Patent Application
20250207838
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 U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,018 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 a water supply optimized for generating different types of ice.
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 in which different types of ice may be separately stored.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator capable of stably supplying liquid into an ice making cell.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator in which interference with liquid discharged from an ice making cell is minimized during a process of supplying liquid to the ice making cell.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator that improve ice separating efficiency by supplying liquid to an ice maker during an ice separation process.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator in which liquid is evenly supplied from a liquid supply assembly to a plurality of ice making cells, thereby improving ice separation performance in the plurality of ice making cells.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides an ice making device and a refrigerator that can reduce ice separation time by improving ice separation performance.
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 maker. 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. In one embodiment, an ice making device may include an ice maker provided in an ice making chamber and for generating ice. An ice making device may further include a liquid supplier for supplying liquid to the ice maker during an ice making process.
The ice maker may include a first tray including a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed. The ice maker may include a second tray including a second ice making cell in which second ice is formed. The liquid supplier may include a sub_first liquid supplier having a first liquid supply hole to supply liquid (e.g., water) to the first ice making cell. The liquid supplier may include a sub_second liquid supplier having a second liquid supply hole to supply liquid to the second ice making cell. A number of first ice making cells that receive liquid from one first liquid supply hole may be different from a number of second ice making cells that receive liquid from one second liquid supply hole.
The first ice and the second ice may be different types. The first ice and the second ice may differ in one or more of transparency, size, and shape.
One first liquid supply hole can supply liquid to a plurality of first ice making cells. One second liquid supply hole can supply liquid to one second ice making cell.
A volume of the first ice making cell may be less than a volume of the second ice making cell. A sum of volumes of the plurality of first ice making cells may be greater than a sum of volumes of a plurality of second ice making cells.
The first tray may include a first opening for discharging the first ice. A diameter or size of the first opening may be equal to or greater than a diameter or size of the first ice making cell.
The second tray may include a second one tray and a second another tray for the second ice making cell. In order to separate the second ice from the second ice making cell, one or more of the second one tray and the second another tray may be movable.
The sub_first liquid supplier may include a first nozzle end in which the first liquid supply hole is formed. The sub_second liquid supplier may include a second nozzle end in which the second liquid supply hole is formed. A length of the second nozzle end may be greater than a length of the first nozzle end.
The sub_second liquid supplier may include a liquid supply pipe through which liquid flows. The sub_second liquid supplier may further include a liquid supply nozzle connected to the liquid supply pipe. The second liquid supply nozzle may include a nozzle body. The second liquid supply nozzle may further include an inclined surface extending from the nozzle body. The second nozzle end may protrude from the inclined surface. The second nozzle end may include a first part extending from the inclined surface. A diameter of the first part may be uniform or decreased toward one side. The second nozzle end may further include a second part extending from the first part. The second liquid supply hole may be formed in the second part. A diameter of the first liquid supply hole may be greater than a diameter of the second liquid supply hole.
A location of the sub_first liquid supplier may be fixed during an ice separation process. A location of the sub_second liquid supplier may be changed during an ice separation process. The sub_first liquid supplier may be located at a position spaced apart from the first tray. The sub_second liquid supplier may be installed to the second tray.
The second tray may include a second one tray forming a portion of the second ice making cell. The second tray may include a second another tray in contact with the second one tray during an ice making process and spaced apart from the second one tray during an ice separation process. The sub_second liquid supplier may be installed to move with the second another tray. The second another tray may include an opening. The second liquid supply hole may be aligned with the opening. The sub_second liquid supplier may further include an outlet opening through which liquid supplied to the second ice making cell is discharged. The ice making device may further include a liquid supply assembly for supplying liquid to an outside of the ice maker, which forms a plurality of ice making cells during an ice separation process, after completion of ice making.
The plurality of the ice making cells may be arranged in a first direction, and the plurality of the ice making cells may be arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction.
The liquid supply assembly may include an inlet pipe and a plurality of branch pipes through which liquid in the inlet pipe branches and flows. A first branch pipe among the plurality of branch pipes may be arranged to face a space between adjacent a first cell and a second cell among the plurality of ice making cells arranged in the second direction. A number of ice making cells arranged in the first direction may be greater than a number of ice making cells arranged in the second direction. The plurality of branch pipes may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and each of the plurality of branch pipes may extend in the first direction.
The first branch pipe may include a first hole for discharging liquid into the first cell. The first branch pipe may further include a second hole for discharging liquid into the second cell. A second branch pipe among the plurality of branch pipes may be arranged to face a space between adjacent a third cell and a fourth cell among the plurality of ice making cells arranged in the second direction. The second branch pipe may include a first hole for discharging liquid into the third cell. The second branch pipe may further include a second hole for discharging liquid into the fourth cell.
When the first hole and the second hole are referred to as a hole group, the first branch pipe or the second branch pipe may include a plurality of hole groups spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The plurality of hole groups may be provided in the same number as the plurality of ice making cells arranged in the first direction. The first hole and the second hole may be arranged to be spaced apart from one end to both sides with respect to a circumference of the first branch pipe or the second branch pipe.
The ice making device may further include a refrigerant pipe adjacent to or in contact with the ice maker and through which refrigerant for cooling the ice maker flows during an ice making process. The refrigerant pipe may be located between the ice maker and the liquid supply assembly. The refrigerant pipe may include a plurality of straight parts and a connection part connecting two adjacent straight parts among the plurality of straight parts. One or more of the plurality of straight parts may extend in a direction parallel to one or more of the plurality of branch pipes.
The ice making device may further include a refrigerant pipe adjacent to or in contact with the ice maker and through which refrigerant flows for heating the ice maker in the ice separation process. The ice making device may further include a liquid supply valve that regulates a flow of liquid to the liquid supply assembly.
After ice making is completed, the liquid supply valve is turned on, and after the liquid supply valve is turned on, refrigerant for heating the ice maker may flow through the refrigerant pipe.
Refrigerant for heating the ice maker may flow through the refrigerant pipe before the liquid supply valve is turned off or after the liquid supply valve is turned off.
In another embodiment, an ice making device may include an ice maker for generating ice and provided in an ice making chamber. An ice making device may include a liquid supplier for supplying liquid to the ice maker during an ice making process. An ice making device may further include an inner housing in which the liquid supplier is supported.
The ice maker may include a first tray including a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed. The liquid supplier may include a sub_first liquid supplier for supplying liquid to the first ice making cell. The liquid supplier may further include a connector connected to the sub_first liquid supplier and supported by the inner housing. The inner housing may include a first mounting portion for supporting the sub_first liquid supplier. The inner housing may include a second mounting portion that is spaced apart from the first mounting portion and supports the connector.
The sub_first liquid supplier may include a liquid supply pipe through which liquid flows. The sub_first liquid supplier may further include a first extension extending from the liquid supply pipe and seated on the first mounting portion. The connector may include a second extension to be seated on the second mounting portion. A liquid supplier may further include an intermediate member connecting the sub_first liquid supplier and the connector between the sub_first liquid supplier and the connector.
The ice maker 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.
The liquid supplier may further include a sub_second liquid supplier for supplying liquid to the second ice making cell. The sub_second liquid supplier may be disposed between the sub_first liquid supplier and the connector. The sub_first liquid supplier may include a first connection portion. The sub_second liquid supplier may include a second connection portion connected to the first connection portion. The sub_second liquid supplier may further include a third connection portion connected to the connector. 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.
In another embodiment, a refrigerator may include a storage chamber where goods are stored. The refrigerator may further include a cooler for supplying cold to the storage chamber. The refrigerator may further include a first tray including a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed by the cold. 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 by the cold.
The refrigerator may further include a sub_first liquid supplier having a first liquid supply hole for supplying liquid to the first ice making cell. The refrigerator may further include a sub_second liquid supplier having a second liquid supply hole that supplies liquid to the second ice making cell. The refrigerator may further include a controller that controls a supply of cold to the storage chamber. A diameter of the first liquid supply hole may be different from a diameter of the second liquid supply hole.
