Patent Application
20250189193
The present disclosure relates to an ice making device and a refrigerator.
In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a refrigerator door. The refrigerator is configured to keep stored food in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.
The refrigerator may be placed independently in a kitchen or a living room or may be accommodated in a kitchen cabinet.
The refrigerator is gradually becoming larger and more multi-functional in accordance with the change in dietary life and the trend of higher quality products. Refrigerators including various structures and convenience devices that take user convenience into consideration are being released.
An automatic ice maker is disclosed in Japanese Registration Patent No. 5687018 that is a prior art document.
The automatic ice maker includes an ice making chamber for forming ice, an evaporator disposed at an upper side of the ice making chamber, a water tray disposed at a lower side of the ice making chamber and rotatably supported on a support shaft, an ice making water tank assembled at a lower side of the water tray, a supply pump connected to one side of the ice making water tank, a guide member disposed at one side of the ice making water tank and being rotatable, and an ice storage compartment for storing ice.
In an ice making process, water is supplied from a supply pump while the water tray closes a space of the ice making chamber, and the water supplied to the ice making cell may be cooled by an evaporator.
In an ice separation process, high-temperature gas is supplied to the evaporator to heat the ice making cell, and at the same time, the water tray is tilted downward, and in a process of tilting the water tray downward, the guide member is rotated to cover an upper side of the water tray.
As the ice making cell is heated, ice is separated from the ice making cell, falls to an upper side of the guide member, and finally moves to the ice storage compartment.
However, in the prior art, it only discloses technology for generating one type of ice, and does not disclose technology for generating different types of ice.
Therefore, the prior art does not disclose technology that prevents different types of ice from interfering with each other during an ice separation process or technology that stores different types of ice separately.
The present embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator capable of generating different types of ice.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator that prevents mixing of different types of ice during an ice separation process.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator capable of guiding multiple types of ice while a guide is in a fixed stated during an ice separation process.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator in which different types of ice can be stored separately.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator capable of guiding multiple types of ice while a guide is in a fixed stated during an ice separation process.
The present invention relates to a cooling device. The cooling device may include a refrigerator including at least one refrigerating chamber. The cooling device may include a freezer including at least one freezing chamber. The freezer may include an ice making device. A component or a control method of the ice making device may be applied to the cooling device. The cooling device may include a storage chamber (e.g., main body) in which an item is stored. The cooling device may include a door that opens and close the storage chamber. The cooling device may include an ice making device. The cooling device may include an ice making chamber. The ice making chamber may be defined as a space in which at least a portion of an ice maker. The ice making chamber may be disposed in the storage chamber and/or the door. The cooling device may include an ice maker. In one embodiment, an ice making device may include an ice maker for generating ice and provided in an ice making chamber.
The ice making device may further include a storage chamber for storing ice generated by the ice maker.
The ice maker may include a first tray including a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed. The ice maker may further include a second tray including a second ice making cell in which second ice is formed.
A type of the first ice may be different from a type of the second ice.
The storage chamber may include a first storage space for storing the first ice. The storage chamber may further include a second storage space for storing the second ice. The first storage space may be partitioned from the second storage space.
The first ice and the second ice may be different from each other in one or more of transparency, size, and shape.
The first tray and the second tray may be arranged a horizontal direction or a vertical direction.
The ice making device may further include a guide that guides first ice generated in the first tray to the first storage space and provided at one side of the ice maker. The guide may guide a second ice generated in the second tray to the second storage space.
The ice making device may further include a partition plate to allow the first ice and the second ice falling onto the guide to be moved in a separated state.
The partition plate may be extended in a vertical direction and may be coupled to the guide or the ice maker.
The guide may include a first guide that guides the first ice. The guide may include a second guide that guides the second ice. An inclination angle of at least a portion of the first guide with respect to a horizontal plane may be different from an inclination angle of the second guide.
The first guide and the second guide may be arranged in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction.
The first guide may include a guide body that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
The second guide may include a first body having an angle different from an inclination angle of the guide body. The second guide may further include a second body extending from the first body to be inclined with respect to the first body.
An inclination angle of the second body may be less than an inclination angle of the first body.
An inclination angle of the first body may be greater than an inclination angle of the guide body. An inclination angle of the second body may be less than an inclination angle of the guide body.
The guide may further include a connection surface connecting the first body and the guide body.
A length of the second body in a direction in which the first body and the second body are arranged may be greater than a length of the first body.
The second guide may further include a third body extending from the second body to be inclined with respect to the second body.
An inclination angle of the third body may be greater than an inclination angle of the second body.
The ice making device may include a sub_first liquid supplier for supplying liquid (e.g., water) to the first ice making cell in an ice making process. The ice making device may further include a sub_second liquid supplier for supplying liquid to the second ice making cell in an ice making process.
The first guide may include a plurality of openings through which liquid sprayed from the sub_first liquid supplier passes. The second guide may include a plurality of openings through which liquid sprayed from the sub_second liquid supplier passes.
A diameter of a plurality of openings of the first guide may be greater than a diameter of a plurality of openings of the second guide.
A distance between centers of two adjacent openings of the first guide may be greater than a distance between centers of two adjacent openings of the second guide.
A plurality of openings of the second guide may be arranged close to a boundary portion of the first guide between the first guide and the second guide.
In another embodiment, a refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage chamber. The refrigerator may further include a door that opens and closes the storage chamber. The refrigerator may further include an ice making chamber provided in the door or the cabinet.
The refrigerator may further include a first tray including a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed and provided in the ice making chamber. The refrigerator may further include a second tray including a second ice making cell in which second ice of a different type from the first ice is formed and provided in the ice making chamber. 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 and partitioned from the first storage space.
According to one embodiment, different types of ice can be generated, and thereby user can use various types of ice.
According to one embodiment, after different types of ice are generated, ices separated in an ice separation process can be moved to a storage chamber in a separate state, thereby preventing the different types of ice from being mixed.
According to one embodiment, since a guide for guiding ice separated from an ice maker exists in a fixed state, there is an advantage that no means for moving the guide is required.
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.
Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings are designated by reference numerals, the same components have the same reference numerals as far as possible even though the components are illustrated in different drawings. Further, in description of embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of well-known configurations or functions disturb understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.
Also, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Each of the terms is merely used to distinguish the corresponding component from other components, and does not delimit an essence, an order or a sequence of the corresponding component. It should be understood that when one component is “connected”, “coupled”, “joined” or “supported” to another component, the former may be directly connected, coupled, jointed or supported to the latter or may be “connected”, coupled”, “joined” or “supported” to the latter with a third component interposed therebetween.
