WO2023171968A1 - Ice-making device and refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

An ice-making device according to the present embodiment may include an ice-making unit which is provided in an ice-making chamber and is for making ice. The ice-making device may further include a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making unit during an ice-making process. The ice-making unit may include a first tray having 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 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.

Therefore, it is not possible to disclose a technology that prevents different types of ice from interfering with each other during the moving process or a technology that stores different types of ice separately.

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 in which interference between different types of ice is prevented during the moving process.

Optionally or additionally, an ice making device and a refrigerator in which different types of ice can be separated and stored are provided.

Alternatively or additionally, an ice making device and a refrigerator capable of producing multiple types of ice with one ice making unit 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 water supply unit for supplying water 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 second ice may be of a different type from the first ice.

The first ice and the second ice may differ in one or more of transparency, size, and shape.

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 volume of one first ice making cell may be smaller than the volume of one second ice making cell. 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 and the second tray may be arranged horizontally or vertically.

The first tray and the second tray may be connected to each other and placed in the ice making room. Alternatively, the first tray and the second tray may be positioned in the ice-making chamber with the spaced apart in the horizontal or vertical direction.

At least a portion of the first ice making cell may overlap the second ice making cell horizontally or vertically.

One end of the first ice making cell may be lower than one end of the second ice making cell. The other end of the first ice making cell may be higher than the other end of the second ice making cell. One end of the first ice making cell may be lower than one end of the second ice making cell, and the other end of the first ice making cell may be higher than the other end of the second ice making cell.

The second tray may include a one-side tray forming a second one-side cell that is part of the second ice-making cell. The second tray may further include a second tray forming a second other side cell, which is another part of the second ice making cell.

The other tray can rotate with respect to the one tray based on the rotation center. The second ice making cell may be located between the rotation center and the first ice making cell.

The first tray may include a first tray body forming a first other side cell that is part of the first ice making cell. The first tray may include a second tray body forming a first one-side cell, which is another part of the first ice-making cell. The second tray body may be combined with the first tray body.

The second tray may include a one-side tray forming a second one-side cell that is part of the second ice-making cell. The second tray may include a second tray that forms a second other cell, which is another part of the second ice making cell.

The other tray is rotatable with respect to the one tray based on the rotation center. A joint portion of the first tray body and the second tray body may be located lower than a contact portion between the one tray and the other tray during the ice making process.

The ice making device may further include a water supply mechanism for supplying water during the water supply process. The water supply mechanism may be positioned higher than the first ice making cell and the second ice making cell.

The ice making device may further include a cooler for cooling the ice making unit. The water supply mechanism may be positioned higher than the cooler.

The cooler may include a first refrigerant pipe for cooling the first tray. The cooler may further include a second refrigerant pipe for cooling the second tray.

The first coolant pipe may include a first cooling pipe in contact with the first tray. The first coolant pipe may further include a second cooling pipe in contact with the first tray at a different height from the first cooling pipe.

The first refrigerant pipe may include a first inlet pipe. The first refrigerant pipe may further include a first bent pipe bent and extending from the first inlet pipe. The first cooling pipe may be connected to the first bent pipe. The second cooling pipe may be disposed at a lower position than the first cooling pipe.

The second coolant pipe may include a third cooling pipe in contact with the second tray. The third cooling pipe may be located higher than the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe.

At least a portion of the inlet pipe of the first refrigerant pipe and the discharge pipe of the second refrigerant pipe may be arranged in a vertical or horizontal direction. At least a portion of the inlet pipe of the first refrigerant pipe may overlap or be arranged in parallel with the discharge pipe of the second refrigerant pipe in a vertical or horizontal direction.

The ice making device may further include a first storage space for storing the first ice. The ice making device may further include a second storage space for storing the second ice. The second storage space may be partitioned from the first storage space.

A refrigerator according to another aspect may include a cabinet having a storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a door that opens and closes the storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include an ice-making chamber provided in the door or the cabinet.

The refrigerator is provided in the ice-making compartment and may further include a first tray including a first ice-making cell in which first ice is formed.

The refrigerator may further include a second tray provided in the ice-making compartment and having a second ice-making cell in which second ice is formed.

The second ice may be of a different type from the first ice.

The refrigerator may further include a water supply unit for supplying water to the first tray and the second tray during the ice making process.

The refrigerator may further include a first storage space for storing the first ice. The refrigerator may further include a second storage space for storing the second ice. The second storage space may be partitioned from the first storage space.

