area A1 may refer to a portion where transparent ice is generated even without heater control. The first area is a portion where the upper tray 320 and water meet, and is a portion where spherical ice is initially formed. Since the portion meeting the upper tray 320 initially has a temperature distribution similar to that of the upper tray 320, the temperature may be relatively low.

The second area A2 is not adjacent to the upper tray 320 but is located within the cells formed on the upper tray 320 . Since the second region is a portion disposed close to the center of the spherical ice, it is difficult for air to escape and thus it may be difficult to maintain transparency. The second region is a portion surrounded by the first region, and may refer to a region similar to a triangular pyramid having a triangular cross section based on the drawing.

The third area A3 is a space where ice is generated in the cells provided on the lower tray 380 . Since the third region has a hemispherical shape as a whole and is disposed close to the first heater 430, heat generated by the first heater 430 can be easily transferred.

In this embodiment, when ice is formed in the portion corresponding to the third region A3, the amount of heat generated by the heater is changed. Furthermore, even when ice is formed in the portion corresponding to the third area A2, the first heater 430 change the calorific value of That is, the freezing speed of ice can be adjusted by changing the temperature of the first heater 430 .

20, the dotted line indicates the temperature measured by the tray temperature sensor 700, and the solid line indicates the temperature of the first heater 430.

Water is supplied to the ice maker 200, and the first heater 430 is not operated for a certain period of time. That is, since the first heater 430 does not generate heat, the tray is not heated. However, when water is supplied, since the temperature of the water is higher than the temperature of the freezer compartment where the ice maker is located, the temperature of the tray measured by the tray temperature sensor 700 may temporarily rise.

When water supply is completed and a predetermined time elapses, the first heater 430 is driven. At this time, the first heater 430 can be driven with a first capacity for a first set time. In this case, ice may be generated in the first area A1. At this time, the first heater 430 generates heat in a first temperature range. For example, the first set time may mean approximately 45 minutes, and the first capacity may mean 4.5W.

In addition, after the lapse of the first set time, the second heater 430 may be driven with the second capacity for the second set time. In this case, ice may be generated in the second area A2. At this time, the first heater 430 generates heat in the second temperature range. For example, the second set time may mean approximately 195 minutes, and the second capacity may mean 5.5W.

After the second set time has elapsed, the third heater 430 may be driven with a third capacity for a third set time. In this case, ice may be generated in the third area A3. At this time, the first heater 430 generates heat in a third temperature range. For example, the third set time may mean approximately 198 minutes, and the third power consumption may mean 4W.

In this embodiment, water supply is started, the heater is turned off for a certain period of time, then the first heating is performed, and when a certain temperature is reached, the second heating is performed, and when the next temperature is reached, the third heating is performed, and finally Ice can be made by turning off the heater.

Comparing the first temperature range, the second temperature range, and the third temperature range, the second temperature range is the highest, the first temperature range is the next highest, and the third temperature range is the lowest. While ice is formed in the first area A1, the first heater is driven in the second highest temperature range.

While the ice is frozen in the first area A1, since there are many paths through which air contained in the water can escape, the possibility of air being collected is relatively small. Accordingly, transparent ice may be generated in the first region even if the first heater is not driven at the highest temperature.

In the second region A2, the first heater is driven at the highest temperature because the path through which air can escape is relatively small and the cross-sectional area of ice to be frozen is large based on the spherical shape.

In the third area A3, since ice is generated at a position relatively close to the heater and heat generated by the first heater can be easily transferred, the first heater is driven at the lowest temperature.

A time during which the first heater 430 is driven with the first capacity may be shorter than a time during which the first heater 430 is driven with the second capacity or driven with the third capacity. When driven with the first capacity, since ice is formed in the first area A1, the amount of ice generated is relatively smaller than that in the second area A2 or the third area A3. Therefore, the operating time of the first capacity is shorter than that of the second capacity or the third capacity, so that the overall ice freezing speed can be maintained constant.

