REFRIGERATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0079179, filed on Jun. 18, 2024. The disclosure of the prior application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store food at low temperatures in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. In addition, a refrigerator can cool the storage space with cold air generated by using a refrigeration cycle, thereby storing the stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state.

Refrigerators like this are trending toward being larger and more luxurious, and are equipped with various devices to improve convenience. For example, refrigerators can be equipped with ice makers that automatically make and store ice.

Also, the ice made in an ice maker can have various shapes, and recently, ice makers that make spherical ice are being developed.

However, in the case of ice makers that make a large number of spherical ice cubes, there is a problem that the tray structure is complex and the volume thereof is large, and if it is made smaller, there is a problem that the amount of the heat for ice separation is not evenly distributed, resulting in a deterioration in the quality of ice making.

SUMMARY

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator in which a heater for ice separation is easily arranged in a compact ice tray for making spherical ice.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of supplying a uniform amount of heat to a plurality of spherical cells during ice separation.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that reduces surface melting deviation of spherical ice which is separated.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a cabinet forming a storage space; a door opening and closing the storage space; and an ice maker making ice, in which the ice maker may include a first tray formed of a metal material and having a plurality of first tray cells continuously formed; a second tray having a plurality of second tray cells formed to open and close the first tray and to form cells for making ice by contacting the first tray cells; and a heater arranged to pass through a perimeter of the plurality of first tray cells, and the length of the heater passing through the first tray cells located at both ends of the first tray among the plurality of first tray cells may be longer than the length of the heater passing through the first tray cells located at the center thereof, and the amount of heat provided to each of the first tray cells may be uniform.

A heater groove may be formed in the first tray, which extends along the perimeter of a plurality of the first tray cells and in which the heater is accommodated, and a further recessed spacing part may be formed in the heater groove arranged in some of the first tray cells among the plurality of the first tray cells so as to partially space apart between the heater and the inner surface of the heater groove.

The heater grooves arranged in each of the plurality of first tray cells may be formed differently from each other, and the spacing part may be formed in some of the heater grooves arranged in the plurality of first tray cells, the length of which is relatively long.

The spacing part may be formed long in proportion to the length of the heater groove.

The spacing part may be formed with a width that is large in proportion to the length of the heater groove.

The spacing part may extend along the heater groove and may be partially formed within the heater groove.

The spacing part may be formed in the heater groove arranged in the first tray cell on both ends of the plurality of first tray cells.

A plurality of the first tray cells may be formed continuously in a left and right direction and arranged in a plurality of rows in a front and rear direction.

A coupling part may be formed in which a water supply part to which water is supplied is connected to one of the plurality of first tray cells, the heater groove may be formed by bypassing the coupling part, and the spacing part may be formed in the heater groove.

All the contact areas between the heater grooves and the heaters arranged in the plurality of first tray cells may be the same.

The spacing part may be formed in a heater groove in which an angle from the center of the first tray cell to both ends of the heater groove is 180° or more.

The width of the heater groove may be formed to a size corresponding to the diameter of the heater, the spacing part may be further recessed downward from the bottom of the heater groove, and the width of the spacing part may be formed to be smaller than the diameter of the heater.

The spacing part may be recessed into both sides facing each other of the heater groove.

The heater may be arranged to pass through each of the plurality of first tray cells in succession.

The distance from the center of the plurality of first tray cells to the heater passing through the first tray cells may be spaced in proportion to the length of the heater passing through the first tray cells.

Based on the center of the first tray, the spacing distance of the heater passing through the first tray cells arranged on both ends thereof may be greater than the distance of the heaters passing through the first tray cells arranged at the center of the first tray.

Based on the center of the first tray, all the spacing distances of the heaters passing through the first tray cells arranged between the first tray cells arranged on both ends thereof may be the same.

The ice maker may be provided on the rear surface of the door.

The door may include an ice making chamber, which is an insulated space to which cold air from the evaporator is supplied, and the ice maker may be provided inside the ice making chamber.

A dispenser may be provided on the door from which ice made in the ice maker is extracted.

According to another aspect, a refrigerator includes a cabinet forming a storage space; a door opening and closing the storage space; and an ice maker making ice, in which the ice maker may include a first tray formed of a metal material and having a plurality of first tray cells continuously formed; a second tray having a plurality of second tray cells formed to open and close the first tray and to form cells for making ice by contacting the first tray cells; and a heater heating the first tray for ice separation, and the first tray may have a heater groove formed therein that extends past the plurality of first tray cells and is recessed to accommodate the heater, and a further recessed spacing part may be formed in the heater groove to partially space apart between the heater and the inner surface of the heater groove.

The following effects can be expected from the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiment.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the following effects can be expected from a refrigerator according to the proposed embodiment.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a heater is arranged so as to pass around the perimeter of a first tray cell of a compactly configured first tray so as to provide a uniform amount of heat to the entire first tray cell.

Therefore, there is an advantage in that the compact structure of the ice maker can be maintained since no additional space is required for heater placement in the first tray.

In addition, even when the lengths of the heaters passing through the plurality of first tray cells are different, there is an advantage in that a uniform amount of heat can be supplied to each first tray cell by making the contact area between the heaters and the heater grooves the same through the spacing grooves formed inside the heater grooves.

In other words, there is an advantage in that the spatial arrangement of the heater groove for the arrangement of the heater is optimized while supplying a uniform amount of heat to the first tray cells, thereby enabling effective ice separation.

In addition, there is an advantage in that even when ice is separated inside a plurality of first tray cells, the ice in some of the first tray cells can be prevented from melting excessively.

In addition, it can prevent the ice surface from melting excessively and the ice that has separated to the ice bank from clumping together and freezing.

In addition, even if the length of the heaters passing through the first tray cells arranged on both sides among a plurality of first tray cells is formed longer, there is an advantage in that the amount of heat transferred to the entire first tray cells can be made uniform by spacing the distance from the center of the first tray cell to the heater in proportion to the length of the heater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the door of the refrigerator is open.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the ice making chamber structure of the door.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the ice maker.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the second tray of the ice maker is open.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ice maker.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the second tray of the ice maker is open.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the first tray, heater, and heater cover of the ice maker are separated.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the first tray, heater, and heater cover are combined.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a heater is mounted on the first tray.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the first tray.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view illustrating part A of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view illustrating part B of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating a first tray according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view illustrating part C of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view illustrating part D of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating a state where a heater is mounted on a first tray according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view illustrating part E of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view illustrating part F of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 25 is a plan view illustrating a state where a heater is mounted on a first tray according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a plan view illustrating a state where a heater is mounted on a first tray according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view illustrating part G of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view illustrating part H of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

Before explanation, the direction is defined. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction in which the front surface of the door as illustrated in FIG. 1 faces may be defined as a front direction, the direction toward the cabinet based on the front surface of the door may be defined as a rear direction, the direction toward the floor surface on which the refrigerator is installed may be defined as a lower direction, and the direction away from the floor surface may be defined as an upper direction. In addition, the direction toward the center of the door or cabinet may be defined as inward, and the direction away from the center may be defined as outward.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the door of the refrigerator is open.

As illustrated, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet 10 forming a storage space and a door 20 for opening and closing the storage space.

The cabinet 10 can be divided into storage spaces vertically. The storage spaces can include a refrigerating compartment 11 and a freezing compartment 12 arranged vertically. For example, the freezing compartment 12 can be a first storage compartment, and the freezing compartment 12 can be a second storage compartment. In addition, an evaporator for cooling the refrigerating compartment 11 and the freezing compartment 12 can be arranged in the freezing compartment 12.

The door 20 may include a refrigerating compartment door 21 for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 11 and a freezing compartment door 22 for opening and closing the freezing compartment 12. For example, the refrigerating compartment door 21 may be a first door and the freezing compartment door 22 may be a second door.

The refrigerating compartment door 21 is connected to the cabinet 10 by a hinge, and can open and close the refrigerating compartment 11 by rotating. In addition, the refrigerating compartment doors 21 can be arranged in pairs on the left and right sides, and the refrigerating compartment 11 can be opened and closed by the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 21. In addition, the freezing compartment door 22 can be pulled in and out in a drawer-like manner to open and close the freezing compartment. Of course, the freezing compartment door 22 can also be configured as a pair of doors that rotate on the left and right sides like the refrigerating compartment door 21.

Meanwhile, an ice making chamber 23 may be formed in one of the refrigerating compartment doors 21. In addition, a dispenser 24 for extracting water or ice may be provided on the front surface of the refrigerating compartment door 21 equipped with the ice making chamber 23.

The ice making chamber 23 is an insulated space and can be opened and closed by the ice making chamber door 231. In addition, cold air from the evaporator can be supplied to the inside of the ice making chamber 23. To this end, a duct in which a flow path for supplying cold air is formed can be provided inside the cabinet 10, and cold air can be supplied to the ice making chamber 23 by communicating with the ice making chamber 23 when the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed.

In detail, a duct outlet 111 and a duct inlet 112 can be opened on one side of the inside of the refrigerating compartment 11. Then, when the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed, the duct outlet 111 and the duct inlet 112 can communicate with the cold air inlet 232 and the cold air outlet 233 of the ice making chamber 23.