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, after different types of ice are created, the ice separated during the moving process can be moved to the storage room in a separate state, thereby preventing the different types of ice from mixing.

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, since one ice-making unit includes two different trays, the structure has the advantage of being simpler and more compact than when two ice-making units are used.

1 is a perspective view of an ice making device according to this embodiment.

Figure 2 is a front view showing the door of the ice making device according to this embodiment in an open state.

Figure 3 is a cutaway view showing the inside of the ice making device according to this embodiment.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the interior of the ice making device according to this embodiment.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing a water supply flow path in the ice making device according to this embodiment.

Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing water being supplied to the ice-making unit.

8 and 9 are perspective views showing the ice making unit and cooler of this embodiment.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first tray and the second tray.

Figure 11 is a bottom view of the ice making unit of this embodiment.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the first tray unit according to this embodiment.

Figure 14 is a bottom view of the first tray unit according to this embodiment.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the first tray unit according to this embodiment.

Figure 16 is a diagram showing a state in which one tray and the other tray are in contact with each other in this embodiment.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the other tray is spaced apart from one tray in this embodiment.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of one side tray of this embodiment.

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of Figure 18.

Figure 21 is a top view of one side tray of this embodiment.

Figure 22 is a top perspective view of the supporter in this embodiment.

Figure 23 is a lower perspective view of the supporter in this embodiment.

Figure 24 is a diagram showing the process in which water is supplied to the ice-making unit during the ice-making process.

25 is a diagram showing the ice making unit in a state in which ice making has been completed.

26 is a diagram showing an ice-making unit in the moving process.

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.”

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an ice making device according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a front view showing the door of the ice making device according to this embodiment in an open state. Figure 3 is a cutaway view showing the inside of the ice making device according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the interior of the ice making device according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, 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 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 further include an inner case 101 forming the ice-making chamber 12. The cabinet 10 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 (not shown), and a cooler 50. The cooler 50 may be an evaporator through which refrigerant flows.

In this embodiment, the refrigerant cycle may be capable of switching the refrigerant path using a switching valve. In other words, it is possible for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 183 to flow directly to the condenser 184 or to the evaporator by changing the refrigerant flow path. Although not limited, the refrigerant from the compressor 183 may flow to the evaporator during the moving process. In the present invention, the refrigerant cycle capable of switching refrigerant paths can be implemented by known techniques, so detailed description will be omitted.

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 a refrigerant pipe 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.

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 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 the rear 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 opening cover 16 may be rotated so that the other end protrudes out of the storage compartment 13 based on one end of the opening cover 16 .

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 vertically or horizontally and may be coupled to the guide 70 or the ice making unit 40.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing a water supply path in the ice making device according to this embodiment, and Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing water being supplied to the ice making unit.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 , 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 340 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 330 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 may be spaced apart from the water supply mechanism 320. The water supply unit 330 may store water supplied from the water supply mechanism 320 and supply it to the ice making unit 40 .

5 to 7, 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 the ice-making process in this embodiment, the water pumps 360 and 362 pump the water stored in the water storage unit 350 and supply it 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 pumping capacity of each of the first pump 360 and the second pump 362 may be variable.

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 390 may be connected to the water storage unit 350. The drain pipe 390 may extend through the drain hole 105 into the machine room 18. The machine room 18 may be provided with a drain tube 392 connected to the drain tube 390. The drain tube 362 can ultimately discharge water to the outside of the ice making device 1. The drain pipe 390 or the drain tube 392 may be provided with a drain valve (not shown).

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

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views showing the ice making unit and cooler of this embodiment, FIG. 10 is a view showing the arrangement of the first tray and the second tray, FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the ice making unit of this embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 12 , 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 441 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 second tray body 430 and the first tray body 420 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 generated in the first one-side cell 442.

The second tray unit 450 may further 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 horizontally or vertically.

Alternatively, the first ice making cell 440 may be arranged so as not 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 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 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 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. Hereinafter, an example in which the first refrigerant pipe 510 and the second refrigerant pipe 520 are connected in series will be described.

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 one surface 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 further 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 behind 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 a vertical direction. At least a portion of the second discharge pipe 525 may be located on one side of the first inlet pipe 511.

Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the first tray unit according to this embodiment, Figure 14 is a bottom view of the first tray unit according to this embodiment, and Figure 15 is a perspective view of the first tray unit according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 15 , the first tray unit 410 may include a first tray body 420. The first tray unit 410 may further include a second tray body 430.

