REFRIGERATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0082777, filed on Jun. 25, 2024, in the Republic of Korea, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures in an internal storage space shielded by a door. Additionally, the refrigerator cools the storage space with cold air generated using a refrigeration cycle, allowing stored food to be stored in a refrigerated or frozen state.

The refrigerators are trending toward becoming more advanced and larger, and are equipped with various devices to improve convenience of use. Typically, a refrigerator may be equipped with an ice maker that automatically creates and stores ice.

Additionally, ice made in ice makers may have various shapes, and recently, ice makers that make spherical ice have been developed.

However, the ice maker that makes spherical ice consists of multiple components for ice-making and ice-separation, so the ice maker is bulky and has limitations in installation location, which causes a loss of storage space.

SUMMARY

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that facilitates the flow of cold air to an ice maker provided inside the door.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator in which a structure for cold air flow, water supply, and ice extraction to an ice maker is integrated.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that prevents water leakage to the outside of the ice tray when water is supplied for ice-making.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet provided with an evaporator and having a storage space; a door configured to open and close the storage space; an ice-making compartment provided at the door and supplied with cold air from the evaporator; and an ice maker provided in the ice-making compartment, in which the ice maker may include a first tray made of a metal material and having a plurality of first cells; a second tray movably mounted relative to the first tray and having a plurality of second cells that is in contact with the first cells to form a space where ice is made; a drive part configured to move the second tray; and a cover mounted on the first tray and forming a cold air flow passage passing on the first tray, and the cover may be in communication with a cold air inlet formed in the ice-making compartment and guide cold air into the cold air flow passage.

The plurality of first cells may be disposed in an inner area of the cold air flow passage.

The cover may include a cold air guide part configured to guide cold air flowing in to pass through an upper portion of the first cell.

The cold air guide part may include a guide surface extending from one end of the cover and having a slope that decreases toward the first cell; and an edge of the guide part extending along a perimeter of the guide surface and coupled to an upper surface of the first tray.

The refrigerator may further include a duct part extending from one end of the cover to an inner surface of the ice-making compartment and communicating the cold air guide part and the cold air inlet.

A cover discharge port through which cold air passing through the cold air flow passage is discharged to the outside of the ice maker may be formed in the cover, and the cover discharge port may open in a direction crossing the extension direction of the duct part.

A water supply part which extends upward and through which water is supplied from a water supply pipe may be provided in the cover, and a water supply port that opens toward a cell extension part in communication with the first cell and supplies water from the water supply part to the first cell may be provided in the water supply part.

The bottom surface of the water supply part may be formed by the guide surface, and the water supply port may be formed at the lowest position of the guide surface.

The water supply part may be formed with a water supply guide part extending downwardly through the cover, and the water supply port may be formed at the lower end of the water supply guide part.

A coupling groove into which an end portion of the water supply guide part is inserted may be formed in the cell extension part.

The first tray may include a plurality of cell extension parts which is in communication with the plurality of first cells and extends upward, and a first ejector configured to move in the vertical direction to pass through the cell extension part to separate ice from the first cell may be provided above the first tray.

The plurality of cell extension parts may extend in a vertical direction to pass through the cold air flow passage.

The plurality of cell extension parts may be disposed in a plurality of rows, and the cell extension parts spaced apart from each other in the front and rear rows, respectively, may be disposed in a staggered manner.

A pair of flat parts extending parallel to each other may be provided on an outer surface of the cell extension part.

A cover part spaced apart from the upper surface of the first tray to form the cold air flow passage may be formed in the cover, and a cover hole into which the upper end of the cell extension part is inserted may be formed in the cover part.

The open upper surface of the cell extension part may be exposed upwardly to the cover part.

The cover may include cover sides forming both sides of the cover; and a rear surface of the cover connecting the sides of the cover on the both sides, the first ejector may be accommodated between the side of the cover and the rear surface of the cover, and an ejector guide part configured to guide the vertical movement of the first ejector may be formed on a side of the cover.

The first ejector may include an ejector body passing through the ejector guide part formed in a vertical direction and moving along the ejector guide part; and a first fin extending downward from the ejector body and inserted into the cell extension part when the ejector body is lowered to separate ice.

The door may be a refrigerating compartment door configured to shield the refrigerating compartment formed in the cabinet, and the ice-making compartment may be formed to be insulated from the refrigerating compartment.

An ice bank may be provided in the ice-making compartment to store spherical ice made by the ice maker, and a dispenser configured to extract the spherical ice stored in the ice bank may be provided on the front surface of the door.

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

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cold air supplied to the ice-making compartment passes through the first tray through the duct part of the cover and the cold air guide part, and has the advantage of uniformly and effectively cooling all first cells on the first tray.

In addition, the cover has an advantage in that a water supply part is formed on the upper surface of the cold air guide part, and the first ejector is disposed between the sides of the cover to be raised and lowered, thereby simplifying the overall structure.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the water supply guide part, which is formed with a water supply port for supplying water to the first cell, has a structure that is fitted with the guide coupling part of the first tray, thereby preventing water supplied from the water supply part from leaking.

Additionally, the cell extension part extending from the first cell extends to pass through the cover hole of the cover, so that the cooling efficiency of the first cell may be improved by being exposed to cold air passing between the cover and the first tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating the path of cold air flow between the cabinet of the refrigerator and the ice-making compartment.

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

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

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the ice maker.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the ice maker.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the cover of the ice maker as seen from above.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the cover viewed from below.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the first tray of the ice maker as seen from above.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the first tray viewed from below.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the coupled structure of the cover and the first tray.

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating the cover and the first tray coupled.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view illustrating the first ejector of the ice maker in an elevated state.

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating the first ejector of the ice maker in a lowered state.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where water is supplied to the ice maker.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the inflow and discharge of cold air from the ice maker.

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating the cold air flow state in the ice maker.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ice maker when it is in an ice-making state.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ice maker when it is in a separating state.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the cover according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a cover according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a door equipped with an ice maker according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a view schematically illustrating the cold air flow path between the cabinet and the ice-making compartment according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a view schematically illustrating the cold air flow path between the cabinet of the refrigerator and the ice-making compartment according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a view illustrating the inside of the ice-making compartment.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cold air in an ice maker according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a view illustrating the inside of the ice-making compartment of the door according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the coupled structure of the cover and the first tray according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 is a plan view illustrating the flow of cold air in an ice maker according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the coupled structure of the cover and the first tray according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a plan view illustrating the flow of cold air in an ice maker according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ice maker.

FIG. 38 is a view schematically illustrating the cold air flow path between the cabinet of the refrigerator and the ice-making compartment according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 39 is a view schematically illustrating the cold air flow path between the cabinet of the refrigerator and the ice-making compartment according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail along with the drawings. However, the present disclosure cannot be said to be limited to the embodiments in which the idea of the present disclosure is presented, and other disclosures that are regressive or other embodiments included within the scope of the present disclosure may be easily suggested by adding, changing, or deleting other components.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and an essence, order or sequence of a corresponding component is not limited by the terms. When a component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” to another component, it should be understood that component may be connected or joined directly to other component, but another component between respective components may be “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined.”

Before explaining, define the direction. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction in which the front surface of the door 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 downward direction, and the direction away from the floor surface may be defined as an upward direction. Additionally, the direction toward the center of the door or cabinet may be defined as inside, and the direction away from the center may be defined as outside.

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating the path of cold air flow between the cabinet of the refrigerator and the ice-making compartment.

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

The cabinet 10 may be divided into upper and lower storage spaces. The storage space may include a refrigerating compartment 11 and a freezing compartment 12 disposed in a vertical direction. For example, the freezing compartment 12 may be a first storage chamber, and the freezing compartment 12 may be a second storage chamber. Additionally, an evaporator 14 that cools the refrigerating compartment 11 and the freezing compartment 12 may be disposed in the freezing compartment 12.

The door 20 may include a refrigerating compartment door 21 that opens and closes the refrigerating compartment 11 and a freezing compartment door 22 that opens and closes 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 may be connected to the cabinet 10 by hinges 131 and 132 and may be a rotary door that opens and closes the refrigerating compartment 11 by rotation. Additionally, a pair of the refrigerating compartment doors 21 may be disposed on both left and right sides, and the refrigerating compartment 11 may be opened and closed by the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 21. Additionally, the freezing compartment door 22 may be configured to be pulled in and out in a drawer style to open and close the freezing compartment. Of course, the freezing compartment door 22 may be composed of a pair of doors that rotate on both left and right sides, like the refrigerating compartment door 21.

Meanwhile, an ice-making compartment 23 may be formed in one of the refrigerating compartment doors 21. Additionally, a dispenser 24 for dispensing water or ice may be provided on the front surface of the refrigerating compartment door 21 where the ice-making compartment 23 is provided.

The ice-making compartment 23 is an insulated space and may be opened and closed by the ice-making compartment door 231. Additionally, an ice-making compartment duct 25 is provided inside the ice-making compartment 23, and a cabinet duct 15 is provided in the cabinet 10 so that the cold air generated in the ice-making compartment 23 may be supplied to the ice-making compartment 23, and the heat-exchanged air of the ice-making compartment 23 may be discharged into the freezing compartment 12 in a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed.

The ice-making compartment duct 25 may include a first ice-making compartment duct 251 that supplies cold air to the ice-making compartment 23, and a second ice-making compartment duct 252 that discharges air from the ice-making compartment 23. The first ice-making compartment duct 251 may connect the first ice-making compartment duct inlet 251a opened in the refrigerating compartment door 21 and the cold air inlet 232 opened in the ice-making compartment 23. Additionally, the second ice-making compartment duct 252 may connect the second ice-making compartment duct outlet 252a opened in the refrigerating compartment door 21 and the cold air outlet 233 opened in the ice-making compartment 23.

The cabinet duct 15 may include a first cabinet duct 151 for supplying cold air and a second cabinet duct 152 for recovering cold air. The first cabinet duct 151 may connect a first cabinet duct outlet 151a opened on the side of the refrigerating compartment 11 and a first cabinet duct inlet 151b formed in the space where the evaporator 14 is placed. In addition, the second cabinet duct 152 may connect a second cabinet duct inlet 152a opened on the side of the refrigerating compartment 11 and a second cabinet duct outlet 152b opened in the freezing compartment 12.

In a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed, the first ice-making compartment duct inlet 251a and the first cabinet duct outlet 151a communicate with each other to allow cold air from the evaporator 14 to supply to the ice-making compartment 23. In addition, the second ice-making compartment duct outlet 252a and the second cabinet duct inlet 152a are in communication with each other, so that air heat-exchanged in the ice-making compartment 23 may be discharged into the freezing compartment 12.

Meanwhile, the flow path of cold air supplied to the ice-making compartment 23 is not limited to the above-described examples and may be provided in various ways. For example, an evaporator may be further provided in the refrigerating compartment 11, and a flow path may be configured to supply cold air from the evaporator disposed in the refrigerating compartment 11 to the ice-making compartment 23.

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

As illustrated, the ice-making compartment 23 may be formed by recessing the rear surface of the refrigerating compartment door 21. The ice-making compartment 23 may be formed by a door liner 211 that forms the rear surface of the refrigerating compartment door 21. In addition, the opened rear surface of the ice-making compartment 23 may be opened and closed by the ice-making compartment door 231. Additionally, a cold air inlet 232 through which cold air flows in and a cold air outlet 233 through which cold air is discharged may be formed at the upper and lower inner surfaces of the ice-making compartment 23, respectively. The cold air inlet 232 and the cold air outlet 233 may be connected to the ice-making compartment duct 25 formed in the refrigerating compartment door 21.

The ice-making compartment 23 may be equipped with an ice maker 30 that makes ice. Additionally, the ice-making compartment 23 may be provided with an ice bank 27 in which ice separated from the ice maker 30 is stored.

The ice maker 30 and the ice bank 27 may be disposed vertically inside the ice-making compartment 23. Additionally, the ice maker 30 may be located on the side of the cold air inlet 232, and cold air flowing into the ice-making compartment 23 may be directed to the ice maker 30.

Additionally, a mounting member 26 may be provided on the inner surface of the ice-making compartment 23. The mounting member 26 is for mounting the ice maker 30 and the ice bank 27, and may be provided on the front surface and the lower surface of the ice-making compartment 23. As another example, the mounting member 26 may be omitted, and the ice maker 30 may be directly coupled to the door liner 211 forming the ice-making compartment 23.

An ice chute 234 in communication with the dispenser 24 may be provided on the lower surface of the ice-making compartment 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.

Meanwhile, in order to place the ice maker 30 and the ice bank 27 within the limited space of the ice-making compartment 23, the ice maker 30 may be required to have a compact structure.

