REFRIGERATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0073329, filed on Jun. 4, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

In general, refrigerators are home appliances for storing foods at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door. Refrigerators cool storage spaces using cold air generated using a refrigeration cycle to store stored foods in a refrigerated or frozen state.

Such a refrigerator is becoming more luxurious and larger and is provided with various devices to improve convenience. For example, a refrigerator may be provided with an ice-maker that automatically makes and stores ice.

The ice made by the ice-maker may have a variety of shapes, and recently, ice-makers that make spherical ice have been developed.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a refrigerator capable of improving ice separation defects of an ice-maker, which occur due to opening and closing of a door.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator provided with an ice-maker capable of implementing a preheating state that is suitable for ice separation.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator provided with an ice-maker capable of reducing noise that occurs due to ice separation defects.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator capable of preventing an ice-maker from being damaged by ice separation defects.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator provided with an ice-maker in which an outer appearance of separated ice is improved.

In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door configured to open and close the storage space and define an ice-making chamber; an ice-maker provided in the ice-making chamber; and a controller configured to control the ice-maker, wherein the ice-maker includes: an upper tray made of a metal material and having a plurality of upper cells; a lower tray mounted to be movable with respect to the upper tray and having a plurality of lower cells that forms spaces, in which ice is made, together with the upper cells; a heater configured to heat the upper tray to perform a preheating operation for separating the ice; and a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the upper tray, wherein the controller may be configured to determine whether the preheating operation is completed on the basis of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

The controller may be configured to control the heater so that the heater performs the preheating operation when the ice-making is completed, and in a process of the preheating operation, the controller may be configured to: determine whether the preheating operation is completed when a preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied; and control the ice-maker to perform an ice separation operation when a preheating completion condition is satisfied.

In the preheating completion determination start condition, when a first temperature measured at a first time point, and a second temperature measured at a second time point after a first period from the first time point are compared with each other, the second temperature may be greater than the first temperature.

Each of the first temperature and the second temperature may be below zero.

In the preheating completion condition, when a third temperature measured at a third time point in a situation, in which the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, and a fourth temperature measured at a fourth time point after a second period from the third time point are compared with each other, the third temperature and the fourth temperature may be the same.

The third temperature may be an average temperature measured during a third period from the third time point, and the fourth temperature may be an average temperature measured during a third period from the fourth time point.

Each of the third temperature and the fourth temperature may be in the range of about −1° C. or more and about 1° C. or less.

In the preheating completion determination start condition, the heater may operate continuously for a predetermined operation time or more.

In the preheating completion condition, when a first temperature measured at a first time point in a situation, in which the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, and a second temperature measured at a second time point after a preheating completion period from the first time point are compared with each other, the first temperature and the second temperature may be the same.

The first temperature may be an average temperature measured during a predetermined measurement period from the first time point, and the second temperature may be an average temperature measured during the predetermined measurement period from the second time point.

Each of the first temperature and the second temperature may be in the range of about −1° C. or more and about 1° C. or less.

The refrigerator may further include a motor unit configured to rotate the lower tray, wherein the controller may be configured to control the motor unit to be driven when the preheating completion condition is satisfied.

The temperature sensor may be configured to provide the measured temperature to the controller in real time, the controller may be configured to control the heater so that the heater performs the preheating operation when the ice-making is completed, and in a process of the preheating operation, the controller may be configured to control the ice-maker so that the ice separation operation is performed when a preheating completion condition is satisfied, wherein, in the preheating completion determination start condition, a temperature provided from the temperature sensor in real time may be maintained for a predetermined preheating completion period.

The heater may be disposed on a top surface of the upper tray, and the temperature sensor may be disposed to be in contact with the upper tray, but is spaced apart from the heater.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the refrigerator in which a refrigerating compartment door is opened.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the inside of an ice-making chamber of the door.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a state in which a mounting member, an ice-maker, and an ice bank are separated from the door.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the ice-maker in which a lower tray is closed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ice-maker in which the lower tray is opened.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of an area A of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a control block of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a general flowchart illustrating a method for determining preheating completion of an ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a first embodiment embodied through the method for determining the preheating completion of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a second embodiment embodied through the method for determining the preheating completion of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a third embodiment embodied through the method for determining the preheating completion of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a temperature graph measured by a temperature sensor of the ice maker according to a preheating time.

FIG. 16 is a temperature graph measured by the temperature sensor of the ice-maker, which is measured according to ON-OFF of a heater.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a fourth embodiment embodied through the method for determining the preheating completion of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The technical scope of the embodiments will fall within the scope of this disclosure, and addition, deletion, and modification of components or parts are possible within the scope of the embodiments.

Before explaining, directions will be defined. In embodiments of the present disclosure, a direction that is directed to a front surface of a door illustrated in FIG. 1 may be defined as a front direction, a direction that is directed to a cabinet may be defined as a rear direction on the basis of the front surface of the door, a direction that is directed to a bottom surface on which a refrigerator is installed may be defined as a downward direction, and a direction that is away from the bottom surface may be defined as an upward direction.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a front view of the refrigerator in which a refrigerating compartment door is opened.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet 10 defining a storage space and a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space of the cabinet 10. The refrigerator 1 may have an outer appearance defined by the cabinet 10 and the door 20.

For example, the cabinet 10 may define the storage space divided vertically. The storage space of the cabinet 10 may include a refrigerating compartment 11 defined at an upper side and a freezing compartment defined at a lower side.

The door 20 may include a refrigerating compartment door 21 configured to open and close the refrigerating compartment 11 and a freezing compartment door 22 configured to open and close the freezing compartment. For example, the refrigerating compartment door 21 may be referred to as a first door, and the freezing compartment door 22 may be referred to as a second door.

