KR20250067782A - Ice maker, Refrigerator and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The ice maker of the present embodiment comprises: a tray forming an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice; a temperature sensor detecting the temperature of water or the temperature of ice in the ice-making cell; and a heater supplying heat to the ice-making cell during at least a portion of a period during which cold air is supplied to the ice-making cell. After ice-making starts, if an on condition of the heater is satisfied, the heater is turned on, and if an off condition of the heater is satisfied, the heater is turned off.

Description

Ice maker, refrigerator and method for controlling the same

This specification relates to an ice maker, a refrigerator and a control method thereof.

A refrigerator is a home appliance that stores food at a low temperature in an internal storage space sealed by a door.

The above refrigerator can keep stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air.

Usually, refrigerators come with an ice maker to make ice.

The above ice maker creates ice by storing water supplied from a water source or water tank in a tray and then cooling the water.

Additionally, the ice maker can remove the ice that has been made from the ice tray by heating or twisting.

This type of ice maker, which automatically supplies and removes ice, is formed to open upwards and scoop up the formed ice.

Ice produced in an ice maker of this type of structure has at least one flat surface, such as a crescent or cubic shape.

Meanwhile, if the ice is formed into a spherical shape, it can be more convenient to use the ice and provide a different experience to the user. In addition, when storing the ice, the area of contact between the ice pieces can be minimized, thereby minimizing the ice from sticking together.

Prior document Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1850918 (hereinafter referred to as “prior document 1”) discloses an ice maker.

The ice maker of prior art document 1 includes an upper tray having a plurality of hemispherical upper cells arranged therein and a pair of link guide portions extending upward from both side ends; a lower tray having a plurality of hemispherical lower cells arranged therein and being rotatably connected to the upper tray; a rotational shaft connected to the rear ends of the lower tray and the upper tray so that the lower tray rotates with respect to the upper tray; a pair of links having one end connected to the lower tray and the other end connected to the link guide portion; and an upper ejecting pin assembly having both ends respectively connected to the pair of links while being fitted into the link guide portions and moving up and down together with the links.

In the case of prior art document 1, spherical ice can be created by a hemispherical upper cell and a hemispherical lower cell. However, since ice is created simultaneously in the upper cell and the lower cell, there is a disadvantage in that the bubbles contained in the water are not completely discharged, and the bubbles are dispersed inside the water, making the created ice opaque.

In prior literature, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-269172 (hereinafter referred to as “prior literature 2”), an ice making device is disclosed.

The ice making device of prior art document 2 includes an ice making plate and a heater that heats the bottom of water supplied to the ice making plate.

In the case of the ice making device of prior art document 2, water on one side and the bottom of the ice making block is heated by a heater during the ice making process. Accordingly, solidification occurs on the water surface side, and convection occurs within the water, so that transparent ice can be created.

As the transparent ice grows, the volume of water within the ice block decreases, and the solidification speed gradually increases, so that sufficient convection suitable for the solidification speed cannot occur.

Therefore, in the case of prior literature 2, when approximately 2/3 of the water is solidified, the heating amount of the heater is increased to suppress the increase in the solidification speed.

However, according to prior art 2, when the volume of water is simply reduced, the heating amount of the heater is increased, so it is difficult to create ice with uniform transparency depending on the shape of the ice.

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof capable of producing ice having uniform transparency overall regardless of shape.

In addition, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of producing spherical ice and having uniform transparency per unit height of the spherical ice, and a method for controlling the refrigerator.

In addition, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof capable of generating ice having uniform transparency overall by varying the heating amount of a transparent ice heater and/or the cooling power of a cold air supply means in response to variations in the amount of heat transfer between water in an ice-making cell and cold air in a storage chamber.

In addition, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof, which enable smooth ice separation after ice making is completed by controlling the amount of water supplied in consideration of volume expansion of water when it is detected that a transparent ice heater is not operating normally.

In addition, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can prevent water from existing in the center of ice even when the ice-making speed increases due to a failure of a transparent ice heater to operate normally.

An ice maker according to one aspect may include a tray forming an ice cell, which is a space where water changes into ice; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of water or a temperature of ice in the ice cell; and a heater supplying heat to the ice cell during at least a portion of a period during which cold air is supplied to the ice cell.

After ice making starts, if the on condition of the heater is satisfied, the heater can be turned on, and if the off condition of the heater is satisfied, the heater can be turned off.

When the temperature detected by the above temperature sensor reaches the on reference temperature, it can be determined that the on condition of the heater is satisfied.

The above reference temperature may be below freezing.

Satisfaction of the off condition of the above heater can be determined based on the passage of time.

If it is determined that the ice making time has elapsed the set time, it can be determined that the off condition of the heater is satisfied.

Based on the temperature detected by the above temperature sensor, it can be determined whether ice making is complete.

After it is determined that ice making is complete, it can be determined whether the off condition of the heater is satisfied.

An ice maker according to another aspect may include a tray forming an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of water or a temperature of ice in the ice-making cell; a transparent ice heater supplying heat to the ice-making cell during at least a portion of the ice-making process; and an ice-removing heater supplying heat to the ice-making cell during the ice-removing process.

After ice making starts, if the on condition of the transparent ice heater is satisfied, the transparent ice heater can be turned on, and if the off condition of the transparent ice heater is satisfied, the transparent ice heater can be turned off.

For the purpose of ice-making, when the on condition of the ice-making heater is satisfied, the ice-making heater can be turned on, and when the off condition of the ice-making heater is satisfied, the ice-making heater can be turned off.

When the temperature detected by the above temperature sensor reaches the on reference temperature, it can be determined that the on condition of the heater is satisfied.

If it is determined that the ice making time has elapsed the set time, it can be determined that the off condition of the heater is satisfied.

When the temperature detected by the above temperature sensor reaches the reference temperature, it can be determined that the on condition of the ice heater is satisfied.

When the above-mentioned ice heater operates for a set period of time, it can be determined that the off condition of the above-mentioned ice heater is satisfied.

When the temperature detected by the above temperature sensor becomes higher than the off reference temperature, it can be determined that the off condition of the ice heater is satisfied.

The tray may include a first tray forming at least a portion of a wall for providing the ice-making cell, and a second tray forming at least another portion of a wall for providing the ice-making cell.

The amount of heating from the heater operating during the ice making process may vary.

In a refrigerator according to one aspect, after the first amount of water is supplied to the ice-making cell, the control unit causes the heater to be turned on during at least a portion of the period during which the cold air supply means supplies cold air so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move from the part where ice is formed to the liquid water, thereby forming transparent ice.

The above control unit determines whether the heater is operating abnormally during the ice-making process, and if the heater is determined to be operating abnormally, the control unit can control the water supply so that a second water supply amount smaller than the first water supply amount is supplied to the ice-making cell during the next water supply process.

In this embodiment, the control unit can determine whether the heater is operating abnormally based on the elapsed time until the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor reaches the first reference temperature after the start of ice making.

The above control unit can determine that the heater is operating normally if the elapsed time from the start of ice making until the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor reaches the first reference temperature is longer than the set time.

The above control unit can determine that the heater is operating abnormally if the elapsed time from the start of ice making until the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor reaches the first reference temperature is shorter than the set time.

The above control unit can perform the moving after waiting for the moving to occur until the waiting time after the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor reaches the first reference temperature reaches the waiting reference time, if the elapsed time is shorter than the set time.

In the present embodiment, the first tray may form a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice by the cold air, and the second tray may form another part of the ice-making cell, and may be in contact with the first tray during the ice-making process and may be spaced apart from the first tray during the ice-separating process.

The above second tray can be connected to the driving unit and receive power from the driving unit.

By the operation of the above driving unit, the second tray can be moved from the water supply position to the ice-making position. In addition, by the operation of the above driving unit, the second tray can be moved from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position.

Water supply to the ice making cell can be performed while the second tray is moved to the water supply position.

After the supply is completed, the second tray can be moved to the ice-making position. After the second tray is moved to the ice-making position, the cold air supply means supplies cold air to the ice-making cell.

When ice production in the ice making cell is completed, the second tray can move forward to the ice removal position to remove ice from the ice making cell.

After the second tray is moved to the ice position, it is moved in the reverse direction to the water supply position, and water supply can be started again.

If the heater is judged to be operating abnormally, the second amount of water is supplied to the ice-making cell for the next ice-making. Thereafter, the second tray is moved to the ice-making position, and the cold air supply means can supply cold air to the ice-making cell.

The above control unit can determine that ice making is complete when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor reaches the first reference temperature after ice making starts.

The above control unit, if it is determined that ice making is completed, can determine whether the ice making time has passed the completion reference time. If the ice making time has not passed the completion reference time, the ice can be separated after waiting for the ice making time to pass the completion reference time, and then the ice can be separated.

The above control unit can control at least one of the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means and the heating amount of the heater to vary depending on the mass per unit height of water in the ice making cell.