As shown in FIG. 20 , looking at the temperature measured by the tray temperature sensor 700 during ice making after water supply is completed, it can be confirmed that the temperature gradually decreases with a constant slope from approximately 0 degrees to -8 degrees. As the temperature of the tray decreases at a constant rate, ice generated in the tray may grow at a constant rate. Therefore, the air contained in the water is discharged to the outside without being captured by the ice, so that transparent ice can be produced.

It is also possible to control the heater by dividing it into more steps than in this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14 , a process of separating the ice from the upper tray and the lower tray after the spherical ice is generated will be described.

In this embodiment, heat may be supplied to the upper tray 320 using the second heater 290 installed on the upper tray 320 . When heat is supplied from the second heater 290 provided on the upper tray 320, the outer surface of the ice formed on the upper tray 320 (the surface meeting the upper tray 320) is heated and turned into water. do. Also, ice may be separated from the upper tray 320 . Of course, the upper pusher 260 can confirm that the ice is separated from the upper tray 320, so that the reliability of ice breaking can be improved.

In addition, ice may be separated from the lower tray 380 by being pressed by the lower pusher 540 from the lower side.

In order to break the ice after the ice is completed, the second heater 290 disposed above the upper tray 320 is first driven in the state of FIG. 14A. The temperature of the upper tray 320 may be increased by supplying heat from the second heater 290 . The second heater 290 drives the second heater 290 until the tray temperature measured by the tray temperature sensor 700 rises or a predetermined time elapses.

While the second heater 290 is running, the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 do not move, and ice maintains a state in which the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380 are engaged with each other. . That is, in a state in which ice is filled in the cells formed on the upper tray 320 and the lower tray 380, the second heater 290 is driven to adhere to the upper tray 320 and the upper tray 320. heat the ice

After driving the second heater 290, when a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined temperature is reached, it is determined that the surface of the ice contacting the upper tray 320 has melted, and the lower tray 380 is moved at a set angle. rotate as much as At this time, the rotation angle is not as much as shown in FIG. 14B, but is approximately 10 to 45 degrees located in the middle of FIG. 14A (the lower tray is not rotated) and FIG. 14B (the lower tray is rotated more than 90 degrees) desirable. In this case, the set angle is an angle at which ice may not escape from the lower tray 380 . In a state in which the lower tray 380 is rotated by the set angle, ice that may remain on the upper tray 320 may fall onto the lower tray 380 .

Meanwhile, even if the second heater 290 is operated while the lower tray 380 is rotated by a set angle (approximately 10 to 45 degrees), the ice placed on the lower tray 380 is not affected by the second heater 290. Since it is far from the ice tray and is separated from the upper tray 320, excessive melting of ice can be prevented.

In this embodiment, the lower tray 380 is rotated by a set angle, and the second heater 290 is driven even in a state in which there is a high possibility that ice is separated from the upper tray 320, so that ice is removed from the upper tray ( 320), ice may be additionally heated. That is, when the state in which the ice is in contact with the upper tray 320 is maintained, the surface in contact with the upper tray 320 is changed to water by the heat supplied from the second heater 290, and the ice is formed on the upper tray 320. ) can improve the reliability of separation from

However, if the ice is already separated from the upper tray 320, the heat supplied from the second heater 290 is difficult to transfer to the ice by conduction, so that the already separated ice may be removed from the second heater 290. Melting can be prevented by (290).

When the second heater 290 is operated while the lower tray 380 is rotated by a set angle from the upper tray 320 and a set time elapses, the operation of the second heater 290 is stopped. That is, the second heater 290 does not supply heat.

After waiting for a certain amount of time (approximately 1 to 10 minutes) even after the second heater 290 is turned off, the lower tray 380 is rotated to the point where it is pressed by the lower pusher 540 as shown in FIG. 14C. . That is, even when heat is not supplied by the second heater 290, the lower tray 380 is stopped while being rotated by a set angle, so ice that has not yet fallen from the upper tray 320 is placed on the lower tray 380. It can fall onto a tray 380 and be presented to a user.