Referring to
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 generates ice. The cabinet 10 may include a storage chamber 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 may open and close the front opening 102. For example, the door 20 may open and close the front opening 102 by rotating.
When the door 20 opens the front opening 102, a user can access the storage chamber 13 through the front opening 102. The user can take out ice stored in the storage chamber 13 to an outside through the front opening 102.
The ice making device 1 may further include an ice maker 40 located in the ice making chamber 12.
Ice generated in the ice maker 40 may fall from the ice maker 40 and be stored in the storage chamber 13.
The cabinet 10 may further include an inner case 101 defining 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 define the storage chamber 13.
The ice making chamber 12 may be formed at one side of the inner case 101.
The ice maker 40 may be located close to a rear wall 101a of the inner case 101. When the ice maker 40 is located close to a rear wall 101a of the inner case 101, usability of the storage chamber 13 can be increased.
To facilitate a user's access to the storage chamber 13, ice generated by the ice maker 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 chamber 13. For example, the machine room 18 may be located at one side of the storage chamber 13.
Although not limited, a portion of the storage chamber 13 may be located between the ice making chamber 12 and the machine room 18. A volume of the storage chamber 13 may be greater than a volume of the ice making chamber 12 and a 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 a bottom of the storage chamber 13. The machine room 18 may be located at one side of the bottom wall 104.
The bottom wall 104 may be provided with a drain hole 105 for discharging liquid.
The cooling device may include a cooler. The cooler is a source that supplies cold and/or heat, and may be referred to as a cold source and/or a heat source. The cooler may include a heat exchanger. The cooler may cool the ice making chamber. Alternatively, the cooler may cool and heat the ice making chamber. The heat exchanger may include at least one of a pipe to supply the cold and/or heat, a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows, an evaporator refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows, or a thermoelectric element to supply the cold and/or heat. A portion of a cooler may be located in the machine room 18. For example, the cooler may be a refrigerant cycle for circulating refrigerant.
The cooler may include a compressor 183, a condenser 184, an expander (not shown), and a heat exchanger 50. The heat exchanger 50 may be an evaporator through which refrigerant flows.
In this embodiment, the refrigerant cycle may be capable of switching a refrigerant path using a switching valve. That is, 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, refrigerant from the compressor 183 may flow to the evaporator during an ice separation process. In the present invention, a refrigerant cycle capable of switching a refrigerant path 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 provided with a condenser fan 185 to allow air to pass through the condenser 184. For example, the condenser fan 185 may be disposed between the condenser 184 and the compressor 183.
A front grille 180 in which an air hole 182 is formed may be provided at a front of the cabinet 10. A plurality of air holes 182 may be formed in the front grille 180. The front grille 180 may be located at 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 grille 180.
The heat exchanger 50 may include a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows. At least a portion of the heat exchanger 50 may be located in the ice making chamber 12.
At least a portion of the heat exchanger 50 may be in contact with the ice maker 40. That is, liquid supplied to the ice maker 40 may be phase-changed into ice by low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 50.
A cooling type in which the heat exchanger 50 directly contacts the ice maker 40 to generate ice can be referred to as a direct cooling type.
As another example, air that has heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger 50 is supplied to the ice maker 40, and liquid in the ice maker 40 can be phase-changed into ice by the cooling air. A cooling type of generating ice by supplying cooling air can be called an indirect cooling type or an air cooling type. In a case of the indirect cooling type, it is possible that the heat exchanger 50 is not located in the ice making chamber 12. However, a guide duct that guides cooling air heat-exchanged with the heat exchanger 50 to the ice making chamber 12 may be additionally provided.
In this embodiment, the ice maker 40 may generate a single type of ice or at least two different types of ice.
Hereinafter, it will be described as an example that the ice maker 40 generates at least two different types of ice.
The ice maker may include a tray assembly. The tray assembly may include a tray that defines a space in which an ice making cell is formed. The tray assembly may include a tray case to which the tray is connected and/or coupled and/or joined and/or supported. In this specification, the present invention describes using a tray. However, the present invention may also include embodiments understood by replacing a tray assembly instead of the tray. The tray case may include a first tray case (e.g., tray cover) connected and/or coupled and/or supported and/or jointed to a first portion of the tray. The tray case may include a second tray case (e.g., tray supporter) connected and/or coupled and/or supported and/or jointed to a second portion of the tray. The ice maker 40 may include a first tray assembly 410 for generating a first type of first ice I1. The ice maker 40 may further include a second tray assembly 450 for generating a second type of second 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, it will be described as an example that the first ice I1 is polygonal ice, and the second ice I2 is spherical ice.
The storage chamber may include a first storage space 132. The storage chamber may further include a second storage space 134.
Ice generated in the first tray assembly 410 may be stored in the first storage space 132. Ice generated in the second tray assembly 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, an 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 chamber 13 into the first storage space 132 and the second storage space 134.
A volume of the first storage space 132 may be greater than a volume of the second storage space 134. Although not limited, a size of the first ice I1 stored in the first storage space 132 may be smaller than a size of the second ice I2 stored in the second storage space 134.
A front surface of the ice bin 14 may be arranged to be spaced apart from one side of the front opening 102. A bottom surface of the ice bin 14 may be spaced apart from a bottom wall 104 of the storage chamber 13.
Accordingly, the first ice I1 may be located at one side of the ice bin 14. The first ice I1 may also be located at another side of the ice bin 14. The first ice I1 stored in the first storage space 132 may surround the ice bin 14.
A bottom wall 104 of the storage chamber 13 may form a floor of the second storage space 134.
A bottom wall 104 of the storage chamber 13 may be positioned lower than one end 102a of the front opening 102. A bottom surface of the ice bin 14 may be positioned higher than one end 102a of the front opening 102.
The ice bin 14 may be located adjacent to one surface (left surface in the drawing) of left and right surfaces of the inner case 101. The second tray assembly 450 may be located adjacent to the one surface. Accordingly, ice separated from the second tray assembly 450 may be stored in the second storage space 134 of the ice bin 14. Ice separated from the first tray assembly 410 may be stored in the first storage space 132 outside the second storage space 134.
When an amount of first ice stored in the first storage space 132 increases, to prevent the first ice from being unintentionally discharged through the front opening 102 when the door 20 is opened, the cabinet 10 may further include an opening cover 16. The opening cover 16 may be rotatably provided to the inner case 101. The opening cover 16 may cover one side of the front opening 102.
The opening cover 16 can be received in the storage chamber 13 when the door 20 is closed. When the door 20 is opened, other end of the opening cover 16 may be rotated with respect to one end so that the other end protrudes to an outside of the storage chamber 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 one 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 chamber 13 while being located within the convex portion of the opening cover 16, so that a user can easily obtain the first ice.