In another aspect, the refrigerator may include a control unit capable of recognizing selection of either a transparent ice mode or a quick ice-making mode.

When the above transparent ice mode is selected, the control unit can control the water supply so that the first amount of water is supplied to the ice-making cell during the water supply process. On the other hand, when the above rapid ice-making mode is selected, the water supply can be controlled so that the second amount of water, which is smaller than the first amount of water, is supplied to the ice-making cell during the water supply process.

In the above transparent ice mode, the control unit can turn on the heater during at least a portion of the period in which the cold air supply means supplies cold air so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell can move toward the liquid water in the part where ice is generated, thereby generating transparent ice.

The above control unit can control at least one of the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means and the heating amount of the heater to vary depending on the mass per unit height of water in the ice making cell.

In the above transparent ice mode, the control unit can determine whether the heater is operating normally. If the heater is determined to be operating abnormally, the water supply can be controlled so that the second water supply amount is supplied to the ice making cell in the next water supply process.

In the above rapid ice making mode, the control unit can turn off the heater.

In the above rapid ice-making mode, the control unit can determine that ice-making is completed when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor reaches the first reference temperature after ice-making starts.

When it is determined that ice making is complete, it is possible to determine whether the ice making time has passed the completion reference time.

If the above ice-making time does not elapse the completion reference time, the control unit can perform ice-making after waiting for ice-making until the ice-making time elapses the completion reference time.

A control method of a refrigerator according to another aspect relates to a control method of a refrigerator including a first tray accommodated in a storage room, a second tray forming an ice-making cell together with the first tray, a driving unit for moving the second tray, and a heater for supplying heat to at least one of the first tray and the second tray.

The control method of the refrigerator may include a step of supplying water to the ice-making cell in the amount of a first water supply while the second tray is moved to a water supply position; a step of supplying cold air to the ice-making cell by a cold air supply means after the second tray is moved from the water supply position in a reverse direction to an ice-making position after the water supply is completed, thereby performing ice-making; a step of determining whether ice-making is complete; and a step of moving the second tray from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position in the correct direction when ice-making is complete.

The control unit can turn on the heater during at least some section of the ice-making step so that air bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell can move from the part where ice is created toward the liquid water, thereby creating transparent ice.

The control unit can determine whether the heater is operating abnormally while the heater is turned on.

If the above heater is determined to be operating abnormally, the control unit can control the water supply so that a second water supply amount smaller than the first water supply amount is supplied to the ice making cell during the next water supply process.

The above control unit can determine whether the heater is operating abnormally based on the elapsed time until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the ice-making cell after the start of ice-making reaches the first reference temperature.

The above control unit can determine that the heater is operating normally if the elapsed time from the start of ice making until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the first reference temperature is longer than the set time. On the other hand, if the elapsed time is shorter than the set time, the heater can be determined to be operating abnormally.

The above control unit can perform the moving after waiting for the moving to occur until the waiting time after the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the first reference temperature reaches the waiting reference time, if the elapsed time is shorter than the set time.

According to the proposed invention, since the heater is turned on during at least a part of the period in which the cold air supply means supplies cold air, the ice-making speed is delayed by the heat of the heater, so that the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move from the part where ice is formed to the liquid water, thereby allowing transparent ice to be formed.

In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, by controlling at least one of the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means and the heating amount of the heater to vary according to the mass per unit height of water in the ice making cell, ice having uniform transparency can be produced overall regardless of the shape of the ice making cell.

In addition, the present embodiment can produce ice having uniform transparency overall by varying the heating amount of the transparent ice heater and/or the cooling power of the cold air supply means in response to the variation in the amount of heat transfer between the water in the ice making cell and the cold air in the storage room.

In addition, there is an advantage in that it is possible to produce ice in a spherical shape or a shape close to a spherical shape by controlling the amount of water supplied even if the transparent ice heater is operating abnormally.

In addition, there is an advantage in that it prevents ice from moving while water is still present in the ice after ice formation is complete.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ice maker with the bracket removed in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3 to show a second temperature sensor installed in an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an ice maker when a second tray according to one embodiment of the present invention is positioned at a water supply position.
Figure 7 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating a process of generating ice in an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a drawing for explaining the height standard according to the relative position of the transparent ice heater with respect to the ice making cell.
Figure 11 is a drawing for explaining the output of a transparent ice heater per unit height of water in an ice making cell.
Figure 12 is a drawing showing the state in which water supply is completed at the water supply location.
Figure 13 is a drawing showing how ice is formed at an ice making location.
Figure 14 is a drawing showing a state in which the second tray and the first tray are separated during the icing process.
Figure 15 is a drawing showing a state in which the second tray is moved to the icing position during the icing process.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function hinders understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Also, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (14) including a storage compartment and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment.

The above storage room may include a refrigerator (18) and a freezer (32). The refrigerator (18) is positioned at the top, and the freezer (32) is positioned at the bottom, so that each storage room can be individually opened and closed by each door.

As another example, it is possible to place the freezer on the upper side and the refrigerator on the lower side. Or, it is also possible to place the freezer on one side of the left and right sides and the refrigerator on the other side.

The above freezer (32) can be divided into an upper space and a lower space, and a drawer (40) that can be pulled out from the lower space can be provided in the lower space.

The above door may include a plurality of doors (10, 20, 30) for opening and closing the refrigerator (18) and the freezer (32).

The above plurality of doors (10, 20, 30) may include some or all of a door (10, 20) that opens and closes the storage room in a rotating manner and a door (30) that opens and closes the storage room in a sliding manner.

The above freezer (32) may be provided so as to be separated into two spaces, even though it can be opened and closed by one door (30).

In this embodiment, the freezer (32) may be referred to as the first storage room, and the refrigerator (18) may be referred to as the second storage room.

The above freezer (32) may be equipped with an ice maker (200) capable of making ice. The ice maker (200) may be located, for example, in the upper space of the above freezer (32).

An ice bin (600) may be provided at the bottom of the ice maker (200) into which ice produced by the ice maker (200) is dropped and stored. A user can take the ice bin (600) out of the freezer (32) and use the ice stored in the ice bin (600).

The above ice bin (600) can be installed on the upper side of a horizontal wall dividing the upper space and lower space of the above freezer (32).

Although not shown, the cabinet (14) is provided with a duct for supplying cold air to the ice maker (200). The duct guides cold air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator toward the ice maker (200).

For example, the duct may be positioned at the rear of the cabinet (14) to discharge cold air toward the front of the cabinet (14). The ice maker (200) may be positioned at the front of the duct.

Although not limited, the discharge port of the duct may be provided on one or more of the rear wall and upper wall of the freezer (32).

Although it has been described above that the ice maker (200) is provided in the freezer (32), the space where the ice maker (200) can be located is not limited to the freezer (32), and the ice maker (200) can be located in various spaces as long as it can be supplied with cold air.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ice maker with a bracket removed from FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 to illustrate a second temperature sensor installed in the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an ice maker when a second tray is positioned at a water supply position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, each component of the ice maker (200) is provided inside or outside the bracket (220), so that the ice maker (200) can form one assembly.

The above bracket (220) can be installed, for example, on the upper wall of the freezer (32).

A water supply unit (240) can be installed on the upper side of the inner surface of the above bracket (220).

The water supply unit (240) has openings provided on the upper and lower sides, so that water supplied to the upper side of the water supply unit (240) can be guided to the lower side of the water supply unit (240).

The upper opening of the water supply unit (240) is larger than the lower opening, so that the discharge range of water guided downward through the water supply unit (240) can be limited.

A water supply pipe for supplying water can be installed on the upper side of the water supply unit (240).

The water supplied to the above water supply unit (240) can move downward. The above water supply unit (240) can prevent water discharged from the above water supply pipe from falling from a high position, thereby preventing water from splashing.

Since the above water supply unit (240) is positioned lower than the above water supply pipe, water is guided downward without splashing up to the above water supply unit (240), and even if water moves downward due to the lowered height, the amount of water splashing can be reduced.

The above ice maker (200) may include an ice cell (320a), which is a space where water changes into ice by cold air.

The ice maker (200) may include a first tray (320) forming at least a portion of a wall for providing the ice-making cell (320a), and a second tray (380) forming at least another portion of a wall for providing the ice-making cell (320a).

Although not limited, the ice-making cell (320a) may include a first cell (320b) and a second cell (320c).

The first tray (320) can define the first cell (320b), and the second tray (380) can define the second cell (320c).

The second tray (380) can be positioned so as to be relatively movable with respect to the first tray (320). The second tray (380) can move linearly or rotate.

Below, the rotational movement of the second tray (380) will be described as an example.

For example, during the ice making process, the second tray (380) may move relative to the first tray (320), so that the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may come into contact.

When the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) are in contact, a complete ice-making cell (320a) can be defined.