For example, the second tray body 430 may be formed in a hexahedral shape. One end of the second tray body 430 may be provided with a bent portion 432 bent outward.

A seating groove 434 for seating the first refrigerant pipe 510 may be formed on one surface of the second tray body 430. The seating groove 434 may be formed as a portion of one surface of the second tray body 430 is depressed. For example, the first cooling pipe 513 may be seated in the seating groove 434.

The first tray body 420 may include a body plate 421 in which a plurality of first openings 423 are formed. The first tray body 420 may further include a peripheral portion 422 extending from the edge of the body plate 421.

The first tray body 420 may include a cell wall 424 extending around each of the plurality of first openings 423.

The first other side cell 421 may be formed inside the cell wall 424.

The second tray body 430 may be coupled to the cell wall 424.

The first tray body 420 and the second tray body 430 may be formed of different materials.

The first tray body 420 may be formed of a non-metallic material. The second tray body 420 may be formed of a metal material.

In order to combine two bodies made of different materials, a seating groove 424a may be formed at one end of the cell wall 424 for coupling the bent portion 432 of the second tray body 430. The bent portion 432 of the second tray body 430 may be inserted into the cell wall 424 and seated in the seating groove 424a.

The body plate 421 may be provided with passage holes 425 and 426 for water to pass through. The through holes 425 and 426 may include a first through hole 425.

The through holes 425 and 426 may include a second through hole 426.

A plurality of first passing holes 425 may be formed in the body plate 421. A plurality of second passing holes 426 may be formed in the body plate 421.

Although not limited, a plurality of cell walls 424 may be provided between the plurality of first passage holes 425.

The plurality of second passing holes 426 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the front-back direction (third direction) and the left-right direction (fourth direction).

The plurality of cell walls 424 may be provided between the plurality of second passage holes 426 spaced apart in the third direction.

The first through hole 425 may be located between a plurality of second through holes 426 spaced apart in the fourth direction.

The body plate 421 may be provided with a first protrusion 427 extending around the second passage hole 426. One end of the first protrusion 427 may be positioned lower than one end of the peripheral portion 422. The first protrusion 427 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an empty interior.

Some of the water that falls into the first tray body 420 may directly pass through the first passage hole 425. When the amount of water falling into the first tray body 420 is greater than the amount of water passing through the first passage hole 425, the level of the water falling into the first tray body 420 is the first protrusion ( 427) can be increased to one end. When the water level of the water dropped into the first tray body 420 increases to one end of the first protrusion 427, the water flows into the first protrusion 427 and then passes through the second passage hole 426. can do.

The diameter of the first through hole 425 may be smaller than the diameter of the second through hole 426. The number of first through holes 425 may be less than the number of second through holes 426.

The body plate 421 may be provided with a first protruding portion 425a extending around the first passage hole 425. The first protruding portion 425a serves to guide water downward.

The body plate 421 may be provided with a second protruding portion 427a extending downward around the second passage hole 426. The second protruding portion 427a serves to guide water downward.

The second protruding portion 427a may include an inclined surface to prevent water from condensing and freezing.

The body plate 421 may include a first extension wall 428 disposed to entirely surround the plurality of first openings 423 . The first extension wall 428 may restrict water from splashing outward when water is supplied from the first water supply unit 380. The protruding length of the first extension wall 428 may be longer than the protruding length of each of the protruding portions 425a and 427a.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which one tray and the other tray in this embodiment are in contact, and FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the other tray is spaced apart from one tray in this embodiment. Figure 18 is a perspective view of one side of the tray in this embodiment, Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Figure 18, and Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of Figure 18. Figure 21 is a plan view of one tray of this embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 16 to 21 , the second tray unit 450 may include one tray 460 and the other tray 470 as described above.

The one side tray 460 may include a first tray body 461 forming a second one side cell 462.

The other side tray 470 may include a second tray body 471 forming a second other side cell 472.

For example, the second one-side cell 462 may be formed by being depressed in a hemispherical shape on one surface 461a of the first tray body 461.

For example, the second other side cell 472 may be formed by being depressed in a hemispherical shape on one surface 471a of the second tray body 471.

During the ice-making process, one surface 471a of the second tray body 471 may contact one surface 461a of the first tray body 461. When one surface 471a of the second tray body 471 contacts one surface 461a of the first tray body 461, a complete second ice-making cell 451 may be formed.