In a case of a refrigerator according to another embodiment, a position of the first liquid supply hole in an ice making process may be the same as a position of the first liquid supply hole in an ice separation process. A location of the second liquid supply hole in the ice making process may be different from a location of the second liquid supply hole in an ice separation process.
In further another embodiment, an ice making device may include a tray having a plurality of ice making cells for generating ice. The ice making device may further include a liquid supply assembly for supplying liquid to an outside of the tray in an ice separation process after completion of ice making.
The plurality of the ice making cells may be arranged in a first direction. The plurality of the ice making cells may be arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction. The liquid supply assembly may include an inlet pipe. The liquid supply assembly may further include a plurality of branch pipes through which liquid in the inlet pipe branches and flows. A first branch pipe among the plurality of branch pipes may be arranged to face a space between adjacent a first cell and a second cell among the plurality of ice making cells arranged in the second direction. A number of ice making cells arranged in the first direction may be greater than A number of ice making cells arranged in the second direction. The plurality of branch pipes may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and each of the plurality of branch pipes may extend in the first direction.
The first branch pipe may include a first hole for discharging liquid into the first cell. The first branch pipe may further include a second hole for discharging liquid into the second cell. A second branch pipe among the plurality of branch pipes may be arranged to face a space between adjacent a third cell and a fourth cell among the plurality of ice making cells arranged in the second direction. The second branch pipe may include a first hole for discharging liquid into the third cell. The second branch pipe may further include a second hole for discharging liquid into the fourth cell. When the first hole and the second hole are referred to as a hole group, the first branch pipe or the second branch pipe may include a plurality of hole groups spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The plurality of hole groups may be provided in the same number as a plurality of ice making cells arranged in the first direction. The first hole and the second hole may be arranged to be spaced apart from one end to both sides with respect to a circumference of the first branch pipe or the second branch pipe.
The ice making device may further include a refrigerant pipe adjacent to or in contact with the tray and through which refrigerant for cooling the tray flows during an ice making process. The refrigerant pipe may be located on one side of the tray. The liquid supply assembly may be located on one side of the refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant pipe may be located between the tray and the liquid supply assembly. The refrigerant pipe may include a plurality of straight parts. The refrigerant pipe may further include a connection part connecting two adjacent straight parts among the plurality of straight parts. One or more of the plurality of straight parts may extend in a direction parallel to one or more of the plurality of branch pipes. The ice making device may further include a refrigerant pipe disposed adjacent to or in contact with the tray and through which refrigerant for heating the tray flows in the ice separation process.
The ice making device may further include a liquid supply valve that regulates a flow of liquid to the liquid supply assembly. After ice making is completed, the liquid supply valve is turned on, and after the liquid supply valve is turned on, refrigerant for heating the tray may flow through the refrigerant pipe.
Refrigerant for heating the tray may flow through the refrigerant pipe before the liquid supply valve is turned off or after the liquid supply valve is turned off.
The ice making device may further include a liquid supplier for supplying liquid to a plurality of ice making cells of the tray during the ice making process.
In another embodiment, an ice making device may include a tray having a plurality of ice making cells for generating ice. The ice making device may further include a liquid supply assembly for supplying liquid to an outside of the tray in an ice separation process after completion of ice making. The plurality of ice making cells may be arranged in a plurality in a first direction. The plurality of ice making cells may be arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction.
The liquid supply assembly may include a supplier disposed at one side of the tray and having a plurality of holes for discharging liquid corresponding to each of the plurality of ice making cells. A plurality of ice making cells arranged in the second direction may include first to fourth cells arranged sequentially. A first branch pipe among a plurality of branch pipes may overlap a space between the first cell and the second cell in a vertical or horizontal direction. A second branch pipe among the plurality of branch pipes may overlap a space between the third cell and the fourth cell in a vertical or horizontal direction. Each of the branch pipes may not overlap a space between the second cell and the third cell in a vertical direction.
In further another embodiment, an ice making device may include a tray having a plurality of ice making cells for generating ice. The ice making device may include a refrigerant pipe adjacent to or in contact with the tray and through which refrigerant for cooling the tray flows during an ice making process. The ice making device may further include a liquid supply assembly for supplying liquid to an outside of the tray in an ice separation process after completion of ice making.
The plurality of ice making cells may be arranged in a first direction, and a plurality of ice making cells may be arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction. The liquid supply assembly may include an inlet pipe located adjacent to a first outer cell located at a first outer side among a plurality of ice making cells arranged in the first direction. The liquid supply assembly may further include a supply pipe connected to the inlet pipe and having a plurality of holes for discharging liquid. The supply pipe may extend up to a second outer cell located at a second outer side among the plurality of ice making cells. The refrigerant pipe may include a plurality of straight parts. The refrigerant pipe may further include a connection part connecting two adjacent straight parts among the plurality of straight parts. The connection portion may be located adjacent to the second outer cell.
In further another embodiment, an ice making device may include a tray having a plurality of ice making cells for generating ice. The ice making device may further include a liquid supply assembly for supplying liquid to an outside of the tray in an ice separation process after completion of ice making. The plurality of ice making cells may be arranged in a plurality in a first direction. The plurality of ice making cells may be arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction.
The liquid supply assembly may include an inlet pipe. The liquid supply assembly may further include a supply pipe that supplies liquid from the inlet pipe to the tray.
When a number of the plurality of ice making cells arranged in the second direction is 2A, supply pipes are provided in A or more, and A is 1 or more. When a number of the plurality of ice making cells arranged in the second direction is 2A−1, supply pipes are provided in A−1 or more, and A is 2 or more. When a number of the plurality of ice making cells arranged in the second direction is 2A, the supply pipe may be arranged to overlap a space between two adjacent ice making cells.
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 tray provided in the ice making chamber and having a plurality of ice making cells for generating ice. The refrigerator may further include a liquid supply assembly for supplying liquid to an outside of the tray in an ice separation process after ice making is completed. The plurality of ice making cells may be arranged in a plurality in a first direction. The plurality of ice making cells may be arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction.
The liquid supply assembly may include an inlet pipe. The liquid supply assembly may further include a plurality of branch pipes through which liquid in the inlet pipe branches and flows.
According to one embodiment, different types of ice can be generated, and different types of generated ice may be stored separately. Therefore, user can use various types of ice.
According to one embodiment, there is an advantage that a stable supply of liquid to each ice making cell is possible by using a liquid supply nozzle optimized for a shape of ice being generated.
According to one embodiment, there is an advantage that liquid may be stably supplied into an ice making cell since a liquid supplier supplies liquid while being coupled to a tray assembly.
According to one embodiment, in a process of supplying liquid to an ice making cell, interference with liquid discharged from an ice making cell may be minimized.
According to one embodiment, ice separation efficiency can be improved by supplying liquid to an ice maker in an ice separation process.
According to one embodiment, liquid is evenly supplied from a liquid supply assembly to a plurality of ice making cells, thereby improving ice separation performance in a plurality of ice making cells.
According to one embodiment, there is an advantage that ice separation time can be reduced as ice separation performance is improved.
Referring to
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. The ice maker 40 may further include a second tray assembly 450 for generating a second type of second ice 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.
Ice generated in the first tray assembly 410 may be stored in a first storage space. Ice generated in the second tray assembly 450 may be stored in a second storage space.
The cabinet 10 may further include a guide 70 that guides ice separated from the ice maker 40. The guide 70 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the ice maker 40. The guide 70 may guide a first ice separated from the first tray assembly 410. The guide 70 may guide a second ice separated from the second tray assembly 450. The ice making device 1 may further include a partition plate 80 to prevent a first ice and a second ice dropped onto the guide 70 from being mixed.