On the other hand, after the ice making is completed, the second tray (380) may move with respect to the first tray (320) during the ice separation process, so that the second tray (380) may be separated from the first tray (320).

In this embodiment, the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) can be arranged in a vertical direction while forming the ice-making cell (320a).

Accordingly, the first tray (320) may be referred to as an upper tray, and the second tray (380) may be referred to as a lower tray.

A plurality of ice-making cells (320a) can be defined by the first tray (320) and the second tray (380). As an example, FIG. 4 illustrates that three ice-making cells (320a) are formed.

When water is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) and the water is cooled by cold air, ice of the same or similar shape as that of the ice-making cell (320a) can be created.

In this embodiment, for example, the ice-making cell (320a) may be formed in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a spherical shape.

In this case, the first cell (320b) may be formed in a hemispherical shape or a shape similar to a hemisphere. In addition, the second cell (320c) may be formed in a hemispherical shape or a shape similar to a hemisphere.

Of course, the above ice-making cell (320a) can also be formed in a rectangular solid shape or a polygonal shape.

The above ice maker (200) may further include a first tray case (300) coupled with the first tray (320).

For example, the first tray case (300) can be coupled to the upper side of the first tray (320).

The above first tray case (300) may be manufactured as a separate item from the bracket (220) and may be combined with the bracket (220) or formed integrally with the bracket (220).

The ice maker (200) may further include a first heater case (280). An ice-making heater (290) (or a second heater) may be installed in the first heater case (280). The first heater case (280) may be formed integrally with the first tray case (300) or may be formed separately.

The above-mentioned ice heater (290) may be placed adjacent to the first tray (320). The above-mentioned ice heater (290) may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

For example, the ice heater (290) may be installed so as to be in contact with the first tray (320) or may be placed at a position spaced apart from the first tray (320) by a predetermined distance.

In any case, the ice-making heater (290) can supply heat to the first tray (320), and the heat supplied to the first tray (320) can be transferred to the ice-making cell (320a).

The above ice maker (200) may further include a first tray cover (340) positioned below the first tray (320).

The first tray cover (340) has an opening formed to correspond to the shape of the ice-making cell (320a) of the first tray (320), so that it can be coupled to the lower surface of the first tray (320).

The first tray case (300) may be provided with a guide slot (302) that is inclined at the upper side and extends vertically at the lower side. The guide slot (302) may be provided on a member extending upwardly of the first tray case (300).

A guide projection (262) of a first pusher (260) to be described later can be inserted into the above guide slot (302). Accordingly, the guide projection (262) can be guided along the guide slot (302).

The first pusher (260) may include at least one extension (264). For example, the first pusher (260) may include an extension (264) having a number equal to the number of the ice-making cells (320a), but is not limited thereto.

The above extension (264) can push out ice located in the ice-making cell (320a) during the ice-making process. For example, the extension (264) can be inserted into the ice-making cell (320a) by penetrating the first tray case (300).

Accordingly, the first tray case (300) may be provided with a hole (304) through which a part of the first pusher (260) passes.

The guide protrusion (262) of the first pusher (260) can be coupled to the pusher link (500). At this time, the guide protrusion (262) can be rotatably coupled to the pusher link (500). Accordingly, when the pusher link (500) moves, the first pusher (260) can also move along the guide slot (302).

The above ice maker (200) may further include a second tray case (400) coupled with the second tray (380).

The above second tray case (400) can support the second tray (380) at the lower side of the second tray (380).

For example, at least a portion of a wall forming a second cell (320c) of the second tray (380) may be supported by the second tray case (400).

A spring (402) may be connected to one side of the second tray case (400). The spring (402) may provide elasticity to the second tray case (400) so that the second tray (380) may be maintained in contact with the first tray (320).

The above ice maker (200) may further include a second tray cover (360).

The second tray (380) may include a peripheral wall (382) that surrounds a portion of the first tray (320) while in contact with the first tray (320).

The above second tray cover (360) can wrap around the peripheral wall (382).

The above ice maker (200) may further include a second heater case (420). A transparent ice heater (430) (or second heater) may be installed in the second heater case (420).

The transparent ice heater (430) described above will be described in detail. The control unit (800) of the present embodiment can control the transparent ice heater (430) to supply heat to the ice cell (320a) during at least some of the sections in which cold air is supplied to the ice cell (320a) so that transparent ice can be created.

By the heat of the transparent ice heater (430), the speed of ice formation can be delayed so that the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell (320a) can move from the part where ice is formed to the liquid water, thereby allowing transparent ice to be formed in the ice maker (200). In other words, the bubbles dissolved in the water can be induced to escape to the outside of the ice-making cell (320a) or be captured at a certain position within the ice-making cell (320a).

Meanwhile, when the cold air supply means (900) described later supplies cold air to the ice making cell (320a), if the speed at which ice is created is fast, the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice making cell (320a) may freeze without moving from the part where ice is created to the liquid water, and thus the transparency of the ice created may be low.

In contrast, when the cold air supply means (900) supplies cold air to the ice making cell (320a), if the speed at which ice is created is slow, the above problem can be solved and the transparency of the ice created can be increased, but the problem of the ice making time taking a long time can occur.

Accordingly, in order to reduce the delay in ice making time and increase the transparency of the ice produced, the transparent ice heater (430) may be placed on one side of the ice making cell (320a) so as to locally supply heat to the ice making cell (320a).

Meanwhile, in the case where the transparent ice heater (430) is placed on one side of the ice-making cell (320a), at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may be made of a material having lower thermal conductivity than metal so as to reduce the heat of the transparent ice heater (430) from being easily transferred to the other side of the ice-making cell (320a).

Meanwhile, in order to ensure that the ice attached to the trays (320, 380) is well separated during the ice-making process, at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may be made of resin including plastic.

Meanwhile, at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) may be made of a flexible or malleable material so that the tray deformed by the pusher (260, 540) during the moving process can be easily restored to its original shape.

The transparent ice heater (430) may be placed adjacent to the second tray (380). The transparent ice heater (430) may be, for example, a wire-type heater.

For example, the transparent ice heater (430) may be installed so as to be in contact with the second tray (380) or may be placed at a position spaced apart from the second tray (380) by a predetermined distance.

As another example, it is also possible for the second heater case (420) not to be provided separately, and for the transparent ice heater (430) to be installed in the second tray case (400).

In any case, the transparent ice heater (430) can supply heat to the second tray (380), and the heat supplied to the second tray (380) can be transferred to the ice-making cell (320a).

The above ice maker (200) may further include a driving unit (480) that provides driving force. By receiving the driving force of the driving unit (480), the second tray (380) can move relative to the first tray (320).

A through hole (282) may be formed in an extension portion (281) extending downward on one side of the first tray case (300).

A through hole (404) may be formed in an extension portion (403) extending from one side of the second tray case (400).

The above ice maker (200) may further include a shaft (440) that penetrates through the above through holes (282, 404).

A rotary arm (460) may be provided at each end of the shaft (440). The shaft (440) may be rotated by receiving rotary force from the driving unit (480).

One end of the above rotary arm (460) is connected to one end of the above spring (402), so that when the above spring (402) is tensioned, the position of the above rotary arm (460) can be moved to the initial position by the restoring force.

The above driving unit (480) may include a motor and a plurality of gears.

A full ice detection lever (520) can be connected to the above driving unit (480). The full ice detection lever (520) can be rotated by the rotational force provided from the driving unit (480).

The above-mentioned full ice detection lever (520) may have an overall 'ㄷ' shape. For example, the above-mentioned full ice detection lever (520) may include a first part (521) and a pair of second parts (522) extending from both ends of the first part (521) in a direction intersecting with the first part (521).

One of the above pair of second parts (522) can be coupled to the driving part (480), and the other can be coupled to the bracket (220) or the first tray case (300).

The above ice detection lever (520) can detect ice stored in the ice bin (600) by rotating.

The above driving unit (480) may further include a cam that rotates by receiving the rotational power of the motor.

The above ice maker (200) may further include a sensor that detects rotation of the cam.

For example, the cam may be equipped with a magnet, and the sensor may be a Hall sensor for detecting the magnetism of the magnet during the rotation process of the cam. Depending on whether the sensor detects the magnet, the sensor may output a first signal and a second signal, which are different outputs. One of the first signal and the second signal may be a high signal, and the other may be a low signal.

The control unit (800) to be described later can determine the position of the second tray (380) based on the type and pattern of the signal output from the sensor. That is, since the second tray (380) and the cam are rotated by the motor, the position of the second tray (380) can be indirectly determined based on the detection signal of the magnet provided in the cam.

For example, the water supply location and ice making location, which will be described later, can be distinguished and determined based on the signal output from the above sensor.

The above ice maker (200) may further include a second pusher (540).

The above second pusher (540) can be installed on the bracket (220).