Of course, it is also possible to omit the opening cover 16 by varying a height of one end 102a of the front opening 102.
The cabinet 10 may further include a guide 70 that guides ice separated from the ice maker 40 to the storage chamber 13.
The guide 70 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the ice maker 40. The guide 70 may guide a first ice I1 separated from the first tray assembly 410. The guide 70 may guide a second ice I2 separated from the second tray assembly 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 assembly 410 may fall onto the first guide 710.
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 assembly 450 may fall onto the second guide 730. 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 that fall onto the guide 70 from being mixed. The partition plate 80 extends in a vertical direction and may be coupled to the guide 70 or the ice maker 40.
Referring to
The liquid supply passage may include a first passage 303 connected to the liquid source 302. A liquid supply valve 304 may be provided in the first passage 303. By operating the liquid supply valve 304, a supply of liquid from the liquid source 302 to the ice making device 1 can be controlled. A supply flow rate when liquid is supplied to the ice making device 1 can be controlled by operating the liquid supply valve 304.
The liquid supply passage may further include a second passage 305 connected to the liquid supply valve 304. The second passage 305 may be connected to a filter 306. For example, the filter 306 may be located in the machine room 18.
The liquid supply passage may further include a third passage 308 that guides liquid that has passed through the filter 306.
The cooling device may include a supply component to supply liquid to the ice making device. Alternatively, the supply component may include a liquid supply assembly. The supply component may supply liquid to an ice maker (e.g., tray) from a liquid source (e.g., a faucet or a liquid tank provided at an inside and/or outside of an ice making device). The liquid supply assembly may include a pipe through which the liquid flows. For example, liquid supplied from the liquid supply assembly may be supplied to a liquid supplier, which will be described later. The ice making device 1 may further include a liquid supply assembly 320. The liquid supply assembly 320 may be connected to the third passage 308.
The liquid supply assembly 320 can supply liquid to the ice maker 40 during a liquid supply process.
Alternatively, the supply component may include a liquid supplier. The supplier may supply liquid supplied from the liquid supply assembly to an ice maker (e.g., tray). The liquid supplier may include a sub liquid supplier. The sub liquid supplier may include a pipe through which the liquid flows. The sub liquid supplier may include a nozzle. The sub liquid supplier may further include a pump. The sub liquid supplier may include a sub_first liquid supplier. The sub liquid supplier may include a sub_second liquid supplier. The ice making device 1 may further include a liquid supplier 330. The liquid supplier 330 may supply liquid to the ice maker 40 during an ice making process. The liquid supplier 330 can store liquid supplied from the liquid supply assembly 320 and supply liquid to the ice maker 40.
In this embodiment, the liquid supply assembly 320 may be referred to as a first liquid supply assembly. The liquid supplier may be referred to as a second liquid supply assembly.
The liquid supply assembly 320 may be located at one side of the ice maker 40. Liquid supplied from the liquid supply assembly 320 may fall onto the ice maker 40.
The liquid supplier 330 may be located at another side of the ice maker 40.
The liquid supplier 330 may be spaced apart from the liquid supply assembly 320. The liquid supplier 330 can store liquid supplied from the liquid supply assembly 320 and supply liquid to the ice maker 40.
In
The liquid supplier 330 may include a liquid storage 350 in which liquid is stored. The liquid storage may include a wall to form a space to store the liquid. The ice maker 40 may include one or more through holes 426 through which liquid passes. Liquid supplied from the liquid supply assembly 320 and dropped toward the ice maker 40 may be stored in the liquid storage 350 after passing through the through hole 426. The guide 70 may be provided with a plurality of through holes through which liquid passing through the ice maker 40 passes.
In a state in which the liquid supply valve 304 is turned on, liquid supplied from the liquid supply assembly 320 falls to one side of the ice maker 40, passes through the ice maker 40, and then may be stored in the liquid storage 350.
The liquid storage 350 may be provided with a liquid level detector 356 that detects a liquid level. When a liquid level of the liquid storage 350 detected by the liquid level detector 356 reaches a reference liquid level, the liquid supply valve 304 may be turned off.
In this specification, a process from when the liquid supply valve 304 is turned on to when the liquid supply valve 304 is turned off may be referred to as a liquid supply process. For example, the liquid supply valve 304 may be turned off when a liquid level of the liquid storage 350 detected by the liquid level detector 356 reaches a reference liquid level.
The liquid supplier 330 may further include liquid pumps 360 and 362 for pumping liquid stored in the liquid storage 350.
In this embodiment, in an ice making process, liquid stored in the liquid storage 350 may be pumped by the liquid pumps 360 and 362 and supplied to the ice maker 40.
The liquid pumps 360 and 362 may include a first pump 360. The liquid pumps 360 and 362 may include a second pump 362. When the first pump 360 operates, liquid may be supplied to the first tray assembly 410. When the second pump 362 operates, liquid may be supplied to the second tray assembly 450.
The first pump 360 and the second pump 362 may operate independently. Pumping capacities of the first pump 360 and the second pump 362 may be the same or different. A pumping capacity of each of the first pump 360 and the second pump 362 may be variable.
The liquid supplier 330 may further include first connection pipes 352 and 354 connecting each of the pumps 360 and 362 and the liquid storage 350.
The first connection pipes 352 and 354 may be connected to the liquid storage 350 at the same or similar height to a bottom of the liquid storage 350.
The liquid supplier 330 may further include a sub_first liquid supplier 380 for supplying liquid pumped by the first pump 360 to the first tray assembly 410.
The liquid supplier 330 may further include a sub_second liquid supplier 382 for supplying liquid pumped by the second pump 362 to the second tray assembly 450.
The sub_first liquid supplier 380 may supply liquid to the first tray assembly 410 from one side of the first tray assembly 410.
The sub_second liquid supplier 382 may supply liquid to the second tray assembly 450 from one side of the second tray assembly 450.
The sub_first liquid supplier 380 and the sub_second liquid supplier 382 may be located at one side of the guide 70.
The liquid supplier 330 may further include second connection pipes 370 and 372 connecting each of the pumps 360 and 362 and each of the sub liquid suppliers 380 and 382.
Liquid supplied from the sub_first liquid supplier 380 to the first tray assembly 410 may be used to generate ice. Liquid that falls again from the first tray assembly 410 may be stored in the liquid storage 350 after passing through the guide 70.
Liquid supplied from the sub_second liquid supplier 382 to the second tray assembly 450 may be used to generate ice. Liquid that falls again from the second tray assembly 450 may be stored in the liquid storage 350 after passing through the guide 70.