In addition, since the water remaining in the upper tray 320 falls to the lower tray 380 and does not fall to the ice bucket 600, it is possible to prevent ice from sticking to the ice bucket or other ice.

21 is a diagram illustrating an operation when full ice is not detected according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a diagram explaining an operation when full ice is detected according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the prior art for detecting full ice in an ice maker that produces ice, there is a method of operating the full ice detection unit vertically. A twisting type ice maker, in which water is supplied to the tray and then the tray is twisted to discharge ice from the tray, detects whether or not the ice is full by operating a lever up and down. That is, as the lever goes down, it can detect whether or not there is ice. When the lever is sufficiently lowered, it is determined that ice is not sufficiently stored in the lower portion of the tray, and when the lever is not sufficiently lowered, it is determined that ice is stored in the lower portion of the tray. Thus, the ice is discharged from the tray.

However, in this embodiment, since the tray is composed of an upper tray and a lower tray, the space occupied by the tray is larger than that of the twisting ice maker. Accordingly, a space in which an ice bucket for storing ice may be located is also reduced. In addition, when using a lever that moves up and down to determine whether to store ice, there is a problem in that ice located at the lower part of the lever can be detected, but ice located at the side beyond the lower part of the lever cannot be detected.

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating an operation when there is a space in the ice bucket 600 to additionally store ice (when full ice is not detected).

As shown in FIG. 21A, after the ice is completed, the second heater 290 is driven before the lower tray 380 is rotated to melt the surface on which the ice comes into contact with the upper tray 320, Ice may be separated from the upper tray 320 .

When the second heater 290 is operated for a predetermined time, the lower tray 380 starts to rotate as shown in FIG. 21B. At this time, the upper pusher 260 penetrates the upper side of the upper tray 320 and presses the ice, thereby separating the ice from the upper tray 320 . When the ice is not sufficiently separated from the upper tray 320 by the second heater 290, the upper pusher 260 can ensure ice separation.

As the lower tray 380 rotates, the full ice detection lever 520 also rotates. If the movement of the full ice detection lever 520 is not hindered by ice while the full ice detection lever 520 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 21B, the lower tray 380 is additionally rotated as shown in FIG. The lower tray 380 continues to rotate clockwise so that the lower tray 380 can be separated from the lower tray 380 .

At this time, the full ice detection lever 520 maintains a stopped state at the position shown in FIG. 21B. That is, initially, the lower tray 380 and the full ice detection lever 520 rotate together, but in a state in which the full ice detection lever 520 is sufficiently rotated, the full ice detection lever 520 does not rotate and the lower tray ( 380) is further rotated. It is possible that the angle at which the full ice detection lever 520 is rotated is an angle perpendicular to the bottom surface of the ice bucket 600, that is, a horizontal surface. That is, the full ice detecting lever 520 is rotated clockwise to an angle substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and the angle at which the full ice detecting lever 520 stops rotating is at the lowest part as one end of the full ice detecting lever 520 is rotated. It is preferable that it is a position that can be lowered up to.

The full ice detection lever 520 and the lower tray 380 may be rotated together or individually by rotational force provided by the motor unit 480 . The full ice detection lever 520 and the lower tray 380 are connected to one rotational shaft provided by the motor unit 480 and can be rotated while drawing one rotational radius.

Since the lower tray 380 is rotated by the rotating shaft, unlike when the lower tray 380 is stationary, a moving trajectory of the lower tray 380 must be secured. In addition, since the full ice detection lever 520 also detects full ice by rotation, the full ice detection lever 520 should be rotated to a height lower than that of the lower tray 380 .

Accordingly, the full ice detection lever 520 should be longer than one end of the lower tray 380 to detect whether ice is present in the ice bucket 600 . That is, the full ice detection lever 520 may be rotated by being connected to a rotation shaft provided in the motor unit 480 .

The full ice detection lever 520 starts to rotate when the lower tray 380 rotates. Since the lower tray 380 rotates after the ice is completed, whether or not the ice is full can be detected after the ice is completed. there is.