The one side tray 460 may include an extension portion 463 extending from one end of the first tray body 461. The extension portion 463 may be seated on the case 452.

The extension portion 463 may be provided with a fastening hole 464 through which a fastening member for fastening with the case 452 passes.

The second refrigerant pipe 520 may be in contact with one surface of the one side tray 460. A seating groove 468 in which the straight portion 523a of the second refrigerant pipe 520 is seated may be formed on one surface of the one side tray 460.

Although not limited, a plurality of seating grooves 468 may be arranged to be spaced apart. Each of the seating grooves 468 may extend in a first arrangement direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of second one-side cells 462. The plurality of seating grooves 468 may be arranged to be spaced apart in a second arrangement direction that intersects the first arrangement direction.

A plurality of seating grooves 468 may overlap the second one-side cell 462 in the first direction.

A portion of each of the seating grooves 468 may be formed on one surface of the first tray body 461. Another part of each of the seating grooves 468 may be formed on one surface of the extension portion 463.

The one side tray 460 may include a pair of hinge parts 465 extending from the other side of the extension part 463. The pair of hinge portions 465 may be spaced apart in the first arrangement direction. Each of the hinge portions 465 may include a shaft hole 465a.

A hinge shaft 489 may be connected to the shaft hole 465a of the pair of hinge portions 465. The hinge shaft 489 can receive power from the driving unit 690.

The one side tray 460 may include a discharge passage 466 through which water that has fallen on one side of the one side tray 460 is discharged.

One surface of the extension portion 463 may be depressed. The discharge passage 466 may be formed by a passage wall 467 protruding from the other surface of the extension portion 463. For example, the discharge passage 466 may extend in the second direction. The discharge passage 466 may extend to the side end of the extension portion 463.

The flow path wall 467 may include a first flow path wall 467a. The flow path wall 467 may further include a second flow path wall 467b extending obliquely from the first flow path wall 467a. Water flowing into the discharge passage 466 can easily fall downward due to the second passage wall 467b.

The discharge passage 466 may be arranged to communicate with any one of the plurality of seating grooves 468. That is, a portion of the second refrigerant pipe 520 may be arranged to overlap the discharge passage 466 in the first direction.

The one side tray 460 may further include one or more air holes 469. The air hole 469 may extend from the first tray body 461 in the first direction. The air hole 469 allows air bubbles contained in water supplied to the second one side cell 462 of the first tray body 461 to be discharged to the outside during the ice making process. The air hole 469 may be formed with a diameter such that air bubbles are discharged but water is not discharged.

Although not limited, the air hole 469 may be located between the two seating grooves 468.

Also, although not limited, the vertical central axis A1 of the second one-side cell 462 (or the second ice-making cell 451) may pass through one of the plurality of seating grooves 468.

The vertical central axis A1 may pass through one end of the second one-side cell 462.

The vertical central axis A1 may pass through the second refrigerant pipe 523. That is, the second refrigerant pipe 523 may be located on the vertical central axis A1. Accordingly, ice may be generated from one end of the second one-side cell 462 and grow to the other side.

Air holes 469 may be located on both sides of the vertical central axis A1. Alternatively, the vertical central axis A1 may extend between the two air holes 469.

Figure 22 is a top perspective view of the supporter in this embodiment, and Figure 23 is a bottom perspective view of the supporter in this embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 16 to 23 , the other tray 470 may include an extension portion 473 extending from one side of the second tray body 471 . The extension portion 473 may include a fastening hole 474 to be fastened to the supporter 480 and a fastening member.

The supporter 480 may include a supporter body 481 that forms a receiving portion 482 for receiving the second tray body 471.

The supporter body 481 may include a body wall 481a forming the receiving portion 482.

The extension portion 473 may be seated on one surface of the supporter body 481. One surface of the supporter body 481 may be provided with a fastening protrusion 486 to be inserted into the fastening hole 474.

The supporter 480 may further include a hinge body 483 to which the hinge shaft 489 is coupled. A pair of hinge bodies 483 may be spaced apart in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the hinge shaft 489 (a direction parallel to the third direction). The pair of hinge portions 465 may be positioned between the pair of hinge bodies 483.

The hinge body 483 may include a shaft hole 484 through which the hinge shaft 489 passes.

The supporter 480 may further include a shaft cover 485 to cover the hinge shaft 489. The shaft cover 485 may be positioned between the pair of hinge bodies 483.