In particular, due to the structural characteristics of the ice-making compartment 23 provided in the refrigerating compartment door 21, the size of the ice made by the ice maker 30 cannot be increased, and it has a structure for making a large number of small-sized ice.

Accordingly, the distance between the cells C where a plurality of ice is made is narrowed, and the operation path of the components constituting the ice maker 30 also becomes smaller, so precise operation between respective components may be required.

Accordingly, the components constituting the ice maker 30 may have an assembly structure that minimizes clearance, and may have a structure that prevents malfunction or unsatisfactory performance of each component due to clearance.

In order to secure the amount of ice, the remaining components of the ice maker 30, excluding the space where ice is made, must be kept simple. In addition, the structure for mounting the ice maker 30 may be simple and has a mounting structure that maintains a solid mounting state on the refrigerating compartment door 21 that is repeatedly opened and closed.

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

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the ice maker, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the ice maker.

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 be further equipped with a cover 60 to supply water and guide the flow of cold air to the first tray 40. Additionally, the ice maker 30 may include a drive part 70 for moving the second tray 50. The drive part 70 may be referred to as a motor device. 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 the present embodiment, the structure in which the first tray 40 and the second tray 50 are disposed in the vertical direction is described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a variety of structures that may make and separate ice by the rotation of the second tray 50, round-tripping, or the like will be possible. For example, in a state where the first tray 40 is fixed, the second tray 50 is moved in one direction to receive water and then make ice, and the second tray 50 may have a structure of being moved in the other direction to separate ice. At this time, the second tray 50 may perform a linear reciprocating movement, for example, may be moved in the front and rear direction or in the vertical direction.

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

The first tray 40 engages with the second cell 501, which will be described below, to form a cell C, thereby making spherical ice. As an example, the first cell 401 may have a hemispherical shape. At this time, the cell C defines a space where ice is made, and may be a space similar to a spherical space, including a perfect sphere.

The first cells 401 may be disposed in two rows in the front and rear direction. The first cells in the first row and the second row may be disposed in alternate directions, and the cell forming parts 42 forming the first cells 401 in the first row and the first cells 401 in the second row may be in contact with each other. Accordingly, the ice maker 30 may be compactly placed in the ice-making compartment 23 by minimizing the width of the first tray 40 in the front and rear direction.

The first tray 40 may be made of a metal material with high rigidity and no deformation. For example, the first tray 40 may be made of aluminum. In addition, the first tray 40 may be formed by die casting.

Accordingly, by allowing other components to be assembled around the first tray 40, operational reliability may be guaranteed when components coupled with the first tray are operated.

In addition, the overall structure of the ice maker 30 may be simplified by assembling a plurality of components based on the first tray 40, and the operation reliability of each component may be increased by simplifying the operation path.

In detail, if there is no standard component when assembling and installing each component of the ice maker, the number of components to connect them increases, and accordingly, there is a problem that the clearance and accumulated clearance during operation increase.

However, it has a structure in which the drive part 70 for operation based on the highly rigid first tray 40 and the second tray assembly including the second tray 50 are directly or indirectly connected. In other words, the ice maker 30 reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the coupling structure, thereby reducing the number of accumulated clearances and ensuring operational reliability. For example, when the second tray 50 is rotated for ice-separation, the clearance of the second tray 50 may be minimized so that the second tray 50 may be rotated by a designed rotation amount, and the amount of deformation caused by contact with the lower ejector 90 is secured, and reliable ice-separation may be possible.

In particular, by having a structure which is connected so that the motor part 70 may rotate the second tray 50 using the first tray 40, the power transmission structure may be simplified and operation reliability may be improved.

In addition, since the first tray 40 is made of a metal material, the first tray 40 is cooled by cold air passing through the first tray 40, and a uniform cooling is possible through heat transfer through conduction to the plurality of first cells 401 formed in the first tray 40.

In detail, the first tray 40 is made of a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, and is configured to effectively transfer heat to each cell C where ice-making is performed, so that the amount of ice-making may be increased.

Additionally, the first tray 40 may be cooled by cold air even before the ice-making operation is performed. Due to the nature of the material, the first tray 40 is cooled by cold air, so preheating efficiency may be increased. Therefore, ice-making efficiency may be further improved during water supply and ice-making operations.

Additionally, heat may be transferred throughout the first tray 40 by conduction, and heat may be evenly transferred throughout the plurality of cells C. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the difference in ice-making speed between the plurality of cells C. In addition, the shape and size of the ice inside the cell C may be made uniform, and in particular, the height difference of the ice protruding into the cell extension part 422 may be reduced.

As another example, the first tray 40 may be made of injection-molded plastic with thermal conductivity. As another example, the first tray 40 may be made of a non-metallic material that may satisfy thermal conductivity and strength.

Additionally, a heater 48 and a heater cover 49 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first tray 40. The heater 48 may be operated to heat the first tray 40 to separate ice. The heater 48 may be disposed along the perimeter of the plurality of first cells 401. In addition, the heater cover 49 may shield and secure the heater 48.

Additionally, a tray mounting part 431 may be formed at the front end of the first tray 40. The tray mounting part 431 may be coupled with the mounting member 26. The ice maker 30 may be fixedly mounted in the ice-making compartment 23 by the tray mounting part 431.

Additionally, a drive part mounting part 44 on which the drive part 70 is mounted may be formed on the first tray 40. The drive part 70 may rotate the second tray 50 while mounted on the drive part mounting part 44.

The drive part 70 is composed of a combination of a plurality of gears and motors and may rotate the second tray 50 forward and backward at a set angle. In addition, the drive part 70 is connected to the full ice detection member 71 and may operate the full ice detection member 71.

The full ice detection member 71 may be formed in the shape of a wire bent multiple times. The full ice detection member 71 rotates forward when the second tray 50 rotates, and is contacted when the ice stored in the ice bank 27 is at a set height or more to determine whether the ice is full. The full ice detection member 71 is stopped when it reaches the position for detecting full ice, and the second tray 50 may be rotated further than the full ice detection member 71 to a position where ice may be separated. In addition, after the ice is separated, the second tray 50 and the full ice detection member 71 may be rotated together in the reverse direction to return to their initial positions.

Upper connection parts 411 may be formed on both sides of the first tray 40 to connect the first tray 40 to the second tray 50. The upper connection part 411 protrudes downward and may be spaced apart from each other on both left and right sides. In addition, the upper connection part may be aligned with the lower connection part 512, which will be described below.

Additionally, the ice maker 30 may include a pair of tray holders 72. The tray holder 72 may be provided on both sides of the first tray 40 to be coupled to the upper tray 40. The tray holder 72 may transmit the rotational force of the drive part 70 to the tray supporter 51. A holder connection part 721 that penetrates the upper connection part 411 and is coupled to the lower connection part 512 may be formed to protrude from the tray holder 72. In addition, the drive shaft 73 may be inserted into the holder connection parts 721 on both sides disposed in opposite directions, and the tray holders 72 on both sides may be connected by the drive shaft 73.

Among the tray holders 72 on both sides, a motor connection part 722 connected to the rotation shaft 701 of the drive part 70 may be formed on one tray holder 72 closer to the drive part 70. Therefore, when the drive part 70 operates, the tray holder 72 connected to the drive part 70 rotates, and the tray holders 72 on both sides may be rotated simultaneously by the drive shaft 73. The tray supporter 51 may transmit rotational force to both the left and right sides simultaneously and may be rotated based on the drive shaft 73. In addition, a bush 74 through which the holder connection part 721 passes may be mounted on the upper connection part 411.

Meanwhile, the tray holder 72 may include a holder arm 723 extending in a direction away from the rotation center of the tray holder 72. Additionally, an elastic member 75 may be connected to the end portion 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 thereof may be fixed to the tray supporter 51. In addition, the elastic member 75 may provide an elastic force to rotate the second tray 50 in the closing direction so that the first tray 40 and the second tray 50 are brought into closer contact when making ice.

The first tray 40 may be coupled with the cover 60. The cover 60 may be coupled to the cover 60 above the first tray 40 and may form the upper portion of the ice maker 30. Additionally, the cover 60 may have a structure capable of guiding cold air and supplying water to the first tray 40. Additionally, the cover 60 may guide the first ejector 80 to move in the vertical direction.

The first ejector 80 may include an ejector body 81 extending toward both sides of the cover 60 and a first pin 82 extending downward from the ejector body 81. The first ejector 80 may be moved in the vertical direction while being guided by both sides of the cover 60.

In addition, links 76 connected to both sides of the tray supporter 51 may be coupled to both sides of the ejector body 81. Accordingly, the first ejector 80 may be moved in the vertical direction in conjunction with the rotation of the second tray 50.

A plurality of first fins 82 may be formed at positions corresponding to the first cell 401. Additionally, the first pin 82 may push and separate the ice inside the first cell 401 by passing through the cell extension part 422, which will be explained below. The first pin 82 moves in the vertical direction in conjunction with the rotation of the second tray 50 and may enter and exit the cell extension part 422.

The second tray 50 may have a plurality of second cells 501 formed therein. The second tray 50 may be referred to as a lower tray or a moving tray. In addition, the second cell 501 may be referred to as a lower cell.

The second cells 501 may be formed in numbers corresponding to positions corresponding to the first cells 401. The second cells 501 may be disposed in two rows in the front and rear direction. The second cells 501 in the first and second rows may be disposed in alternate directions, and the opened upper surfaces of the second cells 501 in the first row and the second cells 501 in the second row may be adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the width of the second tray 50 in the front and rear direction may be minimized.

Additionally, the second cell 501 may be open on the upper surface of the second tray body 502. Additionally, the second tray body 502 may be formed in a planar shape and may protrude further outward than the lower wall 503. The perimeter of the second tray body 502 may be fixed between the lower frame 51 and the lower cover 52.

Additionally, the lower wall 503 may extend upward along the outer edge of the second cell 512. The lower wall 503 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the second tray body 502. The lower wall 503 may prevent water filled in the second cell 501 from overflowing to the outside of the second tray 50.

Additionally, the second tray 50 may be made of a soft material. As an example, the second tray 50 may be made of silicon material. Accordingly, the second tray 50 may be in close contact with the first tray 40 to make them airtight, and may be deformed when in contact with the second ejector 90 for ice-separation.

The tray supporter 51 may support the second tray 50 from below. Additionally, in order to reinforce the soft tray member 51, the tray supporter may be made of metal or plastic material. A plurality of supporter holes 511 may be formed in the tray supporter 51. The supporter hole 511 may be formed to allow the second cell 501 protruding downward to pass through. In other words, when the second tray 50 and the tray supporter 51 are coupled, the lower portion of the second cell 501 may protrude downward through the supporter hole 511.

The lower connection part 512 may be formed on both left and right sides of the tray supporter 51, and the holder connection part 721 may be inserted. At this time, the inner surface of the lower connection part 512 and the holder connection part 721 may be keyed, and therefore, the tray supporter 51 may be rotated when the tray holder 72 rotates. In addition, the second tray 50 fixed to the tray supporter 51 may be rotated together.

In addition, supporter protrusions 513 may be formed on both left and right sides of the tray supporter 51. The supporter protrusion 513 may protrude laterally and be connected to the link 76. The supporter protrusion 513 may be rotatably coupled to the lower end of the link 76.

A lower cover 52 may be provided on the upper surface of the second tray 50. The lower cover 52 may be formed along the edge of the second tray 50. In addition, the lower cover 52 may be formed with a cover opening 521 through which the upper end of the second tray 50 passes. The cover opening 521 may be formed along the perimeter of the second cell 501. Additionally, the lower wall 503 may pass through the cover opening 521 and protrude upward. The opened upper surfaces of the lower wall 503 and the second cell 501 are exposed through the cover opening 521, and are in contact with the first cell 401 when the tray 50 is closed, and thus a spherical cell C may be formed.

Additionally, a lower coupling part 522 extending downward may be formed along the front end and the rear end of the lower cover 52. The lower coupling part 522 may be coupled to the front end and the rear end of the tray supporter 51. When the lower cover 52 and the tray supporter 51 are coupled, the second tray 50 may be disposed between the lower cover 52 and the tray supporter 51. The edge of the second tray 50 may be fixed by the lower cover 52 and the tray supporter 51. The lower cover 52, the tray supporter 51, and the second tray 50 may be configured as one assembly in a coupled state, and may be rotated together. Accordingly, the lower cover 52, tray supporter 51, and second tray 50 in a coupled state may be referred to as a second tray assembly.

A second ejector 90 may be provided below the first tray 40 and the second tray 50. The second ejector 90 may be fixed to the first tray 40. The second ejector 90 may be supported on the inner surface of the ice-making compartment 23.

