WO2023171967A1

WO2023171967A1 - Icemaker and refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2023171967A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/002719
Authority: WO
Inventors: 서창호; 이욱용; 이남교
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2022-03-08
Filing date: 2023-02-27
Publication date: 2023-09-14
Also published as: KR20230132176A

Abstract

An icemaker according to the present embodiment may comprise an ice-making unit which is provided in an ice-making chamber and which is for making ice. The icemaker may further comprise a cooling unit for supplying cold air to the ice-making unit during an ice-making process. The ice-making unit may comprise a first tray having a first ice-making cell in which first ice is formed. The ice-making unit may further comprise a second tray having a second ice-making cell in which second ice of a different type from the first ice is formed.

Description

Ice makers and refrigerators

This specification relates to ice making devices and refrigerators.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperature in an internal storage space shielded by the refrigerator door. It cools the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle. It is designed to store stored food in optimal condition.

The refrigerator may be placed independently in a kitchen or living room, or may be stored in a kitchen cabinet.

Refrigerators are gradually becoming larger and more multi-functional in accordance with changes in eating habits and the trend of higher quality products, and refrigerators equipped with various structures and convenience devices that take user convenience into consideration are being released.

An automatic ice maker is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5687018, which is a prior document.

The automatic ice maker includes an ice-making chamber for forming ice, an evaporator disposed above the ice-making chamber, a water dish disposed below the ice-making chamber and rotatably supported by a support shaft, and a lower side of the water dish. It may include an ice-making water tank assembled to the ice-making water tank, a supply pump connected to the ice-making water tank, a rotatable guide member located on one side of the ice-making water tank, and an ice storage compartment in which ice is stored.

In the ice-making process, water is supplied from a supply pump while the water dish closes the space of the ice-making chamber, and the water supplied to the ice-making cell can be cooled by an evaporator.

In the moving process, high-temperature gas is supplied to the evaporator to heat the ice-making cell, and at the same time, the water dish is tilted downward, and in the process of tilting the water dish downward, the guide member is rotated to cover the upper side of the water dish. do.

As the ice-making cell is heated, ice is separated from the ice-making cell, falls to the upper side of the guide member, and finally moves to the ice storage compartment.

However, in the case of prior literature, it only discloses technology for producing one type of ice, and does not disclose technology for producing different types of ice.

Additionally, prior literature does not disclose technology for preventing cracks from occurring in ice generated during the ice-making process.

This embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator capable of producing different types of ice.

Optionally or additionally, an ice making device and a refrigerator are provided to prevent cracks from occurring in ice during the process of producing multiple types of ice.

Optionally or additionally, an ice making device and refrigerator capable of producing only one type of ice among multiple types of ice are provided.

An ice making device according to one aspect is provided in an ice making room and may include an ice making unit for generating ice. The ice making device may further include a cooling unit for providing cold to the ice making unit during the ice making process.

The ice making unit may include a first tray including a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed. The ice making unit may further include a second tray including a second ice making cell in which second ice is formed. The first ice and the second ice may be of different types.

The cooling unit may include a first refrigerant pipe for cooling the first tray.

The cooling unit may further include a second refrigerant pipe for cooling the second tray. The second refrigerant pipe may be connected in series with the first refrigerant pipe.

The refrigerant may sequentially flow through the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe.

The ice making device may further include a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice making unit during the ice making process.

The heat exchange area of the first tray and the first refrigerant pipe may be larger than the heat exchange area of the second tray and the second refrigerant pipe.

The volume of the first ice making cell may be smaller than the volume of the second ice making cell.

The first tray may include a plurality of first ice-making cells. The second tray may include a plurality of second ice making cells. The sum of the volumes of the plurality of first ice-making cells may be greater than the sum of the volumes of the plurality of second ice-making chambers.

The first tray may include an opening for discharging the first ice. The diameter or size of the opening may be the same as or larger than the diameter or size of the first ice making cell.

The second tray may include a plurality of tray units for the second ice making cell. One or more of the plurality of tray units may be movable to separate the second ice from the second ice making cell.

The water supply unit may be capable of supplying water to each of the first tray and the second tray, or may be capable of supplying water to only one of the trays.

If the difference between the ice making completion time in the first tray and the ice making completion time in the second tray is less than a predetermined value, the water supply unit may be controlled to supply water to the first tray and the second tray at the same time. .

When the difference between the ice making completion time in the first tray and the ice making completion time in the second tray is greater than a predetermined value, the water supply unit determines the ice making completion time in the first tray and the ice making completion time in the second tray. The time difference can be controlled to decrease.

The predetermined value may be between 30 and 80 minutes.

The ice making completion time of the second tray may be greater than the ice making completion time of the first tray.

The transparency of the second ice created in the second tray may be higher than the transparency of the first ice created in the first tray. Heat may be supplied to the second tray during the ice making process.

The water that has been supplied to the second ice-making cell may be cooled by the second refrigerant pipe to generate second ice. Water supplied to the first ice-making cell may be cooled by the first refrigerant pipe to generate first ice.

An ice making device according to another aspect may include an ice making unit. The ice making device may further include a cooling unit. The ice making unit may include a first tray including a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed. The ice making unit may further include a second tray having a second ice making cell in which a second ice of a different type from the first ice is formed.

The cooling unit may include a first refrigerant pipe for cooling the first tray. The cooling unit is connected in parallel with the first refrigerant pipe and may further include a second refrigerant pipe for cooling the second tray. The cooling unit may further include a valve that controls the flow of refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe.

The valve may be controlled so that the refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe simultaneously or through one of the refrigerant pipes.

The valve may be controlled so that the amount of refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant pipe is greater than the amount of refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant pipe.

The first tray may include an opening for discharging the first ice. The diameter or size of the opening may be the same as or larger than the diameter or size of the first ice making cell. The second tray may include a plurality of tray units for the second ice making cell. One or more of the plurality of tray units may be movable to separate the second ice from the second ice making cell.

An ice making device according to another aspect may be provided in an ice making room and include an ice making unit for generating ice. The ice making device may include a cold air passage through which cold air for cooling the ice making unit flows during the ice making process. The cold air flow path may have a through hole through which cold air enters.

The ice making unit may include a first tray including a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed. The ice making unit may further include a second tray having a second ice making cell in which a second ice of a different type from the first ice is formed.

The distance between the first tray and the through hole may be shorter than the distance between the second tray and the through hole.

The cold air flow path may include a first flow path in which the first tray is located. The cold air flow path is connected in series with the first flow path and may further include a second flow path in which the second tray is located. Cold air may sequentially flow through the first flow path and the second flow path.

An ice making device according to another aspect may be provided in an ice making room and include an ice making unit for generating ice. The ice making device may further include a cold air flow path through which cold air for cooling the ice making unit flows during the ice making process.

The cold air flow path may include a first flow path in which the first tray is located. The cold air flow path is arranged in parallel with the first flow path and may further include a second flow path in which the second tray is located.

The amount of cold air may be controlled so that the amount of cold air flowing into the first flow path is greater than the amount of cold air flowing into the second flow path.

A heat exchange area between the first tray and cold air may be larger than a heat exchange area between the second tray and cold air.

It may further include a damper controlled so that the amount of cold air flowing into the first flow path is greater than the amount of cold air flowing into the second flow path.

Alternatively, it may further include a guide that guides the flow of cold air so that the amount of cold air flowing into the first flow path is greater than the amount of cold air flowing into the second flow path.

Alternatively, it may include a first fan that blows cold air into the first flow path. It may further include a second fan blowing cold air into the second flow path. The first fan and the second fan may be controlled so that the amount of cold air flowing by the first fan is greater than the amount of cold air flowing by the second fan.

According to one embodiment, different types of ice can be produced, and there is an advantage that users can use various types of ice.

According to one embodiment, since different types of ice can be stored separately, there is an advantage that a user can easily use different types of ice.

According to one embodiment, cracks in the ice can be prevented during the ice making process of creating multiple types of ice.

According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that only one type of ice can be selected and produced according to the user's preference.

1 is a perspective view of an ice making device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front view showing the door of the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

Figure 3 is a cutaway view showing the interior of an ice making device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the interior of an ice making device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a refrigerant cycle diagram constituting a cooling unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing a water supply flow path in an ice making device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 7 and 8 are views showing water being supplied to the ice-making unit.

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a first tray unit and a second tray unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

10 and 11 are perspective views showing an ice making unit and cooler according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a bottom view of the ice making unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

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

Figure 14 is a control block diagram of the ice making device of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the process in which water is supplied from the water supply unit to the ice-making unit during the ice-making process.