A drain pipe 390 may be connected to the liquid storage 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 pipe 390. The drain tube 392 can finally discharge liquid to an outside of the ice making device 1. The drain tube 390 or the drain tube 392 may be provided with a drain valve (not shown).
Hereinafter, the ice maker 40 will be described in detail.
Referring to
The ice maker 40 may include a first tray assembly 410 and a second tray assembly 450 as described above.
The first tray assembly 410 and the second tray assembly 450 may be arranged in a horizontal direction. It is also possible for the first tray assembly 410 and the second tray assembly 450 to be arranged in a vertical direction. The first tray assembly 410 and the second tray assembly 450 may be installed in the cabinet 10 while being connected to each other. That is, the first tray assembly 410 and the second tray assembly 450 can be modularized.
As another example, the first tray assembly 410 and the second tray assembly 450 may be installed in the cabinet 10 in a separated state. The first tray assembly 410 and the second tray assembly 450 may be positioned close to each other in a horizontal direction.
The first tray assembly 410 may include a first ice making cell 440.
In this embodiment, an ice making cell refers to a space where ice is generated. One ice may be generated in one ice making cell.
The first tray assembly 410 may include a first tray. The first tray may include a first one tray 420. The first tray may further include a first another tray 430 coupled to the first one tray 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 cell 441 and a first another cell 442. Although not limited, the first one cell may be one of a first lower cell and a first upper cell. The first another cell may be another one of the first lower cell and the first upper cell. The first one cell may be one of a first left cell or a first right cell. The first another cell may be another one of the first left cell and the first right cell. Although not limited, it is possible that terms of first one cell and first another cell are opposite to each other.
The first one cell 441 may be formed by the first one tray 420. The first another cell 442 may be formed by the first another tray 430.
For example, the first one tray 420 may form a plurality of first one cells 441. Each of the plurality of first another trays 430 may form a first another cell 442.
Accordingly, when the plurality of first another trays 430 are coupled to a single first one tray 420, a plurality of first ice making cells 440 may be formed.
The first one tray 420 may include a first opening 423. The first opening 423 communicates with the first one cell 441.
A number of first openings 423 may be equal to a number of first ice making cells 440.
The first one cell 441 may form another portion of an appearance of the first ice and the first another cell 442 may form a portion of an appearance of the first ice.
After the first another tray 430 is coupled to the first one tray 420, separation of the first another tray 430 from the first one tray 420 may be restricted.
Liquid supplied from the sub_first liquid supplier 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 liquid supply opening during an ice making process.
A portion of liquid supplied to the first ice making cell 440 may fall to a lower part of the first tray assembly 410 through the first opening 423. Accordingly, the first opening 423 may serve as a liquid outlet opening during an ice making process.
Ice generated in the first ice making cell 440 may be separated from the first tray assembly 410 through the first opening 423 in an ice separation process. Accordingly, the first opening 423 may serve as an ice outlet opening during an ice separation process.
Each of the first one cell 441 and the first another cell 442 may be formed, for example, in a hexahedral shape. A volume of the first one cell 441 and a volume of the first another cell 442 may be the same or different.
A perimeter (or cross-sectional area) of the first one cell 441 may be greater than a perimeter (or cross-sectional area) of the first another cell 442 so that first ice can be discharged through the first opening 423 after the first ice is generated in the first ice making cell 440.
That is, during a liquid supply process, an ice making process, or an ice separation process, the first another tray 430 and the first one tray 420 are maintained in a coupled state, so that a shape of the first ice making cell 440 can be maintained.
The heat exchanger 50 may be in contact with the first another tray 430 so that ice is firstly generated in the first another cell 442.
The second tray assembly 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 a plurality of trays. For example, the second tray may include a second one tray 460 and a second another tray 470. Although not limited, the second one tray may be an upper tray, or a left tray. The second another tray 470 may be a lower tray, or a right tray. It is also possible that terms of the second one tray 460 and the second another 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 cell 462 and a second another cell 472.
The second one tray 460 can form the second one cell 462. The second another tray 470 may form the second another cell 472. For example, each of the second one cell 462 and the second another cell 472 may be formed in a hemispherical shape.
For example, the second tray may form a plurality of second ice making cells 451. Accordingly, the second one tray 460 can form a plurality of second one cells 462. The second another tray 470 can form a plurality of second another 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 a horizontal direction.
The second ice making cell 451 may be disposed between a rotation center C1 of the second another tray 470 and the first ice making cell 440.
A 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.
A 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.
A contact surface of the second one tray 460 and the second another tray 470 may have a different height from a coupling portion of the first one tray 420 and the first another tray 430. For example, a contact surface of the second one tray 460 and the second another tray 470 may be positioned higher than a coupling portion of the first one tray 420 and the first another tray 430.
A height of the first ice making cell 440 and a height of the second ice making cell 451 may be different. For example, a height of the first ice making cell 440 may be less than a height of the second ice making cell 451.
A maximum perimeter of the first ice making cell 440 may be different from a maximum perimeter of the second ice making cell 451. For example, a maximum perimeter of the first ice making cell 440 may be less than a maximum perimeter of the second ice making cell 451.
A number of first ice making cells 440 may be different from a number of second ice making cells 451. For example, a number of first ice making cells 440 may be greater than a number of second ice making cells 451.
A volume of the first ice making cell 440 may be different from a volume of the second ice making cell 451. A volume of the first ice making cell 440 may be less than a volume of the second ice making cell 451.
A sum of volumes of the plurality of first ice making cells 440 may be different from a sum of volumes of the plurality of second ice making cells 451. For example, a sum of volumes of the plurality of first ice making cells 440 may be greater than a sum of volumes of the plurality of second ice making cells 451.
The second another tray 470 may include a second opening 473.
A liquid supply process and an ice making process may be performed in a state in which the second one tray 460 and the second another tray 470 are in contact to form the second ice making cell 451.
Liquid supplied from the sub_second liquid supplier 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 liquid supply opening during an ice making process.
A portion of liquid supplied to the second ice making cell 451 may fall to a lower part of the second tray assembly 450 through the second opening 473. Accordingly, the second opening 473 may serve as a liquid outlet opening during an ice making process.
In an ice separation process, the second another tray 470 may be moved relative to the second 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 assembly 450 may further include a case 452 supporting the second one tray 460.
A portion of the second one tray 460 may pass through the case 452 from one side. Another portion of the second one tray 460 may be seated on the case 452.
A driver 690 for moving the second another tray 470 may be installed on the case 452.
The case 452 may include a circumferential portion 453. The circumferential portion 453 may be provided with a seating end 454. The seating end 454 may be seated on the first tray assembly 410. For example, the seating end 454 may be seated on the first one tray 420.
The second tray assembly 450 may further include a supporter 480 supporting the second another tray 470.