The second ejector 90 may include a second ejector body 91 providing a predetermined surface and a second pin 92 protruding from the second ejector body 91. The upper end of the second ejector body 91 may be coupled to the first tray 40. Additionally, the front surface of the second ejector body 91 may be supported by the inner surface of the ice-making compartment 23 or the mounting member 26. Additionally, a body inclined surface 911 may be formed on the rear surface of the ejector body 81.

The second fin 92 may be provided on the body inclined surface 911 and may protrude rearward. At this time, the second fins 92 may be formed in a number corresponding to the position corresponding to the second cell 501. In addition, when the second tray 50 is fully rotated, the second cell 501 may be deformed by pressing the lower part of the second cell 501. In addition, the second pin 92 may be protruded so as to have a curvature or slope corresponding to the rotational trajectory of the second tray 50. Accordingly, the plurality of second fins 92 may be in contact with each of the entire second cells 501 when the second tray (50) is rotated to the maximum open state, thereby causing ice inside the second cells 501 to separate.

Of course, the second ejector 90 may be disposed in another position where it may press and separate the ice in the second tray 50 according to the movement direction or movement method of the second tray 50.

Hereinafter, the cover 60 of the ice maker 30 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the cover of the ice maker as seen from above, FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the cover viewed from below, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

As illustrated, the cover 60 may be mounted on the upper surface of the first tray 40. The cover 60 forms the upper portion of the ice maker 30 when coupled with the first tray 40, and structures performing various functions may be reflected in a single configuration. For example, the cover 60 may guide cold air to pass through the first tray 40. In addition, the cover 60 may supply water to the inside of the first cell 401. Additionally, the cover 60 may guide the vertical movement of the first ejector 80. The cover 60 may be made of a plastic material so that such structures may be formed as a single structure.

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 located above the first cell 401 and may be formed in a plate shape facing the upper surface of the first tray 40.

Additionally, a plurality of cover holes 611 may be formed in the cover part 61. The cover holes 611 may be formed in a number corresponding to positions corresponding to the cell extension part 422. In addition, when the cover 60 and the first tray 40 are coupled, the cell extension part 422 may be inserted into the cover hole 611.

A hole edge 612 extending downward may be formed around the cover hole 611. The hole edge 612 may be formed to correspond to the outer surface of the cell extension part 422. Accordingly, the outer surface of the cell extension part 422 and the hole edge 612 may be in close contact with each other, and may assist in coupling between the cover 60 and the first tray 40.

Additionally, a cover protrusion 613 protruding downward may be formed on the lower surface of the cover part 61. A plurality of cover protrusions 613 are provided and may be disposed along positions corresponding to the heater grooves 413, which will be described below.

A temperature sensor mounting part 614 on which a temperature sensor 77 for detecting the temperature of the first tray 40 is mounted may be recessed in the cover part 61. The temperature sensor mounting part 614 may be partially open, and the temperature sensor 77 mounted on the temperature sensor mounting part 614 may be in contact with the upper surface of the first tray 40.

A screw hole 615 into which a screw is fastened may be formed in the cover part 61. The screw passes through the screw hole 615 from above and is fastened to the screw boss 418 on the upper surface of the first tray 40 so that the cover 60 and the first tray 40 may be firmly coupled to each other. A pair of screw holes 615 may be provided at least on both left and right sides.

Meanwhile, the cover 60 may include a cold air guide part 62 that guides cold air supplied to the ice-making compartment 23 to the first tray 40. The cold air guide part 62 may protrude forward from the front end of the cover part 61. In addition, the cold air guide part 62 forms an upper surface and may include a guide surface 621 extending to the rear end of the cover part 61. In addition, a guide part edge 622 may be formed along a portion of the perimeter of the cold air guide part 62, and the guide part edge 622 may be in contact with the upper or side surface of the first tray 40 to form a cold air flow passage.

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. The duct part 63 may extend to be in contact with the side of the ice-making compartment 23 where the cold air inlet 232 is formed.

The duct part 63 may include a duct connection part 631 in contact with the side of the ice-making compartment, and a passage part 632 connecting between the duct connection part 631 and the cold air guide part 62. At least a portion of the duct part 63 may be integrated with the cold air guide part 62, and the duct part 63 may be considered as a component of the cold air guide part 62.

The duct connection part 631 may be formed larger than the size of the cold air inlet 232 to cover the perimeter of the cold air inlet 232. A duct inlet 631a communicating with the cold air inlet 232 may be formed in the duct connection part 631. Additionally, a gasket groove 631b in which a gasket is provided may be formed around the duct inlet 631a. The duct connection part 631 may be in close contact with the wall surface of the ice-making compartment 23 by the gasket. Therefore, the cold air flowing in through the cold air inlet 232 does not leak and may be supplied to the first tray 40 through the duct part 63 and the cold air guide part 62.

The passage part may allow cold air flowing in from the cold air inlet to be guided to the cold air guide part, that is, to the rear of the cover part. To this end, at least a portion of the inner surface of the passage part 632 may be formed to be inclined. As an example, a first duct guide surface 632a may be formed on the rear surface of the duct part 63, which is inclined toward the front as it extends from the cold air inlet 232 toward the cold air guide part 62. Additionally, a second duct guide surface 632b may be formed on the upper surface of the duct part 63, which is inclined downward as it extends from the cold air inlet 232 toward the cold air guide part 62. Therefore, cold air flowing in through the duct part 63 is directed to the cold air guide part 62 in front of the first tray 40.

At the lower end of the duct part 63, a detection member coupling part 633 may extend downward. One end of the full ice detection member 71 may be rotatably connected to the detection member coupling part 633. Accordingly, the duct part 63 may rotatably support one end of the full ice detection member 71.

The cold air guide part 62 forms an upper surface of the cold air guide part 62 and may form a guide surface 621 that becomes lower from the front to the rear. In addition, the rear end of the guide surface 621 may be connected to the front end of the cover part 61. Accordingly, the cold air flowing into the cold air guide part 62 is directed rearward along the guide surface 621. In addition, the cold air passing through the guide surface 621 and heading rearward cools the first tray 40 while passing through the upper surface of the first tray 40.

Meanwhile, the cover 60 may include a water supply part 64. The water supply part 64 may be provided in the cold air guide part 62. The water supply part 64 is for supplying water to the cell C, and may be configured to receive water supplied from a water supply pipe (640 in FIG. 19) protruding inside the ice-making compartment 23.

The water supply part 64 may be provided below the water supply pipe 640 and may extend upward from the guide surface 621 to form a space 641 for receiving water. In detail, the water supply part 64 may include a water supply edge 642 extending upward from the cold air guide part 62. An edge groove 642a may be formed in the water supply edge 642 to accommodate a portion of the water supply pipe 640. Additionally, the outlet of the water supply pipe 640 may be located within the space formed by the water supply edge 642. In addition, the water supplied from the water supply pipe 640 flows toward the first cell 401 along the inside of the water supply part 64.

In addition, the lower surface of the water supply part 64 may be formed by the guide surface 621. Additionally, a water supply port 644 may be formed on the lower surface of the water supply part 64. At this time, the water supply port 644 may be located at the front end of the guide surface 621, and therefore the water supplied to the water supply part 64 may be directed to the water supply port 644 along the guide surface 621.

A water supply guide part 643 protruding forward may be formed at the rear surface of the water supply part 64. The water supply guide part 643 may be located at one end of the left and right sides of the water supply part 64. As an example, the water supply guide part 643 may be located on one end far from the duct part 63. Additionally, the water supply port 644 may be formed at the lower end of the water supply guide part 643.

The lower surface of the water supply part 64 may include a first guide surface 645 that becomes lower toward the water supply guide part 643 at the front end of the water supply part 64. In addition, the lower surface of the water supply part 64 may include a second guide surface 646 that is lowered toward the water supply guide part 643 from the side end of the water supply part 64. At least one of the first guide surface 645 and the second guide surface 646 may be the guide surface 621 of the cold air guide part 62. Additionally, the first guide surface 645 may be a part of the guide surface 621, and the second guide surface 646 may be a part of the second duct guide surface 632.

The water supplied to the water supply part 64 may be directed to the water supply port 644 along the first guide surface 645 and the second guide surface 646. At this time, the water supply part 64 may be formed at a position corresponding to one of the cover holes 611. Additionally, the water supply port 644 may communicate with the cover hole 611.

The lower end of the water supply guide part 643 may extend further downward from the upper surface of the cover part 61. Additionally, the lower end of the water supply guide part 643 may be coupled to the guide coupling part 412, which will be described below. Accordingly, water supplied through the water supply port 644 may be supplied into the cell C through the water supply guide part 643 without leaking.

Meanwhile, a cover coupling part 623 extending downward may be formed at the front end of the cover part 61. The cover coupling part 623 may extend to the rear end of the first tray 40, and the extended end portion may be formed in a hook shape to be locked with the first tray 40. Accordingly, the cover 60 and the first tray 40 may have a primary coupling structure by the cover coupling part 623 and a secondary coupling structure by fastening the screw.

Meanwhile, a side 65 of the cover and a cover rear surface 66 extending upward may be formed on both left and right ends and the rear end of the cover part 61. The side 65 of the cover and the cover rear surface 66 may be referred to as a cover edge. The first ejector 80 may be provided inside the space formed by the side 65 of the cover and the cover rear surface 66. In addition, the side 65 of the cover and the cover rear surface 66 form the outer surface of the cover 60, and when the ice-making compartment 23 is opened, may cover the first ejector 80 and the water supply part 64.

An ejector guide part 650 may be formed on the side 65 of the cover to guide the movement of the first ejector 80. The ejector guide part 650 may be formed on both left and right sides of the cover 60. The ejector guide part 650 may include a guide recessed part 651 recessed in the side 65 of the cover and a guide slot 652 formed within the guide recessed part 651.

The guide recessed part 651 may form a recessed shape by continuously bending the side 65 of the cover. In addition, the guide recessed part 651 may accommodate the first body protrusion 812 of the first ejector 80.

A guide slot 652 cut in the vertical direction may be formed on the side 65 of the cover. Both ends of the first ejector 80 may be moved in the vertical direction along the guide slot 652. Through a structure in which both ends of the first ejector 80 pass through the guide slot 652 and are accommodated in the guide recessed part 651, the first pin 82 may maintain a state of being aligned to enter and exit the cover hole 611 and the cell extension part 422.

Meanwhile, a pin guide 616 may be further formed on the cover part 61. The pin guide 616 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the cover part 61. The pin guide 616 may extend upward from both sides of the cover hole 611, and is in contact with the outer surface of the first pin 82, so that the first pin 82 may be guided so as not to deviate from the cover hole 611 moves when the first pin 82 is moved. The pin guide 616 may be formed in a plurality of cover holes 611. In addition, the pin guide 616 supports the plurality of first pins 82 from the front and rear to allow the entire first pins 82 to move in the vertical direction without flowing.

Additionally, a cover discharge port 661 may be formed at the lower end of the rear surface 66 of the cover. The cover discharge port 661 may be formed by cutting the lower end of the rear surface 66 of the cover. Additionally, the upper end of the cover discharge port 661 may be formed to be higher than the lower end of the side 65 of the cover. The cover discharge port 661 may communicate with the space between the cover part 61 and the upper surface of the first tray 40. Accordingly, cold air flowing between the cover part 61 and the upper surface of the first tray 40 may be discharged rearward through the cover discharge port 661.

The cold air discharged through the cover discharge port 661 passes through the ice bank 27 inside the ice-making compartment 23 and heads to the freezing compartment 12 through the cold air outlet 233.

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

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the first tray of the ice maker as seen from above, FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the first tray viewed from below, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

As illustrated, the first tray 40 may include a tray body 41 on which a plurality of first cells 401 are formed. The tray body 41 may be formed in a plate shape, and the cover 60 may be disposed above the tray body 41. Additionally, at least a portion of the upper surface of the tray body 41 may be shielded by the cover 60.

Additionally, a plurality of first cells 401 may be formed in the tray body 41. The recessed cell forming part 42 may protrude based on the tray body 41, and the first cell 401 may be formed inside the cell forming part 42. The first cell 401 may be formed in a hemispherical shape with an open lower surface. A portion of the cell forming part 42 that protrudes downward from the tray body 41 may be referred to as an upper wall 421. The upper wall 421 may have a cylindrical shape with an open lower surface and may be formed in plural pieces so that they are in contact with each other. Additionally, the upper wall 421 may be accommodated inside the lower wall 503 formed on the second tray 50 when the second tray 50 rotates. In addition, the upper wall 421 and the lower wall 503 may be in contact with each other.

The upper portion of the cell forming part 42 may be recessed into the tray body 41 so as to correspond to the shape of the first cell 401. Accordingly, the cell forming part 42 may maintain the same thickness as a whole, and uniform cold air transmission may be possible over the entire surface of the first cell 401.