Figure 16 is a diagram showing an ice-making unit in the moving process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a perspective view showing an ice making unit and cooler according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 is a refrigerant cycle diagram constituting a cooling unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 is a refrigerant cycle diagram constituting a cooling unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 is a view showing an ice-making unit and a cold air duct according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 is a diagram showing an ice-making unit and a cold air duct according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22 is a diagram showing an ice-making unit and a cold air duct according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions are judged to impede understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

In this specification, the ice making device includes a tray forming an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes phase into ice, a cooling unit for supplying cold to the ice-making cell, a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making cell, and It can include any or all of the controllers.

The cooling unit is a source that supplies cold, and may be referred to as a cold source.

The ice making device may further include a moving unit.

The tray may include a first tray. The tray may further include a second tray.

The first tray and the second tray may produce different types of ice.

The water supply unit may independently supply water to each of the first tray and the second tray.

The water supply unit may be configured to simultaneously supply water to the first tray and the second tray.

The water supply unit may include a pump for pumping water.

The cooling unit may be defined as a means for cooling the ice-making cell, including at least one of an evaporator (or cooler) and a thermoelectric element. The evaporator may be located adjacent to or in contact with the tray. Alternatively, cold air cooled by the cooling unit may be supplied to the tray and converted into water ice in the ice-making cell.

The cooling unit may cool the first tray. The cooling unit may cool the second tray. The cooling unit may cool the first tray and the second tray independently or simultaneously.

The cooling unit may optionally include a valve for controlling the flow of refrigerant, a fan for flowing cold air, or a damper for controlling the flow of cold air within the two spaces.

The controller may adjust the cooling power (or output) of the cooling unit. The cooling power of the cooling unit may be the output of the thermoelectric element, the amount of cold supplied to the tray, or the cooling power of the compressor. (output or frequency), or it may be the amount of refrigerant flowing into the evaporator.The cold may include at least cold air.

The moving unit includes a heater for heating the tray, a pusher for pressurizing at least a portion of the tray, a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows inside to heat the tray, and a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the outside of the tray. , may include one or more driving units for moving at least a portion of the tray.

The moving unit may separate ice from each of the first tray and the second tray independently or simultaneously separate ice from the first tray and the second tray.

For example, the power of the driving unit is transmitted simultaneously to the first tray and the second tray, the heat from the heater or the refrigerant pipe is transmitted simultaneously to the first tray and the second tray, or the water is transmitted to the first tray and the second tray. Can be delivered simultaneously.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an ice making device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a front view showing the door of the ice making device according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an open state. Figure 3 is a cutaway view showing the inside of the ice making device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the interior of an ice making device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a refrigerant cycle diagram constituting a cooling unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the ice making device 1 of this embodiment can be installed independently to produce ice.

The ice making device 1 may include a cabinet 10 that forms an external shape. The ice making device 1 may further include a door 20 connected to the cabinet 10.

The cabinet 10 may include an ice-making chamber 12 that forms ice. The cabinet 10 may further include a storage compartment 13 where ice is stored.

The ice-making chamber 12 and the storage chamber 13 may be partitioned by a partition member. The ice-making chamber 12 and the storage chamber 13 may be communicated through a communication hole in the partition member. Alternatively, the ice-making chamber 12 and the storage chamber 13 may be communicated without a partition member.

Alternatively, the ice-making chamber 12 may include the storage chamber 13, or the storage chamber 13 may include the ice-making chamber 12.

The cabinet 10 may include a front opening 102. The door 20 can open and close the front opening 102. For example, the door 20 may open and close the front opening 102 by rotating it.

When the door 20 opens the front opening 102, the user can access the storage compartment 13 through the front opening 102. The user can take out the ice stored in the storage compartment 13 to the outside through the front opening 102.

The ice making device 1 may further include an ice making unit 40 located in the ice making chamber 12 .

Ice generated in the ice making unit 40 may fall from the ice making unit 40 and be stored in the storage compartment 13.

The cabinet 10 may include an inner case 101 forming the ice-making chamber 12. The cabinet 1 may further include an outer case 110 disposed outside the inner case 101.

Although not shown, an insulating material may be provided between the inner case 101 and the outer case 100.

The inner case 101 may additionally form the storage compartment 13.

The ice-making chamber 12 may be formed on one side of the inner case 101.

The ice making unit 40 may be located close to the rear wall 101a of the inner case 101. When the ice making unit 40 is located close to the rear wall 101a of the inner case 101, the usability of the storage compartment 13 can be increased.

To facilitate the user's access to the storage compartment 13, ice produced in the ice making unit 40 may fall in a direction closer to the door 20.

The cabinet 10 may further include a machine room 18 divided from the storage room 13. For example, the machine room 18 may be located on one side of the storage room 13.

Although not limited, a portion of the storage room 13 may be located between the ice making room 12 and the machine room 18. The volume of the storage room 13 may be larger than the volume of the ice-making room 12 and the volume of the machine room 18.

The machine room 18 may be placed outside the inner case 101.

The inner case 101 may include a bottom wall 104 that forms the bottom of the storage compartment 13. The machine room 18 may be located on one side of the bottom wall 104.

The bottom wall 104 may be provided with a drain hole 105 for discharging water.

Part of the cooling unit may be located in the machine room 18. For example, the cooling unit may be a refrigerant cycle for circulating refrigerant.

The cooling unit may include a compressor 183, a condenser 184, an expander 186, and a cooler 50. The cooler 50 may be an evaporator through which refrigerant flows.

In this embodiment, the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle may be controlled by the valve 188. The refrigerant cycle may include a bypass pipe 187 for bypassing the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 183 to the inlet side of the cooler 50. The valve 188 may be provided in the bypass pipe 187.

When the valve 188 is turned off, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 183 can flow directly to the condenser 184. When the valve 188 is turned on, some or all of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 183 may be bypassed through the bypass pipe 187 and flow directly into the cooler 50. Although not limited, the refrigerant from the compressor 183 may flow to the evaporator during the moving process.

The refrigerant flowing through the cooler 50 may flow through the accumulator 189 and then into the compressor 183.

The compressor 183 and the condenser 184 may be located in the machine room 18. The machine room 18 may be equipped with a condenser fan 185 to allow air to pass through the condenser 184. The condenser fan 185 may be disposed between the condenser 184 and the compressor 183, for example.

A front grill 180 in which an air hole 182 is formed may be provided on the front of the cabinet 10. A plurality of air holes 182 may be formed in the front grill 180. The front grill 180 may be located on one side of the front opening 102. When the door 20 closes the front opening 102, the door 20 may cover a portion of the front grill 180.

The cooler 50 may include

refrigerant pipes

510 and 520 through which refrigerant flows. At least a portion of the cooler 50 may be located in the ice-making chamber 12 .

At least a portion of the cooler 50 may be in contact with the ice making unit 40 . That is, the water supplied to the ice-making unit 40 may be phase-changed into ice by the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the cooler 50. Alternatively, the cooler 50 may be located adjacent to the ice making unit 40.

A method in which the cooler 50 directly contacts the ice making unit 40 to generate ice may be referred to as a direct cooling method.

As another example, air that has exchanged heat with the cooler 50 is supplied to the ice-making unit 40, and the water in the ice-making unit 40 can be phase-changed into ice by the cooling air. The method of creating ice by supplying cooling air can be called an indirect cooling method or an air cooling method. In the case of the indirect cooling method, it is possible that the cooler 50 is not located in the ice-making chamber 12. However, additionally, a guide duct that guides the cooling air heat-exchanged with the cooler 50 to the ice-making chamber 12 may be provided.

In the first embodiment, ice is created using a direct cooling method as an example.

In this embodiment, the ice making unit 40 may produce a single type of ice or at least two different types of ice.

Hereinafter, it will be described as an example that the ice making unit 40 produces at least two different types of ice.

The ice making unit 40 may include a first tray unit 410 for forming a first type of first ice (I1). The ice making unit 40 may further include a second tray unit 450 for forming a second type of ice (I2) different from the first type.

The first ice (I1) and the second ice (I2) may differ in one or more of shape, size, transparency, etc.

Hereinafter, the first ice (I1) is polygonal ice, and the second ice (I2) is spherical ice.

The storage compartment may include a first storage space 132. The storage compartment may further include a second storage space 134.

Ice generated in the first tray unit 410 may be stored in the first storage space 132. Ice generated in the second tray unit 450 may be stored in the second storage space 134.

Although not limited, the second storage space 134 may be defined by the ice bin 14. That is, the internal space of the ice bin 14 may serve as the second storage space 134. The ice bin 14 may be fixed or detachably coupled to the inner case 101.