The ice making device 1 may include a liquid supply passage for guiding liquid supplied from a liquid source to the ice maker 40. The liquid source (e.g., water source) may include a faucet or a liquid tank provided at an inside and/or outside of the ice making device. The liquid supply passage may be defined by a wall, a pipe, or a tube. The liquid supply passage may include a first passage connected to the liquid source 302. A liquid supply valve may be provided in the first passage. The liquid supply passage may further include a second passage connected to the liquid supply valve. The second passage may be connected to a filter. The liquid supply passage may further include a third passage that guides liquid that has passed through the filter.
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. 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 330 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 into the ice maker 40. The liquid supplier 330 may be located at another side of the ice maker 40. 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 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 may be turned off.
In this specification, a process from when the liquid supply valve is turned on to when the liquid supply valve is turned off may be referred to as a liquid supply process. For example, the liquid supply valve 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 further 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.
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 sub liquid supplier may include a sub_first liquid supplier. The sub liquid supplier may include a sub_second liquid supplier. 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 liquid supplier 330 may further include second connection pipes 370 and 372 connecting each of the pumps 360 and 362 and each of the first and sub_second 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 360 may be connected to the liquid storage 350.
Referring to
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. For example, the first tray may form a plurality of first ice making cells 440. A plurality of first another trays 430 may be coupled to the first one tray 420. A plurality of first another trays 430 may be 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 another cell 442 may be formed by the first another tray 430. The first one cell 441 may be formed by the first one tray 420. 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. The first another cell 442 may form one side of a first ice, and the first one cell 441 may form another side of the first ice.
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. 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. 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. The first one tray 420 may include through holes 421 and 425 through which liquid passes.
The second tray assembly 450 may 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, 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.
The second another tray 470 may be connected to a driver 690 by a hinge shaft 489. The hinge shaft 489 may provide a rotation center C1 of the second another tray 470. The second another tray 470 may include a second opening 473. A liquid supply process and an ice making process may be performed while 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. 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. In an ice separation process, the second another tray 470 may be moved relative to the second one tray 460.
The second tray assembly 450 may further include a bracket 452 supporting the second one tray 460. The bracket 452 may be fixed in a position within the ice making chamber. The bracket 452 may be supported by a wall forming the ice making chamber. The bracket 452 may provide a space to accommodate at least a portion of the second one tray 460 and the second another tray 470. A driver 690 for moving the second another tray 470 may be installed on the bracket 452.
The bracket 452 may include a circumferential portion 635. The circumferential portion 635 may be provided with a seating end 636. The seating end 636 may be seated on the first tray assembly 410. For example, the seating end 636 may be seated on the first one tray 420. The bracket 452 may include a liquid through hole 634 through which liquid passes.
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.
The first ice may be discharged from the first ice making cell through the first opening 423. On the other hand, the second ice cannot be discharged from the second ice making cell through the second opening 473.
The second tray assembly 450 may further include a case 498 supporting the second another tray 470 at one side. The case 498 may be seated on the second another tray 470. In an ice making position, the second one tray 460 may penetrate the case 498 and contact the second another tray 470. For example, a coupling member may pass through the case 498 and the second another tray 470 and be coupled to the supporter 480.
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 bracket 452. The pusher 490 may press the second another tray 470 or press the second ice in an ice separation process. 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 or the second ice. 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 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 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 refrigerant pipe 510 may further include a first connection pipe 514 extending from an end of 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 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.
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. 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 coupled to the second supply pipe 516. The second refrigerant pipe 520 may include a second inlet pipe 522 connected to the first discharge pipe 516. 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.
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 one surface of the first ice 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. 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 second refrigerant pipe 520 may further include a second bent pipe 524 extending from an end of the third cooling pipe 523. 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 and the first inlet pipe 511 are arranged in the first direction.
Meanwhile, the liquid supply assembly 320 may include a first supplier 321 for supplying liquid to the first tray assembly 410. The liquid supply assembly 320 may further include a second supplier 340 for supplying liquid to the second tray assembly 450. The second supplier 340 can receive liquid from the first supplier 321. For example, the second supplier 340 may extend from a point of the first supplier 321. The first supplier 321 may be located at one side of the first refrigerant pipe 510. The second supplier 340 may be located at one side of the second refrigerant pipe 520.
In this embodiment, the liquid supply assembly 320 may supply liquid to the ice maker 40 during a liquid supply process. The liquid supply assembly 320 can supply liquid to the ice maker 40 during an ice separation process.
When ice making is completed in the ice maker 40, the ice maker 40 may be maintained at a sub-zero temperature. The liquid supply assembly 320 can supply liquid supplied from an external liquid source 302 to the ice maker 40. Since liquid supplied from the external liquid source 302 may be liquid having normal temperature or liquid having a temperature similar to a normal temperature, liquid may be supplied from the liquid supply assembly 320 to the ice maker 40 in an ice separation process to increase a temperature of the ice maker 40.
Referring to
The first refrigerant pipe 510 may be in contact with the first tray assembly 410. The liquid supply assembly 320 may be arranged to be spaced apart from one side of the first refrigerant pipe 510.
The liquid supply assembly 320 may include the first supplier 321. The first supplier 321 may include an inlet pipe 322. The inlet pipe 322 may be connected to the liquid supply passage. For example, the third passage 308 may be connected to the inlet pipe 322. The first supplier 321 may further include a distribution pipe 323 connected to the inlet pipe 322. An extension direction of the distribution pipe 323 may cross an extension direction of at least a portion of the inlet pipe 322. For example, at least a portion of the inlet pipe 322 may extend in a third direction (direction of arrow A), which is a front and rear direction of the ice making device 1. The distribution pipe 323 may extend in a fourth direction (direction of arrow B) that crosses the first direction. The inlet pipe 322 may be connected to a central portion of the distribution pipe 323.
The first supplier 321 may further include a plurality of branch pipes 324 and 325 connected to the distribution pipe 323. For example, the plurality of branch pipes 324 and 325 may include a first branch pipe 324 and a second branch pipe 325. Each of the branch pipes 324 and 325 may also be referred to as a supply pipe. The first branch pipe 324 and the second branch pipe 325 may extend in parallel. The first branch pipe 324 and the second branch pipe 325 may extend in a direction crossing the distribution pipe 323. For example, the first branch pipe 324 and the second branch pipe 325 may extend in the third direction.
In this embodiment, as described above, the first tray assembly 410 may include a plurality of first ice making cells 440. A plurality of first ice making cells 440 may be arranged in the third direction and a plurality of first ice making cells 440 may be arranged in the fourth direction.
For example, when N first ice making cells 440 are arranged in the third direction and M first ice making cells 440 smaller than N are arranged in the fourth direction, to reduce a number of branch pipes, the branch pipes 324 and 325 may extend in a direction parallel to the third direction. Accordingly, a length of the first branch pipe 324 and the second branch pipe 325 may be longer than a length of the distribution pipe 323.
The first supplier 321 may further include a connection pipe 327 connecting the first branch pipe 324 and the second branch pipe 325. Each of the branch pipes 324 and 325 may include a first end 324d and 325d and a second end 324e and 325e with respect to a bisecting point that bisects a length of each branch pipe 324 and 325. The distribution pipe 323 may be connected to a position adjacent to the first end 324d and 325d of each branch pipe 324 and 325. The distribution pipe 323 is located between the first branch pipe 324 and the second branch pipe 325 at a position spaced apart from the first end 324d and 325d of each branch pipe 324 and 325. The distribution pipe 323 may be located closer to the first end 324d and 325d than the bisecting point. The connection pipe 327 may be connected to a position adjacent to the second end 324e and 325e of each branch pipe 324 and 325.
The connection pipe 327 is located between the first branch pipe 324 and the second branch pipe 325 at a position spaced apart from the second end 324e and 325e of each branch pipe 324 and 325. The connection pipe 327 may be located closer to the second end 324e and 325e than the bisecting point. By the connection pipe 327, a distance between the first branch pipe 324 and the second branch pipe 325 may be maintained constant in a longitudinal direction.
Alternatively, the first supplier 321 may further include a connection portion 326 connecting the first branch pipe 324 and the second branch pipe 325 at a position between the distribution pipe 323 and the connection pipe 327. For example, the connection portion 326 may connect the first branch pipe 324 and the second branch pipe 325 at the bisecting point.