In a state in which the second another tray 470 is seated on the supporter 480, the supporter 480 and the second another tray 470 may be moved together. For example, the supporter 480 may be movably connected to the second one tray 460.
The supporter 480 may include a supporter opening 482a through which liquid passes. The supporter opening 482a may be aligned with the second opening 473.
A diameter of the supporter opening 482a may be greater than a diameter of the second opening 473.
The second tray assembly 450 may further include a pusher 490 for separating ice from the second another tray 470 in an ice separation process. For example, the pusher 490 may be installed on the case 452.
The pusher 490 may include a pushing column 492. When the second another tray 470 and the supporter 480 are moved in an ice separation process, the pushing column 492 passes through the supporter opening 482a of the supporter 480 to press the second another tray 470. When the second another tray 470 is pressed by the pushing column 492, a shape of the second another tray 470 is deformed and the second ice may be separated from the second another tray 470. To enable deformation of the second another tray 470, the second another tray 470 may be formed of a non-metallic material. In terms of ease of deformation, the second another tray 470 may be formed of a flexible material.
Meanwhile, the heat exchanger 50 may include a first refrigerant pipe 510 that is in contact with or adjacent to the first tray assembly 410.
The heat exchanger 50 may further include a second refrigerant pipe 520 located adjacent to or in contact with the second tray assembly 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 a first inlet pipe 511. The first inlet pipe 511 may be located at one side of the first one tray 420. The first inlet pipe 511 may extend at a position adjacent to the driver 690. The first inlet pipe 511 may extend from one side of the driver 690. That is, the first inlet pipe 511 may extend in a space between the driver 690 and a 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 refrigerant 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 first another tray 430. Accordingly, the first another tray 430 may be cooled by refrigerant flowing through the first cooling pipe 513.
The first cooling pipe 513 may include a plurality of straight parts 513a. The first cooling pipe 513 may further include a curved shaped connection part 513b connecting ends of two adjacent straight parts 513a.
The first inlet pipe 511 may be located adjacent to a boundary portion between the first tray assembly 410 and the second tray assembly 450. The first cooling pipe 513 may extend from the boundary portion in a direction away from the second tray assembly 450.
One straight part may contact one surface of a plurality of first another trays 430.
A plurality of straight parts 513a may be arranged at substantially the same height.
The first refrigerant pipe 510 may further include a first connection pipe 514 extending from an 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 a side surface of the first another tray 430.
The second cooling pipe 515 may include a plurality of straight parts 515a and 515b. The second cooling pipe 515 may further include a curved shaped connection portion 515c connecting two adjacent straight parts 515a and 515b.
A plurality of first another trays 430 may be arranged in a plurality of columns and rows.
Among a plurality of straight parts 515a and 515b, a portion of straight parts 515a may contact one side of the first another tray 430 in one row. Among the plurality of straight parts 515a and 515b, another straight part 515b may contact the first another trays 430 of two adjacent rows, respectively.
For example, the portion of the straight part 515a may contact a first surface of a first another tray in a first row. For example, another straight part 515b may contact a second surface of a first another tray in a first row and a first surface of a first another tray in a second row.
The first refrigerant pipe 510 may further include a first discharge pipe 516. The first discharge pipe 516 may extend from an end of the second cooling pipe 515. The first discharge pipe 516 may extend toward the second tray assembly 450. A height of the first discharge pipe 516 may be variable in an extension direction.
The second refrigerant pipe 520 may receive refrigerant from the first discharge pipe 516. A height of the first discharge pipe 516 may be variable in an extension direction. The second refrigerant pipe 520 may be a pipe formed integrally with the first discharge pipe 516 or may be a pipe coupled to 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 at an opposite side of the driver 690 in the second tray assembly 450.
The second refrigerant 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 second one tray 460. Therefore, the second one tray 460 may be cooled by refrigerant flowing through the third cooling pipe 523. For example, the third cooling pipe 523 may contact an upper surface of the second one tray 460.
The liquid supply assembly 320 may be positioned higher than the third cooling pipe 523.
The third cooling pipe 523 may include a plurality of straight parts 523a. The third cooling pipe 523 may further include a curved shaped connection part 523b connecting two adjacent straight parts 523a.
One or more of a plurality of straight parts 523a may extend in a direction parallel to an arrangement direction of a plurality of second ice making cells 451. A plurality of straight parts 523a may overlap the second ice making cell 451 in a first direction. Some of the plurality of straight parts 523a may overlap the second opening 473 in the first direction. The first direction may be an arrangement direction of the second one cell and the second another 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 refrigerant pipe 520 may further include a second bent pipe 524 extending from an end of the third cooling pipe 523. A portion of the second bent pipe 524 may extend from an end of the third cooling pipe 523 along one side of the driver 690.
Another portion of the second bent pipe 524 may extend in another 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 at one side of the driver 690. That is, the second discharge pipe 525 may extend in a space between the driver 690 and a rear wall 101a of the inner case 101.
At least a portion of the second discharge pipe 525 and the first inlet pipe 511 may be arranged in a first direction.
At least a portion of the second discharge pipe 525 may overlap the first inlet pipe 511 in a first direction. At least a portion of the second discharge pipe 525 may be located at one side of the first inlet pipe 511.
Referring to
For example, one end of the partition plate 80 may be positioned between the first tray assembly 410 and the second tray assembly 420.
One end of the partition plate 80 may be positioned between the second another tray 470 and the first one tray 420.
For example, the partition plate 80 may be installed at the case 452. The partition plate 80 may be provided with a coupling portion 82. A coupling hole 457 for coupling the coupling portion 82 may be formed on the case 452. The coupling portion 82 may include a hook. A portion of the hook may pass through the coupling hole 457 and be caught on the case 452.
For example, the case 452 may include two walls spaced apart from each other in a front and rear direction. The coupling hole 457 may be formed in each of the two walls. The partition plate 80 may include at least two coupling portions 82 spaced apart from each other in a front and rear direction. The two coupling portions 82 may be coupled to the coupling hole 457 while being disposed between the two walls or outside the two walls.
Referring to
At least a portion of the first guide 710 may overlap the first tray assembly 410 in a first direction. At least a portion of the second guide 730 may overlap the second tray assembly 450 in a first direction.
The first guide 710 and the second guide 730 may be formed integrally or may be formed separately and combined. In this case, another end of the partition plate 80 may be seated on the first guide 710, the second guide 730, or a boundary portion between the first guide 710 and the second guide 720. Alternatively, another end of the partition plate 80 may be spaced apart from the first guide 710 and the second guide 730 at a position close to an upper surface of one or more of the first guide 710 and the second guide 730.