The ice bin 14 may also be referred to as a partition member that divides the storage compartment 13 into the first storage space 132 and the second storage space 134.

The volume of the first storage space 132 may be larger than the volume of the second storage space 134. Although not limited, the size of the first ice (I1) stored in the first storage space (132) may be smaller than the size of the second ice (I2) stored in the second storage space (134).

The front of the ice bin 14 may be arranged to be spaced apart from one side of the front opening 102 . The bottom surface of the ice bin 14 may be spaced apart from the bottom wall 104 of the storage compartment 13.

Accordingly, the first ice (I1) may be located on one side of the ice bin (14). The first ice (I1) may also be located on the other side of the ice bin (14). The first ice I1 stored in the first storage space 132 may surround the ice bin 14.

The bottom wall 104 of the storage compartment 13 may form the floor of the second storage space 134.

The bottom wall 104 of the storage compartment 13 may be positioned lower than one end 102a of the front opening 102. The bottom surface of the ice bin 14 may be positioned higher than the end 102a of the front opening 102.

The ice bin 14 may be located adjacent to one side (left side in the drawing) of the left and right sides of the inner case 101. The second tray unit 450 may be located adjacent to one side. Accordingly, ice separated from the second tray unit 450 may be stored in the second storage space 134 of the ice bin 14. Ice separated from the first tray unit 410 may be stored in the first storage space 132 outside the second storage space 134.

When the amount of first ice stored in the first storage space 132 increases, the first ice is prevented from being unintentionally discharged through the front opening 102 when the door 20 is opened. , the cabinet 10 may further include the opening cover 16. The opening cover 16 may be rotatably disposed on the inner case 101. The opening cover 16 may cover one side of the front opening 102.

The opening cover 16 can be accommodated inside the storage compartment 13 when the door 20 is closed. When the door 20 is opened, the other end of the opening cover 16 may be rotated so that the other end protrudes to the outside of the storage compartment 13.

The opening cover 16 may be elastically supported by, for example, an elastic member (not shown). When the door 20 is opened, the opening cover 16 can be rotated by the elastic member.

The opening cover 16 may be formed in a convex shape toward the door 20 . Accordingly, although not limited, the first ice may be filled in the first storage space 132 up to the end 16a of the opening cover 16.

When the opening cover 16 is rotated, a portion of the first ice is drawn out of the storage compartment 13 while being located within the convex portion of the opening cover 16, so that the user can easily collect the first ice. There are advantages that can be acquired.

Of course, it is also possible to omit the opening cover 16 by varying the height of one end 102a of the front opening 102.

The cabinet 10 may further include a guide 70 that guides the ice separated from the ice making unit 40 to the storage compartment 13 .

The guide 70 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the ice making unit 40 . The guide 70 may guide the first ice I1 separated from the first tray unit 410. The guide 70 may guide the second ice I2 separated from the second tray unit 450.

For example, the guide 70 may include a first guide 710. The guide 70 may further include a second guide 730.

The first ice I1 separated from the first tray unit 410 may fall onto the first guide 710. The first ice (I1) may be moved to the first storage space (132) by the first guide (710).

The second ice I2 separated from the second tray unit 450 may fall onto the second guide 730. The second ice I2 may be moved to the second storage space 134 by the second guide 730.

One end of the ice bin 14 may be positioned adjacent to one end of the second guide 730 so that the second ice I2 is moved to the second storage space 134.

The ice making device 1 may further include a partition plate 80 to prevent the first ice and the second ice falling on the guide 70 from mixing. The partition plate 80 extends in the vertical direction and may be coupled to the guide 70 or the ice making unit 40.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing a water supply path in the ice making device according to this embodiment, and Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams showing water being supplied to the ice making unit.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8 , the ice making device 1 may include a water supply passage for guiding water supplied from the water supply source 302 to the ice making unit 40 .

The water supply flow path may include a first flow path 303 connected to the water supply source 302. A water supply valve 304 may be provided in the first flow passage 303. By operating the water supply valve 304, the supply of water from the water supply source 302 to the ice maker 1 can be controlled. The supply flow rate when water is supplied to the ice maker 1 can be controlled by operating the water supply valve 304.

The water supply passage may further include a second passage 305 connected to the water supply valve 304. The second flow path 305 may be connected to the filter 306. The filter 306 may be located in the machine room 18, for example.

The water supply passage may further include a third passage 308 that guides the water that has passed through the filter 306.

The ice making device 1 may further include a water supply mechanism 320. The water supply mechanism 320 may be connected to the third flow path 308.

The water supply mechanism 320 may supply water to the ice-making unit 40 during the water supply process.

The ice making device 1 may further include a water supply unit 330. The water supply unit 330 may supply water to the ice making unit 40 during the ice making process. The water supply unit 330 may store water supplied from the water supply mechanism 320 and supply it to the ice making unit 40 .

In this embodiment, the water supply mechanism 320 may be referred to as a first water supply unit. The water supply unit 730 may be referred to as a second water supply unit.

The water supply mechanism 320 may be located on one side of the ice making unit 40. Water supplied from the water supply mechanism 320 may fall into the ice making unit 40.

The water supply unit 330 may be located on the other side of the ice making unit 40.

The water supply unit 330 is spaced apart from the water supply mechanism 320 and can store water supplied from the water supply mechanism 320 and supply it to the ice making unit 40 .

6 to 8, the dotted line shows the flow of water supplied from the water supply mechanism 320, and the solid line shows the flow of water supplied from the water supply unit 330.

The water supply unit 330 may include a water storage unit 350 in which water is stored. The ice making unit 40 may include one or more passage holes 426 through which water passes. The water supplied from the water supply mechanism 320 and dropped toward the ice-making unit 40 may be stored in the water storage unit 350 after passing through the passage hole 426. The guide 70 may be provided with a plurality of through holes through which water passing through the ice making unit 40 passes.

When the water supply valve 304 is turned on, the water supplied from the water supply mechanism 320 falls into the ice-making unit 40, passes through the ice-making unit 40, and is stored in the water storage unit 350. You can.

The water storage unit 350 may be provided with a water level detection unit 356 that detects the water level. When the water level of the water storage unit 350 detected by the water level detection unit 356 reaches the reference water level, the water supply valve 304 may be turned off.

In this specification, the process from when the water supply valve 304 is turned on to when the water supply valve 304 is turned off may be referred to as a water supply process. For example, the water supply valve 304 may be turned off when the water level of the water storage unit 350 detected by the water level detection unit 356 reaches the reference water level.

The water supply unit 330 may further include water pumps 360 and 362 for pumping water stored in the water storage unit 350.

In this embodiment, in the ice-making process, the water stored in the water storage unit 350 may be pumped by the water pumps 360 and 362 and supplied to the ice-making unit 40.

The water pumps 360 and 362 may include a first pump 360. The water pumps 360 and 362 may further include a second pump 362. When the first pump 360 operates, water may be supplied to the first tray unit 410. When the second pump 362 operates, water may be supplied to the second tray unit 450.

The first pump 360 and the second pump 362 may operate independently. The pumping capacities of the first pump 360 and the second pump 362 may be the same or different.

The water supply unit 330 may further include

first connection pipes

352 and 354 connecting each of the

pumps

360 and 362 and the water storage unit 350.

The

first connection pipes

352 and 354 may be connected to the water storage unit 350 at the same or similar height to the bottom of the water storage unit 350.

The water supply unit 330 may further include a first water supply unit 380 for supplying water pumped by the first pump 360 to the first tray unit 410.

The water supply unit 330 may further include a second water supply unit 382 for supplying water pumped by the second pump 362 to the second tray unit 450.

The first water supply unit 380 may supply water to the first tray unit 410 from one side of the first tray unit 410.

The second water supply unit 382 may supply water to the second tray unit 450 from one side of the second tray unit 450.

The first water supply unit 380 and the second water supply unit 382 may be located on one side of the guide 70.

The water supply unit 330 may further include

second connection pipes

370 and 372 connecting each of the

pumps

360 and 362 and each of the

water supply units

380 and 382.

The water supplied from the first water supply unit 380 to the first tray unit 410 can be used to create ice. The water that falls again from the first tray unit 410 may be stored in the water storage unit 350 after passing through the guide 70.

The water supplied from the second water supply unit 382 to the second tray unit 450 can be used to create ice. The water that falls again from the second tray unit 450 may be stored in the water storage unit 350 after passing through the guide 70.

A drain pipe 360 may be connected to the water storage unit 350. The drain pipe 360 may extend through the drain hole 105 into the machine room 18. The machine room 18 may be provided with a drain tube 362 connected to the drain tube 360. The dray tube 362 can ultimately discharge water to the outside of the ice making device 1.