The first supplier 321 may further include a support portion 330 supporting each of the branch pipes 324 and 325. The support portion 330 may be connected to each of the first end 324d and 325d and the second end 324e and 325e of each of the branch pipes 324 and 325. The support portion 330 may extend to one side from each of the branch pipes 324 and 325. The support portion 330 may be seated on or coupled to the first one tray 420. A position of the first supplier 321 may be fixed by the support portion 330. The first supplier 321 and the first tray assembly 410 may be spaced apart from each other by the support portion 330.
The first branch pipe 324 may include a plurality of holes 324a and 324b through which liquid is discharged. The plurality of holes 324a and 324b may include a first hole 324a and a second hole 324b spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the first branch pipe 324. The first hole 324a and the second hole 324b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the fourth direction. The first hole 324a and the second hole 324b may be arranged to be spaced apart on both sides of one end of the first branch pipe 324. The first hole 324a and the second hole 324b may be located higher than one end of the first branch pipe 324. One end of the first branch pipe 324 may be, for example, a lowermost end, but is not limited thereto. The first hole 324a and the second hole 324b may be arranged to be inclined with respect to a vertical line.
Accordingly, a direction in which liquid is discharged from the first hole 324a and a direction in which liquid is discharged from the second hole 324a may be different. A direction in which liquid is discharged from the first hole 324a and a direction in which liquid is discharged from the second hole 324b may form a predetermined angle.
The first hole 324a and the second hole 324b may be referred to as one hole group. The first branch pipe 324 may include a plurality of hole groups in a longitudinal direction. The second branch pipe 325 may include a plurality of holes 325a and 325b through which liquid is discharged. The plurality of holes 325a and 325b may include a third hole 325a and a fourth hole 325b spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the second branch pipe 325. The third hole 325a and the fourth hole 325b may be arranged to be spaced apart in the fourth direction. The third hole 325a and the fourth hole 325b may be arranged to be spaced apart from one end of the second branch pipe 325 on both sides. The third hole 325a and the fourth hole 325b may be located higher than one end of the second branch pipe 325. One end of the second branch pipe 325 may be, for example, the lowest end, but is not limited thereto. The third hole 325a and the fourth hole 325b may be arranged to be inclined with respect to a vertical line. Accordingly, a direction in which liquid is discharged from the third hole 325a and a direction in which liquid is discharged from the fourth hole 325a may be different. The direction in which liquid is discharged from the third hole 325a and the direction in which liquid is discharged from the fourth hole 325b may form a predetermined angle.
The third hole 325a and the fifth hole 325b may be referred to as one hole group. The second branch pipe 325 may include a plurality of hole groups in a longitudinal direction. A hole group of the first branch pipe 324 and a hole group of the second branch pipe 325 may be arranged to correspond to each other. In this embodiment, in order to ensure that liquid discharged from the first supplier 321 is evenly distributed to the first tray assembly 310, the first supplier 321 may include the following arrangement features. As described above, M first ice making cells 440 may arranged in the fourth direction.
In
A number of holes formed in the first supplier 321 may be equal to a number of first ice making cells. Of course, it is possible that a number of holes formed in the first supplier 321 is greater than a number of first ice making cells. For example, it is possible for the two holes formed in the first supplier 321 to be arranged to correspond to one cell.
According to this embodiment, liquid may be evenly distributed to a plurality of first ice making cells, so ice separation efficiency may be improved in an ice separation process, and a deviation in completion time of ice separation between a plurality of first ice making cells can be reduced.
In this embodiment, due to an arrangement of the branch pipe and an arrangement of the hole, the branch pipe does not need to be disposed at a position corresponding to a space 445 between the second cell 440b and the third cell 440c. That is, the space 445 between the second cell 440b and the third cell 440c may not overlap with the branch pipe in a vertical direction. Therefore, according to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that liquid can be evenly supplied to the plurality of first ice making cells through a minimum number of branch pipes.
As another example, it is possible that a number of holes formed in the first supplier 321 is less than a number of first ice making cells.
For example, the inlet pipe 332 may be located adjacent to a first outer cell located at an outermost of one side of the plurality of first ice making cells arranged in the third direction. For example, the supply pipe may extend from the inlet pipe to a position before a second outer cell located on an outermost of the other side of the plurality of first ice making cells. Since liquid is directed from the first outer cell to the second outer cell in the supply pipe, even if the supply pipe extends from the inlet pipe to a position before the second outer cell, liquid may be supplied to the second outer cell by adjusting an inclination angle of a hole adjacent to the second outer cell in the supply pipe.
Alternatively, it is also possible to extend the supply pipe from the inlet pipe to a position before the second outer cell to prevent liquid from being supplied to the second outer cell.
A connection part connecting two straight parts in the first refrigerant pipe 510 may be located around the second outer cell. Therefore, sufficient heat may be supplied to the second outer cell by high temperature refrigerant inside the straight part and the connection part, so that even if liquid is not supplied, a deviation in completion time of ice separation between the plurality of first ice making cells can be reduced.
When there are 2A first ice making cells 440 in the fourth direction, A or more than A branch pipes may be provided. A may be equal to or greater than 1. If A is greater than 2, a distance between two branch pipes in the fourth direction may be greater than a distance between two first ice making cells in the fourth direction. When there are 2A−1 first ice making cells 440 in the fourth direction, A−1 or more than A−1 branch pipes may be provided. At this time, A may be 2 or more.
In this case, among three adjacent first ice making cells, the branch pipe may be arranged to overlap a middle first ice making cell in the first direction. The branch pipe may include at least three holes spaced apart in the fourth direction.
Meanwhile, alternatively, the liquid supply assembly 320 may further include the second supplier 340. The second supplier 340 may extend from a branch pipe disposed adjacent to the second tray assembly 450 among the plurality of branch pipes 324 and 325. For example, the second branch pipe 325 may be disposed closer to the second tray assembly 450 than the first branch pipe 324. The second supplier 340 may extend from the second branch pipe 325. Although not limited, the second supplier 340 may extend from a bisecting point of the second branch pipe 325. For example, the second supplier 340 may extend in a direction that crosses a direction in which the second branch pipe 325 extends. A diameter of the second supplier 340 may be equal to or less than a diameter of the second branch pipe 325.
For example, the second supplier 340 may extend in a direction that crosses an arrangement direction of the plurality of second ice making cells 451. The second supplier 340 may overlap with any one of the plurality of second ice making cells 451 in the first direction.
The second supplier 340 may include the first hole group 342. The second supplier 340 may further include a second hole group 343. The first hole group 342 and the second hole group 343 may be spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the second supplier 340. The first hole group 342 may include a first hole 342a and a second hole 342b spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The first hole 342a and the second hole 342b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction. The second hole group 343 may include a third hole 343a and a fourth hole 343b spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The third hole 343a and the second hole 343b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction.
The first hole 342a and the second hole 342b may be located higher than one end of the second supplier 340. The first hole 342a and the second hole 342b may be arranged to be inclined with respect to a vertical line. Accordingly, a direction in which liquid is discharged from the first hole 342a and a direction in which liquid is discharged from the second hole 342b may be different. The direction in which liquid is discharged from the first hole 342a and the direction in which liquid is discharged from the second hole 342b may form a predetermined angle. The third hole 343a and the fourth hole 343b may be located higher than one end of the second supplier 340. The third hole 343a and the fourth hole 343b may be arranged to be inclined with respect to a vertical line. Accordingly, a direction in which liquid is discharged from the third hole 343a and a direction in which liquid is discharged from the fourth hole 343b may be different. The direction in which liquid is discharged from the third hole 343a and the direction in which liquid is discharged from the fourth hole 343b may form a predetermined angle.