The cell extension part 422 may extend upward from the uppen end of the first cell 401. The cell extension part 422 may be located above the tray body 41. The cell extension part 422 may form a passage through which the first pin 82 may enter and exit.

In addition, when the amount of water supplied to the cell C (in FIG. 22) is large, the water inside the cell C is allowed to freeze in the cell extension part 422, and thus it is also possible to prevent the space between the first tray 40 and the second tray 50 from widening due to the volume expansion of ice. The cell extension part 422 may be referred to as a buffer part.

Accordingly, the first surface 422a extending from the upper end of the first cell 401 among the inner surfaces of the cell extension part 422 may be inclined by a set angle β. The first surface 422a may be formed to be inclined so as to face the center of the cell extension part 422 upwards based on a vertical line perpendicular to the ground. In other words, the cell extension part 422 may have a narrower diameter as it moves upward from the upper end of the first cell 401. Therefore, even if freezing occurs in the cell extension part 422, the ice may be easily separated downward by the first fin 82.

Meanwhile, a second surface 422b may be formed on the inner surface of the cell extension part 422 from the upper end of the first surface 422a to the upper end of the cell extension part 422. The second surface 422b may be inclined by a set angle α. The set angle α of the second surface 422b may be larger than the set angle β of the first surface 422a. Therefore, when the first pin 82 is inserted from the outside of the cell extension part 422 to the inside of the cell extension part 422, the second surface 422b and the first pin 82 are in contact with each other and thus the first pin 82 may be aligned to face the inside of the cell extension part 422 without being deviated from the outside thereof.

The cell extension part 422 may extend to a height at which it is inserted into the cover hole 611. Additionally, the cell extension part 422 may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the cover hole 611. Additionally, the cell extension part 422 may be located between the cover 60 and the tray body 41. Therefore, it may be cooled by being in contact with cold air passing between the cover 60 and the tray body 41. Heat from the cooled cell extension part 422 may be conducted and transferred to the inside of the first cell 401. Accordingly, the outer surface of the cell extension part 422 may have a shape that increases the contact area with cold air and facilitates the flow of cold air.

In detail, the cell extension part 422 forms both left and right sides and may include a flat part 422c formed in a planar shape. In addition, the cell extension part 422 forms a front surface and a rear surface and may include a round part 422d connecting the end portions of the flat part 422c. The flat part 422c may extend in a direction corresponding to the cold air flow direction passing through the tray body 41. For example, the flat part 422c may extend in the front and rear direction. Additionally, the flat part 422c may extend in a direction perpendicular to the front end of the tray body 41.

As another example, the flat part 422c may extend in a direction that obliquely intersects the front end of the tray body 41. At this time, the flat part 422c may extend in a direction corresponding to the flow direction of cold air flowing in the tray body 41 in the front and rear direction.

As another example, each of the flat parts 422c formed in the plurality of cell extension parts 422 may be inclined in different directions. At this time, the flat part 422c may determine the flow direction of the cold air supplied from the side of the tray body 41 so that the cold air may be evenly distributed to all first cells 401.

In addition, the shape of the round part 422d may ensure smooth flow of cold air between the plurality of first cells 401 disposed to alternate with each other. In other words, the cold air flowing in the front and rear direction above the tray body 41 may be dispersed in the round part 422d, flow backward, and be evenly transmitted to the cell extension part 422 disposed at the rear. The front surface or the rear surface of the cell extension part 422 may be formed in an inclined shape rather than a round shape.

In addition, one of the plurality of cell extension parts 422 is in communication with the water supply port 644 so that water provided from the water supply port 64 may be supplied. Accordingly, the cell extension part 422 communicating with the water supply port 644 may have a different shape from the other cell extension parts 422.

In detail, a guide coupling part 412 may be formed in the cell extension part 422 at a position corresponding to the water supply port 644. The guide coupling part 412 protrudes at a position corresponding to the lower end of the water supply guide part 643, and may be formed in shapes corresponding to each other so as to be coupled to the lower end of the water supply guide part 643.

The guide coupling part 412 may form both sides and a front surface following the shape of the water supply guide part 643. Both sides and the front surface of the water supply guide part 643 may support both sides and the front surface of the water supply guide part 643. Therefore, in a state where the water supply guide part 643 and the guide coupling part 412 are coupled, the guide coupling part 412 provides a structure that surrounds the water supply guide part 643 on the outer surface, and it is possible to prevent water flowing into the cell extension part 422 from leaking through the water supply guide part 643.

Additionally, a downwardly recessed coupling groove 412a may be formed in the guide coupling part 412. The coupling groove 412a may be formed so that the lower end of the water supply guide part 643 protruding downward is inserted. The lower ends of the guide coupling part 412 and the water supply guide part 643 may have a structure in which they are fitted with each other.

A water supply guide surface 412b may be further formed on the guide coupling part 412. The water supply guide surface 412b may be formed to be inclined toward the inside of the cell extension part 422 in the coupling groove 412a. Accordingly, the water discharged through the water supply guide part 643 and the water supply port 644 may be smoothly guided to the inside of the cell extension part 422.

By coupling the water supply guide part 643 and the guide coupling part 412, it is possible to prevent water supplied from the water supply part 64 into the inside of the cell C from leaking at the coupling portion between the cover 60 and the first tray 40. Additionally, water passing through the part where the cover 60 and the first tray 40 are coupled may be guided toward the inside of the cell C.

A heater groove 413 recessed along the edges of the plurality of cell forming parts 42 may be formed in the tray body 41. The heater groove 413 may be formed along the outer edges of the first cells 401. In addition, the heater 48 may be disposed along the heater groove 413. The heater 48 may be in contact with the upper portion of the cell forming part 42 when mounted in the heater groove 413 and may be disposed to pass through the area of all the first cells 401. Therefore, when the heater 48 operates, the heat of the heater 48 may be evenly transmitted to the entire first cell 401, and the ice formed inside the first cell 401 may be heated to facilitate ice-separation.

Additionally, a sensor groove 414 may be formed on the upper surface of the tray body 41. The temperature sensor 77 may be inserted into the sensor groove 414 while being mounted on the temperature sensor mounting part 614. Additionally, the temperature sensor 77 may measure the temperature that determines completion of ice-making by being in contact with the first tray 40 within the sensor groove 414.

Additionally, a terminal groove 415 may be formed on the upper surface of tray body 41. The terminal groove 415 may accommodate a terminal 78 connecting the electric wire of the heater 48 and the electric wire 781. Accordingly, the heater 48 and the terminal 78 provided in the tray body 41 do not protrude from the tray body 41 and do not interfere with the flow of cold air.

Additionally, a tray rib 416 may be formed on the upper surface of the tray body 41. The tray rib 416 may be formed along a position corresponding to the guide edge 622 of the cold air guide part 62.

Meanwhile, the tray mounting part 431 may be formed at the front end of the tray body 41. The tray mounting part 431 may extend upward from the front end of the tray body 41. Additionally, a pair of tray mounting parts 431 may be provided on both left and right sides. A screw hole is formed in the tray mounting part 431, and the screw passing through the screw hole may secure the first tray 40 to the mounting member 26.

A tray support part 417 may be further formed at the front end of the tray body 41. The tray support part 417 extends downward from the front end of the tray body 41 and is in contact with the mounting member 26 to maintain the horizontal mounting state of the first tray 40. The tray support part 417 is located between the tray mounting parts 431, and a pair of tray support parts 417 may be provided on both left and right sides. The first tray 40 may be stably mounted and maintain its position despite the rotational force generated when the ice maker 30 operates due to the tray mounting part 431 and the tray support part 417 extending in the vertical direction.

Additionally, the upper connection part 411 may protrude downward on both left and right sides of the tray body 41. The upper connection part 411 may be formed at a position corresponding to the lower connection part 512. In addition, the upper connection part 411 may be located outside the lower connection part 512. The inner surface of the upper connection part 411 and the outer surface of the lower connection part 512 may be in contact with each other.

In addition, the holder connection part 721 of the tray holder 72 passes through the upper connection part 411 but does not contact the upper connection part 411 or transmit power. Additionally, a portion of the holder connection part 721 that passes through the upper connection part 411 may be coupled to the lower connection part 512 to transmit power.

The upper connection part 411 may be located rearward of the first cell 401. In other words, the ice maker 30 may have a structure in which the cell C opens and closes when the second tray 50 rotates about the upper connection part 411 and the lower connection part 512.

The first tray 40 may further include a drive part mounting part 44. The drive part mounting part 44 may protrude laterally from one end of the left and right sides of the tray body 41 that is farther from the water supply part 64.

The drive part mounting part 44 may be coupled to the upper surface of the drive part mounting part 44. In detail, a device coupling hole 441 may be formed in the drive part mounting part 44. A device coupling protrusion 702 protruding from the drive part 70 may be inserted into the device coupling hole 441. In addition, a fastening part 442 that is fastened to the screw fastening part 703 of the drive part 70 by screw coupling may be formed on the drive part mounting part 44. Accordingly, the drive part 70 may be mounted on the drive part mounting part 44 with its upper surface fixed. In addition, In a state where the drive part 70 is mounted on the drive part mounting part 44, the rotation shaft 701 of the drive part 70 may be connected to the tray holder 72.

Hereinafter, the coupling structure of the cover 60 and the first tray 40 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the coupled structure of the cover and the first tray, FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating the cover and the first tray coupled, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is a perspective view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

As illustrated, the cover 60 may be coupled above the first tray 40. At this time, the cover 60 may be seated on the tray body 41. The lower end of the cover 60 may be in contact with the upper surface of the tray body 41.

In addition, in a state where the cover 60 is coupled to the first tray 40, the lower end of the tray body 41 and the cold air guide part 62 may be in contact with each other by being in contact with the tray rib 416 protruding from the tray body 41 to prevent leakage of cold air flowing through the cold air guide part 62. Accordingly, a cold air flow passage 600 spaced apart from the upper surface of the tray body 41 and the lower surface of the cover part 61 may be formed.

Additionally, the cold air guide part 62 of the cover 60 may be located above the tray body 41 and forward of the first cell 401. Accordingly, cold air flowing into the cold air guide part 62 may be guided to the front of the first cell 401.

In other words, the cold air guided forward through the cold air guide part 62 may be guided backward along the guide surface, pass through the upper portion of the first cell 401 formed in the tray body 41, and be discharged to the rear through the cover discharge port 661. At this time, the cell extension part 422 may extend to the cover hole 611 and extend upward through the cold air flow passage 600.

Cold air flowing through the cold air flow passage 600 passes through 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 made of a metal material, cold air in contact with the upper portion of the first cell 401 and the cell extension part 422 may cool all of the plurality of first cells 401. Accordingly, the water inside the first cell 401 may be cooled evenly, and ice may be created at a uniform rate in each of the cells C.

Additionally, the cell extension part 422 is inserted into the cover hole 611 and may be in contact with the inner surface of the hole edge 612. The plurality of cell extension parts 422 are coupled to the hole edge 612 so that the cover 60 and the first tray 40 may be more firmly coupled to each other.

In addition, the outer surface of the cell extension part 422 and the inner surface of the hole edge 612 are in surface contact with each other, and thus it is possible to prevent water from leaking from the cover part 61 to the upper surface of the tray body 41, especially to the cell forming part 42. Therefore, the cover 60 may protect water from flowing into the upper surface of the first tray 40 even if water overflows from one of the first cells 401 or from the water supply part 64. In addition, the inside of the cold air flow passage 600 may be prevented from being blocked by freezing. Additionally, electrical devices such as the heater 48 and the temperature sensor 77 disposed on the upper surface of the first tray 40 may be protected.

Meanwhile, the heater 48 may be mounted in the heater groove 413 of the first tray 40, and the heater cover 49 may be mounted in the heater groove 413. The heater cover 49 may press the heater 48 so that the heater 48 is in close contact with the cell forming part 42. In addition, the heater cover 49 may shield the heater groove 413.

In particular, when the cover 60 and the first tray 40 are coupled, the cover protrusion 613 protruding downward from the cover 60 may be in contact with the heater cover 49. Therefore, when the cover 60 and the first tray 40 are coupled, the cover protrusion 613 presses and secures the heater cover 49 from above.

The heater cover 49 may be made of a soft material, and the heater cover 49 may be in close contact with the heater groove 413 so as to prevent water from penetrating into the heater 48. In addition, the cover protrusion 613 supports the heater cover 49, so that the cover part 61 maintains a state of being stably supported on the first tray 40, and a space through which cold air flows may be maintained between the cover part 61 and the upper surfaces of the trays 40.

The duct part 63 may protrude further laterally than the first tray 40, and may communicate with the cold air inlet 232 when the ice maker 30 is mounted in the ice-making compartment 23.

In addition, when the ice maker 30 is mounted in the ice-making compartment 23, the water supply part 64 may be located at a position corresponding to the end portion of the water supply pipe 640.