The full ice detection lever 520 is a swing type that rotates around a rotational axis, not a vertical movement type, so that whether or not ice is stored in the ice bucket 600 can be detected while moving along a rotational trajectory.

After the ice is moved from the lower tray 380 to the ice bucket 600, the lower tray 380 rotates counterclockwise again, as shown in FIG. 21D. Until the full ice detection lever 520 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 21B, the full ice detection lever 520 maintains a stopped state. When the lower tray 380 reaches the rotational angle as shown in FIG. 21B, the full ice detection lever 520 rotates counterclockwise together with the lower tray 380 and returns to the initial position shown in FIG. 21A. can do.

As shown in FIG. 22A, since ice is stored in the lower part of the ice bucket 600, in a situation where it is difficult to additionally store ice in the ice bucket 600, it is determined that the ice bucket 600 is full and the ice is stored in the ice bucket 600. do not move to

First, when the ice is completed, the second heater 290 is driven to separate the ice from the upper tray 320 . Since this process is the same as that described in FIG. 21A, repeated description is omitted.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 22A , the lower tray 380 and the full ice detecting lever 520 rotate clockwise together to detect whether the ice bucket 600 is full of ice.

If the full ice detection lever 520 touches the ice and cannot rotate any further as shown in FIG. 22B before the full ice detection lever 520 rotates to FIG. 21B, the ice bucket 600 is filled with ice ( full ice).

Accordingly, the full ice detection lever 520 and the lower tray 380 are returned to the water supply position (FIG. 22C) where water is supplied to the tray without further rotation. At this time, the lower tray 380 and the full ice detection lever 520 are rotated together to return to their original positions.

And, as shown in FIG. 22D, after a predetermined time has elapsed, whether or not ice is full is additionally detected. That is, whether the ice bucket 600 is full of ice is detected by rotating the lower tray 380 and the full ice detection lever 520 clockwise.

23 is a diagram illustrating an operation when full ice is not detected according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a diagram explaining an operation when full ice is detected according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, unlike FIGS. 21 and 22 , the full ice detection lever has a wider thickness. Since it is provided in the form of a bar thicker than a wire, ice contained in the ice bucket 600 can be sensed.

23 and 24, unlike one embodiment, an inclined plate 610 is disposed on the bottom of the ice bucket 600. The inclined plate 610 is disposed on the bottom of the ice bucket 600 to have a predetermined angle of inclination, and serves to guide the ice stored in the ice bucket 600 to gather in a certain direction.

The inclined plate 610 is disposed such that a portion close to the lower tray 380 has a high height and a portion far from the lower tray 380 has a low height. Accordingly, the ice separated from the lower tray 380 and dropped into the ice bucket 600 is guided away from the lower tray 380 .

Although described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, contents overlapping with those described in one embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 23 , when the full ice detection lever 530 and the lower tray 380 are rotated, if the full ice detection lever 530 does not detect ice at the full ice detection lever 530, the ice bucket 600 ) is judged not to be full. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23B, the full ice detection lever 530 rotates counterclockwise to return to its initial position, and the lower tray 380 additionally rotates to drop and move ice into the ice bucket 600. .

The ice collected in the ice bucket 600 is collected at a position away from the lower tray 380 due to the height difference of the inclined plate 610 .

As shown in FIG. 24 , when the full ice detection lever 530 and the lower tray 380 rotate, if the full ice detection lever 530 does not detect ice, the ice bucket 600 ) is judged to be full ice. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24A, when the full ice detection lever 530 touches the ice, the full ice detection lever 530 and the lower tray 380 no longer move clockwise, but rotate counterclockwise again to their original positions. return to

After a predetermined time elapses, the full ice detection lever 530 is rotated again to detect ice inside the ice bucket 600 . The reason why the full ice detection lever 530 is rotated again is that the user has taken out ice from the ice bucket 600 or the full ice detection lever 530 may cause an error in detecting whether or not the ice is full.