The refrigerating compartment door 21 may be connected to the cabinet 10 by a hinge (not shown) and may be a rotary door that opens and closes the refrigerating compartment 11 by rotation. For example, the refrigerating compartment door 21 may be disposed in pairs at left and right sides. The refrigerating compartment 11 may be opened and closed by the rotation of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 21.

The freezing compartment door 22 may be provided as a drawer-type door that is inserted into and withdrawn from the cabinet 10. That is, the freezing compartment door 22 may be configured to be inserted and withdrawn in a drawer-like manner to open and close the freezing compartment. Alternatively, the freezing compartment door 22 may be configured as a pair of rotary doors that rotate at both the left and right sides, like the refrigerating compartment door 21.

In addition, in this embodiment, for the convenience of explanation and understanding, the refrigerator 1 having a structure in which the refrigerating compartment 11 is disposed at the upper side, and the freezing compartment is disposed at the lower side is described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to the structure of the refrigerator 1 and may be applied to all types of refrigerators 1 provided with the door 20.

An ice-making chamber 23 may be provided in at least one of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 21. A dispenser 24 through which water or ice is dispensed may be provided on a front surface of the refrigerating compartment door 21 provided with the ice-making chamber 23.

An ice-maker (see reference numeral ‘30’ in FIG. 3) may be installed inside the ice-making chamber 23. Hereinafter, the structure of the refrigerating compartment door 21 provided with the ice-maker 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the inside of the ice-making chamber of the door. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a state in which a mounting member, the ice-maker, and an ice bank are separated from the door.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the ice-making chamber 23 may be defined by recessing a rear surface of the refrigerating compartment door 21 forward. For example, the ice-making chamber 23 may be defined by a door liner 211 defining the rear side of the refrigerating compartment door 21.

A cold air inlet 232 through which cold air is introduced and a cold air outlet 233 through which the cold air is discharged may be provided at upper and lower portion of an inner surface of the ice-making chamber 23, respectively. The cold air inlet 232 and the cold air outlet 233 may be connected to an ice-making chamber duct (not shown) provided in the refrigerating compartment door 21.

The ice-maker 30 that makes ice may be installed in the ice-making chamber 23. An ice bank 27 in which the ice made by the ice-maker 30 is stored may be provided in the ice-making chamber 23.

The ice-maker 30 and the ice bank 27 may be disposed vertically inside the ice-making chamber 23. That is, the ice bank 27 may be disposed at a lower portion of the ice-maker 30.

The ice-maker 30 may be disposed at a side of the cold air inlet 232. Thus, the cold air introduced into the ice-making chamber 23 may be directed to the ice-maker 30.

An ice chute 234 communicating with the dispenser 24 may be provided in the bottom surface of the ice-making chamber 23. When manipulating the dispenser 24, the ice stored in the ice bank 27 may be dispensed to the dispenser 24 through the ice chute 234.

A mounting member 26 may be provided on an inner surface of the ice-making chamber 23. The ice-maker 30 and the ice bank 27 may be mounted on the mounting member 26. That is, the ice-maker 30 and the ice bank 27 may be installed inside the ice-making chamber 23 through the mounting member 26. The mounting member 26 may be provided across the front and bottom surfaces of the ice-making chamber 23.

Hereinafter, the ice-maker 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the ice-maker in which a lower tray is closed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ice-maker in which the lower tray is opened. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of an area A of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the ice-maker 30 may include an upper tray 40 and a lower tray assembly 50, which are configured to make a plurality of spherical ice cubes.

The ice-maker 30 may further include a tray cover 60 to guide supply of water and a flow of the cold air to the upper tray 40.

The ice-maker 30 may further include a motor unit 70 that rotates the lower tray assembly 50.

The ice-maker 30 may further include an upper ejector 80 that ejects ice from the upper tray 40 and a lower ejector 90 that ejects ice from the lower tray assembly 50.

The upper tray 40 may include a tray body 41 provided in a plate shape. A tray cover 60 may be disposed at an upper side of the tray body 41. At least a portion of a top surface of the tray body 41 may be shielded by the tray cover 60.

The tray body 41 may be provided with a cell formation part 42 in which a plurality of upper cells 41a are provided. The upper cell 41a may be provided inside the cell formation part 42. The upper cell 41a may be provided in a hemispherical shape with an opened bottom surface. The upper cell 41a may provide an ice-making cell C together with the lower cell 51a described later.

The cell formation part 42 may include an upper wall 421 protruding downward from the tray body 41. The upper wall 421 may be provided in a cylindrical shape with an opened bottom surface, and a plurality of upper walls 421 may be provided to be in contact with each other. The upper cell 41a may be provided inside the upper wall 421.

When the lower tray assembly 50 rotates, the upper wall 421 may be accommodated inside the lower wall 511 provided in the lower tray assembly 50. The upper wall 421 and the lower wall 511 may be in contact with each other.

The cell formation part 42 may further include a cell extension part 422 protruding upward from the tray body 41. The cell extension part 422 may be disposed upward relative to the tray body 41. The cell extension part 422 may provide a passage through which an upper pin 82 included in the upper ejector 80 enters and exits.

The upper tray 40 may be engaged with the lower tray assembly 50 described below to provide the ice-making cell C for making spherical ice. For example, the upper cell 41a may have a hemispherical shape to constitute an upper portion of the ice-making cell C.

The upper tray 40 may be made of a metal material. For example, the upper tray 40 may be made of an aluminum material. Thus, the upper tray 40 may be cooled by cold air passing through the upper tray 40, and uniform cooling may be performed through heat transfer by conduction to the plurality of upper cells 41a provided in the upper tray 40.