Hereinafter, the ice making unit 40 will be described in detail.

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the first tray unit and the second tray unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views showing the ice making unit and cooler according to the first embodiment of the present invention. am.

Figure 12 is a bottom view of an ice making unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 13 , the cooler 50 may contact the ice making unit 40. For example, the cooler 50 may be located on one side of the ice making unit 40.

The ice making unit 40 may include a first tray unit 410 and a second tray unit 450 as described above.

The first tray unit 410 and the second tray unit 450 may be arranged in a horizontal direction. It is also possible for the first tray unit 410 and the second tray unit 450 to be arranged in the vertical direction. The first tray unit 410 and the second tray unit 450 may be installed in the cabinet 10 while being connected to each other. That is, the first tray unit 410 and the second tray unit 450 can be modularized.

As another example, the first tray unit 410 and the second tray unit 450 may be installed in the cabinet 10 in a separated state. The first tray unit 410 and the second tray unit 450 may be positioned close to each other in the horizontal direction.

The first tray unit 410 may include a first ice making cell 440.

In this embodiment, the ice-making cell refers to a space where ice is generated. One ice can be created in one ice-making cell.

The first tray unit 410 may include a first tray. The first tray may include a first tray body 420. The first tray may further include a second tray body 430 coupled to the first tray body 420.

For example, the first tray may form a plurality of first ice-making cells 440. A plurality of second tray bodies 430 may be coupled to the first tray body 420.

The first ice making cell 440 may be defined by one cell or by a plurality of cells. For example, the first ice-making cell 440 may include a first one-side cell 442 and a first other-side cell 441. Although not limited, the first one-side cell may be either a first lower cell or a first upper cell. The first other cell may be another one of the first lower cell and the first upper cell. The first one-side cell may be either a first left cell or a first right cell. The first other cell may be another one of the first left cell and the first right cell. Although not limited, it is possible for the terms of the first one-side cell and the first other-side cell to be opposite.

The first other side cell 441 may be formed by the first tray body 420. The first one-side cell 442 may be formed by the second tray body 430.

For example, the first tray body 420 may form a plurality of first other side cells 441. Each of the plurality of second tray bodies 430 may form a first one-side cell 442.

Accordingly, when the plurality of second tray bodies 430 are coupled to a single first tray body 420, a plurality of first ice making cells 440 can be formed.

The first tray body 420 may include a first opening 423. The first opening 423 communicates with the first other cell 441.

The number of first openings 423 is the same as the number of first ice making cells 440.

The first one-side cell 442 may form one side of the first ice. The first other side cell 441 may form the other side exterior of the first ice.

After the second tray body 430 is coupled to the first tray body 420, separation of the second tray body 430 from the first tray body 420 may be restricted.

Water supplied from the first water supply unit 380 may pass through the first opening 423 and be supplied to the first ice making cell 440. Accordingly, the first opening 423 may serve as a water supply opening during the ice-making process.

A portion of the water supplied to the first ice making cell 440 may fall to the lower part of the first tray unit 410 through the first opening 423. Accordingly, the first opening 423 may serve as a water discharge opening during the ice-making process.

Ice generated in the first ice-making cell 440 may be separated from the first tray unit 410 through the first opening 423 during the ice-moving process. Accordingly, the first opening 423 may serve as an ice discharge opening during the moving process.

Each of the first one-side cell 442 and the first other side cell 442 may be formed, for example, in a hexahedral shape. The volume of the first one-side cell 442 and the volume of the first other cell 441 may be the same or different.

After the first ice is generated in the first ice making cell 440, the perimeter (or cross-sectional area) of the first other side cell 441 is defined as above so that the ice can be discharged through the first opening 423. It may be larger than the perimeter (or cross-sectional area) of the first one-side cell 442.

That is, during the water supply process, ice-making process, or moving process, the first tray body 420 and the second tray body 430 are maintained in a coupled state, so that the shape of the first ice-making cell 440 can be maintained. .

The cooler 50 may be in contact with the second tray body 430 so that ice is first created in the first one-side cell 442.

The first tray body 420 may include passage holes 421 and 425 for water to pass through.

The second tray unit 450 may include a second tray forming a second ice-making cell 451.

The second tray may be defined by one tray or by multiple trays. For example, the second tray may include one side tray 460 and the other side tray 470. Although not limited, the one side tray may be an upper tray, a left tray, or a first tray portion. The other tray 470 may be a lower tray, a right tray, or a second tray. It is also possible that the terms for one tray 460 and the other tray 470 are opposite to each other.

The second ice making cell 451 may be defined by one cell or by a plurality of cells. For example, the second ice-making cell 451 may include a second one-side cell 462 and a second other-side cell 472.

The one side tray 460 may form the second one side cell 462. The other side tray 470 may form the second other side cell 472. Each of the second one-side cell 462 and the second other side cell 272 may be formed in a hemispherical shape, for example.

For example, the second tray may form a plurality of second ice-making cells 451. Accordingly, the one side tray 460 can form a plurality of second one side cells 462. The other side tray 470 may form a plurality of second side cells 472.

A portion of the first ice making cell 440 may be located at the same height as the second ice making cell 451. For example, at least a portion of the first ice making cell 440 may be arranged to overlap the second ice making cell 451 in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, at least a portion of the first ice making cell 440 may be arranged to overlap the second ice making cell 451 in the vertical direction.

The second ice making cell 451 may be disposed between the rotation center C1 of the other tray 470 and the first ice making cell 440.

The height of one end of the first ice making cell 440 and one end of the second ice making cell 451 may be different. For example, one end of the first ice making cell 440 may be positioned lower than one end of the second ice making cell 451.

The height of the other end of the first ice making cell 440 and the other end of the second ice making cell 451 may be different. For example, the other end of the first ice making cell 440 may be positioned higher than the other end of the second ice making cell 451.

The contact surface of the one tray 460 and the other tray 470 may have a different height from the joining portion of the first tray body 420 and the second tray body 430. For example, the contact surface of the one tray 460 and the other tray 470 may be positioned higher than the joint portion of the first tray body 420 and the second tray body 430.

The height of the first ice making cell 440 and the height of the second ice making cell 451 may be different. For example, the height of the first ice making cell 440 may be smaller than the height of the second ice making cell 451.

The maximum circumference of the first ice making cell 440 may be different from the maximum circumference of the second ice making cell 451. For example, the maximum circumference of the first ice making cell 440 may be smaller than the maximum circumference of the second ice making cell 451.

The number of first ice making cells 440 may be different from the number of second ice making cells 451. For example, the number of first ice making cells 440 may be greater than the number of second ice making cells 451.

The volume of the first ice making cell 440 may be different from the volume of the second ice making cell 451. The volume of the first ice making cell 440 may be smaller than the volume of the second ice making cell 451.

The sum of the volumes of the plurality of first ice-making chambers 440 may be different from the sum of the volumes of the plurality of second ice-making cells 451. For example, the sum of the volumes of the plurality of first ice-making chambers 440 may be greater than the sum of the volumes of the plurality of second ice-making cells 451.

The heat exchange area of the first tray unit 410 and the first refrigerant pipe 510 may be larger than the heat exchange area of the second tray unit 450 and the second refrigerant pipe 520.

The other tray 470 may include a second opening 473.

The water supply process and the ice making process may be performed while the one tray 460 and the other tray 470 are in contact to form the second ice making cell 451.

Water supplied from the second water supply unit 382 may pass through the second opening 473 and be supplied to the second ice making cell 451. Accordingly, the second opening 473 may serve as a water supply opening during the ice-making process.

Some of the water supplied to the second ice making cell 451 may fall to the lower part of the second tray unit 450 through the second opening 473. Accordingly, the second opening 473 may serve as a water discharge opening during the ice-making process.

In the moving process, the other tray 470 may be moved relative to the one tray 460.

The first opening 423 and the second opening 473 may be located at different heights. For example, the first opening 423 may be located higher than the second opening 473.

The second tray unit 450 may further include a case 452 supporting the one side tray 460.

A portion of the one side tray 460 may penetrate the case 452 from one side. Another part of the one side tray 460 may be seated in the case 452 .

A driving unit 690 for moving the other tray 470 may be installed in the case 452.

The case 452 may include a peripheral portion 453. The peripheral portion 453 may be provided with a seating end 454. The seating end 454 may be seated on the first tray unit 410. For example, the seating end 454 may be seated on the first tray body 420.

The case 452 may be formed with a passage hole 456 for water to pass through.

The second tray unit 450 may further include a supporter 480 that supports the other tray 470.