The shaft cover 485 may be rounded so as not to interfere with the hinge shaft 489 when the shaft cover 485 is moved while covering the hinge shaft 489 . For example, the shaft cover 485 may be rounded to surround the hinge shaft 489 while being spaced apart from the hinge shaft 489 .

During the ice-making process, the shaft cover 485 may be positioned on one side of the hinge shaft 489. Accordingly, water can be prevented from splashing toward the hinge shaft 489.

Although not shown, the supporter 480 may further include a coupling portion 488 for coupling an elastic member. The coupling portion 488 may protrude from the side of the supporter body 481.

The supporter 480 may further include a barrier 487 to prevent water from splashing toward the elastic member coupling portion 488. The barrier 487 may protrude from the side of the supporter body 481. The barrier 487 may be positioned spaced apart from the elastic member coupling portion 488. The protrusion length of the barrier 487 may be greater than the protrusion length of the elastic member coupling portion 488.

The supporter 481 may further include an opening wall 482b extending around the supporter opening 482a. The opening wall 482b may be formed in a ring shape or an arc shape.

The opening wall 482b may limit water from splashing outward when water is supplied to the other tray 470.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the process in which water is supplied to the ice-making unit during the ice-making process, FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the ice-making unit in a state in which ice-making has been completed, and FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the ice-making unit in the ice-making process.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, 12, and 24 to 26, the process of creating ice in the ice making device 1 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, water is supplied to the ice-making unit 40 by the water supply unit 330. Additionally, during the ice-making process, the cooling unit operates and low-temperature refrigerant may flow into the cooler 50.

In the ice-making process of this embodiment, while water is supplied to each ice-making cell (440, 451), a portion of the supplied water undergoes a phase change into ice, and the size of the phase-changed ice increases, creating ice.

When the ice-making process begins, one or more of the first and second pumps 360 and 362 may operate.

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 one or more first water supply nozzles 381.

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

Water sprayed from the first water nozzle 381 is 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 third tray body 430. Some of the water in the first ice-making cell 440 is frozen by the first refrigerant pipe 510. The unfrozen water 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 420, air bubbles in the water are formed. may be released from the water. When air bubbles in the water are expelled from the water, the transparency of the ice produced can be increased.

During the ice-making process, the first ice I1 may grow to the inside of the first other cell 441.

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 supply unit 382 may include one or more second water supply nozzles 383.

The second water nozzle 383 is located on one side of the second tray unit 450. Water sprayed from the second water nozzle 383 is 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 is frozen by the second refrigerant pipe 520. The unfrozen water 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.

As water is sprayed into the second ice making cell 451, a portion of the water is frozen. In the process of spraying the water onto the one side tray 460 or the ice created in the one side tray 460, air bubbles in the water are discharged from the water. It can be. When air bubbles in the water are expelled from the water, the transparency of the ice produced can be increased.

At the beginning of the ice-making process, air bubbles in the water may be discharged from the second ice-making cell 451 through the air hole 469 of the one side tray 460.

At this time, the transparency of the first ice (I1) generated in the first ice-making cell 440 and the transparency of the second ice (I2) generated in the second ice-making cell 451 may be different.

The transparency of ice is related to the ice-making speed or ice-making time. The ice making speed may be related to the amount of cold delivered to each ice making cell (440, 451). The faster the ice making speed, the lower the transparency can be.

In this embodiment, the ice-making time of the second ice (I2) may be greater than the ice-making time of the first ice (I1). Accordingly, the transparency of the second ice (I2) may be higher than the transparency of the first ice (I1).

During the ice-making process, the second ice I2 may grow from the side of the one tray 460 to cover one side of the second opening 473 of the other tray 470.

Once the de-icing process is completed, the de-icing process is performed. The ice-making process may be determined to be completed when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of each tray unit reaches the end reference temperature.

When the moving process begins, the flow direction of the refrigerant is switched by the cooling unit so that the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 183 can flow to 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 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. 26).

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.

When the moving process is performed once or a set number of times, the water in the water storage unit 350 may be discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 390 and the drain tube 392 (drain process). That is, the drain valve can be turned on for a certain period of time when the water drain condition is satisfied.

The next water supply process can be started after the drain process is performed. When the drain process is performed intermittently, if the drain condition is not satisfied, the water supply process may be performed immediately after the moving process is performed. If the drain condition is satisfied, the drain process may be performed after the moving process. The water supply process may be performed after completion of the drain process.