Referring to
The guide 70 may include a first guide 710 and a 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. The first guide 710 may further include a first extension end 720. The first extension end 720 may be supported by the inner housing 1010. The second guide 730 may further include a second extension end 740. The second extension end 740 may be supported by the inner housing 1010. In order to stably support the guide 70, the first guide 710 may include a plurality of first extension ends 720. In order to stably support the guide 70, the second guide 720 may include a plurality of second extension ends 740. The guide 70 may be supported by the inner housing 1010 in an inclined state. Accordingly, a height of each of the plurality of first extension ends 720 may be different from each other. Additionally, the heights of the plurality of second extension ends 740 may be different.
The inner housing 1010 may include a pair of side walls 1011 and 1012 that are spaced apart from each other. The inner housing 1010 may further include a front wall 1021 connecting front ends of a pair of spaced side walls 1011 and 1012. A housing opening 1022 through which ice passes may be formed in the front wall 1021. The inner housing 1010 may further include a rear wall 1015 connecting rear ends of a pair of spaced side walls 1011 and 1012. The rear wall 1015 may be provided with a cut-out slot 1015a that provides a path for components. The rear wall 1015 may be a straight wall or a wall bent one or more times. The inner housing 1010 may further include a lower wall 1016 connecting ends of a plurality of spaced side walls 1011 and 1012. The lower wall 1016 may be provided with an outlet opening 1016a (see
The guide supporter 1013 may include, for example, a first extension surface 1013a. The guide supporter 1013 may further include a second extension surface 1013b extending from the first extension surface 1013a in a direction crossing the first extension surface 1013a. The first extension surface 1013a may be inclined to support the guide 70 in an inclined state. For example, the first extension surface 1013a may be inclined downward toward the housing opening 1022. The first extension surface 1013a may be provided with a recessed seating portion 1013c for seating each of the first extension end 720 and the second extension end 740 of the guide 70.
Meanwhile, the sub_first liquid supplier 380 may be connected to the sub_second liquid supplier 382. However, an internal flow passage of the sub_first liquid supplier 380 may be partitioned from an internal flow passage of the sub_second liquid supplier 382.
The ice making device 1 may further include a connector 386 connected to the sub_second liquid supplier 382. The connector 386 may be located at an opposite side of the sub_first liquid supplier 380 with respect to the sub_second liquid supplier 382. The sub_first liquid supplier 380, the sub_second liquid supplier 382, and the connector 386 may be arranged in the second direction. A liquid supply assembly in which the sub_first liquid supplier 380, the sub_second liquid supplier 382, and the connector 386 are connected may be mounted on the inner housing 1010. For example, the sub_first liquid supplier 380 and the connector 386 may be seated on the inner housing 1010. Alternatively, the connector 386 may be omitted and the sub_second liquid supplier 382 may be mounted on the inner housing 1010.
The sub_first liquid supplier 380 may include a first extension 384h to be seated on the inner housing 1010. The first extension 384h may protruded from one side of the sub_first liquid supplier 380. To ensure stable seating of the sub_first liquid supplier 380, a plurality of first extensions 384h may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The connector 386 may include a second extension 386b to be seated on the inner housing 1010. To ensure stable seating of the connector 386, a plurality of second extensions 386b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.
The sub_first liquid supplier 380 may further include a first liquid supply pipe 384 through which liquid flows. The first liquid supply pipe 384 may receive liquid from the first pump 360. 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 nozzle 381 may spray liquid into the first ice making cell 440. The first liquid supply pipe 384 may include a first common pipe 384a. The first common pipe 384a may extend in the third direction. The first liquid supply pipe 384 may further include a first branch pipe 384e branched from the first common pipe 384a. For example, a plurality of first branch pipes 384e may extend in both directions from the first common pipe 384a.
The first liquid supply pipe 384 may further include a distribution pipe connected to the plurality of first branch pipes 384e. The distribution pipe may include a first distribution pipe 384f located at one side of the first common pipe 384a. The distribution pipe may include a second distribution pipe 384g located at the other side of the first common pipe 384a. The first extension 384h may extend from the second distribution pipe 384g. Each of the distribution pipes 384f and 384g may be provided with a first individual pipe extending in one direction. For example, the first individual pipe may include a first pipe 384b, a second pipe 384c, and a third pipe 384d. It should be noted that in this embodiment, there is no limit to a number of pipes constituting the first individual pipe. A height of some of the first pipe 384b, second pipe 384c, and third pipe 384d may be different from a height of another of the first pipe 384b, second pipe 384c, and third pipe 384d.
The first liquid supply nozzle 381 may be connected to each of the first pipe 384b, the second pipe 384c, and the third pipe 384d. Therefore, the liquid flowing through the first common pipe 384a is distributed to the first pipe 384b, the second pipe 384c, and the third pipe 384d and then supplied to the first ice making cell 440 through the first liquid supply nozzle 381.
The sub_first liquid supplier 380 may further include a first connection portion 384i to be connected to the sub_second liquid supplier 382. For example, the first connection portion 384i may extend from the first distribution pipe 384f. For example, a plurality of first connection portions 384i may extend from the first distribution pipe 384f in a direction away from the second distribution pipe 384g.
The sub_second liquid supplier 382 may include a second liquid supply pipe 385 through which liquid flows. The second liquid supply pipe 385 may receive liquid from the second pump 362. 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 nozzle 383 may spray liquid into the second ice making cell 451.
The second liquid supply pipe 385 may include a second common pipe 385a. The second common pipe 385a may extend in the third direction. The second common pipe 385a may be arranged parallel to the first common pipe 384a. The second liquid supply pipe 385 may include a second individual pipe extending from the second common pipe 385a. The second individual pipe may include, for example, a fourth pipe 385b, a fifth pipe 385c, and a sixth pipe 385d. It should be noted that in this embodiment, there is no limit to a number of pipes constituting the second individual pipe. A height of some of the fourth pipe 385b, the fifth pipe 385c, and the sixth pipe 385d may be different from a height of another of the fourth pipe 385b, the fifth pipe 385c, and the sixth pipe 385d. The second liquid supply nozzle 383 may be connected to each of the fourth pipe 385b, the fifth pipe 385c, and the sixth pipe 385d. Accordingly, the liquid flowing through the second common pipe 385a is distributed to the fourth pipe 385b, the fifth pipe 385c, and the sixth pipe 385d and then supplied to the second ice making cell through the second liquid supply nozzle.
The sub_second liquid supplier 382 may further include a second connection portion 385e to be connected to the first connection portion 384i. The second connection portion 385e may extend from the second common pipe 385a. For example, a plurality of second connection portions 385e may extend toward the sub_first liquid supplier 380. One of the first connection portion 384i and the second connection portion 385e may be inserted into the other of the first connection portion 384i and the second connection portion 385e. For example,
The sub_second liquid supplier 382 may further include a third connection portion 385f to be connected to the connector 386. The third connection portion 385f may extend from the second common pipe 385a. The third connection portion 385f may extend from the second common pipe 385a in an opposite direction to the second connection portion 385e. For example, a plurality of third connection portions 385f may extend toward the connector 386. The connector 386 may include a fourth connection portion 386a to be connected to the third connection portion 385f. One of the third connection portion 385f and the fourth connection portion 386a may be inserted into the other of the third connection portion 385f and the fourth connection portion 386a. For example,
Meanwhile, since at least one of shape or size of the first ice making cell 440 is different from that of the second ice making cell 451, a structure of the first liquid supply nozzle 381 may be different from a structure of the first liquid supply nozzle 383. For example, the first liquid supply nozzle 381 may be rotatably coupled to the first individual pipe. The first individual pipe or the first liquid supply nozzle 381 may be provided with a filter (not shown) for filtering liquid. The first liquid supply nozzle 381 may include a first nozzle body 3811. For example, the first nozzle body 3811 may be formed in a polygonal shape. The first liquid supply nozzle 381 may include a first inclined surface 3812 extending from the first nozzle body 3811. The first inclined surface 3812 may be formed with a diameter that decreases toward one side.