The upper tray 40 may be provided with a heater 49. For example, the heater 49 may be disposed on a top surface of the upper tray 40. The heater 49 may be disposed along a circumference of the plurality of upper cells 41a. The heater 49 may be disposed to surround the plurality of cell forming parts 42. Without being limited thereto, the position of the heater 49 may be set in various manners to efficiently provide heat to the plurality of upper cells 41a.

The heater 49 may heat the upper tray 40. The heater 49 may operate to separate the ice after the ice is completely made. The heating of the upper tray 40 using the heater 49 to separate the ice may be referred to as a preheating operation. That is, the preheating operation may be defined as heating of the upper tray 40 to a temperature that is suitable for the ice separation using the heater 49. As described above, the upper tray 40 may be made of a metal material, and thus, the preheating operation may be necessary to separate the ice from the upper tray 40 during an ice separation process.

When the preheating through the heater 49 is not sufficient, ice separation failure in which the ice is not separated from the upper tray 40 during the ice separation process may occur. When the ice separation failure occurs, noise may occur, or the ice-maker 30 may be damaged. In addition, when the ice separation failure occurs, an outer appearance of the ice may be deteriorated even if the ice separation occurs.

When the preheating through the heater 49 is excessive, the ice may be separated in an excessively melted state. In this case, a phenomenon of ice clumping inside the ice bank 27 may occur due to water generated by melting ice. That is, when the preheating is excessive, the outer appearance of the ice disposed inside the ice bank 27 may be deteriorated.

Thus, when the ice-making is completed in the ice-maker 30, it may be important to implement a preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation.

The upper tray 40 may be provided with a temperature sensor 491 for temperature measurement. For example, the temperature sensor 491 may be disposed on the top surface of the upper tray 40. The temperature sensor 491 may be disposed to be in contact with the upper tray 40, but be spaced apart from the heater 49. The upper tray 40 may be made of a metal material, and thus, even if the temperature sensor 491 is disposed at any position on the top surface of the upper tray 40, the preheating state may be confirmed through the temperature measurement.

The temperature sensor 491 may measure a temperature of the upper tray 40 and provide temperature information to a controller (see reference numeral ‘100’ of FIG. 10). The controller 100 may determine the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation through the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491. A method for determining the completion of the preheating through the temperature sensor 491 and the controller 100 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 16.

A tray mounting part 431 may be disposed on a front end of the upper tray 40. The tray mounting part 431 may be coupled to the mounting member 26. The ice-maker 30 may be fixedly mounted in the ice-making chamber 23 by the tray mounting part 431.

The upper tray 40 may further include a motor unit mounting part 44 on which a motor unit 70 is mounted. The motor unit 70 may rotate a lower tray assembly 50 in a state of being mounted on the motor unit mounting part 44.

The ice-maker 30 may further include a tray cover 60 to guide supply of water and a flow of the cold air to the upper tray 40.

The upper tray 40 may be coupled to the tray cover 60. The tray cover 60 may be coupled to an upper portion of the upper tray 40 to define an upper portion of the ice-maker 30. The tray cover 60 may have a structure capable of guiding the cold air and supplying water to the upper tray 40. The tray cover 60 may guide the upper ejector 80 to move vertically.

The tray cover 60 may include a cover part 61 spaced apart from the top surface of the upper tray 40. The cover part 61 may be disposed above the upper cell 41a and may be provided in a plate shape facing the top surface of the upper tray 40.

For example, a plurality of cover holes may be defined in the cover part 61. The cover holes may be provided in number corresponding to and at the position corresponding to the cell extension part 422. When the tray cover 60 and the upper tray 40 are coupled to each other, the cell extension part 422 may be inserted into the cover hole.

The tray cover 60 may further include a water supply part 62. The water supply part 62 may be provided on an upper portion of the cover part 61. The water supply part 62 may be configured to supply water to the ice-making cell C and may be configured to receive the water supplied from the water supply pipe provided in the ice-making chamber 23.

The tray cover 60 may further include a duct part 63 that protrudes laterally from the cover part 61. The duct part 63 may communicate with the cold air inlet 232. The duct part 63 may extend to be in contact with a side surface of the ice-making chamber 23 in which the cold air inlet 232 is provided.

The tray cover 60 may further include a detection member coupling part 64 extending downward from the duct part 63. The detection member coupling part 64 may rotatably support a full ice detection member 71 described later.

The tray cover 60 may further include a cover side surface 65 and a cover rear surface 66, which are disposed on left and right ends and a rear end of the cover part 61. Each of the cover side surface 65 and the cover rear surface 66 may have an upwardly extending shape.

The cover side surface 65 and the cover back 66 may be referred to as cover edges. The upper ejector 80 may be provided inside a space defined by the cover side surface 65 and the cover rear surface 66. The cover side surface 65 and the cover rear surface 66 may define an outer surface of the tray cover 60 and may cover the upper ejector 80 and the water supply part 62 when the ice-making chamber 23 is opened.

An ejector guide part that is cut to guide the movement of the upper ejector 80 may be disposed on the cover side surface 65. The ejector guide part may be disposed on each of both left and right surfaces of the tray cover 60.

The ice-maker 30 may further include a motor unit 70 that rotates the lower tray assembly 50.

The motor unit 70 may be constituted by a combination of a plurality of gears and a motor to rotate the lower tray assembly 50 forwardly and reversely at a set angle. In addition, the motor unit 70 may be connected to the full ice detection member 71 to operate the full ice detection member 71.

The motor unit 70 may include a first driving part 701 for rotating the lower tray assembly 50 and a second driving part 702 for rotating the full ice detection member 71.

The first driving part 701 may be connected to a motor connection part 722 of a tray holder 72 described later to provide rotational power to the lower tray assembly 50. For example, the first driving part 701 may provide the rotational power to a tray supporter 52 included in the lower tray assembly 50.