Meanwhile, the first ejector 80 may move on the cover 60 in the vertical direction in conjunction with the rotation of the second tray 50.

Hereinafter, the operation and guidance structure of the first ejector 80 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view illustrating the first ejector of the ice maker in an elevated state, and FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating the first ejector of the ice maker in a lowered state.

As illustrated, guide recessed parts 651 may be formed on both left and right sides of the cover 60. The guide recessed part 651 may provide a space in which the first body protrusion 812 may be accommodated. The guide recessed part 651 may be formed by bending the side of the cover 60 in multiple ways. Therefore, even if a load is applied to the guide slot 652 when the first ejector 80 is raised or lowered, the side 65 of the cover may be prevented from being deformed or damaged.

Additionally, a guide slot 652 cut in the vertical direction may be formed in the inner central portion of the guide recessed part 651. Additionally, bending parts 651a may be formed at both ends of the guide recessed part 651 forming the guide slot 652.

The guide slot 652 is open at the top of the side 65 of the cover and is open to allow both sides of the ejector body 81 to pass through. Additionally, the guide slot 652 extends in the vertical direction so that the first ejector 80 may move along the guide slot 652 in the vertical direction.

The ejector body 81 may be extended so that both ends pass through the guide slot 652. Ejector grooves 811 may be formed on both sides of the ejector body 81. The size of the ejector groove 811 may be formed to correspond to the bending part 651a, and the bending part 651a may be inserted into the ejector groove 811.

The first body protrusions 812 may be formed on both sides of the ejector body 81 passing the guide slot 652. The first body protrusion 812 may be located outside the guide slot 652.

The first body protrusion 812 of the first ejector 80 is in contact with the outer end of the bending part 651a to maintain the bending part 651a restrained inside the ejector groove 811. Accordingly, the first ejector 80 does not flow in both directions or is eccentric, and the plurality of first pins 82 may be moved at the same height at the same time in the vertical direction.

In other words, the first ejector 80 may be prevented from flowing to both the left and right while moving along the guide slot 652 in the vertical direction. Additionally, the first pin 82 may enter and exit the cover hole 611 and the cell extension part 422 at an accurate position.

In a state where the first ejector 80 is mounted to pass through the guide slot 652, both ends of the ejector body 81 may protrude further outward than the guide slot 652. Additionally, a second body protrusion 814 may be formed on the outer end of the ejector body 81.

A link connection part 813 may be formed between the first body protrusion 812 and the second body protrusion 814. The link connection part 813 may be connected through the upper portion of the link 76. In addition, the second body protrusion 814 restrains the upper end of the link 76 to maintain a state where the link 76 is connected to the link connection part 813.

The link 76 may be rotatably mounted on the link connection part 813. The upper end of the link 76 is rotatably connected to the link connection part 813, and the lower end of the link 76 may be rotatably connected to the tray supporter 51. Accordingly, as the second tray 50 rotates, the link 76 moves in the vertical direction and the first ejector 80 may be moved in the vertical direction.

In a state where the second tray 50 is closed, that is, while the ice maker 30 is performing ice-making work, the first ejector 80 may maintain the state illustrated in FIG. 17.

In detail, the first ejector 80 may be located at the very top of the guide slot 652. As an example, the ejector body 81 may be located at the upper end of the guide slot 652. Additionally, the first pin 82 may be located above the cover hole 611. Accordingly, the length of the guide slot 652 in the vertical direction may be longer than the length of the first pin 82. In addition, the rear surface of the cover 66 and the side of the cover 65 may also be formed to be longer than the vertical length of the first pin 82 so as to cover the first ejector 80.

When the second tray 50 rotates to open, the link 76 rotates together with the tray supporter 51 and moves downward. As the link 76 moves downward, the first ejector 80 may move downward. When the first ejector 80 moves downward, the ejector body 81 may move downward along the guide slot 652.

In a state where the second tray 50 is fully open, that is, while the ice maker 30 is performing a moving operation, the first ejector 80 may maintain the state illustrated in FIG. 18.

In detail, the first ejector 80 may be located at the lowest portion of the guide slot 652. As an example, the ejector body 81 may be located at the lower end of the guide slot 652. Additionally, the first pin 82 may be inserted into the inside of the first cell 401 by passing through the cover hole 611 and the cell extension part 422. Accordingly, the length of the first fin 82 may be at least longer than the vertical length of the cell extension part 422.

In addition, in a state where the first ejector 80 is positioned at the lowest position of the guide slot 652, the first body protrusion 812 may be seated on the stopping part 651b. The stopping part 651b may have a lower surface that is stepped from the side 65 of the cover. Additionally, the stopping part 651b supports the first body protrusion 812 from below, thereby restricting the first ejector 80 from moving downward any further.

Hereinafter, the operation of the ice maker 30 having the above structure will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where water is supplied to the ice maker.

As illustrated in the drawing, in order to make ice in the ice maker 30, water is supplied to the cell C. In a state where the water supply pipe 640 extends inside the water supply part 64, the water supplied from the water supply pipe 640 heads towards the water supply port 644 along the first guide surface 645 and the second guide surface 646 of the water supply part 64.

Additionally, water passing through the water supply port 644 may pass through the cell extension part 422 and be supplied into the cell C. At this time, in a state where the lower end of the water supply guide part 643 is coupled to the guide coupling part 412, water passing through the water supply port 644 does not leak to the outside. Additionally, water may be guided to the cell C along the water supply guide surface 412b formed on the guide coupling part 412.

Meanwhile, while water is being supplied in the water supply part 54, the second tray 50 may be open at a set angle instead of a state of being completely closed. The water supply part 64 supplies water to the second tray 50 through one of the plurality of first cells 401, and when the second tray 50 is open, water may move sequentially from one cell C to another neighboring cell C and be filled therein.

In addition, in a state where the water supplied when the second tray 50 is open completely fills the second cell 501, even if the water is further supplied thereto, the water supplied does not overflow by the lower wall 503 and is filled in the second tray 50. The water supplied through the water supply pipe 640 may be supplied in an amount sufficient to fill all of the cells C during one ice-making process. For this purpose, a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of water supplied through the water supply pipe 640 may be provided on the water supply flow path.

When the set flow rate of water is supplied to the second tray 50, the second tray 50 is rotated clockwise and closed for ice-making. Then, when the second tray 50 is closed, the upper wall 421 is inserted into the lower wall 503 and is in contact with each other, and the water inside the lower wall 503 flows into each of the upper walls 421 to fill all of the cell C.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the inflow and discharge of cold air from the ice maker, FIG. 21 is a view illustrating the cold air flow state in the ice maker, and FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the ice maker when it is in ice-making mode.

As illustrated, when the water supply to the second tray 50 is completed, the second tray 50 is rotated clockwise, and the second tray 50 may be in contact with the first tray 40 to form a state as illustrated in FIG. 22, in this state, the operation for ice-making may be started.

The second tray 50 may be in close contact with the first tray 40 by the elastic force of the elastic member 75 mounted on the tray holder 72. In addition, the first cell 401 and the second cell 501 are in contact with each other to create spherical ice inside the cell C.

When the ice-making operation starts, cold air may be supplied to the ice maker 30 through the cold air inlet 232 of the ice-making compartment 23. In detail, cold air may flow into the cold air guide part 62 through the duct part 63 in communication with the cold air inlet 232.

The cool air that flows in laterally 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 portion of the plurality of first cells 401, it may be discharged through the cover discharge port 661 at the rear surface of the ice maker 30.

In detail, cold air introduced through the duct part 63 moves from front to rear along the inclined guide surface 621 of the cold air guide part 62. In addition, the cold air guided rearward by the cold air guide part 62 may pass through the cold air flow passage 600 between the cover part 61 and the tray body 41 and be discharged backward through the cover discharge port 661.

Meanwhile, the shape of the guide surface 621 of the guide part 62 may have various structures.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the guide surface 621 may be formed to have a gradually decreasing slope from the front end to the rear end. In other words, the vertical distance A from the upper surface of the tray part 41 to the rear end of the guide surface 621 may be shorter than the vertical distance B from the upper surface of the tray part 41 to the rear end of the guide surface 621. Accordingly, the cold air flowing into the guide part 62 naturally flows rearward along the guide surface 621 and may be guided to pass through the upper surface of the tray part 41 while flowing backward and downward.

The guide surface 621 may be composed of multiple parts with different inclinations. Of course, in this case as well, the guide surface 621 may have a slope that gradually decreases from the front end to the rear end.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 22 (a), the guide surface may be composed of a plurality of parts.

As an example, the guide surface 621 may include a first part 621a and a second part 621b. The first part 621a extends rearward from the front end of the guide surface 621 and may be parallel to the upper surface of the tray part 41. Additionally, the second part 621b may extend from the end of the first part 621a to the rear end of the guide surface 621, and may be formed to have a slope that decreases as it extends rearward. Therefore, the distance A between the upper surface of the tray part 41 and the second part 621b may be shorter than the distance B between the upper surface of the tray part 41 and the first part 621a.

Therefore, the cold air flowing into the guide part 62 may naturally flow rearward along the first part 621a and the second part 621b and may be induced to pass over the upper surface of the tray part 41 while flowing backward and downward.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 22 (b), at least a portion of the guide surface 621 may be formed to have a curvature.

As an example, the guide surface 621 may include a third part 621c. The third part 621c may extend rearward from the front end of the guide surface 621 and may be formed in a rounded shape. The guide surface 621 may be formed entirely or partially by the third part 621c. Additionally, the third part 621c may have a shape that becomes lower as it extends rearward and may have a rounded shape with a predetermined curvature to enable the flow of cold air rearward.

Accordingly, the cold air flowing into the guide part 62 may be guided backward and downward along the third part 621c and may flow past the upper surface of the tray part 41.

The guide surface 621 may further include a fourth part 621d. The fourth part 621d may extend from the end portion of the third part 621c to the rear end of the guide surface 621, and may be formed to have a slope that decreases as it extends rearward. In addition, the distance A between the upper surface of the tray part 41 and the fourth part 621d may be shorter than the distance B between the upper surface of the tray part 41 and the third part 621c.

Therefore, the cold air flowing into the guide part 62 is naturally guided rearward along the third part 621c and the fourth part 621d, and may be induced to pass over the upper surface of the tray part 41 while flowing backwards and downwards.

In addition, as cold air passes through the cold air flow passage 600, the upper surface of the tray body 41 is cooled. In other words, the upper portions of the plurality of first cells 401 exposed through the tray body 41 may be cooled by being in contact with cold air. In addition, the cell extension part 422 formed above each first cell 401 is also cooled by being in contact with cold air.

When the upper portion of the first cells 401 and the cell extension part 422 are cooled, the inside of each first cell 401 is also cooled by conduction. Accordingly, the entire interior of the first cell 401 formed in the first tray 40 may be cooled evenly, and the water contained in the cell C may be frozen at a uniform rate.

Meanwhile, the cold air discharged through the cover discharge port 661 is discharged to the rear of the ice maker 30 and is directed to the ice bank 27 disposed below the ice maker 30. In addition, it may be recovered to the freezing compartment 12 or the evaporator 14 through the cold air outlet 233 of the ice-making compartment 23.

The supply of cold air through the cold air guide part 62 may be continuously performed while ice-making is taking place. In addition, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 77 is below the set temperature, it is determined that ice-making is complete.

The second tray 50 remains closed until ice-making is completed. In addition, the first ejector 80 is maintained in a state of being positioned at the uppermost position of the guide slot 652, and the first pin 82 is maintained in a state of being positioned higher than the cover hole 611 and the cell extension part 422.

When the ice-making operation is completed, the heater 48 may be operated. The heat generated from the heater 48 heats the upper portion of the first cell 401 and is evenly transmitted to the entire surface of the first cell 401, due to the characteristics of the first tray 40 made of metal material, so that ice may be easily separated from the first cell 401.

Meanwhile, the ice maker 30 may further include a lower heater. The lower heater may be disposed on one side in contact with the second tray 50 and configured to heat the second tray 50.

The lower heater may be operated during the ice-making process, and the ice maker 30 may be used to create transparent ice without air bubbles. In addition, ice may be made into a spherical shape by the shape of the cell c formed by the first cell 401.

In order to make transparent spherical ice, the lower heater may be driven while cold air for ice-making is supplied after water supply. At this time, the lower heater may be turned on and off periodically. By heating the second tray 50 by the lower heater, freezing may begin from the upper portion of the cell C and gradually progress downward. Therefore, the air bubbles generated during freezing inside the cell C may be concentrated at the lower end of the second tray 50, that is, at the lower end of the second cell 501, and it is possible to make transparent ice except for a portion of the lower end of the ice where the air bubbles are concentrated.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ice maker when it is in a separating state.