The second pusher (540) may include at least one extension (544). For example, the second pusher (540) may include an extension (544) having a number equal to the number of the ice-making cells (320a), but is not limited thereto.

The above extension (544) can push out ice located in the ice-making cell (320a). For example, the extension (544) can penetrate the second tray case (400) and come into contact with the second tray (380) forming the ice-making cell (320a), and pressurize the second tray (380) that has come into contact with it.

Accordingly, the second tray case (400) may be provided with a hole (422) through which a part of the second pusher (540) passes.

The first tray case (300) is rotatably coupled to the second tray case (400) and the shaft (440) so that the angle can be changed around the shaft (440).

In this embodiment, the second tray (380) may be formed of a non-metallic material.

For example, the second tray (380) may be formed of a flexible material that can change shape when pressed by the second pusher (540).

Although not limited, the second tray (380) may be formed of a silicone material.

Accordingly, in the process of pressurizing the second tray (380) by the second pusher (540), the pressing force of the second pusher (540) can be transmitted to the ice as the second tray (380) is deformed. The ice and the second tray (380) can be separated by the pressing force of the second pusher (540).

If the second tray (380) is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or malleable material, the bonding or adhesive force between the ice and the second tray (380) may be reduced, so that the ice may be easily separated from the second tray (380).

In addition, if the second tray (380) is formed of a non-metallic material and a flexible or malleable material, after the shape of the second tray (380) is deformed by the second pusher (540), when the pressing force of the second pusher (540) is removed, the second tray (380) can be easily restored to its original shape.

Meanwhile, the first tray (320) may be formed of a metal material. In this case, since the bonding or separating force between the first tray (320) and ice is strong, the ice maker (200) of the present embodiment may include at least one of the ice-making heater (290) and the first pusher (260).

As another example, the first tray (320) may be formed of a non-metallic material.

If the first tray (320) is formed of a non-metallic material, the ice maker (200) may include only one of the ice-making heater (290) and the first pusher (260).

Alternatively, the ice maker (200) may not include the ice-making heater (290) and the first pusher (260).

Although not limited, the first tray (320) may be formed of a silicone material.

That is, the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) can be formed of the same material.

When the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) are formed of the same material, the hardness of the first tray (320) and the hardness of the second tray (380) may be different so that sealing performance is maintained at the contact portion of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380).

In the present embodiment, since the second tray (380) is pressed by the second pusher (540) to change shape, the hardness of the second tray (380) may be lower than the hardness of the first tray (320) so that the shape of the second tray (380) can be easily changed.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the ice maker (200) may further include a second temperature sensor (or tray temperature sensor) (700) for detecting the temperature of the ice making cell (320a).

The second temperature sensor (700) can detect the temperature of water or ice in the ice making cell (320a).

The second temperature sensor (700) is positioned adjacent to the first tray (320) to detect the temperature of the first tray (320), thereby indirectly detecting the temperature of the water or the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell (320a). In this embodiment, the temperature of the water or the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell (320a) may be referred to as the internal temperature of the ice-making cell (320a).

The above second temperature sensor (700) can be installed in the first tray case (300).

In this case, the second temperature sensor (700) may be in contact with the first tray (320) or may be spaced apart from the first tray (320) by a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the second temperature sensor (700) may be installed in the first tray (320) and may be in contact with the first tray (320).

Of course, if the second temperature sensor (700) is positioned to penetrate the first tray (320), it can directly detect the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making cell (320a).

Meanwhile, a part of the above-described ice heater (290) may be positioned higher than the second temperature sensor (700) and may be spaced apart from the second temperature sensor (700).

The wire (701) connected to the second temperature sensor (700) can be guided upward of the first tray case (300).

Referring to FIG. 6, the ice maker (200) of the present embodiment can be designed so that the position of the second tray (380) is different from the water supply position and the ice making position.

For example, the second tray (380) may include a second cell wall (381) defining a second cell (320c) among the ice-making cells (320a), and a peripheral wall (382) extending along an outer edge of the second cell wall (381).

The second cell wall (381) may include an upper surface (381a). In the present specification, the upper surface (381a) of the second cell wall (381) may be referred to as the upper surface (381a) of the second tray (380).

The upper surface (381a) of the second cell wall (381) may be positioned lower than the upper end of the peripheral wall (382).

The above first tray (320) may include a first cell wall (321a) defining a first cell (320b) among the ice-making cells (320a).

The first cell wall (321a) may include a straight portion (321b) and a curved portion (321c). The curved portion (321c) may be formed in an arc shape with the center of the shaft (440) as the radius of curvature.

Accordingly, the peripheral wall (382) may also include straight and curved portions corresponding to the straight portion (321b) and the curved portion (321c).

The above first cell wall (321a) may include a lower surface (321d). In the present specification, the lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a) may be referred to as the lower surface (321d) of the first tray (320).

The lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a) can be in contact with the upper surface (381a) of the second cell wall (381).

For example, in a supply position such as FIG. 6, at least a portion of the lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a) and the upper surface (381a) of the second cell wall (381) may be spaced apart.

As an example, FIG. 6 illustrates that the entire lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a) and the upper surface (381a) of the second cell wall (381) are spaced apart from each other.

Accordingly, the upper surface (381a) of the second cell wall (381) can be inclined to form a predetermined angle with the lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a).

Although not limited, the lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a) at the water supply location can be maintained substantially horizontal, and the upper surface (381a) of the second cell wall (381) can be arranged to be inclined with respect to the lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a) below the first cell wall (321a).

In a state as shown in Fig. 6, the peripheral wall (382) can surround the first cell wall (321a). In addition, the upper end of the peripheral wall (382) can be positioned higher than the lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a).

Meanwhile, at the above-described ice-making position (see FIG. 12), the upper surface (381a) of the second cell wall (381) can contact at least a portion of the lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a).

The angle formed by the upper surface (381a) of the second tray (380) and the lower surface (321d) of the first tray (320) at the ice-making position is smaller than the angle formed by the upper surface (382a) of the second tray (380) and the lower surface (321d) of the first tray (320) at the water supply position.

At the above ice-making position, the upper surface (381a) of the second cell wall (381) can come into contact with the entire lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a).

At the above ice-making position, the upper surface (381a) of the second cell wall (381) and the lower surface (321d) of the first cell wall (321a) can be arranged to be substantially horizontal.

In the present embodiment, the reason why the water supply position of the second tray (380) and the ice-making position are different is that, when the ice maker (200) includes a plurality of ice-making cells (320a), a water passage for communication between each ice-making cell (320a) is not formed in the first tray (320) and/or the second tray (380), and water is uniformly distributed to the plurality of ice-making cells (320a).

If the ice maker (200) includes a plurality of ice-making cells (320a), and a water passage is formed in the first tray (320) and/or the second tray (380), the water supplied to the ice maker (200) is distributed to the plurality of ice-making cells (320a) along the water passage.

However, when water is distributed to multiple ice-making cells (320a), water also exists in the water passage, and when ice is created in this state, the ice created in the ice-making cell (320a) is connected to the ice created in the water passage.

In this case, there is a possibility that the ice will stick to each other even after the ice separation is completed, and even if the ice is separated from each other, some of the ice will include ice created in the water passage section, so there is a problem that the shape of the ice will be different from the shape of the ice making cell.

However, as in the present embodiment, when the second tray (380) is spaced apart from the first tray (320) at the water supply location, the water dropped onto the second tray (380) can be uniformly distributed to a plurality of second cells (320c) of the second tray (380).

For example, the first tray (320) may include a communication hole (321e). When the first tray (320) includes one first cell (320b), the first tray (320) may include one communication hole (321e).

When the first tray (320) includes a plurality of first cells (320b), the first tray (320) may include a plurality of communication holes (321e).

The above water supply unit (240) can supply water to one of the plurality of communication holes (321e).

In this case, water supplied through the above-mentioned connecting hole (321e) passes through the first tray (320) and then falls onto the second tray (380).

During the water supply process, water can fall into one of the second cells (320c) of the plurality of second cells (320c) of the second tray (380). The water supplied to one of the second cells (320c) overflows from the one of the second cells (320c).

In the present embodiment, since the upper surface (381a) of the second tray (380) is spaced apart from the lower surface (321d) of the first tray (320), water overflowing from one of the second cells (320c) moves along the upper surface (381a) of the second tray (380) to another adjacent second cell (320c).

Accordingly, the plurality of second cells (320c) of the second tray (380) can be filled with water.

Additionally, when the water supply is completed, some of the supplied water may be filled in the second cell (320c), and another part of the supplied water may be filled in the space between the first tray (320) and the second tray (380).

At the water supply location, depending on the volume of the ice-making cell (320a), when the water supply is completed, the water may be located only in the space between the first tray (320) and the second tray (380), or may be located in the space between the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) and also within the first tray (320) (see FIG. 12).