The second driving part 702 may be connected to one end of the full ice detection member 71 to provide the rotational power for full ice detection of the full ice detection member 71. The second driving part 702 may provide a rotation center axis of the full ice detection member 71.

The full ice detection member 71 may be provided in a wire shape that is bent several times. The full ice detection member 71 may rotate together with the rotation of the lower tray assembly 50 to detect whether the ice is fully filled by being in contact with the ice when the ice stored in the ice bank 27 is disposed above a set height.

A pair of tray holders 72 may be provided at both sides of the upper tray 40, respectively. The tray holder 72 may transmit the rotational power of the motor unit 70 to the lower tray assembly 50. For example, the tray holder 72 may transmit the rotational power of the motor unit 70 to the tray supporter 52 included in the lower tray assembly 50.

The tray holder 72 may include a holder connection part 721 that protrudes to be coupled to a lower connection part 525, thereby passing through an upper connection part 411.

A driving shaft 73 may be inserted into the holder connection parts 721 at each of both sides disposed to face each other, and the tray holders 72 at each of both the sides may be connected by the driving shaft 73.

In the pair of tray holders 72, one tray holder 72 closer to the motor unit 70 may further include a motor connection part 722 connected to the first driving part 701 of the motor unit 70. Thus, when the motor unit 70 operates, the tray holder 72 connected to the motor unit 70 may rotate, and the tray holders 72 at both the sides may rotate simultaneously by the driving shaft 73.

The tray supporter 52 may transmit the rotational power to both the left and right sides simultaneously and may rotate around the driving shaft 73. The upper connection part 411 may be provided with a bush 74 through which the holder connection part 721 passes.

The tray holder 72 may further include a holder arm 723 extending in a direction away from a rotation center of the tray holder 72. An elastic member 75 may be connected to an end of the holder arm 723. For example, the elastic member 75 may be a spring.

One end of the elastic member 75 may be fixed to the holder arm 723, and the other end of the elastic member 75 may be fixed to the tray supporter 52. The elastic member 75 may provide elasticity to the tray supporter 52 so that the upper tray 40 and the lower tray 51 are in closer contact with each other when the ice is separated. That is, the elastic member 75 may provide the elasticity to the tray supporter 52 so that the lower tray 51 rotates in a direction in which the lower tray 51 is closed.

The ice-maker 30 may further include an upper ejector 80 that ejects ice from the upper tray 40 and a lower ejector 90 that ejects ice from the lower tray assembly 50.

The upper ejector 80 may include an ejector body 81 extending toward both the sides of the tray cover 60 and an upper pin 82 extending downward from the ejector body 81. The upper ejector 80 may move vertically while being guided by an ejector guide part disposed on the cover side surface 65.

A link 76 connected to each of both the sides of the tray supporter 52 may be coupled to each of both sides of the ejector body 81. The link 76 may be connected to a supporter protrusion 526 of the tray supporter 52. That is, the upper ejector 80 may move vertically to be interlocked with the rotation of the lower tray assembly 50.

The upper fin 82 may be provided in plurality at positions corresponding to the upper cells 41a. The upper fin 82 may press and separate the ice inside the upper cell 41a by passing through the cell extension part 422. The upper pin 82 may move vertically to be interlocked with the rotation of the lower tray assembly 50 and may enter and exit the cell extension part 422.

The lower tray assembly 50 may include a lower tray 51 defining a lower cell 51a, a tray supporter 52 on which the lower tray 51 is mounted, and a lower cover 53 that mutually fixes the lower tray 51 and the tray supporter 52 to each other.

The lower tray 51 may have a plurality of lower cells 51a. The lower cells 51a may be provided in number corresponding to and at the position corresponding to the upper cell 41a.

A lower ejector 90 may be provided below the upper tray 40 and the lower tray 51. The lower ejector 90 may be fixed to the upper tray 40. The lower ejector 90 may be supported on an inner surface of the ice-making chamber 23.

The lower ejector 90 may include a lower ejector body 91 providing a predetermined surface and a lower pin 92 protruding from the lower ejector body 91. An upper end of the lower ejector body 91 may be coupled to the upper tray 40. The front surface of the lower ejector body 91 may be supported by the inner surface of the ice-making chamber 23 or the mounting member 26.

The lower pin 92 may be provided on the lower ejector body 91 to protrude backward. Here, the lower fins 92 may be provided in number corresponding to and at the position corresponding to the lower cell 51a. When the lower tray 51 fully rotate, the lower fin 92 may press a lower portion of the lower cell 51a to deform the lower cell 51a, thereby separating the ice. The lower pin 92 may protrude to have a curvature or inclination corresponding to a rotational trajectory of the lower tray 51. Thus, the plurality of lower fins 92 may be in contact with the entire lower cell 51a when the lower tray 51 rotates to a maximum open state, to separate the ice inside the lower cell 51a.

As described above, when the ice-making is completed in the ice-maker 30, the ice separation may occur. To prevent the outer appearance of the separated ice from being deteriorated, it is important to implement the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation. Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 10 to 16, a method for determining whether the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation in an ice-maker 30 is implemented will be described.

FIG. 10 is a control block of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a general flowchart illustrating a method for determining preheating completion of an ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may further include a controller 100. The controller 100 may control operations of the heater 49 and the motor unit 70, which are described above.

The controller 100 may control the operations of the heater 49 and the motor unit 70 on the basis of temperature information of the upper tray 40, which is measured by the temperature sensor 491. In addition, the controller 100 may control the temperature sensor 491 that measures a temperature of the upper tray 40.