The inclined plate 610 applied in another embodiment may be equally applied in one embodiment. In the case of making spherical ice, if the depth of the ice bucket 600 is long, the ice may be damaged when the ice falls from the tray to the ice bucket 600 . Accordingly, the thickness of the ice bucket 600 may store spherical ice, but it is preferable to have a shallow depth if possible. When these conditions are satisfied, the depth of the ice bucket 600 is inevitably shallow, and thus ice storage space may be insufficient. Therefore, it is better to use the ice storage space widely by moving the ice stored in the ice bucket 600 sequentially to a certain place so that the ice can be evenly spread on the ice bucket 600 .

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and as can be seen from the appended claims, modifications can be made by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, and such modifications fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

a first tray having a plurality of cells forming a part of a space where ice is frozen, the cells having a hemispherical shape;
a second tray provided on one side of the first tray and having hemispherical cells coupled to a plurality of cells of the first tray to form a space in which ice is frozen;
a tray temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first tray or the second tray;
a controller to which the temperature measured by the tray temperature sensor is transmitted;
a first heater supplied by the control unit to supply cold air to the first tray and the second tray to be driven while ice is being made, and provided to generate transparent ice by changing a heating value;
a second heater controlled by the control unit to apply heat, the portion where the second tray and the ice are in contact is melted and changed to water, and the ice is separated from the second tray; and
Including a second heater case in which the second heater is provided,
The second heater is provided to supply heat by being disposed in the second heater case, and is provided in such a way that it is embedded in the second heater case or installed on one side,
The control unit,
When the temperature measured by the tray temperature sensor drops below a certain temperature, it is determined that the generation of ice is completed, and the second heater is controlled to operate;
The second heater is controlled to be operated until the temperature measured by the tray temperature sensor rises or a predetermined time elapses,
The control unit,
Controlling the temperature of the first heater to change step by step while water is supplied to the first tray and the second tray and cold air is supplied to the first tray and the second tray;
The first heater is driven with a first capacity greater than 0 for a first set time and is controlled to generate heat in a first temperature range,
After the first set time has elapsed, the first heater is driven with a second capacity greater than the first capacity for a second set time and is controlled to generate heat in a second temperature range,
After the second set time has elapsed, the first heater is driven with a third capacity smaller than the second capacity for a third set time and is controlled to generate heat in a third temperature range,
A first set time during which the first heater is driven at the first capacity is shorter than a second set time during which the first heater is driven at the second capacity;
The ice maker according to claim 1 , wherein a first set time for driving the first heater with the first capacity is shorter than a third set time for driving the first heater with the third capacity. According to claim 1,
Including a first heater case in which the first heater is provided,
The first heater is disposed in the first heater case to supply heat, and is installed to be embedded in the first heater case. According to claim 2,
The ice maker wherein the first heater is provided to be fixed to the first heater case and is provided in a non-fixed state although contacting the first tray. According to claim 1,
The first heater includes a straight part and a curved part. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
The ice maker maintains a state in which the ice is engaged with the first tray and the second tray without moving the first tray and the second tray while the second heater is running. According to claim 5,
The control unit drives the second heater to heat the ice attached to the first tray and the second tray in a state in which the cells formed on the first tray and the second tray are filled with ice. ice maker. According to claim 6,
The control unit determines that the surface of the ice in contact with the second tray has melted when a predetermined time elapses or reaches a predetermined temperature after driving the second heater, and rotates the first tray by a set angle. ice maker. According to claim 1,
When comparing the first temperature range, the second temperature range, and the third temperature range, the second temperature range is the highest, the first temperature range is the next highest, and the third temperature range is the highest. low ice maker. According to claim 1,
An ice maker whose capacity decreases in order of the second capacity, the first capacity, and the third capacity. According to claim 1,
A motor unit providing rotational force; and
A full ice detection lever connected to the motor unit and provided to be rotated by rotational force provided by the motor unit;
The controller controls the second heater to start operating before the full ice detection lever is operated.

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