When the second tray (380) moves from the water supply position to the ice-making position, the water in the space between the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) can be evenly distributed to the plurality of first cells (320b).

Meanwhile, when a water passage is formed in the first tray (320) and/or the second tray (380), ice generated in the ice-making cell (320a) is also generated in the water passage portion.

In this case, when the control unit of the refrigerator controls at least one of the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) and the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater (430) to vary depending on the mass per unit height of the water in the ice-making cell (320a) to create transparent ice, at least one of the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) and the heating capacity of the transparent ice heater (430) is controlled to vary rapidly by several times or more in the portion where the water passage is formed.

This is because the mass per unit height of water increases rapidly by several times or more in the part where the water passage is formed. In this case, reliability problems of the parts may occur, and expensive parts with a large range between maximum and minimum outputs may be used, which may be disadvantageous in terms of power consumption and cost of the parts. Ultimately, the present invention may require technology related to the aforementioned ice-making position in order to produce transparent ice.

Figure 7 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a cold air supply means (900) for supplying cold air to the freezer (32) (or ice making cell). The cold air supply means (900) may supply cold air to the freezer (32) using a refrigerant cycle.

For example, the cold air supply means (900) may include a compressor for compressing refrigerant. The temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezer (32) may vary depending on the output (or frequency) of the compressor.

Alternatively, the cold air supply means (900) may include a fan for blowing air to the evaporator. The amount of cold air supplied to the freezer (32) may vary depending on the output (or rotation speed) of the fan.

Alternatively, the cold air supply means (900) may include a refrigerant valve that controls the amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle.

By controlling the opening of the refrigerant valve, the amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle can be varied, and accordingly, the temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezer (32) can be varied.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cold air supply means (900) may include one or more of the compressor, fan, and refrigerant valve.

The refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a control unit (800) that controls the cold air supply means (900).

Additionally, the refrigerator may further include a water supply valve (242) for controlling the amount of water supplied through the water supply unit (240).

The above control unit (800) can control some or all of the ice heater (290), the transparent ice heater (430), the driving unit (480), the cold air supply means (900), and the water supply valve (242).

In the present embodiment, when the ice maker (200) includes both the ice-making heater (290) and the transparent ice heater (430), the output of the ice-making heater (290) and the output of the transparent ice heater (430) may be different.

When the outputs of the above-mentioned ice heater (290) and the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430) are different, the output terminal of the above-mentioned ice heater (290) and the output terminal of the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430) can be formed in different shapes, so that incorrect connection of the two output terminals can be prevented.

Although not limited, the output of the ice-making heater (290) may be set to be greater than the output of the transparent ice heater (430). Accordingly, the ice can be quickly separated from the first tray (320) by the ice-making heater (290).

In the present embodiment, if the ice heater (290) is not provided, the transparent ice heater (430) may be placed at a position adjacent to the second tray (380) described above, or may be placed at a position adjacent to the first tray (320).

The above refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor (33) (or an internal temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the freezer (32).

The above control unit (800) can control the cold air supply means (900) based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (33).

Additionally, the control unit (800) can determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700).

The refrigerator may further include a memory (940) in which the water supply amount is stored in advance. In the present embodiment, the memory (940) may store a first water supply amount when the transparent ice heater (430) operates normally and a second water supply amount when the transparent ice heater (430) does not operate normally.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts for explaining a process of generating ice in an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a drawing for explaining a height standard according to the relative position of a transparent ice heater with respect to an ice-making cell, and Figure 11 is a drawing for explaining the output of a transparent ice heater per unit height of water in an ice-making cell.

Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which water supply is completed at a water supply location, Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which ice is formed at an ice-making location, Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a state in which a second tray is separated from a first tray during an ice-making process, and Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a second tray is moved to an ice-making position during an ice-making process.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 15, in order to create ice in the ice maker (200), the control unit (800) moves the second tray (380) to the water supply position (S1).

In this specification, the direction in which the second tray (380) moves from the ice-making position of FIG. 12 to the ice-breaking position of FIG. 14 may be referred to as forward movement (or forward rotation).

On the other hand, the direction of movement from the ice position of Fig. 14 to the water supply position of Fig. 6 can be called reverse movement (or reverse rotation).

The movement of the water supply position of the second tray (380) is detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray (380) has moved to the water supply position, the control unit (800) stops the driving unit (480).

Water supply begins when the second tray (380) is moved to the water supply position (S2).

Below, an example is given of normal operation of the transparent ice heater (430) during the previous ice making process.

If the transparent ice heater (430) operates normally during the previous ice making process, water is supplied to the ice making cell (320a) in the amount of the first water supply.

For water supply, the control unit (800) can turn on the water supply valve (242), and when it is determined that water equivalent to the first water supply amount has been supplied, turn off the water supply valve (242).

For example, during the process of supplying water, a pulse is output from an undisclosed flow sensor, and when the output pulse reaches a first reference pulse corresponding to the first water supply amount, it can be determined that water equivalent to the first water supply amount has been supplied.

After the water supply is completed, the control unit (800) controls the driving unit (480) to move the second tray (380) to the ice-making position (S3).

For example, the control unit (800) can control the driving unit (480) to move the second tray (380) in the reverse direction from the water supply position.

When the second tray (380) is moved in the reverse direction, the upper surface (381a) of the second tray (380) becomes closer to the lower surface (321d) of the first tray (320).

Then, the water between the upper surface (381a) of the second tray (380) and the lower surface (321d) of the first tray (320) is divided and distributed into the interior of each of the plurality of second cells (320c).

When the upper surface (381a) of the second tray (380) and the lower surface (321d) of the first tray (320) are completely in contact, the first cell (320b) is filled with water.

The movement of the ice-making position of the second tray (380) is detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray (380) has moved to the ice-making position, the control unit (800) stops the driving unit (480).

Ice making begins when the second tray (380) is moved to the ice making position (S4).

For example, ice making may start when the second tray (380) reaches the ice making position. Alternatively, ice making may start when the second tray (380) reaches the ice making position and the water supply time has elapsed for a set time.

When ice making begins, the control unit (800) can control the cold air supply means (900) so that cold air is supplied to the ice making cell (320a).

After ice making begins, the control unit (800) can control the transparent ice heater (430) to be turned on during at least some of the period in which the cold air supply means (900) supplies cold air to the ice making cell (320a).

When the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the heat of the transparent ice heater (430) is transferred to the ice-making cell (320a), so the ice-making speed in the ice-making cell (320a) may be delayed.

As in this embodiment, transparent ice can be created in the ice maker (200) by delaying the ice-making speed so that the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell (320a) can move from the part where ice is created to the liquid water by the heat of the transparent ice heater (430).

During the ice making process, the control unit (800) can determine whether the on condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied (S5).

In the present embodiment, the transparent ice heater (430) is not turned on immediately after ice making starts, but rather, the transparent ice heater (430) can be turned on only when the on condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied (S6).

In general, the water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) may be water at room temperature or water at a temperature lower than room temperature. The temperature of the water supplied in this manner is higher than the freezing point of water.

Therefore, after the water is cooled, the temperature of the water decreases due to the cold air, and when it reaches the freezing point of water, the water changes into ice.

In the present embodiment, the transparent ice heater (430) may not be turned on before the water changes into ice.

If the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on before the temperature of the water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) reaches the freezing point, the speed at which the temperature of the water reaches the freezing point is slowed down by the heat of the transparent ice heater (430), and as a result, the start of ice formation is delayed.

The transparency of ice can vary depending on the presence or absence of bubbles in the area where ice is formed after ice begins to form. However, if heat is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) before ice is formed, it can be seen that the transparent ice heater (430) operates regardless of the transparency of the ice.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on after the on condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied, power consumption due to unnecessary operation of the transparent ice heater (430) can be prevented.

Of course, since the transparency is not affected even if the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on immediately after ice making starts, it is also possible to turn the transparent ice heater (430) on after ice making starts.

In this embodiment, the control unit (800) may determine that the on condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied when a certain period of time has elapsed from a set specific point in time. The specific point in time may be set to at least one of the points in time before the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on. For example, the specific point in time may be set to a point in time when the cold air supply means (900) starts supplying cold power for ice making, a point in time when the second tray (380) reaches the ice making position, a point in time when the water supply is completed, etc.

Alternatively, the control unit (800) may determine that the on condition of the transparent ice heater (430) is satisfied when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the on reference temperature.

For example, the above-mentioned reference temperature may be a temperature for determining that water has started to freeze at the uppermost side (the communication hole side) of the ice-making cell (320a).

When some of the water freezes in the ice making cell (320a), the temperature of the ice in the ice making cell (320a) is below zero.

The temperature of the first tray (320) may be higher than the temperature of the ice in the ice making cell (320a).

Of course, water exists in the ice-making cell (320a), but after ice starts to form in the ice-making cell (320a), the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) may be below zero.