The controller 100 may determine whether preheating is completed on the basis of the temperature information of the upper tray 40, which is measured by the temperature sensor 491. For example, the controller 100 may determine whether the preheating completion determination starts and whether the preheating is completed on the basis of the temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 491. As a result, the controller 100 may more accurately determine whether the preheating is completed.

Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the method for determining whether the preheating of the ice-maker 30 is completed according to an embodiment will be described.

First, an ice-making process may be performed. [S110]

In the ice-making process (S110), ice may be made by the ice-maker 30. The ice-making process (S110) may be a process in which water is introduced into the ice-maker 30, and then, cold air is provided to make ice.

In the ice-making process (S110), a process of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed. [S120]

The completion of the ice-making may mean that the water introduced into the ice-maker 30 is completely phase-changed into ice. That is, whether the ice-making is completed may be determined on the basis of whether the water introduced into the ice-maker 30 is completely phase-changed into ice. For example, that the ice-making is completed may be determined when a change in volume of the ice inside the ice-making cell C is stopped. In addition, when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491 drops below a specific temperature, such as a freezing point of water, it may be determined that the ice-making is completed.

The process (S120) of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed in real time in the ice-making process (S110). In the process of determining whether the ice-making is completed (S120), if it is determined that the ice-making is not completed, the ice-making process (S110) may be performed again.

If it is determined that the ice-making is completed in the ice-making completion determination process (S120), a preheating process may be performed. [S130]

The preheating process (S130) may be performed for ice separation. The preheating process (S130) may be performed by the heater 491. In the preheating process (S130), the heater 491 may heat the upper tray 40.

As described above, to implement the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation, it is necessary to determine whether the preheating is completed in the preheating process (S130).

In the preheating process (S130), a process of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may be performed. [S140]

The process (S140) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may be performed in real time in the preheating process (S130).

The start of the preheating completion determination may be determined on the basis of whether the preheating process (S130) is being performed stably. That is, if the preheating process (S130) is performed stably, the preheating completion determination may start. A specific embodiment with respect to the preheating completion determination start condition will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

If the preheating process (S130) is not performed stably, the preheating completion determination may not start. For example, in the preheating process (S130), a situation in which the operation of the heater 491 is stopped due to an issue such as the door 20 being opened may occur. The stop of the operation of the heater 491 may mean that the preheating process (S130) is not being performed stably.

In the cases such as when the door 20 is opened, the ice inside the ice-maker 30 may be melted. Thus, in the process (S140) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, if it is determined that the preheating completion determination start condition is not satisfied, the process (S120) of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed.

In the process (S140) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, if the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, a process of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed. [S150]

The process (S150) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be determined on the basis of whether a phase change of ice inside the ice-maker 30 starts. That is, when the phase change of the ice inside the ice-maker 30 starts, it may be determined that the preheating is completed. A specific embodiment with respect to the preheating completion condition will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

If the preheating completion condition is not satisfied in the preheating completion determination process (S150), the preheating process (S130) may be continuously performed.

If the preheating completion condition is satisfied in the preheating completion determination process (S150), the ice-breaking process (S160) may be performed.

In the method for determining the completion of the preheating of the ice-maker 30 according to an embodiment, the preheating completion determination process (S150) may be performed through the process (S140) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied only when the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied. As a result, the preheating completion state may be determined more accurately, and the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation may be implemented.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, a specific embodiment of the preheating completion determination start condition and the preheating completion condition will be described. In the following description, contents that are duplicated with the above description with reference to FIG. 11 will be briefly described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a first embodiment embodied through the method for determining the preheating completion of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, first, an ice-making process may be performed. [S210]

In the ice-making process (S210), ice may be made by the ice-maker 30.

In the ice-making process (S210), a process of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed. [S220]

The process (S220) of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed in real time in the ice-making process (S210). In the process of determining whether the ice-making is completed (S220), if it is determined that the ice-making is not completed, the ice-making process (S210) may be performed again.

If it is determined that the ice-making is completed in the ice-making completion determination process (S220), the preheating process may be performed. [S230]

The preheating process (S230) may be performed for the ice separation. The preheating process (S230) may be performed by the heater 491. In the preheating process (S230), the heater 491 may heat the upper tray 40.

As described above, to implement the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation, it is necessary to determine whether the preheating is completed in the preheating process (S230).

In the preheating process (S230), a process of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may be performed. [S240]

The process (S240) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may be performed in real time in the preheating process (S230).

The process (S240) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may include a process of measuring a temperature at an interval of a first period P1. [S241]

The temperature sensor 491 may provide a first temperature T1 measured at any time point and a second temperature T2 measured after the first period P1 from the any time point to the controller 100. That is, a second temperature T2 may be measured after the first period P1 after measuring the first temperature T1.

For example, the first temperature T1 may mean an average value of temperature data collected using the temperature sensor 491 over a predetermined measurement period from any time point. The second temperature T2 may mean an average value of temperature data collected using the temperature sensor 491 during the predetermined measurement period from a time point at which the first period P1 is elapsed from any time point.

The first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 may be below zero. That is, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 may be temperatures less than about 0° C.

The first period P1 may be set to a time between 1 second and 60 seconds.

The process (S241) of measuring the temperature in the first period P1 may be performed in real time in the preheating process (S230).

The process (S240) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may further include a process of determining a relationship between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2. [S242]

The process (S242) of determining the relationship between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 may be performed in the process (S241) of measuring the temperature at the interval of the first period P1.

In the process (S242) of determining the relationship between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2, if the second temperature T2 is greater than the first temperature T1, it may be determined that the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied.

That is, the process (S240) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may be performed in the preheating process (S230). In the process (S240) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are measured at the interval of the first period P1, and if the second temperature T2 is greater than the first temperature T1, it may be determined that the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied.