As another example, the first guide 710 and the second guide 730 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction. The partition plate 80 may be positioned in a space between the first guide 710 and the second guide 730. The first guide 710 and the second guide 730 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction.
The first guide 710 and the second guide 730 may be arranged to be inclined with respect to a horizontal line.
An inclination angle of at least a portion of the first guide 710 may be different from an inclination angle of the second guide 730.
The first guide 710 may include a plurality of first through holes 712 through which liquid passes. The second guide 730 may include a plurality of second through holes 732 through which liquid passes.
At least a portion of the guide 70 may be arranged to overlap the liquid storage 350 in the first direction.
The plurality of through holes 712 and 732 may overlap the liquid storage 350 in the first direction so that liquid that falls through the through holes 712 and 732 is stored in the liquid storage 350.
The first guide 710 may further include a plurality of through openings through which liquid sprayed from the sub_first liquid supplier 380 passes.
The plurality of through openings may include first openings 714 and 714a. The plurality of through openings may include second openings 715 and 715a. The plurality of through openings may include third openings 716 and 716a.
The first to third openings 714, 714a, 715, 715a, 716, and 716a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a front and rear direction (or first direction) of the ice making device 1.
A plurality of the first to third openings 714, 714a, 715, 715a, 716, and 716a may be provided in a second direction crossing the first direction.
A plurality of first openings 714 and 714a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The plurality of second openings 715 and 715a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The plurality of third openings 716 and 716a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.
The first guide 710 may include a guide body 711 in which the plurality of through holes and the plurality of through openings are formed.
The first guide 710 may further include a first opening wall 714b protruding from the guide body 711. The first openings 714 and 714a may be formed at one end of the first opening wall 714b. Alternatively, the first opening wall 714b may protrude at a periphery of the first openings 714 and 714a.
The first guide 710 may further include a second opening wall 715b protruding from the guide body 711. The second openings 715 and 715a may be formed at one end of the second opening wall 715b. Alternatively, the second opening wall 715b may protrude at a periphery of the second openings 715 and 715a.
The first guide 710 may further include a third opening wall 717 protruding from the guide body 711. The third opening 716 may be formed at one end of the third opening wall 717.
The first guide 710 may further include an extension wall 718 extending from the third opening wall 717 toward the second openings 715 and 715a.
A portion of the guide body 711 may protrude to one side to form the opening wall 717, and thereby forming a space for a portion of the sub_first liquid supplier 380 to be located at another side of the guide body.
The first openings 714 and 714a may be positioned higher than the second openings 715 and 715a.
The second openings 715 and 715a may be positioned at the same or substantially similar height to at least a portion of the third openings 716 and 716a.
The second guide 730 may further include a plurality of through openings through which liquid sprayed from the sub_second liquid supplier 382 passes.
The plurality of through openings may include a fourth opening 735. The plurality of through openings may include a fifth opening 736. The plurality of through openings may include a sixth opening 737.
The fourth to sixth openings 735, 736, and 737 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a front and rear direction (or third direction) of the ice making device 1.
A diameter of each of the fourth to sixth openings 735, 736, and 737 may be less than a diameter of each of the first to third openings.
The fourth to sixth openings 735, 736, and 737 may be located adjacent to a boundary portion between the first guide 710 and the second guide 730.
A distance D2 between centers of two adjacent openings of the second guide 730 in the third direction (or an arrangement direction of the openings) may be different from a distance D1 between centers of two adjacent openings of the first guide 710 in the third direction.
For example, a distance D2 between centers of two adjacent openings of the second guide 730 in the third direction may be less than a distance D1 between centers of two adjacent openings of the first guide 710 in the third direction.
A distance D3 between centers of two openings of the second guide 730 in a fourth direction crossing the third direction may be greater than a distance D1 between centers of two adjacent openings of the first guide 710 in the third direction.
The second guide 730 may include a first body 731. The second through hole 732 may be formed in the first body 731.
The second guide 730 may further include a second body 733 extending from another end of the first body 731 to be inclined with respect to the first body 731. The second through hole 732 may also be formed in the second body 733.
An inclination angle θ2 of the first body 731 with respect to a horizontal plane may be greater than an inclination angle θ3 of the second body 733 with respect to a horizontal plane.
A length of the second body 733 in the first direction may be greater than a length of the first body 731 in the first direction.
Second ice separated from the second tray assembly 450 may fall onto the second body 733. Second ice that falls onto the second body 733 rolls on the second body 733 and moves to the second storage space 134. However, if a moving speed of second ice moving on the second body 733 is fast, when second ice falls into the second storage space 134, a collision noise with the ice bin 14 or second ice stored in the ice bin increases.
As in this embodiment, when an inclination angle θ3 of the second body 733 with respect to a horizontal plane is less than an inclination angle θ2 of the first body 731, a movement of the second ice becomes smooth and a collision noise when the second ice moves into the second storage space 134 may be decreased.
A fourth opening 735 and a fifth opening 736 may be formed in the second body 733.
The second body 733 may further include a fourth opening wall 735a protruding from the second body 733. The fourth opening 735 may be formed at one end of the fourth opening wall 735a. Alternatively, the fourth opening wall 735a may protrude at a periphery of the first opening 735.
The second body 733 may further include a fifth opening wall 736a protruding from the second body 733. The fifth opening 736 may be formed at one end of the fifth opening wall 736a. Alternatively, the fifth opening wall 736a may protrude at a periphery of the fifth opening 736.
The second guide 730 may further include a third body 734 extending from another end of the second body 733 to be inclined with respect to the second body 733. The second through hole 732 may also be formed in the third body 734.
An inclination angle θ4 of the third body 734 with respect to a horizontal plane may be greater than an inclination angle θ3 of the second body 733 with respect to a horizontal plane. A length of the second body 733 in the first direction may be greater than a length of the third body 734 in the first direction.
A sixth opening wall 738 protruding to one side may be provided at a boundary portion between the second body 733 and the third body 734. Alternatively, the sixth opening wall 738 may protrude from the second body 733 or the third body 734.
The sixth opening 737 may be formed at one end of the sixth opening wall 738.
The fourth opening 735 may be positioned higher than the fifth opening 736. The fifth opening 736 may be positioned at the same or substantially similar height as at least a portion of the sixth opening 737.
In this specification, it is also possible to refer to the fourth to sixth openings as first to third openings. Additionally, it is also possible to refer to the fourth to sixth opening walls as first to third opening walls.
An inclination angle θ2 of the first body 731 may be greater than an inclination angle θ1 of the guide body 711. An inclination angle θ3 of the second body 733 may be less than an inclination angle θ1 of the guide body 711. An inclination angle θ4 of the third body 734 may be greater than an inclination angle θ1 of the guide body 711.