With the other tray 470 seated on the supporter 480, the supporter 480 and the other tray 470 may be moved together. For example, the supporter 480 may be movably connected to the one side tray 460.

The supporter 480 may include a supporter opening 482a through which water passes. The supporter opening 482a may be aligned with the second opening 473.

The diameter of the supporter opening 482a may be larger than the diameter of the second opening 473.

The first ice can be discharged from the first ice making cell through the first opening 423. On the other hand, the second ice cannot be discharged from the second ice making cell through the second opening 473.

In the case of the first tray in this embodiment, the first ice may be discharged from the first ice-making cell through the first opening 423 during the moving process, so the first tray is an open type tray. ) can be named.

In the case of an open type tray, the diameter or size of the opening may be the same as or larger than the diameter or size of the first ice making cell.

On the other hand, in the case of the second tray, since the second ice cannot be discharged to the outside from the second ice making cell through the second opening 473, the second tray is called a closed type tray. You can name it.

In the case of a closed type tray, in order to separate ice, one or more of the one tray 460 and the other tray 470 may be moved or the one tray 460 and the other tray 470 may be configured to be separated from each other. In this embodiment, the movement of the other tray 470 will be described as an example.

The second tray unit 450 may further include a pusher 490 for separating ice from the other tray 470 during the moving process. The pusher 490 may be installed in the case 452, for example.

The pusher 490 may include a pushing bar 492. When the other tray 470 and the supporter 480 are moved during the moving process, the pushing bar 492 can press the other tray 470 by penetrating the supporter opening 482a of the supporter 480. there is. When the other tray 470 is pressed by the pushing bar 492, the shape of the other tray 470 is deformed and the second ice may be separated from the other tray 470. To enable deformation of the other tray 470, the other tray 470 may be formed of a non-metallic material. In terms of ease of deformation, the other tray 470 may be formed of a flexible material.

Meanwhile, the cooler 50 may include a first refrigerant pipe 510 that is in contact with the first tray unit 410 or located adjacent to the first tray unit 410.

The cooler 50 may further include a second refrigerant pipe 520 located adjacent to or in contact with the second tray unit 450.

The first refrigerant pipe 510 and the second refrigerant pipe 520 may be connected in series or in parallel. In the first embodiment, the first refrigerant pipe 510 and the second refrigerant pipe 520 are connected in series as an example.

The first refrigerant pipe 510 may include the first inlet pipe 511. The first inlet pipe 511 may be located on one side of the first tray body 420. The first inlet pipe 511 may extend at a position adjacent to the driving unit 690. The first inlet pipe 511 may extend from one side of the driving unit 690. That is, the first inlet pipe 511 may extend in the space between the driving unit 690 and the rear wall 101a of the inner case 101.

The first refrigerant pipe 510 may further include a first bent pipe 512 extending from the first inlet pipe 511.

The first coolant pipe 510 may further include a first cooling pipe 513 extending from the first bent pipe 512.

The first cooling pipe 513 may be in contact with one surface of the second tray body 430. Accordingly, the second tray body 430 can be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the first cooling pipe 513.

The first cooling pipe 513 may include a plurality of straight portions 513a. The first cooling pipe 513 may further include a curved connecting portion 513b connecting ends of two adjacent straight portions 513a.

The first inlet pipe 511 may be located adjacent to the boundary between the first tray unit 410 and the second tray unit 450. The first cooling pipe 513 may extend from the boundary portion in a direction away from the second tray unit 450.

One straight portion may contact the upper surfaces of the plurality of second tray bodies 430.

The plurality of straight portions 513a may be arranged at substantially the same height.

The first coolant pipe 510 may further include a first connection pipe 514 extending from the end of the first cooling pipe 513. The first connection pipe 514 may extend to be lower in height than the first cooling pipe 513.

The first refrigerant pipe 510 may further include a second cooling pipe 515 connected to the first connection pipe 514. The second cooling pipe 515 may be located lower than the first cooling pipe 513.

The second cooling pipe 515 may contact the side of the second tray body 430.

The second cooling pipe 515 may include a plurality of

straight portions

515a and 515b. The second cooling pipe 515 may include a curved connecting portion 515c connecting two adjacent

straight portions

515a and 515b.

The plurality of second tray bodies 430 may be arranged in a plurality of columns and rows.

Among the plurality of

straight parts

515a and 515b, some straight parts 515a may contact one side of the second tray body 430 in one row. Among the plurality of

straight parts

515a and 515b, some other straight parts 515b may contact the second tray bodies 430 of two adjacent rows, respectively.

For example, some of the straight portions 515a may contact the first side of the second tray body in the first row. For example, the other straight portions 515b may contact the second side of the second tray body in the first row and the first side of the second tray body in the second row.

The first refrigerant pipe 510 may further include a first discharge pipe 516. The first discharge pipe 516 may extend from the end of the second cooling pipe 515. The first discharge pipe 516 may extend toward the second tray unit 450. The height of the first discharge pipe 516 may be variable in the direction in which it extends.

The second refrigerant pipe 520 may receive refrigerant from the first discharge pipe 516. The second refrigerant pipe 520 may be a pipe formed integrally with the first discharge pipe 516 or may be a pipe combined with the second discharge pipe 516.

The second refrigerant pipe 520 may include a second inlet pipe 522 connected to the first discharge pipe 516. The second inlet pipe 522 may be located on the opposite side of the driving unit 690 in the second tray unit 450.

The second coolant pipe 520 may further include a third cooling pipe 523. The third cooling pipe 523 may extend from the second inlet pipe 522.

A portion of the second refrigerant pipe 520 (for example, the third cooling pipe 523) may be positioned higher than one end of the second ice-making cell 451.

The third cooling pipe 523 may contact the one side tray 460. Accordingly, the one side tray 460 can be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the third cooling pipe 523. For example, the third cooling pipe 523 may contact one surface of the one side tray 460.

The water supply mechanism 320 may be positioned higher than the third cooling pipe 523.

The third cooling pipe 523 may include a plurality of straight portions 523a. The third cooling pipe 523 may further include a curved connecting portion 523b connecting two adjacent straight portions 523a.

One or more of the plurality of straight portions 523a may extend in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of second ice making cells 451. The plurality of straight portions 523a may overlap the second ice making cell 451 in the first direction. Some of the plurality of straight portions 523a may overlap the second opening 473 in the first direction. The first direction may be an arrangement direction of one side cell and the other side cell forming the second ice making cell 451.

The third cooling pipe 523 may be located higher than the first cooling pipe 513. The third cooling pipe 523 may be located higher than the second cooling pipe 515.

The second coolant pipe 520 may further include a second bent pipe 524 extending from the end of the third cooling pipe 523. A portion of the second bent pipe 524 may extend from the end of the third cooling pipe 523 along one side of the driving unit 690.

Another part of the second bent pipe 524 may extend in the other direction.

The second refrigerant pipe 520 may further include a second discharge pipe 525 connected to the second bent pipe 524. At least a portion of the second discharge pipe 525 may extend parallel to the first inlet pipe 511. The second discharge pipe 525 may be located on one side of the driving unit 690. That is, the second discharge pipe 525 may extend in the space between the driving unit 690 and the rear wall 101a of the inner case 101.

At least a portion of the second discharge pipe 525 may be aligned with the first inlet pipe 511 in the first direction.

At least a portion of the second discharge pipe 525 may overlap the first inlet pipe 511 in the first direction. At least a portion of the second discharge pipe 525 may be located on one side of the first inlet pipe 511.

In this embodiment, the water supply mechanism 320 may supply water to the ice making unit 40 during the water supply process. The water supply mechanism 320 may supply water to the ice-making unit 40 during the moving process.

When ice making is completed in the ice making unit 40, the ice making unit 40 may be maintained at a temperature below zero. The water supply mechanism 320 may supply water supplied from an external water supply source 302 to the ice making unit 40 . Since the water supplied from the external water supply source 302 is at room temperature or at a temperature similar to room temperature, water is supplied from the water supply device 320 to the ice making unit 40 during the ice-making process in order to increase the temperature of the ice making unit 40. can be supplied.

Figure 14 is a control block diagram of the ice making device of the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the process in which water is supplied from the water supply unit to the ice making unit during the ice making process. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the ice making unit in the moving process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16 , the ice making device 1 may further include a controller 190. The controller 190 may control the water supply valve 304 during the water supply process.

The controller 190 can control the cooling unit during the ice making process.

Although not limited, the controller 190 may control the output of one or more of the compressor 183 and the condenser fan 185 (or fan driver).