As illustrated, during ice separation operation, the second tray 50 is rotated counterclockwise by driving of the drive part 70 and the cell C is opened. The second tray 50 may be rotated to a position deviating from the vertical downward direction of the first cell 401 to prevent it from colliding with ice I falling from the first tray 40.

As illustrated, during ice-separation operation, the cell C is opened as the second tray 50 is rotated counterclockwise by the driving of the motor device 70. The second tray 50 may be fully rotated as illustrated in FIG. 23. Additionally, while the second tray 50 is rotated, the ice I attached to the first tray 40 and the second tray 50 may separate and fall downward.

In detail, when ice I is attached to the first tray 40, the ice may be separated by the first ejector 80. When the second tray 50 rotates counterclockwise, the link 76 moves downward, and the first ejector 80 connected to the link 76 moves from upward to downward. At this time, the downward movement of the first ejector 80 is guided by the guide slot 652, the plurality of first pins 82 are simultaneously inserted into the first cell 401, thereby separating ice I attached to the first cell 401 downward.

In addition, when ice I is attached to the second tray 50, the ice may be separated by the second ejector 90. When the second tray 50 rotates counterclockwise, the second pin 92 of the second ejector 90 and the lower surface of the second tray 50 is in contact with each other.

At this time, since the second tray 50 is formed of an elastically deformable material, the second tray 50 rotates further counterclockwise when the second pin 92 and the second tray 50 are in contact with each other, the second pin 92 presses on the second cell 501 to deform it. The ice I may be separated from the second cell 501 by deforming the second cell 501 and fall downward. Additionally, the plurality of second pins 92 may simultaneously deform the plurality of second cells 502 so that all of the ice I attached to the plurality of second cells 501 is separated.

The ice I separated from the ice maker 30 may fall downward and be stored in the ice bank 27. In addition, when the second tray 50 rotates, the full ice detection member 71 rotates to check whether the ice bank 27 is full of ice therein. When the full ice detection member 71 determines that the ice inside the ice bank 27 is full, water supply to the ice maker 30 and ice-making operations are stopped.

If the inside of the ice bank 27 is not full of ice, the second tray 50 returns to the state illustrated in FIG. 20, and water supply for ice-making may begin. Additionally, ice may be continuously made by performing the ice-making operation and the ice-separation operation again.

Meanwhile, the present disclosure may be possible in various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments. Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, since configurations not described below are the same as the above-described embodiments, detailed descriptions and illustrations thereof may be omitted to prevent duplication of description, and the same reference numerals will be used for description. In other words, hereinafter, only the configuration that differs from the above-described embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the cover according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the cover 60 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cover part 61 and a cold air guide part 62. The cover 60 may form the cover part 61 and the cold air guide part 62 together in a single configuration. A plurality of cover holes 611 may be formed in the cover part 61, and an ejector guide part 650 and a temperature sensor mounting part 614 may be formed. Additionally, an ejector guide part 650 is formed on the side of the cover 60′ to guide the vertical movement of the first ejector 80. Additionally, a cover discharge port 661 may be formed at the lower end of the rear surface of the cover 60 through which cold air flowing downward of the cover part 61 is discharged.

The cold air guide part 62 may be formed in front of the cover part 61. A duct part 63 may be formed at a side end of the cold air guide part 62, and the duct part 63 may protrude laterally and communicate with the cold air flow part of the ice-making compartment 23.

The cold air guide part 62 is coupled to the upper surface of the first tray 40 and guides cold air to pass between the tray body 41 and the cover part 61. For this purpose, a guide surface 621 may be formed on the upper surface of the cold air guide part 62. The guide surface 621 becomes lower as it extends from the front to the rear, and the rear end of the guide surface 621 may be connected to the front end of the cover part 61. Accordingly, the cold air guided into the cold air guide part 62 through the duct part 63 flows backward along the guide surface 621 and passes through the cold air flow passage 600 between the tray body 41 and the cover part 61.

Meanwhile, the water supply part 64′ may be molded separately from the cover 60 and then coupled to the cover 60. The water supply part 64′ may be seated on the upper surface of the cold air guide part 62. Additionally, the lower surface of the water supply part 64′ may have a first guide surface 645 with an inclination corresponding to the guide surface 621. The first guide surface 645 may extend obliquely toward the water supply port 644 formed at the lower end of the rear surface of the water supply part 64′. In addition, the lower surface of the water supply part 64′ may further be formed with a second guide surface 646 extending from one end toward the water supply port 644.

The water supply part 64′ has a water supply edge 642 that forms the circumferential surface extending upward to prevent water supplied from leaking or splashing. An edge groove 642a through which the water supply pipe 640 passes may be recessed at the upper end of the front surface of the water supply edge 642.

Additionally, a water supply guide part 643 protruding backward may be formed at the rear surface of the water supply part 64′. The water supply port 644 is formed at the lower end of the water supply guide part 643, and the water supply guide part 643 may extend downward through any one of the cover holes 611. Additionally, the lower end of the water supply guide part 643 may be connected to the cell extension part 422 of the first tray 40. Accordingly, water supplied to the water supply part 64′ may be supplied into the first cell 401 through the water supply port 644.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a cover according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a door equipped with an ice maker according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the cover 60′ of the ice maker 30 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure may have a cold air guide part 62 formed at the front end of the cover part 61. The cold air guide part 62 may include a guide surface 621 forming a cold air flow passage 600 spaced apart from the tray body 41, and a guide edge 622 extending downward along the perimeter of the guide surface 621.

Additionally, a duct part 63′ protruding forward may be formed on the front surface of the guide part edge 622. A duct inlet 631a′ may be formed in the duct part 63′. The duct inlet 631a′ may be located in a direction facing the cover discharge port 661. Additionally, the duct part 63′ may extend to cover the cold air inlet 232′ formed on the rear wall of the ice-making compartment 23.

Meanwhile, a first ice-making compartment duct 251′ extends inside the ice-making compartment 23, and may extend from the side of the ice-making compartment 23 to the front surface of the ice-making compartment 23. Additionally, the cold air inlet 232′ may be formed in the front surface of the ice-making compartment 23. The cold air inlet 232′ may be formed at a location in communication with the duct inlet 631a′.

Therefore, cold air flowing in from the front of the cover 60′ may flow rearward through the cold air guide part 62, and the cold air may flow through the cold air flow passage 600 between the tray body 41 and the cover part 61. In addition, the cold air may be discharged into the ice-making compartment 23 through the cover discharge port 661 on the rear side of the cover part 61.

In other words, the cold air for cooling the first cell 401 is not bypassed but passes through the cold air flow passage 600 between the tray body 41 and the cover part 61 in a straight line from front to back and thus the upper portion of the first cell 401 and the cell extension part 422 are cooled. At this time, the flow of cold air may be further improved, allowing the first cell 401 to be cooled more effectively.

Cold air passing through the cold air flow passage 600 is discharged into the ice-making compartment 23 through the cover discharge port 661 formed on the rear side of the cover 66, and may be recovered through the ice bank 27 and the cold air discharge port 233 to the freezing compartment 12 or evaporator 14.

FIG. 27 is a view schematically illustrating the cold air flow path between the cabinet and the ice-making compartment according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the cabinet 10 of the refrigerator 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure may have a refrigerating compartment 11 formed at the upper portion and a freezing compartment 12 formed at the lower portion. Additionally, an evaporator 14 may be provided at the rear of the freezing compartment 12.

Additionally, the cabinet 10 may be provided with a cabinet duct 15. The cabinet duct 15 may be provided on a side wall surface of the cabinet 10 adjacent to the refrigerating compartment door 21 where the ice-making compartment 23 is formed. In addition, the cabinet duct 15 extends upward from the area of the freezing compartment 12 and may extend to the upper portion of the refrigerating compartment 11. For example, the upper end of the cabinet duct 15 may extend to a position corresponding to the height of the ice-making compartment 23.

The cabinet duct 15 may include a first cabinet duct 153 for supplying cold air and a second cabinet duct 154 for recovering cold air. The first cabinet duct 153 may connect a first cabinet duct outlet 153a opened on the side of the refrigerating compartment 11 and a first cabinet duct inlet 153b formed in the space where the evaporator 14 is placed. In addition, the second cabinet duct 154 may connect a second cabinet duct inlet 154a opened on the side of the refrigerating compartment 11 and a second cabinet duct outlet 154b opened in the freezing compartment 12.

Meanwhile, an ice-making compartment 23 may be formed in one of the refrigerating compartment doors 21. The ice-making compartment 23 may be opened and closed by the ice-making compartment door 231. In addition, on one side of the ice-making compartment 23 adjacent to the side wall of the cabinet, and an ice-making compartment inlet 253a through which cold air flows into the ice-making compartment 23, and an ice-making compartment outlet 253b through which air from the ice-making compartment 23 is discharged may be formed. The ice-making compartment inlet 253a and the ice-making compartment outlet 253b are disposed vertically and may be formed to allow cold air to pass through the ice-making compartment 23 from the side so that cold air may enter and exit.

In a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed, the cabinet duct 15 may be directly connected to the ice-making compartment 23. Accordingly, the ice-making compartment inlet 253a communicates with the first cabinet duct outlet 153a to supply cold air from the evaporator 14 to the ice-making compartment 23. In addition, the ice-making compartment outlet 253b and the second cabinet duct inlet 154a are communicated with to each other, so that air heat-exchanged in the ice-making compartment 23 may be discharged into the freezing compartment 12.

Cold air from the evaporator 14 is supplied into the ice-making compartment 23, and the heat-exchanged air is discharged into the freezing compartment 12 and may be circulated. Accordingly, the inside of the ice-making compartment 23 may be cooled to the temperature required for ice-making operation.

As another example, the ice-making compartment 23 may be equipped with a thermoelectric element, and the inside of the ice-making compartment 23 may be cooled to a temperature necessary for ice-making operation by the thermoelectric element. In this case, the cabinet duct 15 and the ice-making compartment duct 25 may be omitted.

FIG. 28 is a view schematically illustrating the cold air flow path between the cabinet of the refrigerator and the ice-making compartment according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a view illustrating the inside of the ice-making compartment, and FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cold air in an ice maker according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the cabinet 10 of the refrigerator 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure may have a refrigerating compartment 11 formed at the upper portion and a freezing compartment 12 formed at the lower portion. Additionally, an evaporator 14 may be provided at the rear of the freezing compartment 12.

An ice-making compartment 23 may be formed in one of the refrigerating compartment doors 21. The ice-making compartment 23 may be opened and closed by the ice-making compartment door 231. In addition, the ice-making compartment 23 adjacent to the side wall of the cabinet 10 may include an ice-making compartment inlet 236 through which cold air supplied from the evaporator 14 flows into the ice-making compartment 23, and an ice-making compartment outlet 253b that discharges the air in the ice-making compartment 23.

The ice-making compartment inlet 236 may be formed on the upper surface of the ice-making compartment 23 and may be open to face the upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 11. The ice-making compartment inlet 236 may be referred to as an upper opening. Additionally, the ice-making compartment outlet 253b may be provided on the side and may be open to face the side of the refrigerating compartment 11.

Additionally, the cabinet 10 may be provided with a cabinet duct 15. The cabinet duct 15 may be formed across a side wall surface of the cabinet 10 adjacent to the refrigerating compartment door 21 where the ice-making compartment 23 is formed and one side of the freezing compartment 12 where the evaporator 14 is disposed. The cabinet duct 15 may be embedded in the insulation material inside the cabinet 10, and only the openings at both ends through which cold air may enter and exit may be opened toward the inside of the refrigerator.

As an example, the cabinet duct 15 may include a first cabinet duct 155 for supplying cold air and a second cabinet duct 154 for recovering cold air.

The first cabinet duct 155 may extend to the upper portion of the ice-making compartment 23 through the rear and upper surfaces of the cabinet 10. In detail, the lower end of the first cabinet duct 155 may be placed adjacent to the evaporator of the freezing compartment 12. Additionally, a first cabinet duct inlet 154b through which cold air generated in the evaporator 14 flows may be formed at the lower end of the first cabinet duct 155.

The first cabinet duct 155 may extend upward from the freezing compartment 12 along the rear wall surface of the refrigerating compartment 11. Additionally, the first cabinet duct 155 may extend forward along the upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 11. The front end of the first cabinet duct 155 may extend to the upper portion of the ice-making compartment 23 in a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed. Additionally, the first cabinet duct outlet 155a formed at the front end of the first cabinet duct 155 may be opened downward from the upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 11. In addition, in a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed, the first cabinet duct outlet 155a and the ice-making compartment inlet 236 are positioned opposite each other and may communicate with each other. Accordingly, cold air from the evaporator 14 supplied through the first cabinet duct 155 may flow into the ice-making compartment 23.