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 (refrigerant cycle) that cools the storage compartment of the refrigerator in the refrigerator.

The guide 70 and the water supply units 310 and 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.

Claims (21)

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

   It includes a water supply unit for supplying water 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.
2. According to claim 1,

   An ice making device wherein the first ice and the second ice differ in one or more of transparency, size, and shape.
3. According to claim 2,

   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 volume of one first ice making cell is smaller than the volume of one second ice making cell.
4. According to claim 3,

   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.
5. According to claim 1,

   The first tray and the second tray are arranged in a horizontal or vertical direction.
6. According to claim 5,

   An ice making device located in the ice making room with the first tray and the second tray connected.
7. According to claim 5,

   An ice-making device wherein the first tray and the second tray are positioned in the ice-making compartment with the first tray spaced apart in a horizontal or vertical direction.
8. According to claim 5,

   An ice making device wherein at least a portion of the first ice making cell overlaps the second ice making cell in a horizontal or vertical direction.
9. According to claim 5,

   One end of the first ice making cell is lower than one end of the second ice making cell,

   The other end of the first ice making cell is higher than the other end of the second ice making cell, or

   An ice making device wherein one end of the first ice making cell is lower than one end of the second ice making cell, and the other end of the first ice making cell is higher than the other end of the second ice making cell.
10. According to claim 5,

    The second tray includes an upper tray forming a second one-side cell that is part of the second ice-making cell,

    It forms a second other side cell, which is another part of the second ice making cell, and includes a lower tray that is rotatable with respect to the upper tray about a rotation center,

    The second ice making cell is an ice making device located between the rotation center and the first ice making cell.
11. According to claim 5,

    The first tray includes a second tray body forming a first one-side cell that is part of the first ice-making cell,

    It forms a first other side cell, which is another part of the second ice making cell, and includes a first tray body coupled to the second tray body,

    The second tray includes a one-side tray forming a second one-side cell that is part of the second ice-making cell,

    It includes another side tray forming a second other side cell, which is another part of the second ice making cell,

    The ice making device wherein a joint portion of the first tray body and the second tray body is located lower than a contact portion of the one tray and the other tray during the ice making process.
12. According to claim 1,

    In the water supply process, further comprising a water supply device for supplying water,

    The water supply mechanism is an ice making device positioned higher than the first ice making cell and the second ice making cell.
13. According to claim 12,

    Further comprising a cooler for cooling the ice making unit,

    An ice making device in which the water supply mechanism is located higher than the cooler.
14. According to claim 1,

    Further comprising a cooler for cooling the ice making unit,

    The cooler includes a first refrigerant pipe for cooling the first tray,

    An ice making device including a second refrigerant pipe for cooling the second tray.
15. According to claim 14,

    The first coolant pipe includes a first cooling pipe in contact with the first tray, and a second cooling pipe in contact with the first tray at a different height from the first cooling pipe.
16. According to claim 15,

    The first refrigerant pipe further includes a first inlet pipe and a first bent pipe bent and extending from the first inlet pipe,

    The first cooling pipe is connected to the first bent pipe,

    The ice making device wherein the second cooling pipe is disposed at a lower position than the first cooling pipe.
17. According to claim 15,

    The second coolant pipe includes a third cooling pipe in contact with the second tray,

    The ice making device wherein the third cooling pipe is located higher than the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe.
18. According to claim 14,

    An ice making device wherein at least a portion of the inlet pipe of the first refrigerant pipe and the discharge pipe of the second refrigerant pipe are arranged in a vertical or horizontal direction.
19. According to claim 18,

    An ice making device wherein at least a portion of the inlet pipe of the first refrigerant pipe overlaps or is arranged in parallel with the discharge pipe of the second refrigerant pipe in a vertical or horizontal direction.
20. According to claim 1,

    a first storage space for storing the first ice; and

    The ice making device is partitioned from the first storage space and further includes a second storage space for storing the second ice.
21. cabinets with storage compartments;

    a door that opens and closes the storage compartment;

    an ice-making room provided in the door or the cabinet;

    a first tray provided in the ice-making room and including a first ice-making cell in which first ice is formed;

    a second tray provided in the ice-making room and including a second ice-making cell in which second ice of a different type from the first ice is formed; and

    A refrigerator including a water supply unit for supplying water to the first tray and the second tray during the ice making process.

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