Since an inclination angle θ2 of the first body 731 is greater than an inclination angle θ1 of the guide body 711, a portion of the first body 731 connected to the second body 733 may be positioned lower than the guide body 711.
The second another tray 470 moves during an ice separation process. Since a portion of the first body 731 is positioned lower than the guide body 733, an interference between the second another tray 470 and the first body 731 may be prevented during a movement process of the second another tray 470.
Due to a difference between an inclination angle of the first body 731 and an inclination angle of the guide body 711, the guide 70 may further includes a first connection surface that connects the first body 731 and the guide body 711.
Due to a difference between inclination angles of the second body 733 and the third body 734 and an inclination angle of the guide body 711, the guide 70 may further include a second connection surface 752. The second connection surface 752 may connect the second body 733 and the guide body 711. The second connection surface 752 may connect the third body 734 and the guide body 711.
Meanwhile, a first extension end 718 for installing the guide 70 may be formed at an end of the first guide 710 opposite to the second guide 730.
A second extension end 740 for installing the guide 70 may be formed at an end of the second guide 730 opposite to the first guide 710. The first extension end 718 and the second extension end 740 may be supported by the inner case 101 or a separate housing provided in the inner case 101.
A seating end 742 in a bent shape may be formed at a front end of the guide 70. The seating end 742 may be formed to extend from one end of the first guide 710 to an end of the second guide 730 in the second direction. A through hole through which liquid passes may also be formed in the seating end 742.
In a case of this embodiment, the guide 70 in a fixed state may guide ice, so that there is an advantage that a device for moving the guide 70 is not required.
In addition, since an inclination of the first guide 710 and the second guide 730 is determined according to a type of ice, ice that has fallen onto the first guide 710 and the second guide 730 is smoothly stored in the storage chamber.
Meanwhile, referring to
The sub_first liquid supplier 380 may include a first liquid supply pipe 384 through which liquid flows. The sub_first liquid supplier 380 may further include a first liquid supply nozzle 381 coupled to the first liquid supply pipe 384.
The first liquid supply pipe 384 may include a first common pipe 384a. The first liquid supply pipe 384 may include a first individual pipe extending to one side from the first common pipe 384a.
The first individual pipe may include a first pipe 384b extending toward the first openings 714 and 714a. The first individual pipe may further include a second pipe 384c extending toward the second openings 715 and 715a. The first individual pipe may further include a third pipe 384d extending toward the third openings 716 and 716a.
A length of the first pipe 384b may be greater than a length of the second pipe 384c. A length of the second pipe 384c may be equal to or similar to a length of the third pipe 384d.
The first liquid supply nozzle 381 may include a first nozzle portion 381a coupled to the first pipe 384b. The first liquid nozzle 381 may further include a second nozzle portion 381b coupled to the second pipe 384c. The first liquid nozzle 381 may further include a third nozzle portion 381c coupled to the third pipe 384d.
To prevent the first nozzle portion 381a from colliding with first ice I1, one end of the first nozzle portion 381a may be positioned in the first openings 713 and 713a or positioned lower than the first openings 713 and 713a.
To prevent the second nozzle portion 381b from colliding with first ice I1, one end of the second nozzle portion 381b may be positioned in the second openings 714 and 714a or positioned lower than the second openings 714 and 714a.
The third nozzle portion 381c may be positioned within the third opening wall 717. To prevent the third nozzle portion 381c from colliding with first ice I1, one end of the third nozzle portion 381a may be positioned in the third openings 716 and 716a or positioned lower than the third openings 716 and 716a. Each of the first to third nozzle portions 381a, 381b and 381c may include a hole to spray liquid.
Referring to
The sub_second liquid supplier 382 may include a second liquid supply pipe 385 through which liquid flows. The sub_second liquid supplier 382 may further include a second liquid supply nozzle 383 coupled to the second liquid supply pipe 385.
The second liquid supply pipe 385 may further include a second common pipe 385a. The second liquid supply pipe 385 may further include a second individual pipe extending to one side from the second common pipe 385a.
The second individual pipe may include a fourth pipe 385b extending toward the fourth opening 735. The second individual pipe may further include a fifth pipe 385c extending toward the fifth opening 736. The second individual pipe may further include a sixth pipe 385d extending toward the sixth opening 737.
A length of the fourth pipe 385b may be greater than a length of the fifth pipe 385c. A length of the fifth pipe 385c may be equal to or similar to a length of the sixth pipe 385d.
The second liquid supply nozzle 383 may include a fourth nozzle portion 383a coupled to the fourth pipe 385b. The second liquid supply nozzle 383 may further include a fifth nozzle portion 383b coupled to the fifth pipe 385c. The second liquid supply nozzle 383 may further include a sixth nozzle portion 383c coupled to the sixth pipe 385d.
Although not limited, it is also possible to refer to fourth to sixth pipes of the second individual pipe as first to third pipes. Additionally, it is also possible to refer to the fourth to sixth nozzle portions as first to third nozzle portions. Additionally, it is also possible to refer to the fourth to sixth nozzle portions as the first to third nozzle portions.
To prevent the fourth nozzle portion 383a from colliding with second ice I2, one end of the fourth nozzle portion 383a may be positioned in the first opening 735 or positioned lower than the first opening 735.
To prevent the fifth nozzle portion 383b from colliding with second ice I2, one end of the fifth nozzle portion 383b may positioned in the second opening 736 or positioned lower than the second opening 736
The sixth nozzle portion 383c may be positioned within the third opening wall 738. To prevent the sixth nozzle portion 383c from colliding with second ice I2, one end of the sixth nozzle portion 383c may be positioned in the sixth opening 737 or positioned lower than the sixth opening 737. Each of the fourth to sixth nozzle portion s 383a, 383b and 383c may include a hole to spray liquid.
Referring to
A process for generating ice may include a liquid supply process. A process for generating ice may further include an ice making process. A process for generating ice may further include an ice separation process.
When the liquid supply process starts, the liquid supply valve 304 is turned on and liquid supplied from an external liquid source 302 flows along the liquid supply passage. The liquid flowing along the liquid supply passage is supplied to the ice maker 40 through the liquid supply assembly 320.
The liquid supplied to the ice maker 40 falls downward from the ice maker 40 and is stored in the liquid storage 350. When a liquid level of liquid stored in the liquid storage 350 reaches a reference liquid level, the liquid supply valve 304 is turned off and the liquid supply process is completed.
After the liquid supply process is completed, an ice making process starts.
In the ice making process, liquid is supplied to the ice maker 40 by the liquid supplier 330. In the ice making process, a cooler operates and low-temperature refrigerant may flow into the heat exchanger 50.