Therefore, in order to determine that ice has started to be formed in the ice making cell (320a) based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700), the on reference temperature can be set to a temperature below zero.

That is, when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the on-reference temperature, the on-reference temperature is a sub-zero temperature, so the temperature of the ice in the ice-making cell (320a) will be a sub-zero temperature and lower than the on-reference temperature. Therefore, it can be indirectly determined that ice has been formed in the ice-making cell (320a).

In this way, when the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the heat of the transparent ice heater (430) is transferred into the ice-making cell (320a).

As in the present embodiment, when the second tray (380) is positioned below the first tray (320) and the transparent ice heater (430) is arranged to supply heat to the second tray (380), ice can start to be created from the upper side of the ice-making cell (320a).

In this embodiment, since ice is generated from the top within the ice-making cell (320a), bubbles move downward toward the liquid water in the part where ice is generated within the ice-making cell (320a).

Since the density of water is greater than that of ice, water or air bubbles can convect within the ice-making cell (320a), and the air bubbles can move toward the transparent ice heater (430).

In this embodiment, depending on the shape of the ice-making cell (320a), the mass (or volume) per unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a) may be the same or different.

For example, when the ice-making cell (320a) is a rectangular solid, the mass (or volume) per unit height of water within the ice-making cell (320a) is the same.

On the other hand, when the ice-making cell (320a) has a shape such as a sphere, an inverted triangle, a crescent moon shape, etc., the mass (or volume) per unit height of water is different.

If, assuming that the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) is constant, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) is the same, the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a) is different, so the speed at which ice is created per unit height may be different.

For example, when the mass per unit height of water is small, the rate of ice formation is fast, whereas when the mass per unit height of water is large, the rate of ice formation is slow.

Ultimately, the rate at which ice is formed per unit height of water is not constant, so the transparency of the ice may vary by unit height. In particular, if the rate of ice formation is fast, the bubbles may not be able to move from the ice to the water side, so the ice may contain bubbles and have low transparency.

That is, the smaller the deviation in the rate at which ice is formed per unit height of water, the smaller the deviation in the transparency of the formed ice per unit height.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit (800) can control the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) and/or the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) to vary depending on the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a).

In this specification, variation of the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) may include one or more of variation of the output of the compressor, variation of the output of the fan, and variation of the opening degree of the refrigerant valve.

Additionally, in this specification, variation of the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) may mean variation of the output of the transparent ice heater (430) or variation of the duty of the transparent ice heater (430).

At this time, the duty of the transparent ice heater (430) may mean the ratio of the on time to the off time of the transparent ice heater (430) in one cycle, or may mean the ratio of the off time to the on time and off time of the transparent ice heater (430) in one cycle.

In this specification, the standard for the unit height of water within the ice-making cell (320a) may vary depending on the relative positions of the ice-making cell (320a) and the transparent ice heater (430).

For example, as shown in (a) of Fig. 10, the transparent ice heater (430) may be arranged so that the height is the same from the bottom of the ice-making cell (320a).

In this case, the line connecting the transparent ice heater (430) is a horizontal line, and a line extending in a vertical direction from the horizontal line becomes the standard for the unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a).

In the case of (a) of Fig. 10, ice is created and grows from the top to the bottom of the ice-making cell (320a).

On the other hand, as shown in (b) of Fig. 10, the transparent ice heater (430) may be arranged at different heights from the bottom of the ice-making cell (320a).

In this case, heat is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) at different heights of the ice-making cell (320a), so ice is created in a pattern different from that in (a) of Fig. 10.

For example, in the case of (b) of Fig. 10, ice is created at a location spaced to the left from the top in the ice-making cell (320a), and the ice can grow to the lower right where the transparent ice heater (430) is located.

Therefore, in the case of (b) of Fig. 10, a line (reference line) perpendicular to the line connecting the two points of the transparent ice heater (430) becomes the standard for the unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a). The reference line of Fig. 10 (b) is inclined at a predetermined angle from the vertical line.

Figure 11 shows the unit height division of water and the output of the transparent ice heater per unit height in the case where the transparent ice heater is arranged as in Figure 10 (a).

Below, an example of controlling the output of a transparent ice heater so that the ice production speed is constant for each unit height of water is explained.

Referring to Fig. 11, when the ice-making cell (320a) is formed in a spherical shape, for example, the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell (320a) increases from the top to the bottom, reaches a maximum, and then decreases again.

For example, water (or the ice-making cell itself) in a spherical ice-making cell (320a) with a diameter of 50 mm is divided into 9 sections (sections A to I) at 6 mm heights (unit heights) as an example. It should be noted that there is no limitation on the size of the unit height and the number of sections divided.

When the water in the ice-making cell (320a) is divided into unit heights, the heights of each divided section are the same for sections A to H, and section I is lower than the remaining sections. Of course, depending on the diameter of the ice-making cell (320a) and the number of divided sections, the unit heights of all divided sections may be the same.

Among the multiple sections, section E is the section where the mass per unit height of water is maximum. For example, the section where the mass per unit height of water is maximum includes, when the ice-making cell (320a) is spherical, the part where the diameter of the ice-making cell (320a), the horizontal cross-sectional area of the ice-making cell (320a), or the circumference is maximum.

As described above, assuming that the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) is constant and the output of the transparent ice heater (430) is constant, the ice creation speed in section E is the slowest, and the ice creation speeds in sections A and I are the fastest.

In this case, the speed of ice creation differs by unit height, so the transparency of the ice differs by unit height, and in certain sections, the speed of ice creation is so fast that it contains air bubbles, which causes a problem of reduced transparency.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be controlled so that the speed at which ice is formed is the same or similar for each unit height while allowing air bubbles to move toward the water side during the ice formation process.

Specifically, since the mass of section E is the largest, the output (W5) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section E can be set to a minimum.

Since the mass of section D is smaller than that of section E, the speed of ice formation increases as the mass decreases, so it is necessary to delay the speed of ice formation.

Therefore, the output (W4) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section D can be set higher than the output (W5) of the transparent ice heater (430) in section E.

For the same reason, since the mass of section C is smaller than the mass of section D, the output (W3) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section C can be set higher than the output (W4) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section D.

In addition, since the mass of section B is smaller than the mass of section C, the output (W2) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section B can be set higher than the output (W3) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section C.

In addition, since the mass of section A is smaller than the mass of section B, the output (W1) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section A can be set higher than the output (W2) of the transparent ice heater (430) of section B.

For the same reason, since the mass per unit height decreases as one goes downward in section E, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can increase as one goes downward in section E (see W6, W7, W8, and W9).

Therefore, when examining the output change pattern of the transparent ice heater (430), after the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be gradually reduced from the initial section to the middle section.

The output of the transparent ice heater (430) is minimum in the middle section, which is the section where the mass per unit height of water is minimum.

From the next section of the above intermediate section, the output of the transparent ice heater (430) can be increased stepwise again.

By controlling the output of the transparent ice heater (430) described above, the transparency of the ice becomes uniform for each unit height, and air bubbles gather in the lowest section. Accordingly, when looking at the entire ice, air bubbles gather in localized areas, and the remaining areas can become transparent overall.

As described above, even if the ice-making cell (320a) is not in a spherical shape, transparent ice can be produced when the output of the transparent ice heater (430) is varied according to the mass per unit height of water within the ice-making cell (320a).

The heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) when the mass per unit height of water is large is smaller than the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) when the mass per unit height of water is small.

For example, while maintaining the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) the same, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) can be varied inversely proportional to the mass per unit height of water.

In addition, transparent ice can be created by varying the cooling capacity of the cooling supply means (900) according to the mass per unit height of water.

For example, when the mass per unit height of water is large, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) can be increased, and when the mass per unit height is small, the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) can be decreased.

For example, while maintaining the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) constant, the cooling power of the cold air supply means (900) can be varied in proportion to the mass per unit height of water.

Looking at the cooling power variation pattern of the cold air supply means (900) in the case of producing spherical ice, during the ice making process, the cooling power of the cold air supply means (900) can be increased stepwise from the initial section to the middle section.

The cooling capacity of the cooling air supply means (900) is maximum in the middle section, which is the section where the mass per unit height of water is minimum.

And, from the next section of the above intermediate section, the cooling capacity of the above cooling air supply means (900) can be reduced in stages.

Alternatively, transparent ice can be created by varying the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) depending on the mass per unit height of water.

For example, the cooling capacity of the cooling supply means (900) can be varied in proportion to the mass per unit height of water, and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) can be varied in inverse proportion to the mass per unit height of water.

As in the present embodiment, when one or more of the cooling capacity of the cold air supply means (900) and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater (430) is controlled according to the mass per unit height of water, the speed of ice production per unit height of water can be maintained substantially the same or within a predetermined range.

Meanwhile, the control unit (800) can determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) (S8).