The flow path of the cold air supplied to the ice making chamber 23 is not limited to the above-described example and may be provided in various ways. For example, the evaporator 14 may be further provided in the refrigerating compartment 11, and a flow path for supplying the cold air of the evaporator placed in the refrigerating compartment 11 to the ice making chamber 23 may also be configured. In addition, a separate evaporator 23 may be provided for cooling the ice making chamber 23 as needed, and thus it may also be possible to cool the ice making chamber 23.

An ice maker 30 for making ice may be provided at the upper part of the ice making chamber 23. In addition, an ice bank 27 in which ice made by the ice maker 30 is stored may be provided at the lower part of the ice making chamber 23. In addition, ice stored in the ice bank 27 may be extracted to the outside through the dispenser 24.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the ice making chamber structure of the door.

As illustrated, the ice making chamber 23 may be formed by being recessed by a door liner 211 forming the rear surface of the refrigerating compartment door 21. In addition, the opened rear surface of the ice making chamber 23 may be opened and closed by the ice making chamber door 231. In addition, a cold air inlet 232 through which cold air is introduced and a cold air outlet 233 through which cold air is discharged may be formed at the upper part and the lower part of the ice making chamber 23, respectively.

A mounting member 26 may be provided on the inner surface of the ice making chamber 23. The ice maker 30 and the ice bank 27 may be fixedly mounted on the mounting member 26. The mounting member 26 may form a part of the front surface and the lower surface of the ice making chamber 23. In addition, an ice maker mounting part 261 to which the ice maker 30 is coupled may be formed on the mounting member 26.

An ice chute 234 communicating with the dispenser 24 may be formed on the lower surface of the ice making chamber 23. When the dispenser 24 is operated, ice stored in the ice bank 27 may be discharged to the dispenser 24 through the ice chute 234.

Below, the ice maker 30 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the ice maker, FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the second tray of the ice maker is open, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ice maker, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the second tray of the ice maker is open.

As illustrated, the ice maker 30 may include a first tray 40 and a second tray 50 for making a plurality of spherical ice cubes. In addition, the ice maker 30 may include a cover 60 for guiding the flow of cold air to the first tray 40. In addition, the ice maker 30 may include a motor part 70 for moving the second tray 50. In addition, the ice maker 30 may include a first ejector 80 for separating ice from the first tray 40 and a second ejector 90 for separating ice from the second tray 50.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a structure in which the first tray 40 and the second tray 50 are arranged vertically is described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various structures capable of making and separating ice by rotation or reciprocating movement of the second tray 50 may be possible. For example, a structure may be provided in which the first tray 40 is fixed, the second tray 50 moves in one direction to receive water and then make ice, and the second tray 50 moves in another direction to separating ice.

The first tray 40 may include a plurality of first tray cells 401. The first tray 40 may be referred to as an upper tray. In addition, the first tray cell 401 may be referred to as an upper cell.

The first tray 40 can be interlocked with the second tray cell 512 of the second tray 50 to form a spherical cell C to create spherical ice cubes. For example, the first tray cell 401 may have a hemispherical shape.

The first tray 40 can be formed of a material having high strength and high thermal conductivity and can be firmly mounted to the door 21. For example, the first tray 40 can be formed of a metal material such as aluminum.

In addition, the cover 60 connected to the first ejector 80, the second tray 50, the motor part 70 and the second ejector 90 can be coupled to the first tray 40. In other words, a plurality of components are coupled based on the first tray 40, and each component maintains an aligned state when the ice maker 30 is operated.

For example, a motor part mounting part 44 on which the motor part 70 is mounted may be formed on the first tray 40. In addition, an upper connection part 411 connected to the second tray 50 may be formed on the first tray 40. In addition, a second ejector 90 may be mounted on the first tray 40.

The motor part 70 is connected to the full ice detection member 71 and can operate the full ice detection member 71. The full ice detection member 71 can make contact when the ice stored in the ice bank 27 is positioned above a set height and determine whether the ice is full.

In addition, tray holders 72 may be provided on both sides of the first tray 40. The tray holders 72 can transmit the rotational power of the motor part 70 to the second tray 50.

The tray holder 72 may have a holder connection part 721 protrudingly formed. The holder connection part 721 may pass through the upper connection part 411 and be coupled to the lower connection part 522 of the second tray 50. For example, the holder connection part 721 may pass through a bush 74 mounted on the upper connection part 411 and be rotatably mounted on the upper connection part 411. In addition, a shaft 73 may be inserted into the holder connection parts 721 on both sides that are arranged in a direction facing each other, and the tray holders 72 on both sides may be connected by the shaft 73.

A motor connection part 722 connected to the drive shaft 701 of the motor part 70 may be formed on one of the tray holders 72 on both sides, which is closer to the motor part 70. Accordingly, when the motor part 70 is operated, the tray holder 72 connected to the motor part 70 rotates, and the tray holders 72 on both sides can rotate simultaneously by the shaft 73. Accordingly, the second tray 50 can have rotational force transmitted to both left and right sides simultaneously, and can rotate based on the shaft 73.

The tray holder 72 may include a holder arm 723 extending in a direction away from the rotation center of the tray holder 72. In addition, an elastic member 75 may be connected to an end part 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 may be fixed to the tray supporter 52. In addition, the elastic member 75 may provide elastic force so that the second tray 50 rotates in a closing direction so that the first tray 40 and the second tray 50 are in closer contact with each other during ice making.

A heater 48 and a heater cover 49 may be arranged on the upper surface of the first tray 40. The heater 48 may be operated for ice separation to heat the first tray 40. The heater 48 may be arranged along the perimeter of a plurality of the first tray cells 401. In addition, the heater cover 49 may shield the heater 48 from above. With the heater cover 49 mounted, the heater cover 48 may press and fix the heater 48, and the heater 48 may be maintained in close contact with the first tray 40.

The cover 60 can be coupled with the cover 60 above the first tray 40. In addition, the cover 60 can have a structure capable of guiding cold air and supplying water to the first tray 40.

The cover 60 may include a cold air guide part 62 that guides cold air to the first tray 40. The cold air guide part 62 may be formed as a part of the cover 60 and may include a guide surface 621 that guides cold air forward. The guide surface 621 may have a slope that decreases as it approaches the first tray cell 401. In addition, a guide part edge 622 may be formed along the perimeter of the guide surface 621, and the guide part edge 622 may be in contact with the upper surface of the tray part 41 to form a cold air flow passage 600.

In addition, the cold air guide part 62 may include a duct part 63 that protrudes laterally. The duct part 63 may be extended to communicate with the cold air inlet 232. Accordingly, cold air supplied through the cold air inlet 232 flows into the inside of the cold air guide part 62 through the duct part 63, flows along the guide surface 621, and passes through the cold air flow passage 600. The cold air that passes through the guide surface 621 and heads rearward cools the first tray 40 while passing over the upper surface of the first tray 40.

The cover 60 may include a cover part 61 spaced apart from the upper surface of the first tray 40. The cover part 61 may be positioned above the first tray cell 401 and may form the cold air flow passage 600 spaced apart from the upper surface of the first tray 40.

In addition, a plurality of cover hole 611 may be formed in the cover part 61. In addition, the cell extension part 422 may be inserted into the cover hole 611. The cell extension part 422 may be inserted into the cover hole 611 through a cold air flow passage 600 through which cold air flows. Therefore, the cell extension part 422 may be cooled by coming into contact with the cold air passing through the cold air flow passage. The heat of the cooled cell extension part 422 may be conducted and transferred into the inside of the first tray cell 401, and the plurality of first tray cells 401 may be evenly cooled.

The cold air flowing through the cold air flow passage 600 passes over the outer surface of the cell extension part 422 and the upper surface of the cell forming part 42. Since the first tray 40 is formed of a metal material, the cold air coming into contact with the upper part of the first tray cell 401 and the cell extension part 422 can cool all of a plurality of first tray cells 401. Accordingly, the water inside the first tray cell 401 can be evenly cooled, and ice can be formed at a uniform speed in each of the cells C.

In addition, a screw is fastened to the cover part 61 and fastened to the fastening boss 418 of the first tray 40 so that the cover 60 and the first tray 40 can be coupled.

The cover 60 may be equipped with a water supply part 64. The water supply part 64 is configured to supply water to the cell C and receive water supplied from a water supply pipe 640 inside the ice making chamber 23. A part of the water supply part 64 may be connected to any one of the cell extension parts 422, and water may be supplied to the cell extension part 422 through the water supply part 64.

The cover 60 may also guide the first ejector 80 to move up and down. For example, an ejector guide part 650 may be cut up and down on both sides of the cover 60, and both ends of the first ejector 80 may pass through it. Accordingly, the first ejector 80 may move up and down along the ejector guide part 650.

The first ejector 80 may include an ejector body 81 extending toward both sides of the cover 60 and an upper pin 82 extending downward from the ejector body 81. The first ejector 80 may move up and down while being guided by both sides of the cover 60.

In addition, links 76 connected to both sides of the second tray 50 can be coupled to both sides of the ejector body 81. The first ejector 80 can move up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the second tray 50.

The upper fin 82 may be formed in multiple numbers at positions corresponding to the first tray cell 401. In addition, the upper fin 82 may pass through the cell extension part 422 described below to push and separate ice inside the first tray cell 401.