The second cabinet duct 154 may extend downward from the side wall surface of the refrigerating compartment 11 adjacent to the refrigerating compartment door 21 equipped with the ice-making compartment 23 to the side wall surface of the freezing compartment 12. Additionally, a second cabinet duct inlet 154a and a second cabinet duct outlet 154b may be formed at the upper and lower portions of the second cabinet duct 154, respectively.

The second cabinet duct inlet 154a may be opened on a side of the refrigerating compartment 11. Additionally, the second cabinet duct inlet 154a may communicate with the ice-making compartment outlet 253b formed in the ice-making compartment 23 in a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed. Accordingly, cold air from the ice-making compartment 23 may flow into the second cabinet duct 154.

The second cabinet duct outlet 154b may be open on a side of the freezing compartment 12. Accordingly, cold air flowing through the second cabinet duct 154 may be discharged into the freezing compartment 12.

In this way, in a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed, the cabinet duct 15 allows the ice-making compartment 23 and the freezing compartment 12 to communicate with each other, thereby allowing circulation of cold air. Accordingly, the ice-making compartment inlet 236 communicates with the first cabinet duct outlet 155a, so that cold air from the evaporator 14 may be supplied to the ice-making compartment 23. In addition, the ice-making compartment outlet 253b communicates with the second cabinet duct inlet 154a, so that air heat-exchanged in the ice-making compartment 23 may be discharged into the freezing compartment 12.

Cold air from the evaporator 14 is supplied into the ice-making compartment 23, and the heat-exchanged air is discharged into the freezing compartment 12 and may be circulated. Accordingly, the inside of the ice-making compartment 23 may be cooled to the temperature necessary for the ice-making operation, and the ice maker 30 inside the ice-making compartment 23 may perform the ice-making operation.

In detail, the refrigerating compartment door 21 may be provided with an ice-making compartment 23. Additionally, an ice maker 30 may be provided at the upper portion of the ice-making compartment 23, and an ice bank 27 may be provided below the ice maker 30.

An upper duct 235 may be provided on the upper side of the ice-making compartment 23 facing the ice maker 30. The upper duct 235 may be formed to communicate with the inner upper surface and the outer upper surface of the ice-making compartment 23. Additionally, an ice-making compartment inlet 236 through which cold air flows in from the cabinet 10 may be formed on the upper surface of the ice-making compartment 23. The ice-making compartment inlet 236 may form an open upper surface of the upper duct 235.

Meanwhile, the ice maker 30 may include a first tray 40 and a second tray 50 that form a plurality of cells C for making ice. The first tray 40 may be fixedly mounted in the ice-making compartment 23. Additionally, the first tray 40 may be made of a metal material with excellent heat transfer performance. The first tray 40 may include a tray part 41 on which a plurality of first cells 401 forming an upper portion of the cell C are formed. In addition, at the upper end of the first cell 401, a cell extension part 422 that communicates with the first cell 401 and through which the first ejector 80 passes may extend upward.

The second tray 50 may have a plurality of second cells 501 forming the lower portion of the cell C. Additionally, the second tray 50 may be formed of a material that may be deformed by pressure from the second ejector 90. The second tray 50 may be coupled with the lower frame 51 and the lower cover 52. The second tray 50 may be rotated by the drive shaft 73 and the drive part 70 and may be operated for ice-making and ice-separation.

A cover 60a may be provided on the upper portion of the first tray 40. The cover 60a may form a cold air flow passage 600 spaced apart from the upper surface of the first tray 40. The first ejector 80 may be coupled to both left and right sides of the cover 60a to be movable vertically.

In addition, the cover 60a may have a cover discharge port 661 formed on the front surface, and a cold air guide part 67 extending upward may be formed on the latter half of the cover 60a. The cold air guide part 67 may be formed integrally with the cover 60a. Additionally, the cold air guide part 67 may be molded separately and configured to be coupled with the cover 60a.

The cold air guide part 67 may be formed at the rear end of the cover 60a. As an example, the cold air guide 67 may be located further rear than the plurality of first cells C. Additionally, the cold air guide part 67 may be provided at the rear of the first ejector 80. In addition, the cold air guide part 67 may be formed by extending the cover 60a upward and may form a part of the cold air flow passage 600. The cold air guide part 67 may extend to the inner upper surface of the ice-making compartment 23 and communicate with the open lower surface of the upper duct 235.

Accordingly, the cold air of the evaporator 14 flowing in through the upper duct 235 passes through the upper portion of the ice-making compartment 23 and flows into the cold air guide part 67. Additionally, the cold air introduced into the cold air guide part 67 may cool the plurality of first cells 401 while passing through the tray body 41 and then be discharged through the cover discharge port 661. In other words, cold air flowing in from above with respect to the ice maker 30 may be discharged to the front of the ice maker 30 after cooling the first tray 40.

FIG. 31 is a view illustrating the inside of the ice-making compartment of the door according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the coupled structure of the cover and the first tray according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 33 is a plan view illustrating the flow of cold air in an ice maker according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in the drawing, the refrigerating compartment door 21 of the refrigerator 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with an ice-making compartment 23. Additionally, an ice maker 30 may be provided at the upper portion of the ice-making compartment 23, and an ice bank 27 may be provided below the ice maker 30.

Additionally, an inlet 232 and an outlet 233 may be formed on one side of the left and right sides of the ice-making compartment 23 that is closer to the rotation axis of the refrigerating compartment door 21. The inlet 232 allows cold air from the evaporator 14 to flow into the ice-making compartment 23, and the outlet 233 allows air heat-exchanged inside the ice-making compartment 23 to discharge outside the ice-making compartment 23. Cold air circulation between the ice-making compartment 23 and the cabinet 10 may use the structure of the ice-making compartment duct 25 and cabinet duct 15 disclosed in the above-described embodiment.

The ice maker 30 may include a first tray 40 and a second tray 51. The first tray 40 and the second tray 51 may be coupled to form a plurality of cells C in which ice is made. Additionally, the second tray 51 may be rotatably connected to the upper mounting part 411 of the first tray 40. The cell C may be opened and closed by rotating the second tray 51 to enable ice-making and ice-separation.

The first tray 40 may include a tray part 41 in which a plurality of first cells 401 are formed. In addition, the cell extension part 422 may be formed in the tray part 41. The cell extension part communicates with the first cell and may be formed to allow the first ejector 80 to enter and exit. In addition, a drive part mounting part 44 on which the drive part 70 is mounted may be formed on the first tray 40. Additionally, a tray mounting part 431 may be formed on the first tray 40 to secure the first tray 40 to the ice-making compartment 23.

The cover 60b may be coupled with the first tray 40. The cover 60b may be coupled above the first tray 40 to shield at least a portion of the tray part 41. The cover 60b may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the tray part 41 to form a cold air flow passage 600.

The cover 60b includes a cover side 65 and a cover rear surface 66, and a space in which the first ejector 80 is disposed to be movable by the side 65 of the cover and the cover rear surface 66 in the vertical direction.

Additionally, the cover 60b may include a cover part 61 and a cold air guide part 62. A plurality of cover holes 611 into which the cell extension part 422 is inserted may be formed in the cover 60b. A portion of the cold air flow passage 600 may be defined between the cover part 61 and the tray part 41.

The cold air guide part 62 is formed at the rear end of the cover part 61 and may form a part of the cold air flow passage 600. Additionally, the cold air guide part is connected to the duct part 63 of the cover 60b and may guide the incoming cold air forward.

The duct part 63 is formed on one of the left and right sides of the cover 60b and may extend laterally to communicate with the inlet 232. The duct part 63 may be formed integrally with the cover 60b. Additionally, the duct part 63 may be molded separately and coupled to the cover 60b.

A duct connection part 631 that is in contact with the side of the ice-making compartment 23 may be formed at an end portion of the duct part 63. Additionally, a duct inlet 631a communicating with the inlet 232 may be formed in the duct connection part 631.

Additionally, a cover discharge port 655 may be formed on the other side 65 of the left and right sides of the cover 60b. The cover discharge port 655 may be formed at a position opposite to the disposition position of the duct part 63. Additionally, the cover discharge port 655 and the duct part 63 may be disposed to alternate each other. The cover discharge port 655 may be located on the side of the tray part 41. The cover discharge port 655 may be located in front of the cold air guide part 62.

Accordingly, cold air flowing into the cover 60b through the duct part 63 may cool the first tray 40 while moving forward through the cold air guide part 62. Additionally, the air that has cooled the first tray 40 may flow laterally and be discharged through the cover discharge port 655.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the coupled structure of the cover and the first tray according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 35 is a plan view illustrating the flow of cold air in an ice maker according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in the drawing, the refrigerating compartment door 21 of the refrigerator 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with an ice-making compartment 23. Additionally, an ice maker 30 may be provided inside the ice-making compartment 23. Then, cold air from the evaporator 14 is supplied to the ice-making compartment 23 to perform an ice-making operation. The cold air supply structure of the ice-making compartment 14 and the structure inside the ice-making compartment 14 may be the same as the above-described embodiment.

The ice maker 30 may include a first tray 40 and a second tray 51. The first tray 40 and the second tray 51 may be coupled to form a plurality of cells C in which ice is made. Additionally, the second tray 51 may be rotatably connected to the upper mounting part 411 of the first tray 40. The cell C may be opened and closed by rotating the second tray 51 to enable ice-making and ice-separation.

The first tray 40 may include a tray part 41 in which a plurality of first cells 401 are formed. In addition, a cell forming part 42 for forming a plurality of first cells 401 may be formed in the tray part 41. The cell forming part 42 may include a lower wall 421 protruding downward from the tray part 41 and a cell extension part 422 extending upward from the tray part 41. The cell extension part 422 is in communication with the first cell 401, and therefore, when a larger amount of water than the set amount is supplied to the first cell 401 or the water expands as it freezes, the cell extension part may act as a buffer by providing a space in which water may accommodated.

In addition, a heater groove 413 in which the heater 48 is mounted may be formed on the upper surface of the tray part 41. The heater groove 413 may be disposed along the perimeter of the cell forming part 42. Meanwhile, if the first tray 40 is made of a material with excellent heat transfer and the output of the heater 48 is sufficiently high, ice within the first cell 401 may be able to separate. When the heater 48 is driven, the surface of the ice inside the first cell 401 melts, and the ice may fall downward due to the own weight thereof. In other words, the first ejector 80 of the above-described embodiment may be unnecessary.

A drive part mounting part 44 on which the drive part 70 is mounted may be formed on the first tray 40. Additionally, a tray mounting part 431 may be formed on the first tray 40 to secure the first tray 40 to the ice-making compartment 23.

The cover 60c may be coupled with the first tray 40. The cover 60c may be coupled above the first tray 40 to shield at least a portion of the tray part 41. The cover 60c may shield the entire cell forming part 42. In other words, the plurality of first cells 401 may be disposed in the inner area of the cover 60c. In addition, a cold air flow passage 600 may be formed by being spaced apart from the upper surface of the tray part 41.

The cover 60c may form a cold air flow passage by the upper surface excluding the lower surface and the peripheral surface extending downward. Additionally, an opening 657 may be formed on the lower surface of the cover 60c. Accordingly, when the cover 60c is mounted on the upper surface of the first tray 40, a cold air flow passage 600 may be naturally formed above the first tray 40, and a plurality of first cells 401 formed on the first tray 40 may be cooled.

A duct part 63 may be formed on one of the left and right sides of the cover. The duct part may extend laterally and communicate with the inlet 232 formed in the ice-making compartment. The duct part 63 may be formed integrally with the cover 60c. Additionally, the duct part 63 may be molded separately and coupled to the cover 60c.

A duct connection part 631 that is in contact with the side of the ice-making compartment 23 may be formed at an end portion of the duct part 63. Additionally, a duct inlet 631a communicating with the inlet 232 may be formed in the duct connection part 631.

Additionally, a cover discharge port 657 may be formed on the other of the left and right sides of the cover 60c. The cover discharge port 657 may be formed at a position facing the duct part 63. Additionally, the cover discharge port 657 and the duct part 63 may be disposed on the same extension line. The cover discharge port 657 may be located on the side of the tray part 41.

Accordingly, cold air flowing into the cover 60c through the duct part 63 may be cooled while passing laterally over the upper surface of the first tray 40. Additionally, the air that has cooled the first tray 40 may flow laterally and be discharged through the cover discharge port 657. In other words, cold air flowing into the duct part 63 may pass laterally through the first tray 40 and be discharged through the cover discharge port 657 disposed opposite to the duct part 63.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating an ice maker according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ice maker.

As illustrated, the ice maker 30 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure may have an overall structure identical to that of the ice maker 30 according to the first embodiment described above.