For example, the control unit (800) can determine that ice making is complete when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the first reference temperature.

If it is determined that the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) has reached the first reference temperature, the control unit (800) can determine whether the ice-making time (the elapsed time from the start of ice-making to the completion of ice-making) has passed the set time (S9).

Alternatively, without being divided into steps S8 and S9, the control unit (800) can determine whether the elapsed time until the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) after the start of ice making reaches the first reference temperature has elapsed a set time.

Regardless of the operation of the transparent ice heater (430), if the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the first reference temperature, ice may be formed entirely at least on the surface in contact with the ice-making cell (320a).

The ice-making time until the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the first reference temperature while the transparent ice heater (430) is turned off can be referred to as the first time (a).

The ice-making time until the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the first reference temperature when the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on and operating normally can be referred to as the second time (b).

When the transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the ice-making speed may be delayed, so the ice-making time becomes longer, whereas when the transparent ice heater (430) is turned off, the ice-making speed becomes faster.

Therefore, the second time (b) is longer than the first time (a).

Since the ice-making time differs depending on whether the transparent ice heater (430) is on or off (or operating normally), in this embodiment, by determining whether the ice-making time has passed the set time, it is possible to determine whether the transparent ice heater (430) is operating normally.

At this time, the set time can be determined between the first time (a) and the second time (b).

For example, after determining that ice making is complete, if it is determined that the ice making time has passed the set time (if the ice making time is longer than the set time), it can be determined that the transparent ice heater (430) is operating normally.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the ice making time has not passed the set time after the ice making is completed (if the ice making time is less than the set time), the transparent ice heater (430) may be determined to be operating abnormally.

In the case where the above transparent ice heater (430) operates abnormally, the transparent ice heater (430) is kept in an off state due to a short circuit in the transparent ice heater (430), or the transparent ice heater (430) is not operating at normal output while in an on state.

In step S9, if it is determined that the ice-making time has elapsed the set time, the control unit (800) determines that the transparent ice heater (430) is operating normally, and thus the control unit (800) can turn off the transparent ice heater (430) (S10).

In the present embodiment, since the distance between the second temperature sensor (700) and each ice-making cell (320a) is different, in order to determine that ice creation is complete in all ice-making cells (320a), the control unit (800) can start ice-making after a certain period of time has passed since the transparent ice heater (430) is turned off or when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches a second reference temperature that is lower than the first reference temperature.

Of course, it is also possible for ice making to start immediately when the transparent ice heater (430) is turned off.

When ice making is completed, the control unit (800) operates at least one of the ice-making heater (290) and the transparent ice heater (430) to separate the ice (S11).

When at least one of the above-mentioned ice heater (290) and the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430) is turned on, the heat of the heater (290, 430) is transferred to at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380), so that ice can be separated from the surface (inner surface) of at least one of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380).

In addition, the heat of the heater (290, 430) is transferred to the contact surface of the first tray (320) and the second tray (380), thereby making the lower surface (321d) of the first tray (320) and the upper surface (381a) of the second tray (380) separable.

When at least one of the above-mentioned ice heater (290) and the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430) operates for a set time or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) becomes higher than the off reference temperature, the control unit (800) turns off the turned-on heater (290, 430) (S11).

Although not limited, the above off reference temperature can be set to the temperature of the image.

The above control unit (800) operates the driving unit (480) so that the second tray (380) moves in the forward direction (S12).

As shown in Fig. 13, when the second tray (380) is moved in the forward direction, the second tray (380) is separated from the first tray (320).

Meanwhile, the moving force of the second tray (380) is transmitted to the first pusher (260) by the pusher link (500). Then, the first pusher (260) descends along the guide slot (302), so that the extension (264) passes through the communication hole (321e) and pressurizes the ice in the ice-making cell (320a).

In this embodiment, during the ice-making process, ice can be separated from the first tray (320) before the extension (264) pressurizes the ice. That is, ice can be separated from the surface of the first tray (320) by the heat of the turned-on heater.

In this case, the ice can move together with the second tray (380) while being supported by the second tray (380).

As another example, even if the heat of the heater is applied to the first tray (320), there may be cases where ice is not separated from the surface of the first tray (320).

Therefore, when the second tray (380) moves in the forward direction, there is a possibility that the ice may separate from the second tray (380) while in close contact with the first tray (320).

In this state, during the movement process of the second tray (380), the extension (264) that has passed through the communication hole (321e) presses the ice that is in close contact with the first tray (320), so that the ice can be separated from the first tray (320).

The ice separated from the first tray (320) can be supported again by the second tray (380).

When the ice moves together with the second tray (380) while being supported by the second tray (380), the ice can be separated from the second tray (380) by its own weight even if no external force is applied to the second tray (380).

If, during the movement process of the second tray (380), the ice does not fall from the second tray (380) due to its own weight, as shown in FIG. 14, the second tray (380) is pressurized by the second pusher (540), and the ice can be separated from the second tray (380) and fall downward.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, during the process of moving the second tray (380), the second tray (380) comes into contact with the extension (544) of the second pusher (540).

When the second tray (380) continues to move in the forward direction, the extension (544) presses the second tray (380), causing the second tray (380) to deform, and the pressing force of the extension (544) is transmitted to the ice, allowing the ice to separate from the surface of the second tray (380).

Ice separated from the surface of the second tray (380) can fall downward and be stored in the ice bin (600).

In this embodiment, the position where the second tray (380) is deformed by being pressed by the second pusher (540) as shown in FIG. 15 can be called the moving position.

Meanwhile, during the process in which the second tray (380) moves from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, whether the ice bin (600) is full can be detected.

For example, if the full ice detection lever (520) rotates together with the second tray (380), and the rotation of the full ice detection lever (520) is interfered with by ice during the process of rotating the full ice detection lever (520), it can be determined that the ice bin (600) is full. On the other hand, if the rotation of the full ice detection lever (520) is not interfered with by ice during the process of rotating the full ice detection lever (520), it can be determined that the ice bin (600) is not full.

After the ice is separated from the second tray (380), the control unit (800) controls the driving unit (480) so that the second tray (380) moves in the reverse direction (S13).

Then, the second tray (380) moves from the ice position toward the water supply position (S1).

When the second tray (380) moves to the water supply position of Fig. 6, the control unit (800) stops the driving unit (480).

When the second tray (380) moves in the reverse direction and the second tray (380) is separated from the extension (544), the deformed second tray (380) can be restored to its original shape.

During the reverse movement process of the second tray (380), the moving force of the second tray (380) is transmitted to the first pusher (260) by the pusher link (500), so that the first pusher (260) rises and the extension (264) is removed from the ice-making cell (320a).

Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S9 that the ice-making time has not elapsed the set time, the control unit (800) sets the water supply amount to the second water supply amount (S21).

In this embodiment, the second water supply amount is smaller than the first water supply amount.

The above control unit (800) waits for ice removal until the elapsed time after the completion of ice making is determined reaches the waiting reference time (S22).

If the ice making is completed before the above-mentioned ice making time has elapsed, the transparent ice heater (430) is not operating normally.

In this case, the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the first reference temperature before the water completely changes into ice.

For example, if the ice-making cell (320a) is spherical, ice may be created in a spherical shape, but water may exist inside the ice. If ice containing such water is frozen and the user uses the frozen ice, it may cause emotional dissatisfaction.

Accordingly, if the transparent ice heater (430) is determined to be operating abnormally, the control unit (800) waits without performing ice removal until the waiting time after determining that ice making is complete has passed the waiting reference time so that the ice in the ice making cell (320a) can be completely frozen.

If the waiting time after determining that ice making is complete has passed the waiting reference time, the control unit (800) can perform ice making (S23).

As another example, after determining that ice making is complete, the control unit (800) can wait for ice separation until the ice making time has elapsed the set time, and perform ice separation when the ice making time has elapsed the set time.

The step (S23) of performing the icing may include a step of operating the icing heater (290) and a step (S12) of rotating the second tray (380) in the forward direction for icing.

Next, the control unit (800) causes the second tray (380) to move to the water supply position (S24).

During the process of performing the watering, unless full ice is detected, the watering is started with the second tray (380) moved to the watering position.

In this embodiment, after abnormal operation of the transparent ice heater (430) is detected, water is supplied in the amount of the second water supply (S25).

For water supply, the control unit (800) can turn on the water supply valve (242), and when it is determined that water equivalent to the second water supply amount has been supplied, turn off the water supply valve (242).

For example, during the process of supplying water, a pulse is output from an undisclosed flow sensor, and when the output pulse reaches a second reference pulse corresponding to the second water supply amount, it can be determined that water equivalent to the second water supply amount has been supplied.

After the second tray (380) moves to the ice-making position (S26), ice-making begins (S27).

In this embodiment, the communication hole (321e) is positioned at the top (320a) of the ice-making cell (320a), and when water equivalent to the first water supply amount is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a), the water in the ice-making cell (320a) is positioned lower than the communication hole (321e).