The second tray 50 may include a tray member 51 in which a plurality of second tray cells 512 are formed, and a tray supporter 52 that supports the tray member 51. In addition, the second tray 50 may further include a tray cover 53. The second tray 50 may be referred to as a second tray assembly or a lower tray.

In detail, a plurality of second tray cells 512 may be formed on the tray member 51. The second tray cells 512 may be referred to as lower cells. The second tray cells 512 may be formed in a number corresponding to positions corresponding to the first tray cells 401.

The tray member 51 may include a second tray body 511 formed in a flat shape. In addition, the second tray cell 512 may be recessed downward from an upper surface of the second tray body 511. In addition, a lower wall 513 may extend upward along an outer surface of the second tray cell 512. The lower wall 513 may protrude upward from an upper surface of the second tray body 511. The lower wall 513 may prevent water filled in the second tray cell 512 from overflowing outside the second tray 50.

In addition, the lower wall 513 can be arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the upper wall 421 when the second tray 50 is closed. In detail, when the second tray 50 is closed, the upper wall 421 can be accommodated on the inner side of the lower wall 513 formed in the second tray 50. In addition, the upper wall 421 and the lower wall 513 can be in contact with each other.

In addition, the outer end of the second tray body 511 can protrude further outward than the lower wall 513. The perimeter of the second tray body 511 can be fixed between the tray supporter 52 and the tray cover 53.

In addition, the tray member 51 may be formed of a soft material. For example, the tray member 51 may be formed of a silicone material. Accordingly, the tray member 51 may be in close contact with the first tray 40 and sealed to each other, and may be deformed when in contact with the second ejector 90 for ice separation.

The tray supporter 52 can support the second tray 50 from below. In addition, it can be formed of a metal or plastic material to reinforce the soft tray member 51. A plurality of supporter holes 521 can be formed in the tray supporter 52. The supporter holes 521 can be formed so that a second tray cell 512 protruding downwards can pass through them. In other words, when the second tray 50 and the tray supporter 52 are coupled, the lower part of the second tray cell 512 can pass through the supporter hole 521 and protrude downwards.

The lower connection part 522 may be formed on both left and right sides of the tray supporter 52, and the holder connection part 721 may be inserted. At this time, the inner surface of the lower connection part 522 and the holder connection part 721 may be key-coupled, so that the tray supporter 52 may rotate when the tray holder 72 rotates. In addition, the tray member 51 fixed to the tray supporter 52 may rotate together. In addition, a supporter protrusion 523 may be formed on both left and right sides of the tray supporter 52, to which the lower end of the link 76 is rotatably coupled.

A tray cover 53 may be provided on the upper surface of the tray member 51. The tray cover 53 may be formed along an edge of the tray member 51. In addition, a cover opening 531 through which the upper end of the tray member 51 passes may be formed in the tray cover 53. The cover opening 531 may be formed along a perimeter of the second tray cell 512. In addition, the lower wall 513 may protrude upwardly through the cover opening 531. The opened upper surfaces of the lower wall 513 and the second tray cell 512 may be exposed through the cover opening 531 and may come into contact with the first tray cell 401 to form a spherical cell C when the tray member 51 is closed.

In addition, a cover coupling part 532 extending downward may be formed on the tray cover 53. The cover coupling part 532 may be coupled with the tray supporter 52. When the tray cover 53 and the tray supporter 52 are coupled, the tray member 51 may be fixedly positioned between the tray cover 53 and the tray supporter 52. Accordingly, the tray cover 53, the tray supporter 52, and the second tray 50 may be configured as one assembly in a coupled state and may rotate together.

A second ejector 90 may be provided below the first tray 40 and the second tray 50. The second ejector 90 may be coupled with the first tray 40. The second ejector 90 may include an ejector body 91 connected to the first tray 40 and a plurality of lower pins 92 protruding from the ejector body 91. Of course, the lower ejector 90 may be placed at another position to press and separate ice on the second tray 50 according to the moving direction or moving method of the second tray 50.

When the second tray 50 is rotated in the opening direction, the lower pin 92 and the tray member 51 forming the outer surface of the second tray cell 521 come into contact with each other. Then, when the second tray 51 is completely opened, the lower pin 92 presses the outer surface of the second tray cell 521 to deform the tray member 51, and ice inside the second tray cell 521 can be separated.

Below, the first tray 40 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the first tray, heater, and heater cover of the ice maker are separated, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the first tray, heater, and heater cover are combined, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a heater is mounted on the first tray.

As illustrated, the first tray 40 may include a tray part 41 in which a plurality of first tray cells 401 are formed. The tray part 41 may be formed in a plate shape.

In addition, the first tray 40 may include a tray mounting part 43. The tray mounting part 43 may be formed at the front end of the tray part 41. The tray mounting part 43 may be coupled to the mounting member 26. For example, a screw may be fastened to the tray mounting part 43 so that the ice maker 30 may be firmly fixedly mounted inside the ice making chamber 23.

In addition, the first tray 40 may include the motor part mounting part 44. The motor part mounting part 44 may be formed on one end of the left and right sides of the tray part 41. The motor part 70 may be mounted on the motor part mounting part 44, and the motor part 70 may be coupled to rotate the second tray 50.

The first tray cell 401 may be formed in a hemispherical shape with an open lower surface. The first tray cells 401 may be arranged in two rows in the front and rear direction. The first tray cells of the first row at the front and the second row at the rear may be arranged in directions that are opposite to each other. In addition, the cell forming parts 42 forming the first tray cell 401 of the first row and the first tray cell 401 of the second row may be arranged to be in contact with each other. Accordingly, the width of the first tray 40 in the front and rear direction may be minimized, so that the ice maker 30 may be compactly arranged in the ice making chamber 23.

A plurality of cell forming parts 42 can be formed in the tray part 41. The first tray cell 401 can be formed on the inner surface (lower surface) of the cell forming part 42. In addition, the upper part of the cell forming part 42 can be recessed in the tray part 41 so as to correspond to the shape of the first tray cell 401. Therefore, the cell forming part 42 can maintain the same thickness as a whole, and uniform cold air transmission can be possible over the entire surface of the first tray cell 401.

At the lower end of the cell forming part 42, the upper wall 421 protruding downward from the tray part 41 may be formed. the upper wall may extend downward along the perimeter of the first tray cell 401. In addition, the upper wall may be formed continuously to the neighboring first tray cells 401.

The cell extension part 422 may extend upwardly from the upper end of the first tray cell 401. The cell extension part 422 may protrude upwardly based on the tray part 41. The cell extension part 422 performs functions such as heat transfer by cold air passing through the cold air flow passage 600, passage of the upper fin 82, and a buffer for water to flow in when the volume of water filled in the cell C expands.

In addition, a coupling part 423 may be formed in one of the plurality of cell extension parts 422 to be connected to the water supply part 64. The coupling part 423 may form a part of the cell extension part 422.

In the tray part 41, a recessed heater groove 413 may be formed along the edges of a plurality of the cell forming parts 42. The heater groove 413 may be formed along the outer surfaces of the first tray cells 401.

In addition, the heater 48 may be arranged along the heater groove 413. The heater 48, when mounted in the heater groove 413, may be in contact with the upper part of the cell forming part 42 and may be arranged to pass through the region of a plurality of the first tray cells 401. Therefore, when the heater 48 operates, the heat of the heater 48 may be evenly transferred to the entire first tray cell 401, and the ice formed inside the first tray cell 401 may be heated to facilitate ice separation. For example, a cord heater that is easy to arrange in the curved heater groove 413 may be used as the heater 48.

In addition, a sensor groove 414 may be formed on the upper surface of the tray 41 in which a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature for determining completion of ice making is placed.

In addition, a terminal groove 415 may be formed on the upper surface of the tray part 41. The terminal groove 415 may accommodate a terminal 78 that connects a heater 48 and an electric wire 781.

In addition, an electric wire guide part 417 can be formed recessed in the front end of the tray part 41 through which the electric wire 781 passes.

In addition, a fastening boss 418 to which a screw penetrating the cover 60 is fastened can be formed in the tray part 41.

In addition, cover fixing part 419 for fixing the heater cover 49 may be formed on both sides of the upper surface of the tray part 41. The cover fixing parts may be formed on both sides of the heater groove 413, and may be formed to protrude so that both ends of the heater cover 49 may be inserted and fixed.

Meanwhile, the heater 48 may be mounted in the heater groove 413. The heater 48 may be bent according to the shape of the heater groove 413. In addition, the heater groove 413 may be formed to pass through the perimeter of the plurality of first tray cells 401. Accordingly, the heater 48 may be a cord heater that is easy to bend along the heater groove 413.

The heater 48 is arranged so as to pass through all of the plurality of first tray cells 401 so as to heat the first tray cells 401 simultaneously when the heater 48 is operated. In addition, the heater 48 may be arranged so as to pass through the cell forming part 42 in which the first tray cells 401 are arranged in sequence. In addition, the cell extension parts 422 may be positioned in the inner region formed by the heater 48, and the heater 48 may pass through the edge of the cell forming part 42.