Here, the temperature comparison between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 may be determined on the basis of the values of the measured first temperature T1 and second temperature T2 rounded to the first decimal place. Alternatively, the temperature comparison between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 may be determined on the basis of the values of the measured first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 rounded to the second decimal place.

On the other hand, in the process (S242) of determining the relationship between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2, if the second temperature T2 is less than or equal to the first temperature T1, it may be determined that the preheating completion determination start condition is not satisfied. In this case, a process (S220) of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed.

In the process (S240) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, if the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, the process of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed. [S250]

The process (S250) of determining the preheating completion condition may be performed in real time in the preheating process (S230).

The process (S250) of determining the preheating completion condition may include a process of measuring a temperature at an interval of a second period P2. [S251]

The temperature sensor 491 may provide a third temperature T3 measured at any time pint and a fourth temperature T4 measured after a second period P2 from any time point to the controller 100. That is, the fourth temperature T4 may be measured after the second period P2 after measuring the third temperature T3.

For example, the third temperature T3 may mean an average value of temperature data collected using the temperature sensor 491 over a predetermined measurement period from any time point. The fourth temperature T4 may mean an average value of temperature data collected using the temperature sensor 491 during the predetermined measurement period from a time point at which the second period P2 is elapsed from any time point.

The third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 may be formed around about 0° C. For example, the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 may be temperatures in the range of about −1° C. or more and about 1° C. or less.

The second period P2 may be set to a time between 1 second and 60 seconds. For example, the second period P2 may be set to be greater than the first period P1.

The process (S251) of measuring the temperature at the interval of the second period P2 may be performed in real time in the preheating process (S230).

The process (S250) of determining the preheating completion condition may further include a process of determining whether the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 are the same. [S252]

The process (S252) of determining whether the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 are the same may be performed in real time in the process (S251) of measuring the temperature at the interval of the second period P2.

In the process (S252) of determining whether the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 are the same, if the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 are the same, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is satisfied.

Here, the meaning of the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 being the same may mean that the measured values of the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 rounded to the first decimal place are the same. Alternatively, the meaning that the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 are the same may mean that the measured values of the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 are the same when rounded to the second decimal place.

On the other hand, in the process (S252) of determining whether the third temperature T3 and the second temperature T4 are the same, if the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 are not the same, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is not satisfied. In this case, the preheating process (S230) may be performed.

That is, the process (S250) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed in the preheating process (S230). In the process (S250) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied, the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 are measured at the interval of the second period P2, and if the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 are the same, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is satisfied.

If the preheating completion condition is not satisfied in the preheating completion determination process (S250), the preheating process (S230) may be continuously performed.

If the preheating completion condition is satisfied in the preheating completion determination process (S250), the ice separation process (S260) may be performed.

In the method for determining the completion of the preheating of the ice-maker 30 according to an embodiment, the preheating completion determination process (S250) may be performed through the process (S240) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied only when the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied. As a result, the preheating completion state may be determined more accurately, and the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation may be implemented.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a second embodiment embodied through the method for determining the preheating completion of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, first, an ice-making process may be performed. [S310]

In the ice-making process (S310), ice may be made by the ice-maker 30.

In the ice-making process (S310), a process of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed. [S320]

The process (S320) of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed in real time in the ice-making process (S310). In the process (S320) of determining whether the ice-making is completed, if it is determined that the ice-making is not completed, the ice-making process (S310) may be performed again.

If it is determined that the ice-making is completed in the ice-making completion determination process (S320), the preheating process may be performed. [S330]

The preheating process (S330) may be performed for ice separation. The preheating process (S330) may be performed by the heater 491. In the preheating process (S330), the heater 491 may heat the upper tray 40.

As described above, to implement the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation, it is necessary to determine whether the preheating is completed in the preheating process (S330).

In the preheating process (S330), a process of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may be performed. [S340]

The process (S340) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may be performed in real time in the preheating process (S330).

The process (S340) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may include a process of measuring a continuous operation time of the heater 49. [S341]

In the process (S341) of measuring the continuous operation time of the heater 49, the controller 100 may measure the continuous operation time of the heater 49 in real time.

The process (S340) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may further include a process of determining whether the continuous operation time HT of the heater 49 is greater than the preheating completion determination start period. [S342]

The process (S342) of determining whether the continuous operation time HT of the heater 49 is greater than the preheating completion determination start period may be performed in the process (S341) of measuring the continuous operation time of the heater 49.

In the process (S342) of determining whether the continuous operation time HT of the heater 49 is greater than or equal to the preheating completion determination start period, if the continuous operation time HT of the heater 49 is greater than or equal to the preheating completion determination start period, it may be determined that the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied.

Here, the preheating completion determination start period may mean a period that is suitable for performing the determination of whether the preheating is completed due to sufficient preheating of the upper tray 40 through the heater 49. For example, if the continuous operation time HT of the heater 49 is greater than the preheating completion determination start period, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491 may be disposed in a rising section. That is, the preheating completion determination start period may mean a period that is required until the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491 is in the rising section.

That is, the process (S340) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied may be performed in the preheating process (S330). In the process (S340) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, the continuous operation time HT of the heater 49 may be measured, and if the continuous operation time HT of the heater 49 is greater than the preheating completion determination start period, it may be determined that the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied.

On the other hand, in the process (S342) of determining whether the continuous operation time HT of the heater 49 is greater than or equal to the preheating completion determination start period, if the continuous operation time HT of the heater 49 is less than the preheating completion determination start period, it may be determined that the preheating completion determination start condition is not satisfied. In this case, a process (S320) of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed.

In the process (S340) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, if the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied, the process of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed. [S350]

The process (S350) of determining the preheating completion condition may be performed in real time in the preheating process (S330).