The first liquid supply nozzle 381 may further include a first nozzle end 3813 that protrudes from the first inclined surface 3812. A length of the first nozzle end 3813 in the first direction may be less than a length of the first inclined surface 3812 in the first direction. The first nozzle end 3813 may include a first through hole 3814 (or a first liquid supply hole). Liquid may be sprayed through the first through hole 3814. For example, the second liquid supply nozzle 383 may be rotatably coupled to the second individual pipe.
The second liquid supply nozzle 383 may include a second nozzle body 3831. For example, the second nozzle body 3831 may be formed in a polygonal shape. The first nozzle body 3831 may be formed in the same shape or size as the second nozzle body 3831.
The second liquid supply nozzle 383 may include a second inclined surface 3832 extending from the second nozzle body 3831. The second inclined surface 3832 may be formed with a diameter that decreases toward one side. The second liquid supply nozzle 383 may further include a second nozzle end protruded from the second inclined surface 3832. A length of the second nozzle end in the first direction may be greater than a length of the second inclined surface 3832 in the first direction. A length of the second nozzle end is longer than a length of the first nozzle end.
The second nozzle end may include a first part 3833 extending from the second inclined surface 3832. A diameter of the first part 3833 may be the same or decrease toward one side. The second nozzle end may further include a second part 3834 extending from the first part 3833. A length of the second part 3834 in the first direction may be equal to or greater than a length of the first part 3833 in the first direction.
The second nozzle end may include a second through hole 3835 (or a second liquid supply hole). Liquid may be sprayed through the second through hole 3835. The second through hole 3835 may be formed in the second part 3834. A diameter of the second through hole 3835 may be less than a diameter of the first through hole 3813.
Due to a difference in length between the first nozzle end 3813 and the second nozzle end and a difference in diameter between the second through hole 3835 and the first through hole 3813, a straightness of liquid spayed from the second liquid supply nozzle 383 is greater than that of the liquid sprayed of the first liquid supply nozzle 381.
In this embodiment, a number of first ice making cells 440 that receive liquid from one first liquid supply nozzle 381 (or first liquid supply hole) is different from a number of second ice making cells 451 that receive liquid from one second liquid supply nozzle 383 (or second liquid supply hole). For example, liquid sprayed from one first liquid supply nozzle 381 (or first liquid supply hole) may be supplied to a plurality of first ice making cells 440. On the other hand, liquid sprayed from one second liquid supply nozzle 383 (or second liquid supply hole) may be supplied to one second ice making cell 451.
A number of first liquid supply nozzles 381 may be less than a number of first ice making cells 440. On the other hand, a number of second liquid supply nozzles 383 may be equal to a number of second ice making cells 451. Therefore, the first liquid supply nozzle 381 may be called a spray-type nozzle. The second liquid nozzle 383 may be called a direct type nozzle.
Referring to
The mounting portions 1018 and 1019 may include a first mounting portion 1018 on which the first extension 384h of the sub_first liquid supplier 380 is mounted. The mounting portions 1018 and 1019 may further include a second mounting portion 1019 on which the second extension 386b of the connector 386 is mounted. The first mounting portion 1018 may include a first receiving groove 1018a in which the first extension 384h is received. The second mounting portion 1019 may include a second receiving groove 1019a in which the second extension 386b is received.
In a state in which the liquid supply assembly is mounted on the inner housing 1010, the guide 70 may be mounted on the inner housing 1010 from one side of the liquid supply assembly. As described above, since the recessed seating portion 1013c is formed in the guide supporter 1013, when each of the first extension end 720 and the second extension end 740 of the guide 70 is seated on the seating portion 1013c, the guide 70 may be supported by the inner housing 1010.
Referring to
During an ice making process, one surface 471a of the sub second another tray 471 may contact one surface 461a of the sub second one tray 461. When one surface 471a of the sub second another tray 471 contacts one surface 461a of the sub second one tray 461, a complete second ice making cell 451 may be formed.
The second one tray 460 may further include an extension portion 463 extending from one end of the sub second one tray 461. The extension portion 463 may be seated on the bracket 452. The extension portion 463 may be provided with a coupling hole 464 through which a coupling member for coupling with the case 452 passes.
The second one tray 460 may include a plurality of hinge portions 465 extending from one surface of the extension portion 463. The plurality of hinge portions 465 may be spaced apart from each other in the third 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 plurality of hinge portions 465. The hinge shaft 489 can receive power from the driver 690. The second another tray 470 may further include a tray extension 475 extending from the sub second another tray 471. The tray extension 475 may include a coupling hole 474 to be coupled to the supporter 480 by a coupling member.
The supporter 480 may include a supporter body 481 that forms a receiving portion 482 for receiving the sub second another tray 471. The supporter body 481 may include a body wall 481a forming the receiving portion 482. The tray extension 475 may be seated on one surface of the supporter body 481. One surface of the supporter body 481 may be provided with a coupling protrusion 486 to be inserted into the coupling hole 474. The supporter 480 may further include a hinge body 483 to which the hinge shaft 489 is coupled. A plurality of hinge bodies 483 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to an extension direction of the hinge shaft 489. The plurality of hinge portions 465 may be located between the plurality 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 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 an ice making process, the shaft cover 485 may be positioned at one side of the hinge shaft 489. Accordingly, liquid may 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 supporter 480 may further include a barrier 487 to prevent liquid from splashing toward the coupling portion 488.
The supporter 481 may further include an opening wall 482b extending from a periphery of the supporter opening 482a. The opening wall 482b may restrict liquid from splashing outward when liquid is supplied to the second another tray 470.
Referring to
When the liquid supply process starts, the liquid supply valve is turned on and liquid supplied from an external liquid source 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 is turned off and the liquid supply process is completed.
After the liquid supply process is completed, an ice making process begins. In the ice making process, liquid is supplied to the ice maker 40 by the liquid supplier 330. Additionally, during 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 phase-changed into ice, and a size of the phase-changed ice increases, thereby generating ice.
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. Liquid sprayed from the first liquid supply nozzle 381 is supplied to the 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 an inner surface of the first another tray 430. Liquid sprayed from the first liquid supply nozzle 381 may be supplied to a plurality of first ice making cells 440. Although not limited, liquid sprayed from one first liquid supply nozzle 381 may be supplied to four first ice making cells 440. A portion of liquid within 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 the liquid, a transparency of generated ice can be increased. During the ice making process, the 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. Liquid sprayed from the second liquid supply nozzle 383 is supplied to the 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. As described above, liquid sprayed from one second liquid supply nozzle 383 may be directly supplied to one second ice making cell 451. Accordingly, a second through hole 3835 of the second liquid supply nozzle 383 may be aligned with the supporter opening 482a and the second opening 473 in the first direction.
Liquid supplied to the second ice making cell 451 flows toward an inner surface 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 the liquid into the second one tray 460 or ice generated in the second one tray 460, air bubbles in the liquid are released from the liquid. When air bubbles in the liquid are discharged from the liquid, a transparency of generated ice can be increased.
During the ice making process, the second ice I2 may grow from the second one tray 460 toward the second another tray 470. Generated ice may grow 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 a compressor can flow to 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 a first storage space. The second ice I2 may be separated from at least 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 ice I2 may be moved while being 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 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 position.
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 a second storage space. 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.
The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other portions, but is different therefrom in a shape of the liquid supply assembly. Accordingly, only the characteristic portions of the present embodiment will be described below.
Referring to
Meanwhile, it is possible in this specification to omit the second tray assembly 450 from the ice maker 40. In this case, as the second tray assembly 450 is omitted, structures such as the second storage space, a second pump, a sub_second liquid supplier, and a second refrigerant pipe can also be omitted.
The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment or second embodiment in other portions, but is different therefrom in a shape of the sub_second liquid supplier. Accordingly, only a changed structure related to the sub_second liquid supplier will be described, and a description of the first embodiment or second embodiment will be used for the same configuration as the first embodiment or second embodiment.
Referring to
The second another tray 470 may include a sub second another tray 471 forming a second another cell 472. The second another tray 470 may further include a tray extension 475 extending from the sub second another tray 471.