The controller 190 may control the first pump 360 and/or the second pump 362 during the ice making process. The controller 190 can independently control the first pump 360 and the second pump 362.

The controller 190 can control the moving unit during the moving process. For example, the moving unit may include one or more of the water supply mechanism 320 and the

refrigerant pipes

510 and 520. The controller 190 may control water discharge from the water supply mechanism 320 by controlling the water supply valve 304 during the moving process. The controller 190 may control the valve 188 to allow high-temperature refrigerant to flow into the

refrigerant pipes

510 and 520 during the moving process.

The ice making device 1 may further include a first temperature sensor 191 for detecting the temperature of the first ice making cell 440 or the temperature around the first ice making cell 440.

The ice making device 1 may further include a second temperature sensor 192 for detecting the temperature of the second ice making cell 451 or the temperature around the second ice making cell 441.

The controller 190 may determine whether ice making in the first tray unit 410 is complete based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 191.

The controller 190 may determine whether ice making in the second tray unit 450 is complete based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 192.

Hereinafter, a series of processes by which ice is created in an ice-making unit will be described.

The process for producing ice may include a watering process. The process for generating ice may further include an ice-making process. The process for generating ice may further include a moving process.

When the water supply process begins, the water supply valve 304 is turned on and water supplied from the external water supply source 302 flows along the water supply passage. The water flowing along the water supply passage is supplied to the ice-making unit 40 through the water supply mechanism 320.

The water supplied to the ice making unit 40 falls to the lower side of the ice making unit 40 and is stored in the water storage unit 350. When the level of water stored in the water storage unit 350 reaches the reference level, the water supply valve 304 may be turned off to end the water supply process.

After the water supply process is completed, the ice making process begins.

In the ice-making process, the cooling unit operates and low-temperature refrigerant may flow into the cooler 50. For example, the compressor 183 may be turned on (S2). Of course, the condenser fan 185 can also be turned on. Alternatively, the compressor 183 and the condenser fan 185 may be turned on before the ice making process and remain turned on during the ice making process. The valve 188 can be turned off.

In the ice-making process, water may be supplied to the ice-making unit 40 by the water supply unit 330.

The controller 190 can turn on the

pumps

360 and 362 simultaneously or sequentially.

For example, when the first pump 360 operates, water may be supplied to the first tray unit 410 through the first water supply unit 380.

The first water supply unit 380 may include a first water supply nozzle 381. The second water supply unit 382 may include a second water supply nozzle 383.

The first water nozzle 381 is located on one side of the first tray unit 410. Water sprayed from the first water nozzle 381 may be supplied to the first ice-making cell 440 of the first tray unit 410.

Water sprayed from the first water nozzle 381 may be supplied to the first ice making cell 440 through the first opening 423 of the first tray body 420.

The water supplied to the first ice-making cell 440 flows toward one surface of the second tray body 430. Some of the water in the first ice-making cell 440 may be frozen by the first refrigerant pipe 510. Water that is not frozen by the first refrigerant pipe 510 falls downward again through the first opening 423. The water that falls downward through the first opening 423 is stored in the water storage unit 350 again.

During the ice-making process, ice is generated on one side of the first ice-making cell 440 and grows on the other side. As water is sprayed into the first ice-making cell 440, a portion of the water is frozen. In the process of spraying water into ice generated in the first tray body 420 or the second tray body 430, air bubbles in the water are formed. may be released from the water.

When the second pump 362 operates, water may be supplied to the second tray unit 450 through the second water supply unit 382.

The second water nozzle 383 is located on one side of the second tray unit 450. Water sprayed from the second water nozzle 383 may be supplied to the second ice making cell 451 of the second tray unit 450.

The water sprayed from the second water nozzle 383 enters the second ice-making cell 451 through the supporter opening 482a of the supporter 480 and the second opening 473 of the other tray 470. can be supplied.

The water supplied to the second ice making cell 451 flows toward the inside of the one side tray 460. Some of the water in the second ice making cell 451 may be frozen by the second refrigerant pipe 520. Water that is not frozen by the second refrigerant pipe 520 falls downward again through the second opening 473. The water that falls downward through the second opening 473 is stored in the water storage unit 350 again.

Meanwhile, when two refrigerant pipes are connected in series, the temperature of the refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows first is lower than the temperature of the refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows later.

In this embodiment, when the heat exchange area of the first tray unit 410 and the first refrigerant pipe 510 is larger than the heat exchange area of the second tray unit 450 and the second refrigerant pipe 520, It may be desirable for the refrigerant to flow through the first refrigerant pipe 510 first.

If the refrigerant flows through the second refrigerant pipe 520 first, the temperature difference between the water supplied to the second tray unit and the ice supplied from the refrigerant pipe to the second tray unit is large, causing cracks to occur during the ice creation process. It can happen. However, when the refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant pipe 510 first, as in this embodiment, the occurrence of cracks during the ice creation process can be reduced.

When the volume of the first ice-making cell 440 is smaller than the volume of the second ice-making cell 451, it may be desirable for the refrigerant to flow through the first refrigerant pipe 510 first.

Ice is generated at one end of each ice-making cell (440, 451) and grows toward the other side. As the thickness of the ice increases, the ice acts as thermal resistance and heat conduction efficiency decreases. If the refrigerant first flows through the second refrigerant pipe 520 for cooling the large-volume ice-making cell 451, the tray temperature is lowered, but the ice acts as a thermal resistance, and the temperature of the water supplied toward the ice There is a risk of cracks forming in the ice as the difference between tray temperatures increases.

However, when the refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant pipe 510 first, as in this embodiment, the occurrence of cracks during the ice creation process can be reduced.

When the total volume of the plurality of first ice-making cells 440 is larger than the total volume of the plurality of second ice-making cells 451, it may be desirable for the refrigerant to flow through the first refrigerant pipe 510 first.

If the refrigerant is first supplied to the second refrigerant pipe 520 for cooling the second tray unit 450, which has a small total area of the ice making cell, the first tray unit 410 remains even after the ice making of the second tray unit 450 is completed. Since refrigerant must continuously flow through the second refrigerant pipe 520 for ice making, a problem of supercooling of the second tray unit may occur. However, when the refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant pipe 510 first, as in this embodiment, the subcooling phenomenon of one tray unit during the ice creation process may be reduced.

Since the loss of cold supplied from the refrigerant pipe is greater in an open type tray than in a closed type tray, it may be desirable for the refrigerant to first flow through the refrigerant pipe to cool the open type tray.

While the ice making process is being performed, the controller 190 may determine whether ice making is completed in the tray unit.

For example, the controller 190 may determine whether the temperature detected by the

temperature sensors

191 and 192 is lower than the end reference temperature. If the temperature detected by the

temperature sensors

191 and 192 is determined to be lower than the end reference temperature, the controller 190 may turn off the

pumps

360 and 362.

When the ice-making process is completed, the controller 190 can perform the ice-making process (S10).

When the moving process begins, first, the valve 188 may be turned on. When the valve 188 is turned on, high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 183 may flow into the cooler 50. The high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the cooler 50 may exchange heat with the ice-making unit 40. When high-temperature refrigerant flows into the cooler 50, heat may be transferred to the ice-making unit 40.

The first ice I1 may be separated from the first tray unit 410 by the heat transferred to the ice making unit 40. When the first ice (I1) is separated from the first tray unit (410), the first ice (I1) may fall onto the guide (70). The first ice I1 that fell to the guide 70 may be stored in the first storage space 132.

The second ice I2 may be separated from at least the surface of the one tray 460 by the heat transferred to the ice making unit 40.

As time passes, or when the temperature of each tray unit reaches a set temperature, the flow of high-temperature refrigerant to the cooler 50 may be blocked.

Next, the driving unit 690 may operate to separate the second ice I2 from the second tray unit 450. By operating the driving unit 690, the other tray 470 can be moved in the forward direction (clockwise with respect to FIG. 16).

When the second ice (I2) is separated from the one tray 460 and the other tray 470 by the high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the cooler 50, the second ice (I2) is The other tray 470 may be moved while being supported on the other tray 470 . In this case, when the other tray 470 moves at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, the second ice I2 may fall from the other tray 470.

On the other hand, when the second ice (I2) has been separated from the one tray 460 but has not yet been separated from the other tray 470 by the high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the cooler 50, the second ice I2 is separated from the other tray 470. As the pusher 490 presses the other tray 470 in the process of moving the ice 470 by the moving angle, the second ice I2 may be separated from the other tray 470 and fall.

When the second ice I2 is separated from the second tray unit 450, the second ice I2 may fall onto the guide 70. The second ice I2 that fell to the guide 70 may be stored in the second storage space 134.