When water is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) in the amount of the first water supply, the height (or water level) of the water in the ice-making cell (320a) is determined by considering the expansion force of the water during the process of water changing into ice.

If water is supplied to a level higher than the above-mentioned chimney (321e), after ice making is complete, the ice becomes a spherical shape with protrusions formed on the upper side, which has the disadvantage of making ice formation difficult.

In addition, since the spherical ice contains protrusions on the upper side after the ice is formed, it may cause emotional dissatisfaction in the user.

On the contrary, when water is supplied at a height significantly lower than the above-mentioned chimney hole (321e) (when a smaller amount of water is supplied than the first water supply amount), the ice after ice making is completed has a shape close to a hemisphere, and there is a disadvantage in that the ice becomes opaque due to the fast ice making speed.

Therefore, it is preferable that the water height (or water level) when the amount of water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) equal to the first water supply amount be set to be lower than the communication hole (321e) and close to the communication hole (321e).

In this way, when the transparent ice heater (430) operates normally with water supplied in the amount of the first water supply, heat is supplied to the lower side of the ice-making cell (320a), so ice begins to be created from the uppermost side of the ice-making cell (320a).

That is, ice begins to form near the above-mentioned chimney (321e) and grows downward.

The expansion force of water acts not only on the generated ice portion but also on the first tray (320) and the second tray (380) which are positioned lower than the communication hole (321e).

When each of the above trays (320, 380) is formed of a flexible material, each of the above trays (320, 380) substantially absorbs most of the expansion force, so that the volume expands evenly throughout. Accordingly, after ice making is completed, the ice becomes the same as or almost similar to the ice making cell (320a).

On the other hand, if the transparent ice heater (430) does not operate normally while water is supplied in the amount of the first water supply, heat is not supplied to the lower side of the ice-making cell (320a) or the supplied heat is insufficient, so ice begins to freeze at the lower side of the ice-making cell (320a).

In this case, the water expansion force acts not only on each of the trays (320, 380) but also toward the communication hole (321e).

Since the above communication hole (321e) is open, water moves to a position higher than the communication hole (321e) due to volume expansion of the water, and in this state, the water can change into ice.

Even if water begins to freeze on the side of the above-mentioned communication hole (321e), the expansion force acting on the side of the above-mentioned communication hole (321e) is greater than when the above-mentioned transparent ice heater (430) is operating normally, so that the water can move to a position higher than the above-mentioned communication hole (321e).

When ice making is completed in this state, the shape of the ice after ice making is completed is a spherical shape with protrusions formed on the upper side, which has the disadvantage of making ice difficult to separate smoothly, and since the spherical ice after ice making includes protrusions on the upper side, it may cause emotional dissatisfaction to the user.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the transparent ice heater (430) operates abnormally, water is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) in the amount of the second supply of water, which is smaller than the amount of the first supply of water, in consideration of the expansion power of water. Although not limited, the amount of the second supply of water may be set within the range of 85% to 95% of the amount of the first supply of water in consideration of the expansion ratio of water.

Even if a smaller amount of water than the first water supply amount is supplied to the ice-making cell (320a), ice can be created in a shape identical to or similar to a sphere due to the expansion of the water.

Meanwhile, the control unit (800) can determine whether ice making is completed after ice making starts (S28).

For example, the control unit (800) can determine that ice making is complete when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) reaches the first reference temperature.

If it is determined in step S28 that ice making is complete, the control unit (800) can determine whether the ice making time has passed the completion reference time (S29).

The smaller the amount of water supplied to the ice-making cell (320a) and the smaller the amount of heat supplied from the transparent ice heater (430), the faster the ice-making speed.

In the present embodiment, when the transparent ice heater (430) is not operating normally, the amount of water supplied is smaller than when the transparent ice heater (430) is operating normally, so the ice-making speed is faster.

That is, the time it takes for the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) after ice making starts to reach the first reference temperature is short.

Accordingly, ice may be formed entirely on the surface in contact with the ice-making cell (320a), but water may exist inside the ice.

Accordingly, when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (700) after the start of ice making reaches the first reference temperature, ice making can be performed when the ice making time has passed the completion reference time (S23) rather than starting ice making right away.

That is, according to the present embodiment, even after it is determined that ice making is complete, ice separation can be started after waiting for the water inside the ice to freeze completely.

According to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that it is possible to produce ice in a spherical shape or a shape close to a spherical shape by controlling the amount of water supplied even if the transparent ice heater is operating abnormally.

In addition, there is an advantage in that it prevents ice from moving while water is still present in the ice after ice formation is complete.

Meanwhile, in the case of the present embodiment, since the transparent ice heater operates to create transparent ice during the ice making process, the ice making speed is slower than when the transparent ice heater does not operate.

In some cases, users may want to obtain ice quickly, even if it is not clear ice.

Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the transparent ice mode for operating the transparent ice heater can be selected by using an input unit or a button provided in the ice maker that is not shown, or the quick ice-making mode in which the transparent ice heater does not operate can be selected.

The above control unit (800) can recognize selection of either the transparent ice mode or the rapid ice-making mode.

If the above transparent ice mode is selected, the first water supply amount is set so that water equivalent to the first water supply amount can be supplied to the ice making cell (320a).

The control unit (800) may control the transparent ice heater (430) to be turned on during at least a portion of the period in which the cold air supply means supplies cold air so that bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell move from the area where ice is created to the liquid water, thereby creating transparent ice. In addition, the control unit (800) may control at least one of the cooling power of the cold air supply means and the heating amount of the heater to be variable according to the mass per unit height of the water inside the ice-making cell. The variable cooling power control of the cold air supply means (900) or the heating amount control of the transparent ice heater (430) are the same as described above.

On the other hand, when the rapid ice-making mode is selected, the second water supply amount is set so that water equivalent to the second water supply amount can be supplied to the ice-making cell (320a).

In the above rapid ice making mode, the control unit (800) can turn off the transparent ice heater (430).

Of course, even if the above transparent ice mode is selected, if it is determined that the above transparent ice heater (430) is not operating normally, water equivalent to the second water supply amount can be supplied to the ice making cell (320a).

Claims (16)

A tray that forms an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice;
A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water or ice in the ice making cell; and
Including a heater that supplies heat to the ice making cell during at least a portion of the section in which cold air is supplied to the ice making cell,
After ice making starts, if the on condition of the heater is satisfied, the heater turns on.
An ice maker in which the heater is turned off when the off condition of the heater is satisfied. In paragraph 1,
An ice maker in which the on condition of the heater is determined to be satisfied when the temperature detected by the above temperature sensor reaches the on reference temperature. In the second paragraph,
The above reference temperature is for ice makers with temperatures below freezing. In paragraph 1,
An ice maker in which satisfaction of the off condition of the above heater is judged based on the passage of time. In paragraph 4,
An ice maker in which the off condition of the heater is determined to be satisfied when the ice making time is determined to have elapsed the set time. In paragraph 1,
An ice maker that determines whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. In paragraph 6,
An ice maker in which, after ice making is determined to be complete, it is determined whether the off condition of the heater is satisfied. A tray that forms an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes into ice;
A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of water or ice in the ice making cell;
A transparent ice heater for supplying heat to the ice making cell during at least a portion of the ice making process; and
Including an ice-making heater for supplying heat to the ice-making cell during the ice-making process,
After ice making starts, if the on condition of the transparent ice heater is satisfied, the transparent ice heater turns on.
When the off condition of the above transparent ice heater is satisfied, the above transparent ice heater is turned off.
For the purpose of icing, when the on condition of the icing heater is satisfied, the icing heater is turned on.
An ice maker in which the ice heater is turned off when the off condition of the ice heater is satisfied. In Article 8,
An ice maker in which the on condition of the heater is determined to be satisfied when the temperature detected by the above temperature sensor reaches the on reference temperature. In Article 8,
An ice maker in which the off condition of the heater is determined to be satisfied when the ice making time is determined to have elapsed the set time. In Article 8,
An ice maker in which the temperature condition of the ice-making heater is determined to be satisfied when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the reference temperature. In Article 8,
An ice maker in which the off condition of the ice heater is determined to be satisfied when the above-mentioned ice heater operates for a set period of time. In Article 8,
An ice maker in which the off condition of the ice heater is determined to be satisfied when the temperature detected by the above temperature sensor becomes higher than the off reference temperature. In clause 1 or clause 8,
The above tray comprises a first tray forming at least a part of a wall for providing the ice-making cell;
An ice maker comprising a second tray forming at least another portion of a wall for providing said ice-making cells. In clause 1 or clause 8,
An ice maker in which the heating amount of the heater that operates during the ice making process is variable. storeroom;
A door for opening and closing the above storage room; and
A refrigerator comprising an ice maker according to claim 1 or 8.

Images