The supporter 480a may include a supporter body 481 that forms a receiving portion 482 for receiving the sub second another tray 471. The supporter body 481 may include a body wall 481a forming the receiving portion 482. The supporter opening 482a may be formed in the body wall 481a. The supporter body 481 may further include a body extension 481b extending from the body wall 481a. The tray extension 475 may be seated on the body extension 481b.
The case 498 may be seated on the tray extension 475 that is seated on the body extension 481b. The case 498 may include a case opening 498a through which the second one tray 460 passes. The case 498 may further include a coupling hole 498b through which the coupling member passes. The coupling member may pass through the coupling hole 498b and the tray extension 475 and be coupled to the supporter 480a. The supporter body 481 may further include a circumferential wall 481c extending from the body wall 481b. The circumferential wall 481c may be spaced apart from the body wall 481a. Accordingly, a space 485 for receiving the sub_second liquid supplier 1382 may be formed between the circumferential wall 481c and the body wall 481a. The circumferential wall 481c may be provided with an inclined surface 481d to prevent the supporter 480a from interfering with the guide 70 while the supporter 480a moves in an ice separation process.
The supporter 480a may further include an opening wall 482b extending from a periphery of the supporter opening 482a. The supporter 480a may further include hinge bodies 483 and 483a to which the shaft 489 is coupled. A plurality of hinge bodies 483 and 483a may be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to an extension direction of the shaft 489. The hinge bodies 483 and 483a may include a shaft hole 484 through which the shaft 489 passes.
Meanwhile, the sub_second liquid supplier 1382 may include an inlet pipe 1384. The inlet pipe 1384 may be connected to the liquid supply tube 373. An inlet of the inlet pipe 1384 may be referred to as a first through hole. The sub_second liquid supplier 1382 may further include a common pipe 1385 connected to the inlet pipe 1384. For example, the common pipe 1385 may extend in a direction parallel to an arrangement direction of the second ice making cells 451. The common pipe 1385 may be coupled to the supporter 480a. For example, the common pipe 1385 may be located in a space 485 between the circumferential wall 481c and the body wall 481a.
A coupling rib 1387 may protrude from the common pipe 1385. The supporter 480a may be provided with a coupling portion 486 for coupling with the coupling rib 1387. For example, the coupling portion 486 may be located between two adjacent second another cells 472. An end of the coupling portion 486 may be provided with a coupling protrusion 486a aligned with the coupling rib 1387. A portion of the coupling protrusion 486a may be inserted into the coupling rib 1387. In this state, a coupling member may be coupled to the coupling rib 1387 and the coupling protrusion 486a. The circumferential wall 481c may be provided with a pipe opening 481e through which the inlet pipe 1384 passes.
The sub_second liquid supplier 1382 may further include one or more supply pipes 1386 extending from the common pipe 1385. A number of supply pipes 1386 may be equal to a number of the second ice making cells 451. The supply pipe 1386 may extend from the common pipe 1385 and be aligned with the supporter opening 482a. The supply pipe 1386 may be aligned with the second opening 473. Although not limited, the supply pipe 1386 may be located in a central portion of the second opening 473. A slot 482c may be formed in the opening wall 482b for the supply pipe 1386 to pass through. The slot 482c can prevent the supply pipe 1386 from interfering with the opening wall 482b.
The supply pipe 1386 may include a liquid supply hole 1386c. The liquid supply hole 1386c can be referred to as a second through hole. The liquid supply hole 1386c may be arranged such that liquid is suppled into the second ice making cell 451 via the second opening 473 formed in the second another tray 470. For example, the liquid supply hole 1386c may be located in the supporter opening 482a or the second opening 473.
A diameter of the liquid supply hole 1386c may be greater than a diameter of the second opening 473. Accordingly, a portion of the liquid supplied to the second ice making cell 251 may flow downward from the second opening 473 through an outer area of the liquid supply hole 1386c.
When the liquid supply hole 1386c is located in the supporter opening 482a or in the second opening 473, liquid can be stably supplied into the second ice making cell 451, so that a size of the second opening 473 can be reduced.
In this embodiment, a position of the supporter 480a may be changed during an ice making process and an ice separation process. Accordingly, a position of the supply pipe 1386 mounted on the supporter 480a may also be changed. Since the second another tray 470 is seated on the supporter 480a, the supply pipe 1386 can move in the same direction as a moving direction of the second another tray 470.
Although not limited, the supply pipe 1386 may include a first portion 1386a extending from the common pipe 1385 in the first direction or in a second direction crossing the first direction. The supply pipe 1386 may further include a second portion 1386b that extends from the first portion 1386a and is bent at one point.
In another aspect, it can be understood that the sub_second liquid supplier 1382 of this embodiment comprises a first through hole (inlet of the inlet pipe), a second through hole 1386c, and a connection pipe to connect a first through hole and the second through hole 1386c. In this case, a connection pipe may include at least a portion of the inlet pipe, a common pipe, and at least a portion of the supply pipe.
Meanwhile, a liquid supply tube 373 connected to the inlet pipe 1384 may extend in a direction parallel or almost parallel to an arrangement direction of the second ice making cells 451. Among a plurality of hinge bodies 483 and 483a, one hinge body 483a may be provided with a rib 484a for fixing a position of the liquid supply tube 373. The rib 484a may extend from the hinge body 483a. The liquid supply tube 373 may be located between the hinge body 483a and the rib 484a. The rib 484a may be rounded or bent one or more times to form a space in which the liquid supply tube 373 can be positioned.
According to this embodiment, when the supporter 480a is moved, the liquid supply tube 373 is also moved. When the liquid supply tube 373 is located close to the hinge body 483a, a phenomenon of bending of the liquid supply tube 373 can be minimized.
Referring to
The pusher 490a may include a plate 491 seated on the seating groove 455a. The pushing column 492 may extend from the plate 491. A coupling protrusion 456 may be formed in the seating groove 455a. The plate 491 may be provided with a protrusion hole 495 through which the coupling protrusion 456 passes. Although not limited, the protrusion hole 495 may be located between two adjacent pushing columns 492. A coupling boss 457 may be formed in the seating groove 455a. The plate 491 may be provided with a boss coupling portion 496 to which the coupling boss 457 is coupled. The boss coupling portion 496 may protrude from the plate 491. The coupling boss 457 may be inserted into the boss coupling portion 496. In this state, a coupling member can be coupling to the boss coupling portion 496 and the coupling boss 457.
The pusher 490a may be located at one side of the second another tray 470. The pusher 490a may provide a path 493 that allows a component to move through an interior. The path 493 may be formed on the pushing column 492. The pusher 490a may further include a wall 493d that provides a position at which a component that has passed through the path 493 stops. The wall 493d may include a hole 494. Although not limited, the component may be a portion of the sub_second liquid supplier 1382. For example, the component may be the supply pipe 1386. In another aspect, the pusher 490a may include an opening that allows a component to move through an interior.
The opening may be formed at one side of the pusher 490a. At least a portion of the component may be disposed at one side of the pusher 490a. The opening may be formed at one side of the pusher 490a. Alternatively, at least a portion of the component may be disposed at the other side of the pusher 490a, and the opening may be formed at the other side of the pusher 490a. The opening may be provided facing a non-opened wall, so that a component may be stopped by the wall.
Referring to
Referring to
After the liquid supply process is completed, an ice making process starts. In the ice making process, the pumps 360 and 362 may be turned on simultaneously or sequentially. For example, when the first pump 360 operates, liquid may be supplied to the first tray assembly 410 through the sub_first liquid supplier 380.
When the second pump 362 operates, liquid can be supplied to the second tray assembly 450 through the sub_second liquid supplier 382. In this embodiment, since the sub_second liquid supplier 1382 is mounted on the supporter 480a, liquid can be intensively supplied to the second ice making cell 451.