In an ice making process of this embodiment, while liquid is supplied to each ice making cell 440 and 451, a portion of supplied liquid is a phase-changed into ice, and as a size of phase-changed ice increases, thereby ice is generated.
When the ice making process starts, one or more of the first and second pumps 360 and 362 may operate.
When the first pump 360 operates, liquid may be supplied to the first tray assembly 410 through the sub_first liquid supplier 380.
The first liquid supply nozzle 381 is positioned at one side of the first tray assembly 410. Liquid sprayed from the first liquid supply nozzle 381 is supplied to a first ice making cell 440 of the first tray assembly 410.
Liquid sprayed from the first liquid supply nozzle 381 is supplied to the first ice making cell 440 through a first opening 423 of the first one tray 420. Liquid supplied to the first ice making cell 440 flows toward one surface of the first another tray 430. A portion of liquid in the first ice making cell 440 is frozen by the first refrigerant pipe 510. Unfrozen liquid falls downward again through the first opening 423. Liquid that falls downward through the first opening 423 is stored in the liquid storage 350 again.
During the ice making process, ice is generated at one side of the first ice making cell 440 and grows toward the other side. As liquid is sprayed into the first ice making cell 440, a portion of the liquid is frozen. In a process of spraying the liquid into the first one tray 420 or the first another tray 430, air bubbles in the liquid may be discharged from the liquid. When air bubbles in the liquid are discharged from liquid, a transparency of generated ice can be increased.
In the ice making process, first ice I1 may grow to an inside of the first one cell 441.
When the second pump 362 operates, liquid may be supplied to the second tray assembly 450 through the sub_second liquid supplier 382.
The second liquid supply nozzle 383 is positioned at one side of the second tray assembly 450. Liquid sprayed from the second liquid supply nozzle 383 is supplied to a second ice making cell 451 of the second tray assembly 450.
Liquid sprayed from the second liquid supply nozzle 383 is supplied into the second ice making cell 451 through a supporter opening 482a of the supporter 480 and a second opening 473 of the second another tray 470.
Liquid supplied to the second ice making cell 451 flows toward an inner side of the second one tray 460. Some of the liquid within the second ice making cell 451 may be frozen by the second refrigerant pipe 520. Unfrozen liquid falls downward again through the second opening 473. Liquid that falls downward through the second opening 473 is stored again in the liquid storage 350.
As liquid is sprayed into the second ice making cell 451, a portion of the liquid is frozen. In a process of spraying liquid into the second one tray 460 or ice produced in the second one tray 460, air bubbles in the liquid are discharged. When air bubbles in the liquid are discharged from liquid, a transparency of generated ice can be increased.
A transparency of first ice I1 generated in the first ice making cell 440 and a transparency of second ice I2 generated in the second ice making cell 451 may be different.
A transparency of ice is related to an ice making speed or ice making time. An ice making speed may be related to an amount of cold transferred to each ice making cell 440 and 451. The faster an ice making speed, the lower a transparency.
In this embodiment, an ice making time of the second ice I2 may be greater than an ice making time of the first ice I1, and accordingly, a transparency of the second ice I2 may be greater than that of the first ice I1.
In the ice making process, second ice I2 may grow from the second one tray 460 to an extent of covering one side of a second opening 423a of the second another tray 470.
When an ice making process is completed, an ice separation process is performed. The ice making process may be determined to be completed when a temperature detected by the temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of each tray assembly reaches an end reference temperature.
When the ice separation process starts, a flow direction of refrigerant is switched by the cooler so that high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 183 may flow into the heat exchanger 50. High-temperature refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 50 may be heat exchanged with the ice maker 40. When high-temperature refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 50, heat may be transferred to the ice maker 40.
The first ice I1 may be separated from the first tray assembly 410 by the heat transferred to the ice maker 40. When the first ice I1 is separated from the first tray assembly 410, the first ice I1 may fall onto the guide 70. The first ice I1 that fell onto the guide 70 may be stored in the first storage space 132.
The second ice I2 may be separated from at least a surface of the second one tray 460 by heat transferred to the ice maker 40.
As time passes, or when a temperature of each tray assembly reaches a set temperature, a flow of high-temperature refrigerant to the heat exchanger 50 may be blocked.
Next, the driver 690 may operate to separate the second ice I2 from the second tray assembly 450. By operating the driver 690, the second another tray 470 may be moved in a forward direction (clockwise direction with respect to
When the second ice I2 is separated from the second one tray 460 and second another tray 470 by high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 50, the second another tray 470 may be moved while second ice I2 is supported on the second another tray 470. In this case, when the second another tray 470 moves at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, the second ice I2 may fall from the second another tray 470.
On the other hand, when the second ice I2 has been separated from the second one tray 460 by the high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 50 but has not yet been separated from the second another tray 470, the pusher 490 presses the second another tray 470 and the second ice I2 may be separated from the second another tray 470 and falls downward while the second another tray 470 moves to an ice separation angle.
When the second ice I2 is separated from the second tray assembly 450, the second ice I2 may fall onto the guide 70. The second ice I2 that fell onto the guide 70 may be stored in the second storage space 134.
After the second another tray 470 is moved in the forward direction, the second another tray 470 is moved in a reverse direction (counterclockwise direction in the drawing) by the driver 690 and in contact with the second one tray 460.
When an ice separation process is performed once or a set number of times, liquid in the liquid storage 350 may be discharged to an 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 liquid drain condition is satisfied.
A next liquid supply process may be started after a drain process is performed. When the drain process is performed intermittently, if a drain condition is not satisfied, a liquid supply process may be performed immediately after the ice separation process is performed. If a drain condition is satisfied, a drain process may be performed after the ice separation process is performed, and the liquid supply process may be performed after a drain process is completed.
Meanwhile, it is also possible to apply technology applied to the ice making device to a refrigerator. That is, the refrigerator may include some or all of the components of the ice making device 1.
First, the ice maker 40 in the ice making device 1 can be applied to the refrigerator. The refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage chamber, and a door that opens and closes the storage chamber. An ice making chamber may be provided in the cabinet or door.
An ice maker 40 may be provided in the ice making chamber with the same structure or a similar form as the ice maker 40 of this embodiment.
In this embodiment, the cooler in the ice making device 1 may be replaced with a cooler or a refrigerant cycle that cools the storage chamber of the refrigerator.
A guide 70, a liquid supply assembly 320, and a liquid supplier 330 provided in the ice making device 1 may also be applied to the refrigerator or may be modified in shape, size, or location to suit characteristics of the refrigerator.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2022-0029372 | Mar 2022 | KR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/KR2023/002711 | 2/27/2023 | WO |