The heater 48 may include a plurality of regions passing through each of the first tray cells 401. For example, when the first tray cells 401 are formed in 11 pieces, the heater 48 may include 11 parts passing through the first tray cells 401. For example, the heater 48 may include a first part 4811, a second part 4812, a third part 4813, a fourth part 4814, a fifth part 4815, a sixth part 4816, a seventh part 4817, an eighth part 4818, a ninth part 4819, a tenth part 4820, and an eleventh part 4821.

In addition, the heater 48 and heater groove 413 may have different lengths passing through the first tray cell 401 according to the arrangement positions of the plurality of first tray cells 401. In other words, the lengths of the first part 4811 to the eleventh part 4821 of the heater 48 may be formed differently according to the arrangement of the first tray cell 401. In addition, the heater groove 413 may also be formed in a corresponding shape.

In particular, the first tray 40 is configured to have a compact size, and therefore, there is a problem that the size of the first tray 40 may increase when the arrangement of the heater 48, that is, the path of the heater groove 413, is adjusted to make the arrangement length of the first part 4811 to the eleventh part 4821 the same. In addition, in order to remove burrs around the ice formed between the upper wall 421 and the lower wall 513 during ice making, it is preferable that the arrangement position of the heater 48 not be changed, and it is preferable to have an arrangement such as that of the present embodiment.

Accordingly, in a situation where the lengths of each part of the heater 48 are different, the contact area of the heater 48 in the first tray cells 401 can be adjusted to be the same by adjusting the contact area of the heater groove 413 and the heater 48, and the amount of heat applied to the first tray cells 401 can be made uniform. The specific structure for this is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16 below.

The above heater cover 49 is placed above the heater 48 and can be formed in a shape corresponding to the heater 48 and the heater groove 413. The heater cover 49 can be formed of a plastic or silicone material and can press the heater 48 so that the heater 48 is in close contact with the inner surface of the heater groove 413.

In detail, the heater cover 49 forms the upper part of the heater cover 49 and may include a shielding part 491 having a shape corresponding to the heater groove 413. The shielding part 491 may shield the opened upper surface of the heater groove 413, and thus may shield the heater 48 mounted in the heater groove 413.

The heater cover 49 may include a cover protrusion 492 that presses and fixes the heater 48 from above. The cover protrusion 492 may extend downward from the lower surface of the shielding part 491 and may be formed such that the extended end part comes into contact with the heater 48. Accordingly, when the heater cover 49 is mounted, the shielding part 491 may shield the heater groove 413, and the cover protrusion 492 may press the heater 48 so that the heater 48 is in close contact with the heater groove 413.

The heater cover 49 may include a fixing protrusion 493. The fixing protrusion 493 may protrude laterally from the shielding part 491. The fixing protrusion 493 may be formed at a position corresponding to the cover fixing part 419 and may be restrained by the cover fixing part 419.

For example, the fixing protrusion 493 may be formed on both left and right sides of the shielding part 491. Then, when the heater cover 49 is mounted on the first tray 40, the fixing protrusion 493 is coupled with the cover fixing part 419, so that the heater cover 49 can maintain a state of shielding the heater groove 413. Then, the heater cover 49 can prevent the heater 48 from being separated from the first tray 40 by maintaining a state of being in close contact with the inner surface of the heater groove 413.

The heater cover 49 can be arranged along the edge of the plurality of cell forming parts 42. In addition, no space other than the heater groove 413 is required to mount the heater cover 49. Therefore, the heater cover 49 and the heater 48 can be effectively arranged in the compact first tray 40 without requiring additional space.

Below, the arrangement structure of the heater groove 413 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the first tray, FIG. 13 is an enlarged view illustrating part A of FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is an enlarged view illustrating part B of FIG. 12.

As illustrated, in the tray part 41, a plurality of first tray cells 401 may be arranged in two rows each at the front and rear. For example, in the first tray cell 401, from the left to the right in the first row at the front, a first cell 4011, a second cell 4012, a third cell 4013, a fourth cell 4014, and a fifth cell 4015 may be formed, and from the right to the left in the second row at the rear, a sixth cell 4016, a seventh cell 4017, an eighth cell 4018, a ninth cell 4019, a tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh cell 4111 may be formed.

The number and arrangement of the first tray cells 401 are not limited, and for the convenience of explanation and understanding, an example of two rows and a total of 11 cells is described. If the number and arrangement of the first tray cells 401 are changed, the shape and arrangement structure of the heater groove 413, heater 48, and heater cover 49 may also be changed accordingly.

In addition, the cell forming parts 42 forming these first tray cells 401 may be arranged to be in contact with each other and may form a part of the tray part 41. In addition, in each of the cell forming parts 42, a cell extension part 422 communicating with each of the first tray cells 401 may be formed.

The heater groove 413 may be formed to pass through all of the first tray cells 401. The heater groove 413 is formed along the edge of the cell forming part 42 and may be arranged in a curved shape in each of the first tray cells 401.

For example, the heater groove 413 may include a first groove part 4131 formed in the first cell 4011, a second groove part 4132 formed in the second cell 4012, a third groove part 4133 formed in the third cell 4013, a fourth groove part 4134 formed in the fourth cell 4014, a fifth groove part 4135 formed in the fifth cell 4015, a sixth groove part 4136 formed in the sixth cell 4016, a seventh groove part 4137 formed in the seventh cell 4017, an eighth groove part 4138 formed in the eighth cell 4018, a ninth groove part 4139 formed in the ninth cell 4019, a tenth groove part 4230 formed in the tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh groove part 4231 formed in the eleventh groove 4111.

In addition, in a state where the heater 48 is mounted in the heater groove 413, the first part 4811 is accommodated in the first groove part 4131, the second part 4812 is accommodated in the second groove part 4132, the third part 4813 is accommodated in the third groove part 4133, the fourth part 4814 is accommodated in the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth part 4815 is accommodated in the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth part 4816 is accommodated in the sixth groove part 4136, the seventh part 4817 is accommodated in the seventh groove part 4137, the eighth part 8418 is accommodated in the eighth groove part 4138, the ninth part 4819 is accommodated in the ninth groove part 4139, the tenth part 4820 is accommodated in the tenth groove part 4230, and the eleventh part 4821 is accommodated in the eleventh groove part 4231.

The cell extension part 422 can be located in the entire inner region formed by the heater groove 413. In other words, the heater groove 413 can be formed along the region between the outer side of the cell extension part 422 and the edge of the cell forming part 42. Therefore, a separate space is not required in the first tray 40 for forming the heater groove 413, and the formation of the heater groove 413 and the mounting of the heater 48 are possible while maintaining the size of the first tray 40.

Meanwhile, due to the nature of the arrangement of the heater groove 413, the length of the heater groove 413 passing through the first tray cell 401, i.e., the length of the heater 48, may be different from each other in a specific first tray cell 401.

In detail, the lengths of the heater grooves arranged in the second cell 4012, the third cell 4013, the seventh cell 4017, the eighth cell 4018, the ninth cell 4019, and the tenth cell 4110 among the entire first tray cells 401 may be the same. For example, the lengths of the second groove part 4132, the third groove part 4133, the seventh groove part 4137, the eighth groove portion, the ninth groove part 4139, and the tenth groove part 4230 may be formed as a length L1 of an arc of approximately a first set angle α1 based on the center point O of each first tray cell 401. For example, the first set angle α1 may be 124°. In addition, the length of each part of the heater 48 arranged in the second groove part 4132, the third groove part 4133, the seventh groove part 4137, the eighth groove part, the ninth groove part 4139, and the tenth groove part 4230 may also be equal to the length L1 of the arc.

On the other hand, the lengths of the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 can be formed longer than the lengths of the second groove part 4132, the third groove part 4133, the seventh groove part 4137, the eighth groove part, the ninth groove part 4139, and the tenth groove part 4230.

The first groove part 4131, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 are formed in the first cell 4011, the fifth cell 4015, the sixth cell 4016, and the eleventh cell 4111 located at the left and right ends among the plurality of first tray cells 401, and due to the structural characteristics of the heater groove 413 formed in a closed loop shape, each first tray cell 401 may have a relatively longer length.

For example, the length of the first groove part 4131 and the fifth groove part 4135 may be formed to be approximately the length L2 of an arc of a second set angle α2 based on the center point O of each first tray cell 401. The second set angle α2 may be formed to be greater than the first set angle α1, and thus the length L2 of the arc may also be formed to be longer. For example, the second set angle α2 may be 185°. In addition, the length of the heater 48 arranged in the first groove part 4131 and the fifth groove part 4135 may also be equal to the length L2 of the arc.

In addition, the length of the sixth groove part 4136 and the eleventh groove part 4231 may be formed as an arc length L3 of approximately a third set angle «3 based on the center point O of each first tray cell 401. The third set angle α3 may be formed to be greater than the first set angle α1, and thus, the length L3 of the arc may also be formed to be longer. For example, the third set angle α3 may be 243°. In addition, the length of the heater 48 arranged in the sixth groove part 4136 and the eleventh groove part 4231 may also be equal to the length L3 of the arc.

In addition, the fourth cell 4014 has a structure in which the coupling part 423 is formed in the cell extension part 422 and is coupled to the water supply part. Therefore, the fourth groove part 4134 passing through the fourth cell 4014 can be arranged to pass through the latter half of the fourth cell 4014 rather than the former half due to the formation of the coupling part 423. Therefore, the fourth groove part 4134 can be formed longer than the length L1.