The process (S350) of determining the preheating completion condition may include a process of measuring the temperature at an interval of the preheating completion period PH2. [S351]

For example, the temperature sensor 491 may be a first temperature T1′ measured at any time point and a second temperature T2′ measured after the preheating completion period PH2 from any time point to the controller 100. That is, the second temperature T2′ may be measured after the preheating completion period PH2 after measuring the first temperature T1′.

The first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ may be formed around about 0° C. For example, the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ may be temperatures in the range of about −1° C. or more and about 1° C. or less.

For example, the first temperature T1′ may mean an average value of temperature data collected using the temperature sensor 491 over a predetermined measurement period from any time point. The second temperature T2′ may mean an average value of temperature data collected using the temperature sensor 491 during the predetermined measurement period from a time point at which the preheating completion period PH2 has elapsed from any time point.

The first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ described in this embodiment may correspond to the third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 in the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 12.

The preheating completion period PH2 may be set to a time between about 1 second and about 60 seconds.

The process (S351) of measuring the temperature at an interval of the preheating completion period PH2 may be performed in real time in the preheating process (S330).

The process (S350) of determining the preheating completion condition may further include a process of determining whether the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ are the same. [S352]

The process (S352) of determining whether the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ are the same may be performed in real time in the process (S351) of measuring the temperature at the interval of the preheating completion period PH2.

In the process (S352) of determining whether the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ are the same, if the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ are the same, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is satisfied.

Here, the meaning of the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ being the same may mean that the measured values of the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ rounded to the first decimal place are the same. Alternatively, the meaning that the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ are the same may mean that the measured values of the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ are the same when rounded to the second decimal place.

On the other hand, in the process (S352) of determining whether the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T4 are the same, if the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ are not the same, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is not satisfied. In this case, the preheating process (S330) may be performed.

That is, the process (S350) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed in the preheating process (S330). In the process (S350) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied, the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ are measured at the interval of the preheating completion period PH2, and if the first temperature T1′ and the second temperature T2′ are the same, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is satisfied.

If the preheating completion condition is not satisfied in the preheating completion determination process (S350), the preheating process (S330) may be continuously performed.

If the preheating completion condition is satisfied in the preheating completion determination process (S350), an ice separation process (S360) may be performed.

In the method for determining the completion of the preheating of the ice-maker 30 according to an embodiment, the preheating completion determination process (S350) may be performed through the process (S340) of determining whether the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied only when the preheating completion determination start condition is satisfied. As a result, the preheating completion state may be determined more accurately, and the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation may be implemented.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a third embodiment embodied through the method for determining the preheating completion of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14, first, an ice-making process may be performed. [S410]

In the ice-making process (S410), ice may be made by the ice-maker 30.

In the ice-making process (S410), a process of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed. [S420]

The process (S420) of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed in real time in the ice-making process (S410). In the process (S420) of determining whether the ice-making is completed, if it is determined that the ice-making is not completed, the ice-making process (S410) may be performed again.

If it is determined that the ice-making is completed in the ice-making completion determination process (S420), the preheating process may be performed. [S430]

The preheating process (S430) may be performed for ice separation. The preheating process (S430) may be performed by the heater 491. In the preheating process (S430), the heater 491 may heat the upper tray 40.

As described above, to implement the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation, it is necessary to determine whether the preheating is completed in the preheating process (S430).

In the preheating process (S430), a process of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed. [S440]

The process (S440) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed in real time in the preheating process (S430).

The process (S440) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may include a process of measuring a temperature T in real time. [S441]

In the process (S441) of measuring the temperature T in real time, the controller 100 may measure the temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 491 in real time.

For example, the temperature T measured in real time may mean an average value of temperature data collected using the temperature sensor 491 over a predetermined measurement period from any time point.

The process (S440) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may further include a process of determining whether the temperature T measured in real time is maintained for a preheating completion period PH2′. [S442]

The process (S442) of determining whether the temperature T measured in real time is maintained for the preheating completion period PH2′ may be performed in the process (S441) of measuring the temperature T in real time.

In the process (S442) of determining whether the temperature T measured in real time is maintained for a preheating completion period PH2′, if the temperature T measured in real time is maintained for the preheating completion period PH2′, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is satisfied. That is, if the temperature T measured in real time is maintained for the preheating completion period PH2′, it may be determined that the preheating of the ice-maker 30 is completed.

Here, the preheating completion period PH2′ may mean a period that is suitable for determining that the preheating of the upper tray 40 through the heater 49 is sufficiently completed and that a phase change of the ice inside the ice-maker 30 occurs.

Additionally, the meaning of temperature T being maintained may mean that the measured temperature T is maintained to have the same value on the basis of the value rounded to the first decimal place. Alternatively, the meaning of temperature T being maintained may mean that the measured temperature T is maintained to have the same value on the basis of the value rounded to two decimal places.

The process (S440) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed in the preheating process (S430). In the process (S440) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied, if the period during which the temperature T is maintained satisfies the preheating completion period PH2′ through the real-time temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 491, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is satisfied.

On the other hand, in the process (S442) of determining whether the temperature T measured in real time is maintained for the preheating completion period PH2′, if the maintenance period of the measured temperature T is less than the preheating completion period PH2′, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is not satisfied. In this case, a process (S420) of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed.

If the preheating completion condition is satisfied in the preheating completion determination process (S440), an ice separation process (S450) may be performed.

According to the method for determining the completion of the preheating of the ice-maker 30 according to an embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the preheating of the ice-maker 30 is completed through the process (S440) of determining whether a preheating completion condition is satisfied. As a result, the preheating completion state may be determined more accurately, and the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation may be implemented.