The ice maker 30 may include a first tray 40 on which an upper cell is formed and a second tray 50 on which a second cell 501 is formed. The second tray 50 may be rotated by driving the drive part 70, and as the second tray 50 rotates, the first cell 401 and the second cell 501 are opened and closed to perform ice-making operation.

The first tray 40 includes a tray part 41 on which a plurality of first cells 401 are formed, and the tray part 41 has a plurality of cell extension parts 422 extending upward from the first cell 401.

Additionally, a cover 60 may be mounted on the upper surface of the first tray 40. The cover 60 may guide cold air flowing into the ice-making compartment 23 to the first tray 40. The cover 60 may include a duct part 63 that communicates with the cold air inlet 232 formed in the ice-making compartment 23, and a cold air guide part 62 that guides the cold air flowing in from the duct part 63 rearward to pass through the tray part 41.

By installing the cover 60, a cold air flow passage 600 may be formed between the tray part 41 and the cold air guide part 62. In addition, the tray part 41 is exposed on the cold air flow passage 600, and the cell extension part 422 is disposed so that the first tray 40 may be cooled by cold air passing through the cold air flow passage 600.

Additionally, the cover 60 may include a cover rear surface 66 and a cover side 65. A cover discharge port 661 may be formed on the rear surface 66 of the cover. Accordingly, cold air passing through the cold air flow passage 600 may be discharged rearward through the cover discharge port 661.

Meanwhile, a discharge guide 662 may be formed around the cover discharge opening 661. The discharge guide 662 may guide the discharge of cold air discharged from the cover discharge port 661.

In detail, the discharge guide 662 may be formed along the upper end of the cover discharge port 661. Additionally, the discharge guide 662 may be formed along both ends, including the upper end of the cover discharge port 661. The discharge guide 662 may protrude rearward.

Accordingly, the cold air discharged through the cover discharge port 661 may be prevented from dispersing upward or downward, and the cold air inside the ice-making compartment 23 may be effectively circulated by directing it downward.

In other words, the cold air discharged from the cover discharge port 661 may be guided to flow backward and downward by the discharge guide 662. And the cold air flowing rearward is in contact with the ice-making compartment door 231 and is directed downward.

The lower surface of the discharge guide 662 may be formed to be inclined, or may be formed to have a slope that decreases as it moves backward, so that the discharged cold air may be guided more downward.

The cold air guided by the discharge guide 662 flows downward and heads to the ice bank 27, and the cold air cooling the ice bank 27 passes through the cold air outlet 233 at the lower portion of the ice-making compartment 23, and then goes towards the evaporator.

Meanwhile, a first ejector 80 is provided above the cover 60, and a second ejector 90 is provided below the second tray 50 to separate ice attached to the first cell 401 and the second cell 501.

FIG. 38 is a view schematically illustrating the cold air flow path between the cabinet of the refrigerator and the ice-making compartment according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the cabinet 10 of the refrigerator 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure may have a refrigerating compartment 11 formed at the upper portion and a freezing compartment 12 formed at the lower portion.

The refrigerating compartment 11 may be equipped with a refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 that cools the refrigerating compartment 11. The refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 is provided at the lower portion of the rear surface of the refrigerating compartment 11 and may be shielded by the rear case 111. Although not illustrated in detail, cold air generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 may be supplied into the refrigerating compartment 11 to cool the refrigerating compartment 11. Additionally, some of the cold air generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 may be supplied to the ice-making compartment 23 and used for ice-making. Additionally, the freezing compartment 12 may be equipped with a freezing compartment evaporator 142. The freezing compartment evaporator 142 may cool the freezing compartment 12. In other words, the refrigerating compartment 11 and the freezing compartment 12 may be independently cooled by the refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 and the freezing compartment evaporator 142, respectively.

An ice-making compartment 23 may be formed in one of the refrigerating compartment doors 21. The ice-making compartment 23 may be opened and closed by the ice-making compartment door 231. Additionally, an ice maker 30 may be provided at the upper portion of the ice-making compartment 23. The ice maker 30 may be any one of the ice makers 30 proposed in the above-described embodiments.

On the side of the ice-making compartment 23 adjacent to the side wall of the cabinet 10, an ice-making compartment inlet 253a through which cold air supplied from the refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 flows into the ice-making compartment 23, and an ice-making compartment outlet 253b discharging air from the ice-making compartment 23 may be formed. The ice-making compartment inlet 253a and the ice-making compartment outlet 253b may be formed to allow cold air to enter and exit by penetrating the ice-making compartment 23 from the side.

The ice-making compartment inlet 253a is formed at the upper portion of the ice-making compartment 23 and is disposed on the side of the ice maker 30 to cool the ice maker 30. Additionally, the ice-making compartment outlet 253b may be formed below the ice-making compartment inlet 253a.

Additionally, the cabinet 10 may be provided with a cabinet duct 15. The cabinet duct 15 may be provided on a side wall surface of the cabinet 10 adjacent to the refrigerating compartment door 21 where the ice-making compartment 23 is formed.

Additionally, the cabinet duct 15 may be disposed in the refrigerating compartment 11 area and may be disposed on a side wall surface of the refrigerating compartment 11. As an example, the cabinet duct 15 may include a first cabinet duct 156 for supplying cold air and a second cabinet duct 157 for recovering cold air.

The first cabinet duct 156 is provided on a side wall of the refrigerating compartment and may extend from one side corresponding to the ice-making compartment 23 to one side of the refrigerating compartment evaporator 141. Additionally, a first cabinet duct outlet 156a and a first cabinet duct inlet 156b may be formed at both extended ends of the first cabinet duct 156, respectively.

The first cabinet duct inlet 156b may communicate with the space where the refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 is disposed. Additionally, the first cabinet duct outlet 156a may be formed at a position corresponding to the ice-making compartment inlet formed in the ice-making compartment 23.

The second cabinet duct 157 is provided on a side wall of the refrigerating compartment 11 and may be spaced below the first cabinet duct 156. The second cabinet duct 157 may be provided integrally with the first cabinet duct 156 and may be formed to have a separate flow path therein.

The second cabinet duct 157 may extend from one side corresponding to the ice-making compartment 23 to one side of the refrigerating compartment evaporator 141. Additionally, a second cabinet duct inlet 157a and a second cabinet duct outlet 157b may be formed at both extended ends of the second cabinet duct 157, respectively.

The second cabinet duct inlet 157a may be formed at a position corresponding to the ice-making compartment outlet 253b formed in the ice-making compartment 23. Additionally, the second cabinet duct outlet 157b may communicate with the space where the refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 is disposed.

In a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed, the cabinet duct 15 may communicate with the ice-making compartment 23. Accordingly, the ice-making compartment inlet 253a communicates with the first cabinet duct outlet 156a to supply cold air from the evaporator 14 to the ice-making compartment 23. In addition, the ice-making compartment outlet 253b and the second cabinet duct inlet 157a are communicated with each other, so that air heat-exchanged in the ice-making compartment 23 may be discharged into the freezing compartment 12.

Cold air from the evaporator 14 may be supplied into the ice-making compartment 23, and the heat-exchanged air may be discharged into the freezing compartment 12 and may be circulated. Accordingly, the inside of the ice-making compartment 23 may be cooled to the temperature required for ice-making operation.

FIG. 39 is a view schematically illustrating the cold air flow path between the cabinet of the refrigerator and the ice-making compartment according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the cabinet 10 of the refrigerator 1 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure may have a refrigerating compartment 11 formed at the upper portion and a freezing compartment 12 formed at the lower portion. Additionally, an additional storage chamber 16 may be formed inside the refrigerating compartment 11. The storage chamber 16 may be provided inside the refrigerating compartment 11 and may be located at the rear facing the ice-making compartment 23.

For example, the storage chamber 16 may be placed at a corner part formed by the side and top surfaces of the refrigerating compartment 11. Additionally, the front surface of the storage chamber 16 may be formed to be in contact with the rear surface of the ice-making compartment 23.

In addition, the storage chamber 16 may form an insulated space from the refrigerating compartment 11, and may be opened and closed by the storage chamber door 161 provided at the front surface. For example, the interior of the storage chamber 16 may be maintained at a sub-zero temperature.

The refrigerating compartment 11 may be equipped with a refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 that cools the refrigerating compartment 11. The refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 is provided at the lower portion of the rear surface of the refrigerating compartment 11 and may be shielded by the rear case 111. Although not illustrated in detail, cold air generated in the refrigerating compartment evaporator 141 may be supplied into the refrigerating compartment 11 to cool the refrigerating compartment 11.

Additionally, the freezing compartment 12 may be equipped with a freezing compartment evaporator 142. The freezing compartment evaporator 142 may cool the freezing compartment 12.

Additionally, the storage chamber 16 may be provided with a storage chamber evaporator 143. The storage chamber evaporator 143 may cool the storage chamber 16. Some of the cold air generated in the storage chamber evaporator 143 may be supplied to the ice-making compartment 23 and used for ice-making.

In other words, the refrigerating compartment 11, the freezing compartment 12, and the storage chamber 16 may be independently cooled by the refrigerating compartment evaporator 141, the freezing compartment evaporator 142, and the storage chamber evaporator 143, respectively.

Meanwhile, the storage chamber 16 may include a supply flow path 162 that supplies cold air generated in the storage chamber evaporator 143 toward the ice-making compartment 23, and a recovery flow path 163 that discharges air in the ice-making compartment 23 to the side of the storage chamber 16.

The supply flow path 162 and the recovery flow path 163 may be open toward the ice-making compartment 23. For example, the supply flow path 162 and the recovery flow path 163 may be formed in a direction facing the ice-making compartment 23 in a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed.

The supply flow path 162 and the recovery flow path 163 may be formed in the storage compartment door 161 and may be formed to penetrate the storage compartment door 161 in the front-back direction. The supply flow path 162 and the recovery flow path 163 may be formed in the shape of a hole through which cold air passes or a duct shape that guides cold air to a set path. In addition, the supply flow path 162 and the recovery flow path 163 may be disposed vertically, and the supply flow path 162 may be disposed above the recovery flow path 163.

An ice-making compartment 23 may be formed in one of the refrigerating compartment doors 21. The ice-making compartment 23 may be opened and closed by the ice-making compartment door 231. Additionally, an ice maker 30 may be provided at the upper portion of the ice-making compartment 23. The ice maker 30 may be any one of the ice makers 30 proposed in the above-described embodiments.

An ice-making compartment inlet 237 and an ice-making compartment outlet 238 through which cold air enters and exits the ice-making compartment 23 may be formed on one side of the ice-making compartment 23 facing the storage chamber 16. For example, the ice-making compartment inlet 237 and the ice-making compartment outlet 238 may be formed at the rear surface of the ice-making compartment 23. The ice-making compartment inlet 237 and the ice-making compartment outlet 238 may be formed through the ice-making compartment door 231.

The ice-making compartment inlet 237 is formed at the upper portion of the ice-making compartment 23 and is located behind the ice maker 30 to supply cold air to the ice maker 30. Additionally, the ice-making compartment inlet 237 may be formed at a position corresponding to the supply flow path 162.

The ice-making compartment outlet 238 is formed in the lower portion of the ice-making compartment 23 and may discharge cold air inside the ice-making compartment 23. Additionally, the ice-making compartment outlet 238 may be formed at a position corresponding to the recovery flow path 163.

In a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed, the ice-making compartment 23 and the storage chamber 16 may be in communication. In a state where the refrigerating compartment door 21 is closed, the rear surface of the ice-making compartment 23, i.e., the ice-making compartment door 231, may be in contact with the front surface of the storage chamber 16, i.e., the storage chamber door 161.

Additionally, the supply flow path 162 may communicate with the ice-making compartment inlet 237, and the ice-making compartment outlet 238 may communicate with the recovery flow path 163. Accordingly, cold air from the storage chamber evaporator 143 may be supplied to the ice-making compartment 23 through the supply flow path 162 and the ice-making compartment inlet 237 in order. In addition, the air heat-exchanged inside the ice-making compartment 23 may pass through the ice-making compartment outlet 238 and the recovery flow path 163 in order and be recovered to the ice-making compartment 23.

In this way, cold air from the storage chamber evaporator 143 is supplied into the ice-making compartment 23, and air heat-exchanged within the ice-making compartment 23 may be discharged to the storage chamber 16 and circulated. Accordingly, the inside of the ice-making compartment 23 may be cooled to the temperature required for the ice-making operation, and ice-making may be performed by the ice-making operation of the ice maker 30.

Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the rotating second tray is disposed below the fixed first tray has been described for convenience of understanding of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In other words, the present disclosure may be applied to various other structures in which ice is made and separated by a second tray that is moved based on a fixed first tray, regardless of the positions and movement methods of the first tray and the second tray.