In other words, the fourth groove part 4134 may be formed with an arc length L4 of approximately the fourth set angle α4 based on the center point O of each cell. The fourth set angle α4 may be formed to be greater than the first set angle α1, and thus the length L4 of the arc may also be formed to be longer. For example, the fourth set angle α4 may be 200°. In addition, the length of the heater 48 arranged in the fourth groove part 4134 may also be equal to the length L4 of the arc.

In this way, due to the structural reasons of the first tray 40, the heater groove 413 may be formed to have a longer arrangement length in some of the first tray cells 401. In addition, the arrangement length of the heater 48 arranged in the heater groove 413 is also longer in some of the first tray cells 401. For example, the length of the heater 38 passing through the first tray cells 401 located on the left and right sides based on the center of the first tray 40 may be formed to be longer.

Since the heater 48 has a uniform heat generation amount over the entire region, a deviation in the amount of heat supplied from some of the first tray cells 401 with different arrangement lengths may occur. Accordingly, while maintaining the overall path and shape of the heater 48 and the heater groove 413, the amount of heat provided to each of the first tray cells 401 can be uniformly controlled by controlling the contact area with the heater 48. To this end, a spacing groove 414 may be further formed on the inner surface of the heater groove 413 so as to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the heater 48. The spacing groove 414 is formed in a recessed groove shape and may be referred to as a spacing part.

The spacing grooves 414 can be formed in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 each having a longer arrangement length of the heater 48. The area of contact between the heater 48 and the first tray cells 401 due to the spacing grooves 414 may be uniform, and thus, a uniform amount of heat can be supplied to all of the first tray cells 401.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 11, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, among the first tray cells 401, the heater grooves 413 arranged in the second cell 4012, the third cell 4013, the seventh cell 4017, the eighth cell 4018, the ninth cell 4019, and the tenth cell 4110 can be formed so that the heater 48 is inserted therein. The heater 48 can be inserted into the interior of the heater groove 413 and can be in contact with the inner surface of the heater groove 413 so that heat generated from the heater 48 is transferred to the first tray 40.

In detail, the width W of the heater grooves 413 arranged in the second groove part 4132, the third groove part 4133, the seventh groove part 4137, the eighth groove part 4138, the ninth groove part 4139, and the tenth groove part 4230 may be the same as the diameter D of the heater 48. The width of the heater groove 413 may be the same as or slightly larger than the size at which the outer surface and the inner surface of the heater 48 are in contact with each other while the heater 48 is insertable.

Accordingly, when the heater 48 is mounted in the heater groove 413, the entire lower surface of the heater 48 can be in close contact with the heater groove 413.

In addition, when the heater 48 generates heat, the interior of the second cell 4012, the third cell 4013, the seventh cell 4017, the eighth cell 4018, the ninth cell 4019, and the tenth cell 4110 is heated through the inner surface of the heater groove 413 that is in contact, and can be heated with a set amount of heat. In other words, the second cell 4012, the third cell 4013, the seventh cell 4017, the eighth cell 4018, the ninth cell 4019, and the tenth cell 4110 can be in contact with the same area as the heater 48, and thus a uniform amount of heat can be provided.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, a downwardly recessed spacing groove 414 may be further formed in the heater groove 413 disposed in the first cell 4011, the fourth cell 4014, the fifth cell 4015, the sixth cell 4016, and the eleventh cell 4111 among the entire first tray cells 401.

In detail, the width W of the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 is equal to the diameter D of the heater, and therefore, the heater 48 is inserted into the inside of the heater groove 413, and the lower surface of the heater 48 can come into contact with the inner surface of the heater groove 413.

Meanwhile, a downwardly recessed spacing groove 414 may be formed in the first groove 4131, the fourth groove 4134, the fifth groove 4135, the sixth groove 4136, and the eleventh groove 4231. The spacing groove 414 may be recessed downward from the center of the bottom surface of the heater groove 413.

In addition, the heater 48 inside the heater groove 413 can be spaced apart from the inner surface of the heater groove 413 at the part where the spacing groove 414 is formed. Therefore, when the heater 48 generates heat, only a part of the inner surface of the heater groove 413 excluding the part where the heater groove 413 is formed comes into contact with the heater 48, so that some of the heat of the heater 48 can be transferred to the first cell 4011, the fourth cell 4014, the fifth cell 4015, the sixth cell 4016, and the eleventh cell 4111.

For example, the spacing groove 414 may include a first spacing groove 4141 formed in the first groove part 4131, a second spacing groove 4142 formed in the fourth groove part 4134, a third spacing groove 4143 formed in the fifth groove part 4135, a fourth spacing groove 4144 formed in the sixth groove part 4136, and a fifth spacing groove 4145 formed in the eleventh groove part 4231.

At this time, the length and width of the spacing groove 414 can be set according to the lengths of the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231. In addition, the contact area with the heater 48 in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 can be formed to be the same as the contact area with the heater 48 in the second groove part 4132, the third groove part 4133, the seventh groove part 4137, the eighth groove part 4138, the ninth groove part 4139, and the tenth groove part 4230. In other words, even when the length of the heater groove 413 formed in each of the first tray cells 401 and the length of the heater 48 are different, the contact area between the heater 48 and the heater groove 413 can be made the same by the spacing groove 414, and a uniform amount of heat can be provided to the entire first tray cell 401.

To this end, the lengths of the spacing grooves 414 formed in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 may be formed differently from each other. In other words, as the length of the heater groove 413 formed in the first tray cell 401 becomes longer, the length of the spacing groove 414 is also formed proportionally longer, thereby making the overall contact area of the heater 48 and the heater groove 413 the same. In addition, the length of the spacing groove 414 may be formed shorter than the length of the heater groove 413 formed in each of the first tray cells 401. In addition, the spacing grooves 414 may be formed continuously within each of the first tray cells 401.

For example, the lengths of the first groove part 4131 and the fifth groove part 4135 may be formed shorter than the lengths of the fourth groove part 4134, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231. Accordingly, the first spacing groove 4141 and the third spacing groove 4143 formed in the first groove part 4131 and the fifth groove part 4135 may be formed to have shorter lengths than the second spacing groove 4142 arranged in the fourth groove part 4134, and the fourth spacing groove 4144 and the fifth spacing groove 4145 arranged in the sixth groove part 4136 and the eleventh groove part 4231.

In addition, the width W1 of the spacing groove 414 formed in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 may be formed differently from each other. In other words, as the length of the heater groove 413 formed in the first tray cell 401 increases, the width W2 of the spacing groove 414 may also be formed proportionally larger, thereby uniformly controlling the overall contact area between the heater 48 and the heater groove 413.

For example, the lengths of the first groove part 4131 and the fifth groove part 4135 may be formed smaller than the lengths of the fourth groove part 4134, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231. Accordingly, the first spacing groove 4141 and the third spacing groove 414 formed in the first groove part 4131 and the fifth groove part 4135 may be formed with a smaller width than the second spacing groove 4142 formed in the fourth groove part 4134, and the fourth spacing groove 4144 and the fifth spacing groove 4145 arranged in the sixth groove part 4136 and the eleventh groove part 4231.

In addition, by combining the length and width of the spacing groove 414, the contact area between the heater 48 and the heater groove 413 can be adjusted, and the amount of heat provided when heating the first tray cell 401 can be made uniform.

Below, the operation of the ice maker 30 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure having the structure will be examined.

In order to make ice in the ice maker 30, water is supplied to the cell C. Water supplied through the water supply pipe can be supplied into the cell C through the water supply section (64) and the cell extension part 422.

Meanwhile, while the water is supplied, the second tray 50 may be opened to a set angle. With the second tray 50 open, water may be sequentially moved from one cell C to another neighboring cell C and filled. Also, even if the water is supplied while the second tray 50 is open, the water supplied by the lower wall 513 may be filled in the second tray 50 without overflowing.

After the set flow rate of water is supplied to the second tray 50, the second tray 50 rotates and closes. Then, when the second tray 50 closes, the upper wall 421 is inserted into the inside of the lower wall 513 and comes into contact with each other, and the water inside the lower wall 513 flows into each of the upper walls 421 and fills all of the cells C.

With the second tray 50 closed, the ice-making operation can begin. When the ice-making operation begins, cold air can be supplied to the ice maker 30 through the cold air inlet 232 of the ice-making chamber 23.

Cold air introduced through the duct part 63 is discharged from the front to the rear through the cold air guide part 62, and after passing through the upper part of a plurality of the first tray cells 401, can be discharged through the cover discharge port 661 on the rear surface of the ice maker 30.

In addition, as the cold air passes through the cold air flow passage 600, the upper surface of the tray part 41 is cooled, and the inside of each of the first tray cells 401 is also cooled by conduction, so that ice can be made. Until ice making is completed, the second tray 50 is maintained in a closed state, and the cold air can be continuously supplied.

When the ice making operation is completed, the heater 48 can be operated. The heat generated from the heater 48 heats the upper part of the first tray cell 401 and is evenly transmitted to the entire surface of the first tray cell 401, thereby allowing the ice I to be easily separated from the first tray cell 401.