FIG. 15 is a temperature graph measured by a temperature sensor of the ice maker according to a preheating time. Specifically, FIG. 15 is a temperature graph measured by the temperature sensor 491 of the ice-maker 30 in which the preheating is stably performed.

Referring to FIG. 15, when the ice-making is completed, the preheating through the heater 49 may start in the ice-maker 30. For example, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491 when the ice-making is completed may be about −10° C. In this case, the preheating may start at about −10° C.

Under the condition that the preheating proceeds stably, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491 may gradually increase from about −10° C. to about 0° C. Thereafter, a period of temperature maintenance may occur near 0° C., at which ice is changed in phase into water.

When the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491 is maintained at about 0° C. for a predetermined time period, the controller 100 may determine that the preheating is completed.

When the preheating is completed, the controller 100 may stop the operation of the heater 49 and perform the ice separation of the ice-maker 30.

On the other hand, if there is a section in which the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491 does not gradually increase, but partially decreases, the preheating may not be completed even if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491 at a predetermined interval is the same. Thus, the controller 100 may not determine that the preheating is completed.

FIG. 16 is a temperature graph measured by the temperature sensor of the ice-maker, which is measured according to ON-OFF of the heater.

Referring to FIG. 16, a situation in which the operation of the heater 49 is stopped (off) due to an issue such as opening of the door 20 during the preheating may occur. In this case, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491 may decrease.

In the temperature graph measured by the temperature sensor 491 in FIG. 16, if a situation in which the operation of the heater 49 is stopped occurs, the temperature may rise, fall, and rise over time, and thus, a situation in which the temperatures are the same may occur after a predetermined time interval.

Thus, as in the method for determining the completion of the preheating of the ice-maker 30 according to an embodiment, the controller 100 may determine whether the preheating completion determination starts on the basis of temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 491 and whether the preheating is completed, to enable a more accurate preheating completion determination. For example, the preheating completion determination may start under a condition in which the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 491 gradually increases, and the preheating completion may be determined under a condition in which the temperature is maintained.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a fourth embodiment embodied through the method for determining the preheating completion of the ice-maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 17, first, an ice-making process may be performed. [S510]

In the ice-making process (S510), ice may be made by the ice-maker 30.

In the ice-making process (S510), a process of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed. [S520]

The process (S520) of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed in real time in the ice-making process (S510). In the process (S520) of determining whether the ice-making is completed, if it is determined that the ice-making is not completed, the ice-making process (S510) may be performed again.

If it is determined that the ice-making is completed in the ice-making completion determination process (S520), the preheating process may be performed. [S530]

The preheating process (S530) may be performed for ice separation. The preheating process (S530) may be performed by the heater 491. In the preheating process (S530), the heater 491 may heat the upper tray 40.

As described above, to implement the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation, it is necessary to determine whether the preheating is completed in the preheating process (S530).

In the preheating process (S530), a process of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed. [S540]

The process (S540) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed in real time in the preheating process (S530).

The process (S540) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may include a process of measuring a temperature T in real time. [S541]

In the process (S541) of measuring the temperature T in real time, the controller 100 may measure the temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 491 in real time.

For example, the temperature T measured in real time may mean an average value of temperature data collected using the temperature sensor 491 over a predetermined measurement period from any time point.

The process (S540) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may further include a process of determining whether the temperature T measured in real time satisfies the preheating completion temperature condition. [S542]

The process (S542) of determining whether the temperature T measured in real time satisfies the preheating completion temperature condition may be performed in the process (S541) of measuring the temperature T in real time.

In the process (S542) of determining whether the temperature T measured in real time satisfies the preheating completion temperature condition, if the temperature T measured in real time satisfies the preheating completion temperature condition, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is satisfied. That is, when the temperature T measured in real time becomes higher than the preheating completion temperature, it may be determined that the preheating of the ice-maker 30 is completed.

Here, the preheating completion temperature may mean a temperature that is suitable for determining that the preheating of the upper tray 40 through the heater 49 is sufficiently completed and that a phase change of the ice inside the ice-maker 30 occurs. For example, the preheating completion temperature may be set to a melting point of ice. That is, the preheating completion temperature may be set to about 0° C.

The preheating completion temperature may not be set to a specific temperature, but may be set to a temperature section having a predetermined range. For example, the preheating completion temperature may be set to about −0.5° C. or more and about 0.5° C. or less.

The process (S540) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied may be performed in the preheating process (S530). In the process (S540) of determining whether the preheating completion condition is satisfied, if the period during which the temperature T is maintained satisfies the preheating completion temperature through the real-time temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 491, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is satisfied.

On the other hand, in the process (S542) of determining whether the temperature T measured in real time satisfies the preheating completion temperature, if the measured temperature T is less than the preheating completion temperature, it may be determined that the preheating completion condition is not satisfied. In this case, a process (S520) of determining whether the ice-making is completed may be performed.

If the preheating completion condition is satisfied in the preheating completion determination process (S540), an ice separation process (S550) may be performed.

According to the method for determining the completion of the preheating of the ice-maker 30 according to an embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the preheating of the ice-maker 30 is completed through the process (S540) of determining whether a preheating completion condition is satisfied. As a result, the preheating completion state may be determined more accurately, and the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation may be implemented.

The following effects may be expected in the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the preheating completion state may be more accurately determined to improve the ice separation defects of the ice-maker, which occur due to the opening and closing of the door.

In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the preheating completion state may be more accurately determined to implement the preheating state that is suitable for the ice separation.

In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the preheating completion status may be more accurately determined to reduce the noise caused by the ice separation defects and prevent the ice-maker from being damaged.

In the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the preheating completion state may be more accurately determined to improve the outer appearance of the separated ice.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.