After the other side tray 470 is moved in the forward direction, the other side tray 470 is moved in the reverse direction (counterclockwise in the drawing) by the driving unit 690 to contact the one side tray 460. You can.

Meanwhile, it is possible for ice to be created simultaneously in the first tray and the second tray, or for ice to be created in one of the trays. For example, if one of two pumps is turned on and the other is turned off, ice can be produced in either tray.

When the difference between the ice making completion time in the first tray and the ice making completion time in the second tray is less than a predetermined value, the first and

second pumps

360 and 362 may operate simultaneously.

On the other hand, when the difference between the ice making completion time in the first tray and the ice making completion time in the second tray is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, any one of the first and

second pumps

360 and 362 may operate.

The user can select one of a mode in which ice is created in the first tray, a mode in which ice is created in the second tray, and a mode in which ice is created in each of the first tray and the second tray.

Meanwhile, at least one of the first tray and the second tray generates ice by spraying water, which is a method of creating ice while spraying water, as described above, or by supplying water to the ice-making cell and then using the supplied water. Ice can be created by storing it by cooling it to create ice.

When ice making is performed simultaneously on the first tray and the second tray, the controller 190 determines that the difference between the ice making completion time on the first tray and the ice making completion time on the second tray is less than or equal to the predetermined value. can be controlled to become

For example, the predetermined value may be set between 30 and 80 minutes. If the difference between the ice making completion time in the first tray and the ice making completion time in the second tray is greater than 80 minutes, there is a risk that the tray on which ice making was completed first may be overcooled.

The ice making completion time in the second tray may be greater than the ice making completion time in the first tray.

For example, the transparency of ice produced in the first tray may be lower than that of ice produced in the second tray. In the case of the first tray, ice can be created by spraying. In the case of the second tray, ice can be created using a storage method.

That is, water that has been supplied to the second ice-making cell may be cooled by the second refrigerant pipe to generate second ice. On the other hand, water continuously supplied to the first ice-making cell may be cooled by the first refrigerant pipe to generate first ice.

In this case, the ice making completion time in the second tray may be greater than the ice making completion time in the first tray.

Alternatively, heat may be supplied to the second tray during the ice-making process of the second tray so that the transparency of the ice generated in the second tray is higher than that of the ice generated in the first tray. For example, a heater may operate to supply heat to the second tray. In this case, the ice making completion time in the second tray may be greater than the ice making completion time in the first tray.

Alternatively, when the volume of one first ice making cell of the first tray is smaller than the volume of one second ice making cell of the second tray, the ice making completion time in the second tray is the time of completion of ice making in the first tray. It may be greater than the deicing completion time.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an ice-making unit and a cooler according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a refrigerant cycle diagram configuring a cooling unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other respects, but differs in that the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are connected in parallel. Therefore, hereinafter, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the same components as those of the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the ice making unit 40 according to this embodiment may include a first tray unit 410 and a second tray unit 450.

The refrigerant cycle constituting the cooling unit according to this embodiment may include a compressor 183, a condenser 184, and a flow control valve 540 that regulates the flow of refrigerant discharged from the condenser 184. .

The cooling unit may include the first expander 186a. The cooling unit may further include a second expander (186b). By the flow control valve 540, the refrigerant can flow to either the first expander (186a) or the second expander (186b), or to each of the first expander (186a) and the second expander (186b). .

The cooling unit of this embodiment may further include a cooler 50a through which the refrigerant that has passed through one or more of the first expander 186a and the second expander 186b flows.

The cooler 50a may include a first refrigerant pipe 510a connected to the first expander 186a. The cooler (50a) may further include a second refrigerant pipe (520a) connected to the second expander (186b).

The first refrigerant pipe 510a and the second refrigerant pipe 520a may be arranged in parallel.

As another example, it is possible for one expander to be connected to the condenser 184, and the flow control valve 540 to be provided on the outlet side of the expander.

In this case, the first refrigerant pipe 510a and the second refrigerant pipe 520a may be connected to the flow control valve 540 in parallel.

The cooling unit may further include a common refrigerant pipe 530 connected to the outlet side of each of the first refrigerant pipe 510a and the second refrigerant pipe 520a.

The cooling unit may include a common pipe 187c through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 183 is bypassed. The cooling unit may further include a bypass valve 188a provided in the common pipe 187c.

The cooling unit further includes first and second bypass pipes (187a, 187b) branched from the bypass valve (188a) to flow refrigerant into the first and second refrigerant pipes (510a, 520a). can do.

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 183 by the bypass valve 188 flows through one or more of the first and

second bypass pipes

187a and 187b, and flows through the first and second refrigerant pipes 510a. , 520a) may be supplied as one or more of the following.

In the case of this embodiment, the refrigerant can flow independently into the first refrigerant pipe 510a and the second refrigerant pipe 520a, so two types of ice can be generated simultaneously or only one type of ice can be generated. .

When the refrigerant flows to the first refrigerant pipe (510a) and the second refrigerant pipe (520a) by the flow control valve 540, the flow control valve 540 moves the first refrigerant pipe (510a) And the amount of refrigerant flowing into each of the second refrigerant pipes 520a can be adjusted. Alternatively, the flow control valve 540 is provided at the inlet side of each of the first refrigerant pipe 510a and the second refrigerant pipe 520a, and the first refrigerant pipe 510a and the second refrigerant pipe 520a are operated by operating the individual valves. The amount of refrigerant flowing into each of the second refrigerant pipes 520a can be adjusted.

For example, the valve 540 may be controlled so that the amount of refrigerant supplied to the first tray is greater than the amount of refrigerant supplied to the second tray.

Figure 19 is a refrigerant cycle diagram constituting a cooling unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 20 is a diagram showing an ice-making unit and a cold air duct according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 is a diagram showing an ice-making unit and a cold air duct according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other respects, but the difference is that cold air heat-exchanged with the cooler cools the ice-making unit. The ice making unit of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment in other respects, but there is a difference in the structure of the cold air duct and the arrangement of the ice making unit within the cold air duct.

Therefore, hereinafter, only the characteristic parts of the third and fourth embodiments will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the same components as those of the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20 , the ice making unit 40 according to the third embodiment may include a first tray unit 410 and a second tray unit 450.

The refrigerant cycle constituting the cooling unit of the third embodiment includes a compressor 183, a condenser 184, an expander 186, a cooler 550, and a cooling fan blowing air to the cooler 550 ( 552) may be included.

The air blown by the cooling fan 552 is cooled by heat exchange with the cooler 550.

The ice making device of the third embodiment may further include a cold air duct 560 (or cold air flow path) for guiding cooled air to the ice making unit 40.

The cold air duct 560 may include an inlet 561 (or through hole) through which cold air enters. The cold air duct 560 may further include an outlet 562 through which cold air is discharged.

The distance between the first tray unit 410 and the inlet 561 may be shorter than the distance between the second tray unit 450 and the inlet 561.

The first tray unit 410 may be located closer to the inlet 561 than the second tray unit 450.

The cold air duct 560 may include a first flow path 563. The cold air duct 560 may further include a second flow path 564 through which cold air flows in a direction different from the cold air flow direction in the first flow path 563.

The first tray unit 410 may be located in the first passage 563. The second tray unit 450 may be located in the second flow path 564. That is, the cold air sequentially flows through the first flow path 563 and the second flow path 564. Accordingly, the cold air cools the first tray unit 410 and then cools the second tray unit 450.

The heat exchange area between the first tray unit 410 and cold air may be larger than the heat exchange area between the second tray unit 450 and cold air.

Although not limited, the flow direction of cold air in the first flow path 563 may be opposite to the flow direction of cold air in the second flow path 564. Alternatively, the flow direction of cold air in the first flow path 563 may intersect with the flow direction of cold air in the second flow path 564.

Meanwhile, in the case of the fourth embodiment, the cold air duct 570 may include an inlet 571 (or through hole). The cold air duct 570 may include an outlet 572. The cold air duct 570 may further include a cold air flow path 573 connecting the inlet 571 and the outlet 572.

The first tray unit 410 and the second tray unit 450 may be arranged in a straight line in the cold air passage 573.

The cold air duct 570 may extend in a straight line. The first tray unit 410 may be located closer to the inlet 571 (or through hole) through which cold air flows than the second tray unit 450. In the case of the fourth embodiment, cold air may sequentially cool the first tray unit 410 and the second tray unit 450 without changing the flow direction of the cold air.