The heater 48 can heat the first tray cell 401 to melt the surface of ice I attached to the first tray cell 401 and thereby separate the ice. In addition, since the heater 48 is positioned above and adjacent to the upper wall 421, the heater can also be operated to melt and remove burrs formed between the upper wall 421 and the lower wall 513.

Meanwhile, although the heaters 48 are arranged in different lengths in each of the first tray cells 401, the area in which the heaters 48 and the heater grooves 413 come into contact with each other by the spacing grooves 414 can be the same. Accordingly, even in a situation where the arrangement lengths of the heaters 48 are different, the plurality of first tray cells 401 can be heated with a uniform amount of heat.

Accordingly, the ice I attached to the first tray cell 401 can be melted evenly on the surface, and the ice I attached to a plurality of first tray cells 401 can be effectively separated.

In addition, when the ice separation is driven, the second tray 50 is rotated by the driving of the motor part 70, so that the cell C is opened and the ice I of the first tray cell 401 can fall downward. In addition, when some of the ice I is attached to the first tray 40, the ice can be directly pressed by the first ejector 80 and thus can be separated.

In addition, when the second tray 50 rotates, the lower pin 92 of the second ejector 90 and the lower surface of the second tray 50 come into contact. In addition, at this time, since the second tray 50 is formed of an elastically deformable material, the lower pin 92 deforms the second tray cell 512 by pressing the second tray cell, and the ice I placed on the second tray cell 512 can be separated from the second tray cell 512 and separated.

In addition, when the ice separation operation is completed, the second tray 50 returns to a state for supplying water again, and water supply for ice-making can be initiated. In addition, the ice-making operation and ice-making operation can be performed again to continuously make ice.

Meanwhile, the present disclosure may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments. Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the configurations not described below are the same as those of the above-described embodiments, their detailed descriptions and illustrations will be omitted to prevent duplication of explanations, and the same drawing reference numerals will be used for descriptions. In other words, below, the configurations that are different from the above-described embodiments will be described in detail.

FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating a first tray according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 18 is an enlarged view illustrating part C of FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is an enlarged view illustrating part D of FIG. 17.

As illustrated, the ice maker 30 of the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first tray 40a having a plurality of first tray cells 401 formed therein.

The first tray 40a may include a tray part 41. In addition, a plurality of first tray cells 401 may be arranged in two rows at the front and rear in the tray part 41. For example, the first tray cells 401 may be formed with a first cell 4011, a second cell 4012, a third cell 4013, a fourth cell 4014, and a fifth cell 4015 from the left to the right in the first row at the front, and a sixth cell 4016, a seventh cell 4017, an eighth cell 4018, a ninth cell 4019, a tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh cell 4111 from the right to the left in the second row at the rear.

In addition, the cell forming parts 42 forming these first tray cells 401 may be arranged to be in contact with each other and may form a part of the tray part 41. In addition, in each of the cell forming parts 42, a cell extension part 422 communicating with each of the first tray cells 401 may be formed.

The heater groove 413 may be formed to pass through all of the first tray cells 401. The heater groove 413 is formed along the edge of the cell forming part 42 and may be arranged in a curved shape in each of the first tray cells 401. The shapes of the first tray cell 401 and the heater groove 413 are the same as in the above-described embodiment, and the remaining configuration except for the spacing groove 414a formed in the heater groove 413 is the same, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

For example, the heater groove 413 may include a first groove part 4131 formed in the first cell 4011, a second groove part 4132 formed in the second cell 4012, a third groove part 4133 formed in the third cell 4013, a fourth groove part 4134 formed in the fourth cell 4014, a fifth groove part 4135 formed in the fifth cell 4015, a sixth groove part 4136 formed in the sixth cell 4016, a seventh groove part 4137 formed in the seventh cell 4017, an eighth groove part 4138 formed in the eighth cell 4018, a ninth groove part 4139 formed in the ninth cell 4019, a tenth groove part 4230 formed in the tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh groove part 4231 formed in the eleventh cell 4111.

Meanwhile, due to the nature of the arrangement of the heater groove 413, the length of the heater groove 413 passing through the first tray cell 401, that is, the length of the heater 48, may be different from each other in a specific first tray cell 401. Due to the structural reason of the first tray 40a, the heater groove 413 may be formed to have a longer arrangement length in some of the first tray cells 401. In addition, the arrangement length of the heater 48 arranged in the heater groove 413 is also longer in some of the first tray cells 401. For example, the length of the heater 38 passing through the first tray cells 401 located on the left and right sides based on the center of the first tray 40a may be formed to be longer.

A spacing groove 414a may be further formed on the inner surface of the heater groove 413 and spaced apart from the outer surface of the heater 48. The spacing groove 414a can adjust the contact area with the heater 48 to uniformly control the amount of heat provided to each of the first tray cells 401. The spacing groove 414a may be referred to as a spacing part.

The spacing grooves 414a may be formed in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 each having a longer arrangement length of the heater 48. The area in which the heater 48 comes into contact with the first tray cells 401 by the spacing grooves 414 may be uniform, and thus, a uniform amount of heat may be supplied to all of the first tray cells 401.

The spacing groove 414a may be recessed downward from the center of the bottom surface of the heater groove 413. In addition, the heater 48 inside the heater groove 413 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the heater groove 413 at the part where the spacing groove 414a is formed.

For example, the spacing groove 414a may include a first spacing groove 4141a formed in the first groove part 4131, a second spacing groove 4142a formed in the fourth groove part 4134, a third spacing groove 4143a formed in the fifth groove part 4135, a fourth spacing groove 4144a formed in the sixth groove part 4136, and a fifth spacing groove 4145a formed in the eleventh groove part 4231.

At this time, the length and width of the spacing groove 414a can be set according to the lengths of the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231. In addition, a plurality of spacing grooves 414a formed in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 can be formed in the successive manners.

For example, a first spacing groove 4141a may be formed in the first groove part 4131. A plurality of first spacing grooves 4141a may be formed along the first groove 4131. In addition, a second spacing groove 4142a may be formed in the fourth groove part 4134. A plurality of second spacing grooves 4142a may be formed along the fourth groove part 4134. In addition, a third spacing groove 4143a may be formed in the fifth groove part 4135. A plurality of third spacing grooves 4143a may be formed along the fifth groove part 4135. In addition, a fourth spacing groove 4144a may be formed in the sixth groove part 4136. A plurality of fourth spacing groove 4144a may be formed along the sixth groove part 4136. In addition, a fifth spacing groove 4145a may be formed in the eleventh groove part 4231. A plurality of fifth spacing groove 4145a may be formed along the eleventh groove part 4231.

The number of the spacing grooves 414a formed in each of the heater grooves 413 may be determined in various ways according to the length of the heater groove 413. For example, the spacing grooves 414a may be arranged in two successively in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, and the sixth groove part 4136, which are relatively short in length, and the spacing grooves 414a may be arranged in three successively in the sixth groove part 4136 and the eleventh groove part 4231, which are relatively long in length. Of course, the number of the spacing grooves 414a may be set in various ways within each heater groove 413. In addition, the spacing grooves 414a may be configured as a single groove in each heater groove 413, but may also be configured in a form in which some sections are short-circuited.

The area of the heater groove 143 in contact with the heater 48 can be determined by the overall length and width of the spacing groove 414a. Accordingly, by adjusting the overall length and width of the spacing groove 414a, the amount of heat provided by the heater 48 to each of the first tray cells 401 can be made uniform.

FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating a state where a heater is mounted on a first tray according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 21 is an enlarged view illustrating part E of FIG. 20, FIG. 22 is an enlarged view illustrating part F of FIG. 20, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 20, and FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 20.

As illustrated, the ice maker 30 of the refrigerator 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first tray 40b having a plurality of first tray cells 401 formed therein.

The first tray 40b may include a tray part 41. In addition, a plurality of first tray cells 401 may be arranged in two rows at the front and rear in the tray part 41. For example, the first tray cells 401 may be formed with a first cell 4011, a second cell 4012, a third cell 4013, a fourth cell 4014, and a fifth cell 4015 from the left to the right in the first row at the front, and a sixth cell 4016, a seventh cell 4017, an eighth cell 4018, a ninth cell 4019, a tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh cell 4111 from the right to the left in the second row at the rear.

In addition, the cell forming parts 42 forming these first tray cells 401 may be arranged to be in contact with each other and may form a part of the tray part 41. In addition, in each of the cell forming parts 42, a cell extension part 422 communicating with each of the first tray cells 401 may be formed.

The heater groove 413 may be formed to pass through all of the first tray cells 401. The heater groove 413 is formed along the edge of the cell forming part 42 and may be arranged in a curved shape in each of the first tray cells 401. The shapes of the first tray cells 401 and the heater groove 413 are the same as in the above-described embodiment, and the remaining configurations except for the heater groove 413 are the same, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

For example, the heater groove 413 may include a first groove part 4131 formed in the first cell 4011, a second groove part 4132 formed in the second cell 4012, a third groove part 4133 formed in the third cell 4013, a fourth groove part 4134 formed in the fourth cell 4014, a fifth groove part 4135 formed in the fifth cell 4015, a sixth groove part 4136 formed in the sixth cell 4016, a seventh groove part 4137 formed in the seventh cell 4017, an eighth groove part 4138 formed in the eighth cell 4018, a ninth groove part 4139 formed in the ninth cell 4019, a tenth groove part 4230 formed in the tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh groove part 4231 formed in the eleventh cell 4111.