When the ice making process is completed, an ice separation process may can be performed. When the ice separation process starts, high-temperature refrigerant 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. 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. That is, after generation of the second ice in the second ice making cell 251 is completed, the controller moves the second another tray 470 to an ice separation position in a first direction (clockwise direction with respect to
In a process of moving the second another tray 470 to an ice separation position, the pusher 490a presses the second another tray 470, so that the second ice I2 may be separated from the second another tray 470 and fall. Alternatively, depending on a size of the second opening 473, it is possible for the pusher 490a to directly press the second ice I2 through the second another tray 470. Alternatively, it is possible for the pusher 490a to contact the second another tray 470 and the second ice I2.
As described above, since the pusher 490a includes a path 393, the sub_second liquid supplier 1382 can move without interfering with the pusher 490a during an ice separation process. For example, the supply pipe 1386 may be moved while received in the pushing column 492.
After the second another tray 470 is moved in the first direction, the second another tray 470 is moved in a second direction (counterclockwise direction in the drawing) by the driver to contact the second one tray 460. The liquid supply tube 373 may extend toward the second pump 362 in a state in which the liquid supply tube 373 is supported on the rib 484a. The liquid supply tube 373 may extend toward the second pump 362 after passing through the inner housing 1010. For example, the liquid supply tube 373 may pass through a rear wall 1015 of the inner housing 1010. When the supporter 480a is moved, the liquid supply tube 373 is also moved. According to this embodiment, the liquid supply tube 373 may be moved while supported on the ribs 484a. Since the liquid supply tube 373 is located close to the hinge body 483a, a bending of the liquid supply tube 373 can be minimized even if the liquid supply tube 373 is moved.
The present embodiment is the same as the third embodiment in other portions, but is different therefrom in a shape of the sub_second liquid supplier. Accordingly, only a changed structure related to the sub_second liquid supplier will be described, and a description of the third embodiment will be used for the same configuration as the third embodiment.
Referring to
The second another tray 1470 of this embodiment may include a sub second another tray 1471 forming a second another cell 472. The second another tray 1470 may further include a tray extension 1473 extending from the sub second another tray 1471. A coupling boss 1475 may be formed on the tray extension 1473 for coupling a coupling member for coupling with the supporter 1480. A coupling hole 1475a may be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling boss 1475.
The supporter 1480 may include a supporter body 1481 that forms a receiving portion 1482 for receiving the sub second another tray 1471. A supporter opening 1482a may be formed in the supporter body 1481. The supporter body 1481 may include a body wall 1481a forming the receiving portion 1482. The supporter opening 1482a may be formed in the body wall 1481a. The supporter body 1481 may further include a body extension 1481b extending from the body wall 1481a. The tray extension 1473 may be seated on the body extension 1481b. The body extension 1481b may include a coupling protrusion 1487a aligned with the coupling boss 1475. A coupling member penetrating the coupling boss 1475 may be coupled to the coupling protrusion 1487a. The supporter body 1481 may further include a circumferential wall 1481c extending from the body wall 1481b. The circumferential wall 1481c may be spaced apart from the body wall 1481a. The circumferential wall 1481c may be provided with an opening 1481e through which a portion of the sub_second liquid supplier 3382 passes.
The supporter 1480 may be provided with a coupling portion 1486 for coupling to the sub_second liquid supplier 3382. For example, the coupling portion 1486 may protrude from the body wall 1481a.
A second tray assembly 450a of this embodiment may further include a heater 1490 (see
The receiving groove 1447 may include, for example, a curved part 1447a and a straight part 1477b. The heater coupling portion 1476 may further include a slot 1478 through which the heater 1490 passes.
In
Referring to
The sub_second liquid supplier 3382 may further include a distribution pipe 3384 connected to the inlet pipe 3383. For example, the distribution pipe 3384 may extend in a direction parallel to an arrangement direction of the second ice making cell 451. The sub_second liquid supplier 3382 may include a liquid supply hole 3391 (or a second through hole). The liquid supply hole 3391 may be formed in the distribution pipe 3384. A plurality of liquid supply holes 3391 may be provided in numbers corresponding to a plurality of second ice making cells 451. The liquid supply hole 3391 may be aligned with the second opening 473 of the second another tray 470.
The sub_second liquid supplier 3382 may further include an outlet opening 3392 through which liquid supplied to the second ice making cell 451 passes. To prevent liquid sprayed from the liquid supply hole 3391 to the second ice making cell 451 from interfering with liquid discharged through the outlet opening 3392, the liquid supply hole 3391 is aligned with a second opening 473 of the second another tray 470. The outlet opening 3392 may be located at one side of the liquid supply hole 3391. For smooth flow of liquid, the sub_second liquid supplier 3382 may include a plurality of outlet openings 3392. For example, the liquid supply hole 3391 may be located between two outlet openings 3392. A size of the outlet opening 3392 may be greater than a diameter of the liquid supply hole 3391.
The sub_second liquid supplier 3382 may further include a coupling body 3386 to be coupled to the supporter 1480. The coupling body 3386 may be located at one side of the distribution pipe 3384. The coupling body 3386 may include a first body 3387 extending from the distribution pipe 3384. The first body 3387 may support the heater coupling portion 1476 or the heater 1490 coupled to the heater coupling portion 1476. The coupling body 3386 may further include a second body 3388 extending from the first body 3387. The second body 3388 may extend along an edge of the first body 3387. When the sub_second liquid supplier 3382 is coupled to the supporter 1480, the second body 3388 may cover a side circumference of the heater coupling portion 1476. For example, the second body 3388 may include a curved part 3387a and a straight part 3387b. The coupling body 3386 may include a slot 3393 through which the heater 1490 passes.
The coupling body 3386 may further include a coupling extension 3389 for coupling to the supporter 1480. For example, a plurality of coupling extensions 3389 may extend from the second body 3388. For example, the coupling extension 3389 may extend from the curved portion 3387a. A coupling hole 3389a may be formed in the coupling extension 3389 for the coupling member to pass through. The coupling hole 3389a may be aligned with the coupling portion 1486 of the supporter 1480. Accordingly, the coupling member passing through the coupling hole 3389a may be coupled to the coupling portion 1486.
The sub_second liquid supplier 3382 may further include a protrusion 3390 inserted into the second opening 473. The protrusion 3390 may be located around the liquid supply hole 3391. The protrusion 3390 may protrude from the first body 3387. When the protrusion 3390 is located in the second opening 473, the protrusion 3390 can form the second another cell 472. Accordingly, one surface of the protrusion 3390 may be rounded. One surface of the protrusion 3390 may form a hemispherical second another cell 472 together with the sub second another tray 471. Since the protrusion 3390 is located in the second opening 473, the outlet opening 3392 can pass through the protrusion 3390 in the first direction so that liquid in the second another cell 472 passes through. The protrusion 3390 may be spaced apart from the second body 3388. The protrusion 3390 may be located between a plurality of curved parts in the second body 3388.
Meanwhile, when the second another tray 1470 is seated on the supporter 1480, the heater coupling portion 1476 may pass through the supporter opening 1482a. The heater coupling portion 1476 may protrude to one side through the supporter opening 1482a. The heater 1490 may be coupled to the heater coupling portion 1476. When the sub_second liquid supplier 3382 is coupled to the supporter 1480, the coupling body 3386 may surround the heater coupling portion 1476. At this time, a portion of the heater 1490 may be arranged to surround an outer circumference of the protrusion 3390.
Referring to
When an operation of the heater 1490 is completed, the movement process may be performed. In the moving process, the supporter 1480 may be moved in a clockwise direction in the drawing by the driver 690. In this embodiment, since the second ice can be separated from the second another tray 1470 by the heater 1490, a pusher of the second embodiment can be omitted.
Meanwhile, a control method of an ice making device mentioned above can be equally applied even when the ice maker includes one tray assembly.
It is also possible to apply 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 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.
this specification, the third direction may be referred to as a first direction or a second direction, and the fourth direction may be referred to as a second direction or a first direction. That is, in this specification, different terms may be used to distinguish two different directions.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2022-0029370 | Mar 2022 | KR | national |
| 10-2022-0029374 | Mar 2022 | KR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/KR2023/003109 | 3/7/2023 | WO |