This embodiment is the same as the third embodiment in other respects, but there is a difference in that cold air flows in parallel to cool the ice-making unit. Therefore, hereinafter, only the characteristic parts of the third embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIG. 22, the cold air duct 580 (or cold air flow path) of this embodiment may include an inlet 581 (or through hole). The cold air duct 580 may include an outlet 582. The cold air duct 580 may further include a first flow path 583 and a second flow path 584 through which cold air introduced through the inlet 581 flows separately.

That is, the first flow path 583 and the second flow path 584 may be arranged in parallel.

The first flow path 583 and the second flow path 584 may be partitioned by a partition wall 585. The first tray unit 410 may be located in the first passage 583. The second tray unit 450 may be located in the second flow path 584.

A damper 586 may be provided at the inlet 581 of the cold air duct 580 to adjust the amount of cold air flowing into each of the first flow path 583 and the second flow path 584.

The damper 586 can be controlled by the controller 190. Depending on the position or angle of the damper 586, the amount of cold air supplied to the first flow path 583 or the second flow path 584 may vary.

For example, the controller 190 may control the damper 586 so that the amount of cold air supplied to the first flow path 583 is greater than the amount of cold air supplied to the second flow path 584.

Alternatively, without using the damper 586, on the inlet 581 side of the cold air duct 580, the amount of cold air flowing into the first flow path 583 is equal to the amount of cold air supplied to the second flow path 584. It is also possible to provide a cold air guide that guides cold air in a larger amount.

Alternatively, it may include first and second fans for blowing cold air to the first and

second flow paths

583 and 584, respectively. Each fan may be controlled so that the amount of cold air generated by the first fan blowing cold air to the first flow path 583 is greater than the amount of cold air generated by the second fan blowing cold air to the second flow path 584. You can.

Meanwhile, it is also possible to apply the technology applied to the ice making device 1 to a refrigerator. That is, the refrigerator may include some or all of the components of the ice making device 1.

First, the ice making unit 40 of the ice making device 1 can be applied to the refrigerator. The refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage compartment, and a door that opens and closes the storage compartment. The ice-making room may be provided in the cabinet or door.

The ice making unit 40 may be provided in the ice making room with the same structure or a similar form as the ice making unit 40 of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the cooling unit in the ice making device 1 may be replaced with a cooling unit or a refrigerant cycle that cools the storage compartment of the refrigerator in the refrigerator.

The guide 70, water supply mechanism 320, and water supply unit 330 provided in the ice making device 1 may be the same or applied to the refrigerator, or may be modified in shape, size, or location to suit the characteristics of the refrigerator. possible.

Claims

An ice-making unit provided in the ice-making room to produce ice; and

It includes a cooling unit for providing cold to the ice making unit during the ice making process,

The ice making unit includes a first tray having a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed, and a second tray having a second ice making cell in which a different type of second ice from the first ice is formed. De-icing equipment.
According to claim 1,

The cooling unit includes a first refrigerant pipe for cooling the first tray, and a second refrigerant pipe connected in series with the first refrigerant pipe and for cooling the second tray,

An ice making device in which the refrigerant sequentially flows through the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe.
According to claim 2,

An ice making device wherein a heat exchange area of the first tray and the first refrigerant pipe is larger than a heat exchange area of the second tray and the second refrigerant pipe.
According to claim 1,

An ice making device wherein the volume of the first ice making cell is smaller than the volume of the second ice making cell.
According to claim 1,

The first tray includes a plurality of first ice-making cells, and the second tray includes a plurality of second ice-making cells,

An ice making device wherein the sum of the volumes of the plurality of first ice making cells is greater than the sum of the volumes of the plurality of second ice making chambers.
According to claim 1,

The first tray includes an opening for discharging the first ice, and the diameter or size of the opening is the same as or larger than the diameter or size of the first ice making cell,

The second tray includes a plurality of tray parts for the second ice making cell, and at least one of the plurality of tray parts is movable to separate the second ice from the second ice making cell.
According to claim 2,

The water supply unit is capable of supplying water to each of the first tray and the second tray or to only one of the ice making devices.
According to claim 7,

If the difference between the ice making completion time in the first tray and the ice making completion time in the second tray is less than a predetermined value, the water supply unit is controlled to supply water to the first tray and the second tray simultaneously. .
According to claim 7,

When the difference between the ice making completion time in the first tray and the ice making completion time in the second tray is greater than a predetermined value, the water supply unit determines the ice making completion time in the first tray and the ice making completion time in the second tray. An ice-making device controlled so that the time difference value is reduced.
According to clause 9,

The predetermined value is a value between 30 and 80 minutes.
According to clause 9,

The ice making completion time of the second tray is greater than the ice making completion time of the first tray.
According to claim 11,

The transparency of the second ice produced in the second tray is higher than the transparency of the first ice produced in the first tray,

An ice making device in which heat is supplied to the second tray during the ice making process.
According to claim 11,

The water supplied to the second ice-making cell is cooled by the second refrigerant pipe to generate second ice,

An ice making device in which water supplied to the first ice making cell is cooled by the first refrigerant pipe to generate first ice.
According to claim 11,

An ice making device wherein the volume of the first ice making cell is smaller than the volume of the second ice making cell.
An ice-making unit provided in the ice-making room to produce ice; and

It includes a cooling unit for providing cold to the ice making unit during the ice making process,

The ice making unit includes a first tray having a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed, and a second tray having a second ice making cell in which a different type of second ice from the first ice is formed. ,

The cooling unit includes a first refrigerant pipe for cooling the first tray, a second refrigerant pipe connected in parallel with the first refrigerant pipe and for cooling the second tray, the first refrigerant pipe and the An ice making device including a valve that controls the flow of refrigerant flowing into the second refrigerant pipe.
According to claim 15,

An ice making device in which the valve is controlled so that the refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe simultaneously or through one of the refrigerant pipes.
According to claim 16,

An ice making device in which the valve is controlled so that the amount of refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant pipe is greater than the amount of refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant pipe.
According to claim 17,

The heat exchange area of the first tray and the first refrigerant pipe is larger than the heat exchange area of the second tray and the second refrigerant pipe, or

An ice making device wherein the volume of the first ice making cell is smaller than the volume of the second ice making cell.
According to claim 17,

The first tray includes a plurality of first ice-making cells, and the second tray includes a plurality of second ice-making cells,

An ice making device wherein the sum of the volumes of the plurality of first ice making cells is greater than the sum of the volumes of the plurality of second ice making chambers.
According to claim 15,

The first tray includes an opening for discharging the first ice, and the diameter or size of the opening is the same as or larger than the diameter or size of the first ice making cell,

The second tray includes a plurality of trays for the second ice making cell, and at least one of the plurality of trays is movable to separate the second ice from the second ice making cell.
An ice-making unit provided in the ice-making room to produce ice; and

It includes a cold air passage through which cold air flows to cool the ice making unit during the ice making process,

The ice making unit includes a first tray having a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed, and a second tray having a second ice making cell in which a different type of second ice from the first ice is formed. De-icing equipment.
According to claim 21,

The cold air flow path has a through hole through which cold air enters,

The ice making device wherein the distance between the first tray and the aperture is shorter than the distance between the second tray and the aperture.
According to claim 22,

The cold air flow path includes a first flow path in which the first tray is located, and a second flow path connected in series with the first flow path and in which the second tray is located,

An ice making device in which cold air sequentially flows through the first flow path and the second flow path.
An ice-making unit provided in the ice-making room to produce ice; and

It includes a cold air passage through which cold air flows to cool the ice making unit during the ice making process,

The ice making unit includes a first tray having a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed, and a second tray having a second ice making cell in which a different type of second ice from the first ice is formed. ,

The cold air flow path includes a first flow path in which the first tray is located, and a second flow path arranged in parallel with the first flow path and in which the second tray is located.
According to claim 24,

An ice making device in which the amount of cold air is controlled so that the amount of cold air flowing into the first flow path is greater than the amount of cold air flowing into the second flow path.
According to claim 24,

An ice making device wherein a heat exchange area between the first tray and cold air is larger than a heat exchange area between the second tray and cold air.
According to claim 24,

An ice making device wherein a volume of the first ice making cell is smaller than a volume of the second ice making cell.
According to claim 24,

The first tray includes a plurality of first ice-making cells, and the second tray includes a plurality of second ice-making cells,

An ice making device wherein the sum of the volumes of the plurality of first ice making cells is greater than the sum of the volumes of the plurality of second ice making chambers.
According to claim 24,

The first tray includes an opening for discharging the first ice, and the diameter or size of the opening is the same as or larger than the diameter or size of the first ice making cell,

The second tray includes a plurality of trays for the second ice making cell, and at least one of the plurality of trays is movable to separate the second ice from the second ice making cell.