Meanwhile, due to the nature of the arrangement of the heater groove 413, the length of the heater groove 413 passing through the first tray cell 401, that is, the length of the heater 48, may be different from each other in a specific first tray cell 401. Due to the structural reason of the first tray 40b, the heater groove 413 may be formed to have a longer arrangement length in some of the first tray cells 401. In addition, the arrangement length of the heater 48 arranged in the heater groove 413 is also longer in some of the first tray cells 401. For example, the length of the heater 38 passing through the first tray cells 401 located on the left and right sides based on the center of the first tray 40b may be formed to be longer.

Therefore, in order to uniformly transfer the amount of heat generated from the heater 48 to each of the first tray cells 401, a spacing part 414b may be formed in the heater groove 413. The spacing part 414b may be formed on the inner surface of the heater groove 413 and may be formed to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the heater 48. The spacing part 414b may adjust the contact area with the heater 48 to uniformly control the amount of heat provided to each of the first tray cells 401.

The spacing part 414b is a part formed so that the width of the heater groove 413 is larger than that of the heater 48, and may be formed with a width that can be spaced apart from both sides of the heater 48. In addition, the spacing part 414b may be formed only in some of the first tray cells 401 among the first tray cells 401. In addition, the spacing part 414b may be formed only in some sections of the entire heater groove 413.

The spacing part 414b may be formed in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 each having a longer arrangement length of the heater 48. The area of contact between the heater 48 and the first tray cells 401 due to the spacing part 414b may be uniform, and thus, a uniform amount of heat may be supplied to all of the first tray cells 401.

The spacing part 414b may be formed on the inner surfaces facing each other of the heater groove 413. The distance between the spacing parts 414b may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the heater 48, and thus, a space may be formed between the heater 48 and the spacing part 414b that is spaced apart from each other and does not contact each other. Since the spacing part 414b has a shape that is more laterally recessed in the inner surface of the heater groove 413, the spacing part may also be referred to as a spacing groove.

For example, the spacing part 414b may include a first spacing parts 4141b formed in the first groove part 4131, a second spacing parts 4142b formed in the fourth groove part 4134, a third spacing parts 4143b formed in the fifth groove part 4135, a fourth spacing parts 4144b formed in the sixth groove part 4136, and a fifth spacing parts 4145b formed in the eleventh groove part 4231.

At this time, the length of the spacing part 414b may be set according to the lengths of the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231. For example, the lengths of the fourth spacing part 4144b and the fifth spacing part 4145b formed in the sixth groove part 4136 and the eleventh groove part 4231, which are relatively long, may be formed longer than the lengths of the first spacing part 4141b, the second spacing part 4142b, and the third spacing part 4143b formed in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, and the fifth groove part 4135, which are relatively short.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the width W of the heater grooves 413 formed in the second groove part 4132, the third groove part 4133, the seventh groove part 4137, the eighth groove part 4138, the ninth groove part 4139, and the tenth groove part 4230 may be the same as the diameter D of the heater 48. For example, the heater 48 is inserted into the seventh groove part 4137, and the diameter D of the heater 48 may be the same as that of the seventh groove part. Accordingly, the entire outer surface of the lower part of the heater 48 may be in contact with the heater groove 413.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the width W2 of the heater grooves 413 formed in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 may be formed to be larger than the diameter D of the heater 48 by the spacing G of the spacing part 414b. For example, the heater 48 is inserted into the fifth groove part 4135, and the width W2 of the fifth groove part 4135 may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the heater 48. In other words, the heater 48 and the inner surfaces of the fifth groove part 4135 may be spaced apart from each other by the spacing of the third spacing part 4143b on both sides of the fifth groove part 4135.

Accordingly, the contact area between the heater 48 and the fifth groove part 4135 is reduced. However, since the length of the fifth groove part 4135 is relatively long, the contact area between the heater 48 and the heater groove 413 in the first tray cells 401 can be adjusted to the same extent.

In this way, the area of the heater groove 413 that comes into contact with the heater 48 can be determined by the spacing part 414b. Accordingly, by adjusting the overall length and width of the spacing part 414b, the amount of heat of the heater 48 provided to each of the first tray cells 401 can be made uniform.

FIG. 25 is a plan view illustrating a state where a heater is mounted on a first tray according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 25, and FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25.

As illustrated, the ice maker 30 of the refrigerator 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first tray 40c having a plurality of first tray cells 401 formed therein.

The first tray 40c may include a tray part 41. In addition, a plurality of first tray cells 401 may be arranged in two rows at the front and rear in the tray part 41. For example, the first tray cells 401 may be formed with a first cell 4011, a second cell 4012, a third cell 4013, a fourth cell 4014, and a fifth cell 4015 from the left to the right in the first row at the front, and a sixth cell 4016, a seventh cell 4017, an eighth cell 4018, a ninth cell 4019, a tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh cell 4111 from the right to the left in the second row at the rear.

In addition, the cell forming parts 42 forming these first tray cells 401 may be arranged to be in contact with each other and may form a part of the tray part 41. In addition, in each of the cell forming parts 42, a cell extension part 422 communicating with each of the first tray cells 401 may be formed.

The heater groove 413 may be formed to pass through all of the first tray cells 401. The heater groove 413 is formed along the edge of the cell forming part 42 and may be arranged in a curved shape in each of the first tray cells 401. The shapes of the first tray cells 401 and the heater groove 413 are the same as in the above-described embodiment, and the remaining configurations except for the heater groove 413 are the same, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

For example, the heater groove 413 may include a first groove part 4131 formed in the first cell 4011, a second groove part 4132 formed in the second cell 4012, a third groove part 4133 formed in the third cell 4013, a fourth groove part 4134 formed in the fourth cell 4014, a fifth groove part 4135 formed in the fifth cell 4015, a sixth groove part 4136 formed in the sixth cell 4016, a seventh groove part 4137 formed in the seventh cell 4017, an eighth groove part 4138 formed in the eighth cell 4018, a ninth groove part 4139 formed in the ninth cell 4019, a tenth groove part 4230 formed in the tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh groove part 4231 formed in the eleventh cell 4111.

Meanwhile, due to the nature of the arrangement of the heater groove 413, the length of the heater groove 413 passing through the first tray cell 401, that is, the length of the heater 48, may be different from each other in a specific first tray cell 401. Due to the structural reason of the first tray 40c, the heater groove 413 may be formed to have a longer arrangement length in some of the first tray cells 401. In addition, the arrangement length of the heater 48 arranged in the heater groove 413 is also longer in some of the first tray cells 401. For example, the length of the heater 38 passing through the first tray cells 401 located on the left and right sides based on the center of the first tray 40c may be formed to be longer.

Accordingly, in order to uniformly transfer the amount of heat generated from the heater 48 to each of the first tray cells 401, an insulating part 483 may be formed on the heater 48. The insulating part 483 may be provided on the outer surface of the heater 48 to reduce the heat generated from the heater 48 from being transferred to the first tray 40c. In other words, the insulating part 483 may be formed of a material that blocks or reduces the heat of the heater 48.

In detail, the heater 48 may include a heating wire 481 that generates heat when power is applied, and a covering 482 that wraps the heating wire 481. The covering 482 may wrap the entire heating wire 481, may be formed of an electrically insulating material, and may be formed of a heat-conducting material. In addition, the heater 48 may further include the insulating part 483. The insulating part 483 may be formed to wrap a part of the heater 48, and may be arranged on the outer surface of the covering 482. Of course, if necessary, the insulating part 483 may be formed to directly wrap the heating wire 481 instead of the outer surface of the covering 482. In other words, the heating wire 481 may have the outer surface thereof wrapped by the covering 482 and the insulating part 483. Therefore, the insulation part 483 may also be referred to as a second covering.

In addition, the insulation part 483 may be arranged to partially surround the perimeter of the heater 48. The insulation part 483 may be arranged between the heater 48 and the inner surface of the heater groove 414 to reduce the heat of the heater 48 from being transferred to the inner surface of the heater groove 414.

Meanwhile, the insulation part 483 may be formed in a part corresponding to the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 among the entire part of the heater 48 in which the arrangement length of the heater 48 is long. In addition, the insulation part 483 may be partially formed on the outer surface of the heater 48 corresponding to the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part, the fifth groove part, the sixth groove part, and the eleventh groove part 4231.

Accordingly, the amount of heat transferred from the heaters 48 arranged in the first groove part 4131, fourth groove part 4134, fifth groove part 4135, sixth groove part 4136, and eleventh groove part 4231 having relatively long heater 48 arrangement lengths to the first tray cells 402 can be reduced, and the same amount of heat as the amount of heat transferred to each of the first tray cells 402 can be provided.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, the heaters 48 arranged in the second groove part 4132, the third groove part 4133, the seventh groove part 4137, the eighth groove part 4138, the ninth groove part 4139, and the tenth groove part 4230 may have the covering 482 which comes into contact with the inner surface of the heater groove 414. For example, the heater 48 is inserted into the tenth groove part 4230, and the covering of the heater 48 may be in close contact with the inner surface of the tenth groove part 4230. Accordingly, heat generated by the operation of the heater 48 may be supplied to the tenth cell 4110 through the tenth groove part 4230.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 27, the heaters 48 arranged in the first groove part 4131, the fourth groove part 4134, the fifth groove part 4135, the sixth groove part 4136, and the eleventh groove part 4231 may have the insulating parts in contact with the inner surfaces of the heater grooves. For example, the heater 48 is inserted into the eleventh groove part 4231, and the insulating part 483 of the heater 48 may be in close contact with the inner surface of the eleventh groove part 4231. Accordingly, the heat generated by the operation of the heater 48 is blocked or reduced by the insulating part, and the amount of heat supplied to the eleventh cell 4111 through the eleventh groove part 4231 may be reduced.

In this way, even when the length of the heater 48 passing through the entire first tray cell 402 is different, the heat transferred through the heater groove 414 can be reduced through the arrangement of the insulation part 483. Accordingly, the amount of heat supplied to the entire first tray cell 401 can be made uniform.

FIG. 28 is a plan view illustrating a state where a heater is mounted on a first tray according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 29 is an enlarged view illustrating part G of FIG. 28, and FIG. 30 is an enlarged view illustrating part H of FIG. 20.

As illustrated, the ice maker 30 of the refrigerator 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first tray 40d having a plurality of first tray cells 401 formed therein.

The first tray 40d may include a tray part 41. In addition, a plurality of first tray cells 401 may be arranged in two rows at the front and rear in the tray part 41. For example, the first tray cell 401 may include a first cell 4011, a second cell 4012, a third cell 4013, a fourth cell 4014, and a fifth cell 4015 from the left to the right in the first row at the front, and may include a sixth cell 4016, a seventh cell 4017, an eighth cell 4018, a ninth cell 4019, a tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh cell 4111 from the right to the left in the second row at the rear. Of course, the first tray cell 401 may have various other combinations in which the cells of the first and second rows are configured in multiples.

In addition, the cell forming parts 42 forming these first tray cells 401 may be arranged to be in contact with each other and may form a part of the tray part 41. In addition, in each of the cell forming parts 42, a cell extension part 422 communicating with each of the first tray cells 401 may be formed.

A cell forming part 42 can be formed by the first tray cell 401. The cell forming part 42 can be formed by a plurality of cells 4011 to 4111 constituting the first tray cell 401 coming into contact with each other. In addition, a heater groove 413 in which a heater 48 is mounted can be formed along the perimeter of the cell forming part 42.

The heater groove 413 may be formed to pass through all of the first tray cells 401. The heater groove 413 is formed along the edge of the cell forming part 42 and may be arranged in a curved shape in each of the first tray cells 401.

For example, the heater 48 may include a first part 4811c arranged around the first cell 4011, a second part 4812 arranged around the second cell 4012, a third part 4813 arranged around the third cell 4013, a fourth part 4814 arranged around the fourth cell 4014, a fifth part 4815c arranged around the fifth cell 4015, a sixth part 4816c arranged around the sixth cell 4016, a seventh part 4817 arranged around the seventh cell 4017, an eighth part 4818 arranged around the eighth cell 4018, a ninth part 4819 arranged around the ninth cell 4019, a tenth part 4820 arranged around the tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh part 4821c arranged around the eleventh cell 4111.

In addition, the heater groove 413 can be formed to correspond to the arrangement position and shape of the heater 48. For example, the heater groove 413 may include a first groove part 4131c formed in the first cell 4011, a second groove part 4132 formed in the second cell 4012, a third groove part 4133 formed in the third cell 4013, a fourth groove part 4134 formed in the fourth cell 4014, a fifth groove part 4135c formed in the fifth cell 4015, a sixth groove part 4136c formed in the sixth cell 4016, a seventh groove part 4137 formed in the seventh cell 4017, an eighth groove part 4138 formed in the eighth cell 4018, a ninth groove part 4139 formed in the ninth cell 4019, a tenth groove part 4230 formed in the tenth cell 4110, and an eleventh groove part 4231c formed in the eleventh cell 4111.

In addition, the length of the part of the heater 48 passing through the plurality of first tray cells 401 may be different from each other according to the arrangement positions of the plurality of first tray cells 401. In other words, the length of the part passing through the first tray cells 4011, 4015, 4016, 4111 located on the left and right sides farthest from the center of the first tray 40d among the heaters 48 may be formed to be relatively longer. In addition, the lengths of the parts passing through the remaining first tray cells 4012, 4013, 4014, 4017, 4018, 4019, 4110 among the heaters 48 and heater grooves 413 may be the same or similar to each other.

Such difference in the length of the heater 48 is caused by the arrangement structure of the heater 48 formed along the perimeter of a plurality of the first tray cells 401. In addition, if the length of the heater 48 passing through each of the first tray cells 401 is different, a difference in the amount of heat transferred to each of the first tray cells 401 is inevitably caused, and thus it may be difficult to expect uniform ice-making quality.

Accordingly, in order to uniformly control the amount of heat provided to each of the first tray cells 401 by the heater 48, the arrangement position of the heater 48 can be adjusted. For example, by varying the distance from the center of the first tray cell 401 to the arrangement position of the heater 48 according to the arrangement length of the heater 48, the amount of heat applied to each of the first tray cells 401 can be uniform.

In other words, the first tray cell 401 having a long arrangement length of the heater 48 can be positioned relatively farther from the center of the first tray cell 401, and the first tray cell 401 having a short arrangement length of the heater 48 can be positioned relatively closer to the center of the first tray cell 401. At this time, the distance D0, D1, D2, D3, D4 from the center of the first tray cell 401 to the heater 48 can be determined in proportion to the length of the heater 48 passing through the first tray cell 401. Therefore, the amount of heat by the heater 48 can be uniformly provided to all of the first tray cells 401, and the ice-making quality can also be uniformly maintained.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, the lengths of the heaters 48 passing through each of the first tray cells 401 may be different from each other due to the arrangement structure of the first tray cells 401 and the characteristics of the heaters 48 arranged along the outer perimeter of the first tray cells 401.

In other words, the lengths of the heaters 48 passing through the second cell 4012, the third cell 4013, the fourth cell 4014, the seventh cell 4017, the eighth cell 4018, the ninth cell 4019, and the tenth cell 4020 excluding the cells 4011,4015,4016,4021 located on the left and right sides of the first tray cell 401 may all be the same or similar, and the lengths at this time may be referred to as reference lengths. Accordingly, in the case of the second part 4812, the third part 4813, the fourth part 4814, the seventh part 4817, the eighth part 4818, the ninth part 4819 and the tenth part 4820 of the heaters 48 passing through each of these cells, the spacing distance DO from each center to the heaters 48 may be the same. At this time, the spacing distance DO may be the reference spacing distance for the arrangement of the heaters 48 and may be formed at a position capable of providing the set amount of heat to each cell.

The first part 4811c of the heater 48 passing through the first cell 4011 may be relatively long. Accordingly, the heater 48 passing through the first cell 4011 may be positioned at a position spaced apart from the center of the first cell 4011 by a first spacing distance D1. At this time, the length of the first part 4811c may be formed longer than the reference length, and therefore the first spacing distance D1 may be formed larger than the spacing distance DO.

The fifth part 4815c of the heater 48 passing through the fifth cell 4015 may be relatively long. Accordingly, the heater 48 passing through the fifth cell 4015 may be positioned at a position spaced apart from the center of the fifth cell 4015 by a second spacing distance D1. At this time, the length of the fifth part 4815c may be formed longer than the reference length, and accordingly, the second spacing distance D2 may be formed larger than the spacing distance DO.

The sixth part 4816c of the heater 48 passing through the sixth cell 4016 may be relatively long. Accordingly, the heater 48 passing through the sixth cell 4016 may be positioned at a position spaced apart from the center of the sixth cell 4016 by a third spacing distance D3. At this time, the length of the sixth part 4816c may be formed longer than the reference length, and therefore, the third spacing distance D3 may be formed larger than the spacing distance DO.

The eleventh part 4821c of the heater 48 passing through the eleventh cell 4021 may be relatively long. Accordingly, the heater 4021 passing through the eleventh cell 4021 may be positioned at a position spaced apart from the center of the eleventh cell 4021 by a fourth spacing distance D4. At this time, the length of the eleventh part 481c may be formed longer than the reference length, and therefore, the fourth spacing distance D4 may be formed larger than the spacing distance DO.

Meanwhile, the lengths of the first part 4811c and the fifth part 4815c, the sixth part 4816c and the eleventh part 4821c may be the same, and at this time, the first spacing distance D1 and the second spacing distance D2, the third spacing distance D3 and the fourth spacing distance D4 may be the same. Of course, when the lengths of the first part 4811c and the fifth part 4815c, the sixth part 4816c and the eleventh part 4821c are different from each other, the first spacing distance D1 and the second spacing distance D2, the third spacing distance D3 and the fourth spacing distance D4 may be determined differently from each other in proportion to each length.

Accordingly, when the heater 48 is driven, a uniform amount of heat can be provided to all of the first tray cells 401.

Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiments, for the convenience of understanding the present disclosure, the second tray that rotates is arranged below the fixed first tray, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In other words, the present disclosure can be applied to various other structures in which ice is made and ice separation is performed by a second tray that is moved relative to a fixed first tray, regardless of the positions and moving methods of the first tray and the second tray.